Liv Kelly

Whether you’re a fully-fledged railfan or just a traveller who loves convenience, 2024 has been an unmatched year when it comes to new night services. Countries throughout Europe, in bids to make travelling more planet-friendly and affordable, have launched countless sleeper routes this year, meaning most of us now have plenty of motivation to swap flights for night trains on our next trip. In other words, sleeper trains are back, baby, and at Time Out, we’re here for it. With the option to hop on a train, journey thousands of miles and wake up in your destination (hopefully with enough energy to go out and explore), night services are kind of ideal scenarios, right? And luckily, you’ve got us train afficionados on hand to point you in the right direction. So, pack your bag, embark your cabin and settle in – here are the most exciting sleeper trains we can’t wait to ride in 2025.  RECOMMENDED:🌤️The most scenic railway journeys in Europe🗺️The ultimate Interrail itinerary for Europe🚂The most beautiful European train journeys from London🚞The best train journeys in the world 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. 

Plenty of us dread the cold temperatures and rainy days that linger for months when winter arrives, but as with every year, there are plenty of places adorned with twinkly lights, filled wholesome crafty goods and pouring cups of steaming glögg that’ll help us get us through it. Christmas Markets are joy-filled places, there’s no denying that, and from the cobbled streets of Edinburgh to the mountainous backdrop of Lucerne, there are little squares all over Europe packed with stocking filler and cheerful vibes. Whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas or looking to escape to the Mediterranean, there’s a perfect destination on this list for you. Here are our favourite Christmas markets in Europe. Best Christmas markets in Europe at a glance 👯‍♀️ Most popular: Rathausplatz, Vienna, Austria 🎄 Most traditional: Town Hall Square, Tallinn, Estonia 🎠 Most unique: Liseberg, Gothenburg, Sweden 🔔 Most atmospheric: Colmar, France ⛄ Most underrated: Cathedral Square, Vilnius, Lithuania Which country in Europe has the best Christmas markets? There are a lot of great Christmas markets in Europe, but the country that boasts the highest volume of great Christmas markets has to be Germany. Here you’ve got the likes of Nuremberg (arguably the most famous on the continent), Munich, Berlin, Ravenna Gorge and a whole lot more – each of them as weird, wonderful and uniquely German as the next. For the full list, check out our guide to the best Christmas markets in Germany.  📍 Discove

You’ve done the classics: the capital cities, the TikTok viral spots, the cities with their own Netflix show. And don’t get us wrong, we love the classics for a reason. But there’s a downside to these big, bustling, bucket-list-worthy travel destinations. If you’ve ever queued an hour for a pastry, spent your day’s budget on a coffee or had to book a museum three months in advance, you’ll know it as well as us: it’s the crowds.  And following years of anti-tourism measures, Airbnb restrictions and demonstrations in response to overtourism, there’s never been a better time to think outside the box for your travels – especially when so many incredible European spots are getting overlooked. This is our ultimate guide to Europe’s best hidden spots, from culture-packed city breaks to under-the-radar national parks. If you’re travelling on a budget, searching for quiet or just desperate to try somewhere new, these are the most underrated places to visit in Europe right now, according to Time Out experts.  Europe’s most underrated destinations at a glance ⛱️ Best for a beach holiday: Terracina, Italy 📸 Best weekend city break: Gothenburg, Sweden 💸 Best budget-friendly: Plovdiv, Bulgaria ❄️ Best winter escape: Machynlleth, Wales 🥾 Best outdoorsy adventure: Gerês, Portugal This guide was written by a number of Time Out contributors and experts. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editoria

Nowhere does Christmas quite like London. Come December, this city comes alive with dazzling festive lights, Christmas markets, theatre and endless shopping. Whether you’re venturing in from a nearby city or travelling from across the pond, there are endless reasons why a stay in the UK’s capital should be at the top of your list this festive season. Ready for some serious Christmas spirit? Look no further – we’ve handpicked the best hotels to stay in at Christmas in the Capital. And we’ve covered all the bases: hotels with Christmas markets on your doorstep, hotels that look out over ice skating rinks, and hotels that go all out for their very own festive offerings, with everything from bespoke Christmas packages to mega trees and blowout festive menus. And yes, you can stay on Christmas Day too. Ready to get festive? Us too. Read on for the best Christmas hotels in London this year.  📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in London  Who makes the cut? 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

Amsterdam is one of the world’s best cities, no doubt about it. Every wander down a cobbled street will take you somewhere exciting, whether you're a foodie, curious about the Red Light District, or in the mood to party for 24 hours straight. And as a tourism capital, it’s no surpise that it’s overrun with exceptional places to stay, from 18th-century canalside mansions to converted bridge keepers’ houses and seriously high-grade establishments.  So if you’re looking for a tip-top place to bed down after a day of exploring the city’s best museums, attractions and coffee shops, you’ve come to the right place. From the city centre through to De Negen Straatjes, here are the best hotels in Amsterdam right now. Updated January 2025: We re-reviewed Amsterdam’s five-star Conservatorium Hotel to see if it’s up-to-scratch (spoiler: it is). See where we ranked it below! RECOMMENDED:🏠 The best Airbnbs in Amsterdam🌳 Where to stay in Amsterdam 📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🍴 The best restaurants in Amsterdam🎀 The best boutique hotels in Amsterdam Ella Doyle and Grace Beard are Time Out’s travel editors. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by experts. 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. 

