Ruth Lawes

You could easily spend a city break in Chicago barely stopping at your hotel other than to sleep, but we know just how tiring rushing about eating, drinking, shopping and sightseeing can be, so why not book into a spa hotel for a hit of rest and relaxation while you’re there?  When it comes to curating menus of intriguing ancient treatments or modern wellness techniques, designing impressive fitness centres or building gleaming swimming pools, Chicago has got its spa hotel game down. New additions to this list for Fall 2025 include the Palmer House Hilton, theWit and The Langham. Chicago’s best spa hotels at a glance: 💎 Biggest splurge: Four Seasons Hotel 👛 Most affordable: The Palmer House Hilton 🏊 Best pool: The Peninsula Chicago 💤 Best massage: Eurostars Magnificent Mile 🏋️‍♀️ Best fitness center: The St Regis Chicago 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in Chicago Which area is best to stay in Chicago? Chicago is a sprawling city, but where it’s best to stay varies hugely based on the kind of trip you’re planning. First-timers would do well to be right in the action, opting for the River North or the Loop, whereas travelers after something a little more homely but still well connected should consider Lincoln Park or Wicker Park.  🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in Chicago

‘Overtourism’. It’s more than a buzzword – in the world’s most popular destinations, it’s a problem that affects almost every aspect of local life, from the environment to the cost of renting, transport and eating out. And when a place is overwhelmed by people, it’s not only locals’ quality of life that suffers; the quality of your trip does, too. But it’s not all bad. Destinations are coming up with ways to redistribute tourism from densely crowded hotspots to lesser-visited regions. Travellers are seeking cooler climes and embracing slow travel, allowing space to discover somewhere new. And they’re still riding the ‘destination dupes’ trend, where overrun holiday destinations are swapped out for less crowded, less expensive, but just-as-good alternatives. On our newly updated list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations, you won’t find your Bangkoks or your Balis, your Amalfis or your Amsterdams. What you will find is the hidden side of Yosemite, the French Riviera’s overlooked twin, a place where penguins outnumber people, and plenty more travel inspo where that came from.Why trust us? Because we’ve been to them all. Every spot on this list was picked by one of our expert editors and globetrotting travel writers, recommended because they offer great (or quiet) alternatives to the classics – and in many cases, because they’re places that actually want tourism. In other words, travelling to any of these 33 criminally overlooked destinations is a win-win situation.

Wish it could be Christmas every day? Well, you can enjoy the Big Day twice in one year now, thanks to the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. The city was crowned one of Europe’s Christmas Capitals for 2025, and it’s going all out this year to live up to the title. Vilnius is already home to Europe’s most underrated Christmas market, and on December 13, it will take the festive spirit up several notches by hosting a city-wide ‘Christmas Before Christmas’. You might not actually be able to jump on Father Christmas’s sleigh, but Vilnius has the next best thing: a gingerbread-shaped bus. Though unfortunately not edible, passengers will be transported throughout the city’s winter wonderland, with sights to marvel including the gravity-defying Christmas tree, blinged up by rows of fairy lights. Later services will also come complete with an on-board choir belting out all the Christmas classics.  Photograph: Go Vilnius / Gabriel Khiterer To really cement the feeling of being in an alternate reality where Christmas reigns supreme, you can bid goodbye to normal cash in Vilnius and instead swap it for a special Christmas currency. Various outlets dotted throughout the city accept the festive money, including the dining venue at the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre, where you can purchase the signature hot chocolate, and Paupio Market. At the market, you can blow it all on another sugary high: oven-baked apple caramelised in maple syrup and dusted with cinnamon. Visitors can also impart

It’s never too late, as the saying goes. There is truth to it, too. Specifically, when it comes to booking a last-minute getaway before we ring in the New Year. Sure, summer’s the hottest time to pack your bags (too hot, if you ask some people), but winter’s the real sweet spot. What better way to banish the blues than eating your way around a fairytale Christmas market or soaking in a steamy alpine spa? According to TripAdvisor, more than half of Brits are planning a winter holiday this year, with 46 percent intending to travel more this festive season than the last. Where are they headed? Well, the travel company has crunched its own data and named the top 10 trending European destinations this winter, based on year-on-year growth. The number one spot is Rovaniemi in Finland, otherwise known as the world’s most Christmassy place. The capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi is a big draw for travellers who want to make a pilgrimage to Santa’s official hometown. You can even meet the man himself at Santa Claus Village. But that’s not all Rovaniemi has to offer: there’s also husky tours, Lapland safaris and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Hot on the heels of Rovaniemi is Dublin in Ireland. The second most trending European destination in the colder months, Ireland’s capital becomes a winter wonderland at this time of year, but with a cultural twist in the lead-up to Christmas. Though the cold may make temporary recluses of most people, in Dublin, the atmosphere is electric, with

