The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of Paris’s most beloved green spaces, situated in the 6th arrondissement and home to the French Senate. Commissioned by Marie de’ Medici in the 17th century, it’s a mix of manicured lawns, flowerbeds, fountains, and shady promenades. Locals come here to run, read, sail toy boats on the pond, or just sit and watch the world go by — from students and chess players to kids on the playground and politicians on their lunch break. The Luxembourg Palace sits at its centre, and the Medici Fountain remains one of its most photographed spots.

Right in the middle of Helsinki’s busiest square, Narinkkatori, Kamppi Chapel offers a quiet break from the noise. This curved wooden structure, completed in 2012, is designed for silence—no services, no sermons, just a calm space to sit. The interior, made of alder and ash, is warm and minimal. Photography isn’t allowed inside, which helps keep the atmosphere peaceful.

Rising 324 metres above Paris, the Eiffel Tower was unveiled in 1889 as part of the World’s Fair celebrating 100 years since the Revolution. Though controversial at first for its unusual, industrial look — many Parisians felt it clashed with the city’s classic architecture and called it an eyesore — it quickly became the city’s defining symbol. Today, nearly 7 million visitors a year come for the views, to snap that classic photo, and to experience standing atop one of the world’s most unforgettable landmarks.