Summer is over. And while the remainder of 2025 in London will still see a few great day festivals take place, including Pitchfork and London Jazz Festival, we already can’t wait for festival season 2026.  By the time summer rolls around, Londoners will be absolutley spoilt for choice. With something taking place almost every weekend throughout the warmer months, you can forget trekking across the country to live in a field for five days; simply hop on the tube and before you know it you’re listening to your favourite artists, tinny to hand, knowing that there’s a hot shower and a cosy bed waiting for you once the day is over.  The lineup announcements for next year’s events are already starting to come in, with huge acts like Tyler, The Creator, Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull set to take to the London stage next summer. Plus,the future of events in Brockwell Park was thrown up in the air in 2025, however the south London park’s usual lineup of events – which includes Cross The Tracks, Wide Awake and Field Day – will all return in 2026.  Have a scroll through our comprehensive guide – which we keep meticulously updated with all the latest line-up announcements – and see what takes your fancy. RECOMMENDED: ⛺ The best UK music festivals🌍 The best festivals in Europe

The humble brunch is perhaps one of the greatest inventions of the modern age. Breakfast is too early to really get stuck into, while eating eggs and downing buckets of coffee at lunchtime seems odd. Brunch, then, is the one true morning-ish meal, especially if it incorporates pancakes, bacon and those aforementioned eggs. Or you can enjoy a totally vegan take on proceedings at LD’s at The Black Heart. London is particularly well stocked with places to indulge in the famous breakfast/lunch hybrid – one of the latest additions to this list is FKA Black Axe Mangal in Highbury, (don’t forgot to order a pig cheek and prune donut). 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.  Best brunches in London at a glance: 🌽 Best for vegans: LD’s at The Black Heart, Camden 🍖 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  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 our editorial guidelines. October 2025: Now that we're fully into cosy season, we've highlighted some of the more appropriate seasonal spots for a morning meal. Sulk in the dark like a massive (vegan) go

Ah Christmas, it really does creep on us every year. One day you're necking tinned cocktails on a picnic blanket in a packed summer park, the next you're looking up mulled wine recipes and wondering why you don't seem to have a night off til January. But why not get ahead of the game in 2025? Start planning now, and you'll be able to shop in quaint Christmas markets instead of online panic buying, arrange family pantomime outing, drag your friends to a jolly carol service, check out seasonal pop-ups and get stellar pics of London's OTT light displays. Time Out’s editorial team start thinking about Christmas long before the first autumn leaves flutter to the ground. We've beaten the crowds for a spot at Somerset House ice rink and strolled around the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market, year after year, and we're ready to show you some more leftfield, imaginative ways to celebrate the season. Keep checking this list and you'll see it fill up with magical Christmas events for 2025; hopefully it provides you with everything you need to make the absolute most of the holiday season, London style. London’s best Christmas events at a glance:  Best for families: The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo Best for buying gifts: DIY Christmas Art Market  Best for a party: Humbug: The Immersive Christmas Dive Bar Best for music: Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival Best for festive feels: Christmas at Kew  RECOMMENDED: 🎅Check out our full guide to Christmas in London🎄Discover the best hotel

October 2025: Autumn is arguably the very best time of year for exploring London’s museums. After a quiet summer, the capital’s biggest cultural institutions burst into life again when the leaves start turning brown, with a plethora of major exhibitions on. In October, you can catch recent openings including ‘Marie Antoinette Style’ at the V&A, ‘Blitz!’ at the Design Museum and the V&A East Storehouse’s David Bowie Centre, plus some great new arrivals including ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ at the Natural History Museum, ‘Emergency Exits’ at the Imperial War Museum and ‘Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World’ at the Portrait Gallery. Phew! 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 perhaps a wall of 4,000 mouse skeletons? Check, check and check! Being the cultured metropolitans that we are, Time Out’s editors love nothing more than a wholesome afternoon spent

We know that London is the best city in the world. But like any metropolis, it can also get a bit much sometimes. Occasionally, what you want isn’t to drink cocktails in a trendy bar after seeing the hottest Gen Z bedroom popstar at the Islington Assembly Hall, but a little peace and quiet, actually. Enter: the weekend getaway, invented by the Victorians (probably), there’s a reason why Londoners have been taking sojourns to the seaside on sunny bank holidays since the 1800s.  Together, we’ve come up with a cracking list of our favourite day trip destinations near London. There’s something for everyone here, from historic cities and cute villages to sandy beaches and rolling countryside. We've included some recommendations for ace restaurants, quaint little pubs, and our favourite things to do at each destination on the list – all of which are close enough to the city that you can get there and back in one sweet day.  Best day trips from London at a glance 🍔 Best for foodies: Margate 🎭 Best for culture lovers: Stratford-Upon-Avon ⛪ Best for history buffs: Canterbury 🛁 Best for families: Bath 🐴 Best for hikers: New Forest 🍺 Best for pub crawls: Lewes 🏖️ Best for seaside fun: Brighton RECOMMENDED:✨The best day trips an hour from London👪 The best family day trips from London☀️ The best weekend trips from London🏘️ The best Airbnbs near London🌳 The best quirky Airbnbs in the UK This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial conte

