The National Mall is the central strip of D.C., where most of the major sights are lined up. You can stroll past the Smithsonian museums — like the National Museum of American History — and pop into the National Gallery and its Sculpture Garden. Monuments and memorials are scattered along the way, from Lincoln and Roosevelt to the Vietnam and Korean War memorials.

The United States Capitol dominates the eastern end of the National Mall on Capitol Hill — its dome, completed during the Civil War, is hard to miss. The Capitol is the seat of the United States Congress, and it has been a center of American politics since 1800. Inside, the Visitor Center walks you through its history, shows off its art collection, and explains how the legislative branch works. Free guided tours are available, but booking ahead is a good idea — lines can get long, especially in peak season.

Lining up the eastern side of the Vågen harbour is Bergen's most famous postcard, Bryggen. A series of colourful wooden buildings, which once housed the trading offices of the Hanseatic League. Over the years, Bryggen has been ravaged by many fires, and in 1702 the entire city was reduced to ashes. Its rebuilding followed the foundations that had been there since the 12th century, which means that Bryggen was able to retain its medieval architecture. In 1979, the area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. And today, Bryggen is home to museums, shops, restaurants, and pubs.