The Cathédrale des Saints Michel et Gudule is a beautiful, airy building, with white vaulted ceilings and high windows which fill the nave with light. See if you can book onto one of the tower tours; they're only in French or Dutch, but even if you don't understand, you'll appreciate the view from the 64-metre-high towers.

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.

Explore Brussels and its surrounding rural areas on two wheels by hiring a bike from one of the many rental points dotted around the city. Belgium has a safe and extensive network of cycle highways, and you can easily be out in the countryside within a few kilometres.

Head to Frankfurt's red-sandstone Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew to enjoy views over the city's skyline. That is, if you can manage the 328 steps up the narrow tower. If not, you still might want to stop by to admire the restrained Gothic interior, or enjoy one of the frequent concerts.

One of the most important areas for art in Germany, the Museumsufer (museum embankment) lies alongside the Main river and is home to galleries such as the Giersch Museum, Städel Museum and Liebieghaus. Away from the river, the Schirn Kunsthalle is a must-visit for fans of contemporary art.

Visit Vienna's Jewish Museum, honouring the thousands of Austrian Jews killed in the Holocaust. The Museum also celebrates the culture and history of Judaism in the city.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at the Vienna State Opera. The stunning opera house hosts 40-minute tours, or you can take a look at the schedule and book tickets to a show while you’re in the city. 

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.

Stroll through the narrow alleys of the Fischerviertel. Enjoy picturesque views of the charming old town, and head to one of the nearby restaurants.

Housed in an strikingly modern, block building with a glass front, the Kunsthalle is a private collection owned by Siegfried and Jutta Weishaupt. You'll find works by the luminaries of modern art including Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol and Josef Albers which are displayed in thematic exhibitions.