As Europe Editor, Ella oversees Time Out’s city guides across the continent  everything from things to do and restaurants to hotels. She is based in London but you’ll probably find her tucking into a bowl of pho in Hoxton, diligently planning her next city break or possibly drinking margaritas over on Time Out YouTube

Time Out has covered the world’s greatest cities through the eyes of local experts since 1968. For more about us, read our editorial guidelines.

Ella Doyle

Ella Doyle

Europe Editor

Articles (265)

The 23 most beautiful places in the UK to visit in 2026

The 23 most beautiful places in the UK to visit in 2026

Make no mistake, the UK’s most beautiful places rank among the world’s most visually stunning locations. And what’s more, Britain looks good in so many ways. Sure, there are mighty natural landscapes like mountains, coasts and forests – but lots of the UK’s most spectacular sights are manmade: age-old architectural marvels, idyllic towns and feats of revolutionary design.   Time Out’s revamped guide to the most beautiful places in the UK has all the above and more. Compiled with the expertise of our travel experts – who’ve seen more than their fair share of spectacular stuff – it documents the length and breadth of Britain’s grandest and most memorable locations. In the market to see something mind-boggling? Here’s our definitive ranking of the UK’s most beautiful places right now. RECOMMENDED FOR UK TRAVEL🥾 The best hikes and walks🏖️ The most stunning beaches🏛️ The most fascinating museums🌊 The greatest seaside towns
Prague’s best Airbnbs, in every neighbourhood (updated 2025)

Prague’s best Airbnbs, in every neighbourhood (updated 2025)

Picturesque old town? Check. Parks with sweeping views? Check. Cute coffee shops and the best beer in the world? Check. History at every corner? Check. Prague is one of the greatest cities to visit and to live in. I would know – I called the Czech capital home for over two years, where I discovered many of its hidden corners, top-notch neighbourhoods and city secrets. What is the best area to stay in Prague? If it’s your first time in the city, look into the Prague 1 district, which includes popular areas like the Old Town, New Town, and Malá Strana. Do make sure to check if your accommodation is located on a quiet street, though, as the main squares can get noisy here. You can also consider Vinohrady, Letná, Žižkov, and Karlín for a more local experience. Prague has excellent public transport, so as long as you’re near a metro or a tram, nowhere will be too far in any of these neighbourhoods. For context, I used to live in Letná and was able to go to the Old Town in about fifteen minutes by tram.  📍 Discover our ultimate guide to hotels in Prague Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, our writers have based our list on expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. Yaren Fadiloglulari is a writer b
The 20 best hotels in the UK, from city stays to country escapes

The 20 best hotels in the UK, from city stays to country escapes

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: this is the year of the staycation. After all, who needs to go abroad when the weather is this damn good at home, and when there are oh-so-many incredible hotels to pitch up in for the weekend, right here in the UK? In fact, we’d go as far to say that the UK’s hotels are some of the very best in the business – 10-room boutiques, seaside townhouses, sprawling countryside estates n’ all. Whatever trip you’re after, be it a quick break from London or a remote coastal stay, there is a perfect hotel waiting for you. And on this list, we’ve got it all: food-focused pubs with rooms, remote hotels with blessedly patchy signal and all-out, OTT luxurious. However, we want this list to reflect a full spectrum of properties available to travellers (and not just the ones with gold towel holders and Michelin-starred room service.) As a result, we make sure to take into account location, price and value for money – and bring you a guide that has plenty of budget-friendly options included too. Oh, and family-friendly ones. And yes, dog-friendly, too. Itching to book? Read on, friends. Here are our favourite hotels in the UK right now.  The UK’s best hotels at a glance 👑 Best overall: Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh 🎀 Best boutique: The Newt, Somerset 🥂 Best luxury: Claridge’s, London 💍 Best for couples: The Bull, Cotswolds 🌾 Best countryside: Cavendish Hotel, Peak District 💸 Best budget option: Leven, Manchester How we curat
London’s best restaurants for breakfast

London’s best restaurants for breakfast

August 2026: Our latest update includes everything from an early morning Michelin-starred tasting menu to udon noodle bowls, South Indian platters and Hong Kong-style toasted buns. Of course, it wouldn't be a list of the best breakfasts in London without an appearance from Dishoom and their iconic-for-a-reason bacon naan, so that's here too, as is old school East End hangout E Pellicci - one of the best classic caffs in London. The most recent additions to the list include the return of the best bacon sarnie/bap in London, which is now available at St John Neal's Yard Wine Bar from 9am daily, and our brand new Number One in Highgate.   The best breakfasts in London at a glance: 😎 Best for celeb-spotting: The Wolseley, Mayfair 🥓 Best for a fry-up: E Pellicci, Bethnal Green 🍛 Best for a South Indian feast: The Tamil Prince, Islington 🍞 Best for Hong Kong French toast: Hoko Cafe, Brick Lane 🍱 Best for Japanese brekkie: Ikoi, Kings Cross Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and luckily for London, the city caters to every possible morning whim. These days, London isn’t just home to the fry-up, but the ubiquitous smashed avocado on toast, bowls of shakshuka and many more besides. In fact, London genuinely might be the best place to eat breakfast in the world. Whether you’re the kind of person who favours a posh restaurant over a greasy spoon, or who champions a caff over a swanky hotel, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list.  RECOMMENDED: Breakfast’s a little too e
London’s best restaurants for pizza

