Once a federal prison housing dangerous and notorious criminals, Alcatraz (The Rock) now welcomes tourists into the cell blocks once occupied by the likes of Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelley, and the Birdman of Alcatraz. Self-guided audio tours have dramatic narratives of Alcatraz’s grim history, including realistic sound effects one would hear in prison. Apart from the prison complex itself, Alcatraz Island essentially operates as a national park. You can spend a full day hiking, taking in the view from multiple observation points and appreciating the natural beauty.

The Museum of Toulouse is an interdisciplinary institution that bridges the fields of science, culture, education, and social issues. Serving as a means for exchanging and questioning knowledge, the museum offers a platform for informed discussions and information-sharing that delves into the relationship between humans, nature, and the environment.

La Devesa Park is Catalonia’s largest urban green space, a 40-hectare oasis framed by the Ter, Güell, and Onyar rivers. Its defining feature is a stunning grid of over 2,500 plane trees, many planted in the 1850s and soaring over 55 metres. The vegetation creates shaded avenues perfect for walking and cycling. Beyond its natural allure, the park serves as a vibrant community hub. It hosts weekly markets, the annual Festes de Sant Narcís fair, sports facilities, and cultural venues like the Girona Trade Fair (Fira de Girona) and Girona Auditorium & Conference Centre (Auditori Palau de Congressos). The French-style gardens and historic gatehouses add elegance to this protected landscape.

This public garden has abandoned its medicinal functions to become a popular family outing in Toulouse. It offers a breath of fresh air in the centre of the city and a large range of sights and activities such as playgrounds, ponds with swans and ducks, a small coffee place, pony rides, and beautiful bridges.