England ’s COVID-19 travel rules have sparked confusion among people from countries who face tougher restrictions due to the English government's decision to only recognize vaccines administered in certain countries.

When England updated its travel rules last week, replacing the traffic light system with what transport secretary Grant Shapps described as a"new clearer travel system," there was fresh hope that people immunized against COVID-19 would safely be able to travel there with relative ease.

But many vaccinated people continue to face tough restrictions, even when traveling from countries with solid vaccination programs and decreasing COVID-19 case numbers.

Under the new system, travelers who are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson jabs are exempt from quarantine if traveling from a low-risk country, provided those shots were administered in the UK or an EU country, or from a relevant public health agency in select countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean. That means that people who were vaccinated with the same shots in Latin America, Africa, and many countries in Asia are subject to more stringent border protocols, including quarantine.

For instance, people coming from India are potentially required to quarantine for 10 days and undergo tests even if they are fully vaccinated with the Indian-made and World Health Organization-approved AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine. India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla called the rules "discriminatory", the Associated Press reports, while an editorial in The Hindustan Times described England's position on entry rules for Indians as "illogical and harmful".

Following the outcry, England moved to include the AstraZeneca Covieshield as an approved vaccine, but India still isn't on the list of accept countries in which to receive the shot, according to the BBC. This means that, for now, people who received the Covishield jab in the UK are considered vaccinated, but those who received it in India are not.

Echoing Shringla's claims, Maiara Folly, a UK-based Brazilian international relations and public policy researcher from the non-profit Plataforma Cipó, said she believes the new travel rules lack scientific basis and are "highly discriminatory". "It discredits the vaccination program of entire regions without taking into account the specific context of particular countries, many of which currently have far lower COVID-19 related cases and deaths than the UK," she told Lonely Planet.

The Department for Transport wasn't immediately available to comment on the decision but the Associated Press report s that there could be hope for travelers later down the line. According to the news agency, Kenya's health minister and the British ambassador to Kenya issued a joint statement assuring people that the countries are "establishing a system to mutually recognize each other’s vaccine certificates for a vaccine passport program" but stressed that it takes time.

Countries around the world are continuing to institute and amend rules on the vaccines they will accept for inbound travel. For example, while the UK will only accept Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, Spain accepts vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency or those listed by the World Health Organization for emergency use, which includes Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covishield. As the US announces it will allow vaccinated travelers in November, many people are awaiting the list of vaccines that will be accepted, particularly AstraZeneca, which is not approved for use in the US, but is used widely in the UK and Europe.

England's new rules for travel come into effect on October 4. Scotland and Northern Ireland will use the same categorization system as England to determine entry policies but it's not yet clear if they will implement the same testing rules. Wales continues to follow its own policy for now. For more information on traveling to the UK, see the government's website

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Honestly, there isn’t a bad time to visit New Orleans. There’s always a parade, a festival or a party going on down in the Big Easy, but there are times when your shirt won’t stick to your body from the humid heat, and the prices dip just a little.

New Orleans is like nowhere else on earth during Mardi Gras, but the crowds are something to behold. There are definite perks to coming outside of the frenetic spring period, when prices fall and the crowds thin out. October in particular is a great month to come, with the lowest rainfall all year, and falling temperatures after the summer peak.

Whenever you come, you'll find merriment, music and just a little debauchery (if that's what you're after) flowing from every street corner and city block. And let’s not forget the food, some of the finest in the South. Here’s our guide to helping you decide the best time to visit New Orleans.

Editor's note: During COVID-19, please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. Events may be subject to change.

Shoulder Season: October to January

Best time for sports and spooky Halloween nights

From October, the weather begins to cool off after the long, steamy summer, and rainfall slows to a trickle, making this semi-tropical city much more manageable for people not used to the humid heat. While there's nothing on the scale of Mardi Gras or the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival on the calendar, plenty of odd little festivals and events pop up around town. The crowds aren’t as high as peak season and you may be able to score a deal on hotels and flights.

The big event in October is Halloween, which takes on an extra spooky vibe in New Orleans' antebellum-era streets. Look out for costumed bar crawls, historic mansions converted into haunted houses, and dinner tours of Lafayette cemetery. This is also a great time to drop into the French Quarter's occult boutiques to get in the supernatural mood. The crowds shrink further as winter draws on; rainfall increases and temperatures dip, but football season is full swing, so head to a local dive bar and cheer on 'Dem Saints'.

High Season: February to late May

Best time for partying

With all the high-octane events on the calendar, the spring is really the sweet spot for a visit to New Orleans. Although you may have to endure some extremely hot days, the weather is generally pleasant enough if you stick to shorts and short-sleeve shirts. It's the city's busiest time of year with Mardi Gras, the Jazz  & Heritage Festival and Super Sunday. Expect large crowds and steep prices. Evenings are cooler than the day, but still balmy–perfect for outdoor dining at some of New Orleans’ best restaurants. Plus, April is the beginning of the music festival season, ushering in months of jazz, blues, rock, rap and more.

Low Season: July to September

Best time for music festivals

Summertime in New Orleans isn’t for the faint of heart. Temperatures can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit and rain and humidity will be constant traveling companions. Let's just say it's a brave traveler who wears a dark-colored top that shows up the sweat lines at this this time of year... There are are fewer tourists and lower hotel prices, but that doesn't stop the party.

Pack your finest white linen, order the coldest ice tea you can find, then hit up some of the best music festivals in the city. Essence Music Festival is in July, Satchmo Summerfest is in August and Southern Decadence –the city's most energetic LGBTQIA+ festival–takes place over Labor Day weekend.

January

Contrary to popular belief, New Orleans does get cold in winter, and January is pretty nippy. Sports events and tourism-oriented New Year’s revelry give way to the professional partying of Carnival Season by month’s end.
Key events: Joan of Arc Parade, Martin Luther King Jr Day

February

It’s Carnival time! In the weeks preceding Mardi Gras the madness in the city builds to a fever pitch, culminating in the main event, the party to end all parties. Prices peak and accommodations can't be had for love nor money, unless you book well ahead.
Key events: Mardi Gras

March

The city has barely nursed its Mardi Gras hangover when the party kicks back into gear. New Orleanians call this Festival Season, as small concerts and free music events kick off every weekend. Temperatures are moderate but the mercury is starting to rise.
Key events: BUKU, Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, Crawfish Festival

April

Festival season continues. Concerts and crawfish boils pick up in frequency as the weather turns a balmy shade of amazing. The French Quarter Festival fills the streets with revelry to almost rival Mardi Gras.
Key events: Gay Easter Parade, French Quarter Festival, Jazz & Heritage Festival

May

There's another month or so to go before the weather gets really sticky, but the days are already fairly hot. So is the musical and party calendar, with more fun events dotted around the city. This is a good month for al fresco dining, taking advantage of the cooler evenings.
Key events: Bayou Boogaloo, New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

June

Temperatures really start to soar in the city. Crowds thin out and good deals are there for the taking as the city simmers. If you're willing to beat the heat, there are a host of festivals every weekend, including the city's biggest celebration of Cajun zydeco music (get in the mood by tracking down the sounds of Clifton Chenier).
Key events: Oyster Festival, Cajun Zydeco Festival, NOLA Caribbean Festival

July

There’s a sultry romance to summer. You may want to join the locals sitting on the balcony or veranda doing nothing but drinking iced tea. But the steamy nights are still fun-filled and frenetic and the festival calendar doesn’t let up.
Key events: Essence Music Festival, Running of the Bulls, Tales of the Cocktail

August

It’s hot. Damned hot. And there may be hurricanes on the horizon. The eating, drinking and merry-making continue though, and hotel rates are bottoming out, but watch the weather forecasts for advance notice of any big storms.
Key events: Satchmo SummerFest, Southern Decadence, White Linen Night

September

The heat doesn’t let up and the threat of hurricanes gets even worse, but the music certainly doesn’t take a break. You can expect a few tropical storms at this time of year, so monitor the weather channel.
Key events: NOLA on Tap

October

Locals love dressing up, ghost stories and the supernatural, so October is a pretty big month in these parts. Halloween in particular is a blast in New Orleans; look out for costume parties, themed bar crawls, and night-time ghost tours and cemetery visits.
Key events: Halloween, Voodoo Music & Arts Experience, New Orleans Film Festival, Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

November

By November, the weather is cooling down rapidly and the chill of winter is in the air. Arts and entertainment events continue though, and there are food festivals celebrating gumbo (Cajun-style stew) and some of the best sandwiches you’ll ever eat.
Key events: All Saints Day, Treme Creole Gumbo Festival, Po-Boy Festival

December

Christmas brings chilly winds and gray skies to this city of festivals, but there's still plenty on the calendar, with festive parties in the build up to Christmas and New Years.
Key events: Celebration in the Oaks, Feux de Joie, New Year’s Eve

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First published in February 2021; updated in September 2021.

Why fall is prime time to visit New Orleans (and other great times to come)

Dallas may summon the image of glitz, glamor and big bucks, but that doesn't mean you need to be an oil tycoon to enjoy a vacation there.

From museums to green spaces, popular trails to hidden art parks, there's a little something for everyone in The Big D. Here are 16 of our favorite free things to do in Dallas.

1. Crow Collection of Asian Art

Housed in a modern building in Dallas’ downtown Arts District, this small but exquisite museum allows visitors to follow a winding course through a choice collection of sculptures and artworks from China, Japan, India and Southeast Asia, dating from 3500BCE to the early 20th century. Don't miss the gorgeous sandstone facade from North India.

2. African American Museum

This museum has exhibits of more than 1000 objects that richly detail the art and history of African American people from precolonial Africa through to the present. Its folk-art collection is one of the best nationwide.

3. Dallas Museum of Art

This major museum offers a high-caliber world tour of ancient and contemporary art. Archaeological treasures range from Greek, Roman and Etruscan masterpieces to wonderful bowls from the Mimbres pueblos of New Mexico and a pre-Columbian Peruvian gold mask.

Alongside paintings by Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh, American works include Edward Hopper's enigmatic Lighthouse Hill and Frederic Church's sublime The Icebergs. A re-created villa modeled on Coco Chanel's Mediterranean mansion holds canvases by statesman Winston Churchill.

4. Pioneer Cemetery

This is the resting place of many early Dallas settlers, with gravestones from the 1850s through the 1920s. It's a shady, evocative place amidst the city's roar.

5. Hall of State

Fair Park is full of superb 1930s art-deco architecture, none of it quite as inspired as this tribute to all things Texan. The Hall of Heroes pays homage to such luminaries as Stephen F Austin and Samuel Houston; the Great Hall of Texas features huge murals depicting episodes in Texas history from the 16th century on.

As you leave the Hall of State, stop by the reflecting pool outside of the entrance: the golden Greek-inspired statues will thrill art-deco buffs.

6. Pioneer Plaza

For a Texas-sized photo op, or simply a sight of what claims to be the largest bronze monument on earth, head to Pioneer Plaza. Its showpiece – 40 larger-than-life bronze longhorns, amassed as though on a cattle drive – has an unmistakable and compelling power.

7. Dealey Plaza and the Grassy Knoll

Infamous for its location alongside the road where John F Kennedy’s motorcade was ambushed in November 1963, the tiny park known as Dealey Plaza is now a haunting, eerily familiar National Historic Landmark. It was created in 1935, however, to mark the center of the original settlement of Dallas.

Lee Harvey Oswald fired the fatal shots from the former Book Depository, immediately north. However, some witnesses also heard shots coming from the so-called 'grassy knoll' alongside, a hillock that rises from Elm St to the railroad yards. The conclusion of the 1970s’ House Select Committee on Assassinations, that a sniper did indeed fire (and miss) from behind the picket fence here, bolstered the belief that Kennedy’s assassination was part of a conspiracy.

8. John F. Kennedy Memorial

You can pay your respects here to the fallen ex-president. Designed by architect Philip Johnson, the unusual monument is a roofless space with a view of the sky and the carved words 'John Fitzgerald Kennedy' is a cenotaph, or open tomb, meant to evoke a sense of the freedom that JFK epitomized.

9. Katy Trail

To enjoy some see-and-be-seen walking, running or cycling, hit the tree-lined Katy Trail. Following a former railroad line for 3.5 miles from the American Airlines Center downtown almost all the way to Southern Methodist University (SMU), it passes through interesting neighborhoods. At times it has a true rural feel. A program of extensions is progressively linking it to other walking routes.

10. Ride the Trolly

Dallas may have a rep as a car town, and you'd be right – it's easiest to get around if you have your own wheels. But public transit is available from buses to light rail, and the DART M-line is a fun and nostalgic free trolly that boasts air conditioning and runs between the Dallas Arts District and the Uptown neighborhood. If you're staying at one of Dallas' many downtown hotels or having shopping on the agenda, this can be a great way to get to and fro – plus kids always love quirky transit.

11. Deep Ellum Street Art

Funky music and arts hotspot Deep Ellum is chock full of public sculptures, murals, and other visual treats on the sides of buildings, in plazas, and even filling up the space under Dallas' Seussical overpasses. It's free to stroll the neighborhood and take in all the street art, particularly in the art park under the I-30 highway. Just don't blame us if the scents wafting from Serious Pizza inspire you to part with a few bucks before you depart.

12. The Trinity Skyline Trail

For epic views of downtown, including the Jolly Green Giant (aka the Bank of America Plaza) and the discoball-esque Reunion Tower, head to the Trinity Skyline Trail. It stretches 4 miles and will take you to the Trinity Overlook where you can take in the skyline, plus a close-up of the Trinity River and Dallas' flood plain.

13. Klyde Warren Park

This innovative 5.2-acre park is an urban green space built over the recessed Woodall Rodgers Freeway. It has its own programming and, besides outdoor areas for chess, yoga, croquet and other activities, it offers performances and many more special events. It gets very crowded with families on weekends.

14. The Sweet Pass Sculpture Site

This former dumping ground at 402 Fabrication Street in west Dallas has been transformed into a sculpture park for emerging and mid-career artists. Past installations have included Navild Acosta and Fannie Sosa's "Black Power Naps Park / Parque Siestas Negras," which created a space for BIPOC to rest comfortably in opposition to mass incarceration and systemic racism. Other works featured at Sweet Pass have been a soundscape created by Azikiwe Mohammed called "Away Message III" and the San Antonio collective, BUXTOOF's exploration of baseball, a performance piece called "Bush League."

15. The Ronald Kirk Bridge

Formerly known as the Continental Avenue Bridge, this pedestrian span was renamed in 2016 for Ronald Kirk, the first African-American mayor of Dallas. More than just a way to get from west Dallas to downtown on foot, however, the Ronald Kirk Bridge has been reimagined as a High Line -esque green space that compliments nearby Klyde Warren Park, complete with a playground, splash pad, shaded lounge chairs, a humans-size chessboard, and more. You can also snag excellent views from here of the cats cradle span of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, which has become an integral part of the Dallas skyline since it was designed by Santiago Calatrava, 2012.

16. Thanks-giving Square

For all its din, drive and shopping malls, Dallas has a surprisingly quiet side – a triangular piece of prime downtown real estate set aside for spiritual renewal and reflection. Thanks-Giving Square was established by the Thanks-Giving Foundation as a 'place where people can use gratitude as a basis for dialogue, mutual understanding and healing.' Also designed by Philip Johnson, the tranquil center includes a meditation garden, a Wall of Praise, an interdenominational Chapel of Thanksgiving and a museum of gratitude.

This article was originally published on March 18, 2021.

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Basque Country, in case you haven't heard, isn't like the rest of Spain.

Proudly perched on the northern Atlantic coast, near the border of France, the fabled region – locally known as Euskadi or País Vasco (‘the land of Basque Speakers’) – has its own language, its own culinary traditions and a distinctive geographic and cultural landscape.

With COVID-19 travel restrictions from the US to Spain recently eased, Basque Country brims with an eager and warm welcome back. Make sure to read up on the latest COVID-19 travel guidelines on Spain's Ministry of Health’s website here prior to booking your trip.

Once you're all clear, here's a guide to get started with the best of the Basque, from fairytale villages to modern architectural wonders and so much more. Here are our 10 favorite reasons to visit Basque Country now.

San Sebastián, the best place in the world to eat

You shouldn’t need extra motivation to visit San Sebastián – the impossibly lovely seaside metropolis is widely considered one of the best places to eat in the world.

This designation brings with it a packed calendar of events that enlivens the city throughout the year, from a human rights festival each April to the famous film festival in September that attracts Hollywood stars to a Jazz festival in the warm summer month of July.  Explore the city and its cultural offerings on two wheels: the bicycle is one of the city's favorite modes of transportation.

World-class wining and dining

It's estimated that Basque people spend more than twice as much of their disposable income on food as people do in the United States. Step into any bar and look at the lavish spread of pintxos (small snacks) and you'll understand why. The region's cuisine, built around authentic and local products like grilled lamb, cured meats, salt cod, sheep's and goat's cheese, piquillo peppers, artichokes and fresh anchovies, to name a few, is rightfully world-famous.

You can swing high or low: Basque Country is home to the second-most Michelin star-restaurants per capita, but you'll be just as happy sampling finger food and sipping Basque cider or txakoli, a sparkling white wine typically served as an aperitif, at a bustling corner bar that's been run by the same family for generations.

The spellbinding curves of the Guggenheim Bilbao

Gleaming and otherworldly, the Guggenheim Bilbao is more than an art museum: it’s a modern architectural landmark, a stylized ode to the city’s shipbuilding past and an unmistakable emblem of Bilbao itself. When Frank Gehry's masterpiece opened in 1997 – on the banks of the Rio Nervión, in a derelict and highly polluted area that was previously an industrial wasteland – it was a symbol of revitalization and the dawn of a new era for the city. Stroll along the riverfront promenade for spectacular views of the museum's sculptural exterior.

A road trip that winds the clifftops of the coast

To experience the enchantment of the Basque coastline, you'll want to rent a car and explore the dramatic clifftop landscape at your own pace. Take the scenic route from Bilbao to San Sebastián; this unforgettable road trip leads you through a string of traditional fishing villages with names you'll struggle to pronounce, from tiny Elantxobe to drop-dead gorgeous Lekeitio to Getaria, the hometown of the fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga (there's a great museum dedicated to his oeuvre). All of the towns along this stretch feature great pintxo bars and quiet medieval streets that invite a leisurely wander.

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Basque Country's truly unique identity

If you follow the news, you know that Basque nationalism is a point of controversy in Spain. But that regional pride could be read as an expression of cultural independence: though mystery surrounds the topic, confounding anthropologists and archeologists, Basque people are believed to be descendants of the original human inhabitants of the European continent. Their culture is characterized by thoroughly unique traditions, including Euskara, the Basque language. It predates the Romans and it bears no relation to languages spoken elsewhere in Europe.

Travelers will hear Euskara spoken throughout Basque country, and see the language – with its own alphabet and dedicated typeface – printed everywhere from the train station schedule to newspapers and cafe menus. Luckily, most words are also printed in a language that's much easier to decipher – Spanish.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe's s tairway to heaven

It's a small journey, getting to the ninth-century religious site of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe – a zigzag walk down a steep hill, passage across the Bay of Biscay via a picturesque stone footbridge, and a hike up 241 steps, to be exact. But the views from the top of the island make the effort worthwhile.

Gaztelugatxe derives from the Basque gaztelu (castle) and aitz (rock or crag). Even though the original hilltop church, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, was demolished and rebuilt, ‘castle rock’ remains an apt description of this quintessentially Basque landmark.

Take in sweeping views of the dramatic coastline and the crashing waves below, and keep your eye out for Basque fishermen making the pilgrimage along with the tourists: it's a local tradition to hike to the church and ask for the saint's blessing for a bountiful season ahead.

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The storied, cobblestone streets of Vitoria-Gasteiz

The Basque capital doesn't see as many international visitors as Bilbao or San Sebastián – all the more reason to spend a few days exploring the cobblestone streets and pintxo bars of pretty Vitoria-Gasteiz. Highlights include the postcard-perfect historic center, considered the best-preserved medieval center in Basque Country, and the 13th-century Cathedral Santa María, a Gothic landmark perched at the summit of the old town.

Gernika's historical relevance

Even if your knowledge of art is limited, you've likely seen Guernica , Pablo Picasso's powerful mural depicting the violence and chaos of war. It's widely thought to be a response to the 1937 bombing of Gernika, a Basque village, during the Spanish Civil War. Today, you can visit the site yourself, stopping into the excellent Museo de la Paz de Gernika for an overview of wartime events and the town's significance in the greater context of Basque culture.

The chance to 'hang ten' at Mundaka

The waves at Mundaka, on Basque Country's central coast, have long been regarded as the best waves in all of Europe. The natural geography – a sandbar formed by an estuary – forms fast, hollow waves that some surfers have called the finest in the world. If you're not up to the challenge, watch the spectacle from the town's harbor walls.

The full-bodied wines of the region

You'll see the names of Basque Country's premiere wine-growing centers – Samaniego, Laguardia, Elciego, Labastida – scrawled on chalkboards at bars and cafes all over the region. Sample a Tempranillo or two before heading into the Rioja Alavesa wine region to see how they're made. Of particular interest are the stunning medieval city of Laguardia and the wineries around it, including Bodegas Ysios and its futuristic ‘temple dedicated to wine’ by Santiago Calatrava.

Can't get enough of that seductive pairing of fine wine and modern architecture? Don't miss the Bodegas Marqués de Riscal in Elciego, specializing in full-bodied reds produced from the old vines, and its whimsical Frank Gehry-designed hotel.

This article was originally published on August 20, 2019.

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With thousands of years of history and a lively contemporary culture, Istanbul has plenty to keep visitors occupied. But a day trip to nearby beaches, forests and sleepier towns at the edges of the city and around the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea serves as a welcome break from the concrete jungle.

Here are the best day trips for an adventure outside Istanbul.

1. Princes’ Islands

A scenic ferry ride away from the city, the Princes’ Islands (known as Adalar in Turkish) are a favorite outing for Istanbul residents and tourists alike, with their historic mansions, scenic views, small beaches, waterfront seafood restaurants and relaxed seaside vibe. The largest of the four main islands, Büyükada, is also the most popular with visitors; its hilltop Church and Monastery of St. George is elaborately decorated with Greek Orthodox iconography and has grand panoramic vistas. Neighboring Heybeliada has lush pine groves and its own landmark monastery. Bucolic Burgazada and beach-dappled Kınalıada are less-visited but have their own charms. No cars are allowed on the Princes' Islands, so be prepared to walk or rent a bike on the serene (but hilly) streets.

Seaside cafes, ice cream shops and (largely interchangeable, often overpriced) fish restaurants abound around the harbor area of each island. Kalpazankaya around the back of Burgazada has a sublime setting and better-than-average meze and seafood, while Heyamola Ada Lokantası on Heybeliada is generally regarded as one of the islands' best restaurants.

How to get to the Princes' Islands from Istanbul: City-run Şehir Hatları ferries depart from the Eminönü docks to the four main Princes' Islands, calling at Kadıköy en route, near-hourly in summer (less frequent in winter) from around 7am to 11pm or midnight. The trip takes roughly one to 1.5 hours depending on your destination. Avoid visiting on summer weekends and holidays if possible, as the ferries and the islands can be packed.

2. Belgrad Forest

The 13,590-acre Belgrad Forest ( Belgrad Ormanı) at the northern edge of the city is beloved by Istanbul’s walkers, runners, mountain bikers and picnickers. Most visitors stick close to one of the nine nature parks within the forest, where there are picnic tables, parking and other facilities, but venture off on any of the dozens of trails and you’ll have the serene greenery nearly all to yourself. Bring a GPS as the trails are not marked. Tucked away amidst the trees you’ll find seven Ottoman dams, some of them quite grand, dating as far as back as 1620 and built to supply water to the city through an extensive system of aqueducts and channels. The Atatürk Arboretum within the forest has lakes, walking paths and nearly 2000 different kinds of trees and plants.

There are rustic cafe-restaurants by the parking lots of some of the nature parks within the forest, including Ayvat Bendi and Falih Rıfkı Atay, and plenty of places for self-catered picnicking. A strict no-food-or-drink policy is enforced within the Atatürk Arboretum.

How to get to Belgrad Forest: Take the metro (M2 line) from Taksim to Hacıosman station and then the 42HM bus to reach Bahçeköy, the nearest settlement to the forest. From Bahçeköy, you can walk into the forest or catch a taxi to the more popular picnic areas. Getting a taxi back out can be trickier, however. For Atatürk Arboretum, get off at the Kemerburgaz Yolu stop just before the village center. The trip from Taksim metro station takes about an hour.

3. Kilyos

The Black Sea coastal village of Kilyos, about 22 miles (35km) north of Istanbul’s historic districts, is surrounded by some fine stretches of sand that draw city crowds in their droves on summer weekends. The main beach that's below Kilyos center is dotted with fish restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops. Though the beach is free to the public, it's not always very clean. Many beach clubs in the area charge a daily fee but offer sun loungers, umbrellas and parking, and have on-site bars and restaurants that sometimes host lively DJ parties in the evenings. Burç Beach is one of the best of the bunch.

How to get to Kilyos: The 151 bus runs roughly every 30 minutes from Hacıosman metro station to Kilyos. You can also take a bus to Sarıyer (25G from Taksim, 25E from Kabataş, 40B from Beşiktaş or 25 from Hacıosman metro) and then a dolmuş (shared taxi) to Kilyos. The trip takes about 1.5 hours if traffic isn’t too bad.

4. Şile and Ağva

The seaside towns of Şile and Ağva, along the Black Sea coast east of Istanbul, make for a charming, low-key escape. Şile’s distinctive striped 19th-century lighthouse stands guard over a rugged coastline, near the town center with its active fishing harbor and beaches to either side. Ağva also has a beachfront, but it's better known for its two meandering rivers where you can canoe or fish. The green woods around Ağva have hiking trails and waterfalls. Both towns have a variety of accommodations – pensions, hotels, cabins and camping – if you want to continue your relaxation for longer than a day.

How to get to Şile and Ağva: Take a local ferry from Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş or Beşiktaş to Üsküdar, where you can catch the 139 bus to Şile or the 139A to Ağva (passing through Şile). Buses leave every hour or so. From Istanbul, it takes approximately three hours to Şile and 3.25 hours to Ağva.

5. Termal

The wooded hillside town of Termal, some 25 miles (40km) across the Sea of Marmara from Istanbul, is best known for its hot springs. Waterfalls, lakes and hiking paths can be found in the surrounding forests. Termal’s hamams (Turkish baths) and other spa facilities are its main attractions. In the nearby city of Yalova, you can visit the Karaca Arboretum and the Yürüyen Köşk, a small waterfront mansion once used as a summer house by Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic.

How to get to Termal: İstanbul Deniz Otobüsleri runs multiple car ferries a day (roughly every two hours between 7:45am and 9:45pm) from Yenikapı to Yalova. From Yalova, it’s a 8.5-mile (14km) minibus or taxi ride to Termal. Travel time is about 1.5 hours.

6. Edirne

The western border city of Edirne was the capital of the Ottoman Empire after Bursa and before Istanbul. It boasts what is widely considered to be the masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, the architect who designed many of Istanbul’s most famous mosques and other monuments. In addition to Sinan’s Unesco World Heritage–listed Selimiye Mosque, Edirne’s cultural patrimony includes a 15th-century hospital and medical school complex, a beautifully restored 1906 synagogue and numerous other grand mosques and small museums. The city is also famous for its Kırkpınar oil-wrestling festival, a uniquely Turkish sporting tournament held annually in late June or early July. There are plenty of hotels in Edirne if you want to extend your stay.

How to get to Edirne: Numerous travel companies run frequent, comfortable coach services from Istanbul’s main bus station (upstairs from the Otogar metro stop on the M1 line) to Edirne. The journey time is about three hours.

This article was originally published in September 2019.

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The 6 best day trips from Istanbul

Forged in a crucible of reform and revolution, Boston is handsome, historic and highly cultured–the perfect gateway to New England and the East Coast. Since the first pilgrims set up shop, the capital of Massachusetts has evolved into a vibrant hub for learning and literature, for music and the arts, for fantastic food, and for sports, with some of the country's top teams and most committed home fans.

Though overtaken economically and politically by New York and Philadelphia, Boston remains one of the country’s most forward-thinking and barrier-breaking cities. Atmospheric in winter, energetic in summer, and painted in fireglow colors by changing leaves in fall, this is many travelers' favorite US hub.

From museums and historic architecture to foodie nights out and Red Sox games, you'll never run short of things to do and see–here is our pick of the best things to do in Boston.

1. Walk the Freedom Trail

For a sampler of Boston’s revolutionary sights, follow the red-brick road. The Freedom Trail winds for 2.5 miles through the center of Boston, from Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument, linking the real-life locations for key events leading up to and following the War for Independence. The route is well marked and easy to follow on your own–an ideal strategy if you want to linger in some of the historic buildings and museums. Otherwise, there are plenty of tours that follow this trail, including free trips run by the National Park Service (NPS).

2. Experience Boston Common

America's oldest public park, Boston Common has a long and storied history, serving as everything from a campground for British troops during the Revolutionary War to a cattle grazing meadow for free Bostonians until the 1830s. Nowadays, the Common is a place for picnicking and people-watching. In winter, the Frog Pond attracts ice-skaters, while summer draws theater lovers for Shakespeare on the Common. Appropriately, this is also the starting point for the Freedom Trail.

The on-site visitor kiosk is a great source of information, maps and tour guides. Otherwise, you can wander at will through this 50-acre green, crisscrossed with walking paths and dotted with monuments (including a landmark statue of George Washington). Seek out a bench and watch Bostonians hustle to and from the nearby T (subway) stations, or join in any number of activities, from playground shenanigans to free concerts and seasonal festivities.

3. Catch a game at Fenway Park

There might as well be signs on I-90 reading 'Now entering Red Sox Nation'. The intensity of baseball fandom has only grown since the Boston Red Sox broke their agonizing 86-year losing streak and won the 2004 World Series. The home team has since repeated this feat three times, and tickets continue to sell out for every game. Catch play at Fenway Park, the iconic old-style ballpark that has hosted the Sox for more than a century, accessible on tours as well as for home games.

4. Admire the architecture at Copley Square

Boston's most exquisite architecture is clustered around this stately Back Bay plaza. The square's centerpiece is Henry Hobson Richardson's celebrated Romanesque masterpiece, Trinity Church. See it twice, once in the flesh and once reflected in the mirrored facade of the modern John Hancock Tower. Across the square is the elegant neo-Renaissance facade of the Boston Public Library. The plaza is peppered with whimsical and serious monuments commemorating the city's biggest sporting event, the Boston Marathon, for which Copley Square is the finish line.

5. Hang out at Harvard Square

Famous Harvard Square is overflowing with bookstores and boutiques, coffee shops and record shops, street performers and street dwellers. Although many Cantabridgians (residents of Cambridge, MA) complain that the square has lost its edge, with shops that were once independently owned being gobbled up by national chains, Harvard Square is still an iconic place to hang out. Boston's most famous university abuts the square, with ivy-covered architecture and some excellent university museums. Harvard Square is also a hotbed of colonial and revolutionary history; swing by Cambridge Common and Mt Auburn Cemetery to find out more.

6. Have outdoor fun at Charles River Esplanade

When people talk about the 'waterfront', they usually mean Boston Harbor, but there's a second, equally appealing waterfront along Charles River. The Charles River Esplanade is a long and narrow riverside park that offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from playgrounds and picnic areas to bike trails and ballparks. There's no swimming in the river, but there is sunbathing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing. The Hatch Memorial Shell is a venue hosting free outdoor entertainment, including the annual July 4 concert by the Boston Pops orchestra.

7. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts

The collection at the Museum of Fine Arts spans the centuries and the globe, but it's the art of the Americas that makes this museum shine. And that's the Americas, plural, so you might see Maya artifacts and Peruvian textiles alongside the world's largest collection of American Colonial art. It's a niche the MFA fills it in a way that few other museums can. Highlights include countless paintings by John Singleton Copley and John Singer Sargent, as well as Paul Revere's famed 'Sons of Liberty Bowl'.

8. Eat in the North End

What's so special about eating in the North End? For starters, it feels like you've been magically transported to Italy. This is one of Boston's oldest neighborhoods, and the narrow streets still exude a powerful Old World ambience thanks to the area's long-established Italian-American population. North End sounds like Italy, too, with local residents carrying on lively conversations in the mother tongue. Most importantly, it tastes like Italy: the streets are packed with romantic restaurants, cozy cafes and aromatic bakeries, a feast for the senses and the stomach.

9. Hop around the Boston Harbor Islands

If you're dreaming of an island vacation, you've come to the right place. The Boston Harbor Islands consist of 34 small islands, many of which are open for trail-walking, bird-watching, camping, kayaking and swimming. Explore a 19th-century fort at Georges Island, walk the trails and lounge on the beach at Spectacle Island, or climb to the top of Boston's iconic oldest lighthouse at Little Brewster. Mostly operated by the NPS, the Harbor Islands are lovely spaces for outdoor adventures–and they're a quick boat ride from downtown Boston.

10. Step back in time at Beacon Hill

With an intriguing history, distinctive architecture and unparalleled neighborhood charm, Beacon Hill is Boston's most prestigious address. It's hard to describe the utter loveliness of the place. Narrow cobblestone streets are lit by gas lanterns, distinguished brick townhouses are decked with purple window panes and blooming flower boxes and streets such as stately Louisburg Square swim with nostalgic grandeur. The commercial street that traverses the flat of the hill–Charles Street–is a great spot for browsing boutiques and haggling over antiques.

11. Meander through the Rose Kennedy Greenway

This glorious green ribbon winds through Boston's Downtown area, filling the city with blooming flowers, flowing fountains, art markets, beer gardens, food trucks, whimsical sculpture and one fabulous merry-go-round. It's a green gateway to the big blue expanse of the Boston Harbor and waterfront–the fact that the Greenway used to be the site of a hulking overhead highway makes it all the more appealing. Seasonal public art exhibits always offer something surprising to discover.

12. Visit the Bunker Hill Monument

This 220ft granite obelisk commemorates the turning-point battle that was fought on the surrounding hillside on June 17, 1775 during the Siege of Boston. Ultimately, the Redcoats prevailed, but the victory was bittersweet, as they lost more than one-third of their deployed forces, while the colonists suffered relatively few casualties.

Climb the 294 steps to the top of the monument to enjoy a stunning panorama of the city, harbor and North Shore. From April to June–due to the seasonal influx of school groups–you'll need a climbing pass, which is available at the Bunker Hill Museum across the street. By the way, the name of the Battle of Bunker Hill is misleading, as most of the fighting took place on Breed’s Hill, where the monument stands today.

13. Climb aboard the USS Constitution

'Her sides are made of iron!' cried a crewman upon seeing a shot bounce off the thick oak hull of the USS Constitution during skirmishes with the British during the War of 1812. This bit of irony earned the legendary ship its nickname, 'Old Ironsides'. Indeed, the Constitution survived every engagement and it's now the oldest ship still afloat anywhere in the world. Dating from 1797, the ship is normally taken out onto Boston Harbor every July 4 in order to maintain its commissioned status. Bring a photo ID to go aboard; you'll learn lots, such as how the captain’s son died on the ship's maiden voyage (an inauspicious start).

14. Scan the waves for whales

Part of a project pioneered by the New England Aquarium, passenger boats set off daily from Long Wharf during the April to October whale-watching season, bound for Stellwagen Bank, a rich feeding ground for humpback, minke and finback whales, also frequented by dolphins and marine birds. Keen-eyed boat captains and onboard naturalists can answer all your questions and have been trained by the aquarium to ensure that the tours do not interfere with the animals' natural behaviour. Whale sightings are guaranteed, otherwise you'll receive a coupon for a free trip at a later date.

15. Check out the Institute of Contemporary Art

Boston has become a vital hub for contemporary art in the 21st century, with the Institute of Contemporary Art leading the way. The building is a work of art all by itself: a glass and timber prism cantilevered over a waterside plaza. The vast light-filled interior is the setting for multimedia presentations, educational programs and studios as well as the gallery's permanent collection. In the Founders Gallery, which spans the entire width of the building, a glass wall virtually eliminates any barrier between the viewer and the seascape.

The ICA collection showcases both national and international artists, including the likes of graffiti artist Shepard Fairey, video artist Christian Jankowski, photographer Boris Mikhailov, Boston-born artist/sculptor Josiah McElheny, sculptor Sarah Sze and hybrid artist Wangechi Mutu. You'll see everything from oil paintings to multidimensional mixed-media mash-ups.

16. See street art at Underground at Ink Block

What used to be an abandoned parking lot beneath the interstate has found a new life as an 8-acre playground and art space. The main draw is the fantastic mural project, which turned 150,000 sq ft of concrete wall space into a fabulous outdoor gallery for street art, with bold colorful pieces by a dozen local and national artists. There's also a dog park, walking paths and fitness classes to get you moving in this striking urban space.

17. Explore the Museum of Science

This educational playground has more than 600 interactive exhibits guaranteed to get young minds sparking. Favorites include the world’s largest lightning-bolt generator, a full-scale space capsule, a world population meter and an impressive hall of dinosaurs. Kids can go wild exploring computers and technology, maps and models, birds and bees, and human evolution. Don't miss the Hall of Human Life, where visitors can witness the hatching of baby chicks, and the Discovery Center, a hands-on play area for kids under the age of eight.

The Charles Hayden Planetarium features a state-of-the-art projection system that casts a heavenly star show onto the ceiling, as well as programs about black holes and other astronomical mysteries. For total IMAX immersion, check out the space-themed and natural-science-oriented flicks at the Mugar Omni Theater. A sweet sound system will have you believing you’re actually roving around Mars or being attacked by sharks.

18. See the ducks at the Public Garden

Adjoining Boston Common, the Public Garden is a 24-acre botanical oasis of Victorian flower beds, green lawns and weeping willow trees shading a tranquil lagoon, sitting on land that was reclaimed from tidal salt marshes in the 19th century. The old-fashioned pedal-powered Swan Boats have been delighting children for generations, and families love to swing by the Make Way for Ducklings Statue, depicting the characters from the beloved kids' book by Robert McCloskey.

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Originally published in May 2021, updated in September 2021.

Getting the best out of Boston: 18 great things to do

Denver is on a rocket rise, and no wonder, with its revitalized downtown, outdoorsy ethos and vibrant mix of locals and transplants from around the country. No surprise then, that prices in Denver are climbing too – you can lay down a pretty penny in this cowtown-no-more, and not just on craft beer and designer puffy jackets.

But have no fear! Denver still has some real gems that don’t cost a thing – including street art, riverside parks and the world-famous Red Rocks concert venue, where you can channel your inner Bono for free.

Union Station

An iconic landmark, the historic Union Station serves as Denver’s main transportation hub. But beyond the Amtrak, light rail and bus stops, it offers a welcome break from downtown’s hubbub with a sumptuous central lounge with leather couches and deep chairs, wi-fi and shuffleboard – all free to the public (drinks and eats can be purchased at its swanky eateries, coffee shops and bars).

During the warmer months, its outdoor plaza fills with children running through the pop-up fountain and on Saturdays, a farmers market showcases local foods, flowers and finds.

Best day trips from Denver

US Mint Tour

The single largest producer of coins in the world – about 7.5 billion per year – the US Mint in Denver offers free 45-minute guided tours of its facility Monday through Thursday. Surprisingly interesting, guides provide a history of the mint and the manufacturing techniques behind the pennies in your pockets. Tickets are distributed the same day only, starting at 7am. During the summer months, the line starts forming by sunrise – arrive early to secure tickets.

Colorado State Capitol

With a gleaming gold leaf dome that’s impossible to miss, the Colorado State Capitol is a must-see for history and architecture buffs. Home to the Governor’s office as well as the Senate and House of Representatives, a free 45-minute tour leads visitors through the grand behemoth, with guides sharing facts and fun tidbits about the building. The tour includes 15 minutes to wander within the dome – the view is worth it alone, even for just the selfies.

Street Art in RiNo

Explore the stop-you-in-your-tracks murals in one of Denver’s trendiest neighborhoods, RiNo (River North). A one-time industrial wasteland, RiNo is now the heart of cool with galleries and boutiques, innovative eateries and craft breweries. Plus, lots and lots of murals. Stroll the streets and duck into alleys, look in doorways and parking lots – everywhere you turn, there’s bigger-than-life art.

Best time to visit Denver

Denver Art Museum

The crown jewel of Denver’s art scene, DAM houses an eclectic collection, from the masterpieces of the Old Master painters to the greats of modern contemporary art. It is also home to a stunningly rich collection of Native American art, one of the largest in the world.

Special exhibitions keep the museum buzzing year-round, and interactive art stations keep kids engaged. Children under 18 are always free; adults enjoy free admission on select days almost every month – check the website for the current schedule.

First Fridays

A long-standing tradition, First Friday is the day of each month when Denverites head to the city’s art districts – Santa Fe, RiNo, Golden Triangle – to wander through art galleries, private studios, and co-ops that keep their doors open late into the evenings. The event is free and lively, often including drinks, food trucks, live music and a general sense of revelry in- and outdoors.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

One of the most stunning music venues in the world, Red Rocks is an outdoor theater nestled between 400ft-high red sandstone monoliths. Renowned for its natural acoustics, summer nights bring big-name musicians and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, but it’s free to visit during the day and well worth the 15-mile trip from Denver. Explore the amphitheater, climb the 250 stairs to the top, check out the views, then hit its miles of trails, many lined with red rock formations

City Park Jazz

Who doesn’t love a free concert? Every summer since 1986, City Park Jazz has produced jazz concerts on Lake Ferril in City Park, just east of Downtown Denver. Held on Sundays from 6 to 8pm, concerts feature well-known bands playing everything from traditional jazz and blues to R&B and salsa. The series typically attracts around 10,000 concert-goers each week, many on picnic blankets and lawn chairs, some dancing in front of the bandstand. BYO food and drinks, and come early to stake out a good spot!

Hammond's Candy Factory Tour

Sweet tooths will love this free tour that takes you behind the scenes of Hammond's Candy, which has been pumping out lollipops, ribbon candy and candy canes since 1920. Having largely avoided the automation processes other candy manufacturers have adopted, Hammond's specializes in handmade confectionery products – many of the machines here date from the late 1800s and early 1900s. See workers stretch, cut and fold sugary treats on the factory floor.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge

Located on the outskirts of Denver, the 17,000-acre Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest urban refuges in the country. Once a US Army chemical weapons production facility, it is now home to over 330 species of wildlife, including bison and bald eagles.

It also holds over 10-miles of hiking trails that cross wetlands, woodlands and grasslands; two lakes that are popular weekend fishing spots; and an 11-mile self-guided driving tour. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a map and check out its well-curated exhibit hall and hands-on "Discovery Room" for kids. Guided tours of the refuge are offered too. All for free!

Confluence Park

Verdant fields, dramatic skyscraper views and the meeting of two waterways – Cherry Creek and the South Platte River – make Confluence Park a popular spot for Denver’s urban set. This is the place to picnic, jog, play Frisbee…be a part of everyday Denver. A small beach and shallow waters bring families to splash in the South Platte during the summer months, while a short white-water section invites tubers and kayakers.

Great Divide Brewing Company

In a town known for its craft breweries, Great Divide Brewing Company is a powerhouse. Its exquisitely bold and balanced brews are among the country’s most decorated, including 18 Great American Beer Festival medals. Free family-friendly tours of its downtown brewhouse are offered daily, first come, first served (12 and over only). A worthwhile stop for a behind-the-scenes peek at how its magic sauces are made.

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This article was originally published March 12, 2021.

From street art to Red Rocks, these are the best free things to do in Denver

New Orleans – or the Big Easy, as it likes to be known–is as famous for its 'be nice or leave' motto as it is for the agreeable carnival chaos of Mardi Gras. No matter what the weather, you'll find New Orleans knows how to celebrate like nowhere else on Earth, and with live music venues, buzzing bars and energetic eateries on every corner, it's easy to join the party.

When it comes to filling the days (and nights), you can tap your foot to some of America's best live jazz, feast on po' boy sandwiches and Creole gumbo, explore historic districts dripping with history (and Spanish moss), take in impressive art museums and the French-era graveyards that inspired Anne Rice, and, of course, just wander the wonderful, atmospheric city streets.

Here are some tips for the best things to see and do in New Orleans to get you started.

Mardis Gras

There are spectacles, and then there's Mardi Gras. On Fat Tuesday, fantastic costumes, weird pageantry, West African rituals, Catholic liturgy, homespun traditions, massive parade floats, and a veritable river of booze come together to create the single most exhausting and exhilarating day of your life. At all times of year, New Orleans is a feast for the senses, but it becomes a veritable all-you-can-eat banquet feast during Carnival, achieving an apotheosis of hedonism on Mardi Gras day.

Second Lines

New Orleans is a city that loves to celebrate, but you don't have to wait for a specific day on the calendar to get your party on. Second Lines –neighborhood parades thrown by African American civic organizations known as Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs–are weekly parades that kick off every Sunday outside of summer. Folks gather somewhere in the city (often in the Tremé), a band leads the way, dancers parade in their finest clothes, and the Second Line–a following crowd, which should include you–high steps in behind.

Museums galore

While Crescent City is best known for its hedonism, another of its most attractive qualities is its curiosity. There are ample opportunities to learn more about history, art and culture at the city's many impressive museums and cultural institutions. New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) hosts an impressive collection of contemporary works of art and a large archaeological section, plus it has a fabulous sculpture garden. The enormous National WWII Museum provides fascinating insights into the largest armed conflict in history. And for kids, the newly reopened Louisana Children’s Museum is a must.

If New Orleans struggles to understand itself, imagine the quest laid in front of visitors! Fortunately, you'll find plenty of museums dedicated solely to the city and its rich story. From the Cabildo to the Backstreet Cultural Museum, these institutions dissect a part of the world that has long blended the cultures of multiple communities: French Catholic Creole, White American Protestant, Free People of Color, enslaved African Americans, Native Americans...the list goes on and on.

Creole architecture

New Orleans architecture is as integral to the city's spirit as its people. What immediately sets New Orleans apart from other US cities is the lavish architecture of the Creole faubourgs ('fo-burgs') or neighborhoods, where the influence of European ideas is obvious on every storefront balcony. The shaded porches of the French Quarter are well known, but you’ll also fall in love with the filigreed Marigny homes, candy-colored Bywater cottages and the grand manses of Esplanade Avenue.

Drink classic cocktails

A significant case could be made that the cocktail, a blend of spirits mixed into something delicious and dangerous, was invented in New Orleans. Bitters, long considered a crucial component of any cocktail, were the homegrown creation of a French Quarter pharmacy. When someone calls a drink a ‘classic cocktail,’ it’s because local bartenders have been making it here for centuries; in New Orleans, that usually means the Sazerac, a blend of bitters, cognac, and often whisky or absinthe. It can be enjoyed at any time of day, but always adds a touch of class to a session; learn more at the newly opened Sazerac House.

Live music

Music flows deep in the soul of New Orleans. Every beat, be it Cajun fiddle or brass-band drumline, measures out the rhythm of the varied cultures that came together to create this startlingly unique city. Frenchmen Street is packed with joints playing rock, metal, hip-hop, folk and, of course, New Orleans jazz. If you can walk its few small blocks without hearing something you like, you may as well keep walking out of New Orleans, because the sound and the soul of this city are inextricably married. As well as formal music venues, music spills out into the streets all over the city to set your foot tapping.

Shopping on Magazine Street

Forget New York’s Fifth Ave. Erase London’s Oxford Street from your memory. Magazine Street –specifically the three-mile stretch of it that smiles along the bottom bend of New Orleans’ Uptown–may be the world’s best shopping street. There's an absence of big brands; instead you'll uncover indie boutiques, tons of vintage stores, po’boys for the hungry, antiques warehouses galore, art galleries in profusion, and storefronts that will charm your toes off.

City Park

New Orleans' favorite park is larger than Central Park and it has alligators, so really, what are you waiting for? If alligators aren’t your thing, City Park is also home to long lines of oaks and weeping willows, a botanical garden that reproduces New Orleans in miniature, ice cream vendors, Greek columns, and a sculpture garden that surrounds the New Orleans Museum of Art. Then there's the singing tree, festooned with wind chimes and romance–the sort of space where love and music infuse the air with giddiness.

Eating a po’ boy

If by ‘sandwich’ you mean a portable meal of vegetables and meat enveloped in starch, then the po’boy is the Platonic ideal of sandwiches. But let’s get to the detail: its fresh filling (roast beef or fried seafood are the most common, but the possibilities are endless), plus tomatoes, lettuce, onion, mayo and pickles, all stuffed into a loaf of not-quite-French bread. Finding your own favorite po’boy is a matter of personal taste: try Mahony’s on Magazine or Iberville St, Domilise’s Po-boys Uptown or Parkway Tavern.

St Charles Avenue streetcar

Some of the grandest homes ever built in the US are lined up on St Charles Avenue, shaded by enormous live oak trees that glitter with the tossed beads of hundreds of Mardi Gras floats. Joggers pace themselves along the grassy ‘neutral ground’ of the median strip, staying out of the path of the clanging St Charles Avenue Streetcar, a mobile bit of urban transportation history. This nearly 200-year-old tram line carries tourists and commuters along a street as important to American architecture as Frank Lloyd Wright. If you have time, ride the St Charles Avenue Streetcar to Tulane University and stretch your legs at one of the prettiest colleges in the country.

