Probably the most photographed spot in Bordeaux—and for good reason. The 18th-century buildings around Place de la Bourse are part of the city’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, and they reflect perfectly in the shallow pool of the Miroir d’eau just across the road. It looks great early in the morning, but the reflections are just as striking in the evening when everything’s lit up. Kids run through the mist when it sprays every 15 minutes in summer, and photographers camp out for that symmetrical shot.

Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian adventurer and ethnographer, earned international fame for his expeditions across the Pacific Ocean on board the Kon-Tiki and Ra in 1947. And at the Kon-Tiki Museum, you can follow the intriguing events during his expeditions and their significance to world history. See the actual balsa and papyrus rafts, and learn more about Heyerdahl’s travels.

The Daciensi Temple complex, anchored by the striking Daciensi Tower, stands as one of Xi’an’s most treasured landmarks. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty by Emperor Gaozong in memory of his mother, this historic site carries the weight of centuries. Legend has it that after the famed monk Xuanzang's epic journey to India to obtain sacred Buddhist scriptures, he returned here to translate them, setting up the temple as one of the earliest centres of Buddhist learning in China. Within the temple grounds, the iconic Dayan Pagoda (also known as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda) draws most of the attention. Built in the 7th century, it’s an enduring symbol of China’s first female ruler, Empress Wu Zetian, and her devotion to Buddhist teachings. Architecturally, the pagoda is a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty design, and climbing its steep, stone steps rewards you with sweeping views of Xi’an below.