Rabat is Morocco's relaxed, green capital, where whitewashed walls meet the Atlantic and the medina never tips into chaos. Royal palaces, old fortresses and wide colonial boulevards sit alongside palm trees and the broad banks of the Bou Regreg.
Cooler and calmer than Marrakech, the city is easy to explore on foot and free of the hard sell of the big bazaars. Spend your days among blue-and-white lanes, Roman ruins under nesting storks and cafés brimming with mint tea, the ocean never far away.
Start in the Kasbah des Oudayas with its blue-and-white lanes and Andalusian garden, then drop to the belvedere over the river mouth. Wander the medina and Rue des Consuls in the afternoon, then finish on Rabat beach.
Visit the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V with its zellij and guard of honour, then head to the Chellah necropolis where Roman, Merinid and nesting storks blur together. Pass the Royal Palace (from outside) and rest in a Ville Nouvelle café.
Cross the Bou Regreg by rowing barque to Salé, with its quieter medina and 14th-century medersa. Return for a late seafood lunch by the water and watch surfers and fishermen at sunset.
A walled 12th-century fortress town above the mouth of the Bou Regreg, its Andalusian lanes washed in blue and white. Lose yourself in the quiet streets, sip a mint tea at the belvedere and watch the river meet the Atlantic.
An unfinished 12th-century minaret stands above a forest of broken columns, facing the ornate white mausoleum of Morocco's kings. Admire the zellij tilework and carved cedar ceilings, watched over by mounted royal guards.
A walled ruin where Roman remains and a medieval Merinid necropolis blur together beneath fig trees and nesting storks. Wander among mossy arches and minarets, a green, dreamy retreat on the city's edge.
A compact, laid-back old town where you can haggle through covered souks without the frenzy of Marrakech or Fes. Follow Rue des Consuls for rugs, leather and craftwork, then dip into the lanes for spice stalls.
A walled ornamental garden in the heart of the Kasbah, laid out in the colonial era and thick with orange trees, bougainvillea and trickling fountains. The perfect shady retreat for a slow pause between the blue-and-white lanes.
Where the Bou Regreg meets the Atlantic, a broad city beach sweeps below the Kasbah walls, facing the twin town of Salé. Watch surfers and fishing boats, and cross the river on one of the small rowing barques.
The old fortress above the river mouth, with blue-and-white Andalusian lanes, an ornamental garden and a belvedere over the Atlantic. The prettiest spot for a sunset stroll.
The walled old town of covered souks, artisan shops and spice stalls, far mellower than elsewhere in Morocco. Great for shopping, street food and finds without the crush.
The French-built new town of wide boulevards, art deco façades, cafés and the Rabat Ville station. The modern, bourgeois heart of the city for dining and strolling.
The older twin town across the river, with its own medina, medersa and far fewer visitors. Cross by small rowing barque for a quieter, more traditional afternoon.
A slow-cooked stew in a conical clay pot, usually lamb with prunes or chicken with preserved lemon and olives. Eat it with bread instead of cutlery, the way it's meant to be.
A crisp layered pastry, at once sweet and savoury, classically made with pigeon or chicken, almonds and icing sugar. A festive dish you'll find in Rabat's better restaurants.
A hearty soup of tomato, lentils, chickpeas and herbs, especially loved for breaking the fast in Ramadan. Order it with dates and a piece of chebakia pastry.
Green tea steeped with fresh mint and plenty of sugar, poured from a height to raise a froth. The liquid heart of Moroccan hospitality, sipped all day long.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal: mild, sunny and comfortable for walking the medina and Kasbah. Summer is warm but tempered by the Atlantic breeze, while winters stay mild with the odd spell of rain.
The historic centre is walkable, and a modern tramway links Rabat with Salé across the river. Petits taxis (blue) are cheap for short hops, and fast Al Boraq trains connect the city to Casablanca and Tangier in around an hour.
A realistic daily budget per person, in three styles.
Rabat offers a range of options for every budget, making it accessible for travelers.
