Artxanda is Bilbao’s hilltop viewpoint, offering wide panoramic views of the city, the Nervión River, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a nice escape from the streets below, with paths to wander and spots to sit and take it all in. You can reach the top via a small funicular railway from the Iralabarri district.

The Prague Botanical Garden in Troja is a haven for nature lovers. It features a vast collection of over 15,000 plant species, a serene Japanese Garden, and the Fata Morgana Greenhouse, which offers a journey through diverse tropical ecosystems. With areas like the historic St Clara Vineyards and the Peony Meadow, it's a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration throughout the year.

Scattered throughout the Old Town, these twelve churches are among the oldest buildings in Cologne—most of them date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. They’ve all got that heavy Romanesque look, but each one’s a bit different. Great St. Martin stands out with its massive tower right by the river, St. Gereon has got an unusual oval dome, and St. Maria im Kapitol is one of the largest. You don’t need to see all twelve, but stopping in at a couple while you’re exploring the Old Town gives you a good feel for the city’s medieval side.

Cologne’s main opera house stages a mix of classic and contemporary productions, from Mozart to modern composers. The resident company is strong, and visiting performers keep the programme varied. The building itself is modern and a bit divisive—some love it, some don’t—but the acoustics are excellent.