There’s a long (and we mean really long) list of reasons why one might choose to visit old New York—the food, the theatre, the bars and the art galleries, to name a few—but up there with the best things about this city is, without a doubt, its skyline. And while heading up to Top of the Rock or the One World Observatory are worthy ways to soak it up, your hotel room could be, too. So, that’s why we’ve compiled a round up of the best hotels in NYC with proper, show-stopping views. Sit back and enjoy. 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City 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 City

We’ve reached that time of year when there are now less than 100 days until Christmas. It might not be time to start untangling your fairy lights or baking mince pies, but there’s no harm in giving a little thought to your festive social plans. As winter arrives, Christmassy pop-ups spring up in central London, with plenty of cosy atmosphere that makes them perfect for a festive little tete-a-tete. We’re talking riverside heated igloos, Alpine-themed lodges and kitschy nostalgia-themed bars that will keep you warm and, most importantly, full of food and festive drinks. Most spots aren’t yet confirmed for 2025, but keep an eye on this page for the best hideaways, markets and quirky festive experiences waiting to lure you in from the cheek-tingling cold. London's best winter pop-ups at a glance: 🎢 Best for coaster kids: Winter Funland, West Kensington🎅 Best for partying with Santa: Humbug, Waterloo🥌 Best for silly sports: Club Curling, various locations🐷 Best for old-school feasting: The Great Christmas Feast, West Kensington🥶 Best for daredevils: Up at the O2's snow globe climbs, Greenwich PeninsulaRECOMMENDED: Here are the best things do in London this Christmas

St Martin's Voices and St Martin's Brass will this year be bringing us some stunningly festive performances of glorious music, carol singing and festive readings. Conducted by Andrew Earis, expect to hear beloved classic songs such as ‘The Holly and the Ivy’ and ‘O Holy Night’ plus the audience carols of ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ and ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’. Set against the beautiful backdrop of St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, these concerts promise to be a magical start to Christmas. 

What’s the vibe?  This space is one of Brighton’s most refined restaurants. It sits on Upper Market Street unbeknownst to the majority of passers-by, which gives it an exclusive, elevated vibe. The restaurant is tastefully and simply furnished with lots of pale wood and natural light giving it a beachhouse feel, and that is reflected in the menu.  What should I order?  The menu here changes regularly, but there’ll be a three-course set lunch menu for £35 per person or a decadent six-course option at dinner time which costs £85 per person. Each will include simple but super elegant seafood dishes, and the restaurant’s signature dish, the egg and soldiers, will (hopefully) be available at dinner time.

What’s the vibe?  In a nutshell, the vibe here is casual, speedy and really, really tasty. It’s unlikely you’ll wait long for your food to arrive, nor will you be at the table for much more than an hour, but we guarantee every second will be worth it. Why? Well, Bincho’s isn’t just a favourite of Brighton’s locals, but also of its chefs. What should I order? The chef here describes himself as an Izayaka fanatic, and after spending three years in Japan finessing the cooking techniques, you can bet that this is the most authentic take on southeast Asian cuisine that Brighton has to offer. There aren’t any duds on this menu – the only mistake would be not arriving ravenous.  

You might expect a Grade I National Trust property to be a bit of a stuffy and impersonal place to stay for a weekend, but Bodysgallen Hall, a lovingly restored manor house on Pydew Mountain in north Wales, is quite the opposite.  The hotel provided us tired, post-hike guests with a stay so comforting that, despite its looming size, felt more like we were at the home of an impossibly wealthy relative than a high-end hotel. Swathed by crackling fires, good, tasty food and amiable staff, this place is primed for a properly restful weekend.  Why stay at Bodysgallen Hall?  If you don’t just want a break from your day-to-day life but some proper respite from the 21st century, this is the place to stay. Bodysgallen Hall’s Main House feels a bit imposing as you approach it, but there’s something undeniably old-timey and welcoming about the place once you’ve stepped inside.  It brags all the traditional quirks that a proper country estate should, with comically low ground-floor ceilings, dark wood-panelled walls, heartily-stoked fires and marshmallow-like armchairs throughout the reception area and jumbled hallways, and much of it was built around 600 years ago. Though modern elements (speedy wifi and high-pressure showers) have seeped through, a weekend here still feels like you’ve dipped back into a different era.  What are the rooms like at Bodysgallen Hall? The Main House bedrooms could well remind you of a grandparent’s house, and I mean that as a compliment. The furnishings are

