During the summer months, Buckingham Palace — the official residence of King Charles III — opens the doors of its elegant State Rooms to the public. As well as proving a very fancy backdrop for many official royal engagements, the rooms contain some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings, sculptures and fine French furniture.

The Iraqi National Museum is dedicated to the rich history of Iraq and its ancient civilisations, including the Sumerians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. Its collections feature artefacts that span over 7,000 years of history. Unfortunately, many of these invaluable pieces were lost during the looting that occurred in the early days of the Iraq War in 2003. Since then, efforts have been underway to recover and restore these artefacts, and the museum continues to play a vital role in preserving and showcasing Iraq’s cultural heritage.

One of the largest and most interesting museums in the world, the British Museum is home to some of the most treasured historical artefacts ever found. The extensive exhibition includes the Rosetta Stone, Assyrian treasures, Egyptian mummies and the museum's spectacularly illuminated Great Court, where you can find the museum's new restaurant. This restaurant is an ideal spot for taking afternoon tea under the court's spectacular roof. Free tours of the museum and guides are also available. The tours are led by knowledgeable experts in their field of study — don't miss this amazing learning opportunity.

A trip to Iraq is often driven by a passion for history, and Ancient Babylon, located roughly 100 kilometres south of Baghdad, is a key attraction. Since accommodation near the site is limited, most visitors opt for a day trip from the capital. To reach Babylon, head to the Alawi car park, locally referred to as the 'garage', and ask about shared taxis or minivans heading there. The journey costs no more than 15,000 Iraqi dinars and takes about two hours. These vehicles typically drop passengers a few kilometres from the entrance, so you may need to arrange a local taxi or ask nearby residents for assistance. Currently, entrance to the archaeological site costs 25,000 Iraqi dinars, approximately $18 USD. Payment by card is possible, but it's advisable to carry cash, as foreign cards may not always be accepted. Inside, the ruins reveal a fascinating glimpse into the past. The main area consists of castle-like arches leading to wide terraces, alongside the remnants of the ancient gardens and in the distance, Saddam Hussein’s hilltop mansion looms. Access to the mansion is not guaranteed, as its opening appears to depend on the day and circumstance.