It’s all here, whether you go for the big names or those cute little boutiques you find nowhere else. And whether you prefer an upmarket department store or a covered shopping centre for your whole new wardrobe, or enjoy running from shop to shop in search of that one perfect item. Here in the Maastricht city centre, there’s something for every shopaholic, young or old, boy or girl. Comb the Grote Staat and be dazzled by all the known and lesser-known chains you find here. Take a peek at the shopping centre Entre Deux, worth a visit for its architecture alone, and for the huge shops for famous labels you’ll find here. There are still a few surprises for you in store at the shopping centre Mosae Forum, just next to the Markt. And don’t overlook the basement floor, where you’ll find some hidden gems (of the edible kind!). But it’s not all fashion, beauty, and lifestyle; there’s also a special place for books, in the amazing bookshop in the medieval Dominican church, a highlight of the city centre not to be missed. Need a breather? When you’re ready to take a break from your shopping adventure, you’ll be pleased to find that the amazing array of shops is interspersed with pubs, cafés, and charming restaurants.

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.

Uetliberg is called Zurich’s very own mountain. The 870 m (2,850 feet) summit gives you views of the city and lake, plus a glimpse of the Alps. You can quickly and easily get to the mountain with the S10 line. There is lots to discover: well-marked hiking and bike routes, the Planet Trail walk that takes you on a tour through a model of our solar system. In the winter, the hiking trail becomes a toboggan run. Uetliberg is especially popular in November, when the Uto Kulm summit is often above the blanket of fog.

Näsinpuisto Park is the green oasis of Tampere with plenty to do and see: browse the craft shops of Tallipiha Stable Yards or hunt the mini sculptures of the Fairy Tale Park. The Baroque Näsilinna palace, once the home of Peter von Nottbeck, an owner of the Finlayson cotton mill, is also found here, housing a museum and an elegant café-restaurant.