Hotels in Milan can be expensive, but there are cheaper options too
Taxis, buses, trains
February to November
+1hr GMT
Euro
Italian, English
Founded in 1953, the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci this is the largest science and technology museum in Italy. Housed in an early 16th century Olivetan monastery, it was named after Leonardo da Vinci whose machines, sketches and influence can be found here in abundance. The collection traces the key phases of Italy’s scientific and technological evolution. Educational activities are integrated through interactive labs (i.labs) to engage visitors in the discovery and exploration of science.
Milan's Duomo, or Cathedral, is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Construction started in 1386 but took nearly 500 years to complete. 135 spires and 3200 statues adorn the Duomo roof and you can take an elevator (or climb the stairs) to the rooftop for a close-up view as well as magnificent views of the city below. Piazza del Duomo, the square where the cathedral sits, is the hub of Milan's historic centre. Also on the square are a statue of Vittorio Emanuele and the Palazzo Reale housing the Duomo Museum and Contemporary Art Museum.
The 15th century Convent of Santa Maria della Grazie houses Leonardo Da Vinci's famous fresco, the Last Supper. Although the building was bombed in 1943, the fresco survived. To see the fresco, it's necessary to book in advance.
A range of hotels are available
Hire a car or get a taxi
All year round
Saudi Riyal
+3hrs GMT
Arabic and English
The Masjid Al-Nabawi is a beautiful mosque.. It contains the Green Dome, one of the most wonderful domes in the Islam. This mosque is also known for the beautiful umbrellas.
Mount Uhud consists of a group of mountains with a length of 7 kilometres and is about 3 kilometres wide. At the mountain there are little markets and street vendors are selling all kinds of products. On top of the mountain you will have an incredible view on the other mountains and the landscape around it.
Always wanted a trip through the desert? This is your chance! The trip we recommend is north into the southern part Al Nafud, to the ancient city complex of Mada’in Saleh. This is one of the most amazing sights in the whole Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!
There is something for every budget.
Try the city’s metro
April to August
+3.30hrs GMT
Iranian rial
Persian
The mosque and ivan of Gowhar Shad are stunning constructs and date back to the 15th century.
The shrine of Imam Reza and the historical complex attached to it, including the courtyards, porticos and porches, as well as its rich museum and library are worth a visit.
Other sights worth visiting are the tomb of the great poet Ferdowsi in Tous, 24 kilometers from Mashhad.
Everything from budget to the ultra-luxurious
Taxis or you could just walk and explore
June-September
+2hrs GMT
Euro
French
Tete d'Or Park, or the Park de la Tete d'Or, is the largest central city park in all of France and a delightful place for a jog or family recreation. Designed by landscape architect Denis Bühler in 1856, the historic park features wide tree-lined paths, botanical gardens and a zoo. Remaining largely intact from its original layout, the Rose Garden added in 1961 represents the only major change to the famed Lyon Park.
The National Opera House is one of Lyon's grandest attractions. A stunning glass dome frames the 300-year old building, which sits on a picturesque spot along the Rhone River near City Hall. Home to the Opera House Orchestra and the Lyon Opera Ballet company, the inside of the 1,200 seat theatre is equally spectacular and offers some of the finest acoustics in the world.
The History of Lyon and the Puppets of the World Museum are both located in the same stately early-16th-century residence, the Hôtel de Gadagne. The History of Lyon museum features Lyonnais sculptures, pottery, paintings, engravings ceramics, and furniture. The Musee de la Marionette displays puppets by Laurent Mourguet and marionettes from from around the world.
B&Bs, hotels, apartments
Buses, taxis and the Tube
June-September
+0hrs GMT
British Pound
English
London has the best theatre scene in the world. It attracts the very best in acting talent so don't be surprised to see a few famous faces on the London stage. Take your pick from long-running musicals, classic plays, or brand new works making their West End debut.
London's famous skyline continues to evolve, the most recent addition being the striking Shard building. There are plenty of places to view the iconic skyline along the river, but make sure you take in a panoramic view of London from up high at some point during your stay.
