Katherine Lovage

A dream destination for sun-seekers, history lovers and culture vultures alike, the city of Buenos Aires is an exciting blend of European style and South American glamour. Doesn't that sound divine? With beautiful architecture, world-class restaurants, vibrant markets and plenty of amazing things to do, it's easy to get swept away in the cosmopolitan magic. But when scrolling Pinterest isn't enough to satisfy your Argentina-based wanderlust, it's time to turn those pins into reality. Luckily, there's a whole host of Airbnbs all over the capital to help make that holiday happen (and at an affordable rate, too). So pack your bags, people, because you're about to book one of the best Airbnbs in Buenos Aires. Updated June 2025: Seeing as apartments with rooftop Jacuzzis don't come around that often, we've added another – just in case the first one is booked up. You're welcome! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Buenos AiresThe best restaurants in Buenos Aires This guide was written by Time Out's former global commercial copywriter, Katherine Lovage. 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, see our affiliate guide

Let’s be honest: the world of wine can seem pretty damn confusing from a layperson’s perspective. When confronted with all those endless bottles in the supermarket or at London's best bars, it can be tricky to even know where to start. And even harder, can be poring over the wine list in a posh restaurant and convincing the sommelier – or your date – that you have any clue what you’re talking about. So, if you really want to tell your merlots from your malbecs and your rieslings from your riojas, then we suggest taking a look through our list of London wine tasting classes and tours. There’s a diverse mix here, but we guarantee you’ll be dazzling your dinner party guests with your wine chat in no time. Vino you want to, ahem. Bottoms up!

It's time to get funky in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans. Explore the multitude of streets that burst with charm and character – from the French Quarter to the cafe-heavy neighborhoods of Treme and Bywater – and sample tasty cuisine like boiled crawfish (hello, it's the seafood capital after all) and po' boy baguettes. There's more than just Bourbon Street to explore, with Mid City properties putting travellers right in the middle of New Orleans' latest hotspots.  Lucky for you, New Orleans is bursting at the seams with unique Airbnbs, from enormous penthouses (with pools) to cute little library rooms full of worn-out classics. So whether you’re there to sample the fabulous bars and restaurants or headed up there for a Gardi Gras or different festival that celebrates the city's like-no-other culture, these are Time Out's top picks for the best Airbnbs in New Orleans. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in New Orleans🏨 The best hotels in New Orleans💰 The best cheap hotels in New Orleans 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.

Despite its rep for barbeques, cowboys, and rodeos, Texas is one of the Union’s most diverse and fascinating states. The largest of the lower 48, the Lone Star State ranges from old west towns and desolate arid landscapes to buzzing cities and dazzling seaside resorts. If you’re headed to Texas and need a few pointers on where to stay, well, you’ve struck oil. We’ve worked our way through the state’s many, many Airbnbs to tell you which ones are the absolute best. Read on for our full list of Texas’ finest Airbnbs. Updated march 2025: As if Texas doesn't have enough dreamy stays to choose from, we've added two stunning new options: a luxury home with a pool to write home about and a Dallas apartment that begs to be photographed, again and again and again. RECOMMENDED:🌵 Check out the best things to do in Texas🛎 These are the best hotels in Austin🤠 Visit the best hotels in Dallas 🏨 Check out the best hotels in Houston 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. 