Unbeatable pintxos in San Sebastián, jaw-dropping ruins in Rome and gallery-hopping in Paris are all well and good – but sometimes you just want a more laid-back European escape. Scattered across the continent are remote islands with fewer crowds, untouched beaches and serious R&R potential. That’s why the Azores have long been a go-to for in-the-know travellers. The bad news for budget flyers? Getting there is about to get a whole lot harder. Ryanair has announced it will axe all of its routes to and from the autonomous Portuguese islands, which have been nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ owing to their dramatic volcanic landscape, Jurassic Park-style waterfalls and rich greenery. If you’re planning a trip there on a Ryanair plane, you still have a bit of time, as the airline will be ceasing its routes to the archipelago from March 29, 2026. In total, around 400,000 seats will get the chop.  Why has Ryanair done this? Well, the ultra-low cost Irish airline carrier is blaming ‘high airport fees’ set by Ponta Delgada international airport, which is located on the island of São Miguel and operated by French airport company ANA. Ryanair said that airport traffic control charges have soared by 120 percent since the end of the pandemic, while a €2 (£1.75) travel tax has also been introduced. In a statement, Ryanair’s CCO Jason McGuiness said: ‘We are disappointed that the French airport monopoly ANA continues to raise Portuguese airport fees to line its pockets, at the expense of P

Forget meticulously detailed itineraries and hour-by-hour travel plans, as to really understand the essence of the city, you can’t beat hitting the streets and getting lost. We’re big fans of street life here at Time Out, which is why we publish an annual ranking of the coolest streets in the world, spotlighting our favourite local hangouts in the world’s best cities.  While a street in Rio de Janeiro took the top spot this year, there are alleyways, avenues and thoroughfares from all corners of the globe to explore – including two in Africa. Cape Town’s Kloof Street is Africa’s coolest street right now The coolest street in Africa in 2025 is Kloof Street in Cape Town, which came 22nd on the global list. In one direction, you can take a stroll uphill towards Table Mountain, while the other leads you towards the city bowl. Along the way, you’ll encounter broekie-lace balconies, concept stores, cocktail dens and innovative restaurants.  Time Out’s local expert Selene Brophy recommends Blondie for street-side Mediterranean dining (think barbecued fish swimming in a tomato, white wine and butter sauce, or a slab of sirloin on toast). There’s also Japanese-inspired convenience store Kloof Konbini, which has an ample selection of grab-and-go meals that are plucked straight out of Tokyo.  Ishani ChettyOur Local, Kloof Street. Selene also highlighted the street’s art and culture offering, including AKJP Studio, a one-stop local design destination that acts as a concept store, galle

La millor manera de conèixer una ciutat? Apagar Google Maps, deixar la guia a la tauleta de nit de l’hotel i perdre’s pels carrers. Res supera passejar per un carreró qualsevol i trobar de sobte un bar autèntic on la cervesa és freda, però la gent és càlida, o descobrir una botiga que és un autèntic tresor de productes artesans i objectes vintage. Per això, a Time Out hem recorregut a la nostra xarxa global d’editors i experts locals per nominar els carrers que millor representen les seves ciutats en el nostre rànquing anual dels carrers més cool del món. Gairebé un terç d’aquests carrers són a Europa, així que si esteu planejant una escapada, aquí teniu les nou vies per les quals val la pena passar. Photograph: Daniel Bartolomé / Barcelona City Council Porto és la llar del carrer més guai d’Europa La Rua do Bonjardim de Porto és el carrer europeu més ben classificat, en el tercer lloc a la llista mundial. Situada al centre de la ciutat, la via és en una localització privilegiada per accedir a grans atraccions com el mercat de Bolhão i l’Avenida dos Aliados, però conserva el seu encant tranquil. Allà podreu visitar botigues de queviures tradicionals com Casa Januário i Pretinho do Japão, al costat de restaurants mítics com Conga —molt estimat pels seus bifanas (entrepans de porc)— i l’establiment mexicà Duello. Cap visita a la Rua do Bonjardim és completa sense el gran Teatre Rivoli, un dels millors espais d’arts escèniques de la ciutat, amb una programació cultural vibran

