Near the Stock Palace and the Douro River is another UNESCO World Heritage site that is well worth visit while in Porto, the Monument Church of St Francis, or Igreja Monumento de São Francisco. This church built around the 14th century has one of Europe's most sumptuous and extravagant interiors. Here, all that glitter is, in fact, gold! Its interior is covered in gilded woodwork, and rumour has it that it was used around 400 to 600 kg of gold to decorate it. Hence why the St Francis Church is also known as "The Golden Church". Another highlight of this church is its impressive Tree of Jesse, a wooden sculpture carved by Filipe da Silva and António Gomes in 1718 depicting the ancestors of Jesus Christ, shown in a branching tree — considered to be one of the best in the world of its kind. Under the church, you will find the catacombs, where the Franciscan monks along with the members of Porto's noble families are buried.

The Marienplatz is the heart of Munich and the site of the world-famous Glockenspiel. Daily, at 11am and noon, and additionally in summer at 5pm, the mechanical dancers in the tower of the New Town Hall come to life when the clock chimes. The building’s neo-Gothic facade is a favourite background for souvenir photos. Climb to the top of the 85-metre tower for a beautiful view of the city.

The Bijilo Forest Park is most known for its inhabitants - it is home to a large population of monkeys, many of which do not mind interacting with visitors. Beware of unsolicited offers of being guided through the park, as the premises are safe and rather easy to navigate. Remember to bring peanuts, the monkeys' preferred treats (these may also be purchased on-site).

Daan Park is a quiet escape from the big city life of Taipei, and a great place to catch a breath of fresh air. The park has a wide range of flowers, plants, bamboo trees and banyan trees. It is also full of activities such as a skating rink, basketball court and children's playground.