Rabat
Rabat – Morocco's capital with royal history and modern flair
While landing in Casablanca, home to the region’s main international airport, the first impression is of a vibrant, modern city, full of bright lights and the energy of a bustling metropolis.
But just a quick drive away, Rabat, the Moroccan capital, offers a completely different atmosphere: calm, elegant, and full of charm.
Rabat, a UNESCO’s World Heritage city, blends Roman, Andalusian, Arab, and colonial legacies.
One of the four so-called imperial Moroccan cities, but unlike Fes, Meknes, or Marrakech, Rabat is built by the sea, where the day might begin among Merenid ruins and end on a surfboard.
With sunshine gracing the skies eight months a year, Rabat is known for moving to a calm, golden rhythm. As the seat of the monarchy, Rabat doesn’t flaunt its power. One feels it in the wide boulevards, the presence of embassies and mainly in the quiet grace of royal presence woven into daily life but without a display of grandeur for show.
The Hassan Tower rises over its esplanade, its 200 columns like the bones of a forgotten dream, halted by the Lisbon earthquake of 1755. Just across, the mausoleum of Mohammed V stands in serene splendor, its white marble, intricate tilework, and carved plaster honoring the founding figure of modern Morocco and the grandfather of the current king Mohammed VI.
In the medina, between souks, rue des Consuls, and the old Mellah, the past whispers with every turn.
At Chellah, Roman stones and Merenid tombs share the shade of fig trees, as storks clatter overhead in noisy harmony. The kasbah of the Oudayas, cloaked in white and blue, overlooks the Atlantic in a way that almost feels like being somewhere in the Cyclades but tucked within its walls, the calm of the Andalusian Garden, where jasmine and orange blossom drift on the breeze, brings back the unmistakable scent of Morocco.
In the ville nouvelle, the vision of urban planner Henri Prost still resonates, with wide boulevards and graceful Art Deco façades shaped during the French protectorate.
A Rising Star in
Moroccan Hospitality
In recent months, some of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands have found a new home in Morocco’s capital. Freshly opened, Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr
is a place where the soul of Morocco meets the warmth of refined hospitality.
Set within a beautifully restored 18th-century palace on the Atlantic coast, the hotel feels like a graceful nod to history.
What makes this place truly special is how it celebrates Morocco’s cultural richness in every detail, from the soft rhythms of local design woven into the interiors to the generous spirit of the service. The hotel’s restaurants bring people together over dishes that honor both French and Moroccan traditions. Guests can relax by two stunning outdoor pools, one a lush resort-style escape, the other an infinity pool overlooking the ocean or retreat to the serene indoor pool bathed in natural light. The spa offers a true haven of wellness, with a Moroccan hammam, ten treatment rooms, and rituals rooted in ancient healing traditions. Whether you’re floating in the pool, sipping tea as the sun dips into the sea, or wandering through the palm-lined gardens, Kasr Al Bahr isn’t just a hotel but rather a heartfelt experience that welcomes you with open arms.
For those seeking a more intimate retreat, Rabat’s boutique hotels and riads offer a deeply authentic Moroccan experience with a personal touch. Riad Zyo is a refined cultural haven where contemporary art and traditional Moroccan design meet in perfect harmony. Tucked within Rabat’s historic medina, the riad blends clean, modern architecture with handcrafted details. Its serene patio, shaded by lush greenery and centered around a small plunge pool, offers a calming contrast to the energy of the surrounding streets.
What sets Riad Zyo apart is its role as a living gallery. The owner, a passionate supporter of the arts, has turned the space into a platform for emerging Moroccan artists. Carefully curated contemporary works are displayed throughout the riad, enriching the atmosphere and inviting guests to engage with the local art scene in an intimate, thoughtful way. From the peaceful rooftop terrace with sweeping medina views to the bright, art-filled rooms, every corner of Riad Zyo reflects a deep appreciation for both modern aesthetics and cultural heritage, a truly inspiring urban retreat.
During summer, Rabat transforms into a vibrant cultural hub, where festivals, scenic sunsets, and coastal escapes create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Music lovers from across the world gather for the Mawazine Festival, one of Africa’s largest music events, celebrating a fusion of international and Moroccan artists.
The city pulses with rhythm, as performances take place across grand stages and intimate venues alike.
Along the coastline, leisurely strolls along the Corniche lead to hidden beaches, stylish seaside cafés, and fresh seafood restaurants. Whether enjoying a slow afternoon by the ocean or an evening by the waves, Rabat’s coastal charm is undeniable.
Flavors of Rabat
Dine aboard Le Dhow, a floating restaurant with stunning views of the kasbah, where Moroccan and international flavors come together. For traditional home-style dishes, Dar Naji offers warm hospitality and classics like tagine and couscous. Looking for something bold?
El Barrio Latino adds a playful Latin twist to Moroccan favorites in a lively setting.
Beyond the winding souks in the Medina, concept stores like Malimalo, Le 17 Océan, and Bô Design infuse Moroccan craftsmanship with a contemporary touch, offering curated fashion, decor, and lifestyle pieces that celebrate both heritage and modern creativity.
Anyone who truly engages with the city discovers a new side of Morocco.