The capital's atmospheric "old town" is known as the Piazza. The name gestures towards the brief period of the Italian presence in the country. The area still has hints of Italian in its vibe today, and there are a few landmarks remaining from the first half of the 20th century. This is the go-to neighbourhood for good places to eat and budget accommodation.

Located at the entrance to the Old City, near the Jaffa Gate, the old citadel (popularly known as the Tower of David) offers a great way to begin your visit to Jerusalem. From the top, you can admire the panoramic view of the surrounding area. To delve deeper into the city's history, visit the Museum of the History of Jerusalem, situated inside the fortress, or catch the Night Spectacular show, which combines entertainment and education. Built by Herod the Great, the citadel is thought to be the place where Jesus's death sentence was pronounced. It later served as a hub for the Crusaders and the Ottomans and was restored several times.

If you want to get a sense of what Alaska is all about—its people, landscapes, and some weather science thrown in—the Anchorage Museum is a solid first stop. It pulls together Indigenous culture, contemporary art, and hands-on exhibits in a way that doesn’t feel like homework. The Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center is especially worth a look. Easy place to spend a couple of hours, especially when the weather’s doing its usual thing.