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.

The grand, fairy-tale castle-like main building in Timrå was built in 1883–1885 as a summer residence for the timber magnate Fredrik Bünsow, who was one of Sweden's most powerful timber barons at the time. The architects were Isak Gustaf Clason and Fritz Eckert. Clason is known for designing the Nordic Museum and Hallwyl Palace in Stockholm. The beautiful castle (or Villa Merlo, as it is actually called) is now a cultural heritage site and houses Svenska Cellulosa's central archive. In the summer, you can take a guided tour to see the many rooms and halls that still retain their former glory. Even the garden alone is well worth a visit.

First-class performances and concerts are on the program of Culture Days, which is organized by the Salzburg Cultural Society. This music festival is famous for its Classical performances as well as its embrace of experimentation, not shying away from exciting mixtures of genres including hip-hop and hits from the world of musicals.

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