Visit Les Arènes, a twin-tiered amphitheatre which is the best preserved of its kind in France. Over 2000 years old, the arena once seated 24,000 spectators. Grab an audio guide to provide you with context as you explore the arena before viewing replicas of gladiators' armour in the museum.

Take a stroll around the Jardins de la Fontaine, grand 18th-century gardens located around the water source where ancient Nîmes was first founded. Discover the Roman monuments and statues here at one of Europe's first public parks.

Uncover Nîmes' rich history at the interractive Musée de la Romanité. In stark contrast to the Roman Amphitheatre standing just opposite, the Musée de la Romanité is housed in a striking futuristic glass and steel structure designed by Elizabeth de Portzamparc, showcasing artefacts and exhibitions exploring the life of local people over the course of 25 centuries. 

Originally an abattoir, the eye-catching building of Matadero Madrid now houses the city's most vibrant cultural centre. It hosts exhibitions, immersive experiences, art installations and much more – just the thing if you want to experience the city's alternative side. Visit at the weekend to catch the artisan food market.

Take a break from exploring and spend an afternoon relaxing in Madrid's most beautiful park, El Retiro. There's a mix of formal gardens, water features and wilder, woodier areas to explore.

Based on the former Spanish Royal Collection, the Museo del Prado is Spain's foremost national art museum, which displays European art from the 12th to the early 20th centuries. Here you'll find a sizeable collection of works by Spanish luminaries like Velásquez and Goya, as well as Titian, Ruebens, El Greco and Bosch – among a great many others.

Cádiz is famed for its history as one of the oldest cities in western Europe. The Roman Theatre, built around 70BC, is well worth a visit and easily reached on foot. The theatre is thought to have welcomed 10,000 spectators in its heyday. Guided tours are available.

For the best views of the city, climb the 45m tall watchtower to its rooftop terrace. The tower was built in the 1700s when trade was booming and it was used to monitor ships coming into the harbour. One level below is the camera obscura, a visual projector which is showcased every half hour.

For a true taste of art deco, head to Cinematheque Tanger, an all-artist-run creative hub. The theatre is North Africa’s first arthouse cinema and has masterclasses on independent films. 

Tangier fell under the Carthaginian settlement and remnants of this past are evident at Cape Spartel. One of its biggest draws is the ornate lighthouse and nature reserve with its epic views of the sea.  

For a real taste of adventure, catch a shared grand taxi to Akchour waterfalls. You’ll come across pristine cascading waterfalls, impressive rock formations and Barbary macaque, a monkey species native to the Atlas Mountains.

After the best view of Chefchaouen? Hike up to the Spanish Mosque before dusk and you’ll be rewarded with sunset views across the town, backed by the towering Rif mountains.

Get lost in the medina; you'll walk past countless ornate handicrafts, Ottoman rugs and ceramics on display within the meandering alleyways.

The car-free medina of Fez is classified as the oldest in the world. A guided tour here will take you through various culinary spots that are nestled in former caravanserais, serving seasonal produce.

The sights and smells of the Chouara Tannery are a sensory experience and a photographer's delight. You can see the men hard at work in the pools of various hues from the balconies of the leather shops. 

You will be greeted by the scents of rose and lavender at the Palais Amani hotel hammam. After being pampered, you can relax with tea in the stunning zen courtyard trickling with fountains. 

A five-minute walk south of Place Mohammed V lies the Parc de la Ligue Arabe. This tranquil oasis away from the cacophony of the city has varieties of flora native to the African continent. 

The only Jewish Museum in the Arab world, the Museum of Moroccan Judaism taps into the history and traditions of Morocco's Jewish population. Along with a synagogue, there are curated exhibitions showcasing Jewish paintings, handicrafts and jewellery. 

Its bedecked minaret dominating Casablanca’s skyline, the Hassan II Mosque is the city’s crown jewel. For non-Muslims, guided tours are the best way to explore the mosque during non-prayer hours.