Bab al-Bhar, the monumental gateway to the Medina of Tunis, stands as a portal between eras. Once part of the old city’s defensive walls, its arch now opens onto a lively plaza where daily life unfolds. Here, children play by fountains, artisans sell traditional textiles, and tea houses hum with conversation. Beyond lies the Medina, Tunisia’s historic heart. Its narrow streets branch into specialised souqs, each dedicated to specific crafts: copper smiths hammering wares, perfumers blending oils and leather workers stitching goods. At its centre rises Al-Zaytuna Mosque, the city’s oldest and most revered site. Stalls between these hubs offer ceramics, textiles, and other handcrafted treasures. Visit mid-week to navigate comfortably. On Saturdays, the crowds can become overwhelming, and on Sundays many shops stay closed.

The heart of Old Jaffa, Kikar Kedumim (Hebrew for 'Square of ancient times') is an ancient central square and an essential stop for anyone touring the city. With the city port on one side and Old Jaffa streets on the other, Kikar Kedumim is the perfect departure point for a Tel Aviv city tour. Do not miss its centrepiece fountain, as well as souvenir shops and eateries in the area.

Suzanne Dellal Centre is a dance and theatre space with an inviting open-air garden, a venue popular with both locals and visitors. The Centre boasts an ever-changing offer of professionally staged performances, so do check the website for schedules when you're in town.

On the waterfront, only a few minutes from Harpa sits the most famous sculpture in Iceland, the Sólfarið or the Sun Voyager. Made of steel and resembling a Viking ship — although this was not the artist's intention — the Sun Voyager is, according to its creator Jón Gunnar Árnason, an ode to the sun, a dreamboat symbolising the promise of undiscovered territory, the dream of hope, progress, and freedom. This is also one of the best spots for a picture in Reykjavík, with Mount Esja providing the perfect backdrop.