Founded in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of the world's oldest and most respected scientific gardens in the world. Its beautifully landscaped grounds offer a serene escape with a rich collection of plants, from a world-famous rock garden to colourful rhododendron displays. The splendid Victorian Palm Houses are a major highlight, housing exotic flora (entry fee applies). A second key attraction is the modern, eco-friendly John Hope Gateway, which features exhibitions on biodiversity and sustainability. More than just a park, it's a living institution of global significance, perfect for a peaceful stroll or deeper exploration.

The popular loop route of Canyon Creek Meadows takes you on a tour of a high alpine meadow with Canyon Creek flowing through it. Enjoy spectacular views of the jagged spires of Three Fingered Jack: the eroded core of an extinct 100,000-year-old volcano.

Qasr Al Watan is Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace, open to the public and worth a visit for its grand interiors and insight into the UAE’s political and cultural heritage. The building blends traditional Arabian craftsmanship with monumental scale, featuring vast halls, towering domes, and a 350,000-crystal chandelier. Exhibits cover everything from the country’s governing institutions to ancient manuscripts, and an evening light show on the palace façade wraps up the visit.