Georgetown feels like a little world of its own in D.C., with cobblestone streets, old brick buildings, and a mix of shops and restaurants. You can wander along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue for over 450 options — from coffee shops to trendy boutiques — or grab a bite along the waterfront. It’s a popular spot for students and visitors alike, and walking through the neighbourhood gives a real sense of the city’s history.

Sentiero Rilke is one of the most enchanting paths in Carso, a wonderful walk starting from Sistiana and leading to the castle of Duino along white cliffs. Named after Rainer Maria Rilke, the famous poet from Prague, who loved walking here.

Uyun Al-Jiwa — literally "the valley’s ponds" — is often referred to as the oasis celebrated by Arab poets for its significance in several poetry collections known as the Suspended Odes (Mu’allaqat). The area is known for the ancient Banu Abs communities that lived here since prehistoric times. Depicting the lifestyle of ancient people, several Thamudic rock paintings can be found in the Al-Jiwa region — particularly in Al Hanadir, 15 km outside the city. Be sure to visit the mud-and-adobe Al Margab Watchtower. Take a walk through the Old Uyun — a collection of houses built of clay and mud. Get souvenirs from the vibrant Old Souq and take a photo of the Antarah Rock. Also known as the Lovers' Rock, this precariously perched boulder is rumoured to be the place where the celebrated poet Antarah bin Shaddad met with his sweetheart Ablah.

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.