Hard to miss and easy to linger in, this L-shaped square is basically an open-air museum. Grab a seat at a café (yes, it’s pricey, but the people-watching is worth every euro), and you’ve got front-row views of Palazzo Vecchio, the Fountain of Neptune, and the statue of Cosimo I on horseback. Just off to the side is the Loggia dei Lanzi, packed with Renaissance sculptures—all free to see, no ticket needed. Early mornings or late evenings are quieter if you want to take it all in without the daytime crowds.

As Kyōto's most iconic landmark, Kinkaku-Ji (literally the "Temple of the Golden Pavillion"), is undoubtedly astonishing. Built in 1397, the complex was the retirement villa of the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Soon after his death in 1408, the structure was converted into a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect by his son. Engulfed in flames several times throughout the ages, the current complex was rebuilt true to the original in 1955 (except for the top two floors that were both covered in gold leaf). Thousands of sightseers pack the site to glance at the breathtaking Gold Temple, its reflection shimmering in the serene pond in a picturesque setting. It's best to go early in the morning or just before closing to avoid queuing in notoriously slow-moving lines.

Sainte-Anne is one of Guadeloupe's top tourist destinations, easily reachable from Pointe-a-Pitre, on the southern coast of Grande-Terre. The village dates back to the 17th century and boasts one of the most fantastic beaches in all of Guadeloupe, lined by a welcoming promenade. You can find the remains of old sugar mills in the area, as well as some great dining and shopping opportunities.

The Mingei Iyo-Kasuri Kaikan is a museum and shop devoted to the folk craft (mingei) of weaving with dyed yarn (kasuri). The building itself is attractive with a traditional Japanese-style frontage, resplendent with elaborate plaster and tile work, and a little garden of manicured pines. Behind this frontage is a series of sheds that house the exhibits.