Thanks to the 1910 Act of Congress, the height of buildings in Washington, DC, is heavily regulated. As a result, the district’s skyline is low and sprawling, with broad avenues, green open spaces and public squares – all thanks to the baroque city design adopted by George Washington’s prized urban planner, Pierre L’Enfant.

From the right rooftop, expect sweeping views of the Washington Monument, the Potomac River, the US Capitol and, yes, even the White House. Here are the best rooftop bars in Washington, DC, for a bird’s-eye view of the city below.

Lady Bird

Lady Bird at the Kimpton Banneker Hotel is the newest rooftop bar in DC, perched above Dupont Circle. An homage to former First Lady Claudia Alta Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson, the design is inspired by Johnson's love of travel. Craft cocktails and light bites play a supporting role to the fantastic views of 16th Street's historic homes, embassies and churches, along with a great view of the White House.

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Perch SW Rooftop Lounge

New in 2021, Perch SW Rooftop Lounge has some of the best views in the up-and-coming Southwest DC neighborhood. Atop the new Cambria Hotel, Perch SW's views of the Capitol riverfront, Audi Field and Nationals Park wow. New twists on comfort food include fun pizzas like Chicken Tikka and Pepper Barbecue Chicken along with an impressive lineup of craft beers and cocktails.

CloudM Rooftop Bar

A much-needed addition to Southwest Washington, CitizenM hotel unveiled CloudM Rooftop Bar in September 2021. The upbeat, bright hangout is a burst of fun placed in the middle of the Federal Center with great drinks, food and panoramic views of the city. With a cocktail in hand, head outside for sweeping views of many of DC's highlights including the Capitol and the Washington Monument.

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Terrazza

Washington, DC’s southwestern Wharf development offers many Instagrammable views, and the rooftop at Officina is no exception. Part of the three-level Italian culinary venue from Michelin-starred Masseria chef Nicholas Stefanelli, Terrazza presents a series of picture-perfect moments: planes landing and taking off in the skies above Reagan National Airport, and yachts sailing along the Washington Channel.

In the winter, the rooftop transforms into a cozy, enclosed winter wonderland with flannel blankets, fire pits and creative hot cocktails like A Toddy A Day, made with bourbon, Amaro, honey-ginger, lemon and alpine whipped cream.

Colada Shop

Transport yourself directly to the charming streets of old-town Havana with a visit to Colada Shop, the Cuban hotspot situated just off DC’s bustling 14th St corridor. Vibrant interiors match the menu’s flavorful offerings of strong coffees and light snacks such as empanadas, pastelitos (pastries), croquetas (croquettes) and Cuban sandwiches.

Its main draw, however, is the year-round rooftop garden with colorful seating and flower-filled planters hanging off its pastel green accent wall. Listen to Caribbean beats while indulging on $9 house cocktails at Havana Nights, the shop's all-night happy hour every Thursday from 4:00pm until close.

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Wild Days

Located atop the Eaton DC, one of The District's most progressive hotels, Wild Days is one of the few rooftop bars offering uninhibited views of K St in Downtown DC. Throughout the week, the space plays host to a variety of musical events – from DJ sets to jazz performances to live music shows – and stand-up comedy shows. Turn up on a Friday or Saturday night and find the indoor area transformed into a large dance floor with a chicly dressed crowd dancing the night away.

There are handcrafted cocktails, a beer list featuring local brews, plus inventive fare like an outdoor-only s'mores experience.

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Top of the Yard

For a free bird’s-eye view of a live Washington Nationals baseball game, head to Top of the Yard, the casual Navy Yard bar on the rooftop of the Hampton Inn & Suites. There are baseball-themed cocktails like a Triple Play margarita or a Ball Park Palmer with Jack Daniels Tennessee honey whiskey, honey, lemonade, iced tea and mint. And that’s not all. Fans of ballpark food will be thrilled with the snacks: choose from burgers, soft pretzels, nachos, cheese sticks, Old Bay wings and hot dogs.