Hay infinitas razones para visitar Niza, pero empecemos por las tres primeras: sol, playas de arena y socca (la quinta esencia gastronómica de la región, una especie de crêpes de harina de garbanzos). La imagen que nos devuelve la glamourosa capital de la Riviera Francesa rivaliza con cualquier postal y el mérito se lo llevan sus aguas infinitas, arquitectura clásica y calles animadas salpicadas de bares, restaurantes y tiendas burbujeantes. Un viaje que vale mucho la pena. Si estáis buscando alojamiento, quedaros en un Airbnb os mostrará la auténtica vida que se lleva en la costa, una experiencia que ni siquiera los mejores hoteles son capaces de ofrecer. ¿Tenéis vuestro pasaporte listo? Aquí está nuestra selección de los mejores Airbnbs en Niza, para que podáis visitar la Riviera Francesa con estilo. ¡Buen viaje! RECOMENDADO:🏨 Encontrad el hotel perfecto para vuestra escapada al sur de Francia🏖 Descubrid qué visitar en Francia⛵ ¿Preparados para los sitios más bonitos de toda Francia?🏡 Perdeos entre los pueblos con más encanto de Francia ¿Quién hace la selección? Aunque puede que no nos hayamos alojado en todos los hoteles que figuran a continuación, hemos basado nuestra lista en las mejores reseñas para encontraros las mejores estancias. Este artículo incluye enlaces de afiliados. Estos enlaces no tienen influencia en nuestro contenido editorial. Para más información, consultad nuestras directrices de afiliados.

France is the world’s most famous producer of wine. It’s not hard to see why either, thanks to 17 different regions that produce everything from sparkling Champagne to deep, intense Burgundies. Today, France is still the leading exporter, but for those who aren’t connoisseurs, it can all be a tad intimidating. Luckily, vin-curious visitors to the capital can take their pick from our list of wine tours and tasting sessions in Paris, where expert guidance is on hand. We’ll drink to that! RECOMMENDED: The best cafes in Paris This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. 

As the famed financial centre of Brazil, São Paulo is lively, vibrant and more than a little intimidating. With a rich cultural history, masses of forests and streets saturated with mixed-century architecture, it’s a development like no other, with plenty of world-class things to do. When you’ve booked your plane tickets and perused some possible excursions, it’s time to find somewhere to stay. We’re going to make it a little easier for you, because whether you’re after a bed near the beach, in the centre of nightlife or by prime attractions, Airbnbs offer a bona fide feel of city life that even some of the best São Paulo hotels can’t compete with. So with that said, grab your passports and get scrolling through our pick of the best Airbnb venues in São Paulo. RECOMMENDED: 🇧🇷Stay in the best hotels in sunny Sao Paulo 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.

You're visiting Lisbon, the gorgeous, although very hilly, capital of Portugal, so why settle for accommodation that doesn't match the authentic vibes? Considered the rich cousin of the not-so-fancy B&B, boutique hotels are known for their vibrant personalities and cosy environments. The laidback mood is designed to make guests feel at home, and the best ones in the capital certainly know how to do it in style. If you're looking for a beautiful place to rest your head, look no further. Pack your things, head into the city, and stay at one of our choices of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon. You'll be thanking us.    Recommended: 📍See the best Lisbon attractions 🏨 Take your pick of the best cheap hotels in Lisbon 🛏Or stay in the best Airbnbs in Lisbon Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel 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.

Oscar Wilde famously said that ‘work is the curse of the drinking classes’. And while we can’t promise to cut down your work hours (boooo!), we do know how you can get booze delivered to your door without having to get off the sofa. And right now that sounds like a damn good plan to us. Okay, so maybe you do have to lift a finger – but that’s really it. By shopping with the best alcohol delivery services and ordering drinks online, you can sack off that trek to the corner shop or supermarket and have all your boozing needs served up at home. (And hey, we’re all about supporting local businesses but of course, you’ll be doing that anyway because you’re fine, fine people.)  So when you really can’t be arsed to leave the sofa (we’ve all been there), then our list of the best alcohol delivery services in London is all you need. After all, what can be better than booze delivered to your door? But please remember, drink responsibly and you must be aged 18 or over.  RECOMMENDED: The best flower deliveries in London This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Sure, sometimes the most dreary part of a trip is making your way through the airport and New York City is no exception. If it's your first time in the Big Apple, try not to be alarmed by the non-stop busyness, the cab drivers who use their car horns rather liberally, and the cost of said honking cab driver taking to you to your hotel.  Thankfully, you can make your life a whole lot easier by booking yourself a room at one of these hotels near JFK. They might not be as glamorous as some of the best hotels in Manhattan, but a few do appear on our list of the best hotels in Queens. Oh, and be sure to make the most of the location by testing out some of the best Astoria restaurants and best things to do in Queens. Trust us: being able to bypass most of the awful airport traffic makes staying in these JFK airport hotels totally worth it. February 2024 update: one of our favorite hotels (Hilton New York JFK) is currently unavailable, so we've replaced it with an incredible, newly opened hotel we've found: the Marriot New York JFK Airport. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel 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.

