For any visit to Kyōto, a stop at Nishiki Market is a must. The over 400-year-old market with its 126 stalls is a foodie haven. All sorts of scents and flavours, from the sweet savouriness of tamagoyaki (the Japanese rolled omelette) to the fried treats, to the acidic tanginess of tsukemono (pickled goods), fill the thriving narrow shopping street. Besides the delicacies, the market is also famous for kitchen paraphernalia and tools, such as the acclaimed hand-crafted knives of Aritsugu. Fun fact: almost all edibles sold here are served on sticks.

Built between 1842 and 1870 on the former site of a Franciscan convent, The Stock Exchange Palace, or Palácio da Bolsa, is an impressive building in Neoclassical style, which currently houses the headquarters of the Porto Commercial Association. Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Palácio da Bolsa attracts around 200,000 visitors a year, making it the most visited monument in the north of Portugal. Take a guided tour to see up close its magnificently decorated rooms, especially the Arab Room, which features the exotic Moorish Revival architecture. This room also serves as a reception hall for heads of state and personalities visiting the city.

For a gateway into Gran Canaria's past, why not visit one of the island's museums? Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's Casa de Colón (Columbus House) museum chronicles the adventures of Christopher Columbus, while Gáldar's Cueva Pintada (Painted Cave) museum reveals the island's pre-Spanish history.

Even though he was born in Brooklyn, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt was educated in Limerick and wrote the book "Angela’s Ashes", which is about his childhood in both cities. His old school is now a museum, and a classroom from the 1930s is stored inside.