It’s all here, whether you go for the big names or those cute little boutiques you find nowhere else. And whether you prefer an upmarket department store or a covered shopping centre for your whole new wardrobe, or enjoy running from shop to shop in search of that one perfect item. Here in the Maastricht city centre, there’s something for every shopaholic, young or old, boy or girl. Comb the Grote Staat and be dazzled by all the known and lesser-known chains you find here. Take a peek at the shopping centre Entre Deux, worth a visit for its architecture alone, and for the huge shops for famous labels you’ll find here. There are still a few surprises for you in store at the shopping centre Mosae Forum, just next to the Markt. And don’t overlook the basement floor, where you’ll find some hidden gems (of the edible kind!). But it’s not all fashion, beauty, and lifestyle; there’s also a special place for books, in the amazing bookshop in the medieval Dominican church, a highlight of the city centre not to be missed. Need a breather? When you’re ready to take a break from your shopping adventure, you’ll be pleased to find that the amazing array of shops is interspersed with pubs, cafés, and charming restaurants.

Umeå brothers Samuel and Michael Åhdén possess one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of guitars. In 2014, the whole world got a chance to see it. You can visit the experience-based, interactive exhibition of electric guitars, basses, amps and music accessories at Umeå Guitar Museum. The museum houses about 500 exhibits altogether. Alongside the permanent exhibition, the museum arranges lectures, temporary exhibitions and presentations of new developments. World stars will also visit the museum during the year and hold ‘clinics’ — open guitar lessons.

The Palatine Gates date back to ancient Roman times, when they provided access for travellers coming from the north. Today, the gates are part of the archaeological park located in the city centre, together with other ancient ruins, such as the remains of a Roman theatre.

The Bund is Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade, a living monument to the city's complex history. On one side, a row of grand, floodlit colonial-era buildings lines the boulevard, while across the Huangpu River, the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong create a dazzling neon spectacle. This striking contrast between old and new is best experienced at dusk, when the lighting of both shores transforms the area into a breathtaking tableau. A stroll along the Bund offers a quintessential Shanghai experience, capturing the city's dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.