Liv Kelly

There’s a reason why so many romantic comedy films are set in London; quite simply, it’s one of the best places in the world to be loved up. The picturesque Little Venice, the historic Whispering Gallery at St Paul's Cathedral, and Waterloo Bridge (which has breathtaking views of the city) are among the many romantic places to visit at any time of year – and we can’t get enough. But to encourage your love to reach full bloom, it's important to pick a hotel with the right kind of vibe. Breakfast in bed, complimentary cocktails upon arrival, and pampering spa packages are the sort of special touches that can make all the difference when you’re in the mood to woo... or maybe even pop the question. Take a look at our favourite romantic hotels in London.  Updated in May 2024: To keep our curated lists tip top we always keep an eye out for any new or trending properties. And this time around we've set our sights on this hidden sanctuary in Shoreditch, and this luxury hotel in South Kenso that's all about British elegance.  Looking for more options? 🛏 Check out London’s best Airbnbs ❤️‍🔥 or London's naughtiest hotels. 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.

Visiting New York is a frantic experience, and when you’ve only got a number of days to get through shedloads of dining, cocktail-drinking, sightseeing and museum-hopping, that oh-so-precious shut-eye becomes all the more important. Thankfully, even though New York’s famous moniker is the ‘city that never sleeps’, the Big Apple is brimming with stylish, innovative, and world-renowned hotels. So, we’ve combed through all the neighborhoods and avenues to bring you this hand-picked roundup of the very best, from swish new-openings in Brooklyn to opulent institutions in Manhattan.  New additions for fall 2025 include Brooklyn’s gleaming William Vale, Manhattan’s iconic Knickerbocker, the elegant, Park Avenue-adjacent Loews Regency and the beachy Rockaway Hotel. But that’s only the beginning—scroll on for Time Out’s fresh roundup of the best places to stay in New York City.  📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best budget and Midtown hotels in New York City 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.

Summer nightlife is all about outdoor festivals and laidback parties. So anyone with a penchant for gothic ‘fits and dark raves will be eagerly looking forward to Halloween in London, when the vibes are less chilled, more chilling, and throbbing soundsystems go bump in the night. This year, the day of spooks and scares falls on Friday, October 31 2025. That's seriously good news for anyone planning a fright night to remember without the terrifying prospect of making it into work the morning after. But while there are plenty of options for Halloween night itself, there will also be opportunities to join in the fun all through the ‘Halloweekend’ that follows. That means scary club nights aplenty, but also gothic cabaret shows, frightful live music, spooky museum lates and scary movie screenings. What better excuse to assemble a sickening Halloween look and venture out into the night. And best of all, you've got all Sunday to sleep it off, and wipe off all that creepy make-up before the new week starts. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Halloween in London.

New York City is iconic (there’s no arguing with that) and while there’s an abundance of luxury spaces, stays with knockout views or spots with incredible pools which would really make your trip, you can’t beat finding a hotel which embodies everything that makes this city so effortlessly, timelessly cool.  After all, a hotel might just be a place you’re planning to rest your weary, tired head after a long day of shopping, eating and sightseeing, but when you think about it, they’re basically your gateway into the city. From oh-so-authentic downtown spots to swish FiDi skyrises and boutique Brooklyn outposts, there’s plenty to choose from. New additions to Time Out’s list for 2025 include The William Vale, The Hoxton, Williamsburg, and The Standard, High Line, but scroll on for an expertly-curated list of the coolest hotels on the block when it comes to where to stay in NYC. 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City 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 in

Some people start prepping for Christmas before the first autumn leaf has fluttered to the ground. But if you hang on a little, you'll be rewarded with a shopping experience to savour, as you shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in a festive market. In the winter months running up to Crimbo, the capital becomes home to tons of wintry fairs, stacked with stalls selling unique pressies from small businesses and independent designers that you’d never find in the big shops online or off. They’re perfect for browsing as the big day looms and a good excuse to treat yourself to Christmas snacks and mulled wine as you tick gifts off your list. You’ll find everything you need to make someone’s Christmas Day memorable at London’s pop-up markets, from ceramics and plants to pressies from around the world. While many markets will require you to think about gift-getting weeks in advance, there are still options for those who thrive on last-minute chaos, too. 2025 dates for most markets haven't yet been announced, but check back nearer the time for details. Recommended: Our complete guide to Christmas in London.

