Rabat at a glance
Morocco's capital sits right on the Atlantic coast, offering a side of the country that feels remarkably lived-in and authentic. Founded in the 12th century, this imperial city has moved past its museum-piece status to become a functional, thriving hub where you can get a real sense of daily Moroccan life.
At the heart of Moroccan history
The Kasbah des Oudayas is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Rabat's most essential stop. Walking through this former military fortification is a direct line into the country's political and cultural past. You can wander the narrow, whitewashed alleys and enjoy the surprising quiet of the kasbah, which sits just steps away from the Plage de Rabat. We also recommend the Musée de l'histoire des civilisations, which lays out the history of Morocco from prehistoric times through the contemporary Islamic era.
About two kilometers from the city center, you will find the nécropole de Chellah. Built on the ruins of an ancient Roman city, this site is atmospheric and layered with history. Look for the stork nests perched atop the crumbling tombs and take in the expansive view over the le fleuve Bouregreg. It is a peaceful, poetic spot rather than a somber one, and it is best visited at sunset when the light hits the ruins just right.
Life at the Moroccan pace
If you want to shop, head to the local souk de Rabat. It is far less crowded than the markets in Fès or Marrakech, allowing for a much more relaxed experience. You will find the best leather goods along the Rue des Consuls. If you feel like getting lost, duck into the side alleys to hunt for the best pastillas (savory meat and vegetable pies), traditional tajine, or, for those with a sweet tooth, chebakias (orange blossom, anise, and almond pastries), briwates (almond-filled triangles), and other regional confections.
To decompress after the noise of the market, head to the le jardin d'essais botaniques. Created in 1914, these gardens are the perfect place to embrace the local philosophy that those in a hurry are already dead. While the greenery is a great place to walk, we suggest skipping the swimming at the local beaches, as the sea is often rough and unfortunately prone to litter.
When to go
Rabat has an oceanic climate where temperatures rarely climb above 86°F (30°C), making it a comfortable year-round destination. To minimize the chance of rain and maximize the sunshine, plan your trip between May and October.
Getting there
There are numerous direct flights from Paris to Rabat, with prices ranging from 80 EUR (about $87) out of Paris-Beauvais to 200 EUR (about $217) from Orly or CDG.
I visited an old center with a souk, then by crossing a boulevard, some old houses painted blue. Interesting, but you can see it all in 2 hours. To see other things, you have to take a taxi and travel quite a ways. That aspect disappointed me a little. I was expecting to find a larger old city in the Moroccan capital, with more things to see on foot.