What’s the vibe?  Picture crisp white tablecloths, immaculately manicured waiters and an elevated, classy atmosphere, and you’ve pretty much got the opposite of Halisco. This is not the place for a formal evening dinner, but it most definitely is the place to take someone you’re trying to impress. Lip-smacking cocktails, inexplicably tasty Mexican-inspired small plates and an efficient, friendly, knowledgeable team of locals are what make this place so damn brilliant – and I bet my margarita that you’ll be telling your friends about it.  What are the prices like? The menu here follows a small-plates format – you’ll have snacks sitting around or just below £4, small plates, which range roughly from £8-£12, and of course the tacos, which tend to start at £9.50 for two. Lucky enough to swing by in the summer months? There could well be a salad and ceviche section, which last year started at £6. Mix it up, and don’t expect things to arrive in order.  What should I order? Halisco’s menu changes seasonally, but be sure to start your dinner with corn chips and guac, order the tenderstem broccoli (if it’s available) in whatever form it comes, and – even if you’re a meat eater – the oyster mushroom birria tacos. To wash it down, my go-tos are either a hibiscus margarita or a modelo chelada.  What’s worth visiting nearby? The newly opened Bar Halisco! Perched just over the road is Halisco’s brand-new sister venue, which opened just in time for National Margarita Day 2025. It’s got all

Despite being labelled by a cursive, neon pink signpost above its entrance, you could easily miss Viajante87 – it’s hidden in plain sight amidst the noise and fluorescence of Notting Hill Gate, and once you’re inside, feels miles away from all that too. The room is draped in moody layers and furnishings of rich teal with touches of gold, giving it a particularly luxe feel which is matched by the vibe of the service. Everything here is quite formal: we were met by a security guard who radioed a host to collect us at the bottom of the stairs, and, behind a heavy velvet curtain, were greeted with a cheery and unnervingly synchronised ‘hola!’ from the bartenders. That’s because, as is detailed on the cocktail menu, Viajante87 is based around the concept of ‘drinking like a local’, with your choices all inspired by flavours which hail from Central and South America. The three main sections on the menu are organised to mimic the stages of a journey: they’re branded as ‘comfortable’ (aperitif-like drinks), ‘curious’ (a little stronger) and ‘courageous’ (digestifs). If you’re feeling really courageous, you could even ignore the order in which they’ve designed the menu, though this lot clearly know what they’re doing.  Order this On the ‘be curious’ page of the menu, you’ll find the Pura Pache, a clean and fruity long drink which is a good light cocktail to kick things off. But if you’re a fan of bitter, negroni-esque flavours, don’t skip over the Blood Moon.  Time Out tip While this

Given it’s the second largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily), Sardinia brags quite a lot of coastline – 2,000 km, to be exact. Scenic beaches aren’t hard to come by here, but Delphina’s Valle dell’Erica occupies a particularly glorious spot on the island’s northern tip, on a plush green hillside where the coastal breeze ripples through the grass. Sounds lovely, right? On a clear day you can see across to Corsica, and when it’s hazy – as it was on my visit – you’re still surrounded by the ocean. Long story short, spectacular views are guaranteed.  Such vistas are best soaked in from the panoramic breakfast terrace in the main hotel building. Incidentally, the breakfast buffet is the only place where you’ll actually remember you’re in a resort. Valle Dell’Erica feels more like a small hilltop town: there are seven bars, seven restaurants, four pools, an enormous spa and a whopping 273 rooms. This sprawling complex houses two separate hotels: Hotel Erica (a slightly larger space with 148 rooms, catered to families) and Hotel La Licciola (a smaller, couple-oriented hotel, where 17 of the 125 rooms have access to an exclusive area and private pool). Rooms are cloistered in small blocks of three or four, each comfortably if plainly furnished, and are built with local granite and cork. From the resort’s beaches, the buildings appear to dissipate into the land – the brand calls this design ‘low visual impact’, a move to protect Sardinia’s coastline from the threat of towe

Given it’s the second largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily), Sardinia brags quite a lot of coastline – 2,000 km, to be exact. Scenic beaches aren’t hard to come by here, but Delphina’s Valle dell’Erica occupies a particularly glorious spot on the island’s northern tip, on a plush green hillside where the coastal breeze ripples through the grass. Sounds lovely, right? On a clear day you can see across to Corsica, and when it’s hazy – as it was on my visit – you’re still surrounded by the ocean. Long story short, spectacular views are guaranteed.  Such vistas are best soaked in from the panoramic breakfast terrace in the main hotel building. Incidentally, the breakfast buffet is the only place where you’ll actually remember you’re in a resort. Valle Dell’Erica feels more like a small hilltop town: there are seven bars, seven restaurants, four pools, an enormous spa and a whopping 273 rooms. This sprawling complex houses two separate hotels: Hotel Erica (a slightly larger space with 148 rooms, catered to families) and Hotel La Licciola (a smaller, couple-oriented hotel, where 17 of the 125 rooms have access to an exclusive area and private pool). Rooms are cloistered in small blocks of three or four, each comfortably if plainly furnished, and are built with local granite and cork. From the resort’s beaches, the buildings appear to dissipate into the land – the brand calls this design ‘low visual impact’, a move to protect Sardinia’s coastline from the threat of towe

