Grace Beard

As much as we love London here at Time Out, we’re also partial to the odd daydream about a leisurely getaway to somewhere that’s not quite so big and busy. Microdose on that holiday vibe by taking a day trip to one of the many laidback, joy-inducing destinations just a few hours away from London, which pack in plenty; from historic cities and cute villages to sandy beaches and rolling countryside. If you’re wanting a quick getaway, here are 17 of the Time Out team’s favourite day trips from London, complete with our recommendations of cute pubs and ace restaurants – all close enough to the city to get there and back in one sweet day.  RECOMMENDED:✨The best day trips 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 content. For more information, click here.

There are an awful lot of things to moan about in the UK, but pubs are not one of them. Pubs are for your friendly catch ups, your Sunday roasts, and your mid-summer sun traps, and we love it all. We really do.  Everyone’s got a favourite (probably the one closest to the end of your road), and so do we. But some pubs are really good for food. Others are great for craft beer. The very best pubs do it all. With that in mind, here we are: the best pubs in the whole of the UK. Happy drinking, folks.  RECOMMENDED:🍝The best restaurants in the UK🍺The best beer gardens in the UK📍 The best places to visit in the UK

Afternoon tea. Yes, it's twee, but there is something quite fun about working your way through what's essentially dessert tapas, especially when you’re at one of London’s top hotels or restaurants. We've rounded up London's best afternoon teas in a city renowned for putting on some of the world’s best spreads – with tiny cakes, little finger sarnies and pots of perfect tea the name of the delicious game. Expect to pay in the region of £50 to £80 for the pleasure per person, but you'll be in for a treat and a half. Many of the teas have set times for seatings, so booking in advance is always recommended. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in London.

Forget ‘saving money’ in 2024. You know what your New Year’s resolution should be? Get out more. Do more stuff. See more of the world. Life is short, after all – and 2024 promises a tonne of unmissable festivals, art, food and music. There are openings and re-openings. Brand-new train routes criss-crossing countries and continents. Whacky places to party. And even if the cossie livs does have you tightening the purse strings, there are plenty of free and affordable events on this list, too.  So get your booking fingers at the ready: your 2024 bucket list awaits. This is our definitive guide to the coolest new things to do in the world next year. See you out there!  RECOMMENDED:😎 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🌃 The best European city breaks for 2024🖼️ The world’s best museums and galleries

Ticking off the main tourist attractions on a city break is all well and good, but it’s only when you veer off down a side street or stumble across a leafy avenue that you really get a glimpse of a city’s true character. Streets are the heart of local life; they’re where communities come together, where new local businesses become go-to staples and where urbanites go out, hang out and have fun.  So what are the world’s coolest streets worth a stroll right now? To find the answer, we reached out to our global team of local expert editors and contributors, who each made a case for the coolest street in their city. We then narrowed down the selection to create a definitive ranking of the best avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards on the planet. And so you have it: the coolest streets in the world’s best cities. Over the last few years, street life has gone through something of an evolution. Outdoor drinking and dining, at one point a temporary measure, has become a staple on many of the streets on our hotlist; only bolstered by green initiatives like pedestrianisation and low-traffic avenues. In other words, these streets have become much more walkable and pleasant places to spend our time. On every street on this list, there are bold, creative new ventures in food, drink, nightlife and culture: from listening bars to repurposed heritage buildings, these streets are where you’ll find a city’s most exciting cultural trends. Ready for a wander?  RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The w

What makes a city great? Some would say it’s all about buzzing neighbourhoods, affordable food and drink and a mighty selection of things to do, from art galleries and museums to live music and theatre. Others might highlight things like the happiness of its locals, access to green space and strong community vibes. We factor in all that and more in our annual survey, which asks city-dwellers around the world to tell us what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns right now. Thanks to the opinions and insights of locals on the ground and our global network of city experts, we’re able to create a global ranking of the world’s best cities – and the 2024 results are in. As in previous years, the basis of the ranking remains our global survey of the people who know their city best: the locals. Working with research company Potentia Insight, we surveyed thousands of city-dwellers about the quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife in their city. We also asked locals how their city makes them feel: are they happy there? Is it a beautiful place? Is it easy to make social connections? Their thousands of responses gave us a unique insight into the reality of living in the world’s greatest cities right now. Now that international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019, many travellers will be planning a city break this year – so in 2024, we added a little extra weight to a city’s global appeal. Each survey respondent was asked which

