The St Thomas synagogue first opened its doors in 1833, which makes it the the second oldest synagogue in the United States. The building features a domed ceiling with beautiful chandeliers and mahogany pews. The white sand floors both to remind congregants of the 40 years the Jews spent wandering the desert in biblical times and also to pay homage to their Portuguese ancestors who had to muffle the sounds of their footsteps during prayer. Only four synagogues in the world still honour this Dutch-Portuguese tradition.

The R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant is a striking art deco facility on the Toronto lakefront, operating since 1941. Often called the “Palace of Purification,” it supplies nearly half of the city’s drinking water. The architecture is grand and meticulously preserved, with marble walls, bronze fixtures, and cavernous interior halls. The plant has served as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows, often depicted as a dramatic institutional or sinister headquarters. While the buildings are typically closed to the public, the grounds remain accessible year-round. Visitors can stroll the landscaped areas, enjoy views of Lake Ontario, or relax near the beach. The site offers a quiet escape with a timeless atmosphere, ideal for walking, picnicking, or simply pausing by the water.

The Museum of Socialist Art first opened in 2011. Here you can find a sculpture park and exhibitions featuring paintings and plastic easel works that relate to the socialist era in one way or another. The sculpture park contains a plethora of statues, from prominent leaders to factory workers.

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.