Landing in Keflavik on a frosty 2C afternoon is a bit of a shock to the system compared to the balmy October temperatures of the UK, but once we start winding through the snow-dusted, ash-coloured peaks that loom moodily over Iceland’s coast, the biting cold feels appropriate.  Thankfully, the nippy feeling doesn’t last long. ION’s collection of hotels includes four properties – ION City and Hotel Von (starting rates are €430 and €175 respectively) where we stay in Reykjavik, Hotel Budir (from €277), our first stop nestled cosily between the mountains and the lapping shore of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and ION Adventure (€565) which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024. Each embody the Nordic concept of ‘hygge’, that feeling of convivial cosiness that you can only really experience in such perishingly cold places.  All are intrinsically Icelandic, but ION Adventure is the true show-stopper. A sleek glass box emerging from the moss-laden Mount Hengill, the hotel is a bold contrast to the tumbling volcanic landscape around it. But that landscape is still incorporated into the design, with furniture made from locally-sheered wool and actual lava. Sustainability is at the heart of these designs – even the sinks are made from recycled tires – and much of the interior is crafted by Icelandic architects. The hallway leading to the brand-new wing of 23 rooms (where we stayed) features bare concrete walls which will not be painted – paint is bad for the environment, guys – an

You’d be forgiven for feeling a little intimidated upon approaching Eastwell Manor. Its stern, neo-Elizabethan stone façade is dotted with boxy windows which appear as if they allow little light, and reaching reception involves dragging your luggage through an eerily still, imposing courtyard. But the vibe’s pretty different inside.  Through the comically large, dark-wood doors, the formality of the building does match the tone of the service, but we were warmly greeted by wafts from the restaurant, the excited buzz of guests from a wedding party and formally dressed but amicable team members. And that’s what’s unexpected about this place – how homely a massive country estate (particularly one with a tennis court, a hawking centre and beehives) can feel as soon as you arrive.  Our room, in the cottage buildings in the west corner of the grounds, was one designated for people on a spa break (it’s only a two-minute walk from the spa building) and other guests were flitting between the two buildings in just their dressing gowns, despite the October chill. The spa itself, the facilities of which include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room on the ground floor, as well as a restaurant, plus treatment and ‘relaxation’ rooms upstairs, does all the things a good spa should do, but is perhaps not quite matched to the size of the hotel – we arrived mid-afternoon to cop a poolside seat but were left with only one available spot to plonk ourselves. But the hotel doesn’t just of

Entering our park-view room on the ninth floor of the Athenaeum, our jaws dropped not because of the suite itself, but because it immediately lived up to its name: the south-facing hotel rooms offer tremendous views of the lush treetops of Green Park, and if you’re lucky enough to stay in on one of the top floors (nine is the highest), it’s pretty splendid. What’s more, the hotel has been designed to incorporate the park’s proximity: the compact, comfortable rooms and ground-floor reception feature floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of mirrors to complement and exaggerate the nearby greenery. Entering the hotel feels almost like you’re stepping inside an opulent conservatory.  Throughout the hotel there are nods to grand decor, but it’s not overdone. Twinkly light fixtures, velvet Chesterfield headboards and touches of gold are not going to be to everyone’s taste, but they feature in the light-flooded rooms and add glamour to mostly white walls and bedding – this hotel is in Mayfair, after all.  That emphasis on elegance is also reflected in the kind of service you get at the Athenaeum. Front of house members, at the reception during check-in and in the restaurant, were congenial, warm, but the atmosphere here is formal: there’s no small talk, no chit-chat during breakfast service – everything feels very proper.  While the surrounding neighbourhood boasts plenty of bougie places to eat, the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant is a worthy alternative, particularly for afternoon t

With interiors that look like they probably haven’t been updated since the place opened in 1997, and prices that also feel like they’re stuck in the past, a trip to locally loved Bayswater restaurant The Bengal feels like stepping back in time. The dated decor serves to create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy generous portions of classic curry house fare. The chef’s special bhunas and jalfrezis – both traditional Bengali dishes – stand out on a large menu of traditional Indian and Bangladeshi curries. Whether you’re sitting in or ordering a takeaway, this is a reliable option for inexpensive, flavoursome dinner. 

