Dubbed the "home of American coffee culture," Portland knows what it takes to brew the perfect cup. In a 2016 survey of 100 U.S. cities, Portland topped the list, boasting the most coffee roasters per capita and the highest number of cafés. With so many spots to enjoy a great cup of coffee, you might think there's little room for discovery — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Portland’s coffee scene continues to evolve, with unique additions like Oracle Coffee Company, run by Andy Hurley, the drummer of Fall Out Boy and a self-described "vegan straight-edge anarchist." The choices are endless, but for a glimpse of where it all began, visit the original Stumptown Coffee Roasters location at 4525 Southeast Division Street. Many credit this tiny space with launching Portland’s rise to coffee fame, now a chain with outlets from New York to LA.

Be prepared to have your mind bent, blown and rewired as you walk into the Lange Voorhout Palace where the illusory work of famous graphic artist M.C. Escher is exhibited. The palace is home to such legendary Escher paintings as 'Air and Water' in which birds are blended into fish and 'Waterfall' in which water appears to flow upwards instead of down. There are interactive experiences on the second floor, dedicated to the Eye of Escher where guests are encouraged to solve some of Escher’s most perplexing mysteries, including the impossible Penrose Triangle. On the third floor, there is a large-scale optical illusion where adults can appear to be children and vice versa. Audio tours and guided tours are available and there are additional temporary exhibitions taking place on occasion.

Lan Su Chinese Garden, a tranquil oasis in downtown Portland, was built as a gift from Portland’s sister city, Suzhou, China. The garden features decorative rocks imported from China by the workers who helped construct it. Visitors can enjoy guided tours (included in the admission price), explore rare plants native to China, and relax in a traditional tea house. The garden also hosts a rotating array of cultural events and activities.

Santiago's Parque O'Higgins is Chile's second-largest public park and the venue for several festivals and concerts throughout the year, featuring world renowned artists. In late March, the annual Lollapalooza Festival takes place here, attracting tourists as well as locals. The park is also a popular leisure destination for families, sports enthusiasts and those who want to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind for a moment.