Liv Kelly

One of the oldest seaside cities in Britain, Portsmouth (AKA Pompey) blends its historic past with its prospering food, drink and nightlife scenes. This place still serves as Britain’s foremost Royal Navy base, and no trip is complete without a roam around the Les Misérables-esque dockyard, complete with four historic ships and a string of superb museums. However, there's much more to Portsmouth than its famous maritime heritage. There's everything from ancient pubs on cobbled streets to unique contemporary art galleries, and football supporters so passionate they must be seen to be believed (particularly Pompey John, who has 60 tattoos and ‘P.F.C’ engraved into his teeth). It's a coastal city well worth a visit, so here’s our pick of the best things to do in Portsmouth for the day.  RECOMMENDED:🏰The best things to do in Winchester🛍️The best things to do in Southampton 🏖️The best seaside towns in the UK At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Norwich is the where the ancient meets the modern. It's steeped in history of warrior queens and treaure hoards, but in more recent times, it's become known for its vibrant shopping and cafe culture.  The Norfolk capital is a quaint place to escape to for the day, or for a calming weekend. Whether you plan to delve into the medieval history or simple go for a relaxing wander, order a flat white and slice of cake, check out our list of the top things to get up to in Norwich.  RECOMMENDED:🔮The most magical and mystical places in the UK🏩The best Airbnbs in the UK🌈The most colourful places in the UK and Ireland📷The best things to do in the UK At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Cardiff might just be the best-kept foodie secret in the UK. The Welsh capital gets overlooked in favour of some more famous places, but that just means more delicious food for those who make the wise decision to head to the city. Many of the most innovative chefs in the UK have made there way here, and the dishes flying out of Cardiff's kitchens are proof that ambition is the most important ingredient.  Our top picks tick all the boxes, from immaculate, Michelin-guide worthy fine dining to hearty, wholesome scran. So, if you find yourself in this fabulous city sometime soon, make sure you're headed to one of the the best and most exciting restaurants in town.  RECOMMENDED:🎨The best things to do in Cardiff🏨 The best Airbnbs in Cardiff🌉 The best things to do in Bristol☀️ The best things to do in the UK At Time Out, all our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Newcastle's food scene is thriving, and a visit to this vibrant northern hub will entail a constant struggle to resist going out for a lavish meal every single night of the week. From award-winning fine dining to the fantastic streetfood stalls of Grainger Market, all culinary tastes and budgets are well catered for.  The Toon's abundance of seafood thanks to its proximity to the coast, and the high concentration of innovative chefs, mean the food scene here is absolutely prospering, and one of the most exciting in the UK. Here are our top picks for the best places to eat in the Newcastle.  RECOMMENDED:🏖️The best seaside towns in the UK👙The most beautiful wild swimming spots in the UK🚴The most beautiful cycle routes in the UK🏩The best Airbnbs in the UK🎨The best things to do in the UK right now  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.

Rent. It’s the bane of our lives, and the cost of it is ever-growing. So, it probably won’t come as a surprise to hear that most of us are keen to minimise it, manage it – or even work out ways to abandon paying it all together.  Enter pet-sitting. Whether it’s for months and months or just over a weekend, as a side hustle or a career, looking after someone else’s animal can literally be a full-time job. While some individuals run their pet-sitting services as a business, the majority of sitters on online platforms – even those who are considered ‘full-time sitters’ and don’t register with a permanent address – are unpaid. But in return? There’s free lodging, the chance to save thousands on rent and bills, a new furry (or scaly) companion and the opportunity to travel to new corners of the country.  The internet is awash with platforms to connect pet owners with pet-sitters. Facebook groups are a common way of arranging the set up: ‘House and Pet Sitters UK’ boasts nearly 50,000 members, and these numbers are only growing. Then there’s the portfolio-based websites which include a five-star rating system for sitters, like TrustedHouseSitters, which are also super popular: this site has 160,000 worldwide members. Having a new animal friend for a few weeks sounds nice enough, but as a method of ensuring there’s a roof over your head, how well does it actually work? To find out, we scoured the nation to hear the stories of some serial pet-sitters. Turns out there’s a bit more to

