Jennifer Banful joined Time Out as an Affiliate Content Writer in 2023, a column where she essentially recommends all the best places to stay, eat and drink for your next travel endeavours. She's a born and bred Londoner, with over two years' experience in writing e-commerce and lifestyle content, a bit obsessed with steamed dumplings, is always down for a cosy wine bar, and never leaves the house without a book for her commute or lip balm (if you know, you know).  

Jennifer Banful

Jennifer Banful

Affiliate Content Writer

Articles (236)

The 10 best bus tours in London from 007 to fine dining

The 10 best bus tours in London from 007 to fine dining

If you want to see a host of London’s attractions in one joyful day, London bus tours are the way to go. Why go on foot when you can embrace the sheer fun of pootling through the city on a double-decker, getting a bird's eye view of historic buildings that just don't look the same from street level? Plus, there's no need to wear out your trainers or elbow your way through crowds.  Once, London bus tours had a faintly cheesy reputation, but these days they take in everything from fine dining to James Bond to ghosts alongside the classic sights. Spoilt for choice? We’ve rounded up the best London bus tours for you to take your pick. Our choice selection includes open-top classics that enable you to tick off your favourite landmarks one by one, spooky tours by twilight, and even a Harry Potter bus tour that takes in all the bespectacled boy wizard’s trips around the capital, from King’s Cross to Number 12 Grimmauld Place.  Want more?🚲Try a London bike tour instead💂‍♀️Check out the best London tours 🛏Stay in the best Airbnbs in London This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 10 must-see attractions in Madrid

The 10 must-see attractions in Madrid

With all the brilliant things you can see and do in Madrid, it can be tough trying to plan your itinerary, so we're here to help you narrow down your quest. Want to ooh and ahh over palaces both grand and humble? Appreciate great art in the city's best museums and galleries? Spend some time strolling around famous flea markets and relaxing in parks? We've got you covered. Mardid really is the place to experience the best of the best in culture and architecture. It's home to one of the most significant art museums in the world, a globally renowned shopping street and the largest palace in Western Europe. So, whether you live in the Spanish capital or are visiting for a few days, you simply have to visit the best attractions in Madrid. Vamos! RECOMMENDED: See our full guide to the best things to do in Madrid This guide was written by Editorial Director of Time Out Madrid, Marta Bac. 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. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 12 best attractions in Toronto

The 12 best attractions in Toronto

It seems obvious to state that Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is brimming with fantastic things to do. We're talking amazing museums, exquisite cuisine and some of the best nightlife in the entire Great White North. Not to mention the nature walks, which you can find right in the heart of the city (hello Balfour Park loop). There’s nowhere else quite like it. Toronto is a city that manages to both preserve its areas of cultural importance and expand at a break-neck pace. Get ready to explore both the city’s rich heritage and its exciting future – here are our top picks of Toronto’s best attractions. RECOMMENDED: 🚶Best things to do in Toronto🏨 The best hotels in Toronto This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 11 best museums in Barcelona

The 11 best museums in Barcelona

Considering that this part of the world birthed Cubism, Impressionism, Modernism, Post-Modernism and then some, it's no surprise that the museums and galleries would be second to none. When it comes to big buildings filled with pretty things, Barcelona does not disappoint. The museums in the Catalan capital are one big love letter to art, with legendary permanent exhibitions and a conveyor belt of temporary ones that deserve all the attention in the world. Hopping from one treasure trove of visual gems to another is one of the best things to do in Barcelona, especially when followed by a visit to a rooftop bar to consider all the magic you’ve devoured. For our budget-savvy travellers, you'll be glad to know it's free entry on the first Sunday of the month for many of the museums across this incredible city. Now, what are you waiting for? Chuck a dart at our list of the best museums in Barcelona and start exploring! RECOMMENDED: See our pick of the best Airbnbs in BarcelonaRECOMMENDED: Plan your next trip with the best hotels in Barcelona This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
Las 10 mejores atracciones de Disneyland Paris

