Jakarta’s Old Town, known as Kota Tua, is where the city first took shape under Dutch rule. The cobbled square is lined with faded colonial buildings that now house museums, cafés, and street artists. It’s a good place to walk around, people-watch, and imagine how Batavia might have looked centuries ago. Don’t miss Fatahillah Square, the Jakarta History Museum, and the Wayang Museum while you’re there.

The clear skies of the Azores are the perfect place to see glorious constellations. This Science Centre shares its passion for astronomy with visitors of all ages. Visit in the evening to try out the observatory's telescopes and do some stargazing of your own.

This extravagantly decorated clandestine church built centuries ago when Catholicism was considered a crime is hidden in plain sight behind an unassuming front door in the city centre. Those walking down Juffrouw Idastraat would never imagine that within one of the typical terraced houses lies the enormous Parish of Saints James and Augustine where Catholics used to practice their faith in secret. Nobody is quite sure who built the church, but the stunning baroque plastering seems to suggest that it was the famous architect and artist Daniel Marot or one of his students. Book a free tour which takes you through the church and the attic to the more recent Bishop’s Chamber which is full of some of the original features and furniture that were used in the 1700s.

Numerous Advent markets during the run-up to Christmas draw visitors from near and far to the City of Mozart. The most famous of these include the Christkindlmarkt on Cathedral and Residenzplatz squares, along with Advent Magic at Hellbrunn, which is particularly popular with families, and the Advent Market on Mirabellplatz.