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Summit

One of the latest rooftop bars to open in The District, Summit sits on the 11th floor of the sophisticated Conrad Washington, DC. This swanky outdoor bar offers monumental views of the US Capitol building and Downtown DC, making it one of the best vantage points in the city for Fourth of July fireworks. Sip on drinks ranging from a classic old-fashioned or margarita to their Aperol spritz on tap.

Whiskey Charlie

The first rooftop bar to open on the 10th floor of the Wharf's Canopy by Hilton, the Whiskey Charlie gets its name from the call sign “WC” that’s given to boat captains entering the Washington Channel. The most impressive views from the outdoor deck occur at night when the US Capitol Dome shines brightly in the unobstructed distance, or in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom across the water in East Potomac Park. Get there early in the evening to grab a front-row seat of the enviable nightly sunsets while sipping on nautical-themed cocktails like the refreshing WC Mule made with vodka, ginger beer, Caribbean syrup and lime, or their playful Old Scalawag mixing whiskey, Grand Mariner, orange and walnut bitters.

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Top of the Gate

Located alongside the Potomac River, Top of the Gate offers excellent panoramic views of the Georgetown waterfront and the Washington Monument, as well as the Pentagon across the river. Perched atop the infamous Watergate Hotel, the bar closes during the winter months before reopening in the spring for dining and drinks.

A collection of colorful seasonal cocktails take their inspiration from the epic daily sunset hues over the Potomac – which just so happens to be the best time to stop by one of The District’s most luxe rooftop bars.

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From the high Andes to subtropical rainforests, arid valleys to ice fields, Argentina’s stunningly diverse landscapes are home to a multitude of hiking trails.

Most run through national parks or reserves, which often have well-marked routes and facilities such as campsites and cabins. Whether you fancy a short, relaxed walk or a challenging multi-day trek, there are options for all levels of fitness and interest. And while some require a guide, many others can be done independently.

Here are seven of the best hikes in Argentina.

Quebrada de Humahuaca

Best for dramatic scenery

Distances vary, half-day to one day, moderate

In the far northwest of Argentina, close to the border with Bolivia, the Quebrada de Humahuaca is a geologically rich mountain valley that stretches for some 155km (96 miles).

The terrain here is dramatic and sometimes otherworldly: deep canyons and ravines, thundering rivers, and pastel-shaded mountainsides formed from layers of mineral-rich rocks ranging in color from dark brown and deep purple to pale pink and creamy white. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, the Quebrada is also culturally rich, home to tranquil villages and towns that have retained strong Indigenous characters.

There are plenty of hiking routes in the region, including some following trails laid down by the Inca half a millennia or more ago and taking in ancient ruins and archaeological sites. They are best attempted with a local guide.

Paseo Superior

Best for accessibility

1.9km (1.1 miles), 1-3 hours, easy

Overlooking the world’s most beautiful set of waterfalls, Parque Nacional Iguazú is one of the most accessible reserves in Argentina, with well-designed, relatively short and largely flat trails, generally along boardwalks and bridges.

The Paseo Superior, which cuts through lush, subtropical forest and provides great views across the top of a series of waterfalls, is fully wheelchair accessible, as is the majority of the 1.4-km (0.8-mile) Paseo Inferior. The latter takes you lower and closer to the cascades – so close, in fact, you may well get splashed as you make your way along it.

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Cerro Aconcagua

Best challenging hike

40km (24.8 miles), 13-15 days, hard

The ascent of Cerro Aconcagua – the tallest mountain in the western hemisphere – sneaks onto our list of hikes because you don’t need to have technical climbing skills to follow the Northwest (or “Normal”) route to the summit.

But Aconcagua, located 112km (70 miles) northwest of the city of Mendoza in Argentina’s mid-west, shouldn’t be taken lightly: hikers must be super-fit, undertake sufficient training and, ideally, have prior experience of high-altitude trekking. Taking an organised tour with a well-established tour company and setting aside at least 13-15 days to allow for acclimatisation are also vital.

