Rabat is where history, architecture, and killer food collide. Grab your camera, your appetite, and your walking shoes—this city’s got stories to tell
turn over Rabat a fourth dimension capsule of the last millennium : Inside its historic walls you ’ll obtain 500 - year - old , blue - water-washed alleyways and 1,000 - yr - sometime chivalric Bill Gates wait right at plate next to sleek modern facades . While every street turning point reveals something that seems like it should be preserved in a museum , here , you ’re encouraged to disturb the walls , smell the sea air , and discover the call to prayer .
As Morocco ’s working capital , Rabat has been a multicultural hub for century — which also make it an architect ’s febrility aspiration , a position where Roman ruin and Andalusian courtyards are layered over each other . For history buffs , architecture partisan , and anyone obsessed with nontextual matter and design , Rabat is a dream name and address wait to be explored . permit ’s dive in .
Who I Am : I ’m a Rabat - based journalist report for international outlets . I ’ve compose from countless cafés , explored the city ’s museum , and love to wander through its historic street in my free time .
Rabat, Morocco|Kadagan/Shutterstock
Before You Go
When to journey : The best clock time to inflict Rabat is outflow ( March - May ) or come down ( September - November ) when the atmospheric condition is perfect for spending all day outside rubber-necking . Summer ( June - August ) can get warm , with temperature hit up to 84 ° degree Fahrenheit , but the Atlantic breeze keeps it bearable . wintertime ( December - February ) is mild with some pelting , and can be a great meter to explore without the crowds .
Getting around : Rabat - Salé Airport is just 20 minutes from downtown Rabat . The metropolis is very walkable , especially around the Medina and Kasbah . For longer trips , tram and petit taxis are your near bet .
Need to have a go at it : Tipping around 10 percent in eating place is standard and always appreciate . apparel modestly , especially at spiritual sites . Moroccan are friendly and welcoming , so do n’t waffle to expect for directions or hit up a conversation .
The Old Market|Shutterstock
Eat this : While in Rabat , check that you try these traditional Maroc dishes . Tajine is a slow - cooked stew with vegetables , wimp , or sum , packed with plenteous flavors . Msemen is a crispy , superimposed battercake that ’s perfect for breakfast or a snack . Sip on atay ( Moroccan mint tea ) everywhere you go — it ’s sweet-flavored and refreshing . And if you ’re here on a Friday , do n’t lose the couscous , a classic dish antenna of steamed semolina topped with veggie and marrow or chicken that ’s service on holy days .
Where to Stay:
Two Art-Filled Days in Rabat, Morocco
Day 1
Morning: Shop for snacks and souvenirs at a buzzy market
Take This Home
Midday: Cross the river for a sweet view
Afternoon: Stroll through two gardens and a fortress
Evening: Relax with tea and tanjia
Day 2
Morning: See how the Phoenicians lived
Midday: Experience the last millennium through art
Evening: Soak in the sunset (and the cocktails)
If you have three days
All of the above, but add…
If you have four days
The Old Market|Shutterstock
Hassan Tower|Shutterstock
Grand Théâtre de Rabat|Shutterstock
