Talia Gilliham

When searching for the best staycation destinations in the UK, you may not expect to find the Kent seaside town of Margate to be inching its way up the list. But after taking one look at its quirky shops, incredible restaurants and characterful bars, you’ll soon know why. This increasingly popular location has its old-school charm and close proximity to London on its side; nowadays, people are even more inclined to seek out a cheap holiday option that still promises a frolick in the sand and an escape from the city, and the gentrification of Margate has led it to become a major box-ticker when it comes to this set of requirements.  And what will make your decision to choose Margate as a staycation spot even easier? Its selection of stunning Airbnbs – and we’ve rounded up the best ones we could find to help speed up the booking process. And the beauty of this Kent gem is that you can pop down for the weekend and still make it back home in time to meal prep for Monday’s office lunch.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in MargateThe best things to do in Margate  Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

As soon as you hear about blue-tiled walls, sloping cobbled streets and endless traditional tavernas, you know it could only be Porto. The second largest city in Portugal is home to some of the most unique building designs and architecture, and if you choose wisely, you might even be able to stay within them.  The city's hotels are fine and dandy, but for a more local affair, it's worth looking at Airbnbs first. Lucky for you, we've got a dozen of them - each with its own personality across all the lively neighbourhoods in town. After all, if you want to explore this city like a local, with all its great attractions and things to do, it's probably best to live like one, too. Here are the best Airbnbs in Porto to book in 2026.  Updated July 2026: This year, we've expanded our options across Porto with a fab studio stay for solo travellers or couples, along with a leafy-green cottage in an underrated side of town.  The best Airbnbs in Porto, at a glance 🌿 Best for nature lovers: The Green Cottage by the Parque da Cidade👨🏽‍👩🏽‍👧🏽‍👦🏽 Best for families: The poolside escape in central Porto💗 Most romantic: The gorgeous old-world flat on Rua do Almada⛰️ Best views: The Lada River House by the UNESCO World Heritage Site😎 Best solo stay: The downtown studio with the garden view It’s our mission to help you make your trip as smooth sailing as possible. For this, we've based our list on visits by our expert travel writers, along with top reviews, hosts and amenities to find

Munich has far more going for it than its famous beer festival. The city I’ve called home for almost a decade is also a top destination for art, museums, urban parks and fantastic regional food. Without a doubt, my favourite thing to do here is head to the river with its buzzing banks, roomy bike lanes and secluded stony beaches a little further out of town.  What’s the best neighbourhood in Munich? When it comes to neighbourhoods, the Glockenbach district is where I spend most time, thanks to its vibrant mix of cafes, bars, restaurants and independent shops. However, I also love the Schlachthofviertel with its more alternative vibe and venues such as the Münchner Volkstheater, or Maxvorstadt with its diverse collection of museums and relaxed student hangs. If you’re after an affordable or more spacious place to stay while you’re here, Airbnb has options a-plenty. Check out our suggestions selected from the best Airbnbs Munich has to offer. 🏨 Discover our ultimate guide to hotels in Munich Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, our writers have based our list on expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, 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. Kate Mann is a writer based in Munich. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by l

Need a place to stay in London? You’re in the right place. Every year, a wealth of new hotels open in the capital – a testament to the fact that London remains one of the most desirable places to visit in the world. That can, however, make it rather tricky to decide which to choose. But worry not: we have slept our way across the city and hand-picked our favourites, to bring you this ultimate list of London hotels, from Mayfair to Shoreditch and far, far beyond.  Newcomers to our list include a few hotshot openings – the likes of Six Senses, the Newman and Zetter Bloomsbury – as well as a plenty of old classics. We’ve made sure to include budget-friendly, family-friendly and tourist-friendly stays, and we’ve included our favourite spots to visit nearby too. This is Time Out London, after all. In other words, we’ve made it all rather easy for you. Thank us later: here are the best hotels in London.  🏘️ Looking for even more options? Check out our list of the best Airbnbs in London Which area is best to stay in London? That entirely depends on what you’re looking for. If you’ve got cash to splash and and want to be right in the thick of it all for sightseeing, theatre and royal parks, stay in the West End. Want to live like a local and try out the city’s best wine bars and small plates? Try Hackney. For a homely, family-friendly vibe that’s a little further out, try Walthamstow. Or for our full breakdown, head to our full guide to where to stay in London.  How we curate our

In 2026, the logistical reality of The Sphere Las Vegas has changed the game. With a capacity of 18,600 fans all exiting at the exact same time onto Sands Avenue, the rideshare "surge" is no longer a suggestion—it’s a guarantee. We've seen prices hit $100 for a three-block trip. The smart money? Stay within the "Sphere Walk Zone." We’ve vetted these properties not just by distance, but by the quality of the path. From private indoor bridges to "secret" back-gate access that avoids the Strip crowds entirely, here is your definitive 2026 guide to the best hotels near the Sphere. While these are our top picks for the best hotels near the Sphere, you can see our full definitive ranking of the best hotels on the Las Vegas Strip here. If you'd rather see the Exosphere from your window than walk to it, check our guide to Sphere-view rooms. If you'd like to purchase tickets for events at the Sphere, click here.

