The Duke’s Diwan is a time capsule of early 20th-century Amman, hidden in plain sight on the busy King Faisal Street. Built in 1924 as the city’s first post office, this Ottoman-era stone house later became the Haifa Hotel before heritage activist Mamdouh Bisharat ("The Duke of Mukheibeh") rescued it from demolition in 2001. Today, its creaking wooden floors lead through rooms frozen in Jordan’s past, complete with antique typewriters, sepia photos of camel caravans on dusty roads, and a balcony overlooking downtown’s metamorphosis. More than a museum, it’s a living diwan (gathering space): poets hold readings at the carved oak table, while artists riff under the Arabian archways. Admission is free, and the duke himself sometimes holds court, spinning tales of old Amman over cardamom coffee. Don’t miss the upstairs gallery, where rotating exhibits spotlight Jordan’s underground creatives.

Cafe La Mancha is a lovely coffee shop tucked away in the busy downtown of San Jose — yet sitting inside provides a respite from the busy noise of the city. The staff as well as the owner will eagerly chat with you about their coffee. Pair your perfect cup of caffeinated goodness with freshly made carrot cake or lemon pie. Take a break under the glass roof of the courtyard and recharge your batteries.

Dulce Junio Café not only has some of the best coffee in San Jose, but also offers you great variety of desserts. Try the creme de menthe chocolate cake — it comes with a frosting of rich fudge-like chocolate topped with a mint frosting that balances out the sweetness perfectly. For lunch, get the huge curry chicken sandwich made with the perfect focaccia bread. Dulce Junio's inner courtyard is a a quite space to enjoy a coffee and brief rest while out walking around the city neighbourhoods.

The Morrin Centre offers an interesting glimpse of the history of Quebec City. Once a prison, it later transformed into a language college. Delve into its rich history through a guided tour, where you can explore the former jail cells and the Victorian library. Among the treasures housed within are artifacts dating back to the 16th century.