The House with Chimaeras – also called the Gorodetsky house, after its creator – is mainly used by the government but even though it is closed to visitors, the facade alone makes it worth the trip: its exterior is generously decorated with sculptures of various animals and even sea monsters, and it gives the place a very eerie, yet enticing vibe.

Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, the picturesque Lake of the Restored Sword, or Hoan Kiem Lake, captivates travellers with its beauty and rich cultural significance. According to the legend, Emperor Le Loi was gifted a magical sword by a divine turtle, which he later returned to the lake, earning it its evocative name. Today, visitors flock to this iconic landmark to stroll along its scenic shores, admire the Turtle Tower standing sentinel in the water, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of its surrounding streets.

The funicular, connecting the district Podol with the upper part of the city, is an authentic and functional monument to Kyiv's historic past and just another means of public transport for locals. Get in on the lower station (Poschtova Ploscha) and up to Andrew's descent and the upper station (Mykhailivska Ploscha) to save yourself a tiring climb uphill while taking in the spirit of the ages and also a great view.

The Museum of Fine Art houses over 10,000 works of art, including many notable pieces, which were acquired after the building was rebuilt post-war. A curious initiative of the museum is the so-called "artothèque" — a library of art pieces, which locals are free to borrow for a short period of time.