There’s a long (and we mean really long) list of reasons why one might choose to visit old New York—the food, the theatre, the bars and the art galleries, to name a few—but up there with the best things about this city is, without a doubt, its skyline. And while heading up to Top of the Rock or the One World Observatory are worthy ways to soak it up, your hotel room could be, too. So, that’s why we’ve compiled a round up of the best hotels in NYC with proper, show-stopping views. Sit back and enjoy. 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City 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. 🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in New York City

Nowhere does Christmas quite like London. Come December, this city comes alive with dazzling festive lights, Christmas markets, theatre and endless shopping. Whether you’re venturing in from a nearby city or travelling from across the pond, there are endless reasons why a stay in the UK’s capital should be at the top of your list this festive season. Ready for some serious Christmas spirit? Look no further – we’ve handpicked the best hotels to stay in at Christmas in the Capital. And we’ve covered all the bases: hotels with Christmas markets on your doorstep, hotels that look out over ice skating rinks, and hotels that go all out for their very own festive offerings, with everything from bespoke Christmas packages to mega trees and blowout festive menus. And yes, you can stay on Christmas Day too. Ready to get festive? Us too. Read on for the best Christmas hotels in London this year.  📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in London  Who makes the cut? Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our pool of trusted hotel experts, 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

London music festivals have made plenty of headlines this year, with the future of some of the city’s most popular events looking a little uncertain at present. Nevertheless, Londoners are still exceptionally lucky to have an abundance of day-long musical extravanganzas to choose from. We Londoners love live music, so it’s no surprise that we’re absolutely spoilt for choice when summer rolls around. With something taking place almost every weekend throughout the warmer months, you can forget trekking across the country to live in a field for five days; simply hop on the tube and before you know it you’re listening to your favourite artists, tinny to hand, knowing that there’s a hot shower and a cosy bed waiting for you once the day is over.  We are right in the thick of festival season right now, which means you’ve either been to one of the early summer events already or you’ve secured tickets and started planning your outfit for something coming up in the next few weeks. If not, there’s still time to plan a fabulous weekend of dancing, drinking and mild sunstroke before the summer is out, with up-coming festivals devoted to hip-hop, jazz, leftfield electronic music, disco, afrobeats, heavy rock ‘n’ roll...the list goes on. Take it from us, whatever your taste may be, London has a day festival for you! Have a scroll through our comprehensive guide – which we keep meticulously updated with all the latest line-up announcements – and see what takes your fancy. RECOMMENDED: ⛺ The

Europe is not lacking in jaw-dropping beauty. Its home to seven Wonders of the World, for one thing, as well as 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – and even that doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of the incredible things you can find across the continent. But even if we can’t list every single beautiful place in Europe, we can list our favourites. To put together this list, we asked our editorial staff team and travel writers based all over Europe for the most beautiful things they’d ever seen on their travels. The result? Stories of taking boats out on Germany’s hidden lakes, climbing up to vast sand dunes in France, afternoons spent strolling Art Nouveau streets in Latvia and childhoods spent clambering over jagged stones in Ireland. From solitary islands to well-trodden walking routes, here are the most beautiful places in Europe, picked by us. 📍 RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to destinations in Europe Ella Doyle is Time Out’s guides editor. 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. 

Written by Liv Kelly, Time Out travel writer, in partnership with P&O Cruises  The whole reason holidays exist is to give us a reset, but that can mean something different to everyone. Some of us find rejuvenation in immersing ourselves in a brand-new city; others seek out a glorious beach to recoup under the sun.For me, the ultimate reset is switching off and getting out into nature to see some of the showstopping wilderness that our lovely planet has to offer. That’s why, when I was offered the opportunity to sail around Norway’s otherworldly fjords on a P&O Cruises holiday, the answer was only going to be ‘yes’. So, here are the five best encounters I had with nature that gave me the all-important reset I was craving.

Brighton isn’t just candyfloss and fairground rides anymore – not that there’s anything wrong with that. Yes, the beach is pebbly and the seagulls are a menace, but there’s a long list of reasons why this colourful, quirky patch of Sussex coast was named one of the best cities in the world for 2025. It’s got funky concert venues, independent shops, slap-up vegetarian food and top-notch pubs as well as seaside cafés, hidden museums, shiny new wellness venues and copious options for good (and I mean really good) fish ‘n’ chips. So, here are the very best things to do in Brighton. How to have the perfect day trip in Brighton Your day in Brighton should start with some proper fuel – head to Flour Pot on Sydney Street for a coffee and one of their donuts, before mooching through the North Laine and up to Preston Street for some lunch (Halisco and Bincho Yakitori are our faves). If you’re lucky with the weather, head down to the seafront for a chill dip or a go at paddle-boarding, and make sure to grab a pint at Fortune of War. For more brilliant day trip ideas, head to our list of the very best day trips from London.  📍 Sleeping over? Here are Brighton’s best hotels and best Airbnbs Liv Kelly is Time Out’s Travel writer, who is originally from Brighton. 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 e

There’s enough colour and flavour in Victoria to satisfy any culinary craving, whether you’re after an Aussie brunch, a delicate tasting menu, a good old fashioned British roast or the best burgers for miles. Moving out towards Pimlico, you’ll find fancy contemporary cooking, opulent Ottoman eats and some stonking Chinese cuisine. Here’s our pick of the best. RECOMMENDED: The 50 Best Restaurants in London.  Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

St Martin's Voices and St Martin's Brass will this year be bringing us some stunningly festive performances of glorious music, carol singing and festive readings. Conducted by Andrew Earis, expect to hear beloved classic songs such as ‘The Holly and the Ivy’ and ‘O Holy Night’ plus the audience carols of ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ and ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’. Set against the beautiful backdrop of St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, these concerts promise to be a magical start to Christmas. 

