The Distillery Historic District is a pedestrian-only neighbourhood celebrated for its preserved Victorian industrial architecture, set on cobblestone streets that once housed a large whiskey distillery. This atmospheric setting is now a vibrant cultural and social hub, home to independent boutiques, art galleries, and a diverse range of restaurants and bars. The area thrives with a dynamic calendar of events, most notably the annual Christmas Market that transforms its lanes into a festive destination. It successfully blends its 19th-century heritage with a contemporary, creative energy.

The medieval Gothic Revival castle of Casa Loma today belongs to the city of Toronto and has been used as a film set for numerous movies and TV shows. The castle is open to visitors, who are welcome to explore its halls furnished with authentic period items. The view over Toronto from one of the towers is definitely worth taking in.

You cannot visit Grenoble without being reminded of the author Stendhal. His book "The Red and the Black" contains impressions from his early years in the city. In the museum there are manuscripts, documents, portraits and memorabilia from his life and career.

Just outside Qianmen, Dashilan is one of Beijing’s oldest commercial streets, with a history of over 600 years. It used to be the busiest suburban market and remains full of character today. Some of Beijing’s oldest brand boutiques started here, alongside the city’s first cinema, and many are still operating. Walking the street gives a sense of everyday life beyond the imperial palaces, where locals have shopped, worked, and socialised for generations.