London’s best restaurants for pizza

London is full of perfect pizza. The finest of fast foods, this delicious staple has been elevated far beyond its humble roots by great Italian restaurants in London, pop-ups, street food vendors and pub residencies, and we know just where to find these world-class wonders, because we’ve been eating our way across London in order to discover the best. Whether it’s delivered in a cardboard box or served in a swish restaurant, excellent pizza is hard to beat. Browse our list of the best pizza places in town and try not to drool on your screen. London’s best pizza at a glance: 🍞 Best in central London: Breadstall, Soho 🌋 Best in north London: Bar Etna, Newington Green 🚗 Best in east London: Short Road Pizza, Leyton and Bethnal Green  🌸 Best in south London: Spring Street Pizza, Borough 🇮🇹 Best in west London: Napoli on the Road, Chiswick and Richmond Recent additions to the list include some nifty kitchen residencies; Dough Hands at the Spurstowe Arms and All My Friends in Hackney Wick, Hot Saint at the Old Queen’s Head in Angel, Little Earthquakes at the Railway Tavern in Dalston, and Short Road Pizza at the William The Fourth in Leyton and Three Colts in Bethnal Green. You can find Ace Pizza at the Pembury Tavern in Hackney Downs, but they have a standalone parlour in Victoria Park. Try also; Spring Street Pizza in Borough for pie with a Michelin-starred touch, Carmela’s on Upper Street for a cosy slice, Vincenzo’s in Shoreditch for no-flop pizza and Bar Etna in Newing
The best Airbnbs in the Peak District for a countryside reset

The best Airbnbs in the Peak District for a countryside reset

The best part of a walking holiday isn’t the cardio, it is the absolute impunity with which you can demolish a massive pub lunch afterwards. And if you are looking for a rural escape, the Peak District is elite. England’s oldest National Park is a mix of rugged ridges and pretty valleys, making it the perfect spot to disappear for a weekend. Whether you are here to lace up your boots for a brutal hill climb, crash down some cycling trails, or just spend three days hopping between tea rooms and pints, it the Peak District delivers. To save you scrolling through thousands of identical rentals, we’ve found the Peak District Airbnbs worth your time. We are talking converted stone barns with wood-burning stoves, valley views that don't require leaving the sofa and beds designed to make you miss your morning alarm. Best Airbnbs in the Peak District, at a glance 🛖 Best for a barn conversion in Tideswell ⛪ Best for a converted chapel in Brassington 🦙 Best for a farm stay with Alpacas in Ilam 🛁 Best for a cottage in Monyash 🚶‍♂️ Best for walkers in Flagg 📍 RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to UK getaways Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 
The best Airbnbs in London to book right now

The best Airbnbs in London to book right now

Whatever your vibe (and whatever your budget), London’s got it all – and anyone will find something they love here. Whether you’re searching for a cheap central London studio, a luxury Hackney loft, or a leafy Highgate townhouse, finding where to stay in London is step one. From historic pubs to world-class dining, London delivers year-round. To help you book, our local editors rounded up the best Airbnb venues in London for 2026 – including our top new addition, a sunny home in Peckham. Best Airbnbs in London at a glance  📍 Best central Airbnb near Soho: Aribnb with balcony in Bloomsbury 🌇 Best east London warehouse loft: Loft in London Fields 💗 Best for couples: Holland Park home with balcony 🧸 Best for families: Luxury loft with workspace in Archway 🤑 Most affordable: Spacious flat with a bath in Brixton 🎊 Best Airbnb for large groups: Huge home in Canary Wharf   Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, our writers have based our list on expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. Ella Doyle is Time Out’s guides editor, based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guide
The best restaurants in King’s Cross

The best restaurants in King’s Cross

Once upon a time, the only reason to grab a bite at King’s Cross was if you were waiting for your train. But this once-grimy post-industrial area has undergone an enormous regeneration, and these days it’s packed with fine restaurants and great places to grab a decent bite. These are the best King’s Cross restaurants at a glance: 🍴 Best for a long lunch: The Yellow Bittern 🦆 Best for Chinese cuisine: Dim Sum Duck 🍛 Best for Indian favourites: Tamilla 🍠 Best for vegetarians: Bubala 🌮 Best for Mexican classics: Mestizo Be it the lofty, warehouse-sized joints around Granary Square, the trendy cafés in Coal Drops Yard or the hip little spots around lower Pentonville and a selection of Cantonese cult classics, there’s something for all tastes (and budgets, high or low). Check out our list of the best. RECOMMENDED: These are the best pubs in King’s Cross. Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 
The best Airbnbs in the Scottish Highlands

The best Airbnbs in the Scottish Highlands

An adventure in the Scottish Highlands is like no other trip in the UK. One minute you could be scaling a mountain, and the next sunbathing on a Caribbean-esque beach. Finding the right base is essential. From isolated lochside cottages with wood-burning stoves to luxury log cabins with hot tubs and glamping pods, the options are as dramatic as the landscape. We’ve handpicked the best Airbnbs in the Scottish Highlands, featuring Superhost stays near Glencoe, Fort William, and Loch Ness to make planning your ultimate Scottish escape effortless. Best Scottish Highland stays at a glance 💞 Best for couples: Cabin with hot tub and sauna near Inverness 🎉 Best for big groups: Castle near Dingwall with a garden 🌊 Most off-grid: Cottage in Lairg with free parking 🏃‍♀️ Best for adventure seekers: Isle of Skye cottage with a fire RECOMMENDED: 🛖 Discover the best Airbnbs in the UK📍 Our ultimate guide to UK getaways Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The best Airbnbs in Florence for an idyllic Tuscan getaway

The best Airbnbs in Florence for an idyllic Tuscan getaway

From the iconic Duomo and Ponte Vecchio to the artisan streets of Oltrarno, Florence packs world-famous sights, incredible food and Renaissance history into one gloriously walkable city. Spend your days browsing the Uffizi Gallery, shopping along Via Roma and watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo before tucking into fresh pasta and a glass of Chianti. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, family holiday or solo adventure, these are the best Airbnbs in Florence right now. August 2026 update: We've added some new incredible properties to this list, including a modern home near the train station, perfect for exploring the city and the wider region. Enjoy! The best Airbnbs in Florence at a glance 🛕 Best for Duomo views: The best luxury Airbnb in Florence with a private Duomo viewing terrace 🏊 Best with a pool: Tuscan loft with a pool in Scandicci 🥂 Best in Oltrarno: The rooftop terrace apartment in Santo Spirito 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for families: The big yellow home Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. Frequently asked questions about Airbnbs in Florence Which is the best neighbourhood to stay in an Ai
The 21 best online flower deliveries in London

