Liv Kelly

October 2026: Sunday roast season has finally returned to London. A boozey, end-of-the-weekend lunch is what we're all about in this city. Enjoy masterful takes at by Elm at The Montpelier in Peckham, The Golden Tooth on Green Lanes, The Duke Organic in Islington, and The Camberwell Arms in south London. And we're happy to announce the re-launch of two of our all-time favourite roasts; the vegan slap-up dinner at LD's Kitchen, now at the Imperial Palace of Big Red in Camden, and Ling Ling's Chinese-inspired roast at Godet in Islington.  London’s best Sunday roasts at a glance: 🥩 Central: Quality Chop House, Clerkenwell 😇 North: Ling Ling's at Godet, Islington ⛪ South: Elm at The Montpelier, Peckham 🌈 East: The Nelson’s, Hackney 🍻 West: Blue Stoops, Notting Hill Sunday lunch. There’s nothing quite like it. An elemental meal, one that Londoners take incredibly seriously. Debates about what constitutes the ‘perfect’ Sunday roast have been known to last for hours. There is no shortage of top roasts and Sunday lunch options in London. We’ve rounded up the city’s best Sunday meals from a host of pubs, restaurants and breweries all around town. What makes a good roast? For us, it’s simple; a welcoming room is a good start, maybe in a pub with an open fire during the winter months. Then it comes to the plate – we need perfect roast potatoes, well-cooked lamb, beef or pork and a decent plant-based option too. A Sunday roast is more than just lunch - it’s self-care. From snug ne

November 2026: We've recently given this list a reshuffle to make sure we're recommending you the finest burgers in town, along with a brand new Number 1 which you can find at Whole Beast in Brixton. Smash burgers still take up a lot of real estate and with good reason; they're more managable then the hefty burgers that were in style a few years ago. But one particularly big boy makes the grade; the burger at Dove in Notting Hill, of which only 10 are made every day. Smaller, smashier offerings can be found at French import Dumbo in Shoreditch and Soho, Jupiter Burger in Hackney and Chuck's in Fitzrovia. Want a bit of both in one burger? Try the offering at the Empire Tavern in Hackney.  Fancy a burger? Of course you do. The simple meat-between-buns combo is always a winner, whether for a quick fast-food fix or a decadent, gourmet feast. We’ve selflessly toiled away, trying and tasting a vast range of patties to compile this list of London’s best burgers, including the inescapable smash burger. London’s finest are utter meaty marvels: juice-seeping, oozing with flavour and far more complex in creation than they’re ever given credit for. Roll up your sleeves and tuck in to the best burgers in London right now. RECOMMENDED: These are London's best pizza restaurants. Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

November: After a hectic month of exhibition openings and 2027 season announcements in October, you’d be forgiven for thinking that London’s museums and galleries might be having a quiet one in November, but the penultimate month of 2026 is actually looking pretty busy. There are a smattering of must-visit exhibitions opening late into the festive period this year, including Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant: Inside Bloomsbury at Tate Britain, Van Eyck: The Portraits at the National Gallery, and ‘Constantinople to Istanbul: One City, Two Empires’ at the V&A. But the biggest new opening of all? The brand new London Museum, which finally throws open the doors to its new home in the old Smithfield Market on November 28, after a four-year closure and a £437 million revamp project. We truly can’t wait to see the results. Museums are one of the things that London does best. This city boasts grand institutions housing ancient treasures, modern monoliths packed with intriguing exhibits, and tiny rooms containing deeply niche collections – and lots of them are totally free to anyone who wants to come in and take a gander. And with more than 170 London museums to choose from, there's bound to be one to pique your interest, whatever you're in to.  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 perh

Nottingham is somewhat overlooked when it comes to the go-tos for days out in the UK, but more fool those who pass on this East Midlands marvel. This is the city that inspired Neverland and gave us Robin Hood, afterall, but its excellence doesn’t stop there – it’s got a bounty of outstanding places to eat, too.  All food groups are taken very seriously in Nottingham, and the chefs here take enormous pride in showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Prepare your tastebuds for everything from filthy burgers and sexy (yes, sexy) pasta to Michelin-star magic and huge portions of lovingly crafted desserts. Grab your knife and fork – it’s time to tuck in. RECOMMENDED:🎭The best things to do in Nottingham🍃The best things to do in the UK🌤️The best road trips in the UK🍝The best restaurants 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.

Just because the sun has clocked off for the year doesn’t mean you need to abandon the idea of a city break. Quite the opposite, in fact, and we’d argue that some of the most well-loved holiday hotspots in Europe are even better in winter. Sure, you might have to throw on an extra layer or three, but many European cities are at their most alluring in winter, particularly those that lean into the cosy side of it all. If you’re looking for a cwtch in city form, these places fit the bill. These cities are waiting to be embraced, with heaps of winter activities, hearty food, romantic spirit, and maybe a drink or three for good measure, though that isn’t a requirement. We’ve rounded up our favourite winter city breaks on the continent for 2026 into one handy list, covering everything from the Arctic Circle to the Balkans and beyond. Our experts have spoken; these are 2026’s best winter city getaways. Europe’s best city breaks at a glance 💏 Best for couples: Paris, France 🍜 Best for foodies: Edinburgh, Scotland 🎊 Best for families: Zagreb, Croatia 💎 Most underrated: Ljubljana, Slovenia At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by experts across Europe 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. 