Fish and chips is a British classic, and what better place could there possibly be to enjoy it than by the glorious seaside? Chippies, pubs and beach front cafes across Brighton have fish and chips on their menus, with trendy chefs adding a touch of modern flair to this national dish, but also plenty of options if you want a no-fuss-no-frills kinda supper.  Having grown up in Brighton, I've sampled my fair share of the city's chippies. And with so many to choose from, you gotta get it right. To save you from floppy batter and sloppy chips, or from paying an extortionate tourist premium, these are my top picks for the best fish and chips in the city. You can follow that delicious waft of vinegar knowing you're in safe hands — just watch out for the seagulls.  RECOMMENDED:🍔 The best restaurants in Brighton🏙️ The best things to do in Brighton☕ The best coffee shops in Brighton🌜 The best Airbnbs in Brighton This article was written by Liv Kelly, a writer 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 bustling coastal city is absolutely steeped in history, maritime heritage, and of course, there's loads to see. It's roots date back as far as the Stone Age, and it's first ever museum (the Tudor House) remains a top attraction, with gorgeous gardens and guided tours on offer.  There's plenty of modern-day action too, with a treasured football team, The Saints, and their fans bringing life to the city on match day. Southampton is also only a 20-minute drive away from the New Forest, or a ferry-ride away from the Isle of Wight, there's plenty going on that makes this city worth a visit. Check out our list of top picks for all the best things to do in Southampton.  RECOMMENDED: ⛰️ The best things to in the New Forest🏖️ The best seaside towns in the UK💕 The best things to do in the UK At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

Brighton’s restaurant scene is one of the finest in the UK, where new openings (like Redroaster, which opened May 2023) help to push old-school favourites to even greater heights. The result is a city that has put food at the top of the agenda, with something to cater for everyone, whether you're a committed carnivore or diehard vegan. If you want fine dining with wine to match, a food market replete with local options right on the beach or a brunch spot to ease yourself into the day, then you won't leave Brighton disappointed. Plus, with so much to do in between meals, you’re guaranteed to work up an appetite. Hungry? Read on for our pick of the best restaurants in Brighton right now. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Brighton☕ The best coffee shops in Brighton🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Brighton🏨 The best hotels in Brighton This article was recently updated by Liv Kelly, a writer 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.

Leeds is a vibrant city that offers the best of both worlds. Its proximity to beautiful national parks and the Yorkshire Dales means that a trip to scenic, rolling green hills, dotted with chocolate box villages, is always an option for a day out. But for those craving an urban adventure, you’ll find a food, culture, and shopping-packed centre that offers up plentiful options – offering the perfect balance between bustling city living and proximity to the great outdoors. Whether you’re here for the top-notch galleries, the pioneering restaurants and bars, the incredibly vibrant street food scene or to escape into nearby beauty, here are some unmissable things to do in Leeds right now. RECOMMENDED:🍔 The best restaurants in Leeds🍸 The best bars in Leeds🌳 The best things to do in the UK At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Cardiff is a lively city, especially on big sporting days when it can feel as though the entire Welsh nation descends on the capital to cheer on the team in red. Luckily for visitors, the Welsh are a tremendously friendly bunch, and thanks to the apt title 'City of Castles' and Cardiff's charming streets and gorgeous beaches, the place is great for a roam. Our pick of the best things to do in Cardiff covers every category, be it innovative restaurants or positively thrilling museums. There's an abundance of culture to sink your teeth into, and a plethora of great spots to shop 'til you drop. If you’re looking to squeeze all of this into a day then check out our handy guide to the perfect day in the capital, and then set about exploring the best of the rest that Wales has to offer. You’re in for a serious treat, butty. RECOMMENDED:🏨 The best Airbnbs in Cardiff🌉 The best things to do in Bristol☀️ The best things to do in the UK At Time Out, all our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Nothing sounds quite as liberating as upping sticks and going to see the world, at whatever pace, and for however long you want. The freedom of only being tied to your own schedule is the beauty of travelling solo, and it seems like lots of us are catching on.  Travelling the world alone has only grown in popularity since we came out of pandemic restrictions, with many of us adopting the ‘life’s too short’ mindset, and working up the courage to just book that damn flight. And why shouldn’t we? There’s such an abundance of places to travel solo, some so glorious that you won’t even notice you don’t have company.  Of course, there are some things to consider if you’re jetting off solo. Safety, especially for women travellers, is an important element to factor into your planning, among plenty of other aspects that need weighing up. We’ve done our research: here is our list of the best solo travel destinations in the world.  RECOMMENDED: ☀️ The prettiest islands in the world🌆 The best cities in the world 🖼️ The most beautiful places in the world