There is nothing that's more quintessentially NYC than Times Square. The epitome of New York life and culture, even the most hardened New Yorker has at one time been enamored by the glow of the flashing LED lights, billowing clouds of street food, and bustling pace of Manhattan’s central hub. Steps away from all the Broadway shows and some of the most famous restaurants in NYC, these hotels range from time-honored establishments to international chains and cutting-edge boutiques, ideal for first-timers to the buzzing city and veteran travelers alike. If you want to stay close to the twinkling lights of the city (never leave without a pair of sunglasses), here are the best hotels near Times Square for your next New York City vacation. Updated for December 2024: Because New York's diverse hotel scene knows no bounds, we thought we'd add a few more inclusions to broaden your search a little further. Newbies include a beautiful contemporary hotel and one that really goes in for quirky decor. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel 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.

From hopping on a double-decker to sliding into a black cab to catching the tube to sailing along the Thames in an Uber Boat. In London, you're hardly pressed for options when it comes to getting around. Yet when it comes to exploring the city first-hand, there are few better ways of exploring than pedalling your way through it, especially on that rare occasion when the sun is out. So whether you’re looking to get busy on a Santander Cycle or just wanting to find an expert guide able to whizz you around on an informative tour, London’s got plenty of fab bike tours for you. Below we’ve rounded up some of the finest tours on two wheels. Whether you're wanting to experience London culture or just have some organised fun for a few hours, take a look at the tours below and get your pins pumping. RECOMMENDED: Try a London bus tour instead This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

There’s a lot of big talk around ‘Variant 31’. It’s billed as an incredibly complex fear-fest, as close as you’ll get to gaming IRL, so much so that its opening was pushed back twice. And since 90 percent of my friends refused to join me prior to my visit (wimps), surely, I thought, this had to be good. And by good, I mean shit-your-pants terrifying. As we approached for our midweek slot, green lights shone through the windows with a menacing glare. Smoke bellowed from the tattered New Oxford Street building complex it’s housed in, congealing with blobs of rain and fogging up the street below. It would have been creepy if we hadn’t been waiting out there for 45 minutes while it ran behind schedule.  Still, once you’re inside things ramp up. Sour-faced ‘lab staff’ thrust you into hi-tech gear – a light-up military vest with a pretend gun. Then a safety briefing happens (goal: collect points by tapping your bracelet on hidden scanners and kill zombies) and then you’re thrown into the belly of the beast, along with a burgeoning dose of hyper-vigilance.  There’s a husk of a plot here. A (not so) brilliant scientist has concocted a serum to reanimate the dead. What could go wrong? Well, everything, it turns out – because his experiment went tits up and now the undead are gonna getcha. Oooooo. But despite the actors putting up a good fight (often having more fun with their elaborate deaths than we do), things are mostly one-note. Your actions don’t seem to make any difference, scar