It’s easy to leave planning New Year’s Eve to the very last minute – often you get so tangled up in the tinsel-decked glories of Christmas that you forget there's another big bash, just a week later. But New Year’s Eve is the kind of night that you forget at your peril. Attempt to wing it and you might well end up stuck at home with a glass of flat prosecco in front of Jools Holland’s Hootenanny, because all London's best clubs and parties book out weeks or months in advance.  But fear not, we’re here to make sure you give 2026 a seriously good send-off. Here’s our list of London best NYE bashes for ringing in 2027, from never-ending club nights to LGBTQ+ friendly celebrations. Assemble your crew, book your tickets, plan the perfect ‘fit and prepare to say a big fat goodbye to the year gone by. RECOMMENDED: Find things to do in London on New Year’s Day.

July 2026: If you’ve had the pleasure of strolling down Exmouth Market recently, you’ll know the historic Clerkenwell strip is the buzziest pedestrianised street in London, full of al-fresco fun, convivial pintspeople and sidewalk tapas as far as the eye can see. Which is pretty much all down to the new Number 1 in our list of the best bars in London. Congratulations are due to Cafe Kick, the breezy Euro-chic sports bar about to celebrate 30 years of tricking your brain into thinking you’re on holiday. The rest of our Top 50 features bars old and new, posh and divey, and cheap and pricey, but all of them with great drinks and an unparalleled vibe. Fancy 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, which features the greatest bars in the capital right now. These are the places we’d recommend to a friend, because we love drinking in them and have done many times over. From classy cocktail counters to delightful dives, sleek hotel bars, rooftop bars and places to sip wine, London’s got them all. You’ll find historic drinking holes here as well as brand new openings. But what makes a truly good bar? Our critieria is simple; a menu of great drinks is important, but so is the overall energy of the place – there’s no point having the perfect paloma if you have to drink it in a bar that smells of bin juice. To make it into our Top 50, a bar has to be fun, friendly, convivial and inclusive, as we

It’s that time again. The lights are going up, the first Mariah memes are doing the rounds and someone in the group chat has already floated a Christmas market weekend. Before you know it the big day will be here, so now’s the moment to work out where in the world you want to wake up on the 25th. Christmas looks wildly different depending on where you spend it. In Copenhagen it’s glögg and candlelit windows, in Reykjavik it’s 13 mischievous Yule Lads leaving gifts in children’s shoes, and in Sydney it’s a barbecue on the beach in the sunshine. So whether you’re after a full-blown winter wonderland or a festive break that comes with a tan, we’ve rounded up the very best places to spend Christmas around the world. The best places to go for Christmas, at a glance 🗽 Best for an iconic Christmas: New York City 🦌 Best for meeting the big man himself: Lapland 🏖️ Best for Christmas on the beach: Sydney 🎄 Best for Christmas markets: Nuremberg 🐪 Best for skipping Christmas altogether: Marrakech This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

July 2026: We've highlighted some of the more appropriate seasonal spots for brunch. Try Lolo in Bermondsey for a lively Spanish take on brunch, indulge in prawn toast scotch eggs at Jikoni in village-like Marylebone or head to Johnny Boy's in Stoke Newington for LA-style breakfast burritos. We've also included a few places that prove brunch isn't just a weekend treat, with some places that serve brunch every single day, such as Permit Room Portobello - Dishoom's all-day cafe in Notting Hill - and excellent Syrian cafe Aram, which you can find in the glamorous Somerset House.  The humble brunch is perhaps one of the greatest inventions of the modern age, especially if it incorporates pancakes, bacon and eggs. London is particularly well stocked with places to indulge in the famous breakfast/lunch hybrid. Let us guide you to the best restaurants for a fabulous brunch, from a traditional full English to innovative twists on the majestic meal, such as a bacon bao brunch or fried eggs on chilli-cheese crumpets. Booze optional.  Best brunches in London at a glance: 🍖 Best for Spanish-style brunch: Lolo, Bermondsey 🏰 Best for a spectacular setting: Aram, Somerset House 🌳 Best for an al fresco brunch: Pavilion Cafe, Victoria Park  🌮 Best for a Mexican feast: Corrochio’s, Stoke Newington  RECOMMENDED: Like unlimited fizz with your fry-up? Here are the best bottomless brunches in London.  Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor. For more about how we curate, see

