Liv Kelly

London is absolutely world-class when it comes to museums. Obviously, we’re pretty biased, but with more than 170 of them dotted about the capital – a huge chunk of which are free to visit – we think it’s fair to say that there’s nowhere else in the world that does museums better.  Want to explore the history of TfL? We’ve got a museum for that. Rather learn about advertising? We’ve got a museum for that too. History? Check. Science? Check. 1940s cinema memorabilia, grotesque eighteenth-century surgical instruments, or perhaps a wall of 4,000 mouse skeletons? Check, check and check! Being the cultured metropolitans that we are, Time Out’s editors love nothing more than a wholesome afternoon spent gawping at Churchill’s baby rattle or some ancient Egyptian percussion instruments. In my case, the opportunity to live on the doorstep of some of the planet’s most iconic cultural institutions was a big reason why I moved here at the first chance I got, and I’ve racked up countless hours traipsing around display cases and deciphering needlessly verbose wall texts in the eleven years since. From iconic collections, brilliant curation and cutting-edge tech right down to nice loos, adequate signage and a decent place to grab a cuppa; my colleagues and I know exactly what we want from a museum, and we’ve put in a whole lot of time deliberating which of the city’s institutions are worth your time. So here’s our take on the 25 best ones to check out around London, ranging from world-famou

You’ve decided you’re travelling to London. You’ve booked your transport and downloaded a tube map, but where to stay? You’ve probably clocked that London is one massive, sprawling city, made up of neighbourhoods that each have their own unique character. Resist the urge to panic-book a fancy hotel in London’s West End – there’s plenty more out there, we promise. Dive into the real London by branching out from the well-trodden tourist path. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of somewhere totally new. Whether you’re after lively nightlife, easy access to gorgeous green spaces, culture on your doorstop, or serious dining, you’ll find it here. Ready to get booking? Read on for our guide to the best neighbourhoods and places to stay in London.  📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in London Ella Doyle and Rosie Hewitson are editors at Time Out London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Mention Bayswater to someone who lives outside of west London and you’ll probably be met with a blank expression. But we’ll let you in on a secret – though this W2 postcode is often overshadowed by its bigger, posher neighbours (think Notting Hill, Maida Vale and Paddington), there’s a chipper community here which give the place an unmistakable personality.  Bayswater’s streets are home to a diverse array of restaurants, from hearty Cypriot or Malaysian cooking and old fashion Bangladeshi or Indian establishments to modern takes on Persian, Levantine and British cuisine. There are great pubs dotted around, historic institutions which have steadfastly served the locals since the 1930s, and even a street with some faux houses. 🏘️ Ultimate guide to where to stay in London In short, there’s loads going on round these parts. Here are some tips on what’s worth doing from a genuine Bayswater local, whether you’re after a snack, a skate, a spa treatment or just a stroll.  RECOMMENDED:The best things to do in west LondonThe best hotels in LondonThe best walks in London

The future of some of London’s best day festivals may be up in the air right now, but for the moment we feel pretty damn lucky to have an abundance of world-class festivals happening on our doorsteps all throughout the summer. Forget trekking across the country to live in a field for five days. When you live in London, you can hop on the tube, and an hour later 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 Londoners love live music, so it’s no surprise that we’re absolutely spoilt for choice when summer rolls around. You’ve got festivals devoted to hip-hop, jazz, leftfield pop, disco, afrobeats, heavy rock ‘n’ roll. Whatever your taste may be, my god does London have a day festival for you. The line-ups have been coming in thick and fast over the past couple of months, which means it’s time to make some decisions about which festivals are worth your time and money. Have a scroll through our comprehensive guide – which we keep meticulously updated with all the latest line-up announcements – see what takes your fancy, and start planning a fantastic summer in 2025. But be warned, most London festivals get more expensive the later you leave it, and plenty of them will sell out long before the portaloos are installed and the stages are constructed. Grab your tickets right now if you know what’s good for ya! RECOMMENDED: ⛺ The best UK music festivals🌍 The best festivals in Europe