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

What’s better than a stay-cation? A stay-cation involving a spa, of course. If you’re looking for a bit of well-earned R&R to get away from it all, the UK is brimming with top quality spas and wellness centres to help you wind down. Hot tubs to soothe aching muscles? Check. A facial to cleanse tired skin? Yup. A deep-tissue massage to sort out all of that tension from being bent over a computer all day? Sounds good to us.  From glorious country houses to trailblazing eco-spas, lake view hot tubs and city centre hideaways, this country has it all. Don’t know where to start? Our editors have been out and about, trying and testing spas to sort the good from the fantastic. Now, all you need to do is lay out your comfy clothes and hit the road. And… breathe.  Recommended: the best wellbeing and yoga retreats in the UKRecommended: the cosiest cabins and log cabins in the UK

The city break continues to rule in 2024. According to ABTA, city breaks overtook beach holidays as the UK’s favourite type of trip last year – and travel booking site Opodo has reported that nearly half of all trips taken in 2023 were between two to four days. Long live the long weekend, eh? When it comes to cramming in the best food, nightlife and culture in one whistlestop weekend, Europe really does spoil you for choice. Of course, there are the classics – Rome, Amsterdam, Paris – but the continent is packed with lesser-known second cities and more obscure cultural capitals that make for the ideal affordable city break in 2024.  From gastronomic delights and cultural cubby holes to all-hours party hotspots, Europe’s best city breaks tick all the boxes. But with so many options, where should you head? Well, we’ve narrowed it down for you: in our list of Europe’s best city breaks, everywhere from France to Bosnia and Herzegovina is covered. See you out there! RECOMMENDED: 📍 The absolute best things to do in Europe🗺 The most underrated travel destinations in Europe🛤 The ultimate Europe Interrailing itinerary

Whether for its charming towns and villages or its miles of coastline, for the mountains in the north or the world-class cities of Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan, it’s no wonder travellers are so drawn to Italy. And while the country’s boot-shaped mainland certainly isn’t short of incredible places and amazing things to do, its offshore offerings are equally as enticing. There are hundreds of islands within the Italian border; two of which – Sicily and Sardinia – are the largest in the Mediterranean. Many Italian islands are characterised by black-sand beaches and dramatic landscapes shaped by years of volcanic activity. Some, like Capri and Panarea, are playgrounds for the wealthy, while others retain a more rustic, salt-of-the-earth charm. One thing’s for sure: Italy’s islands are beautiful, and these are some the very best ones to visit. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best places to visit in Italy🛏 The best hotels in Italy🏝 The best beaches in Italy

Up until very recently, the only people I knew who’d been to the Maldives were my just-married friends. For a week straight, their Instagram stories were infiltrated by intimate dates in underwater restaurants, couple’s massages overlooking the ocean, petals artistically arranged on bedspreads. By all accounts, they were in honeymoon heaven – and you know what? As they should! It’s the Maldives we’re talking about here, a destination so closely associated with romance and luxury that a number of resorts won’t even allow you in if you’re not travelling as a two. For most, a holiday to the Asian archipelago is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. But, if recent trends are anything to go by, it’s not just honeymooners taking these types of blow-out trips. ‘Go-ccasions’ – travelling abroad to celebrate anything from quitting a job to a milestone birthday – are set to become a big travel trend this year, according to research from Expedia. One in four survey respondents said they were looking for ‘any excuse’ to get away with their loved ones, while a third of travellers plan to take more trips with family and friends in 2024.  There’s also been an uptick in ‘buddymoons’, according to wedding website Hitched, where newly-weds are inviting friends and family to join them on their big post-wedding trip. A lot of it comes down to making up for lost time with loved ones over the pandemic, during which thousands of weddings were postponed and cancelled.  So it looks like luxury destinations

