One of Germany’s oldest zoos, and still a popular spot, especially if you're travelling with kids. It’s got a good mix of animals, from elephants and hippos to penguins and baboons. There’s a rainforest house and aquarium on site too. Feeding times are worth catching if you're around—check the schedule when you arrive.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the nation's most visited museums, offering a diverse array of exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages. Explore the Morian Hall of Paleontology, where towering dinosaur skeletons transport you back to prehistoric times. Marvel at the exquisite Fabergé collection, showcasing intricate jeweled masterpieces. The Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals dazzles with its stunning array of natural treasures, while the Wiess Energy Hall provides an insightful look into the world of energy exploration and production. Beyond the permanent exhibits, the museum features an IMAX theater for immersive films, a state-of-the-art planetarium for cosmic journeys, and a variety of world-class traveling exhibitions that ensure there's always something new to discover.

Casa di Giulietta is a 14th-century Gothic house linked (mostly by myth) to Juliet from Shakespeare’s play. The name similarity between the real Dal Cappello family and the fictional Capulets kicked off the connection. Inside, there’s a small museum and a stone balcony—added long after Shakespeare's time—which draws a steady stream of visitors. The courtyard gets packed, but there’s something fun about the whole scene—even if you know it’s more story than history.

Ponte Pietra is Verona’s oldest bridge, built by the Romans and still standing—well, mostly. Parts of it were rebuilt after WWII, but you can still see the original stonework. The bridge crosses the Adige River near the Roman theatre and offers one of the best views back toward the old town, especially at sunset.