Talia Stanton

When visiting a city that has so much to see, especially where architecure is concerned,  cefficiency is key. Instead of a walking trail that takes you down Michigan Avenue, State Street and Edgewater Beach, view the landscape from the comfort of one of the best boat tours in Chicago — where there's no chance of taking a wrong turn. Both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan offer unparalleled vantage points for taking in the city’s world-famous architecture and the breathtaking Chicago skyline. From architecture tours and history lessons to straight-up sightseeing affairs, romantic sunset excursions and pirate-themed family fun, there's a Chicago cruise for every groove. All aboard!  RECOMMENDED: 📍 Find more to explore with the best things to do in Chicago🏨 Plan your trip with the best hotels in Chicago 🍹 See more views from the best rooftop bars in Chicago How do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favorites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links — these have no influence on our editorial content — we pinky swear. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Both a leisure capital and a European business hub, Dublin is bubbling with hotels for all manner of guests, united only by the warm hospitality that the Irish stereotype gets right. The catch? Dublin has the highest occupancy rate among comparable European cities, so even modest rooms come at eye-wateringly expensive prices, and the better ones are often fully booked weeks in advance. In this regard, it’s a city that rewards the well-organised. As most notable hotels are located within a small radius (and walking distance from the city’s top attractions, bars and restaurants), location isn’t the key factor when picking a place. Instead, it’s the fine touches, impressive offerings or prominence in the city’s lore; here are the hotels that should be your first ports of call. RECOMMENDED: 🍺 The best Airbnbs in Dublin🏨 The best cheap hotels in Dublin Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts 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.

While Manhattan gets the most attention from tourists, namely due to its lurid billboards and light displays making it appear as the place to be (we will give it credit for its world-class restaurants, bars and museums, though), the more understated Brooklyn isn't far behind. It's the most populous borough in NYC with a diverse community – making it a multicultural wonder with international influences evident in the food, music and art scenes.  Williamsburg, the hub of indie music and vintage shopping, is an attraction in itself, but you’ll find tons to do in neighborhoods like Park Slope, DUMBO, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn Heights, and more. These Brooklyn attractions include beautiful parks, iconic architectural gems, underrated museums, and other only-in-NY activities. So be sure not to let the razzle dazzle of Manhattan distract you from best attractions in Brooklyn. RECOMMENDED: 📍 Full guide to the best New York attractions🏨 The best hotels in Brooklyn🏨 The best hotels in New York This article was written by Dan Q Dao, a Commercial Editor at Time Out New York. 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.

If you’re planning to visit New York City, it would be ridiculous not to start with Manhattan and its attractions. Though it's neither the biggest borough (that’s Queens!) nor the most densely-populated (that’s Brooklyn!), it is the center of the city: historically, geographically, and culturally. Dominated by some of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, here you’ll find globally famous attractions like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. You’ve got some of the best restaurants in New York. And all the biggest and best Broadway shows are here because Broadway is literally in Manhattan. Whether you’re just visiting the Big Apple for the weekend or you’re a lifelong New Yorker looking for something new to do, these attractions in Manhattan are essential additions to your bucket list. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best New York attractions The best non-touristy things to do in NYC This guide was written by Time Out New York Editor, 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.

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.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of probably the most famous wheel since the first one: the London Eye. A marvel of modern engineering which was initially intended as a temporary attraction to mark the millennium, now holds a permanent spot among London’s skyline – and boy aren’t we glad.  It took seven years and £75 million to build, providing millions of people with priceless memories alongside spectacular views ever since its first ride on March 9 2000. After looking back at how far the landmark’s come, it’s hard to imagine the city without it. So for all of you who like to get a little nostalgic at times, we’re here to share the London Eye’s biggest moments and wildest facts that you probably never knew… And if you haven’t had the chance to climb aboard yourself, what are you waiting for (it’s literally been 25 years…)? Or, if you’re a seasoned passenger, let this be your sign to take it for another spin – you could even try to beat Jessica Alba’s record of (a supposed) 31 rotations!  You can get in on the London Eye action by booking tickets right here.