Las 10 mejores atracciones de Disneyland Paris

Tal vez tu hija tiene 10 años y lo único que le interesa de vuestra visita a Disneyland Paris son las montañas rusas de subidas y bajadas imposibles. Quizá, tu hijo ronda los 4 y todavía no ha desarrollado ese gusto por la adrenalina. Y sí, es probable que no sepas cómo organizarte. Por ello, hemos elaborado una completa selección de las atracciones de Disneyland Paris que querrás probar en vuestro próximo viaje. Desde lo aventurero e intrépido hasta lo relajado y tranquilo, pasando por lo más mágico. RECOMENDADO: Guía completa de las mejores cosas que hacer en París.
The 12 best rides at Disneyland Paris

The 12 best rides at Disneyland Paris

Perhaps you’ve got a 10-year-old who’s exclusively interested in heart-thumping rollercoasters, or maybe a four-year-old who doesn’t have quite that appetite for adrenaline yet. Feeling daunted by the prospect of ushering them around Disney? Our run-down of the best Disneyland Paris rides ranges from the frightful to the easy-going to the just plain magical. With queues and the frankly overwhelming choice – there are 54 rides overall – it’s evidently not possible to indulge in every single one. So if you need some help making those tough decisions, read on for our pick of 10 attractions you shouldn’t miss. Then book online here. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Paris
51 unmissable attractions in Paris: including free attractions

51 unmissable attractions in Paris: including free attractions

Paris: the food, the fashion, the fromage, the fantasy. No matter how many times we visit the French capital, its charms never ever grow old. And we’re not alone in thinking that. Paris is a major tourist destination that attracts thousands upon thousands of enthusiastic travellers with heads filled with images of Breton jumpers, tiny dogs, and decadent pastries - the kind you can dip in your hot chocolate. But how do you enjoy this gorgeous city without just succumbing to the age-old clichés (as much as we do love all of them)? We’ve compiled a list of the 51 best attractions in Paris, from the big-name ‘must-see’ paris attractions to something a little bit more bespoke and treasured locally. So whether you’re looking for lesser-known museums, late-night live music, or the best places for shopping, we’ve got plenty of ideas - and they’re all as tasty as a Ladurée macaron. Time Out tip: If you want avoid taxing, RATP App and Citymapper will be essential for getting around Paris like a local.  RECOMMENDED: 🇫🇷See our full guide to the best things to do in Paris🥖Check out the best food tours in Paris📍Here's where to head for the best tours in Paris🛏 Stay in the best airbnbs in Paris🚍The best Paris bus tours This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The top 11 attractions in Porto

The top 11 attractions in Porto

Move over Lisbon, you've had your time. It's Porto's moment to shine. Like the larger capital, Porto is coastal, has its fair share of hills and awe-inspiring architecture, and must-see attractions. The city's modest size makes it easy to navigate, which, in turn, means you can easily visit more than one of our top ten attractions in one day. Take a dip in an azure ocean-front pool, get snap happy in a nineteenth-century station or simply get your fill of the gorgeous Duoro River and the megalithic Dom Luis I iron bridge crosses it, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. And don't forget to try a tipple (or two) of port – this is the drink's hometown after all. Cheers! Recommended: 🍳See the best places to enjoy brunch in Porto🛏Stay at the best Airbnbs in Porto🏨Or book a stay at the best hotels in Porto This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 87 best New York attractions that should be on your list

The 87 best New York attractions that should be on your list

Our definitive guide to the best New York attractions is a great place to start whether you're entertaining out-of-town guests or simply want to channel your inner tourist. The list is a compilation of our favorite sights and spots in the city, including everything from great parks and art museums, to food markets and historical venues. The Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are obviously must-see attractions, but we’ve also highlighted a few of our favorite hidden gems, such as one of NYC's greatest flea markets, Hudson Yard's Vessel, and foodie haven Smorgasburg. Thirsty for more? 🗽 Discover the best things to do in NYC🏡 Take your pick of the coolest Airbnbs in NYC🛥 Stay in the best boat rentals in NYC ⛴ Or how about the best boat tours in NYC? This guide was written by the Editor of Time Out New York, Shaye Weaver. 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. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 19 best Airbnbs in Hudson Valley