The 21 best online flower deliveries in London

Looking for the best flower delivery in London? Whether you need a last-minute gift or want to surprise someone with a meticulously hand-tied bouquet, London’s online florists have you covered. You can't get away with a bunch of petrol station peonies anymore – and luckily, you don't have to. From luxury, artisan arrangements to convenient letterbox flowers and ultra-fast same-day flower delivery in London, we’ve tested and hand-picked the city's finest floral services. Panic-buyer or forward-planner, here are the 21 top online flower shops guaranteed to brighten their doorstep. Why not take a look at:💐 The best same-day flower delivery in London🍷 The best alcohol delivery services in London 🛏 Need a getaway? Here are the best Airbnbs in London How we test: Our Time Out London editors regularly order from these florists to test delivery speed, packaging sustainability, and—most importantly—how long the flowers actually last in the vase. We factor in price, aesthetic (from classic roses to wild, off-beat stems), and customer service to bring you this definitive guide. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
Time Out editors’ favourite Airbnbs in Europe for summer 2026

Time Out editors’ favourite Airbnbs in Europe for summer 2026

Sometimes you want hotel beds, fluffy robes and a breakfast buffet laid out for you. But sometimes, you really just want your own space, and to live like an actual local – and for those trips, only an Airbnb will do. Our editors agree; some of our most memorable trips feature memories of playing vinyl and cooking scrambled eggs in a light-filled kitchen, and wandering out to our favourite local bar every evening.   There are endless lists out there of the most extravagant, out-there and one-of-a-kind Airbnbs in Europe – the kinds that get splashed in print magazines and featured on Airbnb’s homepage. But often these stays are booked up for the next three years or, ahem, a little out of our budget. Instead, we thought we’d show you the Airbnbs we’ve actually booked ourselves and fallen in love with lately. Some are rare finds, some are unique, and some are just exactly what we needed – filled with character, comfort and perfectly placed for exploring the city. That’s what we’re all about here at Time Out, after all. So for a bit of holiday inspo (or even your next holiday stay), read on, friends – here are our favourite Airbnbs right now.  ➡️ READ MORE: Our ultimate guide to hotels and Airbnbs in Europe Ella Doyle is Time Out’s Europe editor. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by experts across Europe. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For mo

Listings and reviews (46)

Rossella Muswell Hill

Rossella Muswell Hill

4 out of 5 stars
Rossella Muswell Hill is the second branch of the original, well-loved Kentish Town gem – and it’s had a serious glow up. This grown-up take on the neighbourhood trattoria has sweeping curved glass walls, light pouring in and a magnificent sunny courtyard, packed out with a buzzing crowd of locals, families and big groups cheersing with tiny limoncellos. The menu is classic Italian: fresh pasta, pizza, small plates and a few meat and fish mains. The pasta is probably the star of the show, from a glossy vongole with tonnarelli to a fabulous pasta alla nerano (apparently their most popular dish this summer – blame Stanley Tucci). This is a spot that does it all, and does it all masterfully well, as good for a summery date night as it is for a raucous 10-person birthday dinner. Even more, it’s a spot where you can feel the love that’s gone into it to make this happen (go on, ask your server about the black-and-white family photos on the wall). Time Out tip To drink, get stuck into a bottle from owner Luca’s family vineyard, or a spritz served in a big old goblet (both the limoncello and the meloncello are Rossella’s own). And make sure to order a tiramisu – it comes out on a trolley, served tableside.
Art’otel Rome Via Veneto

Art’otel Rome Via Veneto

4 out of 5 stars
I love Rome for the way it makes me feel like I’ve stepped back in time – but that doesn’t mean you want your stay to match. Sometimes, you want to come home to somewhere sleek, sultry and with a very nice cocktail bar. And that’s what you’ll get at art’otel Rome Via Veneto, the first Rome outpost of the art’otel brand, opened in March 2025.  What ties it to Rome so wholly, of course, is the art. If you know of the art’otel brand, you’ll know every hotel is designed with a local artist, to feel like a walk-through art gallery. At its Rome outpost, the artist is Pietro Ruffo, who has created a kind of intricate fantasy world, from the doors to the lifts to the cocktail bar; all multi-colours, astrological charts and floating globes. Be you an art buff or not, it’s well worth asking for a tour of the premises to hear some of the stories behind the artwork; like the layers of Rome hidden in the wall hangings in the downstairs bar, and the suite terraces designed to be different zodiac signs. Oh and that lift – that gloriously colourful, swirling lift – is a very nice touch indeed.  Service is extremely friendly and knowledgeable – we were greeted with a glass of prosecco on arrival and a map of nearby sights.  What are the rooms like at art’otel Rome Via Veneto? Perfectly slick, clean and swish, with black panelling, pops of colour and art embellishments, including Ruffo’s designs on cushions and shower doors. Even the most basic room option is a good size, and all look out onto
Royal Hideaway Corales Beach

Royal Hideaway Corales Beach

5 out of 5 stars
We all know about Tenerife’s ‘Brit Abroad’ rep, but if you’ve been recently (and you know the right spots), you’ll know as well as we do that there’s a whole side of this beautiful island that’s diverse and innovative, with a proper local spirit – and there’s another side of it that’s complete and utter luxury.  On this side, the island is rows upon rows of sprawling luxury hotels, almost exclusively all-inclusive-style resorts. Choosing from these many, many options can be a bit of a minefield, but if you’re the kind of person (like me) who travels mainly to eat, eat and eat some more, I’ll make it easy for you. I stayed at Royal Hideaway Corales Beach, the adults-only wing of Royal Hideaway Corales Resort, and it holds the most Michelin stars of any hotel in Spain. Need I say more?  What’s the vibe at Royal Hideaway Corales Beach? The first thing to get out of the way is that Royal Hideaway Corales Beach is not on the beach (nor does it have direct access to it, although it is very near Playa de Enramada). Instead, you’ll notice that Royal Hideaway looks like a cruise ship – and that’s the idea (it was designed by Tenerife architect Leonardo Omar). So there’s a general theme to the whole thing: the fact that every room has a view of the ocean, and that it’s got multiple luxury restaurants to choose from feel a bit like you’ve docked in Tenerife on a luxury cruise ship.  What are the rooms like at Royal Hideaway Corales Beach? To explain the set up, Corales Beach (where I st
The Store