It’s set to be another blockbuster year for art. There’s Kahlo in Paris and Munch in Oslo. Horror in Melbourne and hip hop in Toronto. Graphic design in Tokyo and Navajo tapestries in New York. Whatever your cup of tea, 2024 has a little bit of something for everyone. So if you’re planning a city break, why not plan it around one of these must-see art shows? These are 2024’s biggest and best exhibitions, all over the world. RECOMMENDED:🗺️ The 24 best things to do in the world in 2024🌃 Europe’s best city breaks for 2024

I arrived at Mama Shelter from the beach – sand in my shoes, covered in sun lotion, hair stringy with seawater – and found myself sharing the lift with an impeccably dressed group ascending to the rooftop for sundowners. Not that anyone gave a damn, because anything goes here, the only Portuguese outpost of Mama Shelter’s brand of playful boutique hotels strung across the continent.  It’s as cheeky as its sister venues (sex toys for sale in the lobby, superhero masks on the lampshades, a pretty extensive adult film menu on the telly), but with little Portuguese flourishes to remind you where you are – the forest green tile-clad exterior, a Remodelado tram mural in the lift, ocean-wave carpets in the bedrooms, marine-themed decor in the restaurant and locally-made arts and crafts dotted all over the place.  But, let’s be real, you’re not about to forget you’re slap-bang in the heart of Lisbon. Mama Shelter is just off the lively central thoroughfare of Avenida da Liberdade, and in the other direction you have the boutiques and bars of Príncipe Real – honestly, take any route from the hotel’s corner doors and you’re in for a great walk. Before (or after) you go, though, stick around for a cocktail on Mama’s rooftop or a meal at Mama’s restaurant. Much like its outposts in London, Bordeaux and elsewhere, Mama Shelter is a neighbourhood attraction in its own right.  If the queue’s anything to go by, the rooftop is the place to be at sunset, with an unbeatable view over the city’s

Did you know you can go on safari in Kent? It turns out you can, and it’s actually really, really good. Hundreds of creatures roam the grounds of this 600-acre resort, from Big Five beasts to howler monkeys and bush dogs. Outside of the main wildlife park, safaris trundle guests up the slopes of the reserve to meet giraffes, zebras, rhinos and more. And the whole thing looks out over charming countryside right down to the Kent coast.  While Port Lympne makes for a perfect day trip, an overnight stay is where the magic happens. We camped out in the brand-new Lookout Bubble – and when I say ‘camped’, I mean we slept under the stars in the most luxurious transparent dome you’ve ever seen, complete with a freestanding tub, walk-in shower, seating area, surround sound speakers and a massive, comfy bed. It’s an experience hard to top, waking up to the sounds of animals and getting to explore the reserve before it officially opens for the day (in your very own golf buggy, no less). The Lookout Bubble is right next to the lion’s den, and we were lucky enough to spend an uninterrupted half hour watching the big cats pacing the grounds before anybody else came along.  The bubble’s only downfall? Our stay took place over a warm weekend, and the trapped heat in the dome made spending time inside of it almost unbearable during the day (thank God for the spacious terrace). Conversely, temperatures dropped drastically in the dome when the sun went down, but nothing jumping into bed (or the

Catching sight of My Arbor for the first time is an experience that can’t be overstated. First of all, you’ve already arrived in the impossibly beautiful, straight-from-a-fairytale town of Bressanone, and done the winding drive up green slopes where all you can hear is the faint tinkle of a cowbell. Now you’re in the trees, looking up at a wooden cuboid that seems precariously perched on the skinny trunks of the surrounding pines. My Arbor lives every bit upto its self-billed ‘tree hotel’ title. Inside, you’re hit with a tremendous view over the tree-blanketed South Tyrolean mountains from the hotel restaurant’s sweeping terrace. Above you, thick wooden branches hang like a chandelier. Even the reception desk is made up of two gigantic trunks. Our suite (we stayed in the ‘nest’) is appropriately wood-panelled, with a balcony and window nook overlooking the valley and hills. You could stay in your nook all day watching mountain peaks get swallowed by clouds, but you’re much better off donning your robe and taking the lift down to the spa, where you can drink in all those views from a hydrotherapy infinity pool.  By far the pièce de résistance, Spa Arboris is a maze of pools, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation zones spread across the hotel’s lower levels. After a morning hike (we went alone, but the hotel offers guided hikes, forest bathing and all sorts of other activities to guests), I spent an afternoon cocooned in calm here, swimming the length of the indoor-outdoor heated

