Every Sunday at Feria de San Pedro Telmo, in the heart of the San Telmo neighbourhood, a fascinating market takes place that covers the square and surrounding cobblestone streets with antiques and handicrafts, and the whole area bustles with life and music and eager shoppers searching for that rare find.

Just an hour's boat trip away from Cartagena lie the magnificent Rosario Islands, which belong to Colombia's only underwater natural park (Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park). Abundant marine wildlife (including over 50 species of corals) and some of Colombia's best beaches draw in many in search of relaxation and active pursuits such as snorkelling and diving. Isla Grande is best for kayaking through unique mangrove forests and seeing the phosphorescent plankton light up the waters of a brackish lake at night, while Playa Blanca is Cartagena's most spectacular white-sand beach (also reachable by land). It should be said that the company you choose to tour with has the potential to make or break the experience. Low cost tours can mean multiple intermediate stops en route to your destination, as well as unpleasant surprises such as no transfer back to your hotel. Try and choose a trusted company with consistently good reviews, or opt for a private tour. Mind that seas may be rough at certain times of the year, particularly in December and January, when tours on smaller boats may even become dangerous.

During Roman times the Cardo was Jerusalem's main street, and it must have been quite a view: lined by columns that linked as roofed arcades above pedestrians, it was 22 meters wide and teemed with carriages and cattle. The street has been rediscovered and partially restored by archaeologists in 1975. While walking, you'll see the wall remains of the First and Second Temple, columns, and typical stone brick pavements. In the north, there is an authentic bazaar which dates back to the Crusades era.

This spectacular art installation by Antony Gormley consists of 100 life-size figures made of cast iron spread out on Crosby Beach, on the Liverpool shore. Weighing an impressive 650 kilograms each, the figures of ‘Another Place’ are exact replicas of the artist's own body, standing firmly on the sandy beach. Positioned to face the sea, they gaze out towards the horizon with a sense of silent anticipation. They have been temporarily exhibited in different places in Europe before permanently landing in this gorgeous sight.