The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the nation's most visited museums, offering a diverse array of exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages. Explore the Morian Hall of Paleontology, where towering dinosaur skeletons transport you back to prehistoric times. Marvel at the exquisite Fabergé collection, showcasing intricate jeweled masterpieces. The Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals dazzles with its stunning array of natural treasures, while the Wiess Energy Hall provides an insightful look into the world of energy exploration and production. Beyond the permanent exhibits, the museum features an IMAX theater for immersive films, a state-of-the-art planetarium for cosmic journeys, and a variety of world-class traveling exhibitions that ensure there's always something new to discover.

A defining piece of Texas history, the San Jacinto Museum sits on the very battlefield where Texas won its independence from Mexico. Located at the base of the towering 567-foot San Jacinto Monument, the museum houses one of the largest collections of Texan art, artifacts, and historical exhibits. For a panoramic view of the historic battleground and the surrounding area, take the elevator to the top of the monument—it's the tallest war memorial in the U.S. and offers a unique perspective on the site where Texas' future was decided.

Castelvecchio, which means 'Old Castle', dates back to the mid-1300s and was built by Cangrande II della Scala as both a residence and fortress. Today, it houses the Castelvecchio Museum, with a good collection of medieval and Renaissance art. The castle’s walls and towers give a solid sense of Verona’s history, and the walk along the river from here is worth adding to your route.

The Casa-Museo de Cervantes is where Cervantes lived from 1603 to 1606, in what was then an unfashionable and malodorous district of Valladolid. It was then redecorated with more modern tastes and now hosts regular exhibitions related to Cervantes, the famous author of Don Quichote.