What’s the vibe?  This space is one of Brighton’s most refined restaurants. It sits on Upper Market Street unbeknownst to the majority of passers-by, which gives it an exclusive, elevated vibe. The restaurant is tastefully and simply furnished with lots of pale wood and natural light giving it a beachhouse feel, and that is reflected in the menu.  What should I order?  The menu here changes regularly, but there’ll be a three-course set lunch menu for £35 per person or a decadent six-course option at dinner time which costs £85 per person. Each will include simple but super elegant seafood dishes, and the restaurant’s signature dish, the egg and soldiers, will (hopefully) be available at dinner time.

What’s the vibe?  In a nutshell, the vibe here is casual, speedy and really, really tasty. It’s unlikely you’ll wait long for your food to arrive, nor will you be at the table for much more than an hour, but we guarantee every second will be worth it. Why? Well, Bincho’s isn’t just a favourite of Brighton’s locals, but also of its chefs. What should I order? The chef here describes himself as an Izayaka fanatic, and after spending three years in Japan finessing the cooking techniques, you can bet that this is the most authentic take on southeast Asian cuisine that Brighton has to offer. There aren’t any duds on this menu – the only mistake would be not arriving ravenous.  

You might expect a Grade I National Trust property to be a bit of a stuffy and impersonal place to stay for a weekend, but Bodysgallen Hall, a lovingly restored manor house on Pydew Mountain in north Wales, is quite the opposite.  The hotel provided us tired, post-hike guests with a stay so comforting that, despite its looming size, felt more like we were at the home of an impossibly wealthy relative than a high-end hotel. Swathed by crackling fires, good, tasty food and amiable staff, this place is primed for a properly restful weekend.  Why stay at Bodysgallen Hall?  If you don’t just want a break from your day-to-day life but some proper respite from the 21st century, this is the place to stay. Bodysgallen Hall’s Main House feels a bit imposing as you approach it, but there’s something undeniably old-timey and welcoming about the place once you’ve stepped inside.  It brags all the traditional quirks that a proper country estate should, with comically low ground-floor ceilings, dark wood-panelled walls, heartily-stoked fires and marshmallow-like armchairs throughout the reception area and jumbled hallways, and much of it was built around 600 years ago. Though modern elements (speedy wifi and high-pressure showers) have seeped through, a weekend here still feels like you’ve dipped back into a different era.  What are the rooms like at Bodysgallen Hall? The Main House bedrooms could well remind you of a grandparent’s house, and I mean that as a compliment. The furnishings are

What’s the vibe?  Picture crisp white tablecloths, immaculately manicured waiters and an elevated, classy atmosphere, and you’ve pretty much got the opposite of Halisco. This is not the place for a formal evening dinner, but it most definitely is the place to take someone you’re trying to impress. Lip-smacking cocktails, inexplicably tasty Mexican-inspired small plates and an efficient, friendly, knowledgeable team of locals are what make this place so damn brilliant – and I bet my margarita that you’ll be telling your friends about it.  What are the prices like? The menu here follows a small-plates format – you’ll have snacks sitting around or just below £4, small plates, which range roughly from £8-£12, and of course the tacos, which tend to start at £9.50 for two. Lucky enough to swing by in the summer months? There could well be a salad and ceviche section, which last year started at £6. Mix it up, and don’t expect things to arrive in order.  What should I order? Halisco’s menu changes seasonally, but be sure to start your dinner with corn chips and guac, order the tenderstem broccoli (if it’s available) in whatever form it comes, and – even if you’re a meat eater – the oyster mushroom birria tacos. To wash it down, my go-tos are either a hibiscus margarita or a modelo chelada.  What’s worth visiting nearby? The newly opened Bar Halisco! Perched just over the road is Halisco’s brand-new sister venue, which opened just in time for National Margarita Day 2025. It’s got all

