Built in the 17th century, Sidi Youssef Dey Mosque was the first Ottoman-style mosque in Tunis, designed by Andalusian architect Ibn Ghalib. Its eclectic mix of influences reflects the era’s cultural exchanges. Flanked by Turkish souqs — El Trouk (once tailors, now clothing and embroidery), El Berka (formerly a slave market, later jewellery traders), and El Bechamkia (slippers and shoes) — the mosque served the city’s Ottoman-era merchants. The minaret, topped with a distinctive green-tiled pyramidal crown, became a model for later Ottoman designs in Tunis. Its octagonal shape, novel at the time, subtly asserted Ottoman authority. Inside, the mosque houses the tombs of Youssef Dey, commander of the janissaries, and his family. Sidi Youssef remains an active mosque, so plan visits outside prayer times, when non-Muslim visitors may enter. Its striking architecture, both inside and out, anchors a neighbourhood rich with history.

Lake Atanasovsko, located just north of Burgas, is a coastal salt lake known for its vivid pink hues. The Instagram-ready colours are caused by the microalgae Dunaliella salina. Spanning a vast area, the lake is divided into two sections. The northern part is a protected nature reserve, home to over 300 bird species, including rare and endangered waterfowl like Dalmatian pelicans and white herons. The southern section is used for traditional sun-and-shovel powered salt production, yielding around 40,000 tons annually. The lake’s high salinity and mineral-rich mud are believed to have therapeutic properties, attracting visitors seeking natural remedies for skin conditions, arthritis, and other ailments. A designated birdwatching shelter near the lake’s edge offers observation spots for wildlife enthusiasts. Access is restricted to marked paths to preserve the delicate ecosystem. With its unique blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural significance, Lake Atanasovsko is a remarkable destination on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.

The National Mall is the central strip of D.C., where most of the major sights are lined up. You can stroll past the Smithsonian museums — like the National Museum of American History — and pop into the National Gallery and its Sculpture Garden. Monuments and memorials are scattered along the way, from Lincoln and Roosevelt to the Vietnam and Korean War memorials.