The 19 best Airbnbs in Hudson Valley

Ahh, NYC. Street-style mecca. Home of Broadway. All hustle and bustle (hence the coffee). Truth is, there’s never a dull moment here, and that’s why we love it. Even some of the bodegas are in on the nightlife. Travel upstate and it’s a completely different vibe (a bit like NYC’s introverted cousin) – we’re talking no neon lights, only the amber glow of a wood-burning stove. And when it’s time to escape the inner-city chaos, there’s no place quite like Hudson Valley. While New Yorkers can always catch their breath in one of NYC’s many (admittedly excellent) spas, a temporary escape from the traffic doesn’t always cut it. Sometimes what you really need – read: the only remedy – is a long weekend in a cozy cabin to help you fully decompress. Without further ado, we’ve rounded up the best places the stay in Hudson Valley, many of which boast breathtaking views, cracking amenities, and scenic hiking trails – all within a few hours’ drive of Manhattan. Time to embrace the calm. RECOMMENDED:🏔See our list of the best Airbnbs in the Catskills🏨Check out the top hotels and B&Bs in Hudson, NY🌲Pay a visit to the best upstate New York resorts Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content.
The 14 best hotels in Seminyak for a trendy beach vacation

The 14 best hotels in Seminyak for a trendy beach vacation

Tucked away in the southern end of Bali, the little paradise of Seminyak sits along the west coast and boasts some of the best beaches in the country. With tons of things to do in the area, including high-end restaurants and shops, incredible resorts, and watching stunning sunsets, you'd be silly not to visit.  For a trip of a lifetime and to treat you like the royalty you are, book one of these gorgeous beach-front resorts or lavish hotels - it's a must to ensure an experience you won't forget. From luxuriously opulent rooms to rustic ocean-vibe villas, these are the best hotels in Seminyak, and they're calling your name. Updated December 2024: We've updated our list with two incredible hotels in the mix: Nyuh Bali Villas and The Green Room Seminyak. Enjoy! RECOMMENDED:🌴Check out the best things to do in Bali 👙Visit Bali's most unforgettable beaches🐚Enjoy a stay in Bali's coolest Airbnbs Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 15 best hotels in Ubud for a daydreamy escape to the tropics

The 15 best hotels in Ubud for a daydreamy escape to the tropics

A Bali vacation doesn’t just mean beach time. Venture inland to the central foothills of Gianyar Regency, and you’ll find rice terraces, deep ravines, and some of the world’s oldest Hindu temples and shrines. Welcome to Ubud, Bali’s spiritual and cultural heart. While you could tour Ubud’s highlights in a day, this place is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. With scenic treks above lush canopies, white water rafting through sacred rivers, and a conservation forest where monkeys roam freely, there’s plenty to see and do. So why not stay a night or two? We’ve ranked the best hotels in Ubud - whether you’re after a locally inspired village stay, affordable glamping, or a serene retreat with jungle views. READ MORE: The best hotels in Bali from luxury resorts to affordable stays and The best luxury hotels in Bali

Listings and reviews (4)

Rebel Rebel Flowers, Hackney

Rebel Rebel Flowers, Hackney

4 out of 5 stars
If Rebel Rebel were a personality they would be the extroverted cool kid. Situated on the corner of Westgate Street, this Hackney-based florist is known for their edgy and expressive blooms. I for one love their punky, off-beat approach to hand-tied bouquets, so I was pleased to be invited over to see the flower power in action for myself. When I got to their vibey Mare Street Market unit, I was immediately drawn to the blue tile display that sits bang in the middle of the shop floor, brimming with vibrant flowers from top to bottom. Their speciality? Well, not that they need any street cred from us, but their long-stemmed hand-tied bouquets are doozies. Run by Athena and Mairead, the team here source the majority of their blooms from both Covent Garden Flower Market and their very own flower farm in Norfolk. They’ve got a passion for showcasing the best of British flowers when growing season allows (if it's out of season, they simply don't sell it). That's how you know you'll always get the best quality when you buy here. And if you can't pay the store a visit, you'll find a beautiful selection of bouquets available to order online, including wedding flowers.  What's the price point? Bouquets start from £60. Best for: The tasselled and undone look. Time Out tip: Rebel Rebel occasionally team up with Dusty Knuckle in Dalston to host flower workshops. This is your chance to learn all the tips and tricks of arranging a bouquet from start to finish. 
Grace & Thorn