Despite being labelled by a cursive, neon pink signpost above its entrance, you could easily miss Viajante87 – it’s hidden in plain sight amidst the noise and fluorescence of Notting Hill Gate, and once you’re inside, feels miles away from all that too. The room is draped in moody layers and furnishings of rich teal with touches of gold, giving it a particularly luxe feel which is matched by the vibe of the service. Everything here is quite formal: we were met by a security guard who radioed a host to collect us at the bottom of the stairs, and, behind a heavy velvet curtain, were greeted with a cheery and unnervingly synchronised ‘hola!’ from the bartenders. That’s because, as is detailed on the cocktail menu, Viajante87 is based around the concept of ‘drinking like a local’, with your choices all inspired by flavours which hail from Central and South America. The three main sections on the menu are organised to mimic the stages of a journey: they’re branded as ‘comfortable’ (aperitif-like drinks), ‘curious’ (a little stronger) and ‘courageous’ (digestifs). If you’re feeling really courageous, you could even ignore the order in which they’ve designed the menu, though this lot clearly know what they’re doing.  Order this On the ‘be curious’ page of the menu, you’ll find the Pura Pache, a clean and fruity long drink which is a good light cocktail to kick things off. But if you’re a fan of bitter, negroni-esque flavours, don’t skip over the Blood Moon.  Time Out tip While this

Given it’s the second largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily), Sardinia brags quite a lot of coastline – 2,000 km, to be exact. Scenic beaches aren’t hard to come by here, but Delphina’s Valle dell’Erica occupies a particularly glorious spot on the island’s northern tip, on a plush green hillside where the coastal breeze ripples through the grass. Sounds lovely, right? On a clear day you can see across to Corsica, and when it’s hazy – as it was on my visit – you’re still surrounded by the ocean. Long story short, spectacular views are guaranteed.  Such vistas are best soaked in from the panoramic breakfast terrace in the main hotel building. Incidentally, the breakfast buffet is the only place where you’ll actually remember you’re in a resort. Valle Dell’Erica feels more like a small hilltop town: there are seven bars, seven restaurants, four pools, an enormous spa and a whopping 273 rooms. This sprawling complex houses two separate hotels: Hotel Erica (a slightly larger space with 148 rooms, catered to families) and Hotel La Licciola (a smaller, couple-oriented hotel, where 17 of the 125 rooms have access to an exclusive area and private pool). Rooms are cloistered in small blocks of three or four, each comfortably if plainly furnished, and are built with local granite and cork. From the resort’s beaches, the buildings appear to dissipate into the land – the brand calls this design ‘low visual impact’, a move to protect Sardinia’s coastline from the threat of towe

Given it’s the second largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily), Sardinia brags quite a lot of coastline – 2,000 km, to be exact. Scenic beaches aren’t hard to come by here, but Delphina’s Valle dell’Erica occupies a particularly glorious spot on the island’s northern tip, on a plush green hillside where the coastal breeze ripples through the grass. Sounds lovely, right? On a clear day you can see across to Corsica, and when it’s hazy – as it was on my visit – you’re still surrounded by the ocean. Long story short, spectacular views are guaranteed.  Such vistas are best soaked in from the panoramic breakfast terrace in the main hotel building. Incidentally, the breakfast buffet is the only place where you’ll actually remember you’re in a resort. Valle Dell’Erica feels more like a small hilltop town: there are seven bars, seven restaurants, four pools, an enormous spa and a whopping 273 rooms. This sprawling complex houses two separate hotels: Hotel Erica (a slightly larger space with 148 rooms, catered to families) and Hotel La Licciola (a smaller, couple-oriented hotel, where 17 of the 125 rooms have access to an exclusive area and private pool). Rooms are cloistered in small blocks of three or four, each comfortably if plainly furnished, and are built with local granite and cork. From the resort’s beaches, the buildings appear to dissipate into the land – the brand calls this design ‘low visual impact’, a move to protect Sardinia’s coastline from the threat of towe

Landing in Keflavik on a frosty 2C afternoon is a bit of a shock to the system compared to the balmy October temperatures of the UK, but once we start winding through the snow-dusted, ash-coloured peaks that loom moodily over Iceland’s coast, the biting cold feels appropriate.  Thankfully, the nippy feeling doesn’t last long. ION’s collection of hotels includes four properties – ION City and Hotel Von (starting rates are €430 and €175 respectively) where we stay in Reykjavik, Hotel Budir (from €277), our first stop nestled cosily between the mountains and the lapping shore of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and ION Adventure (€565) which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024. Each embody the Nordic concept of ‘hygge’, that feeling of convivial cosiness that you can only really experience in such perishingly cold places.  All are intrinsically Icelandic, but ION Adventure is the true show-stopper. A sleek glass box emerging from the moss-laden Mount Hengill, the hotel is a bold contrast to the tumbling volcanic landscape around it. But that landscape is still incorporated into the design, with furniture made from locally-sheered wool and actual lava. Sustainability is at the heart of these designs – even the sinks are made from recycled tires – and much of the interior is crafted by Icelandic architects. The hallway leading to the brand-new wing of 23 rooms (where we stayed) features bare concrete walls which will not be painted – paint is bad for the environment, guys – an

