Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the most sensory cities on Earth. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, it became the capital of a series of Moroccan dynasties, and the walls, palaces and mosques they built still define the old city, the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pink-red color of the walls and buildings gives the city its nickname, the Red City, and it glows in the late afternoon light. At the center of it all is Jemaa el-Fnaa, a vast open square that becomes a theatre of snake charmers, musicians, storytellers and hundreds of food stalls as the sun sets, unlike anywhere else in the world.

Behind the walls, the medina is a labyrinth of covered souks selling spices, leather, lanterns, rugs and metalwork, and quiet courtyard houses called riads, where fountains and orange trees offer peace from the noise. The city also has beautiful gardens, such as the cobalt-blue Majorelle Garden, grand palaces such as the Bahia, and a modern district, Gueliz, with cafes, galleries and boutiques. It is a gateway to the High Atlas Mountains, the Agafay desert and the coast at Essaouira, which makes it one of the most varied and exciting destinations for a short trip from Europe.

The medina is best explored on foot, and most of it is closed to cars, though motorbikes weave through the narrow lanes, so stay alert. Outside the walls, small petits taxis, painted beige, are cheap and take up to three passengers. Always agree on the fare before you get in, or insist on the meter, which many drivers claim is broken. Ride-hailing apps such as inDrive and Heetch are sometimes more reliable. Buses connect the main sights and the airport, and horse-drawn calèches offer tours of the city walls, though prices need to be negotiated. For day trips, hire a driver or join a tour.