Monastiraki, right under the Acropolis, is one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Athens and considered the heart of the city. Nowadays, it houses the local 'Flea Market' as well as shops, cafes, eateries and tourist stores. It is one of the nicest areas to walk in, but also one of the most crowded.

Shinjuku's Kabukicho red-light district transforms after dark into a spectacle of neon-lit alleyways. The experience is defined by its visual energy, from the looming Godzilla head to the blinking signs of robot-themed restaurants. While not officially part of the district, the nearby lanes of Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho offer a contrasting, intimate atmosphere with their tiny, traditional bars and eateries. A relatively new addition to the neighbourhood, Thermae-Yu is a six-storey onsen. The complex uses natural hot spring water sourced daily from Shizuoka. With facilities open for 22 hours every day, it functions as a popular overnight refuge for those who have missed the last train, offering a place to rest until the city stirs again at dawn.

For those not quite ready to descend underwater, snorkelling provides a great alternative. A mask and breathing pipe are all the equipment necessary to see fascinating marine life unfold before your eyes as you swim through the dashingly clear waters.