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.

At the edge of historic Farley Hill National Park, green monkeys, iguanas, tortoises, and snakes wander around freely in the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Plan to be there around 2 pm, when parrots, caimans, and maras are getting fed. The reserve’s admission also grants access to Grenade Hall Signal Station and Forest. Getting to the park takes a rough 35 minutes by car from the capital city.

Queens is one of New York’s most diverse boroughs, known for its mix of cultures, food, and art. Its neighborhoods each have their own flavor: in Astoria, Greek tavernas and bakeries line the streets, while Flushing offers some of the city’s best Asian restaurants. MoMA PS1 in Long Island City showcases cutting-edge contemporary art in an industrial setting, and nearby, the Noguchi Museum blends indoor and outdoor space with sculptures by Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi. History fans can visit the King Manor Museum in Jamaica, once home to Rufus King, a signer of the U.S. Constitution and early abolitionist. Citi Field, home of the Mets, and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the U.S. Open takes place, are also here. Both JFK and LaGuardia airports are in Queens, making it the first and last stop for many visitors.

Locals call it “Espa” — a green strip running through central Helsinki, flanked by old trees, statues, and a few cafés. It’s where people stroll, sit with ice cream, or watch the world go by. In summer, the open-air Espa Stage hosts free gigs, from jazz to folk. Bigger events like the Marimekko Fashion Show and midsummer celebrations also take over the park.