Grazing the Arctic Circle and straddling two tectonic plates, Iceland offers a visual feast of volcanic landscapes, spurting geysers and Northern Lights that have not gone unnoticed by Instagrammers or Game of Thrones location scouts. With the increasing interest in outdoor activities and exploration of the island’s remote, ethereally beautiful regions, hotels are popping up far and wide, instead of once being concentrated in the capital. From Airbnbs to luxury hotel stays, there’s plenty to choose from to kick start your Icelandic adventure. Enjoy, folks.  Which part of Iceland is the best to stay in? It entirely depends what kind of trip you’re after, but the safest bet is almost always the country’s marvellous capital Reykjavik. Once you’re here, the opportunities are endless – have a cosy city break and barely leave your neighbourhood, or rent a car and use Reykjavik as a safe base to explore the rest of Iceland, from the Golden Circle to the Blue Lagoon. Check out our list of the best restaurants in Reykjavik to get you started.  RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Iceland 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.

What makes a good party song? Is it uplifting lyrics? Or maybe it's an uptempo production?Throughout the decades, they’ve come in all shapes, sizes and vibes. However, for a song to be a proper, hip-shaking party song, there are some rules: it’s gotta be a banger, and it’s gotta give you absolutely no choice but to get up and boogie.  No wonder then that this list includes everything from funk, soul and disco classics to ‘90s RnB tunes and 2025 chart-toppers. There’s a tonne of variety on here, so pass the aux cable over to us and we’ll have your party shaking in no time. Ready to throw some shapes? You’re in the right place – these are the best party songs of all time.  RECOMMENDED: 🎵 The best songs of 2025 so far 🕺 The best albums of 2025 so far 🎤 The best karaoke songs🍻 The best drinking songs🎶 The best ’80s songs🎊 The best pop songs This guide was recently updated by Georgia Evans, who covers Time Out’s music section. Entries are by Time Out Editors. For more about how we curate, have a look at our editorial guidelines.

Whether you need to get away from it all, stretch your legs a bit, or remind yourself of how tiny and insignificant you are in the immensity of Mother Nature, there’s only one thing for it: it‘s time to take a hike. Be it a month-long spiritual pilgrimage, a coastal amble or a mountain scramble, there are magnificent trails the world over – and we’ve rounded up some of the very best on the planet to help you plan your next great hike. From red rock canyons in the American Southwest to the bonnie lochs of the West Highland Way, there’s a hike, trek or trail on this list that’s calling your name. With each hike tried and tested by our editors and writers, we’ve got all the info on where to go, when to go and how long to set aside, plus tips and tricks and the best sights to look for along the way. All you need to do is pack your bags. These are the world’s greatest hikes, according to Time Out. Updated April 2025: We’ve added four new trails to this list to help you plan for summer hikes – and moved a certain Spanish pilgrimage to the top spot. RECOMMENDED:🌲 The best national parks in the world ⛰️ The best destinations for solo female travellers🌊 The most spectacular places to swim in the world🏝️ The best beaches in the world🚂 The best train journeys around the world

Want a drink? You've come to the right place. This is Time Out’s list of best bars in London, our curated guide to London’s drinking scene, featuring the buzziest booze dens in the capital right now. If it’s on this list, it’s excellent. These are the 50 places we'd recommend to a friend, because we love drinking in them and have done many times over. From classy cocktail joints to delightful dives, hotel bars, speakeasys, bottle shops, rooftops and wine bars, London's got them all. But what makes a truly good bar? Well, our critieria for inclusion on this list is simple; a menu of genius drinks is important, but so is overall vibe – there’s no point having the perfect paloma if you have to drink it in a bar that smells of bins. To make the Top 50, a bar has to be fun, inclusive, and full of lovely folk as well as looking the part.  April 2025: A rash of great new bars have opened in London over the past year or so and many of them have made the immediate jump to our hallowed Top 50. The latest additions to our list include rowdy sports bar meets 80s horror movie set Bloodsports in Covent Garden, whisky wonderland Dram Bar on Denmark Street, the hypnotic Bar Lotus in Dalston, Below Stone Nest in Chinatown, Rasputin’s by London Fields, and Bar Lina, an Italian aperitivo spot underneath a famous Soho deli. Now go forth and drink. RECOMMENDED: Like bars? Then you'll love London's best pubs.  Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor, and she'll have a gibson marti

