Ellie Walker-Arnott

The smog and stress of London can really take its toll on your skin. That’s why there’s nothing better than a regular facial (or a one-off treat) to give you that much-needed top-up, leaving you feeling glowing, fresh-faced and dewy.  Just thinking about what we put our skin through is enough to give you frown lines. That’s thanks to the combined efforts of pollution and air-conditioned offices, as well as the added bonuses of harsh weather, booze, sun exposure, dehydration and – our least favourite – the inevitable passing of time. Happily, there are loads of great spas, treatment rooms and estheticians in London who can give your face a break and a much-needed zhuzh. Whether you’re after a relaxing, soothing facial massage, some instant radiance, a total skincare overhaul or something a little more intense such as microneedling or laser treatment, read our pick of facials in London.  RECOMMENDED: The best spas in London. 

Whether you’re a certified gym bunny or a total newbie on a health kick, finding a new gym can be pretty daunting. Many of us have know what a bad gym experience looks like. The budget-friendly options can be smelly, overcrowded, joylessly clinical spaces where half the changing room lockers are broken and you end up queueing for machines during busy periods. But the expensive ones can be just as bad; cliquey and intimidating, with stern instructors who love to guilt-trip you if you’ve had a few days off. But we’ve done our research, and the gyms and fitness studios in this list are none of those things. Many of these venues feel more like private members’ clubs, complete with plenty of smoothie bars, DJs, lounge areas and spa facilities. But there are also some great no-frills options in the list too, for those who just want to get down to business, would prefer to pay for individual classes rather than committing to a membershiup, or are generally looking for a slightly less spenny way to work up a sweat.  Most of the venues in our list also have multiple locations across the city, so there should be one that’s convenient for you. Time to get that blood pumping! RECOMMENDED: London’s best swimming pools

London looks its absolute best when it’s bathing under a blazing sun and bright blue sky. So, on the rare occassion that we’re blessed with such weather, it would be a waste not to head upwards and absorb gorgeous views of the capital in all its shining glory. The city is spoiled with dozens of rooftop bars ready to stand to attention come summertime. But if it’s just greenery, panoramic vistas and a fresh breeze you’re after, one of London’s rooftop gardens may just do the trick instead. Some of the city’s high-rise gardens stay fairly quiet and zen most of the year, while others are attached to buzzy restaurants or host DJs and live music during peak season. So, whether you want a peaceful stroll in the clouds or you’re after some sunny sky-high vibes, these are all of London’s best rooftop gardens. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor spaces in London.

Have you noticed that everyone seems to be doing Pilates right now? Well, there’s good reason. Developed by German trainer Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, the exercise regime is low-impact but does absolute wonders for your muscles (including your core) – and it’ll sort out a load of other issues form bad posture to balance, too. Celebs, dancers and elite athletes swear by it and now all sorts of new studios are popping up over the city. If you wanna get a bit more bendy, toned and powerful, look no further than one of these expert pilates classes. What’s more, it doesn’t matter whether they’re mat-based, inspired by ballet or take place on a reformer machine (they’re not as scary as they look, we promise), these fun and fancy studios won’t leave you bent out of shape. Here are the best pilates classes in London. Fancy testing that new-found flexibility? Try one of these yoga classes in London next.  RECOMMENDED: The best sport and fitness in London

London is a proudly leafy city, loved for its tree-lined streets, famous parks, hidden gardens where you'd least expect them, and community spaces sprouting out from behind office blocks. And that fervour for all things horticultural extends to this city's residents, who turn suburban gardens into abundant paradises of blooms, transform concrete courtyards into cool havens of ferns and palms, or deck their balcony with extravagant swathes of flowers. This city's centre is ringed with garden centres that can feed even your boldest gardening-related ambitions. And for anyone without access to outdoor space, they also offer indoor growing options galore, while boutique-style high street shops turn houseplant ownership into a way of life. Here are the best garden centres in London, as well as plant shops not to miss if you want to make your neighbours go green with envy.  RECOMMENDED: The best of outdoor London

London is full of tranquil parks, cosy pubs and bustling cafés where keen readers can bury their noses in a good book. But true bookworms will always be drawn to libraries, with their peaceful atmosphere and their abundance of delicious reading material to chomp through. Fortunately, this city is full of some of the world's best and most beautiful libraries, from teeming university study spaces to specialist collections to local community hubs. Architects have taken on the challenge of creating spaces that are gorgeous enough to distract you from whatever fascinating tome you're reading, creating domed Victorian temples to literature or Brutalist masterpieces supplied with every possible comfort. Here are London's very best libraries. Some are famous, others are tucked away gems, but all of them are fantastic spots to linger as you study, write, or immerse yourself in a good story.  RECOMMENDED: The best bookshops in London

