Located in southern Iraq, the cities of Karbala and Najaf are among the holiest sites for Shia Muslims worldwide. Karbala lies approximately 114 kilometres south of Baghdad, while Najaf is around 177 kilometres away, offering a day trip opportunity to the beating heart of Shia Islam. Karbala's golden-domed shrine marks the resting place of Imam Husayn, Prophet Muhammad's martyred grandson, while Najaf's magnificent mosque entombs Imam Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law. The 80-kilometre pilgrimage route between the cities sees millions of faithful muslims annually retracing Imam Husayn's final journey in a procession. Walking this path represents both spiritual renewal and solidarity with Husayn's stand against oppression.

The most well-known branch of the Soumaya Museum on Plaza Carso houses the eclectic $700 million private art collection of one of the world’s wealthiest men. The glistening facade of the building with its swooping lines is a must for your Instagram feed. Inside, a spiralling ramp will lead you though several floors filled with works of European and Mexican masters. The museum's collection spans 30 centuries of art including sculptures from Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica, Mexican art, works by European old masters and masters of modern western art such as Auguste Rodin, Salvador Dalí, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo and Tintoretto. It is called one of the most complete collections of its kind.

Located in the lively Lombok district, Molen de Ster is a historic mill commissioned by the Van der Starren family. It stands as the sole remaining structure from a series of sawmills along the Leidsche Vaart. After an extensive restoration in the 1990s, the mill houses a café, and has a small animal park nearby. Guided tours in English provide insight into the mill's history.