Unpredictable weather often scuppers attempts to reach the 6,962-m (922,841-ft) summit – known as the “roof of the Americas” – but if you make it, the sense of satisfaction is immense.

Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi

Best for overnight hikes

Distances vary, 1-3 days, moderate

Covering a swathe of the Lake District, one of the most-visited regions in Argentina, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi has numerous campsites and trekking lodges known as refugios, making it an excellent place for a multi-day hike. For example, four different trails climb through patches of scree and dense forests to the 2,388-m (7,835-ft) summit of Cerro Catedral. A popular ski resort in the winter, the cerro is home to Refugio Emilio Frey, where you can get a warm meal and cosy bunk for the night.

Meanwhile, the two-day Paso de Las Nubes (“Pass of the Clouds”) trail travels through meadows, across rivers, into lenga forests and around limpid lakes. After an overnight stay at Refugio Agostino Rocca, you can retrace your route or connect onto another trail.

Laguna de los Tres

Best for solo hiking

20km (12.4 miles), one day, moderate

An array of clearly marked, interlinked trails make it easy to explore the northern sector of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares in southwest Patagonia without a guide.

The Laguna de los Tres hike is one of the most popular and memorable routes. Starting in the frontier village of El Chaltén – the trekking and climbing capital of Argentina – it winds past waterfalls, lakes, meadows and beech forests. The trail finishes at the eponymous lagoon, which sits at the base of – and acts as a mirror for – looming Cerro Fitz Roy.

From here you can head back to El Chaltén or continue via the Lagunas Madre y Hija trail on to the similarly impressive Laguna Torre, where you can camp overnight.

Glaciar Perito Moreno

Best for aspiring polar explorers

Distances vary, half-day, easy

For anyone who dreams of emulating polar explorers such as Robert Falcon Scott, Ernest Shackleton and Roald Amundsen, an ice-hike on the Glaciar Perito Moreno provides a taste of what it’s like to strike out across Antarctica.

After entering the southern sector of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, taking a boat across a lake dotted with icebergs, and strapping on a pair of crampons, you climb onto the tip of a 250-sq-km (96.5-sq-mile) sweep of blue-white ice. As you walk past cracks, fissures and caves, the glacier creaks, groans and shudders, as if it was alive. Occasionally, a great roar will sound as a house-sized chunk of ice calves off the edge and plunges into the waters below.

Best for day hikes

Distances vary, half-day to one day, easy to moderate

At the southernmost tip of Argentina, Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego is a wild expanse of sticky bogs, thick beech forests, windswept tundra, crystalline lakes and pebble beaches.

A short drive from the city of Ushuaia, the park has several easy-to-navigate trails that can be completed in a day or less. They include the 3-km (1.8-mile) Senda Hito XXIV, which leads to the Argentina-Chile border; the 5-km (3.1-mile) hike up Cerro Guanaco, whose 970-m (3,182-ft) summit offers superb views of Lago Roca; and the 8-km (4.9-mile) Senda Costera, which traces the shorelines of Ensenada and Lapataia bays.

Whichever trail you choose, keep your eyes peeled for birds: the park is home to Magellanic woodpeckers, austral parakeets, and green-backed firecrown hummingbirds, among many others species.

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International travel rules will ease in Australia next week when vaccinated citizens and residents are permitted to travel overseas, and major airlines such as Qantas, Hawaiian Airlines and Air New Zealand are responding by ramping up operations.

As Australians get ready to travel overseas for the first time since March 2020, Hawaiian Airlines announced this weekend that it would resume its nonstop service between Honolulu and Sydney on December 13. "We are thrilled to reconnect Hawaii and Australia and have been encouraged by the public's response to Australia's national vaccination program, enabling the reopening of borders," said Andrew Stanbury, Hawaiian Airlines' regional director for Australia and New Zealand.