Ya tiene el legendario Sunday Fischmarkt, la imponente sala de conciertos Elbphilharmonie y el glorioso bar de playa urbana StrandPauli, y ahora Hamburgo se convertirá en la sede de un nuevo teatro de ópera de primera categoría a la orilla del agua, en HafenCity. El teatro de ópera está destinado a convertirse en el próximo punto cultural destacado de la segunda ciudad más grande de Alemania, que ya está llena de actividades y lugares interesantes por descubrir. Si Hamburgo no estaba aún en tu lista de destinos pendientes, esta nueva incorporación seguramente te hará cambiar de opinión. Aunque el espacio de última generación será la futura residencia de la Ópera Estatal de Hamburgo, el Ballet de Hamburgo y la Orquesta Filarmónica Estatal, ofrecerá a los visitantes mucho más que espectáculos en directo cautivadores. Foto: Instagram / @big_builds El equipamiento está diseñado como un destino multifacético, con grandes jardines escalonados en la azotea —abiertos al público, no solo a las personas con entrada— con vistas panorámicas al río Elba y HafenCity. En conjunto, se perfila como el lugar ideal para pasear, probar una rebanada de stollen (pan de frutas) y tomar un Helbing Kümmel (un licor local hecho de semillas de alcaravea) mientras contemplas el esplendor de Hamburgo. Un diseño “arquitectónicamente impactante” El teatro ha sido proyectado por el estudio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), que superó a múltiples estudios de arquitectura para ganar el contrato. Tras un largo proc

Ja té el llegendari Sunday Fischmarkt, la imponent sala de concerts Elbphilharmonie i el gloriós bar de platja urbana StrandPauli, i ara Hamburg es convertirà en la seu d’un nou teatre d’òpera de primera categoria a la vora de l’aigua, a HafenCity. El teatre d’òpera està destinat a convertir-se en el pròxim punt cultural destacat de la segona ciutat més gran d’Alemanya, que ja és plena d’activitats i llocs interessants per descobrir. Si Hamburg no era encara a la teva llista de destinacions pendents, aquesta nova incorporació segurament et farà canviar d’opinió. Tot i que l’espai d’última generació serà la futura residència de l’Òpera Estatal d’Hamburg, el Ballet d’Hamburg i l’Orquestra Filharmònica Estatal, oferirà als visitants molt més que espectacles en directe captivadors. Foto: Instagram / @big_builds L'equipament està dissenyat com una destinació multifacètica, amb grans jardins esglaonats a la teulada —oberts al públic, no només a les persones amb entrada— amb una vista panoràmica sobre el riu Elba i HafenCity. En conjunt, es perfila com l’indret ideal per passejar, tastar una llesca de stollen (pa de fruites) i prendre un Helbing Kümmel (un licor local fet de llavors de comí) mentre contemples l’esplendor d’Hamburg. Un disseny “arquitectònicament impactant” El teatre ha estat projectat pel despatx Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), que va superar múltiples estudis d’arquitectura per guanyar el contracte. Després d’un llarg procés, un jurat independent —format per la ciutat

If you think of an island paradise with long stretches of sandy coastlines and azure blue beaches, Bali is likely the first place to spring to mind. And what’s not to love? There’s a vibrant food scene, majestic mountains, lush jungles, magnificent temples and a rich culture. Frankly, that’s only the half of it. Bali’s unique draws are certainly no secret. In recent years, the tropical getaway has seen a huge spike in tourists, from digital nomads to influencers and everyone in between. However, high visitor numbers are becoming a problem on the paradisiacal island, with the government having previously announced plans to manage overtourism. Now, it’s proposing further steps to safeguard its culture by banning private beaches. For a long time, serious concerns have been raised that hotels, villas, resorts and beach clubs have been ring-fencing coastlines, leaving no place for locals to go. This is vitally important because in Hindu culture, the sea is used for religious ceremonies, like Segara Kerthi and Pakelem. The fear is these rituals, which can involve performance, prayers and the release of sea creatures, are being wiped out of existence. To put a stop to this, on November 17, Governor I Wayan Koster submitted draft proposals recommending the total ban of private beaches in a hearing with Balinese lawmakers. The governor said the hope is to ‘restore Bali’s beaches to its original purpose’, according to Asia News. He continued: ‘Access to the beach for Segara Kerthi or P

