Time Out contributors

Still have some last-minute Christmas shopping to do? You probably won’t be able to order that perfect gift online without spending a fortune on rush shipping, and ordering from Amazon just doesn’t have the most personal touch. But good news: Shopping at these local boutiques, full of curated goodies and covetable objects, does away with the need for shipping! Tick off the remaining people on your gift list and leave with your treasures in hand at these 27 shops. Then you can get back to enjoying festive holiday events and Christmas lights guilt-free. RECOMMENDED: The best shops in Los Angeles

’Tis the season for Christmas shows, festive holiday lights and, most of all, shopping, shopping and more shopping. Back to tempt your wallets this winter are a number of holiday markets and craft fairs featuring local, handmade goods for extra special gifting. Find everything from apothecary goods and handwoven handbags to artisan jewelry, candles, prints and more. Even if you’re not sure what to get family and friends on your gift list this season, these Christmas events are a treasure trove of inspiration—you’ll likely walk away with more goodies than you ever knew you needed. Support small businesses and head to the best holiday markets in Los Angeles. RECOMMENDED: See more Christmas in Los Angeles

2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

As a country of phenomenal natural beauty mixed with rich culture, it's no surprise Croatia has risen in popularity in recent years. And it's extremely good value for money; cheaper than your typical European weekend hotspots. To ensure you get the true, authentic Croatian experience on your trip, however, booking an Airbnb is a must. From 19th-century lighthouses to luxurious beachside villas, the country is home to some of Europe’s most stunning rentals, plenty of which are near incredible things to do in Croatia. So below we’ve rounded up our favourites of the best Croatian Airbnbs. Updated December 2024:  Dreaming of your summer hols already? Allow us to introduce you to our new shiny list entry, this sun-soaked villa in Kurili. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Dubrovnik 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, 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.

Fancy being in close proximity to L.A.’s best beaches and the must-see Los Angeles attractions? These hotels in Los Angeles are the perfect place. A trip full of exploring and having fun in one of the best cities in the U.S. means you've got to have an equally great place to rest your head for the night.  A budget-friendly hotel is a great option for those looking for cheaper alternatives (hello, extra spending money!) but a place as gorgeous and exciting as Los Angeles deserves to be experienced as decadently and comfortably as possible. These accommodations manage to check those marks and more – and have earnt a spot in our list of the very best hotels in Los Angeles. It's time to pack your bags, guys. RECOMMENDED:🏨 Check out the most unique Airbnbs in Los Angeles💰 Discover the most luxurious Airbnb rentals in Los Angeles❤️ The most romantic hotels in Los Angeles This guide was written by LA-based writer Michael Juliano. 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.

Montreal is a playground for kids of all ages—especially during the holidays. The city is full of attractions for young kids (and the young at heart), stellar free museums and excellent places to eat that are easy on the budget. Every borough has its own family-forward fun—not to mention illuminated trampoline parks—with easy access via public transportation (5 year-olds and under ride for free!).  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best free things to do in Montreal27 best Montreal attractions for tourists and locals10 best free museums in Montreal you need to check out

Winters in the city doesn’t have to stop us from enjoying all kinds of frosty activities. From choice Montreal skiing options, ice skating to trips to the city's best apres-ski spot there's a lot to enjoy during the coldest season. There's cross-country skiing on the island itself, and no shortage of ski hills beyond city limits, no matter which compass direction you take. Take your pick: There are short and steep groomers in the Laurentians to enjoy after staying in a chalet near Montreal, to powdery glades in the Eastern Townships, and weekend getaways in Vermont. A day or three on the slopes is almost enough to justify delaying spring for just a smidge longer. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Montreal Best things to do in winter in MontrealThe best Airbnb cabins near Montreal

If you’re hunting for the best alcohol delivery in NYC, no worries—the options are endless. New Yorkers have mastered the art of getting everything delivered. Groceries? Dropped at your door. Flowers? Absolutely. Takeout? No problem. A cheese and charcuterie plate? You’ll be an expert host without lifting a finger. Even cleaning services can show up to your place with zero effort on your part. As for booze? No need to lug cases of beer or bottles of wine back from the shop when an app can handle the heavy lifting for you. All you have to do is show your ID when they show up at the door. So if that party is more of a hit than you expected, you won’t have to worry about running out of drinks. Cheers to that.   This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Dubrovnik is a one-town tourist industry on its own, with endless things to do all year round. As stunning as the clear blue sea around it, the former centre of the independent Republic of Ragusa invites superlatives and attracts over a million visitors a year. Read on for our insider guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik. RECOMMENDED: More great things to do in DubrovnikThe best Airbnbs in Dubrovnik The best Airbnbs in Croatia Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the 50 best things to do in the world right now.

