Spend some time wandering round Zürich's old town, along the historic streets of Rennweg and Augustinergasse, home to pretty buildings, shops and cafés, or walk to Lindenhof for views over the river and city. Visit the Fraumünster, a former abbey famous for its stained glass windows, then finish off with a visit to Café & Conditorei 1842 for a hot chocolate (or tipple) and cake in elegant surroundings. 

Visit Zurich's Opernhaus, the city's first permanent theatre opened in 1834 with Mozart's Zauberflöte and is now the main venue for opera and ballet in the city. 

For a wonderful way to see the city, take to the water. Head out on a boat trip on Zürichsee, the city's namesake lake, or a flat bottomed boat tour of Limmat river from Landesmuseum station.

Vienna's Jewish Museum honours the thousands of Austrian Jews killed in the Holocaust, and also celebrates the history and ongoing cultural contributions of the city's Jewish community. The museum also offers themed tours from time to time – book ahead if you'd like to join one.

Vienna's Imperial Palace, The Hofburg was the former residence of the Habsburg dynasty. It has grown over the years to become an impressive complex of museums, churches and gardens. The Sisi Museum, Imperial Treasury and Imperial Apartments offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of the emperors, and the famous Spanish Riding School and the Austrian National Library are also located on the complex. 

After seeing the highlights, get some fresh air in the Burggarten and Volksgarten or explore the alleyways filled with pretty churches and coffee houses. 

Pay a visit to the Schönbrunn Palace. The Habsburg’s residence’s huge size has to be seen to be believed; the building contains over 1440 rooms! The adjoining classical gardens are just as impressive.

Soak up the natural minerals at the historic Széchenyi Baths, where you can enjoy an impressive assortment of thermal pools. There are also saunas and steam rooms.

Lined with interesting shops and historic sights, Andrássy út (Andrássy Avenue) connects Heroes' Square with Elizabeth Square. As you stroll along the leafy boulevard, you can stop off at the State Opera, admire 19th-century villas and enjoy a drink at one of the city's famous coffee houses.

Experience one of the city's romkocsma, or 'ruin bars', dilapidated old buildings that have been turned into bars featuring upcycled furniture. Szimpla Kert is the oldest and most famous, with live music a few nights a week, and a flea market during Sunday daytime.

David Černý's sculptures are bold, provocative and you'll see them throughout the city, whether you intend to or not. Look out for K, a giant revolving bust of Franz Kafka in the Quadrio shopping centre and Miminka, a series of babies climbing up the TV tower at Žižkov.

Take the funicular or hike up to Petřín, a hillside park with winding walkways, woodland glades, scenic views over the city and a curious Eiffel tower-like monument at the top.

Comprising several separate sights in the Josefov quarter, the Prague Jewish Museum gives a fascinating insight into this community’s long history in Prague. The opulent Spanish Synagogue is one of the highlights, as is the Jewish Cemetery, with its timeworn gravestones now leaning at sharp angles.

Take a walk or cycle through Tiergarten, at 210 hectares Berlin's biggest green space. Stop off at Café am Neuen See to recharge with a drink looking out over the lake.

Visit one of the most photogenic churches in Germany, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and enjoy a moment of peace beneath the spectacular blue stained-glass window.

Escape the city for the day and venture into Brandenburg, the area surrounding Berlin, to visit one of the region's many peaceful lakes. There are more than 3000 lakes to choose from, plus rivers and outdoor pools, some wild and natural, others more manicured and child-friendly.

Immerse yourself in the world of Tintin, the Smurfs and other characters at Brussels' Comic Arts Museum, housed in one of the city's most stunning Art Nouveau buildings.

Head out to the twelfth-century Kasteel van Groot-Bijgaarden, a castle set within sprawling 14-hectare grounds complete with a spectacular moat. In springtime, Groot-Bijgaarden is the site of Brussels' famous spring flower exhibition, Floralia Brussels, and in winter, the gardens are illuminated by LED lanterns as part of the Lightopia festival.

​​Immerse yourself in the history of chocolate at the Choco-Story Museum, with live demonstrations from expert chocolatiers. You can also try making some sweet treats at a workshop (book ahead).