Cairo’s an ancient city that also happens to be a modern metropolis—it’s one of the biggest cities in the Middle East and has the traffic and noise issues to prove it. But as long as you’re not looking for solitude, Cairo—the City of the Thousand Minarets—is a splendid place to explore Egyptian history and culture. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)

The “Red City” of Marrakesh is a magical place, brimming with markets, gardens, palaces, and mosques. Exploring the intimate courtyards and snaking alleyways of the historic Medina can easily eat up a day. Find inner peace at the serene Jardin Majorelle or take in the beauty of one of the city’s historic mosques (taking note that, unless you are Muslim, you are not allowed to enter).

Stunning coral reefs and turquoise waters perfect for windsurfing have made Hurghada, on Egypt's Red Sea Coast, a busy resort town. Within easy reach of the stunning Giftun Islands and the Eastern Arabian Desert, Hurghada has seen enormous amounts of development in the past decade—and yes, it does seem overrun with tourists at times. But it’s a relatively easy beach escape for Europeans, and some of the world's best diving and snorkeling sites are just offshore. Walk or catch a cab to explore the old quarter, El Dahar.

Looking for a great beach destination? The Red Sea’s warm water is great for swimming, and there are miles of great beaches in Sharm El Sheikh for working on your tan, but if you’re a diver, look no further. We’re talking enormous schools of fish and tons of excellent dive sites. Sure, it’s easier to get here if you live in Europe, but even if you’re farther afield, it’s worth the trek. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)

Founded by the Berbers in the 2nd millennium BCE, the city of Tunis has been controlled by Phoenicians, Romans, Arab Muslims, the Ottomans, the Spanish, the French and the Germans, finally achieving independence as the capital of Tunisia in 1956. This history has made Tunis a mélange of ancient and modern cultures. The medina is a network of narrow alleyways, mosques, mausoleums, palaces and a souq where shoppers haggle over the price of everything from filigreed gold to inexpensive souvenirs.

開普敦是非洲大陸最南端的耀眼明星。 遊客們在觀光宣傳手冊上看到的布勞烏堡海灘 (Blaauwberg Beach) 與科斯坦博斯國家植物園 (Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens)，距離「母親之城」(The Mother City) 的車程並不遠。 好望角自然保護區 (Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve) 為你提供一覽無遺的海景觀景台、健行步道，以及與野生動物邂逅的機會。 旅客可以造訪羅本島 (Robben Island)，也就是納爾遜‧曼德拉被拘禁 27 年的監獄 (這是一段陰暗的過往...)。

奈洛比又稱為非洲自然狩獵的首都，是一座活力充沛、現代化的城市，從這裡開始體驗野生動物的生活與夜生活，是最適合不過的開始。在這個過去的馬賽集水區，充斥著人們隨著音樂擺動的舞廳、商店與市場的喧囂，還有會誘惑味覺的各種餐廳。最佳的景點包括凱倫博物館 (Karen Blixen Museum)、長頸鹿中心與奈洛比國家公園的黑犀牛。在這個小型的市中心內步行相當安全，而其他地方則可搭的士前往。