Frankie Lister-Fell

About to land in one of the U.S.A.’s most historic cities? It sounds like you might need a little help on deciding where to stay—handily, that’s where we come in. Below is Time Out’s recently refreshed roundup of the best hotels in Boston, which includes brand new reviews for the Ritz-Carlton, The Envoy and Hotel AKA Boston Common ahead of Fall 2025.  Which area is best to stay in Boston? Downtown and Chinatown are where to stay to have loads of the city’s attractions on your doorstep (we’re talking the Freedom trail and the Rose Kennedy Greenway), but opt for Back Bay or Seaport for—you guessed it—oceanfront views and swish modern buildings, or Beacon Hill for something a little more historic.  Boston’s best hotels at a glance: 💎Most luxurious: Four Seasons Hotel Boston 👛Best budget: Fairmont Copley Plaza 🏊‍♀️Best swimming pool: The Colonnade Hotel 🌃Best rooftop: The Envoy Hotel 🤩Most iconic: The Liberty 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to hotels in Boston How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial c

The hotel scene in New Orleans is as rich and varied as the city itself. Whether you’re after a stay with a renowned bar and French Quarter nightlife on its doorstep or you’re looking for a secluded pitstop (with a rooftop pool) to take a beat from all the bustle, there’ll be something on this list for you. So, scroll on for Time Out’s refreshed roundup of the best hotels in the city, with brand-new reviews for Fall 2025 of The Roosevelt, The Royal Sonesta and Virgin Hotels New Orleans.  Which area is best to stay in New Orleans? If you’re here for the history, stay at the French Quarter—it’s the oldest part of the Crescent City and, yes, a top-tier place to party, but you’ll also find gorgeous boutiques, lip-smacking food and stunning views of the Mississippi river. Opt for the Warehouse District if you want artsy creative spaces on your doorstep, or book a stay in Mid-City or Uptown to have the bustle easily accessible, but not right outside.  Have a look at our brand-new neighborhood guide, curated by a local expert.  New Orleans’s best hotels at a glance: 💎 Most luxurious: Kimpton Hotel Fontenot 👛 Best budget: The Old No. 7 Hotel & Chandlery 🏊‍♀️ Best swimming pool: Windsor Court Hotel 🌃 Best rooftop: Virgin Hotels New Orleans 🤩 Most iconic: The Royal Sonesta 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best budget-friendly hotels in New Orleans How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics

I didn’t grow up on skis. It took a move to Switzerland as an adult for me to face my considerable fears and give it a go – and after many falls, frustrations and restorative fondues, I’m a pretty competent skier these days. Why did I persist? Because the Swiss mountains are drop-dead gorgeous, and I was determined to be able to ride the highest ski lift and see the most glorious views. And it turns out they were worth every single wipe out. If you want to follow my tracks, you’re in the right place: here are some of my favourite places to ski in Switzerland. Switzerland’s best ski resorts at a glance ⛷️ Best for beginners and families: Villars (87km) 🥂 Fanciest ski resort in Switzerland: St Moritz (350km) ⛰️ Prettiest views: Jungfrau Region (211km) 💸 Most budget-friendly: Aletsch Arena (104km) ❄️ Switzerland’s largest ski resort: Verbier, Les 4 Vallées (412km across Les 4 Vallées) 📍 RECOMMENDED: The best ski resorts in Europe Caroline Bishop has been based in Switzerland for 10 years, and skiing there for most of it. 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. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Donning your skis and hitting the slopes has always had an expensive reputation, usually associated with kinda crowd who don’t blink twice at the prices of lift passes and luxe lodgings in the Dolomites, the Pyrenees or the Alps. However, while parts of Europe (we’re looking at you, Switzerland) are particularly expensive, there are cheap pockets for 2025 and 2026 dotted about the place, too. By the way, all prices mentioned here reflect the 2026 ski season at the time of writing and may be subject to change.  What’s the cheapest place to ski in Europe? We’ve done some digging and found the cheapest places to go skiing include central and eastern European destinations like Austria, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Slovenia. Oh, and – whisper it – there are a handful of reasonably priced spots in Italy, too. Read on to find out where. Europe’s best budget ski resorts at a glance 💸 Best budget option: Jasná Nízke Tatry, Slovakia 👪 Best for families: Babin Do, Bjelašnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina ⛷️ Best for beginners: Borovets, Bulgaria 🍻 Best for après-ski and all-night dancing: Arinsal, Andorra 🍽️ Best restaurant offerings: Livigno, Italy 📍 RECOMMENDED: The cheapest (and best) city breaks in Europe India-Jayne Trainor is a British-Australian travel writer 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 guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by

