In the middle of the Øresund strait, right between Sweden and Denmark, lies the idyllic island of Ven. The astronomer Tycho Brahe was gifted the whole island by King Fredrik II after he discovered a new star in the Cassiopeia constellation. Here he constructed one of the most interesting buildings of the time: the Uraniborg castle, a subterranean observatory called Stjerneborg and a renaissance garden. The New Church of Ven has now been turned into a museum, the garden has been renovated, and in the observatory you can watch a light and sound show. The light in Ven is said to have a unique quality, which has attracted many an artist and ceramist to the island. Take a tour among the studios and workshops, and meet with sculptors and silversmiths along the way. Ven is a small island, and the best way to get around is by bike, which you can easily rent when you get off the ferry.

Originally built to house all offices of the Communist ruling officers during Ceausescu’s regime, the imposing Palace of Parliament is Romania’s most famous building. Tours are open to the public, showing off the opulent staircases and chandelier-filled rooms and offering great insight into the building's history. The palace also houses Romania's National Museum of Contemporary Art. There are tours available all year round; however, it's essential to reserve your tour slot beforehand, as advance booking ensures availability for this captivating experience.

This extravagantly decorated clandestine church built centuries ago when Catholicism was considered a crime is hidden in plain sight behind an unassuming front door in the city centre. Those walking down Juffrouw Idastraat would never imagine that within one of the typical terraced houses lies the enormous Parish of Saints James and Augustine where Catholics used to practice their faith in secret. Nobody is quite sure who built the church, but the stunning baroque plastering seems to suggest that it was the famous architect and artist Daniel Marot or one of his students. Book a free tour which takes you through the church and the attic to the more recent Bishop’s Chamber which is full of some of the original features and furniture that were used in the 1700s.

Parque Forestal is a narrow, spacious park that is peppered with art and museums in the immediate vicinity. The Mapocho River flows at its borders and Mercado Central, La Vega, and the Bellas Artes museum are located within walking distance. Parque Forestal is ideal for daytime joggers, a walk and for a picnic outdoors.