Undeniably lavish, minus the pomp, The Mark does everything right (and makes it seem easy, too) Known for its impressive celebrity clientele, The Mark beckons the fashion-conscious with near-tangible magnetism. Why? Because ostentatious aspects of design are married with more contemporary and zealous aesthetic choices. Yes, there’s black-and-white decor and yes there are marble features, but it’s all punctured by distinctive orange hues in the form of flora, wallpapers and soft furnishings. In short, it looks really, really nice.  And the whole operation is slick and polished, from succinct check-in to simple check out. As for the suites, the bath is luxuriously deep and the wifi is speedy. Plus, it’s culinary wonderboy Jean-Georges Vongerichten who heads up the fine dining restaurant and bar offerings, so you can expect an eclectic menu with the likes of hamachi sashimi, Scottish salmon and parmesan-crusted chicken with artichokes and lemon-basil butter. Delicious. Neighborhood: A five-minute wander from Central Park and pretty close to the Guggenheim, The Met and the rest of Museum Mile, you’re perfectly located for a few days of culture. But while it may be the glistening streets of the Upper East Side that draws tourists and inner-state travellers to the hotel, it’s The Mark’s flamboyance that keeps them there.  Nearby: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: for creative inspiration Papaya King: to get your fill of hot dogs and syrupy papaya juice Bemelmen’s Bar: for a luxe dri

Skyler is a Wandsworth salon with an unusual premise – the hair specialists don’t use scissors. Instead, this place is all about colour. Walking into reception through giant glass doors, there’s a full display of hair product eye candy: it’s a Wonka factory for colour junkies. Oh, and there’s a blimmin’ great slide there, too. Why? Who knows. But does it really matter? A silky-haired staff member accompanies me through to a mirrored area and we talk through my grand ideas. Not someone to downplay fashion statements, I opt for a rainbow base layer and a blue streak in my fringe. (It’s worth noting that Skyler also has more natural options on offer, including the ever-trendy balayage).  All in all, the process takes a couple of hours. Pros: you don’t get neck ache because the washing area has fully reclinable chairs; the massage was heavenly; and between trips to the basin, I got to chill in an area complete with magazines, teas, colouring books and free-to-turn sweet dispensers (which I took full advantage of). In fact, waiting was almost as enjoyable as discovering my new do. And I say almost, because I got to go home looking like a bag of Skittles. Winner.

Whenever I feel despondent enough to listen to Dido unironically, I know it’s time to get a manicure. My visit to Brixton-based nail salon Ama coincided nicely with a recent bout of misery, and boy did it nourish my soul. Firstly, the store is aesthetically delicious – the outside walls are wild with foliage and the inside ones plastered with glorious images of Beyoncé, Frida Kahlo, Maya Angelou and the Guerrilla Girls. The space is small, but not cramped, the vibe is modern and the staff are welcoming. But the best thing? The signature free-from manicure therapists use eco-friendly products and polishes. By the end of the treatment, my nails looked great and I felt totally green-fingered.

Having perfectly preened eyebrows is a trend that has arrived and stayed, so I feel zero shame in admitting that I am very precious about mine. I’ve seen bad versions, from over-plucked sperms to blocky Scouse brows, and my reaction is visceral. You can imagine, then, the pulsating anxiety I had when I shuffled into Bambrows – I was about to give up one of my treasured hairy bits to unknown hands. Luckily for me, Bambrows founder, Chanice, had some of the most beautiful eyebrows I had ever seen. I sat in the chair, leaned back and we got to work. We chatted through my preferences and decided on a tidy-up with a light tint, to give my brows the appearance of thickness. The waxing was quick and almost pain-free (not entirely though, sorry), and the tint was wiped away within minutes. By the end, I was a total convert – my brows were nothing less than enviable. Oh, and I got caught taking some particularly vain selfies on the train home – the ultimate endorsement.

Sure, it’s well-heeled tourist-central but let’s face it: there’s still plenty of appeal to Knightsbridge. Anywhere home to Harrods the Royal Albert Hall, gorgeous buildings and first-class shopping is always going to make for a sweet city break – even (especially?) to those of us who live further east. This elegant four-star hotel impresses inside. The lobby is pretty chic, with marble features and walls lined by mirrors. And the room? Beautiful, contemporary and clean as a whistle. Expect all the usual amenities – including a pretty nifty mobile phone device that helps guests from out of town discover London.  My only complaint? There is access to free wi-fi, but if you’re looking to work from your room, be warned: while I could easily access the internet on my phone, I struggled loading web pages on my laptop. Still, I would happily stay here again – after all, who wants to take their work home with them anyway? 

