Prepare for sensory overload in maze-like souks, steamy hammams and romantic riads on city breaks to Marrakech.

Jemaa el Fna square is Marrakech's pulsating heart, thronging with somersaulting acrobats, snake charmers and sharp-witted chefs. From here, a jigsaw of lanes leads north into the souks and south to the sublime Bahia Palace and fortified Kasbah. The muezzin's wail rises from Koutoubia mosque's minaret on Avenue Mohammed V, close to Ville Nouvelle's French-flavoured boulevards and Hivernage's trendy supper clubs.

Best of Marrakech city breaks for...

• Shopping:  Getting lost is part of the fun in Marrakech's souks. Dodge donkeys, slurp mint tea and haggle like a pro for carpets, babouche slippers, miracle potions and anything else that takes your fancy.
• Relaxing: The hammam is the Berber secret to looking 10 years younger. You'll feel reborn after a steam, a vigorous rubdown with eucalyptus-scented soap and a soothing argan oil massage.
• Romance: Rose petals, lanterns and trickling fountains set the scene for a romantic dinner à deux in Medina riads. Enjoy a diffa (Moroccan feast) of tagines, saffron-infused couscous and almond-rich sweets.