O nomadismo digital explodiu nos anos 2020, mas existe enquanto conceito desde a década de 1990. Apesar de alguma especulação quanto a saber se o sonho de trabalhar a partir de qualquer lugar é realmente a vida idílica que muitos imaginaram, continua a ser uma opção de estilo de vida cada vez mais popular e, em 2025, está longe de desaparecer. Para quem considera aliciante a ideia de fazer as malas e trabalhar remotamente no estrangeiro, é importante saber que países oferecem a melhor experiência para nómadas digitais – e é exactamente isso que o novo relatório da Global Citizen Solutions vem revelar. O estudo avaliou indicadores distribuídos por seis categorias – incluindo cidadania e mobilidade (como o acesso à nacionalidade), economia (por exemplo, o custo de vida) e tecnologia e inovação (como a velocidade da internet) – e elaborou uma lista dos dez melhores países para os nómadas digitais se instalarem este ano. Hola, Espanha  No topo da lista ficou Espanha, com uma impressionante pontuação global de 99,67, graças aos elevados resultados nas áreas de cidadania e mobilidade, bem como de tecnologia e inovação. Mas há muito mais do que estes números demonstram. Antes de mais, o clima – o país é abençoado com cerca de 300 dias de sol por ano (tendo obtido 91,53 no índice de qualidade de vida, que inclui o factor climático), e algumas zonas da costa sul, como a Costa del Sol, chegam a alcançar 320 dias de sol anuais. Photograph: Shutterstock O país vizinho figura também con

What is it that makes a city worth living in? Is it the transport, green space, arts scene or nightlife? Its beauty, its sense of community, or the diversity and inclusivity it champions? Well, we’d argue all of those factors are crucial, but there’s one thing that they all contribute to above all – our happiness.  That’s right – we could bet quite a lot on the fact that a happy city is probably a pretty great one, and that’s why Time Out called on 18,500 city dwellers to find out what it is about where they live that brings them joy.  More specifically, we asked them to respond to the following statements: ‘I feel happier in my city than other places I’ve lived’, ‘the people in my city seem positive’, ‘I find joy in the everyday experiences my city offers’, ‘the sense of happiness in my city has grown a lot recently’, and overall, ‘my city makes me happy’.  Recommended: The 39 coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2025.  Based on their insight, we’ve produced a list of the world’s happiest cities, as well as a roundup of all the hubs in Europe where locals are most likely to be grinning ear to ear, and topping this ranking (and claiming ninth place on the worldwide list) it was – insert dramatic pause here – Seville! Seville comes first for happiness on the continent Why? Well, 86 percent of residents we spoke to said they found joy in the everyday and that their neighbours seemed positive, while 74 percent agreed that the sense of happiness had grown lately. Overall, a sta

We’re as shocked as you are that Christmas is on the horizon once again, but instead of clinging to the ever-shorter light evenings and avoiding pulling out your winter coat for as long as possible, let’s just welcome it with open arms. After all, it’s actually quite nice when our cities get all festive. The smell of mulled wine drifting from pubs. Shopping streets adorned with sparkly lights. And, of course, the merriest place of all: the Christmas Market. These pop-up festive fairs originated in medieval Germany – and so, unsurprisingly, you’ll find the best and most traditional examples of them in Europe. To help you decide exactly which one to visit this season, Time Out has just published a freshly curated list of the very best European Christmas markets for 2025. Photograph: Shutterstock The 20-strong roundup features pretty piazzas from across the continent, including festive classics like Bruges, Colmar and Edinburgh. Claiming this year’s number one position is (Christmassy drum roll, please...) Nuremberg! Opening on November 28 and running until Christmas Eve, the city’s Hauptmarkt will be filled to the brim with twinkly lights, quaint wooden stalls and, of course, wafts of bratwurst.  What’s the vibe like? Well, according to our roundup, ‘families pitch up to pose for photos with golden-haired ‘angels’ who work the crowds, and ‘after hours, the grown-ups prop up the bar with take-home mugs of glühwein and the local smoked beer.’ Sounds pretty merry, doesn’t it? Ma

To mark the release of his third studio album The Boy Who Played The Harp, Dave, a south-London-born rapper and icon of British grime has announced a slew of tour dates for early 2026, which kick off in Munich on February 2 and conclude at the Co-op Live in Manchester in mid-March.  Below is a roundup of all the latest information about this tour, including dates, cities, and how to snag your tickets. Read on.  Recommended: These are the best albums of 2025 so far, according to Time Out.  When is Dave going on his European tour in 2026? The British rapper has just announced dates across Europe and the UK throughout February and March next year.  What tour dates have been confirmed so far? Feb 2, 2026: Olympiahalle, Munich Feb 4, 2026: Accor Arena, Paris Feb 6, 2026: ING Arena, Brussels Feb 8, 2026: PSD Bank Dome, Dusseldorf Feb 10, 2026: Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam Feb 13, 2026: Uber Arena, Berlin Feb 15, 2026: Royal Arena, Copenhagen Feb 17, 2026: Avicii Arena, Stockholm March 2, 2026: 3Arena, Dublin March 4, 2026: OVO Hydro, Glasgow March 6, 2026: The O2, London March 7, 2026: The O2, London March 13, 2026: Utilita Arena, Birmingham March 16, 2026: Co-op Live, Manchester For more on those UK dates specifically, have a look at our guide.  When do tickets go on sale for the Europe shows? Tickets to see Dave’s ‘The Boy Who Played The Harp’ tour will go on general sale at 9am local time on Wednesday October 22 (Germany) or Thursday October 23. Head to Ticketmaster or AXS to get you

