To discover an edgier, hip side to the city, walk down the thoroughfares of Armenia Street, Mar Mikhael, and Gouraud Street, Gemmayzeh, and soak in Beirut's undeniable cool. There are plenty of attractive brunch spots and swank art galleries around. Check out the St Nicholas Stairs in the summer for some al fresco art.

Dubbed the "home of American coffee culture," Portland knows what it takes to brew the perfect cup. In a 2016 survey of 100 U.S. cities, Portland topped the list, boasting the most coffee roasters per capita and the highest number of cafés. With so many spots to enjoy a great cup of coffee, you might think there's little room for discovery — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Portland’s coffee scene continues to evolve, with unique additions like Oracle Coffee Company, run by Andy Hurley, the drummer of Fall Out Boy and a self-described "vegan straight-edge anarchist." The choices are endless, but for a glimpse of where it all began, visit the original Stumptown Coffee Roasters location at 4525 Southeast Division Street. Many credit this tiny space with launching Portland’s rise to coffee fame, now a chain with outlets from New York to LA.

Here and there around the inner city, you will find secluded fig trees covered in fairy lights. Perfect location for a romantic moment or a little photoshoot. Check out Brisbane City Council's City of Lights interactive map to discover the lighting installations that illuminate the city every evening.