5 Things to Do in Rabat, Morocco

An unfinished 12th-century minaret standing amid a forest of stone columns from a mosque that was never completed, paired beside the ornately decorated mausoleum of Morocco's modern royal founders.

Good to know: The changing of the royal guard at the mausoleum entrance happens on a regular schedule and is worth timing a visit around.

A fortified 12th-century kasbah overlooking the Atlantic, with blue-and-white painted alleyways, a peaceful Andalusian garden inside the walls, and sweeping ocean views from the ramparts.

Good to know: The blue-and-white streets are most photogenic in the soft light of late morning or early evening.

The walled old city — noticeably calmer and less overwhelming than Marrakech's medina — with souks specializing in leather goods and traditional textiles.

Good to know: A good option if you want the classic Moroccan medina experience without the intensity of Marrakech or Fez's souks.

A walled complex layering ancient Roman ruins beneath a medieval Islamic necropolis, now a quiet, garden-like site where storks nest on the crumbling minaret.

Good to know: Go for the atmosphere as much as the history — it's one of the most peaceful, least crowded sites in the city.

Morocco's leading modern art museum, housing works by major 20th- and 21st-century Moroccan artists in a striking contemporary building.

Good to know: A good rainy-day or midday-heat alternative to the outdoor historical sites.