Once a week, Sofia feels just a little more Spanish. The city has a large Spanish-speaking community, made up mainly of people from Spain as well as many from Latin America. Every Thursday or Friday they meet to socialise and practise Spanish together. During the summer months, the gathering usually takes place in Crystal Garden, next to the big head statue of Stefan Stambolov, while in winter the group moves to different indoor locations around the city. If you’d like to practise your Spanish or simply spend time with one of Sofia’s most active and welcoming expat communities, follow their social media page to stay updated on the exact time and venue. Look out for Juan, easy to spot thanks to his trendy beard. He is the organiser and founder of the group and is always happy to introduce newcomers to the community and help with any questions you might have about Sofia.

Visit the Sealife Centre and find out about the fascinating world of fish. This is a thrill for both adults and children. See everything from small seahorses and starfish to sharks and stingrays. Do not miss the shark tunnel and a pool where visitors are allowed to physically touch marine creatures.

The famous Blackpool Illuminations are what keeps visitors coming to the city long after the bathing season is over. Every year, from late August to early November, Blackpool lights up with over one million bulbs along the Promenade all the way to Bispham in the north - a sight not to be missed.

The Shanghai Museum on People's Square holds one of China's most significant collections of ancient art. Its five floors showcase a remarkable trove of over 120,000 cultural relics, with standout displays of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and paintings. Among its many treasures is an object of national importance: one of only three known Han-dynasty 'transparent' bronze mirrors in existence.