Jemaa el-Fna, the vibrant epicentre of Marrakesh's medina, is a riot of colours, sounds and scents, especially at sunset. Though the square has transitioned from its roots as a daily food market for mountain traders, its hustle and energy remain palpable. During the day, vendors offer refreshing fruit juices, but it's at dusk when the place truly transforms. Street theatre, or 'halqa,' has been a mainstay here since the 11th century, and the tradition continues in modern times. As the sun dips below the horizon, food stalls magically unfold, adding tantalising aromas to the air. Musicians tune their instruments, snake charmers enchant both serpents and tourists, and the spectacle crescendos into a nightly celebration of Marrakeshi life and culture.

Sintra is a charming town located in the lush hills of the Serra de Sintra amidst an evergreen pine forest known for its whimsical villas and the ruins of a 10th-century Moorish castle. The main attractions include the vibrancy-coloured yellow Palácio Nacional de Pena, the Neo-Gothic mansion of Quinta da Regaleira and the medieval Palácio Nacional de Sintra. The town's entire centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some day tours to Sintra will also include a visit to Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point in Europe, as well as a stop in the Cascais bay area.

Witnessing the age-old craft of leather treatment at the Bab Debbagh tanneries is a fascinating experience. Situated near a river for water supply, these tanneries have been operating for centuries. The distinctive odour, resulting from ammonia used in the leather-softening process, will let you know you've arrived. Unlike some other Moroccan tanneries, the focus here is on treating leather in its natural state; the dyeing happens elsewhere. Visiting the site can be a bit tricky due to the presence of unofficial 'guides' demanding payment. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider hiring a certified guide as part of a medina tour. Otherwise, prepare to navigate past these unofficial attendants by offering a small tip and insisting on entering without their assistance.

Darat Al Funun unites contemporary Arab art with layered history. Housed in a gracefully restored 1920s complex, its rotating exhibitions unfold alongside Byzantine ruins, including a 6th-century church at the entrance. The hillside gardens frame panoramic views of Amman, making this as much an architectural pilgrimage as an art destination.