Known in English as Liberation Square, Al-Tahrir Square is Baghdad’s largest and most central public space, located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River. This open area, lined with benches and gardens, is a popular gathering spot where locals relax with friends and family. Historically significant, the square symbolises Iraq’s liberation from British colonial rule and continues to be a focal point for political demonstrations. The surrounding area is lively, with numerous bookstores, tea stalls, and restaurants.

Hamra Street is one of Beirut’s most vibrant hubs, located in the Hamra neighbourhood. It’s a commercial and entertainment street lined with cafés, restaurants, shops, and bookshops. Long regarded as the intellectual and cultural heart of the city, Hamra also boasts theatres and art spaces, attracting students, writers, and artists. Its cosmopolitan energy and diplomatic presence give the area a distinctly international flair.

Downtown Beirut is best explored on a cycling tour during the day. The city centre showcases sleek glass towers, while just a block away, abandoned high-rises with bullet holes stand as urban fossils from a not-so-distant war. The area is a blend of modern and traditional architecture, complemented by dining options and important historical landmarks. Make sure you stop to take a photo at the popular 'I Love Beirut' sign, visit Martyrs’ Square, a moving memorial to the nationalists executed here in 1916 under Ottoman rule, and admire the impressive Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque.

Built for the 2008 Games, the park is home to two of Beijing’s most recognisable landmarks: the National Stadium (the 'Bird’s Nest') and the National Aquatics Centre (the 'Water Cube'). Both are still in use for sports and events, and they light up at night, which is the best time to see them. The park itself is also one of the largest green spaces in the city, with long open avenues, lakes, and gardens — a good spot for a walk if you’re in the north of Beijing.