Many years ago took a side trip to Tangier, while visiting Spain. Went to the Kasbah and it was quite the experience.
Went by boat between Spain and over. Passed Gibraltar. Such a diversity from anything I knew. It's was cultural, intriguing, and as much as I enjoyed seeing I was glad to leave. I will never forget the children used as pick pockets and panhandling. I was struck by the poverty much different than we have in the US.
I say anytime you have the opportunity to travel and experience the world do it. Everything comes with a risk, but hectic going into downtown Chicago is a daymare!