Fira’s the main hub of the island—busy, a bit chaotic in peak season, but a good base if you want everything within reach. It’s where you’ll find most of the museums (the Museum of Prehistoric Thera is the one to prioritise), plus loads of shops, cafés, and bars. If you’re using the bus to get around, this is where they all connect. It’s also a decent spot for watching the caldera without Oia’s crowds.

Sitting high up on Mesa Vouno, Ancient Thera has the kind of views that make the hike worth it. The ruins stretch along a ridge above Kamari and Perissa, with bits of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine history still visible—temples, bathhouses, homes, even an old theatre. You can drive most of the way from Kamari (steep road), or hike up from Perissa if you’re up for a long, hot climb (around 2 hours). Bring water, wear shoes with grip, and go early if you want to avoid the heat.

Right in the centre of Fira, this museum gives proper context to all the ruins you’ll see around the island. Most of the finds come from Akrotiri, the ancient town buried by the volcanic eruption: wall paintings, pottery, tools, and other items from thousands of years ago that somehow survived. It’s small, doesn’t take long to get through, and is absolutely worth popping into before or after visiting the Akrotiri site itself.

A trip to Iraq is often driven by a passion for history, and Ancient Babylon, located roughly 100 kilometres south of Baghdad, is a key attraction. Since accommodation near the site is limited, most visitors opt for a day trip from the capital. To reach Babylon, head to the Alawi car park, locally referred to as the 'garage', and ask about shared taxis or minivans heading there. The journey costs no more than 15,000 Iraqi dinars and takes about two hours. These vehicles typically drop passengers a few kilometres from the entrance, so you may need to arrange a local taxi or ask nearby residents for assistance. Currently, entrance to the archaeological site costs 25,000 Iraqi dinars, approximately $18 USD. Payment by card is possible, but it's advisable to carry cash, as foreign cards may not always be accepted. Inside, the ruins reveal a fascinating glimpse into the past. The main area consists of castle-like arches leading to wide terraces, alongside the remnants of the ancient gardens and in the distance, Saddam Hussein’s hilltop mansion looms. Access to the mansion is not guaranteed, as its opening appears to depend on the day and circumstance.