Digital nomadism, while it’s undoubtedly exploded since 2020, has actually existed as a concept since back in the 1990s. Though there’s some speculation about whether the ‘work from anywhere’ dream is really the idyllic new life lots of us thought, it’s still an increasingly popular lifestyle choice and, in 2025, it’s going nowhere.  If packing up your life to work remotely abroad appeals to you, you’ll want to know which countries offer the best experience for digital nomads – and this brand-new report from Global Citizen Solutions is here to give you the answers you need.  The report assessed indicators across six different categories – these include citizenship and mobility (such as the pathway to citizenship), economics (like the cost of living), and tech and innovation (such as internet speed) – and produced a top-10 list of the best countries for digital nomads to move to this year.  Spain named the world’s best destination for digital nomads  Topping the list was Spain, which gained an impressive overall score of 99.67, largely thanks to high scores in citizenship and mobility and tech and innovation, but there’s a whole load more to life there than what these stats demonstrate.  Photograph: Shutterstock Firstly, the weather – Spain is blessed with around 300 days of sun per year (it scored 91.53 in the quality of life index, which factors in climate), and stretches of its southern coasts, like the Costa del Sol, bask in up to 320!  It also falls comfortably within t

Sure, most of our camera rolls will feature snaps of that cute pooch that was sat opposite us on the train or those horses we passed on a countryside walk, but the winners of 2025’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards know a thing or two about catching our planet’s brilliant creatures at their most dramatic.  This week, winners across various categories were announced at a ceremony at London’s Natural History Museum, and while there was a shedload of impressive images, we’ve rounded up a selection of our favourites below.    Photograph: Dennis Stogstill / Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 Photograph: Javier Aznar / Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 Photograph: Luca Lorenz / Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 Photograph: Qingrong Yang / Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 Photograph: Quentin Martinez / Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 Head to the Natural History Museum’s website for a gallery of all the winning photos, plus information on the exhibition and how to get tickets.  Oh, and take a look back at the first batch of stunning images that were announced back in August.  Did you see that the world’s most powerful passports have been named – with one surprising country dropping out of the top 10? Plus: These are the emerging destinations most at-risk of overtourism right now.  Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.

Other luxury train companies can try, but few services are as synonymous with opulent luxury and old-world glamour as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.  The original Orient Express launched way back in 1883, while the VSOE is a luxury service inspired by the historic train and operated by Belmond. It’s by far one of the world’s glitziest – and therefore, most expensive – ways to travel. Excitingly, if you’ve got the means to pay for it, a fancy new route for the service has just been announced.  So, where is it going? Well, according to Travel + Leisure, it’s set to journey all the way from Paris to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and its inauguration will be on May 4, 2026.  The journey departs from the French capital for an overnight journey to Pompeii on the painstakingly preserved 1920s carriages, where guests will enjoy some seriously high-end dining and world-class service.  Once in Pompeii, travellers will disembark and explore the site, before a special boat ride to the lavish Caruso hotel in Positano for a two-night stay.  Recommended: These are the world’s ‘most incredible’ train journeys to take this year.  Are remarkable views over Amalfi’s rugged cliffs, infinity pools, frescoed ceilings and ridiculously tasteful Italian design your kinda thing? Then you’ll be enamoured by this hotel – there’s more information on this page, and there are some snaps below.  Photograph: Salva Lopez / Belmond Photograph: Belmond / The World From A Window Photograph: Belmond / The W

The power your passport holds can vary significantly depending on where you were born, and even from month to month, which is why the Henley Passport Index is released quarterly.  The Index ranks passports based on the number of countries they allow their holder to enter visa-free. One thing that hasn’t changed in October 2025’s ranking, compared to the one released back in July, is the number one ranking passport: Singapore. South Korea also remains in second place, but Japan has slipped down to third. None of that compares to the biggest change in this ranking, though. Not only has the UK dropped from sixth to eighth, and Canada from eighth to ninth, but the USA has dropped out of the top 10 altogether.  That’s right – one of the planet’s supposedly most powerful countries will grant its citizens entry to 180 countries visa-free, which has landed it in joint twelfth place with Malaysia.  Interesting, right? Scroll on for the top 10, and check out Henley’s full report on their website.  These are the most powerful passports in the world, according to the latest Henley Passport Index Singapore South Korea Japan Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden Australia, Czechia, Malta, Poland Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom Canada Latvia, Liechtenstein Did you see that these hotels made the World’s 50 Best Hotels l

