Perched atop the stark white cliffs of Pamukkale lies Hierapolis — an ancient city that's as rich in history as it is in thermal springs. Once a Phrygian cult centre and later a flourishing Greek city, Hierapolis boasts a well-preserved amphitheatre, an array of atmospheric ruins, and the famed Sacred Pool — a thermally heated delight where you can immerse yourself amidst submerged Roman columns, scattered by an ancient earthquake. Just a stone's throw away, the terraces of Pamukkale steal the show. These gleaming white formations, made of travertine — a sedimentary rock deposited by the mineral-rich hot waters — give the town its name, meaning 'Cotton Castle'. With temperatures ranging from 35°C to a steamy 100°C, these hot springs have been creating an expanding landscape of terraces for centuries, as calcium carbonate from the waters crystallises into the soft gel of travertine. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, Hierapolis and Pamukkale offer a unique fusion of cultural history and natural wonder that should not be missed.

The imposing Bala Hissar Fort was once the seat of Afghan Durrani royals. Ownership was transferred to the Sikhs in the 19th century, with the fort eventually being rebuilt by the British to achieve its current look. Bala Hisar now houses the paramilitary forces of Pakistan, making it difficult to look inside, but an on-site museum is open to the public.

The Åland Museum (history and ethnography) and Åland Konstmuseum (art museum) are both housed under the same roof. The permanent culture and history exhibition on display at the Åland Museum gives excellent insight into the history of the province. Art from Åland is displayed at the Konstmuseum, and there are always a few temporary exhibitions. The discovery of world's oldest champagne in the region is highlighted through an exhibition entitled “Champagnegaleasen” (the champagne schooner).

Described as the Iraqi "Madam Tussaud's", the Baghdadi Museum's wax sculptures eternalize not the modern-day movie stars but average Baghdadi residents going about their lives during mid-20th century. The museum is a family-friendly place to learn about local folklore and past lifestyles.