This year of music has started with a bang. We’ve seen Chappell Roan go country, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco smothering audiences with gushy love songs and Playboi Carti’s rapturous return from the underground. Alongside these pop heavyweights, we’re witnessing rap superstar Doechii continue her chart domination and the breakthrough of Gen Z artists like 2hollis and Tate McRae. What songs are defining 2025? Well, we’ve searched through our playlists and extracted the best songs of the year so far, below. But it doesn’t stop there. Keep your eyes peeled for updates to this list throughout the year as we’re still awaiting albums from Turnstile, Lorde, Addison Rae, Miley Cyrus, Pulp, A$AP Rocky and many more.  Georgia curates Time Out’s music section. If she's not blabbering about music on the website, she's doing it in-person (much to the office’s dismay). For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. RECOMMENDED: 🎧 The best albums of 2025 (so far)🎥 The best movies of 2025 (so far)📺 The best TV of 2025 (so far)

Seaside towns aren’t just candyfloss and fairground rides anymore – not that there’s anything wrong with that. The fact is that the UK’s collection of seaside towns now includes spots which have thriving, elevated food scenes and popular romantic mini-break destinations, and Brighton is one of our favourites.  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. RECOMMENDED:🍝The best restaurants in Brighton☕The best coffee shops in Brighton🐟The best places for fish and chips in Brighton🍺The best pubs in Brighton This guide was recently updated by Liv Kelly, 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 editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Dreaming of sand between your toes, wind blowing in your hair and sun beating down on your skin? You might just be due a trip to the beach. Here in the UK, we can’t quite guarantee the sunshine, but we can guarantee some seriously stunning beaches which will rival those of Mediterranean (and might even be contenders for the best beaches in the world).  We have white sand beaches, we have pebbles, we have towering chalk cliffs and rock pools galore. We pretty much have a beach for every occassion. Not sure where to go? We’ve rounded up the best beaches in the UK right here, from Scotland to Cornwall, all chosen by Time Out travel writers who have been to visit them IRL. You’ll also find our expert reccs for where to stay, so you can make the most of your beachy getaway. Enjoy.  Where are the UK’s most beautiful beaches? Pretty beaches are dotted all over the UK, but you’ll find some absolute beauties in Scotland, Cornwall and Wales, where the water is often clear, beaches are surrounded by tall cliffs and greenery and you might even find sand between your toes. On our list of the UK’s best beaches, we’ve included the prettiest and most serene stretches of coast out there, but we’ve also included those better for vibes, families and big old picnics. They might not be lookers, but they’re perfect for a seaside day out.  RECOMMENDED:🏖️ The most amazing hidden beaches in the UK🌊 The best outdoor swimmming pools in the UK🏊 The best wild swimming spots in the UK🌤️ The best place

If you’re dreaming of finding sand in your shoes after a long day out and queuing too long for ice cream, then you could do a lot worse than venturing out of the city and planning a trip to one of the UK’s seemingly endless coastal towns. This is an island nation, after all, which means it’s packed with rugged cliffs and windswept headlands as well as quaint fishing villages and shoreline surf spots. We might not have the sunkissed weather of our European neighbours, but when it comes to costal charm, the UK ticks a hell of a lot of boxes. Planning a trip to the seaside? Check out our list of the best coastal towns in the country, from Scotland to Cornwall.   Which UK seaside towns get the best weather?  If you’re chasing sunshine, you’re probably going to want to go south. Brighton, Margate, St Ives, Salcombe and Falmouth can clock some serious sun hours in the right season – but we can’t make any promises, so be sure to pack a raincoat to be on the safe side.  Where are the best beaches in the UK? If beach walks and swimming in the sea is what you’re after, look no further than our list of the best beaches in the UK. From the list below, we’d recommend Brighton if you’re more of a pebble person. Head to Nefyn for natural beauty and extreme quiet. Try North Berwick if you want sand between your toes and can stomach chillier waters. And for higher temperatures, head to East Portlemouth beach and stay in Salcombe.  RECOMMENDED:🌊The best outdoor swimmming pools in the UK🏖️T

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. 