The Store

4 out of 5 stars
It’s true what they say: Oxford truly does feel like going back in time. Not quite as twee as its rival Cambridge, but certainly as charming, coming for a day trip from London can only be made better by staying overnight. And if you’re doing that, why not stay slap-bang in the middle of it all, eh? Well, that’s what you’ll get at The Store, a relatively new boutique hotel (from 2024), found inside what was an old Boswell & Co department store on Broad Street, with the city’s best bits right at your fingertips. In a city where the aesthetic, if you will, is delightfully old-school, The Store is a refreshingly modern place to stay – rather unlike the old churches, turrets and oldest university in the country right outside.  What are the rooms like at The Store? There are 101 rooms here, which come in Standard, Deluxe, Superior and Suite. And they are, well, rather lovely – thoughtfully designed with a Scandi feel, all deep reds, soft blues and pastel greens with rounded corners and soft furnishings. Oh, and my new favourite treat, Fatso marmalade chocolate, in the mini-bar.  What you don’t get, if you’re in a high-street facing room, is marvellous bedroom views (I had a view of a McDonald’s and various other chains). But fear not – this is merely an excuse to spend more time at the rooftop bar, where you’ll get old-town Oxford views a-plenty.  What is the service like at The Store? These guys know their market – tourists, and lots of them. Meaning many, many people staying her
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort

NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort

5 out of 5 stars
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is part of the Minor Hotels group, the guys behind Anantara, Tivoli and the Wolseley, so they know a little something about luxury. And you can feel it in every detail on this beautiful island – the space, the privacy, and the way the staff team quietly operate in the background. At the time of writing, there’s a big benefit to choosing this resort over any other in the Maldives – it’s brand-spanking-new. Previously Reethi Beach Resort, six months of renovations mean new restaurants, new bars, new sand pumped onto its beaches and the almighty new overwater villas.  What’s the vibe at NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort? Put it this way. When I stayed in February 2026, the hotel felt beautifully quiet – you could sunbathe entirely undisturbed and not hear a single voice or see a single snorkeller float past for hours. I had put this down to Reethi Resort having just opened, but later learned the hotel was already at 60 percent capacity. I can’t, then, imagine this resort could ever feel crowded. In fact, the only time it felt busy was the many, many late risers grabbing last-minute breakfast just before it closed at 11am. If that sounds like veering into brunch hours to you, then trust me, it will be you too – life is all too slow and mighty easy here. You’re on island time, after all.  What are the rooms like at NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort? There are two main options for staying here: the Ocean Villas and the Beach Villas. At the
Pamella’s Place

Pamella’s Place

5 out of 5 stars
Pamella’s Place is somewhere between a cabin and a cottage, if you can picture it. Part of a collection of five lovely properties on Bonington Farm, this design-led stay is chic but cosy, and feels pretty remote while being entirely accessible – the farm is just 15 minutes’ drive from Loughborough Station. For a group of girlfriends or a few couples (you can even fit up to eight people here), it doesn’t really get better than this – think bedroom windows that look out over fields of grazing horses, bedrooms with heavy, sliding curtains and a huge great dining table laden with candles. It’s cabin living – just not in a rickety, straw bathroom kind of way. What’s it like inside Pamella’s Place, Bonington Farm? Step into this sleek triangular lodge and find four bedrooms, stacked on top of each other like a doll’s house. Rooms are ridiculously cute and compact, with tiny shuttered windows and huge great beds topped with cloudlike, fluffy duvets and pillows. This was, genuinely, one of the best beds I have ever slept in.  To your left, you’ll find a fabulous kitchen with salt, pepper, olive oil, tea and coffee and endless cooking supplies – though coffee snobs (like me), beware that it’s the instant stuff, so you might want to bring your own cafetiere and bag of ground coffee. A huge dining table easily fits four, and the walls around it are hung with strange but very fun animal-themed art. The bathroom is equally as glorious, decked out with chequered pink-and-white tiles, brass
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam

4 out of 5 stars
There are two options for visiting Amsterdam. Option number one? Stay somewhere cool. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere ‘up-and-coming’ or out of the way of all the action. But option two? You face it head on, embrace Amsterdam with open arms, and stay slap bang in the middle of its raucous centre, right up against the Red Light District, in the midst of all its magical drama. And thankfully, Sofitel The Grand means that option two doesn’t mean a seedy stay or a bunk bed in a hostel – far from it. Enter through Sofitel’s pearly gates and leave the chaos of the streets immediately behind you. Instead, prepare to be met with total grandeur: this hotel, firmly rooted in Amsterdam’s eclectic past, is flat-out, unapologetic, total luxury.  Why stay at Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam? Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is one of only a handful of Sofitel Legends in the world – the others are found in Hanoi, Panama, Xi’an, Aswan in Egypt and Cartagena in Colombia. It was the first in Europe and the second in the world. There are many reasons to stay at a Sofitel Legend hotel, but the main draw is probably the prestige of the brand, and knowing you’ll be doted on hand and foot. But Amsterdam’s outpost is rather special: you stay here to feel like you’re living amongst Amsterdam’s storied history – the hotel building dates back to 1411, and it’s lived many lives since then: a monastery, a convent, a City Hall, a five-star luxury hotel The Grand – and eventually Sofitel The Grand in 2010.
Park Plaza Vondelpark