Planning a sunny getaway? You’re in the right place. The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has been one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations for decades. Which is good news for you, because you know you can trust it for a good time. Whatever you’re seeking out, you’ll find it here. Want a luxury, adults-only hotel overlooking the Med? Done. Prefer a historical building with a spa included? No problem. Has to be family-friendly? Easy. It’s somewhere you won’t mind splashing the cash on a little, but there’s a fair few budget-friendly options on offer too. Whatever you’re seeking in Mallorca, here are its best hotels. Mallorca’s best hotels at a glance ⭐ Best five-star: Finca Serena 🛍️ Best boutique: Posada Santa Terra ☀️ Best in Palma: El Vicenç de la Mar 🥂 Best luxury: Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá 💸 Best budget: Agroturismo sa Rota d' en Palerm How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🏨 Ultimate guide to hotels in Euro

Sure, you can choose one of the many, many classic hotel chains on offer for your trip to Lisbon – but what about if you fancy something a little different? A boutique, perhaps, or a central hotel with the best rooftop bar in the city? In that case, it sounds like you’re looking for something a little more cool. And that’s where we come in: the hotels on this list don’t just have great service, good food and nice rooms, they’ve all got a little something that makes them unique, and a place where locals and tourists actually want to hang out for the weekend. These are the coolest hotels in Lisbon, right now.  Lisbon’s coolest hotels at a glance 📻 Best for retro charm: The Vintage 🏙️ Best for city views: Memmo Príncipe Real 🏛️ Best for a historic stay: AlmaLusa Alfama 🛋️ Best self-catering: The Lumiares 🏠 Best for homely vibes: Dear Lisbon 📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to hotels in Lisbon How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our brilliant team over at Time Out Lisbon, every hotel on this list has been individually reviewed and selected for a reason: we’ve been there, we think it’s great and we’d genuinely recommend it. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. ?

Yes, we know October has only just begun, but sooner or later the mince pies will start appearing on the shelves and before you know it London will be in full festive mode. It’s only 12 weeks until Christmas, after all. For those who love getting immersed in all the city has to offer at Christmas time, there’s loads of markets to get you excited (and stocked with presents) for December 25. And no, we’re not just talking about Winter Wonderland.  Here’s a roundup of when every Christmas market that has announced its opening date so far for this year, and when they open.  RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas markets and festive fairs in London. When every London Christmas market opens for 2025 Southbank Centre Winter Market Southbank Centre’s annual Christmas market on the Queen’s Walk is back from November 3 to January 4. Expect the usual cute alpine-themed huts selling tasty dishes and festive wares by the river. Opening times: 11am-10pm Sunday to Thursday, 11am-11pm Friday and Saturday Christmas in Leicester Square Tie in a visit to the towering pine tree in Trafalgar Square with a browse of nearby Leicester Square’s market. Each stall has seasonal treats, food and delicious drinks. The market is on from November 1 to January 4. Opening times haven’t been announced yet. King’s Cross Christmas Market Located under the West Handyside Canopy at Coal Drops Yard, this boutique-style market runs from November 27 to December 22. Opening times are TBC. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market

Natural wine lovers rejoice, after three years of residencies, east London’s coolest wine bar is finally putting down roots.  Oranj began as an online wine retailer before becoming a temporary restaurant and trendy wine bar with revolving chef and artist residences. Now it’s found a loving permanent home east London (of course) on Dray Walk, just off Brick Lane.  The venue can host up to 72 guests, and it includes outdoor seating – ideal for an alfresco chilled red – and a private dining room. There’s a striking nine-metre, zinc-wrapped bar and plenty of, well, orange. We’re talking custom-built orange tables, amber lighting and dozens of candles. At the helm of the kitchen is Japanese-born Yuto Fujimoto, who is a former resident at Oranj. His debut menu is European-inspired, changes with the seasons and features small plates, large plates and desserts. Highlights include homemade gnocchi with sage and cep sauce, monkfish with chard and lemon butter sauce and oyster mushroom with cured egg yolk sauce, all intended to be perfectly paired with a glass of natural, low-intervention wine. Photograph: Oranj Fujimoto said the menu will be different from his former residences, and represents a ‘thrilling new side’ of his culinary expression inspired by his experiences working in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe. Oranj founder Jasper Delamothe said: ‘Through the residency programme at Oranj, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented chefs from all over

