One of the oldest zoos in all of Europe, ARTIS contains multiple species of land and marine animals, as well as an aquarium and a planetarium. The zoo grounds invite for a pleasant stroll among the trees and give the visitors the opportunity to admire a myriad of animals ranging from chimps to elephants.

Cafe La Mancha is a lovely coffee shop tucked away in the busy downtown of San Jose — yet sitting inside provides a respite from the busy noise of the city. The staff as well as the owner will eagerly chat with you about their coffee. Pair your perfect cup of caffeinated goodness with freshly made carrot cake or lemon pie. Take a break under the glass roof of the courtyard and recharge your batteries.

The Seine cuts through the heart of Paris, and seeing the city from the water is one of the easiest ways to take in its big-name sights — from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame. A veritable Parisian institution since 1949, the Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches® runs cruises year-round, with most following a similar route and offering multilingual commentary. Whether you go for a daytime ride or a nighttime cruise when the bridges and monuments are lit up, it’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different angle.

Situated in the lush setting of the Botanical Gardens, Ulster Museum is all about art, archaeology, local history and natural sciences. Come here and admire their fine permanent collection, as well as rotating exhibitions and events that promote diverse voices and new perspectives. Dinosaur bones, ancient weapons, meteorites, shoe exhibits, ship models, musical instruments, historical documents and jewellery; there's just a little bit of everything. The time period and the range of topics covered are extensive, so you might even want to visit the museum twice.