Olivia is Translations Editor at Time Out, helping our English language readership access the fantastic work written by her Spanish, French and Portuguese colleagues. 

When she returned to the UK after a year studying in Chile, she realised she wasn’t prepared to brave another winter in Blighty, and moved to Madrid. There, she worked as an English teacher and translator, whilst spending her downtime drinking vermouth, eating boquerones and deciding that she was firmly on team tortilla con cebolla.

After a few years, she moved back to her hometown of Glasgow, where she worked in journalism and PR and got her master’s degree in Translation Studies. Now London-based, you’ll catch her desperately searching for a place that sells tattie scones and trying to convince anyone she meets that Tennents is actually decent lager.

Time Out has covered the world’s greatest cities through the eyes of local experts since 1968. For more about us, read our editorial guidelines.

Olivia Simpson

Olivia Simpson

Translations Editor

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Articles (27)

The best places to listen to jazz in Lisbon

The best places to listen to jazz in Lisbon

Lisbon’s music scene is thriving: if you want something traditional, there are wonderful fado bars; if you want a big night, Lisbon’s best clubs have something to suit every taste; and if you want something a little more sophisticated, the city’s jazz bars have just what you’re looking for. That’s not to say that all of the jazz bars on this list are genteel spots where people sip martinis and quietly nod along to the music. Our team of local editors have rounded up quite the range of jazz locales: there’s Pensão Amor, with its storied history; there’s wine and cocktail specialists, Bacchanal; and there are cultural centres, like Fábrica de Braço de Prata, which host jazz nights amongst the varied programming. With such a mix of places, even the jazz-adverse are sure to be won over. RECOMMENDED: 🍴 The best restaurants in Lisbon🏠 The best Airbnbs in Lisbon🎭 The best things to do in Lisbon🛍️ The best shops in Lisbon🏨 The best hotels in Lisbon This guide was written by the editorial team at Time Out Lisbon. 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 best Lisbon clubs

The best Lisbon clubs

Picture the scene: relaxed after a day spent exploring a new city, a delicious dinner under your belt (followed up by a couple of cocktails, naturally), you decide on a whim that you’re just not done with your night yet. But if you’re overwhelmed by choice, don’t panic: that’s where we come in. Our list of the city’s best clubs, written by our local editors, has all the info you need. Whether you want iconic dancefloors like LuxFrágil or Ministerium, one of the city’s impressive and exuberant LGBTQ+ clubs, or one of the many very late-night spots, you’ll find an option to suit you on this list. Then, when you need a little TLC the next morning, why not treat yourself to brunch at one of Lisbon’s best brunch spots? Don’t say we’re not good to you. RECOMMENDED: 🍴 The best restaurants in Lisbon🏠 The best Airbnbs in Lisbon🎭 The best things to do in Lisbon🍷 The best wine tours in Lisbon🏨 The best hotels in LisbonThis guide was written by the editorial team at Time Out Lisbon. 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 19 best museums in Paris

The 19 best museums in Paris

Paris is home to the world’s most recognisable smile (well, smirk), but there’s much more to the City of Light's museum offering than just Mona Lisa’s grin. And sure, you have to explore the Louvre's sprawling collection at least once, but that shouldn't mean missing out on the rest of the great museums Paris has to offer. While there is still progress to be made around the promotion of young artists, when it comes to heritage, Paris knows what it’s doing: you’ll find over 100 museums that reflect this city’s obsession with artistic preservation. Below, you’ll see names you recognise, like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, as well as smaller, more daring institutions that you’ve yet to discover. Time to get cultured à la française. When’s the best day to visit a museum in Paris? Some of the city’s biggest museums open their doors for free on the first Sunday of every month, including the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, as well as some of the less obvious options, such as the Musée National Gustave Moreau, the former home and museum of the Symbolist painter. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Paris 🍴 The best restaurants in Paris🎨 The best art galleries in Paris🏡 The best Airbnbs in Paris This article was written by the editorial team at Time Out Paris. 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 influenc
The best museums in Lisbon

The best museums in Lisbon

Winding streets, epic viewpoints, a riverside that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll: you could spend every second of your time in Lisbon just ambling around. But if you fancy getting some culture, Lisbon’s excellent museums have plenty to offer you. Our list, put together by local editors, has all the must-see spots as well as some more niche collections that often go overlooked. Fancy being dazzled by the royal jewels? Head to Museu do Tesouro Real. Want something more cutting-edge? The MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) is the place for you (we recommend planning this as your last stop for the day – it also happens to be a great place to watch the sunset).RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Lisbon🎭 The best attractions in Lisbon 🍷 The best wine tours in Lisbon 🏨 The coolest hotels in Lisbon This article was written by the editorial team at Time Out Lisbon. 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 10 best shops in Lisbon

The 10 best shops in Lisbon

There’s a unique sense of pride (well, smugness might be the more accurate term) to be found in successfully cramming a week’s worth of outfits into a tiny backpack, all in the name of cutting costs on your flight. But this strategy has some drawbacks: one, you’ll most likely have to wear at least one slightly stained item on the flight home; two – and worst of all – your shopping opportunities are severely limited.  When travelling to Lisbon, we beseech you to pay the extra charge and upgrade to at least a proper carry-on item – the shops here are just too good for you to go home empty-handed. From interior décor to kids' clothes, designer fashion to ceramics, and even a perfumery where you can design your own scent, our list of the best Lisbon boutiques has it all.  RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Lisbon🏠 The best Airbnbs in Lisbon🎭 The best things to do in Lisbon🏨 The best hotels in Lisbon This guide was written by the editorial team at Time Out Lisbon. 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 21 most underrated travel destinations in Europe for 2025

The 21 most underrated travel destinations in Europe for 2025

You’ve done the classics: the capital cities, the TikTok viral spots, the cities with their own Netflix show. And don’t get us wrong, we love the classics for a reason. But there’s a downside to these big, bustling, bucket-list-worthy travel destinations. If you’ve ever queued an hour for a pastry, spent your day’s budget on a coffee or had to book a museum three months in advance, you’ll know it as well as us: it’s the crowds. The thing is, locals aren’t happy about it either. This summer saw a series of anti-tourism demonstrations in European hotspots, as locals reached breaking point with years of overtourism; Amsterdam is cracking down on new hotels, Venice is set to double its tourist tax in 2025. So there’s never been a better time to think outside the box for your travels – especially when so many incredible European spots are getting overlooked. And we’re not gatekeepers here at Time Out. From culture-packed city breaks to under-the-radar national parks, these destinations have got everything you want from your next holiday, with the added bonus of far fewer people jostling to see the same attractions. So if you’re travelling on a budget, searching for quiet or just desperate to try somewhere new, these are the most underrated places to visit in Europe right now, handpicked by Time Out's network of well-travelled writers. RECOMMENDED:🏰 The best city breaks in Europe📍 The most beautiful places in Europe⛷️ The best ski holidays in Europe🏘️ The coolest neighbourhoods
All the Michelin-starred restaurants in Lisbon for 2024

All the Michelin-starred restaurants in Lisbon for 2024

Foodies flock to Lisbon for its famed pastels de nata, exceptional seafood dishes, and, of course, to bag some trendy tinned fish as a souvenir. Beyond these classic options, the city’s high-end dining scene is becoming increasingly impressive, with 17 Michelin-starred restaurants as of 2024, two of which have earned a highly-coveted second star. This list covers a wide range of cuisines: some restaurants play with classic French influences; some reinvent Portuguese classics; some take inspiration from Japan; and others combine the best of many cultures, with Brazilian stews appearing on the same menu as Goan curries. You’ll find Alma, Belcanto, Epur and Encanto in the elegant Chiado neighbourhood, but if you fancy a jaunt outside the city, the imposing Fortaleza do Guincho is perched right on the edge of the Atlantic.  RECOMMENDED: 🍴 The best restaurants in Lisbon🏠 The best Airbnbs in Lisbon🎭 The best things to do in Lisbon🍷 The best wine tours in Lisbon🏨 The best hotels in Lisbon This guide was written by the editorial team at Time Out Lisbon. 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 best Christmas markets in Paris for 2024

The best Christmas markets in Paris for 2024

We could spend hours discussing the perfect time of year to visit Paris, but a trip to the City of Lights during the festive season just might take the gâteau. As well as all the wonderful museums, restaurants and other unmissable things to do, you also have wonderful seasonal additions to the city's calendar, such as the world's largest indoor ice rink and, of course, the many Christmas markets.  From markets showcasing the best regional wares, to socially conscious and feminist options, there's something for every Christmas shopper. And with markets at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Coeur, you can see the sites while you're at it.  RECOMMENDED:📍 Where to stay in Paris🏡 The best Airbnbs in Paris🏨 The best hotels in Paris for a winter getaway🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 The best things to do with kids in Paris This article was written by the editorial team at Time Out Paris. 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 30 best restaurants in Madrid

The 30 best restaurants in Madrid

There are certain classic foodie experiences you simply have to have in Madrid: churros from San Gines, bocatas de calamares (calamari sandwiches) while exploring the city centre, and an afternoon spent hopping between different bars, sipping on cañas (small beers) and eating as many croquettes and slices of tortilla as you can handle – but it’s once you’ve ticked off those staples that Madrid’s food scene gets really interesting. Madrid is home to exceptional food for every budget, from the raft of Michelin-starred restaurants to the market stalls serving up dishes from all over the world at the city’s much-loved food markets. Our local editors know great food when they taste it and have poured that knowledge into this list, which is regularly revised to ensure we’re always bringing you the very best eats in Madrid. RECOMMENDED: 🍸 The best bars in Madrid🥘 The best things to do in Madrid🏘️ Where to stay in Madrid🏨 The best hotels in Madrid This guide is by Gorka Elorrieta, a writer at Time Out Madrid. 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.
10 brilliant things to do with kids in Paris

10 brilliant things to do with kids in Paris

Romance, wine, pungent cheese, haute couture – the most prominent Parisian clichés are decidedly adult. That’s not to say you can’t have a wonderul trip to the City of Lights en famille, mind you – you just need a little help to find the places your young’uns will actually enjoy. From petting zoos to contemporary art galleries, family-friendly brunches to a nineteenth-century amusement park, our Paris editors and local experts have found the places your kids will love. And if they need a little bribery to get on board, you can always promise them a crêpe from one of Paris’s best crêperies afterwards.  What can kids do for free in Paris? Travelling with kids can be expensive, but the good news is that all national museums in Paris offer free entry to children under 18. Plus, the metro, RER, bus, and tramway networks are free for little ones under four, while children under 10 can travel with reduced fare tickets. RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Paris🏘️ Where to stay in Paris🏺 The best museums in Paris🏡 The best Airbnbs in Paris🎢 The best rides at Disneyland Paris This article was written by the editorial team at Time Out Paris. 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.
Your ultimate guide to Montmartre, Paris

Your ultimate guide to Montmartre, Paris

Few cities are as romantic as Paris, and few Parisian neighbourhoods are as romantic as Montmartre. Winding cobbled streets complete with ivy-covered buildings, an impressive bohemian and artistic history and some of the city’s most spectacular views: it’s enough to make anyone swoon. Whether your visit is a romantic escape or not, there’s something for everyone to love in Montmartre, with great restaurants, beautiful new coffee shops and picturesque museums. Here’s our guide on how to do the area right. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Paris🐟 The best restaurants in Paris🍕 The best bars in Paris🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Paris This guide was written by the team at Time Out Paris. 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.
53 unmissable things to do in Paris right now

53 unmissable things to do in Paris right now

You’ve seen it in countless films, you’ve read about it in 100 books – even if you’re planning your first visit, you’ve probably got a clear idea of Paris. But here’s the thing: in real life, the City of Light exceeds all expectations. The attractions really are that beautiful, the restaurants really are that good, and the art really is that impressive. And our editors are out there all day every day, experiencing it all. That’s how we bring you this list of the best things to do in Paris – every spot you’ll find here is tried, tested and tried again. How long should I spend there? Four days (or a long weekend) will give you an excellent taste of Paris. But you can just as well speed through a few top attractions in a fun-packed 24 hours, or slow down for a food-fuelled two-week break, and still leave feeling like there’s more to be discovered. However long you spend in the city, just make sure to balance the iconic sites with some of the lesser-known spots we’ve highlighted below – Paris wouldn’t be Paris without that blend of both that gives it a certain je ne sais quoi. RECOMMENDED:🥘 The best restaurants in Paris🏘️ Where to stay in Paris🏺 The best museums in Paris🏡 The best Airbnbs in Paris🎢 The best rides at Disneyland Paris Rémi Morvan is a journalist at Time Out Paris. 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, w