Just outside Lake Garda, Gardaland is Italy’s biggest theme park. Over 30 rides, shows, and Italy’s first fully themed aquarium make it a solid choice if you’re travelling with kids or just want a day away from the usual sightseeing. The resort also includes a Sea-Life centre and a hotel if you want to make a full day or overnight trip of it.

Casa di Giulietta is a 14th-century Gothic house linked (mostly by myth) to Juliet from Shakespeare’s play. The name similarity between the real Dal Cappello family and the fictional Capulets kicked off the connection. Inside, there’s a small museum and a stone balcony—added long after Shakespeare's time—which draws a steady stream of visitors. The courtyard gets packed, but there’s something fun about the whole scene—even if you know it’s more story than history.

Documenting Latvia's history and literature, hosting exhibitions and simply an architectural masterpiece, the Castle of Light, or National Library of Latvia, is worth a visit if only to be admired for its striking design.

Carlstadt is the city’s exquisite quarter of galleries and antique shops. Citadellstraße with its elegant stately residences from the 18th and 19th centuries and the flair of its streets almost unchanged since these days, seems to have escaped the passing of time. A more profound insight into Düsseldorf’s history can be gained at Stadtmuseum at the corner of Bäckerstraße and Berger Allee. Its cosy garden is treated as an insidertip! The Carlsplatz, and its lively food market open from Monday to Saturday. From here, take the attractive Bilker Straße for a visit to the Heinrich-Heine- Institute or proceed past the former residence of Robert and Clara Schumann to Bastionstraße, a must for every lover of antiques.