The Marienplatz is the heart of Munich and the site of the world-famous Glockenspiel. Daily, at 11am and noon, and additionally in summer at 5pm, the mechanical dancers in the tower of the New Town Hall come to life when the clock chimes. The building’s neo-Gothic facade is a favourite background for souvenir photos. Climb to the top of the 85-metre tower for a beautiful view of the city.

The Athens War Museum is run by the Greek Armed Forces. The exhibitions cover the history of war in all ages, from Mycenaean conflicts all the way to the present day. Great displays of battle grounds, weapons, uniforms, heroic figures and personal items.

Siena still runs on medieval time—in the best way. Its centre hasn’t changed much in centuries, and that’s part of the charm. The Piazza del Campo is the heart of it all—it’s where the Palio horse race happens twice a year. Climb the Torre del Mangia for wide views across the rooftops. The cathedral’s worth the time, especially its black-and-white striped interior, detailed floor mosaics (open seasonally), and the Piccolomini Library tucked inside. Don’t skip the crypt or the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo—they’re quieter and give you a different angle on the city.

The Kreativquartier area embodies diversity and heterogeneity. The cityscape with old industrial buildings, colourful graffiti and wildly growing gardens, is where artists and designers run their studios and open workshops. From performances and exhibitions to concerts, the content, themes, and aesthetics rarely conform to traditional Munich culture.