It’s fair to expect any spa hotel in Leamington Spa, a Warwickshire town with a long history of harbouring bath houses built around its natural saline springs, to be worth its salt. Nineteenth-century Midlanders in need of some R&R would come to Leamington in search of ‘the cure’ to any number of ailments. Despite rapid development, today the town remains a go-to for weekenders in search of a reviving getaway – and they could do a lot worse than opting for Mallory Court, a palatial yet cosy country manor house and spa on the outskirts of town. Surrounded by endless countryside, we explored the vast grounds before dinner, strolling past manicured lawns, a rose garden bursting with blooms, a chef’s garden full of herbs and vegetables and an apiary. When the British summertime brought its inevitable drizzle, we were relaxing in the heated, bubbling outdoor vitality pool, so no complaints there. Completing the spa’s offerings is a Finnish-style sauna, small but ideal if you manage to get it to yourself or your group. The indoor pool with attached jacuzzi managed to be that perfect, just-right temperature, and felt like silk to swim in. The spa experience fell down for us slightly when we couldn’t get the indoor steam room to be as hot or steamy as we’d have liked, but that could’ve easily been our own oversight.  You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to treatment options. I opted for the full-body exfoliation (perfect) while my guest went for the drift away massage. She spoke a

Way back in 2009, during Derren Brown’s televised event ‘How to Control the Nation’, a friend of mine claimed she’d been subliminally controlled and that she was physically unable to stand up from her seat. Being teenagers, and apparently raging cynics, we all took the piss out of her relentlessly. After watching his latest live extravaganza ‘Showman’, I have to apologise to my mate. Perhaps it was a trick of the light; perhaps I’ve become much more receptive to subliminal suggestion as I’ve aged: however he did it, Brown got me. I can sincerely say that, despite my best efforts to remain a skeptic, a good five to ten seconds were completely erased from my memory.  Without stating the obvious, if you’ve only ever seen Derren Brown on the telly, only in person do you really experience how hypnotic he is. There’s an excitable, almost unruly audience at the Apollo on opening night, but it doesn’t take much for them to become puppets at the end of the illusionist’s string. Brown’s unwavering poise and trademark gallows humour carry a show that swings – often very suddenly – on the pendulum between playful and sobering, heartfelt and horrifying.  The show’s tricks lean on these polarities. One minute there’s a circus-like atmosphere, with balloon-popping games, giant teddy bears and clever card tricks; but before you know it, Brown can rapidly turn the mood on its head. Without giving too much away, it’s the moments of solemn hush that will stay with you after the show, rather tha

Si os gustan los musicales, quizás ya tenéis pensado hacer un viaje a París inspirado en 'El fantasma de la Ópera'. Pero además, ahora podéis alojaros en la Ópera real que inspiró la famosa novela de Gaston Leroux.Sí, sí: la plataforma de alquileres Airbnb ha anunciado que, por primera vez, los fanáticos del musical podrán disfrutar de una noche en la icónica ópera parisiense, también conocida como Palacio Garnier. Por si no fuera suficiente, los afortunados se alojarán en la codiciada 'Box de Honor', la plataforma con las vistas más exclusivas de la ópera, que por una noche se transformará en un magnífico dormitorio.Si estiraros en la grandiosa cama mientras disfrutáis de las lujosas vistas del auditorio Neo-Barroco mientras estáis en pijama no es suficiente, la estancia incluye otras experiencias exclusivas. Los invitados disfrutarán de una visita guiada por el lago subterráneo que inspiró el escondrijo del fantasma, disfrutarán de un recital de artistas de la Academia de la Ópera de París, comerán en la ornamentada e histórica sala de Foyer de la Danse, donde los artistas se preparan antes de salir a escena, recibirán una iniciación privada de ballet y mucho más.Todo se ha organizado para celebrar los 15 años que el musical lleva en cartel, y para despedirlo antes de su función final en Broadway. También forma parte del nuevo programa de Airbnb para apoyar al turismo de patrimonio cultural.Entonces, ¿dónde está la trampa? Pues, básicamente, quien llegue primero, se lo qued

