Anya Ryan

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:71d6b288-c88a-4520-89ca-7454fcda89e0-1" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> You’ve decided you’re heading to London. Transport? Sorted. Tube map? Downloaded. Now comes the tricky part: where to stay. And, let's be honest, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. London is a huge patchwork of neighbourhoods, each with its own personality and pace. From the leafy, laid-back corners of Chiswick to buzzing cultural hubs in Camden, where you base yourself can shape your whole trip. So, before you panic-book a pricey hotel in the West End, take a breath. There’s a whole city beyond the tourist core, with fantastic places to stay that might suit your style (and budget) even better. If you're after local living in 2026, hit up Leyton or Walthamstow, or Brixton has an endless array of cheap eats, bars and culture on every corner. Whether you’re after lively nightlife, easy access to gorgeous green spaces, culture on your doorstop, or serious dining, you’ll find it here. Ready to get booking? Read on for our guide to the best neighbourhoods and places to stay in London.  ➡️ READ MORE: The best Airbnbs in London – with expert local tips Where to stay in London at a glance 👶 Best for first-timers: Covent Garden, S

Whether it’s from a glamourous balcony of a penthouse or the open windows of a one-bed flat, some of the best moments in Paris are lived from peering out of a high-story home with the wind in your hair and city below you. In comes the perfect Airbnb, and that looks different for everyone. Do you want a glam outdoor set-up to soak up the city of lights, champagne in hand? Or a cosy space with French windows that overlook cafes and make comforting, pitter-patter sounds when it rains? Maybe you want an entire garden that makes you forget you’re in one of the most metropolitan cities in the world? Best areas to stay in Paris?  It really depends on what you’re looking for. If it’s your first time in Paris, you’ll probably want to stay close to the city centre so you have easy access to the main sights. Areas like the Tuileries, Le Marais, and the literary paradise Saint-Germain are all great options. If you’re looking to get more value for your money, consider staying a little further out in the 15th, 18th, 19th, or 20th arrondissements (you'll feel more like a local here, too!) But, for trendy café culture and a bohemian atmosphere, Montmartre is a standout choice, with its charming streets and artistic vibe. Buttes Chaumont serves up some glorious Parisian townhouses. Seriously, there’s something for everyone in the city of love.  ➡️ READ MORE: Our full guide to the best neighbourhoods in Paris The best Airbnbs in Paris at a glance 🗼 Best for Eiffel Tower scenes: An Art Deco a

Whatever your vibe (and whatever your budget), London’s got it all – and anyone will find something they love here. Historic pubs, leafy parks and gardens and an unmatched restaurant scene make this city worth visiting year-round, but before you’ve booked anything in London, you kind of have to know where you’re going to be based. To get you started, we’ve rounded up the city’s best Airbnbs available to book right now, with expert tips from our local editors. And, new for 2026 is our top Airbnb, a garden flat in Leyton, perfect for a summer BBQ! Should I choose an Airbnb or a hotel in London? London is not short on lovely hotels, ranging from budget to luxury and just about everything in between. But it’s fair to say that even the cheaper options cost a pretty penny – and you’ll often find them in more central, touristy areas in the city. If you want to live like a Londoner, an Airbnb can allow you to properly immerse yourself in a more residential area of London – and all the locally-loved bars, pubs and restaurants that come with it. You’ll find lots of our local tips below, but for a detailed breakdown of the best neighbourhoods to stay in London, check out our ultimate area guide. More of a hotels guy? No problem. Here’s our list of the best hotels in London.  📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in London 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 de