In the sweltering city heat, few things are more inviting than the prospect of plunging into one of London's finest al fresco swimming pools. And everyone knows it. The capital has well and truly caught the open-air bathing bug over the last few years. Even in the depths of winter, you’ll spot a brave bunch – wetsuits and all – diving head first into the immensely cold waters of London lidos. But that also means that on the hottest days of the year, you’ll need to book well in advance if you want to secure a poolside spot. The good news is that there’s a bounty of places for getting your outdoor swim fix in the city. That’s not to mention all the wild swimming spots a little further afield. Heated or unheated, regimented lanes or wide open water, serious fitness or chilled family fun – these are all of London’s best lidos and outdoor swimming pools for whatever floats your boat. RECOMMENDED:🏊 The best swimming pools in London.🌡️ The best saunas in London. 💦 The best waterparks in London

It's always a pleasant surprise, isn't it? Pools tucked away in UK Airbnb listings. Who would've guessed? But, despite our unpredictable weather, there are actually Airbnbs that offer a poolside escape right here on home soil. If you're looking for a UK staycation, these Airbnbs make a fantastic alternative to the usual run-of-the-mill hotels popping up everywhere. And if you're lucky enough to snag some sunny days, they can give you that tropical getaway feel without the hefty plane fare. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, right? To help those planning a British vacation, we've curated the top UK Airbnbs with private pools. From a party house in Cornwall with an Ibiza-themed back yard to charming barns surrounded by enchanting wildlife, these spots are ready and waiting to amaze. Let's just hope the weather plays nice… RECOMMENDED: 🚗 The best road trips in the UK🏖️ The most stunning hidden beaches in the UK 🌳 Amazing treehouses in the UK you can actually stay in🇬🇧 The best Airbnbs near London for a weekend away This guide was written by Time Out travel writer Ellie Walker-Arnott. 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 guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more

Dust off your suitcase, set up your out-of-office, and find those swimming trunks shoved in the back of the wardrobe... there is nothing better than a well-deserved break right on home soil. Yeah, you could fly to some tropical paradise or European city, but the UK has some incredible hidden gems worthy of a staycation.  We're all about celebrating the bits that make the UK great: diverse climates, lush environments, gorgeous coastlines, and good ol' pub grub. With a wealth of countryside, forests and secluded sandy beaches, there are endless opportunities to explore the country. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best Airbnbs in the UK for you to look at. Cuppa, anyone? RECOMMENDED:💕 The best romantic weekend getaways in the UK🪵 Amazing cabins and cottages in the UK🧘 The best wellbeing breaks and yoga retreats in the UK RECOMMENDATIONS BY LOCATION:Airbnbs in ManchesterAirbnbs in CornwallAirbnbs in WhitstableAirbnbs in DevonAirbnbs in LondonAirbnbs in EdinburghAirbnbs in Cardiff This guide was written and edited by travel writers and UK-based destination experts. 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 guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews 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,

When you’re really in need of a bit of relaxation – or just fancy treating yourself to a luxurious day of pampering – there’s no better place to head than a gorgeous spa where you can escape from reality in a sauna, hot tub or via a soothing massage. We’ve rounded up the very best spas in London right now and there’s something for all tastes, from gloriously atmospheric stone baths to the spots with the most up-to-date high-tech facials. Unwinding doesn’t have to cost the earth – there are plenty of affordable spas across the city, as well as the capital’s offerings of plush, high-end wellness suites. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling like you’re floating on air. RECOMMENDED:The best hotels in LondonThe best Airbnbs in London

We all know that relationships are hard work in real-life and that love is nothing like the movies. But which screen romances are the worst offenders? And can falling for their charms really do any harm? From Babygirl to La La Land, we asked a team of psychologists, therapists and dating coaches which movies have the most unhealthy attitudes to love.RECOMMENDED: The 101 best sex scenes in cinema  

  Camping is glorious, and with all its plush fields, glorious scenery, and brilliant pubs, the UK is primed for some excellent spots to do it. Throughout the country you’ll come across everything from pretty beaches to fairytale forests, and chances are there’s a charming place you can pitch up nearby. From Devon and Cornwall to the Isle of Mull and Gower Peninsula, below we’ve rounded-up the country’s finest places to sleep under the stars.  Can you legally wild camp anywhere in the UK? In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, wild camping without the landowner’s permission is technically illegal. However, it’s not prohibited in Scotland thanks to the nation’s ‘right to roam’ law which means you can, in theory, pitch up wherever you like – even in the country’s lovely national parks. Read more about it in our wild camping guide, and read on for the best campsites in the UK. RECOMMENDED:🏕️The best campervan-friendly campsites in the UK🏩The best glamping sites in the UK🍃The best road trips in the UK🏞️The most beautiful national parks in the UK🏊The best best wild swimming spots in the UK Ed Cunningham is the News Editor for Time Out UK. 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 guidelines.