It’s been almost a year since singer Loreen bagged the gold for Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, which took over the banks of the River Mersey in Liverpool. It was, as expected, an all-out bonkers affair – and no doubt this year will be much of the same, as the world’s most extravagant and eclectic music competition makes its way to the Swedish city of Malmö next month. Read more: A local’s guide to Malmö, Eurovision 2024’s host city From dates and venues to how to get tickets, here’s everything you need to know about Eurovision 2024. When and where is Eurovision 2024? Following a Swedish win last year, the coastal city of Malmö in southern Sweden will host this year’s contest. The competition is set to take over Malmö Arena in May, with the semi-finals held on May 7 and 9 and the final taking place on Saturday May 11. How to get Eurovision tickets Tickets for the live semi-finals, the live final, and afternoon and evening previews are available to buy from Ticketmaster. What countries are taking part? There are 37 countries taking part in this year’s contest. All the usual EBU countries will be participating, though Russia is still barred following the country’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Romania has chosen not to participate this year. For the first time since 1993, Luxembourg will participate in 2024. Israel is also taking part, which has led to controversy and a number of fans and groups boycotting the competition. As per tradition, France, Germany, Italy,

Few lifestyles are more romanticised than the Italian ‘dolce vita’. And while the reality of daily life in Italy might not quite match up to the idealised image of long, lazy Mediterranean summers and Vespa rides around (somehow deserted) Roman sites, it’s hard to deny the allure of the boot-shaped European country. If you can’t live the sweet life in Italy, where can you?  Well, it might be time to make that dream a reality. After three years of discussions, Italy finally signed a digital nomad visa into law on March 22, and applications are now open! As with any visa, though, there are a few requirements – here’s everything you need to know about Italy’s brand-new digital nomad visa. Who can apply for an Italian digital nomad visa? As of April 4, remote workers – those employed by a company outside of Italy but free to work from anywhere – and self-employed people can apply for Italy’s digital nomad visa. There is also scope for the applicant’s family to join them, subject to approval from the Italian government.  How long will the visas last? Digital nomads can live in Italy for up to a year, but they will have the option to renew their visa. What is the minimum income for a digital nomad visa in Italy? Applicants need to earn at least €28,000 (£23,992.50) per year (which is triple the minimum level required for exemption from Italian healthcare costs).  What are the other requirements? Applicants must have health insurance and accommodation arranged for the duration

Já passou quase um ano desde que Loreen conquistou o ouro para a Suécia no Festival Eurovisão da Canção 2023, junto às margens do rio Mersey, em Liverpool. Como era de esperar, foi um evento extravagante – e que este ano mantém, sem dúvida, a fasquia elevada, à medida que a competição musical mais eclética do mundo se dirige para a cidade sueca de Malmö, em Maio. Desde datas e locais até como conseguir bilhetes, reunimos tudo o que precisa de saber sobre o Festival Eurovisão da Canção 2024. Quando e onde é o Festival Eurovisão da Canção 2024? Após uma vitória sueca em 2023, é a cidade costeira de Malmö, no sul da Suécia, que serve de palco ao concurso deste ano. A competição acontece na Malmö Arena, em Maio, com as semifinais a serem realizadas nos dias 7 e 9 de Maio e a final no sábado, dia 11. Como conseguir bilhetes para a Eurovisão? Os bilhetes para as semifinais e a final ao vivo, tal como para os ensaios da tarde e da noite, estão disponíveis para compra no Ticketmaster. Quais os países participantes no Festival Eurovisão da Canção 2024? São 37 os países a participar no concurso deste ano. Participam todos os países habituais da UER – excepto a Rússia, que ainda está proibida de participar devido à invasão da Ucrânia em 2022, e a Roménia, que optou por não concorrer este ano. Pela primeira vez desde 1993, o Luxemburgo vai participar. E Israel também entra na competição, o que tem gerado controvérsia e levado alguns fãs e grupos a boicotarem o concurso. Seguindo com a tr

