Perched above the Bou Regreg river and the azure Atlantic, the city of Rabat promises travelers breathtaking views, historic sites and maze-like streets.
Most visitors start in the Kasbah, the 12th-century stronghold of the Medina. This network of blue-and-whitewashed alleys and mosaiced doors leads past cafés and galleries, towards the busy souk where you can top up your spice rack with dark-gold turmeric and rusty-red paprika.
Those rich desert tones are reminiscent of nearby Hassan Tower, an unfinished mosque from 1199. The red-sandstone structure stands in contrast to the gleaming marble monument at the other end of the plaza. Just beyond the city, the Roman-era fortress of Chellah hosts a tropical garden where locals come to stroll and take in concerts.
When to go?
With a year-round average temperature of 21°C, Rabat is appealing at any time, especially during May and October. Prices dip in July, when temperatures climb closer to 30℃, but the winding streets of the Medina ensure that you are never short of shade.
Where to stay?
For an authentic stay in the heart of the Medina, this riad ticks all the right boxes. Beautiful tiled interiors and courtyards, rustic rooms with handmade furniture and rugs, and plenty of home cooking.
A modern take on the traditional riad, is in a quiet spot close to the markets. Inside, guests are treated to mint tea, pastry breakfasts and chill-out options like an indoor plunge pool. The vibrant, arty rooms face either the green inner courtyard or the city’s winding streets.
Restored by two architects, this riad expertly blends the charm of a riad with plush contemporary design. Cedarwood doors, ornate arches and mosaic floors set the scene and the homemade breakfast in the inner courtyard really caps things off.