Rabat Rises: Morocco’s Hidden Gem Crowned Top Global Destination

The international community of explorers, photographers and writers from National Geographic places Rabat in the ranking of the 25 most beautiful places in the world to visit in 2026. The Moroccan capital is in fourth place, ahead of Cork, Yorkshire (England). Tourists are invited to discover this ancient imperial city and cosmopolitan metropolis. They can stroll through the narrow alleys of its citadel, the Kasbah of Oudaya, to the wide boulevards of the New City built by the French in the 20th century.

The Royal Theater, a sinuous performance space designed by architect Zaha Hadid, inspired by the meanders of the Bouregreg, the Mohammed VI Tower, the tallest in Morocco and Africa, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which presents the works of more than 200 Moroccan artists, are the charms of Rabat. This city founded in the 12th century is now recognized by UNESCO as the one that combines contemporary culture and historical heritage. It has recently been designated World Book Capital by the United Nations organization.

Rabat offers visitors its Mediterranean climate: hot summers and mild, rainy winters. In July and August, average maximum temperatures are around 28 °C. From December to February, they are around 17 °C. In terms of gastronomy, tourists will have a wide choice.

Restaurants like Dar Zaki offer delicious tagines, a classic fluffy couscous, etc. Tourists can taste the seafood offered by Marea, a modern Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. In terms of accommodation, tourists can stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr, which is regularly ranked among the best hotels in the world.

Quebec (Canada) tops the ranking of the most beautiful places in the world to visit in 2026. It is followed by Beijing (China) and Dominica.