September in London may be ‘back to school’ time, but it’s also when the city comes alive. A lot of London’s cultural scene goes into semi-hibernation mode over the summer, but come autumn it kicks back into gear with landmark museum exhibitions, new theatre and art shows and brand new food and drink openings.  There’s also a whole host of city-wide fests taking over the capital, including Open House London – giving us a chance to get a sneak peek inside usually private buildings – London Design Festival and Totally Thames – the brilliant celebration of London’s watery main artery complete with an illuminated flotilla installation.  While autumn is still on the horizon, summer isn’t over yet. So make sure you grab your final chance to enjoy the spoils of the season by booking a seat at some of London’s best rooftop bars and alfresco restaurants and lolling about in the city’s best urban beaches, parks and lidos. Get your diary out and start filling it up now. RECOMMENDED: Want to get really organised? Start planning your perfect October in London now. 

An evening of silent horror with live music accompaniment is happening in the city this year, as part of London's Month of the Dead. Faust, a classic black and white horror movie based on a German folktale, will be shown over Halloween weekend in the eerie Guy's Hospital Chapel. The haunting screening will be paired with Stephen Horne's skillful piano playing, to bring the film to life. A delicious gin cocktail is also included in the ticket price, as is a 20 percent donation to the King's Chaplaincy Trust, so make sure you secure yours now — these events sell out fast, and it promises to be a ghostly evening.  Visit the London Month of the Dead website here for full details of all the spooky goings-on this month. 

Edgar Allen Poe, a writer renowned for his morbid and mysterious stories, is the inspiration for this year's London Month of the Dead's Halloween Ball. 'Once Upon a Midnight Dreary' is described as the ultimate 'tribute to the Master of Macabre', taking place at the Century Club this Halloween weekend. The celebration of murderers and madmen will take over the four floors of this Soho venue, with each level revealing its own chilling secrets, luring you into exploring Poe's ghostly stories, and you can party into the night on the top floor in the Garden of Oblivion!  Visit the London Month of the Dead website here for full details of all the spooky goings-on this month.   

Bingo lovers, you're in luck! This Halloween, Hijingo, London's coolest, multi-sensory bingo experience is transforming into a dystopian horrorland for the most fearless among us. Head on down to get stuck into the games, and be in with six chances of winning a cash prizes, and even a holiday to Europe! There'll also be pre-show drinks at the Lucky Cat Bar, so buy your ticket now, and get ready for a thrilling and chilling night of Halloween fun!

You'll need to book well ahead for Halloween at the London Dungeon – but then they do always put on a simply frightful show. This year, expect to be haunted by the ancient and sinister force which has been awakened. The Exorcism of Peter Moore will send a shiver down your spine with the chilling whispers of his lost soul — it will take some courage to bear this unsettling show.  For all the information on what's happening at the London Dungeon this Halloween, check out their website here. 

Are you a horror fanatic hankering to know what’s new, cutting-edge and leftfield in the genre? Head to the British Museum for the return of the British Horror Film Festival. Beginning on Friday 13th, screenings of 'Leech', 'A Real Pair', 'Treeline' preceed a showing of feature film 'The Moor'. Day two, on Saturday evening, will see a programme of standout independent horror, followed by the film festival's renowned awards ceremony. You can even have a chat with the filmmakers between screenings, all over a tasty pint from the Werewolf Brewery!

Want to get stuck into the Halloween fun, within the convenience of the city? Well, you're in luck because this year, Cowcross Yards are launching London's first ever Urban Pumpkin Patch so you won't have to venture outside the M25 to embrace the Halloween spirit. Visitors can pick their pumpkins, and 'pimp' their own mini-versions at the market, with the help of Cowcross resident artists. Graffiti Kings, the only government-approved artists in London, will be offering 50 free spray-painted mini pumpkins on a first-come-first-served basis. Entry to the Yards is free, and the KERB food market will also be there from 11.30 am - 2.30 pm, both days!