When asked how you’d like the curtains at the Four Seasons Hotel spa, definitely, definitely say ‘open’. Each room here offers killer views out over Hyde Park to accompany its spa treatments. Therapy rooms come complete with sauna and pool, while the the wide range of treatments includes massages, facials, wraps, scrubs and nail treatments. Afterwards, head to a dimly lit relaxation pod, where you can have a steaming cup of tea and some nibbles, while you stick on a pair of headphones and let the calming effects of your treatment really sink in. For more R&R, here is our full list of the best spas in London.

One 84-year-old Italian grandmother has had the perfect reaction to her country going into lockdown. Nonna Nerina usually runs pasta-making workshops in the countryside around an hour north of Rome in Italy, but thanks to the current isolation measures, she had to cancel all her classes. Now, with her granddaughter Chiara, Nerina has taken her classes online. You can book onto a live two-hour, virtual pasta masterclass where you’ll be taken through Nerina’s family recipes using simple ingredients and equipment from a shopping list you’ll be sent a week before class. Dishes on the menu include classic lasagne and ravioli with butter sage sauce. Buon appetito!

Frame is brightening up Angel shopping centre with their trademark colourful decor and perky group fitness classes. The latest studio to join the gang is actually underground, just off Upper Street, (feel like you’re heading for the car park? You’re going the right way) but the lack of natural light does nothing to dampen the vibe. You’ll find a bright reception area, technicolour lockers and functional changing rooms, plus three studios – a reformer pilates studio, a light space for classes like barre and yoga and a darker room for strength, cardio and PT sessions, all run by infectiously energetic trainers. 

Founded by Pilates teacher Isobel Palmer, LIM Studio is a light and calming space in Highbury (you can even pause for a herbal tea if you need to destress before you hit the mat), but classes here pack a powerful punch. Book onto Lim Signature for a challenging yet upbeat mix of barre and Pilates that’ll leave you with wobbly legs. The mat Pilates classes are great here, too – expect a focus on technique from instructors who really know their stuff – while there’s a range of yoga classes on the timetable if you never want to do ‘the hundred’ again. Chances are you will, though – Isobel’s cheery and positive demeanour is totally infectious. 

From the Muppets to the RSC, everyone has done ‘A Christmas Carol’, the tale about a miserly old man who becomes charitable and warm-hearted following nighttime visitations from a trio of spirits at Christmas. But Wilton’s – possibly the most atmospheric theatre in the city and the perfect setting for any festive theatre imo – might have managed to find an original take.  It’s Scrooge versus the patriarchy in Piers Torday’s clever, gender-flipped adaptation of Charles Dickens’s famous festive tale, directed by Stephanie Street. Ebenezer is dead and Fan (Sally Dexter), his younger sister and Jacob Marley’s widow, is the one shrouded in black, barking ‘bah, humbug’ at anyone who’ll listen. The main difference, though, is that, as a woman in Victorian England, she has a lot more to be miserly about than Ebenezer ever did.  Sure, she’s closed-off and mean-spirited. But she’s also been restricted, controlled and belittled by all the men in her life. She finally has the autonomy to live her life the way she chooses now that her husband is dead. Then, the man who legally reigned over her in life returns one Christmas Eve, intent on teaching her another lesson from beyond the grave.  The evening starts with an audience singalong fitting for the setting – Wilton’s was a nineteenth-century music hall, after all – but, although the intention is to spread love and goodwill, the vibe of this ‘Christmas Carol’ is never purely jolly again.  There are lols. The story is told by Meagre, Charl

It’s hard to work out where facts end and the fantasy begins in this charming ballooning adventure set against a sweet version of Victorian London. The historic expedition the movie is all about – an attempt to break the world flight altitude record – did happen, just not quite like this. But you’ll want to suspend all disbelief, hold tight to the wicker basket and go along for the ride. Eddie Redmayne is James Glaisher, a meteorologist, who, in 1862, really did travel closer to the stars than anyone had done before. He’s reserved but wonkishly enthusiastic about science, and regularly mocked by his Royal Society colleagues for believing that weather can be predicted. Redmayne’s ‘The Theory of Everything’ co-star Felicity Jones plays his pilot Amelia Wren, a daredevil balloonist with glitter in her bra and a tiny dog. Wren is an engaging amalgamation of genuine balloonists such as Sophie Blanchard and Margaret Graham. The pair’s ascent is tracked in very close to real-time, the minutes ticking by as the balloon rises and rises. There are beautiful moments as the pair pass above the clouds to find a sea of fluttering butterflies and a circular rainbow. But the tension ramps up as the air thins while the temperature drops, and the frequent moments of peril are breathtaking in a very literal sense. Flashbacks reveal the struggle to get the basket off the ground at all and the widowed Wren’s desperately sad backstory, before incredible feats are required to bring the pair, and th

