Rabat offers a more laid-back and modern atmosphere compared to Morocco,s other imperial cities, Marrakech and Fez. The nation,s present-day capital is home to a wealth of historic monuments, including some well-preserved relics of the city,s Moorish past. The unfinished Hassan Tower is part of a mosque complex dating back to the 12th century, and the Chellah necropolis is a serene ruins site with Roman columns, medieval tombs and a garden inhabited by storks.
Rabat,s medina is a maze of alleys filled with shops, markets and historical buildings, providing an authentic Moroccan urban experience. In its other districts, Rabat features wide boulevards, lush green spaces and several well-equipped beaches. Visitors can also explore the Oudaias Kasbah, an historic quarter with narrow streets, attractive blue-and-white buildings and a tranquil Andalusian garden.