The German Film Museum is located on the Museum Embankment and dives into the magic of cinema from its earliest days to today’s digital world. You can try out early film devices, play with light and sound, and see how moving images come to life. Alongside the permanent displays, there are changing exhibitions and a small cinema that screens classics and rare films.

The Museum Embankment (Museumsufer) lines the south bank of the Main River with a string of museums covering everything from fine art and film to architecture, Jewish history and ancient sculpture. Highlights include the Städel Museum with its underground gallery, the German Film Museum, the Museum of Communication and the Jewish Museum. Each August, the embankment hosts the Museum Embankment Festival, one of Europe’s biggest cultural events, with late openings, live music and food stalls along the river.

You can’t really miss it—Florence’s cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) dominates the skyline with that massive red-brick dome. Construction began in the 13th century and continued for nearly 150 years, which is evident in the diverse styles. The outside is covered in pink, green and white marble—oddly beautiful up close. Inside, check out Vasari’s Last Judgment fresco under the dome. If you’re up for the climb (and it is quite a climb), the view from the top is worth the leg burn.