Despite its low-key location – a triangle-shaped corner spot in a residential stretch between Stroud Green and Crouch End – Goods Office always seems to be busy. The all-day eatery is buzzing right from the early morning – when local freelancers turn up to take advantage of their croissant, wi-fi and unlimited coffee for a tenner offer – to the evening, when I can only assume it’s full of commuters who’ve stepped off the W3 bus right into happy hour.  Sitting outside under a string of festoon lights on a warm summer’s evening, you can certainly see the appeal. The drinks were cool, Wimbledon was playing (ever so quietly) inside and, recognising familiar faces, tables were turning around to greet one another.  There’s a brunch menu served until 5pm, but the evening is all about small plates. Both the ‘ugly fish goujons’ and the jalapeño and cheese croquettes were well-seasoned and moreish. The mac and cheese was, as we’d hoped, both heavy and soothing, while a plate of fried chicken satisfied our need for something hot and indulgent. Other dishes needed tweaking: our halloumi was swimming in way too much honey, while a green salad was similarly drowning in oil and salt. We finished off with a Pimms-inspired cheesecake, which, like the rest of the meal, was solid, if not sensational. On the whole, Goods Office serves the kind of comfort food you’d be pleased to eat at a dinner party. Which is pretty fitting as, if you’re local, you’re likely to end up chatting to your neighbou

Kingsland Road isn’t somewhere you’d necessarily describe as peaceful. It’s busy and buzzing with Londoners from all walks of life at all times of the day. But there’s true tranquillity to be found in this hippy, holistic nail salon. At the front of the space, you can shop for crystals, jade rollers, organic bath salts and other wellness products. In the middle, it’s set up like a standard nail salon, but all products are vegan, non-toxic and cruelty-free – and all the nail art options are delicate and stylish. The back room, though, is where Still London really gets interesting. Once your nails are looking fresh, you can head into the petite space for a tarot reading session with healer Wolf Sister, or holistic facials and massages with Daisy, the in-house therapist. We tried The High Vibe facial (£85), which was 90 nourishing minutes of crystal healing and reiki, plus much of what you’d expect from a standard facial: gentle exfoliation, massage, soothing natural serums and masks. It’s the facial for when your skin and your soul are in need of some quiet care. You won’t get extractions or potent products applied to your face here, but whether or not you believe in chakras and auras, an hour and a half in Daisy’s company will leave you and your skin feeling balanced, cleansed and reset. 

A shipping container might not sound like a nice place to strip down for a massage from a stranger, but it turns out it’s actually pretty delightful at Masaj. Set across three shipping containers at the Gossamer City Project, with a bright, greenery-draped courtyard at its heart, the aim here is to champion the power of touch as an antidote to city stresses. Ideal, then. Their tagline is ‘come as you are’. For me that meant late and slightly sweaty after rushing out of a meeting and across London to the appointment. Happily, my frazzled arrival at the space, simply decked out with calming tones and fresh interiors, was met with soothing words and a line-up of delicious, and 100 percent natural, oils to sniff. Each massage is tailored to the needs of each individual body, so after a chat about my aches, pains, preferences and the weird places I hold tension, we moved to the petite but cleverly designed massage studio, and my therapist began. The only downside was having to leave the cocoon of the container and head back into the real world ‘as I was’: sleepy, dishevelled and covered in that delicious-smelling oil.

Deep in the basement of Sea Containers London hotel on the South Bank you’ll find the heaven-like Agua Spa. The bright, white interiors, with sweeping curves and warm golden lighting, are the complete opposite of a grey and dreary London day – just popping down there in the lift feels like a mini escape.  Guests can be primed and polished with grooming treatments in the Glamour Room, or, if deep relaxation is on the cards, you’ll be ushered into a plush private room for a treatment from wellness brands such as Made for Life, Soveral, Natura Bisse, Dr Jackson’s and De Mamiel. We opted for the Soveral Signature Facial and found ourselves glowing after an envigorating and firm face massage with a series of delicious aromatherapy-based products.  To maintain those chilled-out post-treatment vibes, guests are invited to sip herbal teas, enjoy a hot water bottle or snuggle with a duvet in the spa lounge. Beds, which are surrounded by light curtains for privacy, face an eye-catching copper teardrop installation created by designer Tom Dixon. You can even order nutritious salad bowls, juices and multivitamin sorbet sundaes while you prepare to face the outside world once again. 