The fantastic London Month of the Dead is back this year with plenty of events that will chill you to your very core. The 2023 programme is jam-packed with ghostly tours and talks, making it the perfect place to attend a Halloween adventure. 'City of the Dead - London's ancient burial grounds', 'Kensal Green Ne'er Do Wells', a walking tour to discover the Victorian underbelly underground, and 'Ghostly Trails', a journey along Britain's corpse roads all sound especially eerie. There's also talks on humanity's obsession with speaking with the dead, in 'Bridging Realms' and even 'Once Upon a Midnight Dreary', a halloween ball. These events are scarily popular, so book your ticket now.  For more information, visit the website here for a full list of all the cemetery-based fun happening across October. 

Belgravia is hosting this year's answer to a more elevated Halloween celebration, featuring autumnal cocktails, gorgeous season flower displays, and the annnual pumpkin trail. The Halkin Bar is shaking up Pumpkin Pie martinis, and TomTom Coffee House is cooking up some cosy brunches. Halloween sweet treats can be sampled from Café Kitsuné, Chesnut Bakery and Bayley & Sage, too.  Still after a thrill? There are also free ticketed ghost tours timetabled, set to lure you through a litany of locations, including The Grenadier Pub, haunted by a lonely murdered soldier, and the Plumbers Arms Pub, with the ghost of Lord Lucan, a grisley murder suspect.   

Calling all hot patooties — it's time for the campest event in the halloween calendar. Devonshire Terrace by Drake & Morgan is being transformed into London's very own Frankenstein Place to celebrate The Rocky Horror Picture Show. What better time or place to time-warp back to the 1970s, and enjoy a fabulous brunch of Meatloaf with mashed potato, or Frank-n-Furter hotdogs. Included in your ticket are a sharing starter, main and welcome drink, but upgrade to 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails to really rose tint your world. Soundtracked by the iconic musical's belters, and in partnership with Baby Grand Collective, there'll also be some excellent DJs like Janet Weiss & The Gang. It promises to be a boozy, blood-curdling brunch. 

Samsung KX London will soon be tranformed into a gamer training hub. For one evening only, an immersive, riveting project where you gain expert knowledge from legendary gamers will be taking over, so don't miss out. Attendees of all abilities will get an exclusive first look at the new Gamer Training program, and Youtube channel, as well as try out 1-2-1 sessions on Overwatch® 2. Renowned gamers such as Randolph, LittleMoTAC and RageDarling are all set to make an appearance, and games like World of Warcraft®, Diablo Immortal® and Hearthstone®, plus many more, will be available to play on cutting-edge Samsung tech — make sure to check it out. 

Since the passing of legendary designer, Vivienne Westwood, Punk fashion has stomped back onto the scene. Ahead of what promises to be one of the biggest trends of autumn/winter fashion, House of Punk is opening in Coal Drops Yard this September. The first-of-its-kind pop-up Punk studio features 10 womenswear, menswear and gender-fluid looks, curated by Karen Clarkson, a leading stylist who worked with the Godmother of Punk herself. For two weeks, KIOSK N1C will become a raw and vibrant homage to the city's Punk era, embodying the visceral punk spirit of the '70s and '80s, which 'is synonymous with London style,' according to Clarkson. The looks include items from brands such as Emin & Paul, American Vintage and Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, plus many more, so head to the Kings Cross studio for this immersive and eclectic shopping affair. 

If you’ve still not seen ‘Wicked’, it’s definitely the season to do so. The bombastic, joyous, musical backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West is the 12th-longest running production in the history of London’s West End, and it’s won over 100 international awards. Made to be enjoyed around Halloween, it’s a spooktacular show that won't give the little ones nightmares — recommended for ages 7+. 

You know it's not your average September morning when you’re sitting at your desk on the fourteenth floor and witness a man crawling up the window.  That was the case for many people who work in the Leadenhall Building (also known as The Cheesegrater) in London at about 9am on Friday 22 September, when a man described by the Evening Standard as a ‘topless daredevil’ began his ascent. The free-climber, who didn’t even bother attaching himself with any ropes, attempted to scale the Cheesegrater in just his shorts (and shoes). Footage was obviously captured and plastered all over social media.  Just some idiot climbing the cheese grater building (122 Leadenhall street) in London today. #london #122leadenhallstreet #cheesegrater pic.twitter.com/5kZhn6vgv3 — Carl Rolfe (@C_Rolfe81) September 22, 2023 However, it was hardly a successful 225-metre climb, as the mysterious dude was caught by City of London Police, who swiftly cordoned off the building and waited on the roof to arrest him for ‘aggravated trespass[ing].’ No one seems to know who the guy is, nor why he fancied such a daring challenge on a Friday morning – for now, his motivation remains a mystery.  Did you see that London’s secret World War II tunnels are being opened up to the public? Listen to Time Out’s brilliant new podcast ‘Love Thy Neighbourhood’: episode seven with Big Zuu in Oxford Circus is out now. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to you

