Xiamen Botanical Garden is a lush escape from the city’s hustle. Home to over 5,000 species of tropical plants, the garden weaves together picturesque winding paths, ponds, and rock formations in a setting that feels both serene and expansive. There are also themed areas such as the Bamboo Forest, Bonsai Garden, and Rose Garden. The Xiamen Botanical Garden is the kind of place where you can wander aimlessly, discovering hidden corners and marvelling at the diversity of plant life. If the city buzz is starting to wear on you, an afternoon here offers a refreshing reset.

The trendy space and "cultural incubator," as the creators have aptly referred to it, ok16 regularly hosts art markets showcasing artwork by contemporary Belarusian creators, among other events like exhibitions, theatrical performances, lectures, and more. The entire street is a showcase for Minsk's alternative art scene, with murals and graffiti adorning the walls of Soviet-era block buildings and trendy coffee outlets neighbouring on (fully operational!) factories with "Emplyees of the Month" billboards out front.

The Temple of Hephaestus is a well-preserved ancient Greek temple built in 450 BC, dedicated to the God Hephaestus, the protector of blacksmiths, craftsmen, artisans, sculptors, metals, metallurgy, fire and volcanoes. This may be one of the most well-preserved temples, not only in Greece, but in all of Europe.

Across the road from the Museum of the Great Patriotic War lies a delightful little park that stands on the site of a 19th century marketplace. You often see people playing music here.