Ireland’s largest medieval parish church, St Nicholas' Collegiate Church dates from 1320 and is famed for its collection of curiosities. These days, traditional Irish Sessions take place in the church, with the rector playing the flute on summer nights. The church is loved by many, and it’s even said that Christopher Columbus prayed here in 1477 before setting off on his voyage to the New World.

This privately owned nature reserve is a favourite for trekking (Tok Tokkie Trail is often the first pick) and camping trips, offering an experience distinctly different to that of the desert terrain of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. NamibRand is also home to the International Dark Sky Reserve, recognised for the exceptional clarity of its skies, and offering near-unparalleled stargazing.

Those who live and work here say that you don’t really need to explain where the Jeker quarter is: Once you’re there, you’ll know. This is where the locals stroll the streets at their leisure, students read in the park, and you can spend a whole Sunday on a café terrace, a wisp of jazz music in the air in the background, and never get bored. The Jeker quarter is nestled between the old city walls and centuries-old houses, bordered by the green of the city park. Although people have lived here for centuries, no one has ever explored it all. Enterprise is deeply rooted in the genes of this community: A history full of crafts and trades has left its marks, and forged the unique, authentic, innovative and creative atmosphere you feel here today. And right through the middle of it, that impudent little river, the Jeker, flows brazenly on. The quaint streets, stately homes, and idyllic parks have everything to make history come alive, while the rich student life, mix of young and old, culinary highlights, and abundant art and culture pull you back to the present.

This stunning building from the 1910s was once a bathhouse for the affluent people of Pescara, as well as a liqueur distillery. Today it houses one of the best and most innovative art spaces in the city, hosting regular exhibitions, live performances and conferences. Its fancy name, 'Aurum - La Fabbrica delle Idee', means 'Gold - The Idea Factory'.