Circle the outside of Kölner Dom, Cologne's famous cathedral, to admire its intricate stonework and flying buttresses. The cathedral's iconic spires dominate the city's magnificent skyline, and if you're feeling brave you can climb 533 steps to the top of the south tower.

Admire Cologne from above on the Rhein-Seilbahn cablecar, which runs from Kölner Seilbahn right across the River Rhine.

Enjoy a concert at the iconic, wavelike Elbphilharmonie. The programme is diverse, covering covers a wide range of music genres, and the venue is worth a visit for the contemporary architecture and city views alone.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is a museum dedicated to Carl Jacobsen’s vast collection of art and cultural artefacts. Visit the museum to see one of the world’s largest collections of Mediterranean antiquities and 19th-century art.

The former meatpacking district of Kødbyen, with its striking white buildngs and blue-framed windows, is now protected as a national industrial monument. It's also a hipster haven with cool bars, restaurants and urban culture, and is a great place to chill out in the evening.

A former shipyard and industrial heart of Copenhagen, Refshaleøen has been transformed into a hot new cultural destination. Along with major draws like modern art museum CC Gallery and multisensory fine dining at Alchemist restaurant, there are many other hip bars and gallery spaces to explore.

Visit the museum of the Nobel Peace Prize, a moving testament to those who have contributed profoundly to creating a more just and peaceful world. 

With amazing views over Oslo fjord, this fortress was built in the 13th century to protect Norway from invaders and has stood firm against a number of sieges over the years. 

Learn about the regions' polar explorations through impressive interactive displays at the Fram Museum.

Pay a visit to the historic Théâtre Royal de Toone, the only traditional Brussels marionette theatre still in operation today, to catch a retelling of a classic tale like Dracula, Faust or the Three Musketeers.

Take a walk around the vast Sonian Forest just south of Brussels. You'll find over 5000 hectares of woodland, including many native beech trees up to 200 years old, which are now UNESCO World Heritage protected.

Take a wander around the picturesque Parc d’Egmont, dotted with prominent historic statues and buildings, including the adjoining Neoclassical Palais d’Egmont (now a conference centre and government offices).