Travel

A Neighborhood in Rabat Was Just Voted World’s Second Best

BYYassine Hariss

September 18, 2026

At this point, it’s worth wondering whether a Moroccan neighbourhood will ever actually top Time Out’s list of world’s best neighborhoods because we’re getting a little tired of silver medals. Two years ago, they named Casablanca’s Mers Sultan the second-coolest in the world. This year, Rabat’s L’Océan takes that spot.

As part of its annual series, the culture and entertainment magazine called on its network of international editors to determine which neighbourhoods stood out most, judging them against a range of criteria including food and drink, nightlife, unique local businesses, liveability, and community. In this year’s iteration of the list, the sole Arab representative is located in Morocco’s capital city, with L’Océan beating neighbourhoods from across the globe to claim second place.

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Explaining what made the Rabat district worthy of such a high ranking, Time Out described L’Océan as a neighbourhood that “encapsulates Rabat’s Atlantic-meets-city vibe,” pointing to its palm-lined promenade, beaches, sports pitches, street art, and maze of residential streets populated by independent businesses.

The publication also highlighted the people who actually call the neighbourhood home. Predominantly inhabited by local families and young professionals, L’Océan was praised for its “creative and friendly community,” with particular attention paid to Rue Bruxelles, a newly pedestrianized stretch lined with independent cafés and cultural spaces designed to bring even more life to the area.

According to Sally Kirby, the editor who nominated L’Océan for the list, an ideal day in the neighbourhood starts with brunch at Boho Café before trying your hand at Arabic calligraphy at AghaSpace. From there, she recommends a detour to the National Museum of Photography, zigzagging through the neighbourhood’s streets and concept stores, before sitting down for dinner at Yamal Acham and ending the day by watching the sunset near the lighthouse.

As for who L’Océan narrowly missed out to, Seoul’s Jongno 3-ga took this year’s crown, while Athens’ Neos Kosmos came in third, placing the Rabat neighbourhood neatly between the South Korean and Greek capitals.

A Neighborhood in Rabat Was Just Voted World’s Second Best

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