Located next to the south-facing exit of Queensway station on Bayswater Road, this whacky little ice cream shop serves everything from bubble waffles to soft-serve gelato and slushies, all in a vibrant array of colours and with a huge variety of sauces and toppings. Need to reward the kids for making it through that sweaty journey on the Central line? With popcorn, apple sorbet and even unicorn flavour on the menu, they’re sure to love this place.

Quite unlike the uniform streets which characterise this patch of London, The Beachcomber – a tiki bar specialising in agricole rhums from the French Caribbean – can only really be described as loud. Loud in flavour, colour, atmosphere and texture, this animated place features decorated with palm trees, faux bamboo, wooden masks and colourful lighting, and is a great spot if you fancy trying inventive cocktails made using the UK’s largest collection of rhum agricole, plus other classic tiki ingredients like cachaça, coconut cream and guanábana. It also runs a lively programme of DJ nights, rum masterclasses and open mic evenings too.

If you're after a spooky screening to feel completely immersed in the spirit of Halloween, the Eventim Apollo have got you covered. The Grade II listed cinema will be hosting two screenings with live bands on Halloween Sunday: Hocus Pocus and Twilight. You might have seen them a thousand times, or you might be relatively unfamiliar with these Halloween classics. One thing's for sure — they'll have new life brought to them with the accompaniment of the live music, and truly absorb the audience. If that sounds like an enchanting way to spend an afternoon, grab your ticket for the show. 

Isn’t it great when the girls trip doesn’t just make it out of the group chat, but also when you happen to have landed in the perfect city for the occasion – with fun bars, a lively, friendly atmosphere, lip-smacking food and (fingers crossed) some sun all in abundance? Well, handily a new study by Titan Travel has shed some light on where it would be best to head so you can properly make the most of your weekend, and the results are in. The platform factored in characteristics such as walkability, free attractions, landmarks and top-tier places to eat and drink. Topping their ranking? The pretty, hilly city of Porto.  Recommended: The best city breaks in Europe for 2025, according to Time Out.  That’s right, Portugal’s fabulous second city claimed the top spot in the study, scoring a solid 8.68 out of 10. There are apparently 89 spas and wellness centres on offer, as well as plenty of vibey places to go for a dance. Then there’s the fact that it’s generally a pretty safe city with a mild climate, is walkable, and has loads of incredible wine and food. Port tonic, anyone? In second place was Florence, which scored 8.09 out of 10. The company described the Tuscan city as a ‘must-see for culture’ – we certainly agree with that – as well as where ‘food takes centre stage’.  In third place was Edinburgh, with a score of 8. According to the study, ‘If you’re in the mood for a casual lunch or dressing up for somewhere fancy, Edinburgh stands out from the rest with 181 pubs and club

Keen for a really, really budget plane ticket? Well, there could be some on offer quite soon – if you sacrifice your seat, that is.  The Skyrider 2.0 is a brand-new seat style that could soon be introduced to budget aircraft for short-haul flights. While it means you won’t pay so much for your fare – and flights might not burn as much fuel – you will need some core strength to use it. Read on for more information.  What is Skyrider 2.0? It’s a half-standing, bike saddle-style seat, developed by Italian manufacturer Aviointeriors in 2018, according to Euro Weekly News.  So, how do these seats actually work? Well, you’ll be leaning, not lounging, at a 45 degree angle with weight on your legs and core muscles, seat-belted in. It’s thought that these will not only increase passenger capacity on flights by up to 20 percent, but also make planes a whole lot lighter (and therefore burn a lot less fuel) as they weigh around half the amount of regular seats. Have a look at them below.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Entrepreneurship | Business (@entrepreneurshipquote) While a major benefit of these seats is that they’ll be offered on the super-cheap, in theory, it will also mean that planes can spend more time in the sky due to less cleaning being necessary.  When will the seats be introduced? So, how long will you have to wait before a ‘lean option’ appears when you’re booking a short-haul flight? Not long, it seems: reportedly, the seats could be