Somehow it’s nearly 2027. Between a World Cup summer and Eurovision in Vienna, 2026 has given us plenty to talk about, so it’s only right we send it off properly. We named Melbourne the best city in the world and crowned Seoul’s Jongno 3-ga the coolest neighbourhood on the planet, but now, with only days left in the year, one final question remains. What’s the best place in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Every corner of the world has its own way of welcoming the new year. In Madrid you’ll be cramming 12 grapes into your mouth as the clock strikes, in Rio you’ll be dressed head to toe in white and jumping seven waves, and in Reykjavik the entire city sets off its own fireworks. So whether you’re after a mega-party, a countdown on the beach or a tradition you’ll be talking about all year, these are the best places in the world to ring in 2027. The best places to celebrate New Year, at a glance 🎆 Best for fireworks: Sydney 💃 Best for waltzing into the new year: Vienna 🍇 Best for a lucky tradition: Madrid 🏮 Best for a sky full of lanterns: Chiang Mai 🏖️ Best for a beach countdown: Goa This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Nowhere does views quite like ol’ New York, and to ensure you bag the best room overlooking that twinkly skyline, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to stay. From park vistas to suites which look onto the spectacle of Times Square, as well as the top spots to max-out on that skyline from Brooklyn, read our newly-revamped list.  New York’s best hotels with a view, at a glance: 🌆 Best for balcony views: The William Vale 🍸 Best rooftop bar: The Peninsula New York 🌉 Best views from Brooklyn: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge 🍃 Best views of Central Park: Ritz-Carlton Central Park ➡️ Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York 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

With all the landmark movie theaters and iconic Los Angeles attractions, we can certainly understand why Hollywood tops tourists’ to-do lists. And sure, the Walk of Fame is too clogged with bootleg superheroes to exude much elegance, but you can still find a bit of that old glamour in the luxurious Hollywood hotels, or save your money for other Los Angeles indulgences by staying in a more budget-friendly option. Below are our favorite stays in this part of the City of Angels.  Hollywood’s best hotels at a glance: 🍸 Best for classic Hollywood glamour: The Hollywood Roosevelt 💸 Best budget-friendly stay: The Whisky Hotel 🪩 Best for vibrant rooftop nightlife: Dream Hollywood, By Hyatt 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in L.A. 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 Los Angeles

Dublin is a land of history, with a smattering of museums, galleries, statues, and Ireland’s oldest and grandest university, offering visitors plenty of places to indulge in the details of days gone by.  But the Irish capital has flourished into a tech and business hub over the last couple of decades, and its shiny new Docklands which have been unrecognisably transformed are home to what is undoubtedly one of Dublin’s best hotels.  What are the rooms like at Anantara The Marker? The Docklands are full of so many glimmering glass facades that light ricochets at you from virtually every direction, but the accommodation at Anantara The Marker is quite the opposite. Inside our second floor Junior Suite, we’re enveloped by dark grey walls and royal purple carpets which would feel cavernous if it weren’t for all the space.  Its most luxurious details aren’t necessarily in the appearance, but in the comforts. The bed is gargantuan and ridiculously soft, and the windows do a remarkably good job of shielding us from the sound of drilling at a building site over the road. There are huge robes, plump slippers and a large TV.  The ensuite is a shiny, marble-clad room, almost completely grey and white apart from pops of yellow from the Aqua de Palma toiletries. There’s a freestanding rainfall shower which gets plenty hot enough, as well as a gargantuan bathtub. Oh, and the entire place is squeaky clean.  What are the best things to eat and drink at Anantara The Marker? Forbes Street by Ga

The always-busy Exmouth Market has one of the highest concentrations of genuinely good bars in London, and Around, which opened in mid-2024, is now one of my favourite spots. Nestled between Farringdon Locksmiths and the babbling flock of drinkers spilling out of the Exmouth Arms, it’s a cosy and civilised little nook which is primed for date-night. Inside, the space is modest, with most drinkers perched comfortably around (get it?) the bar, with a handful of seats lined up along the window. The lighting is dimmed just enough to create a sexy atmosphere (though practically, you might strain your eyes a little when surveying the menu), which makes it feel almost like a cave. After stepping in from the raucous Thursday-night crowd, the warmth, rattle of cocktail shakers and hum of amiable chatter was ridiculously inviting. Ridiculously inviting Drinks feature some out-there but pleasantly surprising twists. If you’re a fan of all things savoury, then I urge you to try the SoSoy – a thick and sour mix of rum, honey, pineapple and lime that comes with a salty whack of soy sauce in the aftertaste – or the wonderfully seasonal sesame and fig negroni. We also ordered the cheese plate which comprised hearty blocks of goat’s cheese with wine-infused rind, a smoked number and a nutty, moreish manchego as well as pillowy sourdough and the zingiest house pickles inside the M25. It needed a chutney of some kind, but was a satisfying accompaniment to some knockout drinks. Order this For

Regular thrift shoppers will know the joy of stumbling across somewhere that feels more like a boutique than a jumble sale, and The Heroes Haven is a stellar example. Step inside from the raucous honking and bustle of Green Lanes and you’re greeted with a genuinely easy-to-browse and beautifully curated shop. There’s a grand wall of formal wear with as much vibrant tulle, eye-catching satin and twinkly bead work you could possibly want, as well as plenty of excellent quality and branded athleisure, knitwear, and denim. Head up the steps (past the til-come-coffee bar) and you’ll find a pleasingly arranged selection of great shoes, bags, and books.