Park Plaza Vondelpark

4 out of 5 stars
Sometimes when you really love a hotel, it’s just a feeling. That’s what I had when I walked into Park Plaza Amsterdam. It wouldn’t necessarily suit every kind of traveller: it’s not fancy, and a concierge doesn’t usher your bags into the lift – but staff are, well, lovely, and a laugh – and they’ll hand you an individually wrapped stroopwafel when you leave. One of three Park Plazas in Amsterdam, it’s a relatively small hotel – 102 rooms total – but it feels like it could have 30, and there’s a sort of ‘secret garden’ vibe to the whole thing: entrances are hidden just below ground level, and you snake through a glass corridor to get to the lifts and rooms. Why stay at Park Plaza Vondelpark? Well you’re looking out over Vondelpark, for starters – Amsterdam’s biggest and best park – but the surrounding area and street itself is lovely too, all quiet and leafy with bikes cycling past. Though the hotel’s facilities are minimal, it includes a number of nice touches, like well-priced bike hire, free fizzy water refills in the lobby and free umbrella rental for 48 hours. Part of their sustainability pact also means if you opt out of your room clean you can get a €10 food voucher (which can be used in their restaurant) or a bottle of house wine to have in your room. If you’re anything like me, that’s a mighty good deal just to make your own bed in the morning.  What are the rooms like at Park Plaza Vondelpark? There are a whole range of rooms here, ranging from Cosy and Deluxe and S
Sargasso

Sargasso

5 out of 5 stars
What’s the vibe? You’ll find Sargasso on the little island bit in Margate (the Stone Pier, on Margate’s Harbour Arm), which looks out over the rest of the town with the bay stretching out through the middle. It sits right on the edge of the arm, with a few specials scribbled on a chalkboard, thin wooden tables and benches outside, little umbrellas, and high stools indoors for sitting by the window. There’s also a little rock before the entrance, where you might see a group of friends sink an entire bottle of orange wine as they wait for a table to become available. It is, on all counts, a perfect restaurant – sunny and bustling in summer, moody and romantic in winter. Fun waiters, knowledgeable bartenders and small plates with bold red Sargasso branding that are begging to be photographed (and eaten).  What should I order? The menu here changes, but there are some permanent fixtures, like those by-now Instagram-famous Cantabrian anchovies sitting plump and doused in delicious olive oil (they are as good as they look). We start with olive oil crisps and taramasalata, the feta, cucumber and melon salad and the crunchy panisse, a satisfying balance of salty, soft and sweet, paired with a minerally sparkling wine.  The main event ended up being the squid sandwich – fried calamari, squashed into a soft white bun, topped with guindilla peppers and a squeeze of lemon for each bite. Hot tip: if you didn’t snag a table, they offer this to take away for £14, so you can eat it on the be
Belly Bistro

Belly Bistro

5 out of 5 stars
Shamefully for a local, I didn’t realise how many eateries in Kentish Town were owned by Omar Shah, an entrepreneurial chef from the Philippines whose parents opened Bintang (a great Thai spot) back in 1987. So that’s Guanabana, Ramo Ramen, Mamasons, Cafe Mama & Sons – and now Belly Bistro, an intimate Filipino restaurant with a very nice font. They’re going for a neighbourhood bistro thing here, but it feels more like your classic Hackney small-platey spot. It’s compact and candle-lit, laid out in a strip of small tables with white tablecloths and a few stools up by the bar facing the wall. Everyone eating here is in their 20s and 30s, staff are great. It’s also (at the time of writing) one of the hottest restaurants in town, so there is a chance you’ll have an influencer’s white light blaring from the table next to you. You’ve been warned.  We kick off with cocktails - both the melon sour and the watermelon marg are punchy and well-balanced. The food comes quickly. One of Belly’s ‘viral dishes’ (sorry) is first out, the cured scallops in big, shallow shells, swimming in coconut cream with basil oil and little pickled chillies. They are things of beauty, fat and meaty and incredibly rich - the kind you have to share, lest you get overwhelmed before your main comes out. We also try the soft and tender smoked trout kinilaw – a Filipino take on a ceviche – which I like even more. Almost everything we try is subtly spicy with a tickling, warm heat. The dish to order for a bit of
Mareida

Mareida

3 out of 5 stars
Fitzrovia might feel corporate, but hiding among the polished buildings and offices are a few spots with a bit of an edge. Mareida is the latest, an elegant fine dining restaurant serving up elevated Chilean cuisine from a buzzy open kitchen. You can feel the passion for the restaurant’s vision from every corner; the space is hung with Chilean art and there are even rocks brought back from local caves. The vibe is slick and trendy, and we dine alongside good-looking couples and a large corporate crew. Our first dish was also our best; mussels in charcoal shells on a bed of fennel sand, which you sprinkle into each shell before eating. They are a lovely, textured bite, made perfect by a few dabs of warmly spiced hot sauce which has a clean, fresh, and tongue-prickling heat. Cocktails are another delight, many of them featuring Chile’s national spirit pisco, including the light Mareida sour and bright-pink and intensely grapefruity Araucaria spritz, topped with a tiny tomato.  The space is hung with Chilean art and rocks brought back from local caves We try all three empanadas - the mushroom with goat cheese, the beef and the seafood. The beef is the stand-out, rich and comforting (warning: it has a tiny, whole boiled egg inside it), but any of them are worth trying. We’re recommended the wagyu slider, which is a fun little thing but doesn’t taste like an awful lot; just thin-cut beef, with a touch of sweetness from the brioche and the brown butter. After a generous dash of th
Edinburgh Festival Theatre