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

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

Amsterdam might be famous for its canals, world-class museums and endless bike lanes, but staying here doesn’t have to drain your travel budget. Look beyond the luxury canal houses and you’ll find plenty of well-priced places to stay – from stylish boutique hotels to laid-back hostels scattered across the city’s coolest neighbourhoods. For 2026, we’ve picked out the best affordable stays in Amsterdam, and leading the pack this year is Park Plaza Vondelpark Amsterdam, thanks to its leafy location and polished design at a relatively friendly price.   What do we mean by budget? Prices can vary widely depending on the neighbourhood, the season and major events in the city, so finding a good deal often comes down to booking ahead and being flexible with your travel dates. For this list, we’ve focused on places where hotel rooms come in under €200 a night, with many dropping closer to €100 if you plan in advance or visit outside the busiest months. You’ll also find hostels offering dorm beds from around €50 per person, which remain one of the more affordable ways to stay in the Dutch capital. ➡️ READ MORE: The best hotels in Amsterdam right now What’s the best place to stay in Amsterdam? Well, it depends on the kind of trip you’re after. If it’s your first visit, the historic canals and lively streets of Centrum put you right in the heart of the action. For museums and leafy walks, the elegant Museum Quarter is hard to beat, while trendy De Pijp is packed with cafés, markets and

Fancy a little slap 'n' tickle in Soho or hanky panky in Hoxton? You’ve come to the right place. London is full of sultry, saucy places to stay, and some of the city’s best hotels have special features to make your night even more romantic – we’re talking sex toys on sale at reception, lavish breakfasts in bed and same-day, daytime-only bookings for you-know-what. Ready to get steamy? Here are the best naughty hotels in the capital. Thank us later, folks.  London’s naughtiest hotels at a glance 🏢 Best views: Shangri-La The Shard 💷 Best value for money: Sea Containers 🛏️ Best for a whirlwind romance: The Hoxton, Holborn 🎉 Best place to party: The Twenty Two 📌 Looking for more options? Check out London’s best Airbnbs, or scroll through the most romantic hotels in London How we curate our hotel lists 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 our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

London has never exactly been known as a bargain destination. But the good news is that The Capital still has plenty of great places to stay without blowing your entire travel budget. Every hotel on this list has been picked by Time Out’s editors because it offers something special – whether that’s a brilliant location, standout design, or simply excellent prices. Book one of these and you’ll get the kind of buzz only a great deal can deliver. Then spend the money you’ve saved on the really important things. Like, erm… the pub. What do we mean by ‘budget’? In a city like London, ‘budget’ is always relative. Prices can vary hugely depending on the neighbourhood, time of year and even the day of the week, so finding a good deal is often about knowing where to look and booking smart. For this list, we’ve focused on places where rooms come in under £200 a night, with plenty dipping well below the £100 mark if you book ahead or travel off-peak. You’ll also find a few hostels offering dorm beds for as little as £12 per person, making them some of the cheapest ways to stay in the capital. 🛌 Our guide to the best Airbnbs in London What's the cheapest area to stay in London?  Honestly, it depends on what you're looking for! Budget hotels and hostels are scattered all over the city, so it often comes down to how far you’re willing to travel. Central areas like Shoreditch, King’s Cross and parts of the South Bank can still offer surprisingly good-value stays (which means you're in wal

  One of the joys of being London is that it's surprisingly easy to feel like you're somewhere completely different. This hodgepodge of a city is full of wooded corners, rugged hills and flower-filled fields, provided you know where to look for them. So if you're in the mood for a decent walk, there's no need to head off down the M5 in search of adventure. You can easily immerse yourself in nature for a few hours – without ever being more than half an hour away from a decent macchiato or a TfL station. Here are some walks that are perfect for enjoying solo, or with a gang who are equally ready to discover London's hidden wild side. Wear some sensible(ish) shoes, check the weather forecast, and make evening plans where you can show off the virtuous glow that only comes from exercising in the great outdoors. If London’s not cutting it at the moment, why not check out our list of ridiculously scenic walks near the capital? Or if you fancy a spot of forest bathing, here’s a load of walk suggestions that take in some of the best woodland around the city. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in London London's prettiest walks at a glance: 🚂 Best for railway lovers: Parkland walk 🏢 Best for city views: Hampstead circular walk 🦌 Best for deer spotting: Wimbledon park to Richmond 💂 Best for seeing parks and palaces: Diana Princess of Wales memorial walk 🖼️ Best for culture lovers: The Line

