Whether the sun is shining or the clouds are looming, the beach of Scheveningen is packed full of exciting things to do and see on a day out. Just a fifteen-minute bike ride from The Hague's city centre, this eventful stretch of sand dunes and sea is definitely worth a visit for young and old to enjoy the culinary delights that can be found there along with the numerous events such as beach parties, fireworks nights and kite festivals to name but a few. There is a vibrant surf culture in Scheveningen which is active all year round, great for beginners to learn as there are so many surf schools along the beach. During the day, be sure to visit any of the numerous attractions, museums or markets then take an evening stroll down one of the promenades and pick out the perfect spot to eat and drink from over 130 restaurants available.

The Oriental Museum evolved in conjunction with the teaching of oriental languages at Durham University and is completely devoted to the art and archaeology of the regions of Northern Africa, Near and Middle East, as well as Asia. It boasts a unique collection of Asian artefacts and there are plenty of activities like dressing up or colouring to keep children amused.

Take a sneak peek at a day in the life of a local by going on one of the most typical and easily accessible hiking routes in the region. Reaching some 673 metres (2,208 feet) in height, Pagasarri is one of the smaller mountains that surround Bilbao and most locals will have tried this hike at least once before. There are buses from the city centre, with a few different routes starting from the area of Zabalburu or from Peñascal, on the outskirts of the city. At the top of the mountain, there is even a bar selling 'bokatas', the typical no-nonsense baguette rolls filled with your local delicacy of choice, from tortilla de patata to txistorra or chorizo. If you've reached the summit of Pagasarri, you're already halfway to Ganekogorta, a summit at 998 metres (3,274 feet) which is a little further away.

Fundació Mona is a pioneering primate rehabilitation centre dedicated to rescuing and caring for chimpanzees and macaques recovered from abusive situations like circuses, the advertising industry and the illegal pet trade. Here, primates regain physical and emotional health while living in social family groups within large, naturalistic enclosures. Visits are educational and ethically focused: guided by expert staff, you’ll learn about primate behaviour, conservation challenges, and the stories of individual animals. Advance booking is essential, and tours emphasise respect for the residents’ well-being over entertainment. Through its work, Mona raises awareness about wildlife trafficking, species extinction, and the importance of protecting our closest evolutionary relatives.