The best trips to Vancouver rarely stick to the tourist checklist. They’re built around coffee in Mount Pleasant, sunset walks along the Seawall, afternoons at the beach and dinners you’ll still be thinking about weeks later. Whether you’re escaping for a long weekend or returning to a favourite city, these Airbnbs put you in the heart of the neighbourhoods that make Vancouver worth coming back to. RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best things to do in VancouverBest beaches in Vancouver right nowBest attractions in Vancouver

Long dismissed as merely a business hub or a stopover en route to Italy’s more obvious postcard destinations, in recent years Milan has firmly stepped into its own spotlight. Yes, it remains the country’s capital of fashion, design and shopping, but there’s far more to it than glossy boutiques and Fashion Week crowds. Beneath the shiny surface lies a place rich in history, culture and neighbourhood life, its treasures often quieter and more understated than those of Rome or Florence, but no less rewarding once discovered. The city has transformed dramatically over the past decade, with new hotels, restaurants, galleries and cultural spaces reshaping entire neighbourhoods. And while the buzz surrounding the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics may have helped accelerate that momentum, Milan’s appeal now extends far beyond major events. Whether you’re here for aperitivo-fuelled weekends, serious shopping, contemporary art or simply to experience modern Italian city life at its most stylish, there’s a hotel to suit every kind of traveller – and every budget. June 2026 update: We've added three grand hotels that are sure to pique your interest: the Portrait Milano, The Carlton and Hotel Principe di Savoia.  ➡️ READ MORE: Our full guide to the best neighbourhoods in Milan The best hotels in Milan, at a glance 🏛️ Best for architecture lovers: Portrait Milano💶 Most affordable: Nhow Hotel📍 Best location: Park Hyatt Milano✨ Most unique design: STRAF Hotel🦉 Best for night owls: 21 House

From the farthest reaches of the sprawling metropolis that is the ATL you’ll find no shortage of Southern charm and hospitality. The city attracts a mix of leisure and business travelers throughout the year, so it’s always bustling with activity. From historic landmarks and lush green parks to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife scene, the best things to do in Atlanta will please everyone (even kids). Here you can explore the region's deep-rooted history and the culture that the city has spawned, from its arts and industry to music and theater, not to mention the history of the Civil Rights movement. While you’re checking out the best things to do in Atlanta, be sure to dive into the city’s culinary offerings, where you’ll find a slew of renowned bars and restaurants ranging from classic to cutting-edge. Last updated June 2026: Summer in Atlanta heats up with plenty of festivals and events (as well as actual soaring temps). The World Cup is set to dominate event calendars around the city this season, but the best things to do in Atlanta are timeless. We’ve refreshed our list to include pricing and tips to help you get the most out of your time in the city. 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.

Airbnb has rapidly become the method of choice when it comes to finding somewhere to crash while you’re away. And you know what? Some of these Airbnbs in Edinburgh prove exactly why – they’re incredible. Whether you’re eyeing up somewhere for a future trip – say a little honeymoon perhaps – or you just fancy having a little nose around someone else’s house, these Edinburgh Airbnbs are definitely worth checking out.  And remember, there are a lot of incredible things to do in Edinburgh so when you’re visiting, make sure you check this incredible part of the world out properly. And once you’ve done that? Head out into the stunning Scottish countryside, before retiring to your Edinburgh Airbnb for a well-earned rest. Happy travels. Updated January 2025: We've done some digging and we've found new properties we think you should have on your radar. One is a chic apartment with stunning castle views and the other is a bright and beautiful Old Town flat. RECOMMENDED: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Head over to the best Airbnbs in the UK🏘️ Where to stay in Edinburgh🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Stay in the best Airbnbs in Glasgow 🏰 Check out the best hotels in Edinburgh Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb 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.