House of Lady Muck is part of a new generation of salons. The delightfully trendy space in the Oxford Street outpost of Topshop is occupied by a thorough wash of millennial pink, blooms and persian carpets – a Wes Anderson-esque daydream. It’s a cutesy, small space, but it doesn’t feel cramped. The moment I sit down I’m offered a drink (naturally I opt for champagne) and I begin flicking through some artfully-curated colour swatches. I opt for the 40-minute gel manicure (£40), and the chipped ghost of nail polish past is swept away from my mistreated talons. The technician files my nails to almond-shaped perfection, cures my cuticles of their unevenness and lightly buffs without damaging my natural nails. Not one for minimalism (although understated chic is HOLM’s forte) I go for pink glitter which is neatly applied and topped off with gloss. The cherry? An indulgent, moisturising arm massage that’s given with such tenderness I could drift off in my chair.

Lightbox is a compact venue nestled within the Vauxhall arches, close to Vauxhall Station. Usually a vibing club where house music reverberates through to your very soul, this popular South London spot transforms itself during the week into an even sweatier workout space courtesy of fitness collective New Motion. The space is undeniably cool. In fact, wandering in feels a little strange, especially if you’re used to corporate or dreary gyms. Not only are the walls covered in twinkling LEDs, there’s a bar behind you, which feels like a particularly cruel taunt during a post-work class. Luckily, as soon as the workout begins, those distractions drift away. New Motion have a mixed bag of classes on offer, including: 4Kardio Dance, HIIT x House and Vinyasa Flowz. I headed into Box ‘n’ Bass. Wraps on, I begin a supercharged warm-up where cardio takes centre stage. As everyone star jumps to the beat, the LEDs inject some fun into the workout. Then begins the boxing, where combinations and pad work are joined by some high-tempo tunes to get you really pumped. Later on in the class burpees are also thrown into the mix, as well as core-testing planking variations, squats (lots of ‘em) and sun-salutation-esque twists. It’s all pretty sweaty and tough, but it’s so much fun that it hardly seems to matter. Plus, punching things whilst listening to Pow by Lethal Bizzle is nothing short of hilarious.

When All Star Lanes first opened in 2006, they were right up our alley. Now, they’re adding to their super-striking bowling empire, with a new Miami-themed venue in Westfield, White City. Turning up the heat, the decor here is fashion-fusion, where London luxury meets modern Miami flair. Naturally, palms are pretty much everywhere, and they’re joined by ten sleek bowling lanes, private rooms, karaoke, and toasty outside terraces. Between turns, you can nibble on Americana classics, sample Miami-style seafood and sip clever cocktail concoctions.

We’ll have what she’s having. Well, if what she’s having is a sunset film cruise down the Thames with a classic movie, anyway. Yep, it’s all hands on deck, because Time Out’s exclusive cinema boat will be showing ‘When Harry Met Sally’ on July 27. Your chance to jump aboard London’s only floating picture palace on the Thames, this is a cinema experience like no other. Slip on your deck shoes and a striped T-shirt, because you’ll set sail from Tower Pier and enjoy some city sightseeing while you drift. Once the sun goes down, the boat will drop anchor and you’ll get to enjoy this classic flick on the top deck. Plus, the boat is stocked with drinks and snacks – and we’ll even give you a blanket so you can get extra comfy while you catch feels. See you there! To buy tickets for ‘When Harry Met Sally’, click here. To see the full Movies on the River line-up, click here.