Greece has been a go-to summer holiday destination for decades, with its gleaming beaches reliably blessed with warm and sunny weather throughout the season. However, the climate emergency means that extreme temperatures across the Med have become the ‘new norm’ and Greece has routinely suffered wildfires and severe heatwaves.  The latest of these swathes of hot air is set to hit Greece this week, with temperatures in the early 40s forecast from today until Friday.  It’s obviously concerning if you have a trip booked in the next few days, so we’ve rounded up all the information on where will be most impacted and what you can do to keep cool during these unseasonably high temperatures. Read on for everything you need to know.  How hot will it be in Greece? Hot air masses set to sweep across Greece could mean temperatures of up to 43C/109F this week, from today until at least Wednesday, but extreme temperatures will likely linger until Friday.  According to Ekathimerini.com, mainland Greece will be the hardest hit region, with central Macedonia and Thessaly forecast to see highs of 42C and 43C. Athens, Thessaloniki and the eastern Aegean islands will see between 39C and 40C.  Will the Acropolis be open?  The Acropolos, Greece’s most popular tourist attractions, was closed in early July due to hot weather. It’s not yet confirmed whether that will happen again, but with temperatures set to reach similar heights this week it’s worth keeping a close eye on the official ticket websi

A molts ens espanten les baixes temperatures i els dies plujosos que s’allarguen durant mesos quan arriba l’hivern, però, com cada any, hi ha molts llocs plens de llums brillants, productes artesanals encantadors i tasses de xocolata calenta que ens ajuden a passar-ho millor. Els mercats de Nadal són espais plens d’alegria, i això és innegable, i malgrat que el de Santa Llúcia és el preferit de molts barcelonins i barcelonines, fora de la ciutat també n'hi ha de meravellosos, i des de Time Out hem elaborat la llista dels millors del continent. Placetes d'arreu d’Europa es farceixen de detalls per decorar el pessebre o l'arbre i omplir els mitjons de Nadal, i tant si somies amb un Nadal nevat com si busques escapar-te al Mediterrani, hi ha una destinació perfecta per a tu en aquesta llista. Foto: Shutterstock/Nuremberg Els millors mercats de Nadal d’Europa La primera posició ha estat per a Nuremberg, a Alemanya, una ciutat que acull el que probablement és el mercat més famós d'Europa. Si voleu anar-hi, podeu visitar-lo des del 28 de novembre fins al 24 de desembre, i us assegurem que no quedareu decebuts.  Foto: Shutterstock/Manchester Al de Nuremberg el segueix el mercat de Manchester, a Anglaterra, que acull més de 200 parades dins de casetes de fusta nadalenques, des del 7 de novembre al 4 de gener. El pòdium el tanca el mercat de París, que s’estableix al jardí de les Tulleries des del 16 de novembre fins al 15 de gener. Aquesta és la llista completa: 1. Nuremberg, Ale

A muchos nos asustan las bajas temperaturas y los días lluviosos que se alargan durante meses cuando llega el invierno, pero, como cada año, hay muchos lugares llenos de luces brillantes, productos artesanales encantadores y tazas de chocolate caliente que nos ayudan a llevarlo mejor. Los mercados de Navidad son espacios llenos de alegría, y eso es innegable. Y aunque el de Santa Llúcia es el preferido de muchos barceloneses y barcelonesas, fuera de la ciudad también hay otros maravillosos, y desde Time Out hemos elaborado la lista de los mejores del continente. Plazas de toda Europa se llenan de detalles para decorar el pesebre o el árbol y para llenar los calcetines navideños. Tanto si sueñas con una Navidad nevada como si buscas escaparte al Mediterráneo, hay un destino perfecto para ti en esta lista. Foto: Shutterstock/Nuremberg Los mejores mercados de Navidad de Europa La primera posición ha sido para Núremberg, en Alemania, una ciudad que acoge el que probablemente es el mercado más famoso de Europa. Si queréis visitarlo, estará abierto del 28 de noviembre al 24 de diciembre, y os aseguramos que no os decepcionará. Foto: Shutterstock/Manchester Al de Núremberg le sigue el mercado de Mánchester, en Inglaterra, que cuenta con más de 200 puestos dentro de casetas de madera navideñas, del 7 de noviembre al 4 de enero. El podio lo cierra el mercado de París, que se instala en el Jardín de las Tullerías del 16 de noviembre al 15 de enero. Esta es la lista completa: 1. Núr

It’s a tough time to be working in the aviation industry. Faced with staff shortages and huge levels of disruption, many workers at airlines and airports are facing long, stressful hours and poor working conditions. And, thanks to the cost of living crisis, loads of them are doing it all for lower wages, too. Needless to say, it’s no wonder that so many staff at airports and airlines have been going on strike. From Italy and Belgium to Greece and France, airports across Europe have seen thousands of flights delayed and cancelled by industrial action. Strikes can, of course, have a serious impact on your holiday, so it’s best to be as informed about them as possible. Read on for our guide to who’s going on strike in Europe right now, where and when those strikes will happen – and whether you need to worry about them.   Airport strikes in Belgium A Belgian national strike is scheduled for Tuesday October 14, causing huge disruption to public services in the country. Workers across the board will down tools in protest of new labour laws which alter pensions and salaries. Brussels airport has announced that no flights will depart from its runway on Tuesday, and that several arriving flights could also be cancelled. The hub has cautioned that October 15 will also be a very busy day, and urged passengers to ‘be sure to come to the airport on time’. Brussels Charleroi, a smaller airport popular with budget airlines, has cancelled all inbound and outbound flights for Tuesday, explain