Frankfurt’s botanical gardens consist of 20 hectares of parklands and 9,000 square metres of greenhouses replete with flora of the most diverse climate zones. Internationally renowned exhibitions and festive events provide a colourful fringe programme.

A visit to Het Grachtenhuis (the Canal House) is the perfect way to learn more about the history of Amsterdam’s canal ring. The museum looks at the 17th-century city expansion projects that led to Amsterdam’s ring of canals which received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010. After seeing the interactive displays, you’ll look at Amsterdam in a whole new light when wandering through the city’s streets or taking a canal cruise.

Being a polluted metropolis, Mumbai is, certainly, not renowned for crystal-water beaches and white sand, so swimming here should be avoided at all costs. Chowpatty Beach is a gathering point that, with its myriad stalls, offers street food and a nice backdrop for a leisure walk. At sunset, people flock down the quaint coastline that transforms itself into an open-air fair with pony rides, fortune tellers and local snacks.

This unique boulevard of cultural institutions comprises first-class museums presenting everything from applied arts, film and architecture to art, Jewish history and ancient sculptures. Famous architects such as Richard Meier and O.M. Ungers were involved in the construction and expansion of many of the architectonic gems on display. A few examples are the fine art Städel Museum with its underground exhibition spaces, the German Film Museum, the Communication Museum and the Jewish Museum. The Museum Embankment Festival, one of Europe's largest cultural festivals, takes place every year at the last weekend in August.