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

What is it? Among Edinburgh’s best and biggest theatrical spaces, the Festival Theatre is unique in that it offers the best of multiple eras to its public. Opened as the Festival in 1994, it was constructed from the remains of the old Empire Palace Theatre, a hall that had been around since 1892, and which was known to locals as a variety and concert hall that had welcomed acts including Laurel and Hardy, Judy Garland, Morecambe and Wise and David Bowie over the decades. Is it worth visiting? With the largest stage in Scotland, the Festival is an extremely versatile space, hosting touring musical productions, Edinburgh International Festival shows and low-key rock concerts (Elvis Costello and James Blunt have recently appeared). It’s also the Edinburgh home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, and it also came complete with its own theatrical ghost story back in the day, with renowned illusionist The Great Lafayette having burned to death there during a performance in 1911. What food and drink is there? The three-level foyer incorporates a bar on each level, with views across the city from the top floor and the all-day Festival Theatre Café on the ground floor. On Level F1 you’ll find the Secret Garden Bar and the Champagne Bar (head to one of these if you’ve got a show on level one or two). On F2 there’s Stewart Brewing Bar, which is the only one to pick up local craft beers, and which has a rather lovely view of Arthur’s Seat. There’s also a cloakroom.  What events are o

News (128)

You can now book the cottage from ‘The Holiday’ on Airbnb

You can now book the cottage from ‘The Holiday’ on Airbnb

Looking to live out your The Holiday dreams? Discover the best cosy cottages in the UK, right here We’re finally less than a week away from the Big Day, and Christmas is in full swing in the UK. We’re talking about twinkling lights lining every street. We’re talking mulled wine in a blanket on the sofa. And we’re most certainly talking about watching The Holiday, over and over again.  Well, if you think you’ve exhausted the classic Christmas romcom (and you’d like to be the envy of literally all of your pals) we’ve got some very, very exciting news for you: you can now rent the real-life cottage from film on Airbnb. The movie’s producers visited Honeysuckle Cottage in Holmbury St Mary, Surrey, before they started filming, and immediately picked it as one of the key filming locations (they had been looking for the ‘cutest, smallest, most English cottage’ they could find, obviously).  Photograph: Airbnb Photograph: Airbnb The cottage itself was too far from the London cast and crew, so they meticulously recreated the property for the film, naming it Rosehill Cottage. Much later down the line in 2019, couple Jon and Cressida Bromley bought the cottage for £625,000, but had no idea it was the one from the film. They eventually realised after reading about it in a property magazine, which is lucky, because fans of The Holiday frequently show up at their door to have a look.  Now they’re renting Honeysuckle Cottage out on Airbnb for around £295 a night. The house features low
The 7 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the UK in 2025

The 7 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the UK in 2025

What makes a neighbourhood cool? For eight years now, Time Out has been answering that exact question. A genuinely exciting roster of restaurants, cafés and bars, irrepressibly colourful nightlife and art scenes, a welcoming and diverse community, a sense that a place is really having a moment – these are the sorts of things that, in our eyes, make somewhere truly cool. Last week Time Out published the 2025 edition of our global ranking of the planet’s coolest neighbourhoods, celebrating places that embody the many different ways a place can be ‘cool’. Two British areas made the cut – one in London and another in Birmingham – but that was only a teaser. Now it’s time to crown the coolest places in the UK. Our hottest ’hoods in Britain were chosen by local Time Out contributors who live, work and eat in them day in, day out. Some of these areas are established hotbeds of creativity, some are where you’ll find the city’s hottest new openings, and others are currently hitting their peak, after years of gradually increasing buzz. Critically, all of the neighbourhoods you’ll find on this list are genuinely great places to be right now.  1. Camberwell, London Photograph: Chris Bethell Camberwell captures all the stuff that makes southeast London the liveliest corner of the capital – the young-at-heart vibe, the independent spirit, the multiculturalism – and crams it all into a green, community-oriented little patch. The jewel in Camberwell’s crown is its food. Church Street is ea
Estes são os destinos mais procurados para o Verão de 2025, segundo a Expedia

Estes são os destinos mais procurados para o Verão de 2025, segundo a Expedia

Depois de um Inverno longo (e frio) para muitos de nós, o Verão começa finalmente a espreitar por entre as nuvens. E sabe o que isso significa? Que está na hora de marcar férias. Sim, f-é-r-i-a-s, no plural, se nós tivermos alguma coisa a dizer sobre o assunto. Mas, com a chegada da temporada de reservas, surge a grande questão: para onde vamos? Os destinos mais famosos do mundo continuam no topo das listas de desejos (e por lá vão lá continuar) mas, às vezes, compensa sair da caixa, explorar cidades em países onde nunca esteve ou trocar as férias clássicas por algo diferente. Se quer estar um passo à frente, temos boas notícias: a agência de viagens Expedia revelou as principais tendências para este ano, com base nas estatísticas da sua plataforma. Os dados comparam os hábitos de reserva entre Dezembro de 2024 e Março de 2025 com o mesmo período do ano anterior – e há três destinos que se destacam. Em terceiro lugar está Tbilisi, a capital da Geórgia, com um aumento de 145% graças à sua riqueza cultural, à vida nocturna animada e à variedade de coisas para fazer. Em segundo lugar surge Basileia (com +185%) e no topo está Zurique (+225%), o que significa que a Suíça é oficialmente o país sensação deste Verão. Photograph: Shutterstock A seguir surge Gotemburgo, na Suécia, com um aumento de 135% nas pesquisas. Pode confiar: estivemos lá e entrou directamente para a nossa lista de destinos mais injustamente ignorados da Europa. Mas nada disto nos surpreende – da Islândia à Nor
These are the world’s top trending destinations to book this summer, according to Expedia

These are the world’s top trending destinations to book this summer, according to Expedia