You’d be forgiven for feeling a little intimidated upon approaching Eastwell Manor. Its stern, neo-Elizabethan stone façade is dotted with boxy windows which appear as if they allow little light, and reaching reception involves dragging your luggage through an eerily still, imposing courtyard. But the vibe’s pretty different inside.  Through the comically large, dark-wood doors, the formality of the building does match the tone of the service, but we were warmly greeted by wafts from the restaurant, the excited buzz of guests from a wedding party and formally dressed but amicable team members. And that’s what’s unexpected about this place – how homely a massive country estate (particularly one with a tennis court, a hawking centre and beehives) can feel as soon as you arrive.  Our room, in the cottage buildings in the west corner of the grounds, was one designated for people on a spa break (it’s only a two-minute walk from the spa building) and other guests were flitting between the two buildings in just their dressing gowns, despite the October chill. The spa itself, the facilities of which include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room on the ground floor, as well as a restaurant, plus treatment and ‘relaxation’ rooms upstairs, does all the things a good spa should do, but is perhaps not quite matched to the size of the hotel – we arrived mid-afternoon to cop a poolside seat but were left with only one available spot to plonk ourselves. But the hotel doesn’t just of

Entering our park-view room on the ninth floor of the Athenaeum, our jaws dropped not because of the suite itself, but because it immediately lived up to its name: the south-facing hotel rooms offer tremendous views of the lush treetops of Green Park, and if you’re lucky enough to stay in on one of the top floors (nine is the highest), it’s pretty splendid. What’s more, the hotel has been designed to incorporate the park’s proximity: the compact, comfortable rooms and ground-floor reception feature floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of mirrors to complement and exaggerate the nearby greenery. Entering the hotel feels almost like you’re stepping inside an opulent conservatory.  Throughout the hotel there are nods to grand decor, but it’s not overdone. Twinkly light fixtures, velvet Chesterfield headboards and touches of gold are not going to be to everyone’s taste, but they feature in the light-flooded rooms and add glamour to mostly white walls and bedding – this hotel is in Mayfair, after all.  That emphasis on elegance is also reflected in the kind of service you get at the Athenaeum. Front of house members, at the reception during check-in and in the restaurant, were congenial, warm, but the atmosphere here is formal: there’s no small talk, no chit-chat during breakfast service – everything feels very proper.  While the surrounding neighbourhood boasts plenty of bougie places to eat, the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant is a worthy alternative, particularly for afternoon t

With interiors that look like they probably haven’t been updated since the place opened in 1997, and prices that also feel like they’re stuck in the past, a trip to locally loved Bayswater restaurant The Bengal feels like stepping back in time. The dated decor serves to create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy generous portions of classic curry house fare. The chef’s special bhunas and jalfrezis – both traditional Bengali dishes – stand out on a large menu of traditional Indian and Bangladeshi curries. Whether you’re sitting in or ordering a takeaway, this is a reliable option for inexpensive, flavoursome dinner. 

Some of Europe’s beaches are so busy that soon you’ll have to use an app to book your spot – no, seriously, read about it here – but some sandy stretches are gloriously crowd-free.  To get a handle on which beaches offer the most (and least) space for sunbathing, Wizz Air measured 50 beaches across Europe and divided each one’s area by the size of a beach towel, and then divided that by the average number of daily visitors. The idea was to figure out exactly how much space a beach offers each person, and topping that list was the Beach of Durrës, on the coast of Albania.  ‘Despite being one of the most popular beaches in Albania, it still provides a laid-back charm. Our calculations reveal that each visitor has ample space, with room for just under 65 beach towels per person,’ says Wizz Air, ‘This makes it an ideal spot for families and sunbathers seeking a relaxing day by the Adriatic Sea.’ Recommended: These are the world’s most beautiful beaches.  It’s worth taking this ranking with a pinch of sea salt – the Beach of Durrës was once named one of Albania’s most overcrowded beaches, so if you’re expecting vast expenses of empty sand, you might want to look elsewhere.  In second place was Camber Sands, a sandy stretch of coast in East Sussex, UK, and in third place was Zlatni Rat Beach in Croatia.  Now for the most crowded. Eight of the top 10 are located in Spain, with Playa Sa Caleta in Ibiza claiming the top spot, and Cala Macarella in Menorca and Barceloneta Beach in Spai

