City · The Capital
Rabat
Walk the Oudayas at golden hour, then cross to Salé on the old river ferry. The capital reveals itself slowly.
Morocco's political capital is also its most liveable: a clean, coastal, tree-lined city where the 12th-century Kasbah of the Oudayas looks out over the Atlantic, and the Hassan Tower stands unfinished since 1199. Calmer than Marrakech, greener than Casablanca, and a UNESCO-listed whole.
A short history
Rabat became the capital under the French Protectorate in 1912, but its roots are ancient — a Roman settlement, then an Almohad ribat (fortress monastery) that gave the city its name. Its 20th-century ville nouvelle is one of the most complete Art Deco colonial ensembles in Africa.
The editor's guidance
Best for
- Coastal seekers
The ledger
- Tier
- UNESCO · GOLD
- Match
- 92/100
- Best season
- All year
- Why shown
- Editorial flagship · Written by the UseMorocco editors