Tangier, Morocco (Africa)
I know I posted this in the "Easy Day Trips" category, and it definitely is a day trip....but calling it easy might be a stretch. Tangier is only a few hours away, but a world apart. Densely urban, with a population of more than 700,000 people, Tangier is a dichotomy of poverty and insufficient infrastructure juxtaposed against the rapid development of 5-star seaside resorts and hilltop mansions.
Tangier relies heavily on tourism, and local merchants are merciless--if you visit, be prepared to be under siege from relentless vendors who will literally follow you to the port where you will be relieved to leave the country. Good to experience this city once, ride a camel, and eat some Moroccan food, but next time I'll head further inland to experience authentic Morocco in some of the smaller villages to the south.