Known for
Morocco’s administrative capital, Rabat is elegant and calm: a blue-and-white kasbah overlooking the ocean, gardens, and Roman and Merinid remains.
What to see
A fortress of blue-and-white alleys overlooking the mouth of the Bou Regreg river.
An unfinished 12th-century minaret and the mausoleum of Mohammed V, guarded on horseback.
A Merinid necropolis built on Roman ruins, overrun with storks.
What to do
Andalusian gardens, Roman necropolis and estuary views.
Murals and contemporary architecture of the capital.
Rowboat crossing and the twin medina of Salé.
Where to eat
🍽️ Tea and pastries at the Moorish café
Ocean view from the kasbah.
🍽️ Varied modern cuisine
Lively district, wide choice.
🍽️ Fried fresh fish
Simple and tasty near the marina.
Where to stay & book
Blue-and-white setting, calm, ocean view.
Modern district, restaurants and tram.
Authentic and central.
Climate & temperature
☀️ Summer: Summer: 25 to 29 °C, tempered by the ocean.
❄️ Winter: Winter: 16 to 18 °C, mild and damp.
✅ Best time: Spring and autumn, very pleasant.
🧴 Mild climate year-round, few extremes. · Cool evening breeze by the ocean. · Showers possible from November to March.
🎒 Light jacket · Walking shoes · Umbrella (winter) · Sunglasses
Safety & tips
💡 Local tip: The Kasbah of the Oudayas at sunset, followed by a mint tea at the Moorish café, is a must-do that costs nothing.
Someone approaches you, claims your route is closed, or offers to guide you 'for free' to a square or landmark. Once there, they demand money, sometimes insistently.
✅ Refuse politely but firmly ('la, choukran' = no thanks) and keep walking. Use an offline map. A real guide carries an official badge. Never follow anyone who insists.
The driver refuses to turn on the meter ('it's broken') and then announces an inflated fare on arrival, sometimes 3 to 5 times the normal price.
✅ Ask for the meter before getting in. If the meter 'doesn't work', step out and simply take the next taxi — there are always others. If the driver insists or threatens you, call the police (19). Without a meter, agree on the price IN ADVANCE and ask your riad about the normal fare. Ride-hailing apps (inDrive, Careem) show the price upfront and avoid any dispute.
A woman grabs your hand and starts a henna tattoo 'as a gift', then demands a high price. Some black hennas contain allergy-triggering additives.
✅ Keep your hands close to you and refuse any contact. Never hold out your hand. Walk away at the very first approach.