Iceland is a popular travel destination thanks to its unique natural landscapes, hot springs and the opportunity to witness the elusive Northern Lights. It’s typically regarded as a super safe place for travellers and expats – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t susceptible to natural disasters. A volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula has erupted for the fourth time since December on Saturday, with lava flowing dangerously close to the small fishing town of Grindavík. Residents of the town, which was first evacuated in November, reportedly received text messages telling them to evacuate again with just a few minutes notice. The eruption is thought to be the most powerful so far, and a state of emergency has been declared. Understandably, those with trips booked to Iceland might wonder whether visiting the country is safe. This is everything we know about travelling to Iceland right now. Is it safe to travel to Iceland?   Despite Saturday’s eruption, neither the UK Foreign Office nor the US Department of State are recommending against travel – though the former has warned against travelling near the affected region. Where was the volcanic eruption in Iceland?  On Saturday evening, a long-dormant volcano erupted for the fourth time since December just north of Grindavík, a town in the Reykjanes Peninsula. Grindavík is in southwest Iceland, around 42km away from the Icelandic capital Reykjavik. Its 4,000 residents were evacuated.  Is the Blue Lagoon open?  Hundreds of people were evacua

It’s that time of year again – when we at Time Out release our annual ranking of the world’s coolest streets, a definitive guide to the greatest avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards on the planet.  The list is chosen by a global team of local experts across some of the world’s best cities, who each made a case for their favourite local drag to be included. Across Europe, featured streets included Gerrard Street in London, Barcelona’s Consell de Cent and Berlin’s Oranienstraße – but it was Rua da Boavista in Lisbon that was crowned the coolest on the continent. The street, which runs through Lisbon’s nightlife neighbourhood Cais do Sodré, ranked seventh. Commenting on its trendiness, Vera Moura – editor of Time Out Lisbon – shouted out its ‘new ventures in eating, drinking and shopping’.  ‘Few neighbourhoods in Lisbon have lived as many lives as Cais do Sodré, a neighbourhood which has grown beyond its nightlife legacy and become a place to shop local, have a family brunch and dinner with friends,’ said Vera. ‘Right next door to the original Time Out Market, Rua da Boavista is an excellent representation of the neighbourhood’s new chapter: a central thoroughfare where new ventures in eating, drinking and shopping sprout up all the time.’ Vera recommends shopping at minimalist Portuguese clothing brand +351, eating at Cav 86, Planto, and Tricky's, and drinking natural wine at Boavista Social Club, which she says is the place to go for ‘a relaxed night out typical

We at Time Out like to think we know where’s cool. The little backstreets where all the new bars are opening; the buzzy squares home to our favourite weekend markets. These streets are where our global team of local experts are eating, drinking and hanging out. And every year, we compile them all in our annual ranking of the world’s coolest streets. The third iteration of our hotlist was released this week. It’s stacked with vibey places for a stroll, from a historic road in London’s Chinatown to a palm-lined avenue in Miami – but it was Melbourne’s High Street, which ‘weaves through the ultra-trendy suburbs of Northcote, Thornbury and Preston’, that came first on the list. ‘Melburnians are spoiled for choice when it comes to well-trodden thoroughfares that deliver on food, culture and fun (hello Chapel Street, Sydney Road and Smith Street, to name a few),’ says Leah Glynn, editor of Time Out Melbourne. ‘But in 2024, we’re shining the spotlight on High Street. It’s cool in all the ways you’d expect – epic restaurants, hidden bars, live music venues and boutique shops – but there’s also a warm sense of community spirit that means everyone feels welcome.’ Planning a trip to the world’s coolest street? Leah recommends eating the signature lasagne at 1800 Lasagne, drinking at Gigi Rooftop and catching a gig at Northcote Social Club and the Croxton Band Room, or smaller spots like High Note. Each street on our list is well worth a wander, chock-full of independent businesses and 