How do you fancy your chances of navigating your way across a huge patch of the planet with no flights, no phones and only around £2,000 between you and your travel companion? While most of us probably fancy our chances when we’re curled up on the sofa, it’s a reality for the five duos competing in the BBC’s fifth series of Race Across The World.  Series one saw participants race from London to Singapore, and series two kicked off in Mexico City and culminated in Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. Series three was a race across Canada from Vancouver to Newfoundland and Labrador, and series four launched in Japan with the finish line in Indonesia.  So, what about series five? This time the teams will be racing 14,000km across Asia, beginning in China and travelling through Nepal before reaching the finish line in Kanniyakumari, the southernmost point of India, all with the lowest budget in the show’s history – just £1,000 per person.  These are all the locations on Race Across The World series 5 so far Episode one The Great Wall of China  In the first episode of series 5, the race begins at the Great Wall of China, overlooking Huanghuacheng, a village 80km north of Beijing.  Photograph: Shutterstock Beijing China’s sprawling capital city is the first challenge for the racers (no spoilers, but this is where some contestants find themselves stuck). Photograph: Shutterstock Huangling  This village, made up of Hui-style buildings hanging off a hillside, is th

A batalha de Espanha contra o turismo excessivo tem estado no topo das notícias sobre viagens na Europa há já algum tempo e as medidas para travar o turismo em todo o país vão desde a proibição do consumo de álcool e multas por vestuário impróprio até à limitação do número de visitantes de determinadas atracções e impostos turísticos mais elevados. No entanto, um dos maiores problemas de Espanha é a proliferação de casas para férias. Agora, foi anunciado um grande avanço no esforço para travar a sua propagação: foram retirados mais de 65 mil anúncios para arrendamentos de curta duração. Tem um apartamento reservado para uma viagem à Costa del Sol ou está a planear alugar um apartamento no centro de Barcelona para as férias de verão? Esta é obviamente uma notícia preocupante. Por isso, aqui estão todas as informações de que dispomos sobre a mais recente medida de repressão em Espanha e o que poderá significar para a sua viagem. Porque é que os anúncios estão a ser retirados? Resumindo, este bloqueio aplica-se aos alugueres que violam os regulamentos. O Ministério do Consumidor espanhol citou, como causa desta medida, registos de propriedade pouco claros, números de licença em falta e discrepâncias entre os registos oficiais e os listados. Parece-lhe familiar? Bem, em 2024 noticiámos as tentativas de Barcelona e Madrid de introduzir restrições drásticas aos arrendamentos de curta duração, com a primeira a esperar proibir todos os alojamentos deste tipo até 2028. De acordo com o

It was only a week ago that we reported Crete and parts of Greece had been struck by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake. At 6.19 am local time today, the popular summer holiday destination was hit again, this time by a 6.1 magnitude tremor.  The country’s position on the boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates means it is prone to seismic activity, but the quick succession of these quakes is understandably concerning if you have a trip booked soon. So, read on for all the latest information on whether it is safe to travel to Crete right now.  Where was the earthquake? According to the US Geological Survey, the epicentre of the quake was in the Aegean Sea, 58 kilometres northeast of Elounda (a town in Crete). It had a significant depth of 69 kilometres.  Residents in Crete reported to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre’s website that they were awoken by shaking in their homes. The tremor was also reportedly felt by residents in Athens, and even as far as Israel, Türkiye, Egypt and Libya. Is it safe to travel to Crete? Thankfully, it seems the situation in Crete is not severe. A national directive issued by Greek authorities has urged people to reach ‘higher places’ and move ‘away from the coast’ as a precaution, and the island’s fire brigade said all its forces were on high alert.  However, no calls for assistance have been received so far, and there have been no reports of casualties or significant property damage.  Some of the provincial road network h

At Time Out, we spend all our time exploring the world’s very best cities. Every year, we survey thousands of locals and grill Time Out editors to help us figure out the best spots to eat, drink, party and soak up culture – because to us, that’s what makes a city great. But what about the economy, quality of governance and rental prices? That stuff’s pretty important too – and that’s where Oxford Economics comes in.  Every year, the advisory publishes a Global Cities Index, which includes a comprehensive ranking of the top 50 cities on the planet. The 1,000 most populous cities are assessed based on 27 indicators across five different categories (economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance), and each one is given a score.  So, which one came out on top for 2025? For the second year in a row, New York topped the list. The Big Apple scored 100 overall and triumphed in the economics category thanks to its large GDP, high per-person income and the fact that it’s home to lots of corporate HQs.  Recommended: The cities with the most expensive tourist taxes in the world have been revealed.  It didn’t do quite so well in the environment and governance categories, ranking 168th and 161st respectively, and some of the weaknesses identified include lower equality, high housing expenditure and little economic diversity.  In second place is London, which has also retained its 2024 position, and it scored 98.5. The UK capital fell short with similar weaknesses to