Who doesn’t love a curry, eh? Delicious and versatile, mild or spicy, this wonderful food has an abundance of origins, but is also considered one of the UK’s national dishes.  If you’re on the hunt for the finest curries in London right now, well, we’ve got just the thing. The 2023 shortlist for the prestigious Curry Oscars (also known as the Asian Curry Awards) has been announced. Be them Bangladeshi, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Myanmarese, Pakistani, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Turkish or Vietnamese, there are a tonne of fantastic London restaurants which have made it to the final stage.  So who’re the highlights? Making the cut is Smoking Goat, a super-cool Thai restaurant in Shoreditch High Street that serves up absolutely incredible food, including the best fried rice in London. Also featured is Rapsa, a fantastic Filipino restaurant based in Hoxton Archway known for its delicious roasted lechon crispy pork, as well as the super-swanky Cinnamon Club, tucked away in the stunning setting of an old Grade II-listed library.  Here is the full list of London restaurants on the shortlist.  Amaya, Mayfair Babur, Brockley Benares, Mayfair Champor-Champor, London Bridge Chilli Tuk Tuk, North Finchley The Cinnamon Club, Westminster Cirilo Filipoa Kainan, Whitechapel Colonel Saab, Holborn Dhaba Indian Street Food, Battersea Dulwich Heritage, Dulwich Flora Indica, Chelsea Four Seasons, Mayfair Hakka Garden, Harrow Hakkasan, M

There’s only one way to kick off a holiday, and that’s with a pre-flight pint. Typically, there’s plenty of pint options to choose from, but when you’re a bit delirious from a 4am wake up and the slog of queuing at security, sometimes you end up at a pretty lacklustre spot.  Thankfully, The Family Vacation Guide has done some research to find the best airport restaurants, and one in London is apparently up there with the best in the entire world. The study analysed reviews from platforms like Google and TripAdvisor to compile a list of the world’s finest air hub restos.  Stansted Airport’s Wetherspoons, The Windmill, ranked remarkably well in the study. It came in at number eight, with a solid score of four out of five... and what’s not to like? With panoramic views of the runway and adequate food options, you hardly need to go on holiday at all.  Airport restaurants in the US did really well overall in The Family Vacation Guide’s ranking, occupying six of the top ten spots, with One Flew South in Atlanta Airport ranking at number one. All Bar One in Birmingham Airport also made the cut, ranking at fifth best in the world. It sounds like The Windmill is rubbing shoulders with some pretty swanky establishments.  So, if you want to begin your next holiday on the right foot, consider departing from Stansted!  Did you see that luxury restaurant chain The Ivy has launched a loyalty scheme? Listen to Time Out’s brilliant new podcast ‘Love Thy Neighbourhood’: episode seven with Big

It’s a tough time to be working in the aviation industry. Faced with staff shortages and huge levels of disruption, many workers at airlines and airports are facing long, stressful hours and poor working conditions. And, thanks to the cost of living crisis and pandemic pay cuts, loads of them are doing it all for lower wages, too. Needless to say, it’s no wonder that so many staff at airports and airlines have already gone on strike over the past few months. From Italy and Belgium to Greece and France, airports across Europe have seen thousands of flights delayed and cancelled by industrial action. Strikes can, obvs, have a serious impact on your holiday, so it’s best to be as informed about them as possible. Read on for our guide to who’s going on strike in Europe right now, where and when those strikes will happen – and whether you need to worry about them. Strikes at Heathrow Baggage carousel workers at Heathrow have announced 13 different strike dates in October. They'll take place from October 6-9 and October 20-30, in the form of a walkout between 5.30 pm on 6 and 6 am on 9, and 5.30 am on 20 until 6 am on 30. The strikes are taking place in protest against below-inflation offers on pay.  French air traffic control strikes France's largest air traffic control union, SNCTA, recently announced two new strike dates that will coincide with the Rugby World Cup, which France is hosting. The nationwide strikes took place on September 15 and will have another round on October 1