How do you even begin to pick the top hotels in Europe? Impossible, right? There are hundreds of grand dames, design darlings, and barefoot-luxe beach retreats all vying for your attention. For us, it’s about places that deliver much more than just a bed for the night. On this list, we've got harbour-front balconies where you can watch boats drift past in Valletta. Belle Époque rooftops in Nice, basically made for Champagne. Cycladic hilltops in Mykonos with private infinity pools and yacht-dotted views. Or 500 acres of Irish coastline, where Kerry mountain panoramas are what you'll wake up to. Some are planted steps from buzzy nightlife; others are full-immersion escapes with spas, beach clubs or Michelin-starred restaurants built in. One thing is certain: all of them offer their guests that goosebump-inducing feeling that you're part of something really, really special.  Discover our ultimate guide to hotels in Europe Who makes the cut? 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. That means that 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 our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

If there’s one thing—just one thing—you’re coming to New York City for, it’s got to be the views. There are few spectacles more iconic than the twinkly Manhattan skyline, after all, but housed inside many of those towering skyscrapers are hotels with magnificent views. With brand-new coverage from our local writers on Equinox Hotel, The Shelburne Sonesta and the Park Terrace Hotel, as well as many, many more.  Which area is best to stay in New York? Manhattan’s dense concentration of high-up, high-end hotels means you’re blessed with options for up close and personal views of The Big Apple, but heading over to Brooklyn is also a great option for more sweeping city vistas. Have a read of all our guides to all NYC’s neighborhoods, to help you decide.  New York’s best hotels with a view, at a glance: 🌃 Best view: Ritz-Carlton Central Park 👙 Best pool: Equinox Hotel 👛 Best budget: The Shelburne Sonesta 💎 Most luxurious: Mandarin Oriental 🤩 Most iconic: The Plaza 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes

Barcelona is a city with serious style. The Catalan capital is home to stunning architecture, stylish boutiques and tapas that, frankly, we consider to be a work of art in its own right. Ok, it’s already nearly perfect, so how about making it totally perfect with a stay in one of the city’s very best Airbnbs? There are some serious gems here, whether you're looking for somewhere chic, cheap or the kind of place you’ll want to spend the rest of your days, you’ll find it in Barcelona. We’ve discovered neoclassical villas, close-to-the-beach lofts and an art nouveau haven in Gracia. You can thank us later when we cross paths in the restaurants and bars of Barcelona. Happy hunting! Welcome to the best Airbnbs in Barcelona. What’s the best place to stay in Barcelona? The truth is, you're spoilt for choice in Barcelona. So, it comes down to the kind of city break you're after. For grand boulevards and modernist eye candy, check into Eixample. There you'll find grid-patterned streets, rooftop terraces and walking all the Gaudí icons. But if you want something more residential, El Farró (a pocket of Sant Gervasi) delivers village calm, just uphill from the buzz. For views, gardens and golden-hour magic, base yourself around Montjuïc, where museums, leafy paths and city panoramas replace traffic noise. And if you want space, value and great transport links, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat offers modern apartments and easy metro rides into the centre. ➡️ READ MORE: Ultimate guide to where t

Who would the Fab Four be without their fifth member? Would Beatlemania have existed at all? Would their US success have even been possible? And those albums – would they have given it all up before they’d had the chance to create the likes of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band or Revolver? In Tom Wright’s play, the band steps back from their microphones, allowing the spotlight to fall instead on Brian Epstein – their manager, and the man who first discovered their raw genius and propelled it into global superstardom. Tracking his discovery of the band at the Cavern Club, Wright’s bio-drama shows us the belief Epstein had in the band from the very beginning, as well as the role he played in shaping them into the group the world came to know. But as the Beatles rise – playing bigger shows to ever more frenzied fans – Epstein falls, descending into a life fuelled by sex and addiction. Most of all, Please, Please Me is a kind of love story between Epstein and John Lennon. In fact, Lennon is the only member of the Beatles we actually see on stage in this production, directed by Kiln boss Amit Sharma. When Epstein first sets eyes on the band, it is Lennon’s shadowy figure that emerges, lit by the stage lights and dressed in leather. While the other ‘boys’ are mentioned in passing, this is an all-blinkers on exploration of Epstein’s infatuation with Lennon. Of course, creative licence shapes the central relationship. But Epstein was a gay man at a time when homosexuality was sti