Love it or hate it, the Aperol Spritz has become an undeniable mainstay of summer drinks menus – head on a European city break during the warmer months and you’ll see every other curbside table stacked with glasses of the stuff. A spritz will set you back around a tenner in London, but hop over to the continent and you could be paying as little as €2. That’s according to eurochange’s brand-new Aperol Spritz Index.  Recommended: Europe’s cheapest (and most expensive) cities for eating and drinking, ranked.  Yes, it is actually a thing – the travel money company has analysed 39 of Europe’s most popular holiday spots to find out where you can get the best and cheapest spritzes. Topping the list is (drum roll, please!) Naples! Italy’s ancient city is not only a thriving cultural hotspot renowned for its world-famous pizza, but it’s also blessed with ridiculously cheap drink prices – an Aperol Spritz in Napoli averages at just €2.  Following closely behind was another Italian destination, Palermo, where an AP will set you back around €3.66, and in third and fourth place were Varna and Burgas in Bulgaria, which each came in at under €5.  These are the 10 cheapest spots in Europe for an Aperol Spritz   1. Naples, Italy – €2.00 2. Palermo, Italy – €3.663. Varna, Bulgaria – €4.764. Burgas, Bulgaria – €4.925. Saranda, Albania – €5.586. Marmaris, Turkey – €6.617. Gran Canaria, Spain (Canary Islands) – €7.268. Kefalonia, Greece – €7.169. Zadar, Croatia – €7.2710. Fethiye, Turkey – €8.70

Europe has loads of really brilliant cities, but two of the most magnetic, fun, and effortlessly cool have to be Naples and Berlin – and soon, they’ll be connected by a direct high-speed train.  Italian operator Trenitalia has reportedly just submitted multiple new international services to the Austrian railway regulator (whose territory would be crossed by them) and a Berlin-Naples high-speed train was included in the proposal.  It would connect the southern Italian city with the German capital via Rome, Florence, Bologna, Verona, Bolzano, Innsbruck, Munich, Nuremberg and Erfurt – that’s a pretty exciting route, right? There’s still a bit of a wait before the service is launched – another three years, to be exact, on June 11, 2028. But rail fans needn’t fret, as this service is far from the only newcomer on Trenitalia’s proposal.  Recommended: The best new European sleeper trains we can’t wait to ride in 2025.  Also on the list were the Rome-Florence-Bologna-Munich and Milan-Munich services, which will both go via Verona and Innsbruck and are set to debut on December 13, 2026.  Then there’s the Milan-Berlin high-speed train which will travel via Verona, Innsbruck, Munich and Nuremberg, scheduled to launch on June 13 2027, and a Naples-Munich service that should begin departures from December 12, 2027.  It looks like all the services would run once a day in each direction, using the operator’s flagship Frecciarossa 1000 high-speed trains (which seat 450 passengers and offer f

Southern France is home to some of the country’s most popular regions for visitors, but heavy rain and hailstorms have led to flooding over the last couple of days, causing fatalities and damage to transport services and infrastructure.  The weather conditions seem to have eased, but it’s obviously worrying news if you have a trip booked to the region soon, so here is everything we know about whether it’s safe to travel.  Which parts of southern France have been affected by floods? The Var region of south-eastern France has been the worst affected, with Météo-France, the country’s national weather agency, placing the region under orange alert for rain, flooding and thunderstorms.  Two of the worst-affected areas were Le Lavandou and the commune of Bormes-les-Mimosas, with 500 emergency calls from the region being made between Monday and Tuesday. Several hundred rescuers were sent from nearby cities such as Cannes.  The BBC also reports that south-west France was hit by Monday night’s storms and hail, with the Bordeaux-Toulouse railway line suffering cancellations that will last for the next few days.  @erisrodrigues_oficial Uma forte tempestade de granizo atingiu Toulouse, na França (19.05.2025). #ceu #mundo #granizo #france #franca #tempestade ♬ som original - erisrodrigues_oficial What has been the damage? So far, three people have died as a result of the floods. An elderly couple were swept away in their car by floodwaters in Le Lavandou, according to France 24, and