Dubrovnik restaurants offer the culinary quality and variety that should be expected of such a luxury destination. But dining in Dubrovnik needn't cost an arm and a leg: many places offer simple, wholesome dishes at wallet-friendly prices. We've compiled a list of the best restaurants, from budget fish and seafood to fine dining. In no particular order, these are the top tables in town. RECOMMENDED: 🍸 The best bars in Dubrovnik🏠 The best Airbnbs in Dubrovnik

It's hard to keep track of the ever-rising number of high-end Dubrovnik hotels, but the city also packs some impressive hostel and B&B options. As is common in Dalmatia, high-season prices are significantly higher than in spring or autumn, and some venues close at some point in the winter – though this policy is changing as Dubrovnik becomes a more year-round destination. Read on for your guide to the best hotels in Dubrovnik. RECOMMENDED:🏠 The best Airbnbs in Dubrovnik

From a hipster vegan food to homestyle Italian, the best Ojai restaurants and bars have lots to offer when it comes to flavor. Sure, this picturesque haven is known for its spiritual nature—it’s certainly a destination that loves a good spa—but the town sure knows how to indulge. Locally-grown citrus is a given when in Ojai, but to get a taste of the area's full bounty of fruits and vegetables head to the Ojai Certified Farmers Market (held every Sunday just off the main drag downtown). And while there’s local, organic food around every corner, save room for guilty pleasures. You’ll find a local ice cream shop that feels like stepping into a time warp, plus authentic, small-town dive bars that double-down on the laid-back vibes. Looking for craft beer and live music? Ojai has that too, naturally. Whether you want brunch, picnic fare or a romantic dinner, read on to see our top picks for where to eat and drink in Ojai — and while you're here, check out our list of things to do and cute places to stay. RECOMMENDED: 📍The best things to do in Ojai🏨See the best hotels in Ojai

KIIS FM’s annual holiday behemoth’s lineup reads like a roll call of the station’s playlist: SZA, Kane Brown, Shaboozey, Tate McRae, Benson Boone, T-Pain, NCT Dream, Meghan Trainor, Paris Hilton and Madison Beer will all take over the new Intuit Dome this holiday season. The best seats will cost you a boatload, so look out for news of a potential free pre-show with some of the artists on the lineup.

The Venice Artwalk returns for its 45th year to benefit the Venice Family Clinic with an auction and a free opportunity to glimpse the Venice and wider L.A. art scene. From May 10 to 19, pop into 910 Abbot Kinney to see pieces from Ed Ruscha, Larry Bell, Ed Moses, Alison Saar, Kenny Scharf, Patrisse Cullors, Sayre Gomez and more.

Free from the robot clutches of the Transformers franchise and his last, direct-to-Netflix thriller 6 Underground, Michael Bay returns where he belongs: a car chase in Los Angeles surrounded by muscled, sweaty men.  War veteran Will Sharp (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), in dire need of cash to pay for his wife’s unspecified surgery, asks his career criminal adoptive brother Danny (Jake Gyllenhaal) for help as a last recourse. Abdul-Mateen II is the more grounded of the two while Gyllenhaal is giving us crazy-eyes. What’s supposed to be an easy job gets really messy, really quickly, and the two brothers find themselves in a LA-wide police chase with an injured cop in the back of the ambulance they’ve hijacked. If he dies, their sentences will be much more severe. The steely EMT Cam (Eliza Gonzalez) rounds off this unhinged scenario, a relatively sane counterweight to the odd-couple brothers as she tries to keep the cop alive.  Ambulance is a remake of a 2005 Danish film of the same name, but pimped up à la Bay. Something is always happening, very loudly, and everyone is concerned with looking very cool while it happens. Most of the action happens inside the titular ambulance, and credit to Bay for making it feel as cramped and frenetic as the story demands through sweaty close-ups and lunatic banter. His camera goes from trembling close-ups to swooping helicopter shots of his beloved LA at dizzying speed. Something is always happening, very loudly, and everyone is concerned with loo

If you’re making a list and checking it twice, consider this annual shopping event for unique kitchen, pantry and tabletop finds, plus all sorts of foodie goodies. Hosts a bazaar most days in the downstairs basement event space, and on select evenings you’ll find visits from Santa (Dec 3, 10, 17, 24) or concerts (Dec 16, 23).

