Standing 52 metres high, this bronze statue (the biggest in all Africa) commemorates the end of slavery and the reemergence of the African continent after the oppressive European rule. This impressive sight has been the subject of criticism and controversy, for being an incredible 27-million-dollar money sink executed by a North Korean sculpting company. Whether for its symbolism or its kitsch factor, the statue is worth a visit.

This zoo was made world famous by The Crocodile Hunter himself — Steve Irwin. Although best known for its crocodiles and crocodile feedings, the zoo also features wildlife from all around Australia and the world over, including koalas, tigers, and even the possibility of hand-feeding a kangaroo.

Manhattan is an island packed with some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Spend time in Central Park, see a Broadway show, and experience the bright rush of Times Square. Each neighborhood here has its own rhythm, from the historic streets of Harlem to the cobblestones of SoHo and the towering skyline of Midtown. The borough is also home to major art institutions: the Guggenheim, with its distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright design and collection of modern masterpieces, and the New Museum on the Lower East Side, known for its focus on contemporary art. Down by the harbor, the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration tells the stories of those who came to America seeking new lives, right next to the Statue of Liberty, still one of the city’s most powerful symbols.