After years of announcements of new routes, Europe’s night train revival is now in full swing. All across the continent, trains are providing a much more comfortable, eco-friendly and sometimes even cheaper alternative to planes.  One of the continent’s most exciting new rail projects is the new European Sleeper train, which launched a brand-new route between Brussels and Berlin last year (we even tried it out ourselves). And next month, the rail company is expanding its sleeper service even further, with a route that will link up two of Europe’s most culture-packed capitals (Brussels and Prague). European Sleeper’s Brussels-Prague route is an extension of that Brussels-Berlin route. Currently, the ‘Good Night Train’ stops at Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Berlin; the new service will also stop at Dresden, Saxon Switzerland, and the Elbe Valley before arriving in Prague. The whole route is expected to take around 15 hours, leaving Brussels at 7:22pm and arriving in Prague at 10:56am the following day. Thanks to the Eurostar connection in Brussels, the journey from London to Prague will be doable with just one same-station change in the Belgian capital.  According to European Sleeper’s website, the prices for European Sleeper’s upcoming service will start at €129 (£110) for seats and couchettes, and €169 (£144.50) for sleeper carriages. Excitingly, Interrail tickets will be accepted on the company’s routes. Since July 1, 2023, Interrailers have been able to reserve seats,

Following the massive success of his Super Bowl halftime show, R&B legend Usher announced several European tour dates last week, including six shows at London’s O2 arena. Unsurprisingly, all 12 shows sold out – but don’t give up hope yet, as the superstar has announced three new Europe shows today. Usher will play a seventh show in London on April 11, a second show in Paris on April 16, and a fourth night in Amsterdam on April 26.  Feeling lucky? Here’s everything we know so far about Usher’s 2025 Europe tour, including how to get tickets. When is Usher going on his Europe tour in 2025? The ‘Climax’ singer will tour several European cities in spring 2025, with 15 shows scheduled from April 1 to May 2.  Where is Usher performing as part of his 2025 European tour? Usher will be performing at London’s O2 Arena on April 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 11; Paris’s Accor Arena on April 15 and 16; Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome on April 22, 23, 25 and 26; and Berlin’s Uber Arena on May 1 and 2.  When do tickets go on sale?  The first 12 shows have already sold out, but tickets for the three newly added shows will go on sale this week. The presale runs from February 28, while the general sale runs from March 4 on Usher’s official website; both presale and sale are available from 10am local time. Venue presales run from February 29 at 10am local time.  How much will tickets cost? At presale, ticket prices for the singer’s London shows range from £77.60 for Level 4 C seats to £144.10 for Level 1 A seat