Travelling is more costly than ever, so minimising your spending wherever you can is always handy. A solid way to do that is to pick a budget destination, and handily, we’ve got a brilliant list of Europe’s best-value destinations right here. But you can never have too much inspiration, can you? Post Office Travel Money has just released their own ranking of Europe’s cheapest (and most expensive) places, analysing 12 common costs in 38 different countries to produce its annual City Costs Barometer. (It’s worth noting all of this is based on travellers from the UK). Topping the ranks is Riga, the charming Latvian capital where a trip (which includes two nights’ three-star weekend accommodation, a three-course meal for two with a bottle of house wine, return airport transfers, a 48-hour travel card, sightseeing bus tour, top heritage attractions, as well as some other factors) costs a mere £252.63.  Recommended: The 14 best city breaks in Europe for 2025.  So, what is there to get stuck into in Riga? Well, the city is brimming with culture – check out the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, which are both housed in a dazzling neoclassical building, or have a wander around the city’s lovely, UNESCO-protected Old Town.  Once you’ve soaked all that up, head to Rozengrals for an authentic medieval meal, and then stop by the quirky Black Magic Bar for some wacky concoctions, or Skyline Bar for a stunning city view.  However, Riga was far from the only eastern European city to be spot

Craving a proper dose of art? No matter the season, Paris serves up a banquet of exhibitions so rich and varied it can be hard to know where to tuck in. But thankfully, you’ve got us on hand to help.  Recommended: I live in the world’s best city for culture – here are my 8 favourite places.  We’ve roamed the city to handpick the crème de la crème of exhibitions on display right now – whether you’re into painting, photography, contemporary art, sculpture, or design, there’s something on this list for you. Here are the very best exhibitions on in Paris right now. Dans le Flou – Another Vision of Art from 1945 to Today Hans Hartung (1904-1989) T1982-H31, 1982 Antibes, Fondation Hartung-Bergman © Collection : Fondation Hartung-Bergman © Hans Hartung / Adagp, Paris 2025 Following their deep dive into the link between Impressionism and abstraction, the Orangerie is now exploring what happens when things get a little... blurry. Inspired by Monet’s late masterpieces, the show journeys from the 1940s to today, demonstrating how artists have embraced visual ambiguity, abstraction, and indistinct forms to create emotion and tension. The exhibition opens with a quote from Grégoire Bouillier’s novel The Orangerie Syndrome: ‘In truth, we see nothing. Nothing precise. Nothing definite. One must constantly readjust one’s sight.’ And that’s exactly what this show makes you do – look again, and again. Where? Musée de l’OrangerieWhen? Until August 18 2025 Matisse et Marguerite – A Father’s Ga

Spain’s battle with overtourism has been at the forefront of travel news in Europe for a while now, and measures to curb tourism across the country vary from bans on alcohol consumption and fines for inappropriate dress to caps on visitor numbers to certain attractions and steeper tourist taxes.  One of Spain’s biggest problems, however, is the proliferation of holiday rentals. Now, a huge development in the effort to curb their spread has just been announced: 65,000 short-term rentals have been blocked from listing their apartments.  Got an apartment booked for a trip to the Costa del Sol, or planning on renting somewhere in central Barcelona for that summer city break? This is obviously worrying news. So, here is all the information we have so far on Spain’s latest crackdown, and what it might mean for your trip. Recommended: What is the Spain ‘tourism ban’? The areas affected and what you need to know.  Why are 65,000 holiday rental listings being forced to withdraw? Long story short, this blockage applies to rentals that breach regulations. The Spanish consumer rights ministry has cited unclear ownership records, missing license numbers and discrepancies between listed and official records as motivation for this mass de-list.  Sound familiar? Well, in 2024 we reported on Barcelona and Madrid’s respective attempts to introduce drastic restrictions on short term rentals, with the former hoping to ban all accommodation of this type by 2028.  According to the Independent, con