A man roams around Rabat's medina

Morocco's laid-back capital is packed with markets with an endless variety of produce.

The glaring white of some of Rabat's buildings sets off magnificently against the cobalt sky at night.

You can explore the tiny back streets, whose parallel walls you can touch by extending your hands.

Don't miss the Casbah des Oudaya - a secretive world which dates back into the Middle Ages. 

Rabat also has a wonderful public garden - the Jardins Exotiques - where you can forget about the hustle and bustle of street life for a while.

The city's beaches are swimmable, although you can find nicer places to take a dip just south of the city.