With far flung flights to Hong Kong, short jaunts to Jersey and everything in between, Gatwick Airport remains one of Europe's busiest. Add to that its close proximity to the capital and its many attractions and it's clear to see why they need take-offs and landings round the clock. If your departure happens to be at an unsociable hour, or during peak commuter times, you'd do well to book a room nearby so you can get in early and board the plane feeling fresh and well rested. There's something to suit all budgets too, so don't worry about the pennies, simply pick your next stay from our selection of the best hotels at Gatwick Airport. Whether you're after sleek luxury or calm convenience, you'll find just what you're after here. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in LondonThe best hotels near Heathrow Airport Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel 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. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Bordering some of the world’s best amusement parks, Osceola County is an obvious place to stay if you’re planning a family vacation that’s all about the kids. Consider Osceola your passageway to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND and more fun-filled activities. More low-key (but just as thrilling) themed attractions that are nearby include the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park. And the best part? Booking a family-friendly Airbnb in Osceola is a way more affordable option than booking a room at one of the park resorts, and this way you get a whole house to yourself – including a private pool, in most cases.  Most of the Airbnbs in this list are in the city of Kissimmee, located on the northwest shore of Lake Tohopekaliga. It’s known as the vacation capital of the world, and that’s not only due to its close proximity to top entertainment destinations; the city itself has a lot to offer, from world-class shopping to dining and a buzzing nightlife district – not to mention the sun’s (almost) always shining. You can also get your nature fix with scenic trails, lakefront vistas and airboat rides that involve gator-spotting. Kissimmee’s Old Town is also worth a visit for its 80s nostalgia and old-school carnival rides, alongside affordable shops, restaurants and bars that offer a real taste of local life.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in FloridaThe best theme parks in OrlandoAt Time Out, all of our travel guides

The best winter getaways from NYC all have a few things in common: charming aesthetics, snug blankets, steaming cups of hot chocolate, and oodles of snow. It also helps if they're situated near the mountains (or even in them) so that you can spend some time skiing all over the place (hopefully with no broken bones). These remarkable Airbnbs check all the boxes, and they are all right by the best ski resorts near NYC including Belleayre Mountain Ski Center (the closest to the city) and Hunter Mountain Resort. Whether you’d like to book a weekend trip within easy reach of the Big Apple or want to go the whole hog and take a full week out on the slopes, there are loads of cabins near NYC to rent on Airbnb. Beautiful chalets, contemporary condos, and 19th-century farmhouses all appear on our list of Airbnbs near the slopes. Don’t forget your gloves – although, if you did, you could always turn back for them as some of these are less than two hours from Manhattan.  Wondering when the perfect time is to venture out to the mountains? Snow conditions are at their best from January to March – this also lowers your chances of getting caught up on big crowds, as you'll be avoiding the Christmas peak.  RECOMMENDED: 🗽Find more weekend getaways from NYC🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs with hot tubs in New York🪩 See the coolest Airbnb treehouse rentals near NYC⛰️ The coziest Airbnb cabins near NYC This guide was recently updated by former Time Out New York Editor, Annalise Mantz. At Time O

Attracting families, culture vultures and adventurous travelers alike, this major city in south-central Texas has a whole lot of character, with theatres, galleries and museums being just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do in San Antonio. It’s a city that embraces and preserves its rich colonial and Mexican heritage, which you can experience while strolling through historic buildings and taking snaps of long-standing attractions and landmarks from The Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission, to The Natural Bridge Caverns and the Venetian-style Riverwalk.   While you’re not being transported back in time by the architecture or taking advantage of its vibrant restaurant and bar scene, you can spend the rest of your visit relaxing by the outdoor fire pit, in the pool or on the balcony of your own private accommodation – courtesy of Airbnb. We’ve got a variety of options spread across the city, whether you’re looking to soak up the buzz of the center or get away from the action with a remote stay by Canyon Lake. These are the San Antonio Airbnbs you need to see.Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, 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.

San Antonio isn’t just the best day (or weekend) trip to take from Austin anymore; it's a destination in its own right, filled with incredible cuisine, fun time bars, gorgeous hotels, fascinating historical structures, and much more. Time your visit for the annual fiesta celebration or the rodeo, and you’ll need a whole itinerary that requires some forward planning, especially when it comes to accommodation.  Here’s a tip: the bulk of tourist activity happens along the River Walk, and this is where you’ll want to be based. Luckily, there are lots of hotels primely positioned along or at least near it, along with resorts further afield where the point is to get away from the bustle. From right-on-the-water happening hangouts to charming boutiques by the Alamo to family-friendly spa resorts a short drive away, here are our favorite stays and the best hotels in San Antonio. RECOMMENDED: Best Airbnbs in San Antonio This guide was written by Texas-based writer James Wong. 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. While we might not stay in and review every hotel 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 t

Paris, the City of Lights, is well-known for its heaps of luxury, boutique hotels on every Parisian street corner. But that doesn't mean you have to take out a loan to visit the gorgeous city. There are plenty of well-located hotels, right by all the iconic landmarks, that are blissfully cheap, meaning you'll have more money to spend on (and not just salivate over) bread, cheese, wine, and of course, those sacred croissants.  These cheaper hotel options in Paris are comfortable, well-maintained, and super stylish, with many only a stone's throw from some of the city's best restaurants and located near metro stations. If you're travelling to the city and want a fun (but budget-friendly) night out, check out our favourite cheap bars in Paris.  RECOMMENDED:🇫🇷 Discover Paris' best neighbourhoods to stay in  👩‍🎨 Live like a Parisian in one of these unique Airbnbs🏨  or make it truly magical with one of Paris' best hotels 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.

It takes time for new hotels to get the recognition they deserve, even when bringing something the city’s never seen before. While Dublin’s hotel scene almost had all the bases covered, with everything from castle-bound accommodation to trend-setting urban stays, The Chancery has swooped in to pioneer the ‘high spec, low environmental impact’ category – and it won’t take long to notice how tech-heavy The Chancery really is. Both tech and sustainability are the building blocks that the hotel was founded upon. Didn’t think the two could go hand in hand? This place is the only evidence you need to know that isn’t true. They’re showing their dedication to the cause through water recycling, preventative measures against noise pollution, reclaimed furnishings, self-generating electricity and sensors that switch off lights and heating when no one is in the room. I’d say that Green Hospitality Award was well deserved.  What’s the vibe at The Chancery? The Chancery’s intimate open-plan layout combines the lobby and bar to form one collective social space. There’s a round-the-clock commotion – of the non-disruptive kind – consisting of people conversing over cocktails and lounging on the sofas adjacent to the front desk. It strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and rousing, simultaneously encompassing the excitement of the city and a sanctuary-like escape from it.  The bar itself is an inviting all-day hangout: cafe-esque casual with a sophisticated minimalist design, jazzed up w

Taking inspiration from the loud-and-proud exuberance of London’s West End, there’s no holding back at Broadwick Soho. It’s an independent hotel to its core, with intricate interiors that can’t be replicated and a clockwork standard of service that takes a one-of-a-kind team to achieve. You can sense you’re about to experience some serious hospitality magic from the moment you enter through that big pink townhouse door. The lobby is a haven of pastel, fronting perfectly placed furnishings resembling something from an elaborate dolls house.  Every inch of this hotel is highly decorative, with the whimsical aesthetic providing a feast for the eyes. The childlike wonder continued as I arrived at my fairy tale-worthy bedroom. The bedside lamps shed a warm glow over the colourful space; pinks, blues, and greens made up the palette, and a floral rug and muralled wardrobe added to the enchantment of it all. In an effort to make the television fit the theme, they’ve gone to the trouble of surrounding it in a gilded frame, which I actually thought was a really thoughtful touch. And unlike most hotels, the TV is even worth turning on; there’s a bunch of free movies to choose from if Soho isn’t enough to keep you occupied. Things turn starkly kitsch in the bathroom, adorned with blue leopard print wallpaper, a white marble sink and crystal light fixtures.  Whether you’re dining in-house or heading out for a food tour of Soho, your first port of call for the evening should be The Nook. T

A hotel with a ‘History’ section on their website that’s actually worth a read? One stay at Bank Hotel will have you fully invested in its origin story, which began in 1910 when the art nouveau building served as the head office of Södra Sverige Banking. It’s since housed a succession of banks before gaining a new lease of life come the hotel’s grand opening in 2018, in a bid to turn Stockholm’s business district into more of a social hub. In keeping with this mission, the five-star institution has established itself as a firm favourite for locals and tourists to grab a libation by combining its boutique charm with late-night, award-winning cocktails. And the result? A buzzing atmosphere for guests and a sense that all those staying are honourary Stockholm socialites. Despite its aura of exclusivity, the team behind Bank Hotel want nothing more than for guests to feel at home. That much was clear from the attentiveness from staff, as well as the warm and welcoming interiors; the lobby is enveloped by mahogany panelled walls, paired with diamond pattern flooring for a timeless look. Original details of the old bank remain, from iron doors and gates to the show-stopping vault-turned-wine cellar, to remind everyone of the opulent building’s humble beginnings.The classic design continues into the sumptuous bedrooms – each made to mimic the comfort and familiarity of one's own home (or dream home, in my case). My 8th-floor room was anything but spill-proof, with cream carpets and

The London Dungeon is always an obvious choice for a day out if you need your fix of thrills and chills come Halloween, but you may get more frights than you bargained for this time round with their new and exclusive-to-2024 seasonal show: Séance. Everyone's favourite blood-chilling attraction is celebrating 50 years of horrorifying tourists and Londoners alike by subjecting visitors to its scariest show yet. Serving as a paranormal interlude to the Dungeon's usual goings-on (AKA guts spurting in the torture chamber, Jack the Ripper showing up unannouced at the Ten Bells pub and a witch making the ground shake before your very eyes), this portion of the tour will see you communicating with the other side via Ouija board... Set inside the foyer of a haunted house, expect to feel a ghostly presence as the séance-gone-wrong results in all hell breaking loose (literally). As books fly off the shelves, lights cut out and threatening messages appear on the window, prepare for the biggest shock of all as you come face to face with the spirit of Mary Ann Cotton – a notorious 19th century murderer. The show is running throughout the Halloween period and is included in the standard ticket price.  Tickets start from £26.50 for adults and £22 for children up to 15. Book ahead online for the best deals. 

Not exactly known for its subtlety, this small-yet-bold European hotel chain isn’t afraid to make a statement. Kept separate from the Islington bustle in an unassuming part of town, it almost feels like nhow Hotel has been granted its own quiet corner of London to allow room for its big personality to shine through without overshadowing any establishments in its vicinity.  Prepare for an ambush of colourful quirky decor. I’d describe the space as a perfect storm of London-themed paraphernalia, filled with fun furnishings, alongside enough muted elements to bring the whole look back down to earth. Despite the black phone box, armchairs upholstered in royal guard uniforms, LED message boards as seen on the tube and a giant modernist replica of Big Ben, the overall design does in fact maintain an edginess that stops it from feeling gaudy.  The dynamic aesthetic of this neighbourhood hotel continues throughout its 190 rooms. Regal-meets-punk seems to be the vision, with a graffiti mural of the Queen and an abstract Union Jack rug making up the room’s most eye-catching features. However, much like the lobby, the white bedding and exposed plaster ceiling provided a much-needed tone-down of the space. With plump beds to melt into, a rainfall shower and warm lighting emitted from a bowler hat lamp, it was clear to see that the injection of fun and wow-factor decoration didn’t lead to a compromise on comfort.  The hotel is well-equipped for city living; there’s rentable fold-up bikes,

Catch the news about those two massive revivals at the Bridge Theatre? Well, it’s big: Nicholas Hynter’s 2019 smash version of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (a joyously OTT take on a Shakespeare classic – complete with giant moon balls) will return to London, alongside a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s fairy-tale musical, ‘Into The Woods’. A huge deal for theatre fans, basically. The announcement has already caused quite the stir, and we reckon tickets will fly out the door for both shows. But here’s something else you might (ie definitely do) want to know: although the box office opens for these at noon on Friday Feb 28, we’ve got access to pre-sale tickets through our official theatre ticketing partner, TodayTix. So, if you want a jump on everyone else? Head here for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ tickets and here for ‘Into the Woods’ tickets, available from noon on Thursday Feb 27 – that’s a full day before the box office. This is a major event in the theatre world; if you know anything about the 2019 production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, you’ll know it’s remembered as the Bridge’s biggest and best spectacle from the theatre’s first few years of opening – ending in an iconic audience-wide rave-up with the cast. This is your chance to finally join the party! Pre-sale tickets for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Into The Woods’ are available from noon on Thursday Feb 27. Head to ticketing.timeout.com to purchase.

Has the excitement of Christmas started to dwindle? Is all you’re left with a pile of torn-up wrapping paper and a handful of blue Quality Streets? Well that’s okay: it’s sales time. And whaddya know, the London theatre world has one of its own, the cunningly named Boxing Day Theatre Sale – partnered with Time Out – which is offering tickets at exceptional prices until January 5. Which makes you the winner, basically. So brighten up these gloomy months ahead and catch some world-class West End theatre for a whole lot less, with tickets available for shows including Stranger Things: The First Shadow, The Tempest (starring Sigourney Weaver), and some of the last performances of the five-star immersive spectacular Guys & Dolls.  If you want to keep that Christmas vibe alive and see something in the next few days, then there are great deals to be had on festive shows like Horrible Christmas at Ally Pally or the Hackney Empire’s pantomime Dick Whittington & His Cat. Or you may want to look further ahead: grab an early bargain on the 101 Dalmatians musical or see Dirty Dancing when it opens at the brant new Capital Theatre in the autumn. Or, more generally, see a show at a nice price: there are more than 60 productions taking part in this promo, so if you want to see shows like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Dr Strangelove, Cirque du Soleil and Mrs Doubtfire for as little as £13, this is your chance. You might want to be speedy though, as tickets do tend to run out pretty quic

Remember a couple of weeks ago when we gave our top picks from the just-launched London Theatre Week? Well we have some more excellent news because the promotion has just been extended, with ‘Hamilton’ now joining the fray with tickets from a pretty damn reasonable £35.  But that’s not the only show to get excited about, because you can also pick up tickets to ‘Mrs Doubtfire’, ‘Wicked’, ‘The Book of Mormon’, ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Matilda’ (all from £25), as well as ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Starlight Express’ and a whole lot more from just £35. Still not enough? Okay, well you can also bag £15 tickets for shows like ‘Tina: the Tina Turner Musical’, ‘The Mousetrap’, and ‘Fawly Towers the Play’.  And don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to use your tickets – this promotion is just a purchasing period, with redemption dates going well into October (and often beyond). So, get them now, save some money, and choose a date that suits you. Easy. London Theatre Week runs until Sunday September 8 2024. To book tickets head here.   The 10 best new London theatre openings in September The best new London theatre shows to book for in 2024 and 2025. Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel. Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.