What is it? The preserved subterrean rooms where Churchill plotted out his wartime strategies.  Beneath Westminster, these rooms were built were built and completed a week before war broke out. Here, a devoted team of men and women received key information from critical locations all over Europe and north Africa, helping the Prime Minister and his inner circle to plan their moves, and keeping the King and the armed forces fully briefed on daily progress. Now part of the Imperial War Museum, the Churchill War Rooms have been kept as they were in 1945. See the Map Room as it would have been, operating day and night during the conflict, and get a sense of this underground warren at its most frenetic. As well as the key aspects of wartime government revealed here, it’s in the little details that you get a sense of life in the bunker. For example, there was a daily-updated weather noticeboard so that workers knew what was going on above ground. During air raids, the notice would be changed to ‘windy’ as a joke. Why go? Few would dispute that Winston Churchill’s unique leadership and ability to distil Britain’s fortitude during World War II played a major part in the victory against Hitler and Nazi Germany, making the War Rooms all the more appealing for anyone with a fascination for the era.   Don't miss: Between 9am and 10am daily, before the War Rooms open properly to the public, there is an extra guided tour, that explores the hidden secrets of Churchill's wartime strategy. Her

What is it? The capital’s biggest aquarium.  Looking at the outside of London’s former County Hall, it’s hard to imagine that you’re going to find sharks and penguins inside what used to be a boring old council building. But give them their dues – Sea Life has created a pretty impressive aquatic wonderland right here in Zone 1, and within easy reach of Waterloo and London Bridge stations. Why go? If you're after an under the sea adventure, then there really is no better place to spend the day (other than maybe the ocean itself).  Upon entering – over a glass window that peeks down to the Pacific waters display – you’ll follow a winding route through every attraction in the building. Wade into the Shark Walk before reaching the Atlantic Coasts (look out for sand eels and octopuses here). Life gets a little more exotic and vibrant as the display merges into the Ray Lagoon and the Dive Discovery tropical waters. There's much more, too. The Ocean Tunnel makes you feel like you've been properly submerged underwater. The polar experience is your one-way ticket to the frozen extremities of the Antarctic. Take your kids, your friends or partner - there's something for everyone. Don't miss: If you really want to get up close and personal with the sealife, the brave adventurers out there can book a ‘snorkelling with sharks’ experience and dive into the shark tank. When to visit: Monday - Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 10am-6pm Half-term and school holiday hours differ and c

What is it? Not to be confused with London Bridge (we have Fergie to blame for that), Tower Bridge is one of the most famous river crossings in the world, but at 130 years, it isn't actually that old. Still, the fact that it lifts up in the middle when large vessels are passing underneath makes it an icon that most children probably picture in their minds when singing ‘London Bridge is falling down’. Planes have flown through it, David Beckham has steered a speedboat underneath it and in 1952 a double-decker bus really did ‘leap’ over the gap when the bridge started to lift without warning. When it was finally finished in 1894 – working having begun in 1886 – Tower Bridge was steam-powered (seriously) and was considered a miracle of Victorian engineering. In 1974 it underwent a transformation, with an electro-hydraulic system installed, but you can still see the old steam engines inside the Engine Rooms.  Why go? To take in the stunning views, not just up and down the Thames, but of the road below as well. Those with a strong stomach can also stare 42 metres down through the glass floor that was put in place for the bridge's 120th year in 2014. Inside Tower Bridge, you can be transported back to Victorian Britain, by seeing the the powerful machinery of its early years.  Don't miss: The bridge lift. Tower Bridge is actually raised 850 times a year, so next time you're walking past, wait and see what happens. It is always a treat to see the bridge go up. When to visit: Open d