London’s high-end hotel scene is well-established as one of the best in the world (recognised recently by the 50 Best Hotel awards – read more about that here). And that’s set to become even more the case: over a dozen new and refurbished luxury hotels are due to open in the capital over the next couple of years, from the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair to the Chancery Rosewood at the former US embassy in Grosvenor Square. First up, however, is The Peninsula London, near Hyde Park Corner. The Peninsula opened on September 12 and it comes from leading hotelier group The Peninsula Hotels, which first opened in Hong Kong in 1928. Sat right next to the Wellington Arch, The Peninsula is a five-star establishment with 190 luxe rooms, a spa/wellness centre and a fancy pool.  Notably, The Peninsula is apparently London’s first hotel development to surpass £1 billion in cost. That’s right: one billion pounds. And if you take a look at the place, it isn’t so hard to understand why. It’s absolutely dripping with glamour. Photograph: Will Pryce Photograph: Will Pryce Photograph: Will Pryce Photograph: Will Pryce Photograph: Will Pryce Swish, eh? Doors apparently opened at precisely 8.08 am on September 12 under the instruction of a feng shui master. Obvs. Rooms at The Peninsula have a starting rate of £1,300. If you’re made of money, you can find out more and book on the official website here.    Did you see that luxury department store The Conran Shop has opened a dazzling new flag

With the weather turning cool and autumn fast approaching, it’s the ideal time of year to hunker down at a toasty spot in one of the UK’s many, many fantastic pubs. And there simply could not be a better time to find out which of those pubs are better than all the rest.  The Great British Pub Awards are sought-after accolades in the pub world and this year they saw a record number of establishments entering the competition. Each of the 18 categories was judged by a panel of industry professionals, who determined the very best boozers across the country. If anyone really knows their stuff, it’s these guys.  And it was The Cholmondeley Arms in Cheshire that won the title of overall Great British Pub of the Year. Known to the locals as ‘The Chum’, it’s in a former Victorian schoolhouse and still boasts classroom tables and the odd blackboard.  The place was considered a ‘lost cause’ until Tim Bird and Mary Maclaughlin took it over in 2011 and gave it a major revamp. Now, The Cholmondeley Arms offers a menu full of delicious local ingredients, including a hand-crafted steak and kidney pie, plus the pub’s own gin, which is just one of their whopping collection of 366 varieties.  It also won the title of best country/rural pub, which is a testament to how hard the pair have worked to turn the place around – their success sounds well deserved.   The winner of the best city/urban pub was The Turk’s Head, in Twickenham, London, which is full to the rafters on rugby match days. However