Foster London’s second salon – they’ve got a ’60s inspired joint in Shoreditch too – is a light and bright spot on busy Dalston Lane, a few minutes walk from the overground stations in one direction and London Fields in the other. The wide, floor-to-ceiling windows of the shop front let in streams of daylight — and are an ideal spot for people-watching. Need a little wardrobe or, indeed, hair inspo? Five minutes eying Dalston’s casually-dressed hipsters as they meander past will probably do the trick. Inside, the salon is nana-chic, with textured tiling on the ceiling and sweet, ’70s geometric patterns in mustard shades. Reception is a jazzy collection of living room furniture with rattan magazine racks and looming greenery, while the styling areas are resplendently retro, too. As in their original branch, staff here are experts in the field of clever colouring and effortlessly trendy cuts. If you’re unsure of what you want, ask. If you’ve had the same style for as long as you can remember, this is the place to risk doing something different. And if you’re really lucky you’ll end up with great hair and a new pal in the form of teeny salon dog Margot who spent an hour or so curled up on my lap while owner Nadia turned my random ramblings into a warm and wintery collarbone-length crop. 

Blue Tit has is among good company in a creative corner of Crouch Hill, near pub The Old Dairy, Max’s famous Sandwich Shop and quirky restaurant Hodge Podge. It fits in seamlessly, with white brick walls, Millenial pink tiles, trailing house plants and a stream of effortlessly styled customers perched in their navy leather seats. The minute you step inside you know you’re in good hands. There’s a comfortable, laid back vibe but the staff, led by manager Chris, who was a long-time Blue Tit employee before he set up the Crouch Hill branch, are attentive and knowledgable. It's the kind of place where you can be vague in your requests and trust your stylist has your hair’s best interest at heart, whether your aim is to neaten up with a trim or leave with something bold, edgy and super colourful. After a chat about my own hair woes, my brassy, dried-out balayage was cropped and coloured into dark and healthy, collarbone-length waves that perfectly suited my face shape and skin tone. Crouch Hill should count itself lucky to have Blue Tit in the neighbourhood.

Se a sua ideia de uma férias na cidade é basicamente uma festa de 24 horas, para fugir à realidade e dançar até não conseguir sentir os pés, estes são os destinos europeus de que anda à procura. Para compilar esta lista de “cidades que nunca dormem”, a Mattress Next Day avaliou tudo, desde a disponibilidade e o preço dos transportes públicos até aos níveis de segurança de cada destino, bem como aspectos essenciais como o número de discotecas e eventos nocturnos – e provavelmente não ficará surpreendido com o local que ficou no topo. Ibiza é o principal destino de festas da Europa, graças às suas festas 24 horas por dia e às discotecas lendárias que atraem os melhores DJs do mundo. A cidade insular espanhola há muito que conquista os festeiros e os amantes da música, com o bónus de ter também belas praias e óptimos locais para dormir e comer nas proximidades. A seguir na classificação da vida nocturna está Praga, que ocupa o segundo lugar devido à sua mistura de entretenimento eclético fora de horas e de transportes e comida acessíveis, enquanto Belgrado, conhecida pelas suas discotecas fluviais flutuantes no Verão, fica com o bronze. Madrid e Budapeste completam o top 5. Abaixo, veja o ranking completo. As 10 melhores cidades europeias para 24 horas Ibiza Praga Belgrado Madrid Budapeste Atenas Paris Lisboa Berlim Porto É uma lista bastante sólida para começar a trabalhar, certo? Vemo-nos na pista de dança. Ou, se preferir que as suas férias na cidade sejam um pouco mais rel

Se vai viajar para Espanha, talvez queira tomar nota destas novas regras. Desde o dia 2 de Dezembro que os viajantes para o maior país da Península Ibérica têm de partilhar mais informações pessoais com as entidades espanholas do que anteriormente. Isto deve-se à entrada em vigor de uma nova lei que visa melhorar a segurança nacional daquele país. A legislação actualmente em vigor exige que quem oferece serviços de alojamento recolha mais informações pessoais sobre os seus clientes e as partilhem com o governo espanhol. O mesmo se aplica às empresas de aluguer de automóveis. Assim, se viajar para Espanha, que informações convém ter à mão? Ao fazer o check-in em qualquer tipo de alojamento, quer se trate de um Airbnb, de um hotel ou de uma viagem organizada, terá de partilhar o seguinte: nome completo, sexo, nacionalidade, número de identificação, data de nascimento, endereço de casa, número de telefone fixo (se tiver um), número de telemóvel, endereço de correio eletrónico, número de pessoas com quem viaja (e respectivo grau de parentesco) e se algum dos viajantes tiver menos de 14 anos. Se alugar um carro em Espanha, o governo também exigirá o acesso à sua carta de condução, às informações de pagamento e a elementos como os dados de GPS do carro, se estiverem disponíveis. Os residentes espanhóis também terão de fornecer estas informações se ficarem fora de casa ou alugarem um veículo. O impacto que esta mudança terá nas pessoas que visitam Espanha tem sido motivo de muito de

