Rabat

Although perhaps lesser-known than Casablanca, and not as much of a tourist hotspot as Marrakech or Fes, Rabat holds a lofty status as the political capital of Morocco. It’s the ideal holiday destination for visitors hoping to explore both the cosmopolitan and the traditional side of this wonderfully authentic city. There’s much to enjoy here in its colonial architecture and palm-lined avenues.

The souks of Rabat are piled high with handicrafts, spices, jewellery, carpets and textiles, so you won’t struggle to find a souvenir. One area worthy of particular attention is Rue des Consuls. Seen as the main shopping street, it offers handicrafts and artworks from here and other parts of the country. The street weaves up to the Oudaias Craft Museum and the Kasbah of the Udayas, a 12th-century citadel which is home to a compact maze of scurrying alleys with white and blue houses. Inside the entrance is an elegant garden with orange trees, date palms, and pergolas draped with grape vines. Make sure to stop at Café Maure for a cup of mint tea overlooking the Bou Regreg estuary.

The flavours and rituals of North African cuisine are ever present, and you can expect to eat extremely well here. If you’re visiting around the 18th November, you’ll experience a national public holiday held to commemorate Morocco’s independence from colonial rule. It’s a celebration of colourful parades, street food and live music – as well as a formal reception at the royal palace.