Princes Street Gardens is a dramatic swathe of greenery in Edinburgh’s very centre, directly beneath Castle Rock. These twin parks — East and West — were created in the 1820s after the draining of the polluted Nor Loch, a medieval defensive lake. They are separated by The Mound, an artificial hill formed from excavation debris during the New Town’s construction. The West Garden is larger and home to the Ross Bandstand, a stage for summer concerts and Hogmanay celebrations. Near The Mound entrance, the intricate Floral Clock blooms with a new design each year since 1903. More than just a scenic shortcut, the gardens are a testament to city-making: a Victorian solution to urban blight that became one of Edinburgh’s most beloved civic spaces, perfect for a stroll, a picnic, or simply admiring the iconic views.

Museum of the Surrender, Le Musée de la Reddition in French, contains old artefacts from the surrender of German forces during World War II. This is the perfect museum for anyone interested in history.

The third largest city on Crete, Rethymno came to life during the Venetian era and is home to many historic buildings, notably hilltop Rethymno's Fortress, which dominates the city's skyline. In the Old Town, Venetian architectural elements coexist with Ottoman ones, creating a unique charm. During spring, the Rethymno Carnival takes place, which is a century-old celebration that has become an institution famous throughout the country.