Africa’s ‘best city break’ has virtually no tourists and is a three ho | Travel News | Travel

If you are thinking about jetting off on a  city break but are unsure where then look no further than an African capital city full of historic treasures. Upon arriving in Morocco’s capital Rabat, which is just a short three-hour 15-minute flight from the UK, you will be greeted with outstanding coastlines, sandy beaches, white-washed walls, and impressive architecture and offers Brits some long-awaited sunshine.

Not only is it one of Africa’s greenest cities, but it is also home to the main residence of the country’s king, Mohammed VI. Welcoming a record 14.5 million tourists last year, Rabat is most certainly filled with new tourism energy. Despite this high figure, the city remains relatively untouched and is way less busy and touristy than places like Marrakech.

And its low prices are extremely appealing. A pint of domestic beer will set you back just £1.75, while a domestic beer in a restaurant is just slightly higher at £2.79. On average, a two-star hotel will set you back £40 a night, while a three-star hotel averages £50 per night.

Located on the Atlantic coastline, this elegant city with a cosmopolitan culture and tree-lined streets is filled with buildings from the 17th century, coinciding with the time that the Muslims arrived from Andalusia.

It has a deep-rooted history with Roman remains a 12th-century Mosque and a vast square scattered throughout. Labelled as a royal city, it houses the Palace, which was built in the 19th century on the ruins of a previous ancient palace. Also known as Dar El Makhzen, the grand building is a fine example of Moroccan art.

It’s a historic old town, and medina is the perfect place for shopping and visiting several attractions. Here, you will see sleepy cats curled up on every corner and colourful spices piled high.

One of Rabat’s most distinctive landmarks is the Hassan Tower, almost all that remains of a mosque begun by Sultan Yacoub Mansour in 1194 but not completed.

The red stone tower is 44 metres high and comprises six storeys with a single room boasting domed ceilings. At the opposite end of the site is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which the late King Hassan built in memory of his father.

No holiday here would be complete without visiting the Kasbah of the Udayas, a medieval fortress in Rabat, Morocco, built in the 12th century. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built to protect the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia and is a visual masterpiece of Andalusian and Moroccan architectural styles.

There are three direct Ryanair flights between London Stansted and Rabat every week.