Quina força té el passaport que duus a la butxaca? Tot i que potser penseu que només és un petit llibre que necessiteu per embarcar al vostre vol, en realitat és una eina més o menys poderosa segons del país que sigui. Per valorar quins són els més poderosos actualment, VisaGuide acaba de publicar el seu índex anual de passaports, un sistema que avalua les condicions de 199 països i els classifica en funció de factors com l'accés sense visat, el visat a l'arribada, les eVises i la mobilitat global, ja que alguns titulars de certs passaports tenen prohibida l'entrada a determinats països. Segons l'índex d’enguany, si el vostre passaport és de Singapur, teniu les millors condicions del món. Amb una puntuació de 91,27, ha estat considerat oficialment el passaport més fort del món, amb 160 països on el visat és gratuït i amb el qual es pot entrar a tots els països del món sense restriccions per l’origen del passaport. En segon lloc es troba Finlàndia, que es converteix en el passaport europeu més potent, amb una puntuació de 90,88, una xifra que segueix de molt a prop Espanya, que es troba en tercera posició amb 90,87 punts. Dinamarca i Itàlia són la resta dels cinc primers, un top 5 dominat pels passaports europeus. Aquests són els 15 passaports més potents del món, segons VisaGuide: 1. Singapur 2. Finlàndia 3. Espanya 4. Dinamarca 5. Itàlia 6. Malta 7. França 8. Japó 9. Àustria 10. Hongria 11. Alemanya 12. Portugal 13. Suïssa 14. Irlanda 15. Holanda Pel que fa als passaports de

¿Qué fuerza tiene el pasaporte que lleváis en el bolsillo? Aunque quizá penséis que solo es un pequeño libro que necesitáis para embarcar a vuestro vuelo, en realidad es una herramienta más o menos poderosa según el país del que sea. Para valorar cuáles son los más poderosos en la actualidad, VisaGuide acaba de publicar su índice anual de pasaportes, un sistema que evalúa las condiciones de 199 países y los clasifica en función de factores como el acceso sin visado, el visado a la llegada, las eVisas y la movilidad global, ya que algunos titulares de ciertos pasaportes tienen prohibida la entrada en determinados países. Según el índice de este año, si vuestro pasaporte es de Singapur, tenéis las mejores condiciones del mundo. Con una puntuación de 91,27, se ha considerado oficialmente el pasaporte más fuerte del mundo, con 160 países donde el visado es gratuito y con el que se puede entrar en todos los países del mundo sin restricciones por el origen del pasaporte. En segundo lugar, se encuentra Finlandia, que se convierte en el pasaporte europeo más potente, con una puntuación de 90,88, una cifra que sigue muy de cerca a España, que se encuentra en tercera posición con 90,87 puntos. Dinamarca e Italia son el resto de los cinco primeros, un top 5 dominado por los pasaportes europeos. Estos son los 15 pasaportes más potentes del mundo, según VisaGuide: 1. Singapur 2. Finlandia 3. España 4. Dinamarca 5. Italia 6. Malta 7. Francia 8. Japón 9. Austria 10. Hungría 11. Alemania 12.

If there’s one thing that’ll brighten your morning commute, it’s a beautiful train station: something aesthetically pleasing, cleverly designed or soothing to be in as you move through the world.  And while a lot of stations are quite forgettable, that definitely isn’t the case for the six rail hubs recognised this year by Prix Versailles, a prestigious world architecture and design award. The awards recognise architectural projects from airports to universities that are innovative, creative, sustainable and harmonious with their local environment (AKA, downright beautiful). And ticking all those boxes is Schafbergbahn Station in St. Wolfgang, Austria, which bagged the main prize as the world’s most beautiful passenger station this year. Toulouse Matabiau Station won a special prize for its exterior and Grand Central Madison earned recognition for its interior design.  ‘Each building and each space that we are memorialising today has the power to transform our society, make our lives more harmonious and connected, and inspire us to better inhabit the world,’ said Benjamin Millepied, Chairman of the Jury. These are the six most beautiful train stations in 2024 Schafbergbahn Station, St. Wolfgang, Austria Bell Station Melbourne, Australia Beijing Station Beijing, China Toulouse Matabiau Station Toulouse, France Chiaia Metro Station Naples, Italy Grand Central Madison New York, US Annually, the awards name the world’s most beautiful airports, campuses, passenger stations, spor