In 2026, the boldest luxury move you can make in Las Vegas is opting out of the casino floor entirely. While the "mega-resorts" are locked in an arms race of flashing lights and floor-shaking acoustics, a new class of high-ADR traveler is looking for the "Elevated Entry." These are properties where the lobby smells of eucalyptus instead of expensive cigars, and where the only sound you'll hear upon arrival is a hushed concierge greeting rather than a triple-cherry jackpot chime. The "Non-Gaming" movement has become the cornerstone of Las Vegas’s "Quiet Luxury" pivot. Staying at a casino-free hotel on the Strip doesn't mean you’re far from the action—it means you have a private, smoke-free sanctuary to retreat to once you’ve had your fill of the neon. From the residential chic of CityCenter to the private-club atmosphere of the South Strip, these are the best 2026 hotels for those who want the glitz of the Boulevard without the grind of the gaming floor. While these are our top picks for non-casino hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, you can see our full definitive ranking of the best hotels on the Las Vegas Strip here.

Okay, let’s not beat around the bush. The ultimate Venice bucket list? That’ll be the attractions listed below. Destination cities don’t come much more beloved than Venezia, with its dreamy canals, old churches and romantic alleys, accentuated by delightful restaurants and a magnificent selection of museums. Venice lives up to the hype and then some.The best attractions in Venice are a microcosm of everything that makes this place so special, touching on the centuries of history that shimmer around every corner. The most romantic city in Europe? Visit Venice and decide for yourself. For our locally-curated list of off-the-beaten track recommendations, visit our best things to do in Venice – but if you just want to hit those bucket list attractions? You’re in the right place. Here are its top tourist spots, right now.  📍 Discover our ultimate guide to what to do in Venice At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by locals and travel experts who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

London has no shortage of glitz, glamour and its fair share of predictable luxury. But if you’re after a stay with real personality, it’s worth skipping the big-names and diving into the city’s ever-evolving boutique scene. The term ‘boutique’ gets thrown around a lot, but every hotel on this list has something that sets it apart – whether that’s carefully curated interiors, standout art or those thoughtful little touches that make it feel genuinely special, and a little more like home. From cosy, characterful hideaways tucked down side streets to bold, design-led stays that rival the capital’s five-star heavyweights, these are the best boutique hotels in London, with our new number one The Newman fresh in for 2026.  London’s best boutique hotels at a glance 🌟 Best aparthotel: The July Victoria👑 Most historic: Hazlitt's🍴 Best for foodies: The Hoxton, Shepherd's Bush🧖‍♀️ Best for relaxation: The Newman💎 Most Modern: The Standard How we curate our hotel lists? Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our pool of trusted hotel experts, every hotel on this list has been individually reviewed and selected for a reason: we’ve been there, we think it’s great and we’d genuinely recommend it. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on

If you’re a homebody who loves to travel but hates leaving your creature comforts behind, a stay at Room2 offers the best of both worlds. As the UK’s first ‘hometel’ brand, it’ll take you a moment to figure out whether you’ve woken up in a luxe apartment or inner-city hotel room. There’s an emphasis on casual hospitality, geared towards common folk who feel out of place in fancy-pants establishments. The whole vibe is very relaxed, but that doesn’t mean standards aren’t high; you can expect just as much from this place as you would a five-star outpost – minus the bells and whistles.  What’s the vibe at Room2? Above all else, this is an eco-conscious hotel – and what could be more important than that? It runs on 100 percent electric and low-carbon renewable energy, with a zero-waste-to-landfill policy to top it off. The interiors represent this ethos through a lack of flash and extravagance – along with a flurry of tropical foliage to really drive home their appreciation for nature.  Your trendiest friend’s flat? That’s pretty much what they’re going for, aesthetic-wise. You’re able to take in the whole open-plan lobby and dining area from the second you enter. There’ll be a lot going on, from cocktails being slung behind the bar at Winnie’s, to all-day food being served and groups socialising in the comfy living room-style chill zones. An essence of home should be ever-present, whether you find it in the warm lighting, slow pace or homey accessories: think indoor plants, fram