ドイツの首都で、最大の都市であるベルリン。その歴史は13世紀までさかのぼることができる。文化で満ちあふれるこの街は3つのユネスコ世界遺産や、世界で最もダイナミックでエキサイティングなナイトライフシーンで有名だ。 同市では文化施設やスペースなどを支援・発展させるための巨額資金を投じた助成体制も万全。これだけの文化的な「遺産」があるわけだからそれも、当然のように思える。 ベルリン市政における文化・社会結束担当のトップであるジョー・チアロは、パンデミックの影響を大きく受けた文化や遺産への若者の再参加を奨励するという公約の実現に向けて動いている。その結果として2023年7月には、なんと9億4,700万ユーロ（約1,558億1,947万円）が市の2024年分の文化振興予算として割り当てられることが発表された。これは、イギリスにおける同年分の文化振興向け助成金の2倍以上にも及ぶ額だ。 助成対象は2000の既存施設に加え、新設される500のナイトクラブや音楽ヴェニュー、美術館、劇場など。また、この助成金は、ベルリンの若者へクラブの入場料として50ユーロを支援するプログラム「jungendkulkarte」とも密接に連携していくようだ。 このように、ドイツにおいて、文化の優先順位が高いのは明らかだ。 しかし、今回のような大きな投資、そして膨大な数の新しい文化施設や店舗のオープンが進む反面、市内には将来の脅威に直面しているクラブもある。 その要因になっているのが、市内を走る高速道路「A100」の延長計画。この道路がシュプレー川の北へ延び、ベルリンで最もクールな地区の一つで多くの有名ナイトクラブがあるフリードリヒスハインまで通される可能性があり、川沿いのダンスクラブ「Else」、産業テクノの複合施設「About Blank」、クラブ兼展示スペースの「and Wild Renate」といった同地区のクラブが閉店の危機にさらされているというのだ。 ただ、ベルリンは戦わずして沈む街ではない。ベルリンのクラブシーンは提案された道路延長に対し、抗議などで対抗している。2023年9月上旬には、道路拡張に反対する地元組織や気候変動団体が、地域のスピリットをたたえ、文化を保護するよう呼びかけるデモを共同開催し、多くの人が参加した。 高速道路延長に反対派にとって追い風になることは、ほかにもある。まずは、自動車の利用者が減っていること。ドイツが「ドイッチュラント・チケット」（超格安の月極め交通パス）を再導入して以来、自動車の利用は16％減少しているそうだ。次に、工事費用の高さ。新しい区間の道路建設には1メートル20万ユーロ（約3,165万円）もかかるという。 さらに、クラブコミッションの調査では、2018年におけるベルリンのナイトクラブ全体の収益は、15億ユーロ（約2,367億4,242万円）もあることが分かっている。2021年には、ユネスコの無形文化遺産にベルリンのクラブを認定させるためにキャンペーンも始まった。 DJ兼クラブディレクターのソフィー・カールマンは、2022年ドイツの国際放送であるドイチェ・ヴェレ（DW）に対し「（クラブカルチャーが）文化的に認識されることは、ベルリンや世界における（クラブの）重要性を示すことになる」と語っている。 ベルリンのカルチャーシーンに巨額の資金が投入される予定であることを考えると、ベルリンの歴史的なナイトスポットを脅かすことは、非常に矛盾しているように思える。 この街を象徴するナイトライフの支援と発展が、最優先事項であり続けることを祈ろう。

The world is full of truly mesmerising hotels, from gorgeous wood-panelled abodes nestled in the treetops of Mexico, to the serene, sky-high hotels of Tokyo. But one hotel has beaten all the competition to achieve the prestigious accolade of the best hotel in the world.  The World’s 50 Best Hotels list was voted for by hotel experts, including travel journalists, hoteliers, and seasoned luxury travellers. That’s a pretty knowledgeable bunch.  The UK did well, with four hotels in London making the top 50 list, plus Gleneagles in Scotland, which ranked best for hospitality. Europe was successful too, with more than half of the top 50 spots being claimed by hotels on the continent. 18 of the top 50 are located in Asia, with the Rosewood Hong Kong ranking at number two.  But it was the stunning Passalacqua hotel in Italy which was crowned as the best of the best for 2023.  Perched on the glistening shores of Lake Como, this boutique hotel is oozing with Italian grandeur, but makes for a peaceful retreat which feels like a private home, thanks to only 24 guest rooms.  It’s set in an eighteenth-century villa, within beautiful terraced lakeside gardens. The hotel's rooms are spread over three buildings: the main villa, an eight-room Palazz (former stables) and the four-room Casa al Lago, which is right by the lakeside.  The craftsmanship and style which characterise this gorgeous property clearly prove that it’s a worthy winner. Just take a look.  Photograph: Passalacqua / World's

Molts països tenen alguna cosa en què afirmen ser els millors. Podria dir-se que França elabora els millors pastissos, l'Índia és coneguda pel seu talent en el cricket, els Estats Units compten amb universitats de talla mundial i el Brasil és considerat el país amb més biodiversitat. Però quin país és simplement el millor en termes generals?  Un nou rànquing dels Millors Països del món busca respondre aquesta pregunta. És el resultat d'un projecte de col·laboració entre US News and World Report, empresa de màrqueting WPP i una escola de negocis de la Universitat de Pennsilvània. El projecte va fer una anàlisi exhaustiva de més de 70 factors per a 87 països, utilitzant informació d'una enquesta a més de 17.000 persones. Les categories inclouen patrimoni com els aliments i les atraccions culturals, la qualitat de vida relacionada amb factors com ara el mercat laboral, igualtat d'ingressos i sistema educatiu, i propòsits socials, com ara la prevalença dels drets humans i el compromís amb els objectius climàtics.  El top 5 dels millors països Aleshores, quin país és considerat el millor del món? És Suïssa, la terra de les glorioses muntanyes, la xocolata i el formatge. Va ocupar el primer lloc en gran mesura gràcies als baixos nivells d'atur, corrupció i alts nivells d'influència cultural (un nombre desproporcionadament alt de guanyadors del Premi Nobel són suïssos). Podeu llegir més sobre per què està tan ben classificat en el següent article .  En segon lloc, hi ha Canadà, que