What is it? London’s home to huge sporting events and arena concerts. Hosting the nation’s biggest sporting spectacles since 1923, Wembley has a legendery status as a temple to sport. The original stadium welcomed crowds of 127,000 and stood on the site until 2003. Then in 2007, the new Wembley was born after a complete rebuild that cost 70 million. It has a slightly more modest seating capacity nowadays of 90,000, but the iconic arch that spans the width of the stadium can be seen as far away as Richmond Park.  Why go? It is England's national stadium and the second largest in Europe. It has hosted countless notable events including the 2024 Champions League Final and the 1948 Olympic Games. England fans will know it as the venue of the Three Lions’ iconic World Cup Final victory against West Germany in 1966, and the Lionesses’ game-changing Euros win, also against Germany, in 2022. And it’s also known for hosting a vast programme of concerts each year too. Taylor Swift played here eight times as part of her 2024 Eras Tour, Harry Styles sold out six nights here in 2023, and in 2025, the stadium will welcome Dua Lipa and Oasis.  Don’t miss:  Even if you’re not coming to see a sports event or a big concert, you can take a Wembley Tour, which revisits the stadium’s golden moments from the 1920s to the present. Open throughout the year, the 75-minute tour is hosted by knowledgeable and impressively enthusiastic guides, who allow you to pause and soak up the stadium magic, take

This review is from 2025. They Harder They Come returns for 2026 with a largely unchanged core cast. Let’s be honest, you’re probably booking a ticket to a stage adaptation of The Harder They Come for the songs. Perry Henzell’s seminal 1972 film is the movie that introduced reggae to the world, after all. But Suzan-Lori Parks’s new version of the stage musical – the second to have been staged at Stratford East after a hit 2006 version by Henzell himself – is as much about the grit of the production, impeccably directed by Matthew Xia, as it is the groove of its soundtrack. And yes, of course, Jimmy Cliff’s anthems are as rousing as ever. The soundtrack roars, cracks and prickles in the hands of this killer cast, led by Natey Jones. Big hitters like the aspirational ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ and the haunting power ballad ‘Many Rivers to Cross’ are so stirring, members of the audience can’t help but join in, to sing along.  Telling the story of Ivan (Jones) a young man who arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1971, eager to make a name for himself in the music industry, the book by Parks folds in the textures of city life, from the bustle of bars and backstreets to the weight of financial insecurity. Frustrated by his failure to climb to the top, Ivan slides his way into crime, eventually having to go on the run after shooting a police officer. The story lacks the agony that was layered into the film’s fabric. But it is Xia’s ability to paint vivid stage pictures that ma

What is it? One of London’s longest-running clubs located in a former Victorian meatpacking warehouse, and a legend of the electronic music scene. Since opening in 1999 fabric has established itself as one of London's clubbing landmarks – a reputation built through consistently high quality programming that showcases all strands of the UK's underground. The club's three rooms are brought to life every weekend with the finest low-frequencies and the deepest grooves in town, as the headsy crowds that pack out the dancefloor will testify. Why go? The Farringdon mega club is now in its 27th year and there are few clubs worldwide as famous. Throughout its quarter of a century, it has championed British sounds by programming heavyweight drum 'n' bass djs, garage and dubstep scene leaders, as well as rising UK bass producers. With such rich and varied listings, fabric is bound to have something for you, making it an essential stop to tick off for anyone who wants to truly experience London's rich underbelly of nightlife. If you're looking for a big night, there's arguably no place better.  Don't miss: Don't forget to check out the Off fabric programme, too where fabric puts on events in iconic venues and club spaces throughout the year. You can check them out on the website.  When to visit: Standard opening hours are from 11pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Day party hours will differ, but check the website for details.  Ticket info: Ticket prices for events vary but can be found o