Se está à espera de ir à Lapónia este Natal para uma aventura num lugar mágico de Inverno, temos más notícias. A empresa de viagens TUI acaba de cancelar, a curto prazo, uma série de viagens para a região do norte da Finlândia. Porquê? Porque falta um elemento vital à Lapónia neste momento: a neve. No início de Dezembro, a Lapónia teria normalmente 20 a 30 cm de neve no solo, mas, devido às condições meteorológicas quentes e húmidas fora de época, grande parte da região não tem neve neste momento. Segundo as notícias, as viagens, que se destinavam à cidade de Kuusamo, foram canceladas devido a esta falta de neve, o que impossibilita a realização de muitas das actividades previstas, como passeios de trenó puxado por huskies, motas de neve, trenós, ski e outros desportos de Inverno. Para os visitantes, a Lapónia, nesta época do ano, é sinónimo de neve. Conhecida como a terra natal do Pai Natal, este é um cenário de contos de fadas para a quadra natalícia – pense em florestas cobertas de neve, cabanas de madeira acolhedoras e mais renas do que pessoas. “Não se pode vir à Lapónia e não brincar na neve. E não participar numa luta amigável de bolas de neve, nem construir um boneco de neve ou andar de trenó ou aprender a conduzir um skidoo em miniatura”, lê-se no site da TUI. Quanto à razão pela qual a Lapónia não está coberta de neve neste momento, é provável que se deva às alterações climáticas. Este ano, a Lapónia finlandesa teve o Verão mais quente de que há registo e as tempera

É uma metrópole movimentada, uma mistura única de tradição antiga e vida hipermoderna – e agora a capital japonesa é também oficialmente a cidade mais desejável do mundo. Isto de acordo com os Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, prémios anuais cujos resultados foram foram decididos por 168 mil pessoas, que votaram em 22 categorias, num total de 3 milhões de votos. Tóquio foi nomeada a cidade “mais desejável” do mundo. “Embora atracções como o templo Sensō-ji em Asakusa ou os museus do Parque Ueno atraiam sempre visitantes, esta é uma cidade que não pára. No recém-renovado bairro de Azabudai Hills, por exemplo, está actualmente a ser construída uma promissora e excitante mistura de galerias, estadias e museus. Para além disso, os tranquilos bairros de Shimokitazawa e Yanaka oferecem vislumbres da Tóquio antiga, enquanto o Jardim Rikugien proporciona uma escapadinha verde da agitação do néon”, segundo a Wanderlust, acrescentando: “É um prémio justo para uma cidade de rara profundidade, onde templos antigos se encontram ao lado de arranha-céus futuristas, e restaurantes de classe mundial se encontram lado-a-lado com bares de ramen que passam despercebidos”. Temos de concordar: Tóquio é muito especial. Quanto ao resto das cidades mais desejáveis do mundo, Singapura ficou em segundo lugar, seguida do Rio de Janeiro, em terceiro. Abaixo, a lista completa das cidades que devem constar da sua lista de desejos de viagem. Estas são as cidades mais desejadas do mundo, segundo a Wanderlust

Este ano foi um ano estelar para a observação do fenómeno conhecido como aurora boreal. Graças aos elevados níveis de actividade solar em 2024, a aurora boreal tem estado incrivelmente activa, iluminando os céus noturnos em locais invulgares – muito mais a sul do que é habitual – e sendo observada (e fotografada) por mais pessoas do que nunca. Mas, sejamos honestos, será que aquela mancha borrada de cor-de-rosa no rolo da sua câmara captou a verdadeira beleza deste fenómeno maravilhoso? Nós achamos que não. Felizmente, muitos fotógrafos a sério conseguiram tirar fotografias da aurora boreal este ano, enquanto ela dançava nos céus por cima deles. Estas são as melhores: 25 das fotografias mais fascinantes da aurora boreal, tiradas em locais habituais e em muitos outros onde não se esperaria. Como Tenerife, onde o fotógrafo Efrén Yanes apanhou inesperadamente a aurora, e o sul do Arizona, onde Lynsey Schroeder conseguiu captar o espectáculo sobre o deserto, ou ainda o Parque Nacional de Dartmoor, no Reino Unido.   A lista completa dos vencedores do prémio Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2024 pode ser consultada aqui, mas aqui estão alguns dos nossos favoritos: Photograph: Josh Beames| Northern Lights in Iceland Photograph: Jānis Paļulis| Northern Lights Photograph: David Tanis| Northern Lights in Australia Photograph: Lynsey Schroeder| Northern Lights above the desert in Arizona Photograph: Roksolyana Hilevych| Northern Lights above the Dolomites in Italy

