A giant outdoor and indoor jazz festival, one of the highlights of the Montreal calendar. Big names and small names, swing jazz and drum n bass, the Montreal Jazz Fest has it all. Several streets are blocked off and the atmosphere is brilliant.

www.montrealjazzfest.com; usually end of June and first week or two of July

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This is one of Toronto's finest shopping streets, with boutiques and better known fashion labels. There are also several funky restaurants and second-hand stores as you go further west.

On Queen St, obviously. Although the busiest area is probably the block east of Spadina, many of the more interesting shops and restaurants can be found if you cross Spadina and continue west

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Foam is a relatively new and excellent photography museum. It consistently holds solid exhibits, ranging from big names like Mario Testino or Henri Cartier-Bresson to lesser-known but none the less interesting photographers.

Keizergracht 609, it's located very centrally one of the major canals; tel: 020 551 6500; www.foam.nl

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This is a hidden gem of a museum, containing one of the world's largest collection of Van Gogh's art. It is located within sand dunes and in fact its grounds are as spectacular as its art - you cycle through forest and dunes to reach the museum.

It's best visisted on a warm, sunny day, and best reached via car.

Houtkampweg 6, 6731 AW, Otterlo; tel 318 59 1241; www.kmm.nl

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends