John Bills grew up in Mid Wales, but a mixture of boredom and tragedy eventually led to him visiting and writing about small towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and hunting down the best Bosnian food (if someone tells you it’s found in the Baščaršija, they haven’t been elsewhere in the country). He has been lucky enough to live in Prague, Ljubljana, Belgrade, Mostar and Sarajevo as well as the UK, and his travel writing and editing work for Time Out covers all those destinations and many more.

John Bills

John Bills

Writer, Time Out Travel

Articles (81)

The 23 weirdest places on earth you have to visit at least once

The 23 weirdest places on earth you have to visit at least once

It turns out Louis Armstrong was on to something, because we really do live in quite a wonderful world. Whether you’re trekking over multicoloured mountains in Peru or around thermal water networks in Türkiye, every continent on this planet has its fair share of weird and wonderful treasures.  While you might not think of lakes being pink or beaches being red, or expect to see glistening lights aglow in caves or in waves, our earth has somehow made it possible. Have we intrigued you? Of course we have – read on for the strangest, weirdest and most bizarre natural wonders that our planet has to offer. RECOMMENDED:🌃The best things to do in the world this year🏖️The best beaches in the world🌍The best places in the world to travel alone For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.
The 10 best hotels in Cornwall

The 10 best hotels in Cornwall

With its golden beaches braced by an Atlantic breeze, charming fishing villages and winding coastal walks, Cornwall is one of the loveliest counties in Britain – and it has some equally lovely accommodation, too. After a long day of sightseeing, adventuring and sunbathing (not to mention more fish and chips than your body might be prepared for), finding an idyllic spot to lay your head is vital. Cornwall’s lack of consistency on the hotel front might surprise some, but that shouldn’t be confused with a lack of quality. Far from it: this stunning slice of coastal confidence has some of Britain’s finest hotels waiting to welcome visitors. Take your pick from beach or countryside, activity or spa break, the dramatic north coast or the tranquil creeks of the south; all have first-class accommodation and make great bases for exploring. To help you narrow it down to one, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in Cornwall below. RECOMMENDED:🏡 The best Airbnbs in Cornwall📍 The best things to do in Cornwall🏖️ The best beaches in Cornwall🍲 The best restaurants in Cornwall 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 22 best museums in the UK

The 22 best museums in the UK

The UK’s museum roster is packed with variety, from the vast, densely curated institutions in London and Manchester to the tiny little museums tucked away in Wales, Sussex and the Black Country.  Whether you’re a full-fledged museum geek or just out and about with a pal who insists on ‘seeing some culture’, you’ll find a cracker of a museum to get lost in on this list. So, here are our top picks for the very best museums in the UK right now. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best places to visit in the UK🎨The best things to do in the UK🌺The best wellbeing retreats in the UK🎵The best music festivals in the UK 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. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 
Shows and events at Time Out Market Dubai

Shows and events at Time Out Market Dubai

The main dish at Time Out Market Dubai is certainly the food, but our editors have not stopped there. The Time Out Stage will become the city’s new creative showcase when live entertainment resumes. Diners are invited to watch the pages of Time Out magazine come to life here, whether that’s through vibrant art installations, poetry readings, incredible pop-up performances or live music and DJs that get you moving. Talk about dinner and a show!
The 20 best places to visit in Cornwall, from coast to cove

The 20 best places to visit in Cornwall, from coast to cove

Popular with travellers from the UK and from overseas, Cornwall is hands down one of the country’s most visited destinations. It’s enormous and contains a huge variety, from some of the UK’s most impressive beaches nestled between dramatic headlands to ‘gram-worthy seaside villages and even the odd castle or two.  It’d be impossible to pick the most beautiful spot – you’d be better off exploring them all for yourself as there’s just so much worth seeing. We recommend doing so by car: aside from a few trains, its public transport system is famously shoddy, and the hard-to-reach, remote spots and winding country lanes are easiest to access on four wheels (just watch out for locals speeding around those bends). So, whether you’re heading here for the first time or the twentieth time, fire up the engine and fasten your seatbelt – here are the best places to visit in Cornwall. RECOMMENDED:🎭 The best things to do in Cornwall🏕️ The best campsites in Cornwall🥧 The best attractions in Cornwall🏖️ The best beaches in Cornwall🏩 The best Airbnbs in Cornwall🏨 The best hotels in Cornwall This guide was updated by Time Out writer India Lawrence, who is originally from Cornwall. 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.
The 14 best treks in the world

The 14 best treks in the world

There are some places that you just can’t appreciate to the max unless you don your walking boots and clamber there on two feet (with plenty of provisions and decent ankle support, please), and while you might think a trek must entail an arduous, multi-day journey, taking in the best this world has to offer doesn’t always have to be such hard work.  This list of the world’s very best treks includes coastal paths, mountain-top trails, journeys through canyons, forests, gorges and even over some rickety bridges, all of which will reward you with some of the world’s mightiest scenery – some of them you can commit to for days, some will can be enjoyed in smaller, beginner-friendly chunks. Read on for our roundup of this planet’s most glorious treks.  RECOMMENDED:🏔️The best hikes in the world🌌The best places in the world to go stargazing🚞The best luxury train journeys in the world✈️The most underrated destinations in the world At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 
The 20 most romantic places in the world

The 20 most romantic places in the world

Too much of anything is bad for you, or so they say, but there’s one magnificent concept that thankfully that cynicism doesn’t apply to – looove. Whether you’re planning a getaway for a loved one or just wanna see parts of the world where the love’s been poured in, you’re completely blessed with options.  From heaven-on-earth style beaches to awe-inspiring cities, we’ve scoured the planet to find the very places for you and your person to map out eternity together – that deserves a wonderful setting, right? On this list are romantic classics and starry-eyed newcomers which will steal your heart and take your breath away, so go ahead and take a look. RECOMMENDED:💞The most romantic places in the world for couples🌌The best places in the world to go stargazing🚞The best luxury train journeys in the world✈️The most underrated destinations in the world🌃The best cities in the world At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 
Eat & Drink - Time Out Market Bahrain

Eat & Drink - Time Out Market Bahrain

In summary, it’s an elevated food hall experience showcasing the finest restaurants in the city. The offering represents the best of the city and Bahrain’s rich, diverse food scene. Whether you’re in the mood for authentic Japanese sushi or traditional Bahraini classics, you’ll find everything you could ever crave right here. It’s a vibrant atmosphere that will be enhanced by a variety of cultural activities. Think cool vibey art exhibitions and live performances. Intrigued? Just wait until you step inside. This is one hotspot that’s definitely going to make it out of the group chat.
Who we are - Time Out Market Bahrain

Who we are - Time Out Market Bahrain

It's here. Time Out Market Bahrain, which is set to be one of Manama’s top attractions, opened on December 2, 2024. It’s the Kingdom’s first-ever foodie market where everything has been hand-picked by our (also foodie) editorial team just for you, under one roof. We love hitting up the city and sharing all the coolest things with you, after searching far and wide. Now, they’ve come together IRL. At Time Out Market Bahrain, you’ll discover the city’s best food, drinks, and culture all in one place. Think loads of delicious plates from carefully selected vendors, plus all the good vibes. Spanning more than 35,000 square feet, Time Out Market Bahrain showcases a mix of the best local and home-grown talents, from award-winning chefs to up-and-coming restaurateurs and artists. And with more than 900 seats across two levels, visitors can come together at communal tables and get a true taste of Bahrain’s incredible foodie scene. Get the whole gang together. Here’s everything you need to know about Time Out Market Bahrain. What is Time Out Market Bahrain? In summary, it’s an elevated food hall experience showcasing the finest restaurants in the city. The offering represents the best of the city and Bahrain’s rich, diverse food scene. Whether you’re in the mood for authentic Japanese sushi or traditional Bahraini classics, you’ll find everything you could ever crave right here. It’s a vibrant atmosphere that will be enhanced by a variety of cultural activities. Think cool vibey a
How to get there - Time Out Market Bahrain

How to get there - Time Out Market Bahrain

If you’re like us and often find yourself ending up in the buzzing Seef District every time you need fun things to do, you’re in luck. Located on the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, Time Out Market Bahrain will be a go-to spot highlighting a brilliant mix of local and international talents, from award-winning chefs to exciting new restauranteurs and artists. The main entry to the Market will be via Le Meridien Hotel. After all, it’s about bringing together the very best of our community.
How to get there

How to get there

TRANSPORT NETWORK Dubai Metro Station 25 Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall station   Time Out Market Dubai opening hours 12pm-midnight, Fri 12pm-1am, Sat 10am-1am 
Food & Drink at Time Out Market Dubai

Food & Drink at Time Out Market Dubai

Ever daydream about owning your own restaurant? What food would you serve there? What chefs would you invite to come cook your fantasy dishes? Well, we’ve imagined that, too, only our dreams have become a reality at Time Out Market Dubai. The expansive, curated experience features the highest-rated local restaurants and some Dubai’s most-revered chefs. Together, they make up our 17 unique food concepts. The Market comprises 43,000 square feet of hand-picked dining, so every shawarma, every dumpling and every other amazing dish has been personally taste-tested and approved by local experts whose job is to find Dubai’s yummiest bites.

News (6)

Estos son los 15 lugares más bonitos del mundo que son patrimonio de la humanidad de la UNESCO

Estos son los 15 lugares más bonitos del mundo que son patrimonio de la humanidad de la UNESCO

Fundada en 1945, la UNESCO (Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura) se ha convertido en una especie de guía de la majestuosidad del mundo. La Convención del Patrimonio Mundial se sumó en 1972 y la organización se dedicó a elaborar un catálogo de las maravillas más increíbles del mundo, desde montañas y mares hasta obras de la arquitectura espectaculares hechas por el ser humano. Tras ser actualizada, esta lista impresionante incluye ahora 1.223 puestos de 168 países, desde Afganistán hasta Zimbabue, con mucha historia a sus espaldas. Incluso en una lista tan completa, ciertos sitios destacan, sobre todo si nos fijamos solo en su belleza. La UNESCO sabe lo que se hace y nosotros hemos cogido algunos de los espacios incluidos para elaborar el ranking de los 15 lugares más bonitos de la tierra declarados patrimonio de la humanidad por la UNESCO. 1. Islas Galápagos, Ecuador Foto: Shutterstock Si queremos empezar una recopilación de los lugares más extraordinarios del mundo, nada mejor que hacerlo por las islas Galápagos. Este fue el primer lugar inscrito en la lista del Patrimonio de la UNESCO y es uno de los lugares más increíbles del planeta. Las islas son más famosas por su única fauna, pero no podemos pasar por alto la espectacularidad de los paisajes. Las Galápagos son un mundo de aguas cian, vegetación exuberante y una atmósfera que no se puede encontrar en ningún otro sitio del planeta. 2. Venecia, Italia Foto: Shutterstock Venec
Aquests són els 15 llocs més bonics del món que són patrimoni de la humanitat de la UNESCO

Aquests són els 15 llocs més bonics del món que són patrimoni de la humanitat de la UNESCO

Fundada el 1945, la UNESCO (Organització de les Nacions Unides per a l'Educació, la Ciència i la Cultura) s'ha convertit en una mena de guia de la majestuositat del món. La Convenció del Patrimoni Mundial es va afegir l'any 1972 i l'organització es va dedicar a elaborar un catàleg de les meravelles més increïbles del món, des de muntanyes i mars fins a obres de l'arquitectura espectaculars fetes per l'ésser humà. Després de ser actualitzada, aquesta llista impressionant ara inclou 1.223 llocs de 168 països, des de l'Afganistan fins a Zimbàbue, amb molta història a les seves espatlles. Fins i tot en una llista tan completa, certs llocs destaquen, sobretot si ens fixem només en la seva bellesa. La UNESCO sap el que es fa i nosaltres hem agafat alguns dels espais que hi han inclòs per elaborar el rànquing dels 15 llocs més bonics de la terra declarats patrimoni de la humanitat per la UNESCO. 1. Illes Galápagos, Equador Foto: Shutterstock   Si volem començar un recull dels llocs més extraordinaris del món, res millor que fer-ho per les illes Galápagos. Aquest va ser el primer lloc inscrit a la llista del Patrimoni de la UNESCO i és un dels indrets més increïbles del planeta. Les illes són més famoses per la seva fauna única, però no podem passar per alt l'espectacularitat dels paisatges. Les Galápagos són un món d'aigües cian, vegetació exuberant i una atmosfera que no es pot trobar a cap altre lloc del planeta. 2. Venècia, Itàlia  Foto: Shutterstock   Venècia continua lluita
Aquests són els llocs embruixats més terrorífics del món

Aquests són els llocs embruixats més terrorífics del món

El món és un lloc terrorífic. Els esperits habiten tots els racons del planeta, perduts entre aquest món i l'altre, a la recerca de la pau, la serenitat o potser d'algunes persones vives per espantar (no tenim criteri per assegurar els motius dels fantasmes, després de tot). Els llocs més embruixats del món són una barreja de racons clàssics fantasmagòrics i alguns llocs menys previsibles; des d'antics hospitals i mansions fins a pubs de muntanya i pobles abandonats. Les celebracions de la temporada més esgarrifosa estan en marxa, però aquests cementiris i fortaleses aterridores poden fer que la por sigui massa real. Passes? Xiuxiueigs? Sanglots de vídues pretèrites? No sabem de què parleu... 1. Poveglia, Itàlia Foto: Shutterstock Venècia pot ser el lloc més romàntic d'Europa, però també és un dels més encantats. Podeu inserir aquí el vostre comentari sobre l'amor maleït, però sort per trobar la teva veu al fred de Poveglia. Aquesta illa abandonada es va utilitzar com a estació de quarantena durant més d'un segle abans d'acollir un hospital psiquiàtric, que va tancar el 1968. Fa tanta por que els visitants estan prohibits, presumiblement per por de... Bé, per por. 2. La Isla de las Muñecas, Mèxic Foto: Shutterstock La Isla de la Muñecas en realitat encara fa més por del que indica el nom. El propietari d'aquesta illa situada al sud de la Ciutat de Mèxic va començar a penjar ninots dels arbres a la dècada del 1940, aparentment per allunyar els mals esperits, i va acabar cr
Estos son los lugares embrujados más terroríficos del mundo

Estos son los lugares embrujados más terroríficos del mundo

El mundo es un sitio terrorífico. Los espíritus habitan todos los rincones del planeta, perdidos entre este mundo y el otro, en busca de la paz, la serenidad o quizás de algunas personas vivas a quien asustar (al fin y al cabo, no tenemos criterio para asegurar los motivos de los fantasmas). Los lugares más embrujados del mundo son una mezcla de rincones clásicos fantasmagóricos y algunos sitios menos previsibles; desde antiguos hospitales y mansiones hasta pubs de montaña y pueblos abandonados. Las celebraciones de la temporada más escalofriante están en marcha, pero estos cementerios y fortalezas aterradoras pueden hacer que el miedo sea demasiado real. ¿Pasos? ¿Susurros? No sabemos de qué habláis... 1. Poveglia, Italia Foto: Shutterstock Venecia puede ser el sitio más romántico de Europa, pero también es uno de los más encantados. Puedes insertar aquí su comentario sobre el amor maldito, pero suerte para encontrar tu voz en el frío de Poveglia. Esta isla abandonada se utilizó como estación de cuarentena durante más de un siglo antes de acoger un hospital psiquiátrico, que cerró en 1968. Da tanto miedo de que los visitantes están prohibidos, por miedo a... Bueno, por miedo. 2. La Isla de las Muñecas, México Foto: Shutterstock La Isla de las Muñecas en realidad aún da más miedo de lo que indica el nombre. El propietario de esta isla, situada al sur de la Ciudad de México, empezó a colgar muñecos de los árboles en la década de 1940, aparentemente para alejar a los malos
El transporte público de Madrid, entre los 15 mejores del mundo

El transporte público de Madrid, entre los 15 mejores del mundo

¿Dónde estaríamos sin el transporte público? Nuestro mundo está cada vez más dominado por ciudades que crecen día a día, y cada vez más está más claro de que el tráfico de automóviles en constante aumento es una mala noticia para nosotros y para el planeta. En este contexto, los trenes, autobuses y tranvías son los héroes anónimos que, literalmente, podrían salvar el mundo. Está claro que un autobús abarrotado en hora punta no es exactamente la experiencia de un viaje de ensueño. Pero cuando se trata de explorar alguna de las mejores ciudades del mundo, no hay mejor forma que coger un tren y descubrirla a través de los ojos de quienes las habitan. Y algunas de las mejores redes de transporte público del mundo funcionan incluso como una experiencia cultural en sí misma, con diseños y calidades sublimes. Para identificar las ciudades con mejor transporte público, encuestamos a más de 20.000 habitantes de 50 ciudades de todo el mundo. Simplemente preguntamos: ¿es fácil moverse por tu ciudad en transporte público? Y en las ciudades que se muestran a continuación, al menos cuatro de cada cinco habitantes tenían cosas buenas que decir sobre la red de transporte público de su ciudad.  Madrid, en el puesto número 12  La clasificación la encabeza Berlín, con un 97% de los encuestados satisfechos con su red de transporte público. A la capital alemana le sigue Praga y Tokio, con un 96% y un 94% de satisfacción respectivamente.  Para encontrar una ciudad española tenemos que bajar hasta
This Balkan country could join the EU – here’s why travellers should be excited

This Balkan country could join the EU – here’s why travellers should be excited

After years of working to meet requirements, Bosnia and Herzegovina is finally on the highway to EU membership. The European Commission has granted candidate status for the country – and the skies over Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar and the rest shine a little brighter (though the autumn weather might also have something to do with that).  What does that mean for travellers? Good things, hopefully. Having lived here on and off for the last 13 years, I’ve heard the term ‘undiscovered gem’ get drilled deep into the ground – but I’m more than happy to say that Bosnia and Herzegovina might just be the most underrated travel destination in Europe. EU status would likely bring improvements to infrastructure, road and air connections and the rest, while the possibility of Schengen status has clear benefits for friction-free border crossings. We’ll wait and see what happens, but there are plenty of reasons for optimism, both for Bosnians and travellers. So why should you be excited? Because Bosnia and Herzegovina is a stunning conveyor belt of beauty packed with history, culture, great food and great people. Sarajevo teems with history, while the Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar is one of the most impressive bridges on the planet; the nightlife in Banja Luka goes all night long, while the streets of Tuzla, Trebinje and Bihać are packed with charming cafes and romantic restaurants. On the subject of the latter, you haven’t eaten grilled meat until you’ve done so in Travnik, with the el