O nosso planeta é verdadeiramente maravilhoso, não é? As costas e as suas praias maravilhosas, as cidades com edifícios magníficos e as paisagens salpicadas de lagos e montanhas tão deslumbrantes que parecem saídos de um fundo de ecrã de computador. Muitos dos lugares mais cénicos do mundo encontram-se na Europa e é por isso que a Time Out actualiza regularmente a sua lista dos destinos mais bonitos do continente. E quem ocupa agora o primeiro lugar, depois da mais recente revisão do ranking? O Lago Bled. Sim, o emblemático lago da Eslovénia, situado serenamente nos Alpes Julianos, na região da Alta Carniola, superou locais como Zermatt, a Hagia Sophia e Alberobello (embora todos também figurem no ranking), conquistando o título de lugar mais bonito da Europa. Mas afinal, o que tem de tão mágico? “Num dia limpo, a água espelhada reflecte as árvores e as montanhas verdes que ladeiam o lago, como se empurrasse as nuvens para longe”, escreve Rose Johnstone, directora de conteúdos comerciais da Time Out. “O olhar é imediatamente atraído para a pequena ilha no centro, onde se ergue a Igreja de Santa Maria, Rainha. E aquele suave tilintar? É o sino dos desejos, na torre de 52 metros, tocado por turistas como recompensa por subirem os 99 degraus até ao topo.” À volta do lago, é possível praticar inúmeros desportos náuticos e há ainda percursos de bicicleta, desfiladeiros e trilhos pedestres. Se só puder escolher um, não perca a Garganta de Vintgar. Fica a cerca de quatro quilómetros

New York was blessed with its first Time Out Market location back in 2019, but this coming September a second location will be opening in Union Square, with space to seat 240 hungry diners.  We can expect a performance space, an outdoor terrace and a full-service bar, but most exciting, seven of the city’s most exciting kitchens (from esteemed chefs to promising newcomers) will be taking residence, and now officially know which ones. Tuck in.  Patty Palace Craving a lip-smacking, Jamaican-style patty? Well, we’ve got good news, as this slap-up restaurant run by award-winning Chef Kwame Onwuachi, whose menu features curried chicken, jerk mushroom, ginger cabbage sale and a green seasoning aioli, is one edition to Time Out Market New York. Photograph: Patty Palace Kebabwala  If an Indian kebab is more what you’re craving, be sure to head to Kebabwala for a slice of authentic street food flavour. This place is run by Unapologetic Foods who are behind other popular NYC spots Dhamaka, Ada, and Semma, the last of which is the city’s only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant.  Taqueria El Chato This place was described as having a ‘concise menu of deftly executed tacos, vampiras, and quesadillas’ by the Michelin Guide New York 2025, and do you really need any more info than that? Chef Gerardo Alcaraz and Christ Reyes opened their Greenpoint location of this taqueria in 2024, and since their second location cropped up in the West Village, it’s gained something of a cult following.

There’s no better place in the world to sit down and enjoy some tapas like Madrid. Fancy some tripe stew, bravas or deliciously crispy calamari? You can bet the city’s small plates spots will deliver, not just on the food but on the cosy, warm atmosphere, too.  That’s why it’s so exciting that one of the city’s most popular tapas crawls is back, this year celebrating its fifteenth anniversary – so here is everything you need to know.  When and where is the Lavapiés tapas crawl? It’s called TapaPiés, and it’s held over several days (this year on October 16-26) in Lavapiés, a charming medieval neighbourhood in central Madrid.  While the crawl has been going since 2010, stalls from the San Fernando and Antón Martín markets will be getting involved this year, as well as more than 100 bars and restaurants – plus live music, street parades and even some free performances.  So, how does it work? Well, each participating venue will be offering up an exclusive tapa and a small beer, for just €3.50, but if you’re teetotal or don’t fancy drinking, just the snack will be €2.50. Oh, and don’t worry if you’re vegetarian or have a gluten-free diet – both those requirements are catered for.  Which tapa will win this year? Did you think restaurants were participating just for the hell of it? No – while punters can get as involved and gorge on as many tapa as they like, a professional jury will also be assessing the best tapas of the festival, with a prize of up to €2,000 up for grabs, and a P

With the Med reaching routinely reaching scorching temperatures each summer, lots of us are rurning our attention to more northern European destinations for our summer holidays. But the Nordics are also home to some top-tier city breaks, so we’ve rounded up all the top cities in the region to head on your holiday – no matter the time of year.  So, where was it that topped our brand-new list? Well, it was none other than Oslo! The Norwegian capital beat out Copenhagen, Reykjavik and Helsinki to claim the first spot, and all those brilliant cities followed closely behind. Recommended: The best ‘coolcations’ in Europe for 2025.  ‘Oslo has really come into its own as a city with bags to offer long weekenders,’ writes Laura Hall, Time Out’s local expert in Scandinavia, ‘From its rejuvenated waterfront, where people jump off sauna boats and sunbathe on the roof of the Opera House, to the secret beaches of its archipelago, reachable by electricity-powered commuter ferry, it embraces the water in all things.’ But Nordic cool is also embodied in the city’s food and nightlife culture. Excellent wine bars and spots for charcuterie are aplenty, and you’ll also stumble across vinyl nights and pizza parties. You’ll likely find plenty of these in neighbourhoods like Grünerløkka.  Photograph: Franco Francisco Maria / Shutterstock.com Where to stay in Oslo The city has plenty of brilliant hotels (we’ve rounded up some of our favourites here) but Laura’s top pick is Oslo Guldsmeden Hotel. It

