Rabat

You will be surprised by the straight layout of the city's historical heart in sharp contrast to the usual maze of streets. A walk through Rabat's medina could look like this: start your visit at the Bab El Had gate and take Souika Street, the largest and probably busiest street in the medina. You will arrive in the Es Sabat souk, the shoe market, covered with reed mats and overflowing with babouches (leather slippers) as well as silver and gold jewellery. You then come to the partially glass-roofed Rue des Consuls where craftsmen make woollen carpets, fabrics and copperware. The medina also offers low-priced and local food, so do not hesitate to try mint tea, pastillas or tagine.

Oudayas Kasbah near Rabat's nedina has kept its old cannons placed on a bastion. Its massive gate is entirely carved, while its blue and white walls give it a Mediterranean atmosphere. Cobbled streets lead to the El Atiqa Mosque, the oldest in the city, and on to the old semaphore platform. The view from here, or the terrace of the neighbouring Café Maure, is splendid: Rabat, nearby Salé and Bouregreg river meeting the ocean. The Oudayas Palace, further on up, which now houses the National Museum, has conserved its markedly simple and balanced original decor. The Andalusian Gardens below are a heaven of peace full of fruit trees, rose-laurels and cascades of bougainvilleas.

From the other side of the mouth of Bouregreg River, Salé, the old city of pirates and Rabat's rival sister, faces the capital. Founded before Rabat at the start of the 12th century, its medina, lined with fountains, magnificent riads, and mosques, buzzes with activity. Don’t forget the medersa, the Koranic school, a renowned chef-d’oeuvre of Merinides art.

The magnificent Bab Rouah, the "Gate of the Winds", is monumental. It stands out for the richness of its adornments and has become an exhibition gallery. Works of famous Moroccan artists have found their venue under the elaborate arches of the four square rooms.

Don't miss strolling through the gardens of Bouknadel 12 kilometres north of Rabat. Covering 4 hectares, exotic plants from around the world have been planted here in five educational circuits. In the vivarium, you can watch reptiles and amphibians.

At Royal Golf Dar Es Salam golf course, famous Hassan II Trophy was officially started in 1971. The golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones offers splendid fairways snaking between palm and eucalyptus trees and Roman remains. Players such as Vijay Singh, Billy Casper, Santiago Luna, Payne Stewart, Colin Montgomery, and Nick Faldo have distinguished themselves there.

Dar-al-Makhzen (or El Mechouar Essaid Palace) is the official residence of Moroccan royalty. Here, not only important events – like weddings – are held, but you may even witness an official military parade. Surrounded by French-style gardens, the Royal Palace with its iconic mosaic gate is a must-see on your trip to Rabat

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI) features the work of around 200 Moroccan artists. Opened in 2014 and named after the King of Morocco, it offers a mesmerising architecture and varying temporary exhibitions.