Grace & Thorn

Just a tote-bag swing from London Fields station, Grace & Thorn recently bid adieu to their Hackney Road shop, moving production into this cosy basement workshop tucked away on the corner of Mentmore Terrace. (PSA: it’s more or less opposite the E5 Bakehouse, in case you're looking for a very good sourdough loaf.) Go down the steps and you'll find an airy, light-filled workshop with the chill vibes of a coffee shop, and walls lined with fine art and pickle jar vases filled with seasonal blooms and foliage in pastel shades. It's like an English garden in a basement – it doesn't get much more Hackney than that.  On my first time visiting Grace & Thorn, I loved the delicacy and artistry that goes into the creation of each bouquet. It's really a celebration of the flower itself. There’s a focus on composition and texture, with bouquets that go big on that undone, tasselled look that Grace & Thorn is known for. Seeing florist Silvijas's handiwork in person, I was blown away by the levels of intricacy and artistry. Really impressive stuff.  @ordinaryjen_ Here’s a little something I filmed for a local flower shop in Hackney. They’re called Grace and Thorn and their team are the sweetest. If you’re ever in London Fields, you should totally swing by 😉🌹#localbusiness #londonflowers #londonlife ♬ flower day - jeanie What's the price point? Bouquets start from £65. Pretty decent for a bespoke bunch. Best for: Rustic, asymmetrical, one-of-a-kind floral bouquets. Time Out tip: In yo
The Zetter Clerkenwell

The Zetter Clerkenwell

4 out of 5 stars
When this place opened, back in 2004, it was billed as ‘London’s first boutique hotel’. That means you can probably guess the vibe, but if pushed? I’d describe it as ‘classy vintage’, which means stag heads, luxe red wallpaper, staff kitted out in braces and waistcoats, that kind of thing. I felt like I’d entered the pages of a Victorian mystery. I liked it.  But first things first – this place isn’t easy to find. You might need to Google-map your way through its secluded blue door on St John Square, but it’s totally worth the hunt. That’s not to say it’s not without its faults. Keen for a view, I picked a spot by the window for my (excellent) small-plates dinner, and got to spend the evening gazing out at some scaffolding. Still, that’s hardly their fault, and you can’t have everything, right? And everything else really was pretty fine. My room was big for a boutique hotel, with a canopied queen bed (I loved the sheets and ridiculously soft mattress) and some of the nicest reading lamps, I’ve ever used. It’s all very cosy and homely, and I really liked the hot water bottle and the corded telephone, even if the rotary dial was just a prop (probably best – they always were a pain in the arse).  To be honest, the whole place was well thought-out and elegant, with exceptional service from people that clearly care about what they do. Special mention, though, to the gorgeous bath – I could definitely get used to regular soaks in that – a blissful element of a really rather lovely
TRIBE Canary Wharf

TRIBE Canary Wharf

4 out of 5 stars
Did you think Canary Wharf was all soulless glass office buildings and city suits? Times have changed, and this TRIBE hotel – the first UK location from a group with hotels across the globe – is a good example of the fact that Canary Wharf’s is actually well worth a look these days. It’s a welcoming place a short walk from the station, with a striking redbrick exterior that’s clearly taken its cue from a Brooklyn apartment block. And that’s a good thing. Inside it’s kitted out in inviting hues: pastel pinks, coppery reds and light grey booths, coupled with Art Deco prints, tropical plants and a groovy lamp in – I think? – every corner. I liked it. The rooms are a solid mix of form and function; the bed’s a doozy and the fact you can order room service via a QR code on your flatscreen TV is a nice touch (be gone, phoning down!). But what I actually loved most were the spectacular floor-to-ceiling views overlooking the Thames Waterway. It’s a really lovely look, especially when night falls. Fun fact for fitness freaks: visitors also get an exclusive pass to the (excellent) Third Space gym a five-minute walk from the hotel – and there are plans to bring one in-house at some point, too.  Neighbourhood:You’re in Wood Wharf, a quiet residential neighbourhood (yes, they exist around here) about an eight-minute walk from Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, and the DLR. Those transport links means it works well as a base for exploring London, though you’re pretty well served if you want to s