Considered a must-see in Rio de Janeiro, the Escadaria Selarón is not an ordinary staircase, but rather the life's work of a Chilean painter named Jorge Selarón, his odd obsession and his romantic homage to the city that adopted him. The 'Escadaria' is made up of 250 steps and over 2000 tiles: stretch your legs and get ready to climb an astonishing cascade of colours.

You can’t really miss it—Florence’s cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) dominates the skyline with that massive red-brick dome. Construction began in the 13th century and continued for nearly 150 years, which is evident in the diverse styles. The outside is covered in pink, green and white marble—oddly beautiful up close. Inside, check out Vasari’s Last Judgment fresco under the dome. If you’re up for the climb (and it is quite a climb), the view from the top is worth the leg burn.

Immerse yourself in beautifully manicured gardens, delightful royal abodes, and the serene calm of this classic Khmer palace. The throne, used for coronation and important ceremonies, sits in a finely decorated room. At its side stands a small delightful ornate maisonette offered by Napoleon III to King Norodom. Walk across to the Silver Pagoda and observe the golden Buddha, encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, the largest one weighing 25 carats. Please remember to dress a bit formally when visiting the Silver Pagoda—wear long trousers or a long skirt.