You know it’s summer in L.A. when the live outdoor music starts swelling all over the city, including at MacArthur Park’s Levitt Pavilion. The Westlake concert series returns this summer with free shows almost every Saturday. Expect a genre-spanning mix of local acts that range from cumbia to ska to EDM.

Throughout the summer, Lower East Side hidden gem Sesh Comedy is hosting a BYOB summer pop-up. Each ticket comes with an alcoholic drink of choice, while BYOB is still encouraged. Each night hosts two shows that run for 75 minutes each, and features comedians from Comedy Central, HBO, Colbert, Netflix, Amazon, and more. Lineups change weekly, so be sure to check out @seshcomedy on Instagram for weekly show details!

Hudson River Park is currently displaying a new public art exhibition, displaying works by graduates from NYC SALT, an arts nonprofit photography program that gives students the opportunity to develop both their artistic and career skills in the field. The exhibition focuses on the diverse and dynamic communities throughout the city that the SALT alumni call home, and features 22 works displayed on 7-by-9 foot panels along the park.

Looking for some hilarious free fun this summer? Every Tuesday night at Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg, the “The Biggest Little Venue in NYC”, comedy fans can gather for a free show at 7pm! The lineups change weekly and can be found on the show’s Instagram and Facebook pages. For the safety of both the performers and the audience, proof of full vaccination is required for attendance. A full-service bar will be available with drinks and snacks for purchase throughout the show. 

Immersive art exhibit Arcadia Earth has reopened after being closed due to the pandemic, and it looks better than ever! The exhibit aims to inspire visitors artistically and ethically, as it uses 15 rooms to spotlight the environmental challenges that our planet is facing (such as overfishing, food waste, and climate change). This exhibit will not only leave visitors in awe, but it will help support Oceanic Global, an organization devoted to raising awareness around our aquatic ecosystems. In addition, a tree will also be planted for every ticket sold, making it a perfect gift for your eco-conscious friends!

Em maedos da década de 
80, Tommaso Buscetta, um importante membro da Cosa Nostra, a máfia da Sicília, tornou-se num dos primeiros arrependidos da história desta organização, fornecendo informações ao juiz anti-máfia Giovanni Falcone. Alguns anos mais tarde, a sua delação levaria à prisão de Totò Riina, o líder
 da Cosa Nostra, desferindo um sério golpe na organização, e conduziria até o antigo primeiro-ministro Giulio Andreotti à barra do tribunal (seria ilibado). Há em Itália uma longa tradição de “filmes de máfia”
(e de séries e telefilmes), sejam mais policiais e de acção, sejam mais documentais ou políticos. O Traidor, de Marco Bellochio, que conta a história de Buscetta, essencialmente a partir da altura em que passou a colaborar com as autoridades, é uma contribuição maior para este acervo. Bellochio apresenta-nos um Buscetta membro da Cosa Nostra “à antiga”. Isto é, antes que o tráfico de droga tenha substituído o de tabaco como a mais lucrativa actividade da organização, levando o monstruoso Riina
ao poder, desencadeando uma guerra no meio do crime siciliano e fazendo tábua rasa dos valores que a orientavam (nunca matar mulheres ou crianças, por exemplo). A certa altura, Buscetta 
(o magnificamente sóbrio Pierfrancesco Favino, que já vimos em Romanzo Criminale ou em Suburra), diz a Falcone ser um desses “homens de honra” dos tempos pré-tráfico de droga 
e massacres indiscriminados. Ao que este responde estar farto do “mito da máfia nobre e honrada”. Bellochio não min

Editor's note: the event is cancelled until further notice. The Wings for Life World Run is a charity running competition that's been held on the first weekend of May since 2014. Zadar is the only Wings for Life World Run race whose route extends along the sea, taking in the beautiful Adriatic coastline as well as much of the pretty city of Zadar. It is the third-largest in the world by the number of participants. In terms of the population of Croatia, it is the largest race of its kind in the country, as well as the race with the highest number of student entrants. In 2019, there were 9000 participants from more than 25 countries.RECOMMENDED: More great sports events in Croatia where you can join in

Situated just seconds away from Trg Ban Jelačić, Zagreb's central square, a stay at Pod Zidom Rooms places you truly in the heart of the city. An accommodation offer by the same team who run the Michelin-recommended Pod Zidom Bistro & Wine Bar which lies beneath, though these four, well-appointed rooms have no reception of their own, checking in downstairs couldn't be easier. The building's shared and unremarkable concrete stairwell gives way to an exquisitely-designed central corridor which grants access to each room. Three overlook the calm and largely pedestrian street outside and two have balconies. The uber-tasteful design runs throughout, from the beautiful modern bathrooms to the sleek bedrooms which each come with a king-size bed, perfectly positioned flat-screen TV (with complimentary Netflix), generous minibar and coffee and tea service, free broadband WiFi and a portable router so you can take the connection everywhere you go, comfortable work desk and central heating/air conditioning. Breakfast is taken downstairs at one of the most talked-about restaurants in the country. Indeed, aside from business travellers and couples on a city break, the rooms are frequently booked by gastronauts drawn to Zagreb because of the international reputation held by Pod Zidom's modern Croatian cuisine. The restaurant also has one of the best wine lists in the country.

What we love about Montreal's food scene—and one of the reasons why it’s so famous—is because of its intimate, multicultural nature. Sometimes nostalgic and always serious, it’s impossible not to feel the warmth of Quebecers—that sense of hospitality and generosity. It breaks down barriers and upholds tradition. In the words of Chef David McMillan, "Quebec’s clientele is the best in the world," adding that diners are also curious, open-minded, and bon vivants—a dream for any chef. And if there is a chef duo that exemplifies this niche in an exceptional way, continuously making Montreal shine on the international stage with their flagship restaurant, Montreal Plaza, it’s Charles-Antoine Crête and Cheryl Johnson. In February, a new member of their culinary family was born next door to their famous eaterie: welcome, Juliette Plaza. Juliette Plaza ticks most of the boxes mentioned in the first paragraphs of this review. Guests should expect very personal dishes from the Crête-Johnson duo, plates where you could imagine what Juliette Crête (Charles-Antoine's mother) might have served during family gatherings (with a sprinkle of madness and a zest for life). Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed into a cleverly arranged small dining room that can accommodate up to 30 people. When it comes to the decor, the playful nostalgia will make you smile: Asterix comics on the wall, Smurf figurines, and an upside-down boat hanging from the ceiling. Photograph: Tommy Dion The menu unfolds in four

Yaremi Kordos & Evolution Cuban Jazz and young Croatian pianist Borna Pehar are the headline acts at Jazz in the Vineyard in Međimurje, which takes place August 23-25. Given the prime Saturday night slot, the Havana singer has already performed with the big names from Buena Vista Social Club and will be appearing here with top double bass player Roland Abreu and Polish tenor saxophonist Taras Bakovskyi. Their Latin jazz party starts at 8.30pm on August 24. The stand-out act for Sunday’s programme, the Borna Pehar 4tet is led by the namesake Croatian musician whose debut album, Timezone, mainly features his own original compositions. Their show starts at 6pm, followed at 8pm by singer Tamara Mózes and keyboard player Zsolt Kaltenecker, who describe their style as chamber artpop. Bruno Mesarić Before then, the up-and-coming musicians from Slovenia’s respected Škola Jazz Ravne take the stage at 3.30pm. The opening night on Friday will be headlined by Poland’s TANTYFREAKY, whose new album, Theory of Love, showcases the psychosoul and electro jungle of this fourpiece. Now in its fourth year, Jazz in the Vineyard takes place at the top of Mađerka hill, cascading vineyards around it and a breathtaking view that takes in Austria, Hungary and Slovenia. In addition to the concerts, musicians will be sharing their knowledge at several masterclasses, while visitors can view the exhibition, Portraits – Music in the Picture, in co-operation with a festival from Slovenia, Jazz Ravne. In b

A seaside oasis with the most enchanting view in all of Dubrovnik right from its terrace, the Banje Beach Restaurant offers a world-class dining experience in a chic and elegant Mediterranean atmosphere. Right alongside the Ploče Gate that leads into the Old Town, Banje Beach is perfectly located after a hard day’s sightseeing, an urban getaway only five minutes’ walk from the historic landmarks around Dubrovnik. This is where you can lay your towel on the sand, enjoy a dip in the clear waters of the Adriatic, and stretch out and work on that tan. Overlooking this idyllic scene, the Banje Beach Restaurant provides diners with dishes showcasing Mediterranean flavours with a hint of essential Dalmatian tradition. Here, local seasonal produce is brought to the fore. Banje Beach Restaurant This is best illustrated by the Lunch Menu, with its oysters from Pelješac, its seafood risotto, its octopus salad and its spaghetti vongole. To sample the best that Dalmatia has to offer, order the Dalmatian platter for two, a majestic spread of octopus, prosciutto, cheese, anchovies and olives. Mussels take the starring role in mussels buzara, their flavour brought out by the white-wine sauce. Carnivores can indulge in the meat platter for two, sirloin steak as the centrepiece. Lamb chops, the meat marinated in Dalmatian herbs, would also be a delicious choice. The kids can tuck into a mini burger or fish & chips and for dessert, be tempted to pancakes, ice cream or a banana split. There’s

Easter is a time of great tradition in Croatia, and nowhere more so than in Podravina, the area around Koprivnica near the Hungarian border. There, four masters of naïve art have long been painting huge eggs, to be sent around the world. The art project Pisanice od srca, ‘Writings from the Heart’, has been a part of the holiday season for the last 15 years. This year, two of their creations will be heading to the Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, where they will be put on display for business clients and visitors to the museum. Each Easter egg bears the motif of the city it goes to, woven into the layers of colours and shapes created by each painter. “We need three to four days for the Easter egg to be finished, painted and dried,” explains one of the quartet, Zlatko Štrfiček. The other eggs he and his team have created will centrepiece the main square in Koprivnica, Zrinski trg, until April 8. Paula Bosančić

Croatia’s unique track of Donji Kraljevec is the subject of the first show in a major docu-series on speedway being released this week. Twist the Throttle allows fans to get up close and personal to the riders, tracks and stories that make this sport so popular. And no story can be as personal as Donji Kraljevec, outside Goričan, a roar away from the Hungarian border. The hallowed track, constructed from the ground up by top Yugoslav rider Zvonimir Pavlic, has a long history associated with the motorsport.  Three-time Speedway World Champion, Tai Woffinden, for example, has been racing at Croatia’s first track at Goričan since his early twenties, his opponents including the son of the family who own the 305-metre loop. They built racer Jurica Pavlic a track in his backyard, every racing kid’s dream, catapulting him to success as 2007 Individual European Champion. Jurica went on to ride in the Polish Ekstraliga, the world’s pre-eminent speedway league.  The first part of Twist the Throttle, released on Wednesday, March 20, shows how Croatia is woven into the story of speedway racing. The series culminates with episode five, with “55,000 people in Poland where the sport is the biggest,” according to one rider. FIM Speedway, Goričan Reopened in 2022, Donji Kraljevec has again become the home of Croatian speedway, with fans flying into Zagreb and making their way to the unique track at Goričan. This year’s meet takes place on April 27, Round One of the 30th anniversar

A perfect combination of modernity and tradition, Croatia’s second-largest city Split is a perfect spot to experience the Dalmatian way of living. There are many reasons why we fell in love with the vibrant city of Split. From the beautiful architecture that dates back to Roman times to panoramic views from Marjan Hill, Split has it all. Moreover, it’s a great base for memorable day trips to nearby towns and islands. Here are our top five reasons why we love visiting Split. We’re sure you will love it, too! Lucija Vukusic 1.Split’s historical charm Split is a town with a rich history. Just a stroll around the Old Town will reveal a great number of treasures. The Riva promenade is a must-visit and the best starting point for your exploration. From there, you can witness the grandeur of Diocletian’s Palace, the summer residence of Roman Emperor Diocletian. Zhivko DimitrovDiocletian's Palace & Peristil Visit the Peristil, the historic square where you will see the Cathedral of St Dominus, an ancient Egyptian sphinx and maybe even meet some Roman soldiers. Wander the Old Town’s labyrinthine alleys, see all the famous statues and marvel at the amazing ancient architecture. All these attractions are within walking distance of each other and they are to be explored by foot. You’ll only need one afternoon for Old Town sightseeing. VIP Holiday BookerAppetisers in a Split restaurant 2.Gourmet dining in Split Its coastal location and Mediterranean climate influence the culinary de

Visitar las principales atracciones turísticas de una ciudad está muy bien, pero solo cuando nos desviamos por un callejón perdido o tropezamos por una avenida arbolada podemos conocer el verdadero carácter de cada ciudad. Las calles son el corazón de la vida urbana; es donde las comunidades se reúnen, donde los pequeños comercios se convierten en protagonistas y donde los ciudadanos salen, pasan el rato y se divierten. Dicho esto, ¿cuáles son las mejores calles del mundo que vale la pena conocer y pasear por ellas? Para encontrar la respuesta, nuestro equipo global de editores y colaboradores aportó (e hizoun estudio) de la calle más bonita de su ciudad y, de ahí, creamos un ranking definitivo de las mejores avenidas, vías, callejuelas y bulevares del planeta. En primer lugar encontramos High Street, en Melbourne, Australia. Esta vía atraviesa los ultramodernos suburbios de Northcote, Thornbury y Prestons, y lo que la hace destacar son sus empresas locales y únicas. Desde Casa Nata, donde vienen auténticos pasteles portugueses, hasta Northside Wines, donde se puede degustar el vino local, pasando también por tiendas vintage y un cine independiente, esta calle está llena de vida. En segunda posición está una de las calles más antiguas de Hong Kong: el Hollywood Road, una bulliciosa vía que data de 1844 y que, según la leyenda, recibió ese nombre por los arbustos de acebo que antiguamente la bordeaban. Actualmente, ha cambiado, pero en esta calle hay de todo: el templo Man Mo,

Visitar les principals atraccions turístiques està molt bé, però només quan ens desviem per un carreró perdut o ensopeguem per una avinguda arbrada podem conèixer el veritable caràcter de cada ciutat. Els carrers són el cor de la vida urbana; són on les comunitats es reuneixen, on els petits comerços es converteixen en protagonistes i on els ciutadans surten, passen l’estona i es diverteixen. Dit això, quins són els millors carrers del món que val la pena conèixer i passejar-hi? Per trobar la resposta, el nostre equip global d’editors i col·laboradors va aportar (i fer un estudi) del carrer més vibrant de la seva ciutat i, d’aquí, vam crear un rànquing definitiu de les millors avingudes, vies, carrerons i bulevards del planeta. En el primer lloc trobem High Street, a Melbourne, Austràlia. Aquesta via travessa els ultramoderns suburbis de Northcote, Thornbury i Prestons, i el que la fa destacar són les empreses locals i úniques que acull. Des de Casa Nata, on venen autèntics pastissos portuguesos, fins a Northside Wines, on es pot tastar el vi local, passant també per botigues vintage i un cinema independent, aquest carrer està ple de vida.  En segona posició hi ha un dels carrers més antics de Hong Kong: el Hollywood Road, una bulliciosa via que data del 1844 i que, segons la llegenda, va rebre aquest nom pels arbusts de grèvol que antigament la vorejaven. Actualment, ha canviat, però en aquest carrer hi ha de tot: el temple Man Mo, centres culturals, restaurants, bars i molt

To explore Croatia by sea is to reveal its true secrets. Croatia has it all – the range of sailing options, the spectacular scenery, the unspoiled bays, the myriad islands and, most importantly, clear, calm and clean waters around them. Europe’s finest sailing playground is affordable, relatively safe (at sea and on shore) and contains a diversity of destinations for all kinds of visitors. Novice sailors can charter a boat with a qualified skipper, potter around the islands, and find out as much, or as little, about sailing as they'd like. Those who are serious about learning to sail, or improving their skills, can take a course at one of the sailing schools. Sailors of varying abilities, wanting the security and bonhomie of a group, can join a flotilla holiday. If your party includes someone with a skipper’s ticket there’s a multitude of charter options, with yachts and motorboats, while high rollers can take a fully crewed luxury yacht, classic or contemporary, and cruise the party hotspots. © Nature Park TelaščicaTelaščica on Kornati Where to go It’s surprising how much you can see in a week. The diverse appeal of Croatia’s 2,000 islands, islets and reefs, together with the varied mainland ports and anchorages, will leave you wanting to come back for more. In the north, the Istrian peninsula and Kvarner Bay have a high concentration of marinas and a more cosmopolitan feel than Dalmatia, due to the pervasive Italian influence. If gastronomy and culture are important, this

A recent arrival at the Croatian History Museum in Zagreb, a unique travelogue from a century ago records the adventures of Josip Franjo Mikulec from Zagorje. Nicknamed Joža Putnik, this agricultural worker decided to travel the world and meet as many interesting people as possible. His impecunious odyssey took him nearly 30 years, during which time he met personalities such as Mussolini, Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, whose signatures feature inside. Neva Zganec/PIXSELL His scrapbook never left his side. By the end, it weighed 25kg and filled 1,244 pages. After Joža’s death in Genoa in 1933, the book passed into the hands of the Mikulec family, from the village of Krušljev Selo near Oroslavje. They later sought for it to be bought for posterity by the Croatian State. Recently, the Croatian History Museum managed to raise the funds to purchase it. Staff now hope to digitise it so that the public may peruse its fascinating pages. The story is further complicated by the fact that Joža travelled the world twice, selling his first journal and diary in America. These are now in the hands of a private collector, and there are moves afoot to negotiate a price and bring both back home to Croatia to complete Joža’s legacy. In Oroslavje, meanwhile, local mayor Viktor Šimunić is launching an initiative to open a promenade in Joža’s name and memory. Paula Bosančić/PIXSELL

The historic seat of the noble Pejačević family, set between Osijek and Kutjevo in Našice, Slavonia, will soon reopen its doors after its major conversion to a five-floor museum and wine bar. Pejačević Palace was built in 1812 for the dynasty that produced two Croatian bans or viceroys, and Croatia’s first female composer, Dora Pejačević, whose mortal remains lie in the crypt of the family chapel here following her death after giving birth in 1923. The grand property is still referred to the Big Palace to distinguish it from the little one, also belonging to the Pejačević family in the same grounds. After World War II, it passed into state hands but the interior remained richly furnished, its art collection intact. Davor Javorovic/PIXSELL In 2015, the City of Našice settled legalties with the heirs of the Pejačević family to became the property owners, and initiated the procedure for its protection and restoration. Receiving financing of more than €11 million from the EU Regional Development Fund, the City was able to raise the €13.3 million necessary to carry out the conversion of the palace to a museum. A permanent exhibition will focus on the Pejačević heritage, particularly the life and work of Dora, and the property will also serve as the headquarters for various cultural institutions. Activities can take place on all five floors, from a large multifunctional hall of 100-seat capacity, to the basement earmarked as a wine bar. Paula Bosančić/PIXSELL

A new series of aerial photographs taken by PIXSELL’s S Šime Zelić has revived the mystery of a ship that sank near the lighthouse at Veli Rat exactly 40 years ago. The Italian cargo ship Michelle, which was carrying fertiliser, ran aground in a storm in May 1983 just off the north-western cape of Dugi Otok, a two-hour ferry journey from Zadar. According to testimony from the lighthouse keeper at the time, the savvy sailors took advantage of the conditions and deliberately diverted the ship into the shallows to claim insurance money for the ageing vessel. If they did, it was a rash move, for local residents of Veli Rat had to come to the rescue of the ailing crew. Sime Zelic/PIXSELL While the Italians unloaded the cargo from the stranded ship and left it at the mercy of the sea, the event proved a turning point. After the Michelle disaster, a law was passed to force ship owners to retrieve their own wrecks from the sea. Nevertheless, the Michelle stayed where she was, exposed for four decades to the waves and the weather. The hull remains surprisingly well preserved, the portholes of the lower deck still visible, as well as the mast – as photos show from recent aerial footage. Only one question still hangs over from 1983: who will come and take away Michelle – and who will pay for it?