There is something for every budget.
Rent a car.
February to November.
+3.30hrs GMT
Iranian rial
Achomi
Carry your camera to this pretty little town for it offers picturesque views.
Visit the Bazaar of Qaisariye for everything from sweets and dates to a souvenir to take home.
Visit the Masjid-e Jomeh (Friday Mosque), built during the Safavid period, for a glimpse into the city’s illustrious past.
Number of hotels are available in the city
Taxis is the cheapest and easiest form of transport
October to April
+3hrs GMT
Kuwaiti Dinar
Arabic, English
Visit the old souq for a souvenir to remember the city by. It’s got everything from kohl to gold-spangled dresses.
The Kuwait Towers are worth a visit for the stunning views of the sea and city. Coated with 55,000 Chinese steel paints of eight colours, the Kuwait Towers are a majestic site and a massive tourist attraction.
Visit the musical fountains, which are said to be he fourth-largest set of fountains in the world.
Hotels to suit all budgets
Trains, taxis and public buses
October to February
Indian Rupee
+5.30hrs GMT
Malayalam, English
People who enjoy spending their time soaking up the sun on the beach will find a number of famous beaches close to the city. Kozhikode beach boasts a long stretch of sand as well as an old lighthouse and a gently crumbling pier. The famous Calicut Beach is another great place to soak up the sun, while thrill seekers can ride the wild rides at the nearby Lion’s Park theme park. Nature lovers will also want to take a trip to Dolphin’s Point in the early morning to watch dolphins playing in amongst the waves.
The people of Kozhikode practice a wide range of different religions and each religion boasts elaborate temples for the worshippers to make use of. One of the most impressive of these is the Tali temple, which dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest buildings in southern India.
Kozhikode also boasts a large number of other historical and cultural attractions. Art lovers should visit the local art gallery, where they can admire the paintings of Raja Raja Varma and Raja Ravi Varma, while star gazers should check out the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium. People who want to learn about the rich history of Kozhikode as well as the people of Kerala should explore the Kirtads, which is a special museum that has been designed to make the past come to life.
People who have a little extra time to spare will be able to take a number of daytrips to explore the area around Kozhikode. The charming town of Elathur is just a short drive away and is home to a beautiful lake, while the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a great place to spend some time. Also nearby is the city of Beypore, while Canolly Canal is an enchanting place to go boating. People who have a strong sense of adventure can head to Kakkayam to go rock climbing and trekking along the river path that leads to a series of stunning waterfalls. Soochippara Water Falls is another great place to go hiking and trekking, while visitors will also have the chance to swim in the crystal clear waters of the falls.
Hotels to suit all budgets
Trains, taxis and public buses
October to February
Indian Rupee
+5.30hrs GMT
Malayalam, English
Paradesi Syngagogue, built in 1568, can be found in the Mattancherry area of Kochi. It is currently the oldest functioning Jewish house of prayer in southern India.
For a restful afternoon, visit Cherai. With a smattering of beach resorts, it makes for a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of the main city square.
Take a trip down history with a visit to the Portuguese Mattancherry Palace. With exhibits and paintings of rulers, it is a must for any history buff.
There are a lot of hotels to choose from
Taxis and buses
January to April and October to December
+3hrs GMT
Sudani rial
Arabic
Khartoum is haven for tourists who love site-seeing and shopping. The National Museum of Sudan displays great epochs of Sudanese history including exhibits of historic Egyptian temples. Other sites include the Palace Museum and the Presidential Palace that is just adjacent to it.
You will enjoy shopping for cheap but incredible stuff in Khartoum. They have open markets called souqs. The Souq Arabi is the largest in the region and it is located south of the Great Mosque. There are many sections of merchandise here including one that sells gold.
But what a tourist shouldn’t miss is seeing Khartoum at night, as it is very scenic. Khartoum is indeed a beauty amidst the all the wrath.