After what was for many of us a long, cold winter, summer has finally begun to peek through the clouds. And you know what that means? It's time to book a summer holiday. Multiple holidays, if you ask us.  But as travel booking season begins, many of us face the big decision: where on Earth do we go? While the world's most famous destinations are still top of many of our bucket lists, they'll always be there – and sometimes it's worth thinking outside the box, exploring cities in countries you've never traveled to before, or ditching the summer holiday altogether for something a little different.  So if you're looking to get ahead of the curve, we've got good news: travel brand  Expedia has just released this year's travel trends, according to stats from its platform. These stats compare summer holiday booking habits from December 2024-March 2025 to the same period the year before – and three destinations have come out on top. In third place, we've got Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, up 145 percent as travelers get stuck into its culture, nightlife and things to do . Coming in second we've got Basel (up 185 percent) and Zurich (up 225 percent), meaning Switzerland has officially come out on top this year. That's followed by Gothenburg, Sweden , for which searches are up by 135 percent year-on-year. You can trust us on that one  – we visited  Gothenburg ourselves, and it immediately made it to our list of Europe's most underrated destinations . But all of this is  no surprise  – fr
Marseille’s coolest restaurant is coming to London

Marseille’s coolest restaurant is coming to London

It’s no secret that every Londoner was obsessed with Marseille last summer. We travelled to the Provençal city in our masses, filling Instagram feeds with snaps of galleries, bouillabaisse and the glistening Plages du Prado. And the few of us who didn’t make it down to Marseille were jealous, oh so jealous.  But fear not. If you wasted your precious summer 2024 not visiting Europe’s it-city, we‘ve got good news: Marseille’s coolest restaurant is coming to London.  Tuba is a magnificent dining spot in Les Goudes, right on the water (if you’ve been researching your Marseille holiday, you would’ve seen it already), once a diving centre and now a hotel-restaurant where you can eat seriously good seafood sharing plates right on the rocks overlooking the sea. It’s Time Out’s second-best restaurant in Marseille, and it’s the sort of thing we dream about when the weather in the Big Smoke can’t climb above 11 degrees.  Now for the big news: Tuba chef Sylvain Roucayrol is coming to London, collabing with Jackson Boxer to chef up a seven-course seafood menu at Parisian bistro Henri, using British produce but with the vibes (and flavours) of Marseille. Jackson Boxer is the chef behind our faves Dove, Brunswick House and more, by the way – and one of our hottest chefs in London. Just saying.  The Tuba X Henri menu costs £85 per person, and there are two sittings, at 6.30pm and 8.30pm. The only catch? This is a one night only affair, taking place on Tuesday March 25. To secure your spot, v
Time Out Market Barcelona opens tomorrow – here are 8 reasons to visit

Time Out Market Barcelona opens tomorrow – here are 8 reasons to visit

At midday tomorrow (July 5, 2024), Barcelona will gain a new landmark, and it will make history. We don’t say that lightly: Time Out Market Barcelona is the largest permanent space dedicated to dining in the city. The upper floor of the Maremagnum will host a gastronomic and cultural market of over 5,000 square metres, bringing together a plethora of culinary offerings – from the best tapas in the city to dishes by Michelin-starred chefs – to make quite literally the best dining experience in the city. Not convinced yet? Here are eight reasons to get yourself to Barcelona as soon as you possibly can.  1. It’s (actually) the best of the best At the Market, we don’t have just one spectacular restaurant. We have 14! And all have been selected by the editorial team at Time Out Barcelona, the same team that has been recommending the best places to eat and drink in the city for the past 16 years. Oh, and each of those restaurants has chosen its top dishes to offer at the market. That’s why our motto is the best of the city under one roof. Get it? It’s the best of the best. Foto: Cinc SentitsCinc Sentits 2. You can choose your own adventure Why should you miss out on a dish by a Michelin-starred chef if your companion fancies sausage and beans? Why should you forgo devouring a good grilled steak after starting with a seafood appetiser? Why can’t you begin with an authentic Mexican taco and continue with a pizza? At the Market, every food combo is possible. Both for what you fancy
The 8 ways you can help homeless people right now

The 8 ways you can help homeless people right now

  Those facing homelessness are vulnerable all year round, but particularly at Christmas, when the temperature drops and many homeless people face extreme weather conditions. Across the UK, there are a number of ways that we can all support the homeless, whether it's setting up a monthly donation to a charity or offering food, clothing or money to individuals wherever we can. Wherever you are based, here are eight ways you can help this Christmas.  1. Download Streetlink Streetlink is a website and phone app that allows users to alert authorities to someone sleeping rough in England and Wales. Volunteers can help people facing homelessness find a bed for the night, as well as point them to long-term support services. Download the app here. 2. Contact your local council Streetlink is the quickest way to find support for those sleeping rough, but it does not guarantee the person will receive help. You can also contact your local council, which can help locate a bed for those facing homelessness. In some UK areas, SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) has been activated, which means more beds will open up in local shelters.  3. Speak to the homeless Facing homelessness is extremely challenging, and there can be days where they might not communicate with anyone at all. If you are able, you can ask a homeless person what they need, and help them source food, a hot drink, money for shelter or warm clothing. The Big Issue has some helpful tips for reaching out to homeless people
What is the winter solstice and when is it?

What is the winter solstice and when is it?

So the festive season has finally arrived, meaning it’s dark at 5pm and we’re all getting Monzo warnings to chill on the spending. But though it doesn’t necessarily feel like it, it’s still technically autumn right now. It’s not actually winter until we reach the Actual Shortest Day of the Year, aka the winter solstice. But that moment is coming up relatively soon, and you know what that means? The days are going to start getting brighter again. Final push, eh? Here’s everything we know. What is the winter solstice? It basically just means the shortest day of the year (and the longest night of the year, obvs). The winter solstice occurs when the Earth turns on its axis, to the point where its poles reach their maximum tilt away from the sun. It happens twice a year – creating the shortest day and the longest day. The actual winter solstice only lasts for a moment, but the name refers to the whole day. When is the shortest day of the year in the UK? The winter solstice usually falls on December 21 to 22. This year, it will fall on Friday December 22. The exact time of the solstice is 3:27am. For some context, you’ll get eight hours and 49 minutes less daylight on that day then what you get on the June solstice.  How do we celebrate the shortest day of the year? There are a whole load of ways people celebrate the winter solstice all over the world. Prehistoric monuments like Stonehenge are aligned with the sunset for the winter solstice, so people often visit them on the day. P
Reading and Leeds Festivals have just announced their 2023 headliners

