The name might be a bit deceiving, since the Lakes aren't really lakes, but a lush green expanse, perfect for kicking back and enjoying the evening breeze and the sunset. Locals really take advantage of this space, and it is uncommon not to find children playing and families picnicking at any hour.

Set inside The Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest in the world, with a 10-million-litre tank that houses more than 140 species of marine life, including the planet’s biggest collection of sand tiger sharks. A stroll through the 48-metre walk-through tunnel gives you a front-row seat as sharks and rays glide overhead, while the underwater zoo upstairs introduces visitors to everything from otters to penguins.

The Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar is one of Barcelona’s most stunning churches and a prime example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Its design showcases a cleaner, more restrained style compared to the elaborate ornamentation typically associated with Gothic structures. Construction began in 1329 and was completed in 1383 — an impressive feat for such a monumental project. Inside, the basilica feels remarkably spacious and airy, with its three naves of equal height supported by towering, slender pillars. The sparse decoration of the chapels enhances this sense of openness. Natural light filters through the magnificent rose window on the main façade and the vibrant stained glass windows, bathing the interior in a serene glow.

Plaza Nueva is Bilbao’s oldest surviving square, built in 1849. Pop by for some coffee, watch locals and visitors pass by, or try some of the city’s top pintxos. Café Bar Bilbao is one of the most famous here, known for its squid pintxo and the ham-and-onion version, which are local favourites.