パリのエッフェル塔は、間違いなく世界で最も有名な観光名所の一つといえる。年間で訪れた人は驚くべきことに700万人にもおよぶ。しかし、2024年2月19日、このパリのシンボルがストライキにより閉鎖され、観光客を落胆させている。 エッフェル塔でストライキが実行されるのは、2023年12月以来2度目。今度はどうなるのだろうか？　チケットはどうすればいいのか？など、これまでに分かっていることをまとめた。 なぜエッフェル塔でストライキが行われているのか？ このストライキは、エッフェル塔運営会社（SETE）による同施設の管理方法を巡り、従業員が起こしたもの。彼らの代表となる労働組合は、同社へ99％出資するパリ市がメンテナンス費用を過小に評価しチケットを過剰に販売しているため、現場に負担がかかり、観光客と従業員双方に安全上のリスクをもたらしていると主張している。また、チケット代の高騰に伴い、従業員が給与の引き上げを要求しているとも報じられている。 ストライキによるエッフェル塔の閉鎖期間は？ 閉鎖は19日、20日と続いた。エッフェル塔の公式ウェブサイトでは、ストライキが延長され、21日（水）の営業にも支障を来たす可能性があると警告が掲示されている。1週間ほど続くのではないかという見方もあるが、実際にこのストライキがいつ終わるのかは定かではない。 観光客はストライキ中でも訪れることができる？ 閉鎖中は展望台に上がることはできないが、もちろん「眺める」ことは可能だ。閉鎖日のeチケットを持っている場合は、発券元からEメールが送られているようなので、そちらで対応方法を確認しよう。 ストライキは五輪に影響する？ 「2024年パリオリンピック」は夏に開幕し、公式開会式は7月26日（金）に予定されている。大会期間中にエッフェル塔の職員がストライキに入るかはまだ分からないが、大会に影響を及ぼす可能性のある労働争議を食い止めるため、公共部門の労働者にボーナスがオファーされたという報道もある。 ストライキについての声明は？ フランス労働総同盟（CGT）と労働者の力は共同声明を発表し、パリ市に対し「エッフェル塔と運営会社の存続を確保するため、財政的要求に対して合理的であること」を求めている。 関連記事 『Eiffel Tower strike: why workers are striking, how long it will last and tourist impact（原文）』 『D・リンチの世界に没入？ パリの人気クラブがニューヨークに上陸』 『パリ13区に「デヴィッド・ボウイ通り」が誕生』 『パリとアムステルダムが観光税の値上げへ』 『フランスが観光客を削減していく方針を発表』 『日本初、フランス伝統菓子「フラン」専門店が代々木八幡にオープン』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら  

It’s arguably the world’s most well-known tourist attraction and welcomes on average a staggering 7 million visitors a year – but this week, tourists were left disappointed as Paris’s iconic Eiffel Tower was closed due to strike action. It’s the second strike held at the landmark since December. Wondering if you’ll be able to visit the tower? This is everything we know about the Eiffel Tower strikes and what to do if you have a ticket. Why is the Eiffel Tower on strike? Eiffel Tower staff are striking over how the monument is managed. Unions representing the workers claim the city is underestimating maintenance costs and overselling tickets, which puts a burden on staff and poses safety risks to both visitors and employees. It’s also been reported that staff are demanding a salary increase in line with rising ticket costs. How long will the Eiffel Tower be closed? The Eiffel Tower was closed on Monday, February 19 and will remain closed today (Tuesday, February 20), according to a notice on the official Eiffel Tower website. The website warns that the strike could be extended and disrupt the tower’s opening on Wednesday, February 21, too. It’s predicted that the monument could remain closed for the entire week. Can tourists still visit? It is not possible to climb the tower while it’s closed due to strike action. Those with e-tickets for the tower are advised to check their e-mail for advice. Will the strikes impact the Olympics? The Paris 2024 Olympics kick off in the summe

It’s a big, big day for Adele fans in Europe. In a surprise social media post on January 31, the multiple Grammy Award winner announced that she’ll be performing a string of shows in Munich, Germany this summer. Other than her run of shows at London’s Hyde Park in 2022, this will be the first time the singer has performed in Europe since 2016, so it’s a pretty big deal. Want to get your hands on those coveted tickets? Here’s everything you need to know. When is Adele going on her European tour in 2024? Adele will play ten nights in August at Munich’s Messe, an open-air stadium with a capacity of 80,000. The original confirmed dates are August 2, 3, 9 and 10, but shows on 14, 16, 23, 24, 30 and 31 have now been added due to such high demand.  When do tickets go on sale for her Munich shows? According to Adele’s official website, those wanting to buy pre-sale tickets had to register first. Registration is now closed, with those who registered sent a link to buy pre-sale tickets on Tuesday, February 6. The official pre-sale starts today, on Wednesday, February 7, at 10am CET. Mark your calendars!   Ticketmaster pre-sale starts 2pm CET on Thursday, February 8. And if you miss out on pre-sale tickets? No need to Cry Your Heart Out. General sale tickets will be available at 10am CET on Friday, February 9 via Ticketmaster. How much will tickets cost? It been reported that standing tickets are priced at €369.90-€419.90 (£315.31-£357.93) while rear seats are priced at €74.90-€119.90