Näsinpuisto Park is the green oasis of Tampere with plenty to do and see: browse the craft shops of Tallipiha Stable Yards or hunt the mini sculptures of the Fairy Tale Park. The Baroque Näsilinna palace, once the home of Peter von Nottbeck, an owner of the Finlayson cotton mill, is also found here, housing a museum and an elegant café-restaurant.

Don't be fooled by the exterior — the Church of São Roque is one of the world’s most decadent and expensive churches, covered in gemstones, marble, mosaics, gold, silver and bronze. It took 130 Roman artists to create this masterpiece — one of the first Jesuit churches in the world. After being blessed by the pope, it was transported to Lisbon in 1574. Within the same complex, you'll find the São Roque museum that offers a sizeable collection of Portuguese sacred art.

The area where Expo 98 was held has been successfully transformed into a centre for exhibitions, leisure and culture. The extensive amount of building since the Expo almost overshadows pearls such as Siza Vieira’s Portugal pavilion and Santiago Calatrava’s adjacent Oriente Station. Green park spaces with public art link landmark contemporary buildings like the Camões Theatre and the Lisbon Oceanarium. Trendy waterfront restaurants, the glass-roofed Centro Vasco da Gama mall with shops and cinemas — everything you need for a fun weekend. Kid-friendly exhibits attract families to the Knowledge Pavilion, while the Telecabine Lisboa cable car offers sweeping views with a touch of adventure.