Over a century old, the Speicherstadt is the world's largest integrated complex of warehouses. Visitors to Hamburg will discover a picturesque setting of Wilhelmine era Gothic architecture rendered in red brick, featuring unusual gables and towers. Precious commodities are stored at controlled temperatures behind the massive walls: coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, tobacco, and the world's largest collection of Oriental rugs. If you're pressed for time or wish to give your feet a rest after exploring the city, consider taking a one-hour evening boat tour. The Speicherstadt looks particularly enchanting at sunset.

The Melbourne Aquarium contains multiple marine animal species native to the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic. One of its highlights is a 360-degree fish-bowl viewing area. If you dare, try diving with the sharks! You will also find the largest collection of seahorses and sea dragon species in the world.

Documenting Latvia's history and literature, hosting exhibitions and simply an architectural masterpiece, the Castle of Light, or National Library of Latvia, is worth a visit if only to be admired for its striking design.

‘This is where the cultural, creative, and enterprising urban district Sphinx will arise.’ So reads the ambition behind the plans for the development of the Sphinx area. Plans focus on the place where Maastricht’s industrial revolution began. It was here that Petrus Regout built his ‘Sphinx Factory,’ the start of what grew into an enormous industry, producing bathroom fixtures, tiles, and the products that made Maastricht great. The factory operated until 2006, and since then efforts have been under way to redevelop this area as a district that fits in with the city, but as something Maastricht does not already have. That’s why this district is being designed to attract creative types, young residents, national and international students, and expatriates. It will be internationally oriented, with room for flexible space and temporary functions. Where this area is going is becoming clearer and clearer, in things like the arrival of the pop music stage in a former sawmill, and the newly opened Brandweer(kantine), with workspaces and meeting places for creative entrepreneurs. But not everything in this part of the city is new and different. The historic and picturesque river harbour ‘t Bassin, adjacent to the Sphinx area, makes a perfect buffer for the transition from the more familiar and better known Maastricht to this new part of town.