It’s a worrying time for the skiing industry. In January, it was reported that resorts across the Alps, the Pyrenees, Vosges and Jura mountain ranges were struggling to stay open for the whole season thanks to lack of snowfall. And now the lack of snow, the result of unseasonably warm weather caused by global warming, has led to one resort permanently closing. After only managing to open for four weeks in the 2022/23 ski season, La Sambuy ski resort in France has closed its slopes forever. Based in the small town of Faverges-Seythenex, the resort used to be incredibly popular with families thanks to its beginner-friendly belts and seven-day pass, which was priced at a reasonable €97 (£84, $104).  It had ten ski runs, three chairlifts and, according to its website, ‘breathtaking views of Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc.’ However, the process of dismantling the ski lifts is already well underway.  Jacques Dalex, La Sambuy’s mayor, said to CNN that ‘[the resort] used to have snow practically from December 1 to March 30.’ However, this past ski season only saw four weeks of snow at the resort, and even then, rocks and stones appeared through it on the piste almost immediately.  A shift in the resort’s business model meant that the winter season only accounted for 30 percent of La Sambuy’s annual revenue – it now makes much more money as a summer holiday resort.  Running the lifts alone costs around €80,000 (£69,000, $85,600) per year, and with barely enough snow to open in January and

It’s great news for businesses and travellers alike that travel has returned to pre-pandemic normality, and many of us are holidaying again. However, overtourism is having a dire impact on many popular destination, and some places have been forced to implement measures to control tourist numbers.  Bali has placed numerous bans on tourist activity, Venice is introducing a tourist tax, the Acropolis will soon have caps on visitor numbers, and locals in Austria took to protesting about the excessive numbers of visitors in their town.  Apparently, Edinburgh castle is the most overcrowded tourist attraction in the UK, and Bath is the most overcrowded city. But where in the world is being impacted the most? A study by MoneyTransfers.com has compiled a list of the most overcrowded destinations in the world, and ranking at number one is (drum roll, please) Phuket, in Thailand.  It’s no surprise Phuket is so popular – it’s the largest Thai island, and boasts around 90 kilometres of coastline. It’s home to Kata and Karon, two of the world’s best beaches, and is popular with scuba divers, but also has an abundance of vibrant markets and incredible seafood.  The stats on its tourism, however, are pretty wild. According to the study, the island hosts around 118 tourists for every local resident. But Phuket’s not the only overcrowded destination in Thailand. Ranking in second and third place on the list are Pattaya and Krabi, two more super popular Thai holiday destinations.  The top 10 li

It’s no surprise that 50 Top Pizza, a panel that last week announced its list of the best pizzerias in the world, featured a bounty of restaurants in Italy in its list. But did you see that London also caught a slice (get it?) of the action? Two of the top 50 spots were occupied by pizzerias based in the capital. At number 14 ranked 50 Kalò by Ciro Salvo, a pizzeria just down the road from Trafalgar Square which boasts an impressive menu of seasonal-inspired pizzas (available for a browse here). Salvo, the owner and head chef, is a third generation pizza maker – in other words, he really, really knows his stuff.  Salvo has previously been crowned ‘Dough Master’ by Gambero Rosso magazine and is known for his extensive experimentation and the successful creation of extremely hydrated dough known for its light texture and digestibility.  The other London restaurant to make the list was Napoli on the Road, which began in Chiswick.  This pizzeria is headed up by no less than the world’s best pizza chef, Michele Pascarella. The same panel crowned Pasceralla Global Pizza Maker of the Year for 2023 last week.  Napoli on the Road has thrived over the last couple of years despite the pandemic, and recently opened a second branch in Richmond. For such a young business, this place is certainly racking up those awards. You can check out their current menu here.  ICYMI: hooray! Brixton Academy will be allowed to reopen.  Listen to Time Out’s brilliant new podcast ‘Love Thy Neighbourhood’: