Our handpicked city guides feature curated collections of the best things to do in cities around the world. We look for street art, independent bookshops, farmers markets, hipster coffee shops and parks. And we’re always up for spending time in nature. We prefer independents over chains, and while both my husband and I are vegetarian, we tend to eat in restaurants that are known to be good for all food rather than just veggie stuff. While we do feature of the “must sees”, our things-to-do guides are about getting beneath the skin of a city and experiencing local life.
A few good examples to get started with are our guides to what to do in Portland, 19 things to do in Santa Cruz and the best things to do in York.
Laguna Beach is famed for its beautiful beaches and world-class art, making it the ideal place for a beach vacation with a spot of culture too. Spend the days relaxing on some of the California coast’s most beautiful beaches and then wander the town’s myriad galleries and public art. There are plenty of things to … Read more
Set on seven hills overlooking the River Tejo, Lisbon is sometimes called the San Francisco of Europe, but I think that takes away from its own distinctive charm. The hills are certainly similar, and it shares a golden light, but much of the wonder of Lisbon comes from its history. Most of the city was … Read more
I’d been hearing whispers of the wonders of Asheville for a few years: a liberally minded and creative enclave in North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and on the edge of the famous parkway. I was promised glorious nature, excellent food, an exciting craft beer scene and creativity galore – and it was … Read more
The view from the the Dom Luis I bridge sums up the allure of Porto; port wineries on one side, a colourful hodge-podge of buildings and bell towers cascading down the other, and the peaceful Douro river filing down the centre, lined with buzzing restaurants and people ambling by. The azulejo tiles, baroque and beaux … Read more
There’s a lot more to London than all the major tourist sights, and you’ll find that many Londoners have never even been to many of the “must sees”. When something’s on your doorstep, it’s easy to leave it for “another day”. But we are spoilt in this city for history, galleries and culture, and if … Read more
Sonoma County is the gloriously laid-back sister of glamorous Napa Valley, known for its down-to-earth rustic vibes and celebrated farm-to-table cuisine. It’s a place to slow down, connect to the land and unwind with a glass of wine in hand and the redwoods as a backdrop. We fell head over heels for the place, and … Read more
Denmark’s second city, Aarhus is often overlooked in favour of Copenhagen, but the vibrant Danish city is one that deserves attention and makes for a wonderful city break. It’s filled with culture, interesting shops, pretty architecture, and some truly fabulous food. This post is a run-down of the best things to do in Aarhus, Denmark, including … Read more
Dublin, home to some of the world’s friendliest people, the best pubs, and a fascinating 1000-year history. It’s a place to go for a good time and a slice of the famous Irish craic. Being three quarters Irish, I’m somewhat biased, but I do think the Irish are some of the loveliest people you’ll meet. These … Read more
Our time in Mexico was cut short, but certainly wasn’t wasted. We spent two beautiful weeks in Mexico City, a place that stole our hearts and made us realise our love for Mexico goes beyond the village of San Pancho. The laid-back pace of Mexico suits us and despite being one of the world’s largest … Read more
“It’s just like the village in Beauty and the Beast.” This was my first thought when arriving in the tiny village of Eguisheum, just down the road from the equally charming town of Colmar in France. With cobbled streets, candy-coloured houses and wooden beams, it was like stepping into a scene from the film I’d … Read more
