Atlantic coast

Rabat

The calm, green capital on the Bouregreg estuary.

Rabat is Morocco’s political capital and one of its most pleasant cities: clean, green and relaxed. UNESCO listed "Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City" in 2012, uniting the medina, the kasbah and the 20th-century city.

Across the river lies its twin city, Salé. The Bouregreg valley between them has become a showcase of new architecture, from the Grand Theatre designed by Zaha Hadid Architects to new marinas.

Highlights

Kasbah of the Udayas

White-and-blue fortress above the ocean with Andalusian gardens.

Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Unfinished 12th-century minaret facing the royal mausoleum guarded by horsemen.

Chellah

Roman and Marinid ruins with gardens and nesting storks.

Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Morocco’s leading modern art museum.

Rabat medina

Easier going than Marrakech or Fes, with the carpet street Rue des Consuls.

Things to do

Monuments & medinasWalk from the kasbah to the medina — Sunset at the Udayas, mint tea at Café Maure, then the souks.
Surf, kite & water sportsSurf at Rabat beach — Beginner-friendly waves right below the kasbah.
Monuments & medinasTram to Salé — Visit the Great Mosque area and the Merinid madrasa of Salé.
Nature & wildlifeAndalusian Gardens & Jardin d’Essais — Quiet green spaces in the city.
Food & marketsFish restaurants on the Bouregreg — Riverside dining between the marina and the kasbah.

Where to stay

Agdal and Hassan districts for central hotels near the stations; Souissi for garden hotels; the medina for small riads.

Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses

Luxury

Five-star hotel in Andalusian gardens near the Royal Palace.

Address: Avenue Imam Malek, Souissi, 10000 Rabat
Phone: +212 537 675 656
Website: sofitel.accor.com

Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr

Luxury

Seafront hotel by the Bouregreg estuary and the Kasbah of the Udayas.

Address: Avenue Brahim Roudani (former Marie Feuillet hospital), 10000 Rabat
Phone: +212 538 051 200
Website: fourseasons.com/rabat

Contact details come from the hotels’ official websites or consistent public listings. We are not paid for listings. Always confirm prices and conditions directly with the property.

Getting there

Rabat-Salé airport (RBA) is about 10 km from the centre. Al Boraq high-speed trains stop at Rabat-Agdal; regular trains link Rabat-Ville with Casablanca (about 1 h) and Fes.

Local tip

Rabat is the best base to explore Morocco by train: Casablanca, Meknes, Fes and Tangier are all directly connected.