The Greek capital is completely littered with history, from the layers and layers of graffiti splayed over the walls to the breathtakingly grand Acropolis which towers over the streets like a lofty old antique.  And while the city’s ancient ruins are one of the major reasons people flock to Athens in such numbers, it’s also a place which knows a thing or two about regeneration. Take Mona Athens, for example. This chic four-year-old hotel has bloomed inside the walls of a former textile factory, and though the exposed pipes, bare plaster and heavy-handed presence of concrete nod to its former incarnation, it’s also reached an established status of one of the coolest places to stay in the city.  What are the rooms like at Mona Athens? The walls in our Velvet Suite have been left intentionally unpainted, copper pipes confidently protrude out of the corners, and the whole space features very little colour other than the raw materials which have been used. The floor is cold and hard (which is pleasing on our bare feet after traipsing around sightseeing in temperatures upwards of 30 degrees), so the designers’ commitment to the reimagined former-factory aesthetic can only be commended.  But, does all this style come at the expense of substance? Well, kinda. There are still luxurious details like silky bedding, a swish coffee machine, expensive kimono-style robes, powerful air-con and deliciously floral-scented toiletries. The suite is also warmly lit with glowing orange bulbs, and

Joining a new sports team can be, shall we say, daunting, but there are few more welcoming than The London Stags. South London’s largest LGBTQ+ rugby club is hosting a new members day this weekend, and whether you’re dusting off your boots or turning your hand to the game for the very first time, it’s the best place to get a feel for the sport. This (free) taster session includes a lesson on the basics of passing, kicking, and tackling, as well as the chance to sign up to their four-week beginners programme. All you need is suncream, water, trainers – the rest is covered. Go on, give it a go.

The Amazon Rainforest, with its verdant hills, alarmingly large insects and sticky climate is hardly everyone’s cuppa tea, but for the most outdoorsy folk among us, it’s an unmatched destination for bird-watching, waterfall bathing, and true, unbridled adventure.  The ecosystem blankets itself over San Martín, a lush region of northern Peru, and if you’re planning a beyond-the-obvious stop off on your way to Cusco Machu Picchu (which you absolutely should), I urge you to splash out on a stay at the Bosque Guardian Lodge.  What are the rooms like at Bosque Guardián Lodge? Not so shockingly for a lodge buried in the heart of protected reserve Cordillera Escalera, nature is the star of the show. Each of the 12 cabins (which come with forest or forest-covered mountain views) is nestled at the end of a pebbly pathway off the hotel’s main concrete track, which winds through the critter, frog and bird-filled trees all the way from the entrance, over a footbridge, past the restaurant, and to the individual accommodations. Inside the rooms, tall bamboo ceilings arch over a grand and plush bed which has a much needed but also pleasingly dramatic mosquito net draped over it, which feels like you’re sleeping in the bedroom of a Disney princess. Flanked by French doors that lead onto a jungle-surrounded terrace, and a large window with panes of nets instead of glass, you sleep seriously up close and personal with the rainforest and all its wonderful, chattering creatures. There are no bri

Bonne Route is a natural wine bar, but before you think that London already has enough of those, note that there’s something particularly alluring about a spot which feels like you’re in someone’s (exceptionally well-furnished) living room. Bonne Route sits in a tiny but cool pocket of Quernmore Road (just past the pedestrian walkway at Harringay train station) and hits all the marks of a good wine bar – solid snacks and a well-chosen selection of white, red, rose, and orange wines – with an atmosphere that’s more cosy than snooty. It’s a cute spot if you nab one of the too-few outdoor tables, but Bonne Route is at its best inside and after dark, when it’s candle-lit and blowing a gale outside. Order this I’ve never been let down by whatever French orange wine is on the menu, but you can also order from the small menu of cocktails. The margarita is always good. Oh, and try the pickled olives. Time Out tip  It’s a cute spot if you nab one of the too-few outdoor tables, but Bonne Route is at its best inside and after dark, when it’s candle-lit and blowing a gale outside.

What’s the vibe?  Refined and modern yet pleasingly laid-back, Maré is Brighton and Hove’s first Michelin-starred restaurant in nearly 50 years, clinching the accolade just six months after it opened its doors last September.  It’s owned by the two Michelin-star chef of London’s Da Terra Rafael Cagali, and at the helm in the kitchen is head chef Ewan Waller, but while these names and promptly-acquired awards are impressive, you needn’t worry about it being an overly flouncy dining experience.  Sure, this restaurant is sleek and high-end, with both the food and the service polished and precisely executed. It’s a pretty, minimally-decorated space with disco music humming politely in the background, but there’s a warmth to the restaurant which ensures that, when you arrive to celebrate a big occasion (which I highly recommend you do), the vibe is welcoming as opposed to snooty.  What are the prices like? Opt for the Taste of Maré, and the team here will bring a selection of their favourite dishes from the menu for your entire table to share. It’ll cost you £90 per person (with the optional addition of a sommelier-selected wine pairing for another £65), but in such a classy setting with so many dishes, it’s worth it for a special occasion.  What should I order? The menu rotates here regularly, but standout dishes from our meal were tempura oysters, and a surf and turf course of dreamily tender beef and lobster with rice cooked in lobster bisque. ‘Maré’ translates from Portuguese

