Morocco's elegant, laid-back capital — a UNESCO city of gardens, ramparts and Atlantic calm.
Rabat, the political capital of Morocco, is the most relaxed and orderly of the imperial cities — a UNESCO World Heritage site of broad boulevards, royal gardens, Atlantic ramparts and a refreshing absence of hard-sell tourism. It blends a tidy modern administrative quarter with a beautiful, walkable medina and some of the country's finest historic monuments.
Often overlooked by travellers racing between Fes and Marrakech, Rabat rewards a half-day or overnight, and slots naturally into northern and grand-tour routes between Casablanca, Tangier and Fes.
A serene blue-and-white kasbah above the river mouth, with an Andalusian garden, café terraces and views over the Atlantic — Rabat's most charming corner.
The unfinished 12th-century minaret stands beside a forest of columns and the exquisite royal mausoleum, Rabat's defining landmark.
A romantic walled necropolis built over a Roman city, now overgrown with gardens and home to nesting storks.
Compact, friendly and easy to navigate, with carpets and crafts sold without the pressure of the bigger cities.
The grand Mechouar quarter and the city's green spaces reflect Rabat's role as the dignified seat of government.
Mild Atlantic weather makes Rabat pleasant year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal; summers are warm but sea-cooled, and winters cool and occasionally wet.
Rabat is on the main coastal corridor, about 1 hour from Casablanca and on the Al Boraq high-speed line from Tangier and Casablanca. We include Rabat on northern and grand-tour itineraries.
Yes — as the calm, elegant capital it offers the Kasbah des Oudaias, Hassan Tower and the Chellah with far less hassle than Fes or Marrakech, ideal for a relaxed half-day or overnight.
Yes — Rabat is one of the four imperial cities, alongside Marrakech, Fes and Meknes, and is the current capital of Morocco.
Easily — it sits between Casablanca and the north, and we include it on grand tours and northern routes on request.
Imperial Cities
Marrakech, Aït Ben Haddou, the Sahara, Fes and the blue city of Chefchaouen — the complete first-timer's Morocco in a week.
Grand Tour
Imperial cities, Atlantic coast, Sahara, oases and mountains — the complete kingdom in two unhurried weeks.