Why this car is automatic. It’s systematic. It’s hyyyyydromatic. Why, it’s greased lightnin’! Throw on your leathers or your pink satin jacket, because ‘Grease’ is coming to Movies on the River. That’s right – our nifty cinema boat is pitching up at Tower Millennium Pier on Wednesday July 24 so you can enjoy this classic musical on the top deck of a boat.  All aboard, because after you’ve floated down the Thames, you’ll drop anchor for some extra-special movie-watching among some equally impressive city sights. Plus, there’ll be an onboard bar with drinks and snacks, and we’ll even provide you with a blanket. We’re peachy keen, wbu? Tell me more, tell me more... To book tickets for ‘Grease’, click here, or to view all film listings, click here.

Kicking back on a boat is great – but you know what’s even better? Watching a film while you’re doing it. Cue Movies on the River: the best seat in the house, that isn’t in the house. Yes, London’s only floating cinema is back! A unique way to enjoy some of your favourite flicks, these sunset sessions are dreamy. Enjoy the view as you drift, then watch the big screen, nibble on popcorn and sip on a tasty bevvy when the boat docks up (in the middle of the river). And since Movies on the River is curated for you by Time Out, you know it’ll be plain sailing. So what’s on this week? Well it’ll begin with the high school, hair-slickin’, ‘Grease’, followed by ‘Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again’, the Queen biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘The Greatest Showman’ and then finally, Hepburn classic ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. Swoon. Not only that, but there’s a bar on board, so you can ensure you’re well watered, too.  If you can’t make it for these movies, no worries! The cinema will set sail from Tower Pier near Tower Bridge for five nights a week, every Tuesday to Saturday from June until August. And if you’re worried about catching the last train – don’t be! The boat will return you back to the city streets in plenty of time. Full steam ahead!  Can’t decide when to visit? To flick through the full movie schedule, click here.    

Start the fans! The live version of the cult ’90s game show has moved to a West End location. We head along to find out what’s new.  Like any well-rounded twentysomething, I spent my tweens drinking questionable alcopops, picking out polyphonic ringtones and watching gameshow re-runs on Challenge TV, where ‘The Crystal Maze’ really had its way with me, thanks to charismatic bald Maze Master Richard O’Brien. Fast-forward to the 2016 reboot and Stephen Merchant slipped into the presenter role, followed by current host Richard Ayoade. Sticking with the original format, the show has spawned a new set of maze devotees and inspired The Crystal Maze Live Experience escape game, which has just moved from its old digs in Angel to a new location on Shaftesbury Avenue. Now occupying the old Trocadero space (which has been given a £5 million renovation), the revamped maze is twice the size of its predecessor,  with 32 fresh crystal-collecting games and a glamorous on-site bar. A note to all escape-room nerds: the maze’s production value will make you quiver. The set-up unites the classic Aztec, Medieval, Future and Industrial zones, which are all whimsically decorated in the style of the ’90s show. As you’re led around by a Maze Master – ours was partial to innuendos like ‘put the ball in your sack’ – it’s hard not to get swept up in game-based delirium. Your team captain is in charge of choosing which person plays each game to win the all-important crystals - each giving you five pre

London’s trusty tube network shuffles us to work every day but, let’s get real, the Underground is pretty banal. Margate’s Shell Grotto, around 80 miles south-east of the Central line, puts London’s subterranean spaces in the shade. The strange underground cave is unlike anything you’ve seen before and is something of a landmark on the Thanet coast. View this post on Instagram Looking for something different to do this weekend? We are open all bank holiday weekend, 10am-5pm. 🎉 Tag someone who hasn't experienced the wonder of the Grotto yet.. 🐚#visitmargate #shellgrotto #different #wonderful #interesting #shells A post shared by Shell Grotto (@shellgrotto) on May 4, 2018 at 1:55am PDT Descending the chalk stairway, the first thing you’ll notice is the shiny walls. Very sci-fi. But lean in and you’ll see that this is no bygone ‘Doctor Who’ set. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tucker & Marks (@tuckerandmarks) on Aug 18, 2018 at 9:46am PDT The buried trail’s walls and roof are thickly covered with shells – around 4.6 million of them. Why? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Travel Dream Seekers 🌏 (@traveldreamseekers) on Dec 7, 2018 at 9:59am PST The Shell Grotto was discovered in 1835, but its purpose and age are unknown. Theories range from cults to astrology to alien intervention, but no one actually knows its origin. It’s a real-life mystery. And if that’s not enough to intrigue yo