Reading and Leeds Festivals have just announced their 2023 headliners

What with all the Christmas cheer, summer seems a long way off right now. But the more organised among us know that this is the time to start getting events booked in. And if you want to avoid having to stay in while your pals all get wrecked, we’d strongly advise getting on those early-bird ticket sales ASAP. And if you don’t know where to start? Reading and Leeds have just announced their line-ups for next year, and they’re looking pretty promising. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2023 editions of these two banging festivals. RECOMMENDED:Here’s the full Reading and Leeds 2023 line-up and stage timesThe best UK music festivals to book for 2023How to get tickets for Reading and Leeds festival 2024 When are Reading and Leeds Festivals? Both of the three-day events will take place from August 25 to 27 2023. Leeds Festival will be in Bramham Park, while Reading Festival will take place at Richfield Avenue.  Who are the headliners? The headliners for both festivals were announced today on BBC Radio One, with Billie Eilish, Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, Foals, the Killers and Imagine Dragons all set to top the bill. Other performers will include Shy FX, Yung Lean, Slowthai and Bicep. Headliners play both festivals on different days throughout the weekend. Reading and Leeds is traditionally a rock festival, but features artists across indie, dance, pop and more. Scots singer Lewis Capaldi tweeted that he expected some backlash from rock music lovers for headlining the fe
Do Europeans drink water? A TikTok investigation

Do Europeans drink water? A TikTok investigation

So, it’s officially Euro Summer. And if you don’t know what that means, well, we don’t blame you. It’s not entirely clear. But all the Americans are doing it on TikTok (the hashtag alone has nearly 700m views), and ‘Europecore’ is now its own category on Depop (it features cowboy boots, Nike t-shirts and long jean shorts, obviously). Essentially, young Americans travel to unspecified countries in Europe, and post about it on TikTok. And thus their Euro Summer commences. But quickly, Euro Summer turned from a highly-anticipated travel opportunity into hurtling controversy. Americans discovered that ‘Europe’ (exact location still unclear) ain’t all sunshine and roses. And onto our TikTok ‘for you’ pages tumbled a series of American bugbears: Europeans don’t eat vegetables. Europeans charge you for the toilet. European train stations smell bad.  The most controversial of all? That Europeans don’t drink water. Apparently.  But is it true? Do Europeans simply not drink water? And if so, how do they survive? There was only one way to find out. We’ve asked Time Out editors in Barcelona, Madrid and Paris the big question. Do you drink water, or not? @taylorhuntleigh Maybe it’s just me? #europeansummer ♬ Summer - Calvin Harris First thing’s first: Do Europeans drink water? María José Gómez, Time Out Barcelona: ‘Many tourists act as if they don't know that people from Barcelona are actually living beings, but, certainly, we are, so if we don't drink water, we die. ‘T
Wetherspoons has just put these 39 pubs up for sale

Wetherspoons has just put these 39 pubs up for sale

It’s no secret that pubs are struggling at the moment, especially independent ones. But the one guy you’d think would be fine is ol’ Wetherspoons, with its nearly 900 pubs across the UK and Ireland.  But it looks like even Spoons isn’t thriving in the current climate. The chain has just announced it will be selling another seven of its pubs – bringing the total to 39 this year.  The location of those seven pubs hasn’t been revealed yet. Owner Tim Martin announced in July this year that the chain could be set to lose around £30 million in revenue this year, but it looks like the sales haven’t been as bad as predicted. A spokesperson said trading at the minute is ‘broadly’ in line with its expectations, though it had dipped in October. And if your local does hit the market, don’t fret – the venues are going to stay as Wetherspoons for now, until someone buys them. And if no one does, they’re just going to stay as Wetherspoons, so you can still get your pink gin pitcher and chips ‘n’ gravy fix. Martin said that ’in the absence of further lockdowns or restrictions, the company remains cautiously optimistic about future prospects’.  The list of the 32 venues we do know are up for sale are as follows: Barnsley – Silkstone Inn Beaconsfield – Hope & Champion Bexleyheath – Wrong ‘Un Bournemouth – Christopher Creeke Cheltenham – Bank House Durham – Water House Halifax – Percy Shaw Hanham – Jolly Sailor Harrow – Moon on the Hill Hove – Cliftonville Inn London Battersea – Asparagus Lond
We went off-grid in a cabin in the forest and I barely touched my phone

We went off-grid in a cabin in the forest and I barely touched my phone

What with the cozzy livs and commuting and all that, city life can get a bit much sometimes. You might find yourself wishing you could throw your phone into the ocean or go live in the woods in the middle of nowhere. Well, it turns out there’s a bit of a market for that – sans phone-throwing – and it’s really catching on.  Unyoked is an Australian company offering city dwellers the chance to hide away in a cabin and immerse themselves in nature for the weekend. It now has cabins in different spots throughout the UK, including Norfolk and Wales, and they’re mostly reachable by a short-ish train journey from London or another major city. We popped down to our cabin in the South Downs National Park after work on a Friday. Simples.  The 20-minute cab ride from the station to the cabin cost an eye-watering £28 each way, something you definitely might want to bear in mind as an extra expense when choosing your spot. Arriving in the dark is vaguely horror movie-esque, but the bright yellow ‘Unyoked’ signs quickly remind you that you’re not quite as in the middle of nowhere as it seems in the dark. I wondered whether we’d be able to spot signs of life from where we were staying (I hoped not), but although you pass a whole house and another Unyoked cabin on the way, once you reach it, you really do feel isolated.  Photograph: Intone Films Photograph: Intone Films Photograph: Intone Films The cabin is cute and shed-like, with a tiny little kitchen, fridge and shower room. You c