Taking inspiration from the loud-and-proud exuberance of London’s West End, there’s no holding back at Broadwick Soho. It’s an independent hotel to its core – you won’t find interiors like this anywhere else, and service is like clockwork. From the moment you walk through that big pink townhouse door, and step into a lobby of pink pastels and perfectly place furnishings, like something from an elaborate doll’s house, you can sense you’re about to experience something special. And trust us – you are. What are the rooms like at Broadwick Soho? Rooms range from ‘Standard’ to ‘Deluxe’ with not a whole load setting them apart besides the square footage. The cheapest deal you’ll find is £450 a night. Every inch is highly decorative – I arrive at my fairytale-worthy bedroom with a childlike wonder. Bedside lamps shed a warm glow over the colourful space; pinks, blues, and greens make up the palette, and a floral rug and muralled wardrobe add to the enchantment of it all. Everything is in-theme, right down to the telly, surrounded by a gilded frame – ideal for watching the many, many free new releases it’s got. Things turn starkly kitsch in the bathroom, adorned with blue leopard print wallpaper, a white marble sink and crystal light fixtures, as well as very nice Ortigia toiletries. If you’re visiting with kids, the hotel can provide baby beds, highchairs, nappy bins, bottle warmers and other useful things, and there’s an on-site babysitting service available on request too.  What i

It takes time for new hotels to get the recognition they deserve, even when bringing something the city’s never seen before. While Dublin’s hotel scene almost had all the bases covered, with everything from castle-bound accommodation to trend-setting urban stays, The Chancery has swooped in to pioneer the ‘high spec, low environmental impact’ category – and it won’t take long to notice how tech-heavy The Chancery really is. Both tech and sustainability are the building blocks that the hotel was founded upon. Didn’t think the two could go hand in hand? This place is the only evidence you need to know that isn’t true. They’re showing their dedication to the cause through water recycling, preventative measures against noise pollution, reclaimed furnishings, self-generating electricity and sensors that switch off lights and heating when no one is in the room. I’d say that Green Hospitality Award was well deserved.  What’s the vibe at The Chancery? The Chancery’s intimate open-plan layout combines the lobby and bar to form one collective social space. There’s a round-the-clock commotion – of the non-disruptive kind – consisting of people conversing over cocktails and lounging on the sofas adjacent to the front desk. It strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and rousing, simultaneously encompassing the excitement of the city and a sanctuary-like escape from it.  The bar itself is an inviting all-day hangout: cafe-esque casual with a sophisticated minimalist design, jazzed up w

A hotel with a ‘History’ section on their website that’s actually worth a read? One stay at Bank Hotel will have you fully invested in its origin story, which began in 1910 when the art nouveau building served as the head office of Södra Sverige Banking. It’s since housed a succession of banks before gaining a new lease of life come the hotel’s grand opening in 2018, in a bid to turn Stockholm’s business district into more of a social hub. In keeping with this mission, the five-star institution has established itself as a firm favourite for locals and tourists to grab a libation by combining its boutique charm with late-night, award-winning cocktails. And the result? A buzzing atmosphere for guests and a sense that all those staying are honourary Stockholm socialites. Despite its aura of exclusivity, the team behind Bank Hotel want nothing more than for guests to feel at home. That much was clear from the attentiveness from staff, as well as the warm and welcoming interiors; the lobby is enveloped by mahogany panelled walls, paired with diamond pattern flooring for a timeless look. Original details of the old bank remain, from iron doors and gates to the show-stopping vault-turned-wine cellar, to remind everyone of the opulent building’s humble beginnings.The classic design continues into the sumptuous bedrooms – each made to mimic the comfort and familiarity of one's own home (or dream home, in my case). My 8th-floor room was anything but spill-proof, with cream carpets and

The London Dungeon is always an obvious choice for a day out if you need your fix of thrills and chills come Halloween, but you may get more frights than you bargained for this time round with their new and exclusive-to-2024 seasonal show: Séance. Everyone's favourite blood-chilling attraction is celebrating 50 years of horrorifying tourists and Londoners alike by subjecting visitors to its scariest show yet. Serving as a paranormal interlude to the Dungeon's usual goings-on (AKA guts spurting in the torture chamber, Jack the Ripper showing up unannouced at the Ten Bells pub and a witch making the ground shake before your very eyes), this portion of the tour will see you communicating with the other side via Ouija board... Set inside the foyer of a haunted house, expect to feel a ghostly presence as the séance-gone-wrong results in all hell breaking loose (literally). As books fly off the shelves, lights cut out and threatening messages appear on the window, prepare for the biggest shock of all as you come face to face with the spirit of Mary Ann Cotton – a notorious 19th century murderer. The show is running throughout the Halloween period and is included in the standard ticket price.  Tickets start from £26.50 for adults and £22 for children up to 15. Book ahead online for the best deals. 