Crafting an atmosphere which could be described as ‘buzzy’ is pretty tricky at 5.30pm on a Monday evening, but Waltz somehow manages it. This place has won a smattering of awards since it opened in 2025, but the execution of the service and the quality of the drinks are more reminiscent of a veteran institution. Inside, high navy walls are painted with dainty little starling murmurations to mimic a dusk sky, and chipper jazz plays, pleasantly filling what could otherwise be a slightly whispery space. Japanese culture rotates around not four, but 72 different ‘micro-seasons’ – yes, that’s more than one per week – and the menu at Waltz is shaken up regularly to best embody the tradition, as well as offering an evergreen selection of signature drinks. When we stopped by, best-seller British Strawberry was sampled by every group in the bar as well as us, but our standout seasonal order was the White Asparagus & Fresh Peas with mezcal, kefir, lemon juice and pisco, which came served in barely-there glass alongside a dainty little pod of salted fresh peas. Order this The signature Original Picante is the ultimate summer drink – it’s shockingly green and perfectly spicy. Time Out tip  There are a couple of tables available for reservation, but you should really sit at the gorgeous bar and ogle these cocktail masters while they stir and shake your drinks.

It's finally time, guys. King Benito lands in London this month for his DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour dates at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and to mark the occasion (whether you’re concert-bound or not) a slew of London’s bars are participating in a takeover run by Hennessy. Head to Copper Cats in Dalston for a special edition of the bar’s weekly salsa class (with a bespoke cocktail menu on offer) or make sure to head to Electric Brixton for an official afterparty following Saturday night’s gig. You can also find slushy machines at La Pollera Colora, or Bad Bunny-themed Karaoke nights at U9 Karaoke in Leicester Square on Friday nights throughout June.

Paris is home to some of the world’s most iconic places to stay, but up there with the palatial Hôtel Plaza Athénée and decadent Le Bristol, this 16th arrondissement resort deserves a spot in the hotel hall of fame.  Molitor Hotel & Spa reopened in its reimagined form back in 2014, but it has retained the laid-back aura and eccentric Art Deco style of the original swimming pool where a generation of Parisians first learned how to swim – oh, and where the bikini was initially debuted 80 years ago.  A far cry from the ornate but cosy hotel rooms of central Paris, Molitor is an expansive, breezy retreat popular among international visitors (often in town for gigs or sports competitions at the nearby stadiums) as well as staycationing locals. Here’s what we thought of it.  What are the rooms like at Molitor Hotel & Spa? Minimalist in their design, but luxurious in their attention to detail. The real stars of the show at this hotel are its two showstopper swimming pools, and they not only act as a massive pull for heat-fleeing guests, but also as a focal point for the 120 rooms (out of 124 in total) which have a view of at least one of them.  Rather than try and detract from its majesty, the view of the outdoor pool from my Deluxe Room is proudly showcased through multiple floor-to-ceiling windows. The glinting water gently reflected pleasing glimmers of light on the ceiling, and the canary yellow paint and cobalt doors of the ship-shaped building were nodded to subtly with pops o

Paris’s streets are full of ornate, delicate-looking 16th century buildings, and if you’re after somewhere to stay that’ll give you all that quintessential charm – paired, of course, with the comforts of a slick hotel brand – then consider Maison Colbert Meliá Collection.  Acclaimed philosopher, activist and feminist Simone de Beauviour used to live in this place, but the plaque immortalising her presence on the exterior wall is far from the only historical nod that you’ll find. Inside, the decor is inspired by the dreamy works of Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla, and some of the rooms even come with a view of the newly reopened Notre Dame, which is just a five minute stroll away.  What are the rooms like at Maison Colbert? A lot of enjoying Paris’s charm involves turning a blind eye to how cramped it can be, but that isn’t a problem at Maison Colbert. Our Superior Room Partial Notre Dame View had ample space for storing a city break’s worth of luggage, and the en suite – with a large walk-in shower (and insanely good water pressure) – was separated from the bedroom area by curtain rather than wall, making it feel all the more spacious throughout. Oh, and you could just about peak the cathedral’s towers from the window.  A replica of one of Joaquín Sorolla’s pleasing luminist paintings was the focal point of the room, filling the wall above the bed, but nods to its vibrant summery tones continued throughout the rest of the space. Bright turquoise velvet covered the chairs, hea

A strong passport might broaden your options when it comes to international travel, but does it affect your day to day life? To find out, Global Citizen Solutions has produced an index investigating the happiness of different passport holders, based on wellbeing, freedom at home, mobility and prosperity, and health and safety. It evaluated 50 countries and awarded each one an overall score from 0 to 100. Claiming the top spot as the happiest passport in the world? That was Finland, with a score of 93.2.  Photograph: fujilovers / Shutterstock.comHelsinki It’s not exactly shocking news. Finland regularly ranks high on worldwide ‘happiness’ lists, including the World Happiness Report, which it topped for no less than the ninth consecutive year in 2026.  Iceland ranked in second place and Denmark claimed third (the exact same ranking from this year’s World Happiness Report), scoring 92.4 and 92.1, respectively. European countries dominate the top 10 happiest passports ranking, with New Zealand in eighth place and Singapore in tenth being the only non-European entries. Scroll on for the full list. The world’s 10 happiest passports, ranked Finland Iceland  Denmark Norway Switzerland Sweden Netherlands New Zealand  Austria Singapore  Want to know more? You can browse the index in full on Global Citizen Solutions’ official website.  Oh, and here’s our guide to all things Finland for winter 2026.  ICYMI: The huge, diverse Asian nation named ‘Destination of the Year’ for 2027.  Plu