Who knew it was possible to be so chilled out right in the centre of London? You’ll find this new hotel from the London-based hospitality group Kinsfolk & Co, whose directors are of The Goring and The Beaumont fame, in the heart of Fitzrovia. While the design feels local to its bones – on the walls you’ll see black-and-white photos of Fitzrovia’s highlights like The Blue Posts and H.T. Harris Delicatessen – with its earthy tones, woody surfaces and a hint of glamour, it’s easy to think you’re miles away from the frenzy of the city. Somehow, despite its location, The Newman manages to be the definition of rest and relaxation: staff greet you in smiley but gentle tones, while soft lighting and lush scents complete the sense of zen. I left feeling truly rejuvenated. What are the rooms like at The Newman? If you’re lucky enough to have a street-facing room at The Newman, the first thing you’ll notice is the view. Gorgeous and oh-so-central, people-watching here is as good as it gets. With all the supplies you need already in the suite, you could stay here all day. Open the drawers, and there's sleep oil and creams from Anatomē, alongside mushroom coffee and an array of teas. On the bar, a neat edit of premium spirits sits next to a cocktail book to guide you in the right direction. Our room featured a living area (I fell asleep on the cool green sofa – it was that comfortable), a bedroom, a separate WC and a bathroom. While everything felt seriously luxurious, with curved lines g

What is it? The mother of all permanent art collections in London, focussing on the older stuff. Simply, it’s where you go in London to see your Van Gohs, your Turners, your Rembrants, your Jan van Eycks and a panoply of other priceless, world-famous paintings. And it’s all free.  Established in 1824 as a new art collection for the enjoyment and education of all, the National Gallery first consisted of 38 pictures, put on display at a house on Pall Mall while a purpose-built gallery was constructed. There are now over 2,300 works of art, from medieval classics to world-famous pieces by the French Impressionists. The new museum opened in 1838, located in Trafalgar Square because it was deemed to be at the heart of London – easy for rich people to visit from the west by carriage and also convenient for poor people coming by foot from east London. Why go?  Free to visit, the National Gallery is still as welcoming to all as it was in its early years. Anyone can swing by and gaze on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers for ten minutes on their way to work or stay all day and admire JMW Turner’s Bequest or Cézanne’s Bathers. Don't miss: As well as the permanent collection, The National Gallery runs concerts, courses and free talks throughout the year.  When to visit: Open daily from 10am-6pm, except on Fridays when it stays open until 9pm. Ticket info: Entry to the permanent collection is free but tickets to the exhibitions are available from the website. Time Out tip: If you want to experience t

What is it? The stunning Royal Opera House is secure in its status as one of the world's great opera houses, pulling in crowds and plaudits each evening to watch world-class productions. It benefited from a massively ambitious 1999 refurb, which extended and opened out its premises to include the restored Floral Hall (an elegant Victorian iron and glass structure) and a new studio space, the Linbury theatre. Subsequent updates have turned the front of house areas around its massive auditorium into gleaming white, luxurious restaurants and bars where opera buffs and balletomanes alike can scoff a cucumber sandwich or two.  There's been a theatre on the ROH's current site since 1728, when audiences flocked to Covent Garden to hear new works by Handel. The current Royal Opera House is its third incarnation; it opened in 1858, with an imposing Neoclassical facade that mimicked the design of its predecessors. Its horseshoe-shaped, 2,256-seater auditorium is one of the West End's largest, and offers a traditional, imposing setting for both operas and ballet spectacles (although the sightlines from the cheap gallery seats might leave you admiring the dancers' legs and not much more).  Why go? The venue truly is one of London’s most dazzling: it is a Grade-I-listed building, with beautiful modern additions. And, if you want to see an exceptional production of an opera or ballet, there's no better place to do it than the ROH.  As well as housing The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, t