Not exactly known for its subtlety, this small-yet-bold European hotel chain isn’t afraid to make a statement. Kept separate from the Islington bustle in an unassuming part of town, it almost feels like nhow Hotel has been granted its own quiet corner of London to allow room for its big personality to shine through without overshadowing any establishments in its vicinity.  Prepare for an ambush of colourful quirky decor. I’d describe the space as a perfect storm of London-themed paraphernalia, filled with fun furnishings, alongside enough muted elements to bring the whole look back down to earth. Despite the black phone box, armchairs upholstered in royal guard uniforms, LED message boards as seen on the tube and a giant modernist replica of Big Ben, the overall design does in fact maintain an edginess that stops it from feeling gaudy.  The dynamic aesthetic of this neighbourhood hotel continues throughout its 190 rooms. Regal-meets-punk seems to be the vision, with a graffiti mural of the Queen and an abstract Union Jack rug making up the room’s most eye-catching features. However, much like the lobby, the white bedding and exposed plaster ceiling provided a much-needed tone-down of the space. With plump beds to melt into, a rainfall shower and warm lighting emitted from a bowler hat lamp, it was clear to see that the injection of fun and wow-factor decoration didn’t lead to a compromise on comfort.  The hotel is well-equipped for city living; there’s rentable fold-up bikes,

Catch the news about those two massive revivals at the Bridge Theatre? Well, it’s big: Nicholas Hynter’s 2019 smash version of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (a joyously OTT take on a Shakespeare classic – complete with giant moon balls) will return to London, alongside a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s fairy-tale musical, ‘Into The Woods’. A huge deal for theatre fans, basically. The announcement has already caused quite the stir, and we reckon tickets will fly out the door for both shows. But here’s something else you might (ie definitely do) want to know: although the box office opens for these at noon on Friday Feb 28, we’ve got access to pre-sale tickets through our official theatre ticketing partner, TodayTix. So, if you want a jump on everyone else? Head here for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ tickets and here for ‘Into the Woods’ tickets, available from noon on Thursday Feb 27 – that’s a full day before the box office. This is a major event in the theatre world; if you know anything about the 2019 production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, you’ll know it’s remembered as the Bridge’s biggest and best spectacle from the theatre’s first few years of opening – ending in an iconic audience-wide rave-up with the cast. This is your chance to finally join the party! Pre-sale tickets for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Into The Woods’ are available from noon on Thursday Feb 27. Head to ticketing.timeout.com to purchase.

Has the excitement of Christmas started to dwindle? Is all you’re left with a pile of torn-up wrapping paper and a handful of blue Quality Streets? Well that’s okay: it’s sales time. And whaddya know, the London theatre world has one of its own, the cunningly named Boxing Day Theatre Sale – partnered with Time Out – which is offering tickets at exceptional prices until January 5. Which makes you the winner, basically. So brighten up these gloomy months ahead and catch some world-class West End theatre for a whole lot less, with tickets available for shows including Stranger Things: The First Shadow, The Tempest (starring Sigourney Weaver), and some of the last performances of the five-star immersive spectacular Guys & Dolls.  If you want to keep that Christmas vibe alive and see something in the next few days, then there are great deals to be had on festive shows like Horrible Christmas at Ally Pally or the Hackney Empire’s pantomime Dick Whittington & His Cat. Or you may want to look further ahead: grab an early bargain on the 101 Dalmatians musical or see Dirty Dancing when it opens at the brant new Capital Theatre in the autumn. Or, more generally, see a show at a nice price: there are more than 60 productions taking part in this promo, so if you want to see shows like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Dr Strangelove, Cirque du Soleil and Mrs Doubtfire for as little as £13, this is your chance. You might want to be speedy though, as tickets do tend to run out pretty quic

Remember a couple of weeks ago when we gave our top picks from the just-launched London Theatre Week? Well we have some more excellent news because the promotion has just been extended, with ‘Hamilton’ now joining the fray with tickets from a pretty damn reasonable £35.  But that’s not the only show to get excited about, because you can also pick up tickets to ‘Mrs Doubtfire’, ‘Wicked’, ‘The Book of Mormon’, ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Matilda’ (all from £25), as well as ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Starlight Express’ and a whole lot more from just £35. Still not enough? Okay, well you can also bag £15 tickets for shows like ‘Tina: the Tina Turner Musical’, ‘The Mousetrap’, and ‘Fawly Towers the Play’.  And don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to use your tickets – this promotion is just a purchasing period, with redemption dates going well into October (and often beyond). So, get them now, save some money, and choose a date that suits you. Easy. London Theatre Week runs until Sunday September 8 2024. To book tickets head here.   The 10 best new London theatre openings in September The best new London theatre shows to book for in 2024 and 2025. Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel. Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.