Public transport is crucial for getting us from one place to another, but it’s a pleasing little bonus when your route happens to be surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty.  Well, luckily for residents of Helsinki, that’s their reality when they travel on the city’s newly extended tram network, which has been dubbed as the ‘world’s most beautiful’ by regional transport authorities.  According to the Railway Gazette, the tramline – called the Kruunusillat (‘Crown Bridges’) – has shortened the 11km journey from central Helsinki to the island suburb of Laajasalo to just 5.5km, and it’s served by lines 11 and 12.  The extended portion of the route starts from Hakaniemi, where a 6.7km arm of the tramline reaches east to Hopealaakso and Yliskylä, and a 1.2km stretch connects Hopealaakso to Kruunuvuorenranta.  Recommended: These are the best things to do in Helsinki right now.  The project cost €463 million and involved building three new mjor bridges: Merihaan Bridge, which sits 3m above sea level and is 422 metres long; the 293m long Fiinkensilta Bridge, which sits 7m above the water; and the Kruunuvuori Bridge, costing €123 million alone. At 1,191m long, it is now Finland’s longest bridge. Photograph: Kuvatoimisto Kuvio Oy, © 2026 Kuvatoimisto Kuvio OyKruunuvuori Bridge, Helsinki All three accommodate tramlines, cycle paths and walkways, and are accessible only to emergency vehicles – no others. It’s been a long time in the making, too. The idea for the project was part of Helsinki

Christmas shopping involves a fair amount of decision making. However, when it comes to choosing an advent calendar, we’ve put in the hard work for you by scouring this year’s lot to work out which ones give the most bang for your festive buck. After all, a whackier take on the classic chocolate-behind-doors set-up is nothing new, but with so many to wade through, the choice can be a little overwhelming.  That’s why we’ve put this lovely little package together – a handpicked selection of the coolest, cutest and most charming advent calendars on offer from businesses across London this Christmas. Go on, take a peek. London’s best advent calendars, at a glance: 🧀 Best for foodies: Farmshop Christmas Advent Calendar, Daylesford 🍸 Best booze: Cocktail Advent Calendar, MOTH 🧸 Best for kids: Meri Meri x Liberty Charm Bracelet Advent Calendar, Meri Meri 👛 Best on a budget: Coffee Pod and Ground Coffee Advent Calendars, Grind Best advent calendars in London for 2026 1. Notting Hill Advent Calendar, Melt Photograph: Chris BethellAdvent Calendars 2026 Forget booze, pants, charm bracelets and skincare – you can’t really go wrong with a good-old fashioned chocolate advent calendar, and Melt’s whimsical little Notting Hill Advent Calendar is the loveliest one on offer. Modelled after the west London neighbourhood’s quintessentially prim townhouses, the cal includes some seriously out-there chocolate flavours, including black sesame, pistachio and kataifi, milk sea salt, crunchy

With so many ‘where to travel’ lists popping up at this time of year, it takes some confidence to name just one place as the top destination for the 12 months ahead.  But that’s precisely what Travel + Leisure do every November, and back for its twelfth edition, we now know where in the world is their crowning destination for 2027.  Editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford said that ‘I first visited when I was three and was spellbound by the colors, the buttery naan, the fine-spun silk of the saris, the chaos of the traffic, the warmth that emanates from every conversation. The country seeps into your skin.’ So, where is the country in question? Well, it’s none other than India. From its relaxed beach destinations to nature-packed safaris, its energetic metropolises to its lesser-known corners, there’s enough to keep you occupied for months or even years of exploring.  Recommended: The 41 most underrated travel destinations in the world.  Take the Archipelago of Lakshadweep, for example. It’s one of the destinations spot-lit by T + L. Nestled off India’s southwestern coast, it’s only open to permitted visitors. Of the 36 islands in total, around 10 are populated, and three or four are open to visitors each year (with permission from Lakshadweep’s administration).   There’s also the warren of sandstone caves that lie beneath the rain-soaked landscape of Mawsynram, which is the wettest inhabited place on the planet, or India’s ‘mini-Switzerland’, Khajjar, which is hidden away in the Hima

A planear as viagens para 2027? Não faltam destinos fora do radar por onde escolher caso pretenda explorar além do óbvio. Mas há também uma extensa lista de lugares que continuam eternamente cobiçados. Aliás, é precisamente isso que os prémios Readers’ Choice Awards da Wanderlust distinguem: os destinos mais desejados do planeta. Com base nos votos de 251.461 "leitores experientes em viagens" (somando um total de 8,2 milhões de votos), a publicação acaba de lançar a sua lista anual com os melhores destinos para visitar em todo o mundo. Costa Rica eleita o país mais desejado do mundo Em 2026, os leitores da Wanderlust entregaram o cobiçado título de País Mais Desejado à Costa Rica, que no ano passado tinha ficado na segunda posição. "A Costa Rica continua a ser o grande exemplo de turismo responsável, sustentada por uma rede sólida de lodges de charme e projectos de cariz comunitário. O seu organismo oficial de turismo mantém a sua própria Certificação de Turismo Sustentável há quase 30 anos, muito antes de 'sustentabilidade' se ter tornado uma palavra de ordem", lê-se no artigo. "Para os visitantes, é evidente onde tudo isso compensa, seja a ajudar na monitorização do nascimento de tartarugas em Tortuguero ou a seguir o rasto de antas-centro-americanas na Península de Osa, que se estima concentrar cerca de 2,5% de toda a biodiversidade mundial."  Foto: ShutterstockOsa Peninsula A editora de viagens da Time Out, Grace Beard, viajou até à remota e selvagem Península de Osa, d

