Rabat is the most cultured of Morocco's imperial cities — less overwhelming than Fez, less touristy than Marrakesh. The Almohad monuments, the Roman ruins of Chellah, and the finest contemporary art museum in North Africa make it the best introduction to Moroccan civilization.
The 12th-century Almohad gate, the blue-and-white Andalusian streets and the garden overlooking the Atlantic.
🎫 Book tickets via GetYourGuideThe unfinished 1195 minaret among 200 columns, and the royal mausoleum of Morocco's two modern kings.
The Rue des Consuls souks without the aggressive touts of Marrakesh — carpets, zellige and Fassi pottery at honest prices.
The most sophisticated Moroccan dish — pigeon or chicken in pastry with almonds and cinnamon, dusted with sugar.
2nd century AD Roman columns and 14th-century mosque minarets in the same walled garden — storks nesting on top of both.
🎫 Book tickets via GetYourGuideThe finest contemporary Moroccan and Arab art museum — the 1960s abstract artists who defined Moroccan modernity.
🎫 Book tickets via GetYourGuideThe more traditional Moroccan city across the estuary — accessible by tram or the 5-dirham ferry.
Slow-cooked tomato, lentil and chickpea soup with vermicelli and coriander — eaten at Ramadan and all year at traditional restaurants.
Roman bronzes from Volubilis (2nd century AD) and the 300,000-year-old Homo sapiens from Jebel Irhoud — the finest pre-Islamic collection in the country.
Café Balima on Rue Mohammed V for coffee and croissant in the 1950 landmark. The French-planned city grid at its finest.
Whole roasted lamb at a former medina mansion restaurant. The most complete Moroccan royal feast.
The Atlantic and the Bouregreg estuary at midnight, with mint tea. The finest view in Morocco at the best possible hour.