Emerging from the placid waters just like the nearby National Museum, the National Theatre is one of the biggest theatres in the Arab world. It hosts performances by some of the foremost artists in the world, ranging from classical music and ballet to contemporary shows. The impressive architectural achievement owns much to local tradition with the wooden interiors and the 1,001 seats inspired by the world-famous Arabic tales.

From the outside, Carré Sainte Anne deceptively looks like just another church. Those who do venture inside, however, will be surprised to see the refurbished space that has been turned into a contemporary exhibition pavilion, with expositions designed to resonate with the unusual nature of the space.

Travellers who enjoy going slightly off the beaten track should not miss the Museum of Human Anatomy in Pisa. First opened in 1832, the museum collected thousands of pieces of highly accurate anatomical models made for educational-scientific purposes. Certainly an unusual and macabre attraction. A section of the museum is dedicated to anatomical paintings by Giovanni Paolo Mascagni, who was famed for his mind-blowingly intricate and accurate colour illustrations. Another section contains archaeological finds, such as funerary objects from pre-Columbian civilisations, with fabrics, vases and various utensils, mummies and sarcophagi.