A great bar is so much more than its drinks menu – its success also comes down to the service, the space and the atmosphere.  Handily, the aptly named website Top 500 Bars has produced its annual roundup of – you guessed it – the planet’s best watering holes. Its algorithm is based on ‘thousands of data (rankings, publications, platforms and others) in over 20 languages’.  So, which spot, based on their research, has claimed that coveted crown?  Photograph: Courtesy Bar LeoneBar Leone Bobo glassware Bar Leone, a Hong Kong bar inspired by traditional neighbourhood bars in Rome, is the world’s best bar this year. Sound familiar? Well, given Top 500 Bar’s algorithm analysis, it’s no surprise this place has ranked so well. It was one of the top spots named in the recent Spirited Awards, and was the first-place winner in last year’s global roundup according to The 50, too.  ‘Bar Leone is heavily influenced by Rome, and in particular Trastevere, one of its most historic neighbourhoods, where Lorenzo [Antinori] was raised,’ reads the Top 500 Bars article. ‘Bar Leone is a bar that celebrates community and the love of classic cocktails, or as we call them, ‘cocktail popolari’, referring not only to their role in popular culture but also to their approachable DNA and beautiful simplicity.’  This is far from the only Hong Kong spot on the list, with Montana claiming third place and ARGO ranking in 24th.  Second place went to HIMKOK, a cocktail bar in Oslo which apparently combines Sc

The world’s very best restaurants have been crowned once again by The 50, and almost half are located in Europe.  Asador Etxebarri, a grill restaurant tucked away in a remote part of Spain’s Basque Country, was crowned champion. Spots in Sweden, Italy, and the UK, to name just a few, also made the ranking – in fact, there were 21 inclusions from across Europe in total.  Take Vyn, for example. This stunning space is not only a restaurant but also a wine bar, two private dining rooms, and a boutique hotel. It’s nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Baltic Sea in Simrishamn, Sweden.  ‘Spotlighting seasonal, local and sustainable ingredients – as well as dishes that use the whole animal – standout creations include [head chef Daniel Berlin’s] wild reindeer carpaccio, garnished with berries and roots, a perfectly cooked whole fish with house-made herb butter and succulent slow-cooked lamb,’ says The 50. Recommended: The best cities in the world for food, according to Time Out.  Irina BoersmaIkoyi, London One of the five spots repping Italy on this list is Reale, which is housed inside a sixteenth-century monastery (and former family bakery), known for championing often overlooked ingredients and ‘the Italian food of tomorrow’.  In the UK, Ikoyi, a swish African-inspired restaurant (and the first of its kind in London to earn a Michelin star) claimed 48th place in the world, and is the last entry for Europe. It was reviewed by Time Out London’s food editor Leonie Cooper, who descr

There are few travel experiences more synonymous with glamour than the Venice-Simplon Orient Express. The luxury sleeper train has announced a flurry of new services over the last couple of years. The latest? A jaunt to the French Riviera, lauching spring 2027.  That’s right – from May 10, a route ferrying passengers from Paris to the French Riviera will become part of the train’s annual schedule, according to CN Traveler. Here is everything we know so far. It’s set to begin in the French capital before elegantly trundling south overnight and reaching the Mediterranean by morning. It’ll traverse the Côte d’Azur and sweep over the red cliffs of the Massif de l’Estérel, and pass Saint-Raphaël, Cannes and Nice before reaching Monaco-Monte Carlo station.  On board, passengers will enjoy the full Belmond experience. Accommodations come in the form of classic ‘Historic’ cabins, suites, Grand suites, or even the sparkling L’Observatoire.  It’s an exclusive carriage designed by French street artists JR, the same team behind La Caverne du Pont Neuf, the huge outdoor art installation we named the best thing to do in the world this year. Along with the bedroom and en suite (which, yes, has a bathtub) there’s also a library, living room and – get this – a secret tea room.  On board there are also two restaurant carriages – Étoile du Nord and L’Oriental – as well as Bar Car 3674, which promises expertly mixed cocktails and even some live piano.  ‘Introducing the destination feels like a n

