Around 250 trees, such as a tulip tree, pines and giant sequoia trees, are found in the lovely Gardens of Europe, where you can enjoy a walk by the lake in a sunny afternoon. This romantic English garden, designed by Henri Porreaux in 1863, is a heavenly spot in town where children are free to play from a walking distance to the old town, while you sit on one of the benches in front of the lake.

While in Cologne, you can visit Germany's oldest city hall, with parts dating back to the 11th century. Over time, it has picked up a mix of styles—Gothic tower, Renaissance loggia, some modern touches. The 61-metre tower is covered in carved figures, including some cheeky ones from local history, and the bells chime four times a day. There’s also a mechanical face called the Platzjabbek that sticks its tongue out on the hour. Inside, the Hansasaal is the main historic hall—worth a look if it’s open.

Patras Castle stands on the city's highest point, built over the ancient acropolis in the 6th century. Its strategic location grants you panoramic views over the city, the port, and the Gulf of Patras. The site is an open-air historical archive, its triangular walls and towers bearing the architectural imprints of Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian and Ottoman occupiers. Today, it functions as a free public park where you can walk the grounds, explore the ruins and find shaded benches.

Pilsen is the only large city in the Czech Republic that annually remembers the end of the WW II, and the liberation of the city by the American Army in May, 1945. The reminding feast features a rich cultural programme, and many military-historical events that will teach you about history, and also about the days passed since.