Quand Notre-Dame a pris feu en 2019, c’était un drame mondial. Voir l’un des monuments les plus emblématiques de l’architecture médiévale partir en fumée, c’était une vision digne d’un cauchemar collectif. Mais bonne nouvelle : cinq ans après, la star incontestée des cartes postales parisiennes s’apprête enfin à rouvrir ses portes. La réouverture officielle est prévue ce samedi 7 décembre 2024, avec une cérémonie inaugurale suivie, dès le lendemain, de l’accueil du public et de la reprise des messes. Et même si tous les travaux de restauration ne seront pas terminés (ça, c’est pour 2025), Notre-Dame sera déjà prête à en mettre plein la vue avec des événements spéciaux, notamment une expo retraçant ses 861 ans d’histoire. Petit warning : pour la première semaine d’ouverture, il faudra jouer des coudes. Les célébrations promettent d’attirer du monde, et si vous voulez assister à une messe, un ticket gratuit est nécessaire. Si faire la queue vous décourage, vous pouvez toujours vous tourner vers l’une de ces cinq églises, tout aussi somptueuses. Alors, à quoi ressemble la nouvelle Notre-Dame ? Depuis l’incendie, les idées farfelues n’ont pas manqué : des projections lumineuses façon Disneyland, des espaces verts et une passerelle souterraine, et même – tenez-vous bien – une piscine sur le toit. Heureusement, les autorités ont fait preuve de sagesse : on reconstruit à l’identique. La flèche de 96 mètres est de retour, la pièce maîtresse iconique aussi, et il se murmure que la clo

Last year, we covered that a whopping 50 traditions had earned their place on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, but for 2024? 66 new ones have been included.  Each year, the organisation (which stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation btw) meet to discuss and agree new items to add to their list of ‘intangible cultural heritage’, and it can include songs, dances, rituals, dress, festivals, celebrations, ceremonies, dishes, crafts, artworks and more from all over the globe. So what’s now under protection? Well, the items that have been deemed worthy of protection include ‘the traditional knowledge and skills’ of sake-making that is ‘deeply rooted in Japanese culture’, French and Belgian funfair culture ‘dating back to medieval fairs’ and the ‘rituals, aesthetic and social practices’ associated with henna, ‘linked to centuries-old societal rules and traditions.’ Colourful, hand-painted Ukrainian Easter eggs, known as pysanky which are ‘deeply rooted in Ukrainian identity’, also made the list, alongside the ‘skills of Parisian zinc roofers’ and the tradition of making Nabulsi soap, a hand-crafted soap made from olive oil, water and lye, in Palestine.   UNESCO also placed Reog Ponorogo Performing Art, an Indonesian, centuries-old theatrical dance, and Botswana’s Wosana rainmaking ritual on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, which means the practise is dwindling or at risk of being neglected.  You c

If your idea of a city break is basically a 24-hour, escape-from-reality, dance-until-you-can’t-feel-your-feet party, look no further than these European destinations.  To compile this list of 24-hour ‘cities that never sleep’ Mattress Next Day assessed everything from the availability and price of public transport to each destination’s safety score, as well as essentials such as the number of clubs and late-night events – and you probably won’t be that surprised by which location has come out on top.  Ibiza is Europe’s top party destination, thanks to its 24-hour parties and legendary clubs which attract the world’s top DJs. The Spanish island city has long been a draw for partygoers and music-lovers, and the bonus that it also boasts beautiful beaches and great places to sleep and eat nearby.  Up next in the nightlife ranks is Prague, which takes second place due to its mix of eclectic after-hours entertainment and affordable transport and food, while Belgrade, known for its floating river clubs in summer, takes bronze. Buzzy late-night cities Madrid and Budapest round out the top five, but check out the top 10 below.  The 10 best 24-hour European cities Ibiza Prague Belgrade Madrid Budapest Athens Paris Lisbon Berlin Porto It’s a pretty solid list to start working your way through, right? See you on the dance floor. Or, if you prefer your city breaks to be a little more relaxing, try these relaxing European spas instead.  Here’s Time Out’s pick of the world's best cities

How powerful is the passport in your pocket? While you might think of yours as just a little book that you need to board your flight, there’s actually a lot of weight placed on where you’re coming from.  According to VisaGuide’s Passport Index, which has just been updated for 2024, you’re winning right now if you have a Singapore passport. With a score of 91.27, it’s officially been named the strongest passport in the world.  VisaGuide’s score is based on factors like ease of global mobility, visa-free access, visa on arrival, eVisas, embassy approved visas, passport-free travel or whether passport holders are banned from entering certain countries.  Other factors are also considered for each destination, like GDP, Power Index, Tourism Index and Human Development Index and it evaluates 199 countries and territories to come up with the annual scoreboard.  Coming in second is Finland, the most powerful European passport to have, while Spain, Denmark and Italy round out the rest of the top five. Here’s the full top 10 ranking. These are the world’s 10 most powerful passports, according to VisaGuide Singapore Finland Spain Denmark Italy Malta France Japan Austria Hungary As for the USA and the UK, they come in at 43rd and 38th respectively. And the bottom of the list? The countries whose passports have the lowest ratings include Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, Sudan, Iraq and Nigeria. To compare, see which passports were named the most powerful in the Henley Passport Ind