Moco Museum packs big-name modern and contemporary art into the 1904 Villa Alsberg, a townhouse steps from the Rijksmuseum. Since 2016, its intimate (if somewhat cramped) rooms have showcased Banksy, Basquiat and Kusama alongside rising stars, all sourced from private collections. The permanent Banksy exhibition shares space with rotating shows, while the gift shop peddles cheeky art merch. Expect queues for Yayoi Kusama’s infinity rooms or Warhol’s pop pieces; early mornings or late afternoons ease the squeeze. More accessible than scholarly, it’s ideal for art newcomers or those short on time.

The Drents Museum in Assen is a treasure trove of history and art, showcasing over 90,000 objects. Its archaeology collection, featuring prehistoric artefacts like the mummified Yde Girl and the oldest known canoe, the Pesse canoe, is among the most important in Northwest Europe. The museum also boasts a significant art collection, considered one of the Netherlands' finest, alongside an impressive array of contemporary realism art. A visit offers an immersive journey through Drenthe's rich past and artistic legacy.

The Anne Frank House is the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II. Now a museum, it recreates the war and holocaust years. Quotations from the diary, photographs, films and original objects belonging to the people in hiding and those who helped them all serve to illustrate the events which occurred at this location. Anne's original diary is on display in the museum as well.

The island of Terceira features one of the most extraordinary volcanic formations - the Algar do Carvão, located within the Caldeira Guilherme Moniz and is accessible to visitors. Go inside this volcanic cone through an artificial tunnel and a staircase, and follow the route of the lava tube. The highlights are the underground lake and the volcanic-glass stalactites and stalagmites.