Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest metropolitan area in both Africa and the Middle East. From eating koshary at Abou Tarek to jumping on random local buses going the direction I wanted, I consistently found the non-touristy city sections vibrant, exciting, dirty, pushy, and friendly. My best advice is to not treat it as a sightseeing destination. Here are the best things to do in Cairo.
Read MoreLuxor (Thebes) was the capital of Egypt from 1570 to 1069 BCE. Often called “the world’s greatest open-air museum,” it is the epicenter of Ancient Egyptian heritage sites - including over 60 tombs of pharaohs, the second largest religious complex in the world, and an exquisite selection of smaller temples. If anything, Luxor offers far much to do. These are the best things to do in Luxor.
Read MoreAswan was the southernmost city in Ancient Egypt and the source for much of its construction stone and marble. Many of the city’s heritage sites were flooded by the Aswan High Dam - and were saved by being relocated. Entire temples were deconstructed and rebuilt - sometimes hours away. Here are the best things to do in Aswan.
Read MoreCasablanca can feel like a dense, rich Florida suburb or a den of urban poverty - depending on which section you’re walking through. While the city can ring of promise, it often fails to deliver. My best advice is to skip the city if you can. But if you can’t, head to Hassan II Mosque and grab dinner in that neighborhood. Then relax in your room. Those are the best things to do in Casablanca.
Read MorePerhaps Morocco’s cleanest city, Rabat has a balance of urban beach escape, modern capital infrastructure, and a historical Medina. It offers a tame, non-overwhelming taste of all things Morrocco without many tourists - or the industries that pop up to pander to them. Here are the best things to do in Rabat.
Read MoreOf Morocco’s imperial cities, Fez to me strikes the best balance of tradition and comfort. Having the largest Medina in Morocco, the city offers a vast area to explore of souks, traditional restaurants, and Islamic architecture. Unlike Marrakech, because the entire area is pedestrianized, you’ll never be overwhelmed by passing cars and motorbikes. Here are some of the best things to do in Fez.
Read MoreAA trip to Morocco would feel incomplete without a tour through the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Here, you can take a peek at traditional Berber life, enjoy a sunset in the desert, and marvel at the Dades River Valley. Here are some of the most common things to do in the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert.
Read MoreMarrakesh serves up the culture shock experience a tourist is likely hoping for from a trip to Morocco. Within its well-preserved medieval Medina, the city’s defining trait is chaos: zooming bikes, raised voice conversations, shops bursting with exotic wares, and aromas filling the air. It’s a bit high octane - but also magical if you roll with it. Here are the best things to do in Marrakesh.
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