There’s no use denying it: at Time Out, we can’t stop eating. Our Food team hunts down the city’s best eateries and the rest of us profit from their finds. London’s delicious – and boy, do we know it.So here’s some big news! We’ve just launched two limited-edition restaurant boxes, bagging you (and a pal, date or whatever) 50 percent off the food bill at some of London’s very best restaurants. Yep, put down that cookbook and quit your half-hearted attempt at ragú, because we’re here to banish your meal-based dilemmas. But with two boxes on offer, here’s some handy info to help you choose between them… The Favourites Box   Wanna get dishy somewhere that’s been tried and tested, Time Out-style? No sweat, dinner devotees: get a load of our Favourites Box, which gives you discounted food at 11 (count ’em!) London eateries that we’ve raved about in the past 12 months. Each restaurant in this box has a tasty four-star (at least) Time Out review, so getting your gastronomic game on point is easy. For more info, click here. The Splash Out Box If merely the mention of steak, celeriac and truffles is enough to make you start cooing like a pigeon, then we feel you. Luckily our Splash Out box runs the full gamut of London’s pedigree restaurants, giving you and a (very) lucky friend half-price food at eight of London’s fanciest spots. Want to know who’s on the menu? Click here to find out. Time Out’s Favourites Box and Splash Out Box are both on sale now. Prefer to keep it plant-based?

Love London Pride? Brighton is actually home to the biggest Pride festival in the UK.  A post shared by BrightonPrideOfficial (@brightonprideofficial) on Jul 15, 2018 at 9:00am PDT This year, you can dance through the rainbow-draped streets with the parade crowd at the annual ‘Carnival of Diversity’. There’s the seafront Pride Village Party, the LoveBN1 Fest, a Pride Dog Show and the Pride Pleasure Gardens, which is home to a weekend’s worth of fierce fun, including drag acts from SinkThe Pink, The Glory and more. Then there’s the Pride Festival in Preston Park, headlined by Britney. A post shared by BrightonPrideOfficial (@brightonprideofficial) on Jan 22, 2018 at 11:04pm PST Brighton Pride is a mega weekend of entertainment for sure. But with events promoting tolerance and inclusion, supporting LGBT+ organisations and charities, it’s also a super-important celebration of a diverse community.  Heading to Brighton Pride? The event runs from Aug 3 - Aug 5 2018. Find more information here.  A post shared by BrightonPrideOfficial (@brightonprideofficial) on Aug 7, 2017 at 5:19am PDT Looking for London-based LGBT nightlife? Here are the best gay bars in London Interested in queer heritage? Visit London's LGBT landmarks

We know, we know – water pumps are hardly the most thrilling of objects. But hear us out, because this one’s pretty major. After disappearing briefly during renovation work in Soho, a refurbished replica of the John Snow pump has been unveiled on Broadwick Street today. Originally, the water pump was the source of a deadly cholera epidemic - but luckily, now it’s just a reminder of the lives saved by Dr John Snow. Ok...but who’s he? And why care? Dr Snow’s the guy who produced evidence that cholera was waterborne, ground-breaking research that changed the way scientists investigate and treat epidemics across the world. All in all, very impressive stuff. If you’re schlepping around Soho and want to welcome back the Jon Snow pump, you can find it outside the John Snow Pub on Broadwick Street. Spending the day in W1? Here's our guide to Soho Been there, done that? Here are some more ace things to do in London this weekend