Planning your 2027 travels? There are plenty of under-the-radar travel destinations to choose from if you’re looking to explore beyond the obvious. But there’s also a long list of places that remain eternally sought-after.  In fact, that’s precisely what Wanderlust’s Readers’ Choice Awards recognises – the planet’s most desirable destinations. Based on the votes of 251,461 ‘well-travelled readers’ (amounting, in total, to 8.2 million votes), the publication has just produced its annual list of the absolute finest spots to visit across the world.  Costa Rica named as the world’s most desirable country For 2026, Wanderlust’s readers have awarded the coveted title of Most Desirable Country to Costa Rica, which ranked in second place last year. ‘Costa Rica remains the poster child for responsible tourism, built on a backbone of boutique lodges and community-run ventures. Its tourist board has been running its own Certification for Sustainable Tourism for almost 30 years, long before ‘sustainability’ became a buzzword,’ reads the article. ‘For visitors, it’s easy to see where that pays off, whether you’re helping monitor turtle hatchlings in Tortuguero or tracking Baird’s tapirs on the Osa Peninsula, said to hold some 2.5 percent of the world’s biodiversity.’ Photograph: Margus Vilbas / Shutterstock.comOsa Peninsula Time Out’s travel editor Grace Beard travelled to travelled to the wild and remote Osa Peninsula, calling it an ‘eco-adventure bar none’. Following closely behind Co

There are gorgeous hotels all over the world, and while some might occupy swathes of rolling Irish countryside, remote Balinese clifftops and nature-surrounded spots of savanna, there are plenty of knockout city stays, too.  Condé Nast Johansens, a global collection of impressive hotels curated by editors from the likes of Vogue, GQ, and Tatler, has just announced its 2027 Awards for Excellence, including the best city hotels in each region.  Photograph: Booking.comMiddle Eight, London Proudly repping the UK is Middle Eight, a luxury hotel which sits in London’s glitzy Covent Garden, just a five-minute walk from the Theatre Royal, and the Royal Ballet and Opera House.  The rooms feature aqua-coloured walls with gold accents, and the lobby and onsite restaurant Sycamore are full of wood panels and plants – it’s all part of the hotel’s aim to create calming interiors.  Photograph: Booking.comPalacio Gran Vía, A Royal Hideaway Hotel The Palacio Gran Vía, A Royal Hideaway Hotel in Granada claimed the title of best city hotel in Europe, and with palatial rooms with intricate ceiling murals, a stunning indoor pool and a ridiculously classy rooftop, you can see why.  Photograph: Booking.comPalacio Gran Vía, A Royal Hideaway Hotel The Restoration Asheville in North Carolina was champion in the US, lauded by reviewers for its brilliant location, and in Asia, Artyzen Singapore was crowned the winner, bragging cool and boldly colourful interiors and a knockout rooftop pool.  Ph

It’s that time again, folks, when the shiny new list of the planet’s 50 most impressive, innovative and stylish restaurants is unveiled by The 50 (formerly World’s 50 Best).  For 2026, the top 10 includes a ‘food-led operatic performance’ in Bangkok, a 50-course menu in Copenhagen and a ‘farm-to-fork’ spot in Mexico City.  But the coveted number one spot went to Asador Etxebarri, a grill restaurant in the rural area of Atxondo in Spain’s Basque Country. Menu items include seasonal delicacies like sea cucumber with green beans and baby eels, as well as staples like homemade chorizo.  Recommended: The best cities in the world for food, according to Time Out.  ‘Everything on the menu has been kissed by fire, whether it’s the flavour-packed Palamos prawns, the fresh mozzarella or the milk ice cream with beetroot that rounds out every feast,’ says The 50’s editorial team. ‘All to be enjoyed in the staunchly unpretentious dining room.’ And enjoy you should, as a tasting menu here starts at $324. The win comes after the restaurant was crowned second-best in the world in both 2024 and 2025.      As for the rest of the top 10, you can browse all those below. Oh, and take a look at the extended list of the 51-100 best restaurants on the planet this year.  The world’s 10 best restaurants for 2026, according to The 50 Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo Gaggan, Bangkok Alchemist, Copenhagen Quintonil, Mexico City Wing, Hong Kong The Chairman, Hong Kong Kjolle, Lima Kadeau, Copenhagen Diverxo, Mad

Museus: paragem obrigatória indiscutível quando se visita um novo destino e se quer absorver um pouco de cultura. Muitos são pequenos, únicos e repletos de peças de nicho, enquanto outros são gigantescas instituições que encabeçam listas de viagens por todo o mundo. Mas quais são, afinal, os museus mais visitados à face da Terra? A Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) acaba de publicar o seu índice anual com os números de visitantes de 2025, ordenando as 20 instituições mais populares. No primeiro lugar, surpreendentemente, não está o Louvre, nem o Museu de História Natural de Londres ou o Vaticano – está o Museu do Palácio, em Pequim. Também conhecido como a Cidade Proibida, este espaço foi fundado há 101 anos e é um bastião da arte tradicional chinesa, guardando artefactos e relíquias das dinastias Ming e Qing. E quantas pessoas passam por aqui todos os anos? Segundo o índice, o número atinge uns impressionantes 19 milhões. Museo del LouvreMuseo del Louvre O Louvre foi a instituição mais bem classificada fora da China, assegurando o quarto lugar com pouco mais de 9 milhões de visitantes. A par do Museu de História Natural de Londres (no sétimo lugar) e do Vaticano (no oitavo), o Museu Britânico e o Palácio de Versalhes também garantiram lugares no top 10. O Metropolitan Museum of Art, em Nova Iorque, ficou com a 17.ª posição, tendo recebido quase 6 milhões de visitantes no ano passado, mas a tabela foi quase em absoluto dominada pelo Leste Asiático. Aliás, o Museu do Pa