Garden District stroll

After the Louisiana Purchase, thousands of Americans began moving to New Orleans, until then an entirely French city, creating the city's modern hybrid character. Incoming Yankees decided to show the Europeans they could build homes as pretty as any continental-Caribbean town house, constructing enormous mansions in the area now known as the Garden District. Soaking up the urban scenery is simply magical out here; stroll under ancient oaks, past fine restaurants and bumping bars–and don’t forget to pay a visit to the historic Lafayette cemetery too…

Crescent Park

The Mississippi River has long been the defining geographic feature of New Orleans, but for years it lacked a park that truly allowed people to enjoy the cool of the waterfront (the path that edges the French Quarter was always too busy for quiet contemplation). Those days are gone! Crescent Park not only links the Marigny to Bywater, it showcases, via a mix of landscaped greenery and austere metallic installations, both the watery might of the Mississippi and the gothic edges of the old riverfront industrial district.

Jackson Square

Sprinkled with lazing loungers, surrounded by sketch artists, fortune tellers and traveling performers, and watched over by cathedrals, offices and shops plucked from a Parisian fantasy, Jackson Square is one of America’s great town greens and the heart of the French Quarter. Almost identical, block-long Pontalba Buildings overlook the scene, and the Cabildo and Presbytère structures flank the impressive St Louis Cathedral, which rises handsomely over the square.

Bayou St John

Compared to the big and busy Mississippi River, Bayou St John is a quiet backwater, despite being located smack in the middle of the city. This winding waterway once served as a riverine highway across the swamps, but today it's a spot to walk your dog, take a romantic stroll, have a breeze-blown picnic and just generally escape from the urban jungle. It's become a popular spot for stand-up paddle boarders too, with on-board yoga classes in the summer; rent boards from Bayou Paddlesports on Florida Ave.

Hand-painted signs: Be Nice or Leave

Hand-painted 'Be Nice or Leave' signs can be found throughout the city of New Orleans. It seems like pretty self-explanatory advice, but there's a deeper attitude at work here; New Orleans tends to operate on tropical time, partly because folk here have a laid-back attitude but also because poor infrastructure gums up the wheels of civil society. Snapping photos of the signs has, of course, become a popular tourist activity, but you'll get the warmest welcome from locals if you smile, stay patient, and ease into the local pace of life.

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First published in July 2021, updated in September 2021.

Soulful southern spice: 15 unmissable things to see and do in New Orleans

Colorado is known for its mountain landscapes, breathtaking vistas and craft brews. And you can enjoy all those things, and more, without paying anything at all. From scenic drives and ghost towns to world-class hikes and off-grid camping – even a festival celebrating a dead guy on ice – Colorado has a dizzying array of sights and activities that don’t cost a dime.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

World-renowned for its natural acoustics and stunning beauty, Red Rocks is an outdoor theater built between towering 400ft-high red sandstone rocks. Summer nights bring big-name bands and sold-out crowds but the amphitheater and surrounding area are open and free to visit during the day. Explore the venue, check out the panoramic views, then hit the many miles of trails through the surrounding meadows and remarkable namesake red rock formations.

Drive the Million Dollar Highway

Deep in the San Juan Mountains, the Million Dollar Highway is one of Colorado’s most mind-blowing scenic drives. Stretching between the towns of Ouray and Silverton, tight hairpin turns cut through the Uncompahgre Gorge where steep mountainsides loom large and close, the valley below dotted with fir trees and wildflowers. Drive with caution – the road is formidable, even in good weather (and the lack of guardrails doesn’t help!). And be sure to take advantage of pullouts; the Red Mountain Pass (11,018ft) is a favorite for its 360-degree views.

Climb Colorado’s 14ers

Colorado is home to over 50 peaks higher than 14,000ft (hence the name "14ers"), each a gift of breathtaking views from the top of the world. While hiking at altitude is no joke, the variety of 14ers in the state offer access to all levels of hikers. Whether you decide to hike the short three-mile trail to Quandary Peak near Breckenridge, tackle a multi-day route to Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, or make a run at Mt Elbert – the tallest of them all – they all deliver big.

Hovenweep National Monument

Ancient culture, natural beauty and the imagination interweave at Hovenweep National Monument, an archaeological site on a vibrant desert landscape spanning the Colorado-Utah border. The site encompasses six Ancestral Puebloan villages, which were inhabited from 500 CE to 1300 CE. Today, several dwellings, ceremonial kivas and sandstone towers remain, perched on canyon rims. A series of roads and trails lead visitors through the site, showcasing the remarkable masonry and design, a memorable testament to the skill and artfulness of its long-ago inhabitants.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is a spectacular showcase of red sandstone rock – mammoth boulders, jutting fins and exquisitely thin pinnacles – with a mountain backdrop of Pikes Peak. Explore the park’s intricate network of trails (some paved, most not), enjoy a picnic and watch rock climbers test their nerve on towering walls. A visitor center has hands-on exhibits plus knowledgeable rangers who offer helpful tips and maps; guided tours of the park are offered for a small fee. Located on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, come on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Anderson Ranch Art Center

Anderson Ranch Art Center is a buzzing, magical place, and an artistic and cultural hub for the region. Located on a five-acre historic ranch outside of Aspen, visitors can observe internationally renowned artists at work, wander through the sculpture gardens and enjoy the works in the contemporary art gallery. Free cultural events – lectures, salons, workshops – are offered throughout the year too.

Experience dispersed camping

Dispersed camping – camping on federal lands, away from established campgrounds – is a one-of-a-kind way to experience Colorado’s outdoors. Dispersed camping takes you deep into Colorado’s national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands to enjoy the great outdoors with no crowds and no fees. With almost 23 million acres of public land in Colorado, there are plenty of options – from mountain peaks and aspen forests to high desert mesas and river valleys. Stop at ranger stations for maps – most dispersed camping areas are accessible by dirt roads – and look for tent symbols along the way. Picture postcard campsites await!

St. Elmo ghost town

St. Elmo is Colorado’s best-preserved ghost town, an abandoned mining settlement tucked into the base of the Collegiate Peaks. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, over 40 buildings remain, most dating to the 1880s when the town was at its peak. Wandering past the saloon and billiards hall, courthouse and jail, visitors get a fascinating peek into Colorado’s past, when gold and silver ruled these hills. Look for the small placards on each building for information about its history. Popular on summer weekends, a well-maintained dirt road takes visitors to St. Elmo year-round.

Frozen Dead Guy Days

Frozen Dead Guy Days is a fabulously quirky and macabre festival that draws over 25,000 people to Nederland each spring. The three-day event celebrates Grandpa Bredo Morstoel, a Norwegian transplant who is cryogenically frozen in a local Tuff Shed awaiting his big thaw (seriously). A hearse parade and coffin races, polar plunging and frozen turkey bowling make this a festival to remember. Costumes are encouraged – the weirder the better.

Great Divide Brewing Company tour

Colorado takes its beer seriously, treating craft brewing like a high art. Among the state’s many masters, Great Divide Brewing Company consistently stands out; the brewery has garnered countless awards for its exquisitely bold and balanced beers, including 18 medals at the Great American Beer Festival. Free family-friendly tours of its downtown Denver brewhouse are offered daily, first come first served (12 and over only). This is a worthwhile stop for a behind-the-scenes peek at how its masterpieces are made.

You might also like:
Top 5 best hikes in Colorado
When to visit Colorado
Feast your eyes on the 6 most underrated views and vistas in America

This article was originally published on April 2, 2021.

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