Our planet is pretty damn lovely, isn’t it? Coasts are lined with gleaming beaches, cities are full of beautiful buildings and the landscapes are dotted with lakes and mountains so glorious that you’ll wonder if you’re looking at a stock desktop background. Plenty of the world’s most beauitiful places are in Europe, and that’s why Time Out regularly updates its list of the most scenic destinations on the continent. And sitting in the number one spot after a recent overhaul of the ranking? It’s Lake Bled. Yep, Slovenia’s flagship lake, which sits serenely in the Julian Alps of the Upper Carniolan region, has beat out the likes of Zermatt, the Hagia Sophia, and Alberobello (though those all made our ranking, too) to claim the crown as the most beautiful place in Europe. So what’s so magical about it? ‘On a clear day, the glassy water reflects the trees and green mountains that flank the lake, as if it’s brushing the clouds away.’ writes Time Out’s head of commercial content, Rose Johnstone. ‘Your eyes are instantly drawn to the little island in its centre, which is home to the Church of Mary the Queen. And that soft chiming sound? That’s the wishing bell in the 52-metre bell tower, rung by tourists as a reward for climbing the 99 steps to the top.’ Photograph: Shutterstock Around the lake, you’ll find plenty of water sports, biking routes, canyons and hiking trails, but one you shouldn’t skip is Vintgar Gorge. It’s around 4km northwest of Bled village, and is a particularly b

Ah, the city life. It can be loud, busy, expensive, and it certainly isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a young person, it’s also the most exciting way to live.  That’s why Time Out hasn’t just had a look at the best cities in the world, but we have also filtered them based on responses from those under the age of 30, to suss out where is best in the world to live if you’re a young person – a member of Gen Z, to be specific.  Bangkok was crowned as our worldwide champion, because of how happy young locals are living there, and the ease with which they can make friends. Melbourne came in second place, and Cape Town came in third, with nine European cities also claiming a spot in our top 20 – read all about those here.  But, what about Latin America? Well, only one city in that part of the world clawed its way into our roundup, and that city was (drum roll, please) Mexico City! Photograph: Kamira / Shutterstock The under-30 locals we spoke to commended how content they are living there, with a whopping 83 percent saying they felt happy, but it also ranked as the second most affordable city on our roundup (after Bangkok) with 69 percent giving it a high score on that front.  Why you should visit Mexico City All this isn’t to say that Mexico City is only great for young people. In fact, Mauricio Nava, the editorial director of Time Out Mexico City, wrote in our 50 best cities roundup that ‘No matter the neighbourhood you’re in, there's something in the air that makes everyone fe

No matter what you’ve travelled to a city for – going sightseeing or dining out, going for a boogie or on a café-hopping tour – it’s always ten times more enjoyable when you feel safe.  That’s why Riviera Travel has conducted some analysis of current crime levels and the change in crime rates over the past five years at some top-rated cities in Europe, and compiled a ranking of the ones with the lowest overall safety score (indicating lowest crime levels).  Topping the list? It’s Dubrovnik, the lovely Dalmatian city on the southern coast of Croatia, which gained a safety score of 44.14. That’s thanks to it having the lowest crime rates on the list, and the lowest increase in crime since 2020.  Recommended: These are the best things to do in Dubrovnik.  It’s good news, because Dubrovnik is a brilliant choice for a city break. Must-dos include the 2km stroll around the city’s medieval walls and paying the old town a visit (particularly the main square and crossing point of Luža, where you’ll find the city’s iconic bell tower).  Make sure enjoying a beer at the cliff bars is on your list, too – Bard Bar and Buža II are our two favourites. The latter suits swimmers and boozers, and the former is a little more basic but has easy access from the sea. Staying out? Swing by Troubadour for live jazz and maybe even some al-fresco dancing.  Cities in Poland, the Netherlands, Hungary and Germany also made the top 10, so scroll on to have a look at them.  These are the 10 safest cities in

