For years, Morocco's coastal capital, Rabat, has lived in the shadow of its more famous sibling, Marrakech. Now, this elegant city by the sea is stepping into the spotlight, offering travellers a compelling, hassle-free alternative brimming with culture, history, and fantastic food.
Where to Stay: From Historic Riads to Art Deco Hotels
Rabat's accommodation scene beautifully blends traditional Moroccan charm with modern comfort. For an authentic medina experience, Dar LalZohra offers a lovely riad with a central patio and a pretty rooftop terrace, with doubles from £84 including breakfast. In the historic Kasbah des Oudaias, the 18th-century Dar Korsan guesthouse provides simple, spotless rooms and sun-filled terraces with stunning river views, from £74.
For great value, Riad Louane in the medina immerses guests in Moroccan arts around a light-filled patio, complete with a rooftop plunge pool; doubles start at £64. Travellers seeking a more contemporary base should consider the Onomo Hotel, with its impressive Art Deco exterior opposite the main train station, offering modern rooms, a spa, and a rooftop bar from £69.
Feasting in Rabat: From Street Food to Fine Dining
Rabat's food scene is a highlight, catering to all budgets and tastes. For a legendary local experience, seek out the family-run Dar El Karam Fatima in the kasbah, where a cheese omelette costs just £2 and their famous chicken and almond pastilla is £5.25. The Bleu River Café & Restaurant offers spectacular views and dishes like lemon chicken tajine for £8.
Within the medina, Restaurant Dinarjat serves top-notch classic Moroccan cuisine in a candle-lit 19th-century courtyard, with live traditional music nightly. For a classic Moroccan tea break, Café des Oudayas, next to the Andalusian Gardens, is the spot for mint tea and pastries like almond gazelle horns for 80p. For a sundowner, the upmarket Bar Atlantique at the Four Seasons Rabat offers cocktails from £15 with stunning sea views.
Exploring the Capital: History, Culture & Coast
Rabat's 17th-century medina, built on a grid, is a pleasure to explore. Rue des Consuls is lined with shops selling artisanal goods like leather sandals from £7, while the street food near Marche Central offers delicious, cheap eats like sardine and potato balls for £1.50.
The 12th-century Kasbah des Oudaias feels like a Greek island with its white-washed walls and flower-filled balconies, centred around the monumental Bab Oudaia gate from 1195. The adjacent Andalusian Gardens are a fragrant highlight. The city's architecture is wonderfully eclectic, ranging from the ancient hilltop ruins of Chellah to Zaha Hadid's new Grand Theatre and the Art Deco gems of the Ville Nouvelle.
While the Royal Palace (built 1864) can only be viewed from outside, visitors can tour the stunning Mausoleum of Mohammed V and see the iconic 44m-high Tour Hassan, both with free entry. The National Jewellery Museum, housed in a 17th-century pavilion in the gardens, showcases Moroccan adornment for £4 entry (free on Sundays).
Finally, Rabat's lively beach scene is where locals surf, fly kites, and picnic. While sunbathing in swimwear isn't culturally appropriate, sitting on Main Beach to watch the sunset is a perfect way to end the day.
Travel Facts: Return flights from London Stansted and Manchester to Rabat start from £44 with Ryanair.