Since Harry Beck created his innovative London Underground map way back in 1931, the design has been copied around the world for one simple reason: it makes navigating a city feel simple. But for disabled people, the original map left out something important – which stations are accessible, and which ones aren’t? While TfL has since added info on which stations have complete or partial step-free access, it doesn’t include everything that a traveller with accessibility requirements might need. For instance, noting which stations provide staff assistance, and when those staff are working. To make London’s transport network easier to use for disabled travellers, Simon Sansome founded an app named Snowball. The app reimagines Harry Beck’s classic map to produce a free fully accessible guide to using the London Underground..  After becoming disabled in 2015, wheelchair-user Sansome didn’t use the tube for 10 years, saying he was “too afraid”. He said: “I was worried about getting stuck or not being able to get off the carriage because it’s too overcrowded.” To help himself and other disabled people, Simon and his team visited every single station on the network to build the step-free map.  Each stop is colour coded: stations marked in green are fully step-free from street to train whereas orange stations require assistance from staff. It also includes airport access points, interchanges with London’s bus network, and the IFS Cloud Cable Car, as well as all station opening times. S

With endless hype online and the likes of Margot Robbie rushing to dine there, it’s easy to see why everyone who’s anyone wants to be at The Devonshire. The Soho gastropub is one of the hardest spots in London to reserve a table at.  If you’ve still never managed to secure a table at the Devonshire, here’s some good news. In September, the popular Denman Street pub announced that its much-praised restaurant expanded, adding up to 90 more covers through private rooms. The three dining rooms cater to 25, 26 or 35 guests and have been built in the adjacent building on Sherwood Street. The private spaces are accessed by a separate entrance – a gloss-painted green timber shopfront – which leads to a lobby featuring black and white marble mosaic. There’s even a one-way mirror in the lobby, allowing guests a look in at the pub from behind the bar. So while your celeb spotting dreams may be dashed, take comfort that Nigella Lawson could be watching you sink pints from afar at any moment.  Spread across two storeys, the rooms have been designed by interior designers Macaulay Sinclair. There’s three-tiered amber glass chandeliers and vintage bentwood chairs. On the fourth floor is the ‘Bowie Room’ with rich red walls and globe pendants, pictured below.  Photograph: Macaulay Sinclair Oisín Rogers, pub landlord and co-founder at The Devonshire, said: ‘These rooms are about having spaces where guests who need privacy can feel comfortable, safe, happy and well looked after – that same se

In a major loss to London’s LGTBQ+ nightlife, Soho’s legendary G-A-Y bar will shut its doors for good this weekend. The Old Compton Street venue was opened by Jeremy Joseph in the mid-1990s and has been a cornerstone of the capital’s queer nightlife for decades – Madonna even performed there 25 years ago. Joseph, who also owns Heaven nightclub, told Metro this week that rent issues, the area’s dwindling gay identity and NIMBYs encouraged him to make the difficult decision.  In a statement on Instagram Joseph said: ‘When I opened G-A-Y Bar it was to be on one of the safest and most proudly LGBT streets, a place where you could be who you are and feel safe. For me, Old Compton Street has lost that LGBT identity.’ He has been locked into a years-long challenge with Heaven’s landlord ArchCo, which apparently wanted to raise the rent. A figure has finally been agreed, and Joseph has decided to close G-A-Y to keep Heaven open. He said in an Instagram post: ‘I hope my future now will be Heaven. However the last few years have been tough. G-A-Y has been my life.’ Heaven was temporarily closed in 2024 after a security guard was charged  – and then cleared – with rape. Joseph said the financial pressure meant that both venues would struggle to stay open, and G-A-Y was put on the market at the start of the year.  In a post on Instagram Joseph said he will ‘never forget’ when Madonna performed at G-A-Y, when it was based in the Astoria nightclub. Customers formed a long queue overnight t

Foam fingers and hot dogs at the ready: American football is storming back into London this month. Hot on the heels of an Ireland tour, NFL is continuing its international expedition in the UK across three weekends in October 2025.   As part of the league’s global tour this year – which includes stops in Dublin, Berlin, Madrid and São Paulo – London will host three games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium. Tickets went on sale back in May, though last-minute options are still available.  Here’s everything you need to know about the games, from where to get tickets to how to watch them on TV. 2025 NFL London games schedule and kick-off times Minnesota Vikings vs Cleveland Browns The Minnesota Vikings will take on the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday October 5 at 2.30pm.   Denver Broncos vs New York Jets  Also taking place at the Spurs stadium, the Jets and Broncos will be playing in London on Sunday October 12. Kick off is 2.30pm.  Los Angeles Rams vs Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars will be returning to Wembley for their 14th game in London (this time against the LA Rams) on Sunday October 19 at 2.30pm.  How to get last-minute tickets You can still buy tickets for all of the games. Find tickets on Ticketmaster here from around £200, and resale options on Viagogo for just over £100. Cheapest tickets At time of writing, the cheapest tickets on Viagogo are listed for around £104-109.  How to watch NFL on TV in the UK The matches will be broa