It already has the legendary Sunday Fischmarkt, the epic concert hall Elbphilharmonie and glorious city beach bar StrandPauli, and now Hamburg will become home to a brand-new, world-class opera house on the waterfront in HafenCity. The opera house is set to become the next cultural hotspot in Germany’s second-largest city, which is already brimming with great things to do. If Hamburg wasn’t already on your travel bucket list, its latest addition will make you think again. While the state-of-the-art venue will become the future residence of the Hamburg State Opera, the Hamburg Ballet and the Philharmonic State Orchestra, it will offer visitors more than just captivating live performances. Designed as a multi-faceted destination, the opera house will have layered rooftop gardens – open to the public, not just ticket-holders – with panoramic views over the River Elbe and the HafenCity. All in all, it’s shaping up to be the perfect spot to go for a stroll, grab a slice of Stollen (fruit bread), and sip on Helbing Kümmel (a local liquor made from caraway seeds) while taking in the splendour of Hamburg. The opera house has been designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), which beat off multiple other architectural firms to win the contract. After a competitive process, an independent jury – made up of the City of Hamburg, the Kühne Foundation and external experts – unanimously chose BIG thanks to its ‘architecturally striking’ plans for a ‘welcoming space for both residents and visitors

Sometimes, tourists forget their manners abroad. Some countries have taken action, like South Korea’s Jeju Island, which has imposed fines for smoking and littering, or Bali, which has had to issue a strict set of rules to curb ‘naughty’ behaviour. Now, France has followed suit and unveiled a ‘decisive and effective’ set of sanctions for unruly air passengers. Flyers who don’t abide by the French government’s new legislation could be fined up to €10,000 (£8,797) for a single rule-break or €20,000 (£17,595) for repeat offenders. In the most extreme cases, antisocial travellers could also face a flight ban for up to four years. So, what are the new rules? Punishable offences include using an electronic or electrical device when it’s forbidden, disrupting the flight crew or the safety announcements and refusing to comply with a safety instruction given by a crew member. These will apply to all airline companies that have an operating licence issued by France. Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot said the crackdown was to ensure the ‘unacceptable’ behaviour does not compromise the safety of passengers and crew members, which he described as the ‘absolute priority’. He continued, according to euronews: ‘It jeopardises flight safety and compromises the working conditions of flight crews. With this decree, we’re equipping ourselves with the means for swift, fair and proportionate enforcement. This new regulatory framework sends a strong message: disruptive behaviour will no longer

The best way to get to know a city? Turning off Google Maps, leaving your guidebook on your hotel’s bedside table and getting lost in the streets. Nothing can top meandering down a random alleyway and stumbling across a quirky dive bar where the beers are cold but the locals are warm, or finding a shop that’s a treasure trove of artisan products and vintage trinkets. That’s why at Time Out, we’ve hit up our global network of local editors and experts to nominate the streets that showcase the best of their city for our annual ranking of the world’s coolest streets. Nearly a third of those streets were based in Europe, so if you’re planning a jaunt there, here are the nine streets worth pounding the pavements for.  Porto is home to Europe’s coolest street Rua do Bonjardim in Porto was the highest-ranked street in Europe, coming in third on the global list. Located downtown, the street is in a prime position for major attractions like Bolhão Market and Avenida dos Aliados, yet retains its own quiet charm. It’s home to old-school grocers like Casa Januário and Pretinho do Japão alongside legendary restaurants like Conga, much-loved for its bifanas (pork sandwiches), and Mexican spot Duello. No trip to Rua do Bonjardim is complete without the grand Rivoli Theatre, one of the city’s best performance venues, with a vibrant cultural programme. © MMPO Ottto fica na rua do Bonjardim Perhaps unsurprisingly, a street in Berlin, a city that has become shorthand for cool, secured the sec

Paisajes espectaculares, buena gastronomía, una gran variedad de planes por hacer... Todos son motivos más que válidos para viajar. Pero, ¿qué me decís también de una bienvenida cálida? Porque, seamos sinceros: no hay nada mejor que perderse por un callejón, tropezar con un bar escondido y acabar charlando con gente local hasta la hora de cierre. Según los Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 de Condé Nast Traveller, un país a menudo ignorado ha sido coronado como el más acogedor de Europa. Lectores de todo el mundo han compartido sus experiencias de viaje, ¿y cuál ha sido el ganador sorpresa? Estonia. El pequeño país báltico, conocido por sus bosques de cuento, playas salvajes y saunas junto a lagos, ha superado a los grandes nombres de Europa y se ha colocado en lo más alto de la clasificación. Foto: Shutterstock Su capital, Tallin, es un lugar declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco, lleno de calles empedradas, murallas medievales y pequeñas plazas escondidas. De día, la ciudad tiene el encanto de un cuento de hadas; de noche, se transforma en una mezcla vibrante de bares con música en directo, cervecerías artesanales y locales de estilo clandestino que sirven cerveza local. El aire puede ser fresco, pero la energía de Estonia está lejos de ser fría. En segunda posición está Irlanda, donde el buen ambiente es casi un deporte nacional. Siéntate en un taburete en un pub de Galway y, antes de que te des cuenta, ya estarás charlando con gente del lugar. En las Islas Aran,