For adrenaline-pumping rides, head to Happy Valley Beijing, Beijing’s main theme park, with six themed zones, around 40 rides, an IMAX theatre, and a shopping area. It’s popular with both locals and tourists, so weekends and holidays can be very busy.

Sitting on the east side of Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China is one of the largest museums in the world, covering both Chinese history and art, from ancient artefacts to modern works. The exhibitions are vast, so you could easily spend a full day here, though most visitors focus on a few sections that interest them. English signage is available in key areas, but a guide or audio tour can help make sense of the collection.

The city of Buraidah is home to the largest camel market in the world. Every morning at 6 am thousands of dromedaries, as well as goats and sheep, are bought and sold here, along with saddles and other accessories. The Arabian one-hump camels are traditionally prized in Saudi Arabia as a source of protein (meat and milk), as well as leather. The best specimen are thoroughbred racing animal and are kept to keep up the country's culture camel racing. The market is an integral part of Saudi Arabia, and an excellent way to experience Arabian culture. You'll find many friendly smiles, baby camels, and a lively hectic atmosphere common for all animal markets.

Goethe House is the birthplace and childhood home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, born in 1749. Step inside to see the poet's study on the third floor, where Goethe wrote early works, including The Sorrows of Young Werther and began Faust.