Just when you think there couldn't possibly be any more Harry Potter merch flying around London, toy-shop-titan Hamleys has partnered with Warner Brothers to unveil an entire floor dedicated to the boy who lived. Within Hamleys’s Department of Magic, you'll find collectables, wands, golden snitches (if you can catch one) and enough chocolate frogs to complete your famous witches and wizard card collection. Plus, thanks to the theatrics of the Hamleys staff, you can bet that the sorting hat will be brought to life too. (🤞 GRYFFINDOR).To get a dose of Potter pop culture, head to Hamleys flagship store on Regent's Street. Or try one of these ace Harry Potter activities in London.  More Potter? You'll Neville believe (sorry) these Harry Potter holiday spots. Think you're an expert on JK Rowling's boy hero? Test how well you know Harry Potter’s London 

Forcing our bleary-eyed selves out of a duvet pre-dawn is usually reserved for catching holiday flights, but even the most hardened night-owls should consider making an exception for what might just be the most beautiful morning of the year. The Queen of Hoxton is hosting a Summer Solstice Rooftop Yoga session, welcoming the longest day of the year and summer in London in serene style. Expect loads of early-morning stretching and posing with all the auditory delights of singing bowls, too. If you can bear the 4.30am start, you know what to do. If you can’t – and we’re not here to judge — you can downward dog at a 7am class instead. Summer Solstice Rooftop Yoga is at the Queen of Hoxton on June 21. There are two sessions: 4.30am-5.30am and 7am-8am. Tickets from £10, on sale now. Want to shavasana under the sun every day? Discover more rooftop yoga sessions.

Already a renowned den of artistic expression, another cultural dimension is opening soon in Dalston: the Hackney Arts Centre.  Initially announced last year, this multi-discipline space is an ambitious overhaul of what was originally a popular art deco cinema – the Savoy – built in 1936. Before redevelopment, the dishevelled picture house had been carved up into the Efes snooker hall and a wedding venue. The auditorium had been closed to everyone since 1984 (the last film shown there was ‘Scarface’). But the venue’s rebirth as Hackney Arts Centre will see it open at various times throughout the week, day and night – so punters will always be able to get a fix of live music, club nights, film screenings, poetry readings, comedy and more. Size-wise, there’s a pretty roomy 1,000-capacity standing venue called the HAC Hall, a 750-seater HAC Auditorium, a bar and a kitchen too. The latter will be open from 8am till late, while the venue as a whole will also provide educational initiatives in creative disciplines and a platform for emerging talent. When the doors open in August with a performance from Kevin Morby it’ll be running a special programme until everything is fully completed in 2019. Today’s first announcement of shows includes highlights such as London songsmith Lianne La Havas and Ethiopian jazz deity Mulatu Astatke as well as talks organised by 5x15 and various market pop-ups from the likes of Hackney Flea Market.  The project is being spearheaded by Village Undergrou

Accio Harry Potter fans – here’s your chance to prove that the wizarding world is just common knowledge to you. The Warner Bros Studio Tour is hosting Harry Potter quiz nights on the actual set this summer, where you can pit yourself against other teams to decide who’s the real master of magic. What can dedicated Potterheads expect? Definitely the opportunity to swot up beforehand, because the tour, featuring the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and more, is included. Quizzers will then have a hot meal complete with butterbeer at the Backlot Café, before making like Harry, Ron and Hermione sitting their OWLs and embarking on some Sirius-ly (sorry) good quizzing in the Great Hall.  If you win, you’ll get a bag of pretty swish (and flick) exclusive HP goodies. Sorting hats off and thinking caps on. Harry Potter Quiz Nights in the Great Hall take place on Jul 5, 12 and 19 at Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter.  Tickets, which cost from £65, go on sale June 5 and are available to book here.  Love Harry Potter? Check out our guide to Harry Potter tours and more magical things to do in London.