Still clinging to your iced coffee but noticing the chill in the air? October is here – and with it, a packed weekend of conker smashing, Oktoberfest pints, and apple festivals.  Before you head out, be warned: parts of London’s transport network will be out of action, and a few key lines are facing disruption throughout the weekend. Whether you’re festival-hopping or just heading to meet friends, you’ll want to plan ahead. Here’s a breakdown of closures across London’s transport network this weekend. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in London this weekend. London tube and train closures, October 3-5 2025 Circle line The yellow line is closed between Edgware Road and Tower Hill on both Saturday and Sunday. District line Much of the District line is out of action this weekend and replacement buses will be running. There’s no service between Embankment and Ealing Broadway. Piccadilly line If you’re going out on Friday night, the night tube won’t be running between Hyde Park Corner and Acton Town from 1.50am and 6.30am.  On Saturday and Sunday there’s no service between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge, so get the Metropolitan Line instead.  DLR On Saturday there’s no trains running between Prince Regent and Beckton and replacement buses will be in place. On Sunday there’s no service between Canning Town and Beckton. The replacement DLR2 bus will be open for business all weekend.   Overground  Mildmay line The 10pm train on Friday from Stratford to Richmond will end early, at Camde

Finally, some better news when it comes to the cost of living crisis. Thames Water, London’s water provider, has announced a scheme that will slash water bills for thousands of low-income households in the city. Following a successful pilot in Richmond and Wandsworth, the scheme is now expanding to cover more boroughs across the capital. Through data sharing between Thames Water, councils and Policy in Practice, customers who qualify could have their water bill halved automatically, whether they know about the scheme or not. It is projected to save households hundreds of pounds a year. Keen to see if you’re eligible to save (more than) a few pennies on your water bill? Here’s what you need to know.  Which London boroughs are cutting household water bills? Residents in the following areas could benefit: Westminster Camden Islington Brent Haringey Enfield Hackney Tower Hamlets Lewisham Southwark Greenwich Lambeth Richmond upon Thames Wandsworth Ealing Kensington & Chelsea Hammersmith & Fulham How much are bills discounted by? Eligible households could see their water bill cut by 50 percent, which could save more than £300 per year Who is eligible? There’s two tiers to the scheme. Customers whose water bill exceeds 5 percent of their net income will automatically get it reduced by 50 percent as part of the Water Help scheme.  There’s also Water Sure, a social tariff which caps bills. This is for households where someone is receiving a means-tested benefit and either has a medi

Chelsea’s King’s Road is one of London’s most iconic streets. Even if you rarely venture west, chances are you’ve heard the name. Once a private route for royalty between Whitehall and Hampton Court Palace, the street found new fame in the swinging sixties as the beating heart of fashion and youth culture, and in the ’70s Vivienne Westwood’s own legendary boutique helped establish punk style. This month the King’s Road is about to mark another milestone: it’s getting its first new pub in 100 years. A former Grade II listed bank that is part of the Cadogan Estate is being transformed into a two-storey boozer with a restaurant and live performance space.  To give you an idea of its grandeur, the building was constructed by Sir Roger Blomfield. He was the guy behind Chequers, the prime minister’s grand 16th-century manor house in the Buckinghamshire countryside. After a £2.4 million makeover, the building has been transformed into The Trafalgar, which takes its name from Britain’s 1805 victory in the Napoleonic Wars. On the ground floor the pub has retained the building’s five-metre-high ceilings, dramatically large Georgian windows and ornate plasterwork. Under oversized chandeliers, sip a glass of sparkling wine and nibble a cheese toastie from comfy leather dining chairs. Downstairs is the entertainment and private party space, featuring a sound system, antique mirrored ceiling and a hidden bar. The Trafalgar will have a programme of live music, cabaret and standup every Thur

Way back in 2023, Transport for London tantalisingly unveiled shiny new trains with modern features and yes, even air con, for the Docklands Light Railway. But a series of technical problems meant the project kept getting pushed back, and at one point it was ‘delayed indefinitely’. Today (October 1), however, there’s finally a positive update. This week the new-look trains will officially start to be rolled out. It hasn’t been an easy few months for DLR users. When old carriages were taken out of use, travellers on the driverless network connecting south to east had to make do with a reduced service and shorter trains. The oldest 54 trains in the DLR’s fleet, some of which have been in service for more than three decades, have been replaced with modern, higher-capacity carriages. Alongside air conditioning, there will be bigger walkways through the carriages, charging points, three wheelchair spaces for better accessibility, live travel information and 10 percent more capacity compared to the previous trains. There’s also a ‘multi-use area’ to store buggies, bikes and luggage, which is handy for those heading to the swish London City Airport. And don’t worry: you’ll still be able to sit at the front of the train and pretend you’re driving it. The full replacement of the older fleet will be complete by the end of 2026. TfL said this will increase the overall capacity of the DLR by 50 percent. Here’s what the new trains look like in action. Photograph: TfL Photograph: TfL