With an impressive collection of nearly 35 million specimens and artifacts, this is the largest natural and historical museum in the Western United States. A family-friendly museum that has something for everyone — apart from the dinosaur fossils and gems there is also the Los Angeles discovery zone in the basement with live animals and interactive exhibits.

One of Kochi's most iconic sights is the Chinese Fishing Nets, or Cheena vala, which have been associated with the region for centuries. These massive, cantilevered fishing contraptions, introduced by Chinese explorers during Kublai Khan's reign, are still used by local fishermen today. The nets operate with a mesmerising ballet of precision and balance, elegantly lowered and raised with the tide, often requiring several men to pull the catch. At sunset, the silhouette of these age-old devices against the horizon creates a mystical atmosphere, turning the act of fishing into a spectacle of heritage and ingenuity.

Mayor Edi Rama, internationally renowned as an artist before he took over the post of Tirana's mayor in 2000, decided to give the city a more welcoming look by painting old and Soviet block-style building facades in bright colours. The initiative certainly accomplished its goal of helping the city appear more attractive.