Cast your minds back to April 2019, and one of the biggest news stories in the world was a catastrophic fire at Notre-Dame. Shots of the world-famous cathedral ablaze with thick smoke billowing out of its rafters were plastered over our screens, but once the embers had settled, an extensive, nearly billion-euro restoration project began, with the cathedral opening its doors once again to the public back in December.  And there has been no messing around, as Notre-Dame has just taken over the Sacré-Cœur to become the most visited attraction not only in Paris but the whole of France.  In the seven months since it reopened, it has welcomed 7 million visitors – yes, one million per month – and it’s on track to keep up that rate for the rest of 2025, meaning 12 million visitors will have crossed the threshold in just one year.  Recommended: This country is set to overtake France as the world’s most visited destination.  Staggeringly, that works out to around 35,000-40,000 people per day, which comfortably surpasses its pre-fire stats of around 11 million people per year. For some context, the Sacré-Cœur welcomes around nine million, the Louvre 8.7 million, the Palace of Versailles 8.4 million and the Eiffel Tower 6.3 million.  It’s thought that unprecedented interest from Parisians is one reason why visitor numbers are on the up, and this is all while work is still ongoing on the restorations.  According to the Telegraph, the flying buttresses of the chevet, the presbytery and the

Though it doesn’t have a direct translation in English, the Japanese concept of ‘tsundoku’ – which describes people who buy more books than they can feasibly read – is something a lot of us can relate to. And bookshops, with their cosiness, charm and warmth, are mostly to blame.  But not all bookshops were created equal, and that’s why the awards team at 1000 Libraries decided to rank the world’s most beautiful ones.  Nineteen different stores were nominated for their hard work in keeping book-buying alive (based on metrics like online reviews and social media engagement), and a vote was opened for 60 days where more than 200,000 opinions were recorded.  Did you see that Amsterdam is building tiny staircases for cats all over the city? So, where is the prettiest place to buy books on the planet? Well, according to this ranking, it’s (drum roll, please) Boakhandel Dominicanen!  That’s right: the Maastricht shop stacked above Shakespeare and Company in Paris and Daunt Books in London to claim the top spot. But, are we really that surprised? Well, given this bookshop is housed in a thirteenth-century Gothic church with towering vaulted ceilings and a grand steel bookcase, no, not really.  Photograph: Shutterstock ‘The store offers a wide range of books, including English titles, as well as a music section with CDs and vinyl records. It also has a café, where cultural events like readings and live music performances take place, organized by Boekhandel Dominicanen in collaborati

Is there a better way to soak up the glory of New York City’s twinkling, skyscraper-filled landscape than from a plush rooftop bar with a cocktail in hand? Of course there isn’t. And if you happen to be sleeping just a few floors away, in the same hotel? Even better.  The fact is that there are thousands – and we mean thousands – of hotels in New York, but booking one that also acts as a picture frame for the city’s legendary skyline is surely a huge bonus (particularly if you’re a first-timer). So, we’ve compiled a list of the best.  Topping that list is the Shelburne Sonesta New York, a four-star, 325-room hotel in Manhattan’s Murray Hill neighbourhood. Recommended: This is officially the coolest hotel in New York right now.  ‘Vintage Green left me pleasantly surprised. I’ve frequented plenty of rooftops in New York and two things are fairly consistent amongst them: the service often lacks, and the food and drinks tend to be of pretty average quality,’ writes our NYC-based contributor, Kaitlyn Rosati. ‘Neither are the case here. It’s the second-largest rooftop bar in New York, offering sweeping views of the city, and is completely covered in florals and greenery. Make sure to head up here for golden hour.’ As for the rooms? They range from tidy studios to two-bedroom apartments (some of which have kitchenettes), but if you’ve got some cash to splash, opt for the Empire Suite – even lifelong New Yorkers won’t be able to resist those views.  Check the 14 best hotels in New Yo

Pizza – arguably the world’s most universally adored food – can be found in all shapes, thicknesses, and with pretty much any topping you can imagine. But if you identify as something of a pizza purist, there are few places better to enjoy a slice of the action than Rome.  Time Out has just given its roundup of the best pizza places in the city a refresh, so where is our new number one? Well, while the Italian capital is known for its thin and crispy pizza style, which can be served in a square or rectangular shape (known as ‘pizza al taglio’), it was a Neapolitan-style restaurant which we named as number one – you simply cannot beat it.  Nestled in Trastevere, a colourful, trendy neighbourhood which borders the River Tiber, the restaurant in question is Seu Pizza Illuminati. It opened back in 2018 and does both classic Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzas, as well as a load with whackier toppings – think roasted watermelon, octopus carpaccio, peanut crumble and edamame beans. Yes, you read that right.  Livia Hengel, Time Out’s local expert in Rome, writes that ‘the slightly chewy consistency of Neapolitan pizza and the crunchiness of the Rome-style crust is achieved by chef and wizard Pier Daniele Seu’s double-leavening. Toppings are innovative here and flavour combos are daring, seamlessly blending tradition and seasonality.’ So, even if the menu sounds a bit out-there, this place has got the best of both worlds down – delicious fresh toppings and traditional cooking methods.