What is it? Sir Christopher Wren’s 1708 masterpiece. But iconic though St Paul’s may be, the Cathedral as we know and love it today is in fact version six, at least. Version five was burned to the ground by the Great Fire of London in 1666 – in fact version three also went up in flames fire in 1087 – and mark four fell to ruins under Henry VIII’s leadership and parts of it were used to build Somerset House. Thankfully Wren’s design survived 13 monarchs and two world wars, and remains one of the key places of worship for high-profile weddings and funerals. Why go? Already buried in the Crypt at St Paul’s you’ll find (should you be so inclined to look) Admiral Lord Nelson, Sir Christopher Wren and the Duke of Wellington. These can be accessed with a sightseeing ticket, which will also get you into the unquestionably cool Whispering Gallery. Not so much a gallery, but a walkway that leads around the inside of the St Paul’s most recognisable bit – its dome. While on this walkway you’ll be able to hear someone speaking from the opposite end, even if they’re whispering, thanks to some impressive early eighteenth-century acoustics. There are several different tour options depending on how long you’ve got to explore. If you’ve paid for main admission you’ll be treated to an introductory talk that lasts around 15 or 20 minutes before being taken on a 90-minute guided tour (available Monday to Saturday, 10am-2pm). But if you pay a little more, you can also join a more detailed, Triforu

Picture Vincent van Gogh and you’ll probably imagine a tormented artist – one ear missing and a mind full of swirling thoughts. But Nicholas Wright’s 2002 play takes us somewhere far less familiar: back before painting consumed his life, when the Dutch painter spent time in Brixton. It uses creative licence to reimagine this period, blending fact – his work as an art dealer and life in South London – with speculation about his relationships, to probe the psychological roots of the artist he would become. Wright’s play, then, presents a fickle Van Gogh, who falls first for the daughter of the house, Eugenie, and then finds a deeper connection with her mother, Ursula – a much older, widowed landlady prone to spells of all-encompassing depression. They bond over a mutual propensity for melancholy, with their romance allowing Ursula, briefly, to feel alive once more. In Georgia Green’s warm production, their connection, despite its unlikeliness, feels natural and tender. Mostly, that’s because Niamh Cusack is properly terrific as Ursula. Moving from sharp and orderly to something more open, she gradually allows herself to fall into love. When the black dog hits, she sits with her head in her hands, unable to form words, tears pooling at the corners of her eyes, always on the verge of spilling. The age difference between her and Jeroen Frank Kales’s Vincent is stark. With a mop of thick blonde hair and his inability to keep his mouth shut, Vincent enters a room like a storm. He is

When it comes to blockbuster sporting events, few things come close to the Super Bowl. The NFL’s showpiece fixture is less a match and more a full-blown cultural phenomenon – and while the game takes place thousands of miles away, London will be very much awake for it.  In 2026 the Super Bowl heads to Santa Clara. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, around 45 miles southeast of San Francisco, the California city won a fiercely competitive bidding process to host the game (a privilege that reportedly costs close to $100m once security and production are factored in). It’s not Santa Clara’s first rodeo either, having previously hosted the Super Bowl 50 back in 2016. As ever, the action on the field will be joined by all the familiar Super Bowl trimmings: high-stakes drama and, most importantly, a globe-stopping half-time show. I mean, who could forget Beyoncé? And Rihanna? Prince? Pop-culture milestones one and all. So sure, you could watch it from your sofa with a multipack of crisps. But for anyone after a proper Super Bowl experience – big screens, booming sound systems, flowing pints and American food – London has plenty of late-night parties worth staying up for. These are the best places in the city to catch it. When is the Super Bowl?  Super Bowl LX takes place on Sunday February 8, kicking off at around 11.30pm GMT. Who is performing at the Super Bowl? Bad Bunny was announced as the headline performer for the Super Bowl Halftime Show back in September. Green Day are