It comes days after Air New Zealand said it would resume its popular service from Los Angeles to Sydney (via Auckland) next week when Australia partially lifts its travel ban. The airline said flights would resume on November 5 with one flight a week before increasing to four flights a week from December 1. Etihad and Emirates also plan to resume operations to Australia by November 1.

Meanwhile, Qantas Airways, Australia's national carrier, announced it will operate three weekly return flights between Sydney and London and three weekly return flights between Sydney and Los Angeles from November 14. It also announced services to Thailand, South Africa, Fiji, Singapore and India.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the return of regular international travel will meet "pent up demand" as Australians get ready to travel overseas again. "There's massive demand for Australians wanting to see their family and relatives. There's massive demand for loved ones wanting to get together for Christmas. There's massive demand for people wanting to take that holiday, that they've been looking forward to for nearly two years," he said on Friday.

November marks the beginning of the end of one of the world's strictest COVID-19 travel bans as Australia prepares to allow fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents to travel overseas for the first time since March 2020 without requiring an essential reason.

Once borders are open, most returning citizens and residents will need to quarantine at home for seven days upon arrival unless they are landing in the states of Victoria or New South Wales where quarantine rules will be dropped. All travelers landing in Australia will need a negative pre-flight COVID-19 test and a further test within 24 hours of arrival.

While the government has set the date for when Australians can leave the country, there is still no definitive timeline for when international tourists can travel to Australia though all signs point to wards the end of the year. "On international visitors, well, we’ll see how Australians coming back first goes," prime minister Scott Morrison said last week. "We don’t want to see what’s happened in other parts of the world where people have moved too fast," he added.

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Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Eating out, accommodation and transportation costs are significantly cheaper than they are in Barcelona and Madrid, and there’s a wealth of free things to do.

From the more obvious parks and beaches to amazing Unesco World Heritage sites and fascinating museums, you’ll find some of Spain's best activities in the city. Here’s how to do Valencia on the cheap.

Relax on the beach

Valencia is a coastal city, so one of the best free things to do in summer is to enjoy the beach. The two beaches closest to the city center are the vast Playa de las Arenas and Playa de la Malvarossa, both of which are so wide you’re almost always sure to find a spot to lay your towel. They also have free facilities such as toilets and outdoor showers. Lined with shady palms and covered in golden sand, the calm shallow waters are ideal for families. Connected by train to the south, Playa de Gandia is a gorgeous stretch of soft pink sand that's one of the best beaches in and around Valencia.

Climb the Torres Serranos and Torres de Quart

Valencia was once surrounded by high city walls, but all that’s left of them today is the two main gateways – Torres Serranos and Torres de Quart. Built in the 14th century, the grand Torres Serranos was once the main exit to Barcelona and the north and now offers spectacular views over the historic quarter of the Barrio del Carmen. The imposing Torres de Quart, on the other hand, was built in the 15th century and faces west toward Madrid, looking out toward the new part of the city and the Jardines del Turia. Both are free to climb on Sundays and cost €2 the rest of the week.

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Explore the Jardines del Turia

The Jardines del Turia lie along Valencia’s dried-up riverbed, stretching for 5.6 miles (9km) and wrapping around the heart of the city. Made up of various grassy meadows, parks, ponds and pathways, the gardens are ideal for exploring, exercising, playing or picnicking. Starting at the Valencia Bioparc to the west, they twist and turn all the way to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in the east. If you've got kids, make a stop at Gulliver playground, one of the more unusual things to do in the city. Inspired by the book Gulliver's Travels, little ones can clamber all over a giant model of Gulliver, complete with ropes and slides and other imaginative takes on the character's adventures in Lilliput.

Wander around the Mercado Central

Valencia’s grand covered market is just as much about architecture and style as it is about food and flavors. Built in 1928, the Modernista structure has an impressive central dome decorated with oranges and a stunning decorative stained-glass facade. Inside you’ll find more than 250 stalls packed with fresh produce, from seafood and cured meats to olives and cheeses. There are also several tapas bars and takeaway paella stands.

Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes

The Museo de Bellas Artes, or Fine Arts Museum, is one of Valencia's few museums that's completely free to visit any day of the week. Housed in an elegant baroque building, it showcases works by several Spanish masters, including Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, Murillos and the Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla.

Discover La Lonja on a Sunday

La Lonja sits opposite Mercado Central and is one of the most extraordinary buildings in the city. Now a Unesco World Heritage Site, it was built in the late 15th century, at a time when trade was thriving in the city, to house Valencia’s silk exchange. Visit on a Sunday to explore its cathedral-like gothic interiors with twisted columns and wrought iron chandeliers, and to relax in the charming courtyard filled with orange trees.

Admire the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

Valencia’s top attraction is the futuristic-looking City of Arts and Sciences. Entry prices to the city's museums can cost quite a bit, but if that's not in your budget, they're still worth exploring from the outside. You can enter the city for free and admire each of its otherworldly Santiago Calatrava-designed buildings – the majestic Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia opera house, the science museum, the Hemisfèric 3D cinema and the Oceanogràfic aquarium.

Spend time at the contemporary Bombas Gens

Bombas Gens is a fascinating modern art gallery, housed inside an old hydraulic-pump factory from the 1930s. At the height of the Spanish Civil War in 1938, the factory even changed to making bombs. Inside there’s an old air-raid shelter and a medieval cellar, as well as exhibits on everything from photography and painting to sculpture mixed medium. Exhibitions in the two main galleries change yearly, and temporary exhibits in the smaller galleries change every few months.

Visit the Plaza de Toros on a Sunday

Wondering what to do in Valencia on a Sunday? The city’s bullring and museum is free. Around 170 years old, the building resembles a more modern version of Rome’s Colosseum, though today the bullring plays host to more concerts and sporting events than bullfights. The museum is housed inside the bullring itself and explores the history of the building and its uses.

Learn about one of Spain's best festivals

Occurring each March, Valencia's festival of Las Fallas is one of Spain’s best and most anticipated celebrations of the year, in which papier-mâché sculptures are set up throughout the city before being ceremoniously burned. The Museo Fallero is free to enter on Sundays and details the history of this bizarre, fiery festival. It also houses all the ninots indultats (individual characters from the falla sculptural scenes) that were selected to be saved from the flames over the years.

Experience the fiery fun of Las Fallas in Valencia

Explore the Museo de Prehistoria on a weekend

The city’s archeology museum is free to visit on weekends and features varied exhibits on everything from cave art to Pre-Roman Iberian culture.

Get granular at the Museo del Arroz

One of Valencia's more unusual things to do is to visit one of its most underrated museums, the Museo del Arroz, or Rice Museum, to learn more about paella’s main ingredient. The museum is free to visit on a Sunday and showcases exhibits on the history of rice production around Valencia. Housed inside an old rice factory, it comes complete with a fascinating (and functional) antique rice-sorting machine. The rest of the week, entrance only costs €2, so it’s still a great place to visit for those on a budget.

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In Valencia, you can roll rich culture, phenomenal food, and golden beaches into one fabulous city getaway. This east-coast city’s Mediterranean sands get the morning sun before almost anywhere else in Spain, and the sea can be warm enough for swimming as early as April and as late as November.

Valencia’s coastline mixes great sweeps of sand with coves and sand dunes, and its popularity is confirmed by the many resorts that pepper the shore. There’s variety enough for everyone, though: here, you’ll find buzzy city beaches packed with locals, quiet spots amid wild wetlands, water sports, tapas, festivals and plenty of ice-cold beer.

There are Valencia’s best beaches, starting with the one closest to the city center.

Playa de Las Arenas

Valencia’s most central beach has all-around appeal. Las Arenas is a broad, sandy stretch that dips gently toward the Mediterranean. In summer, beachside restaurants serve up piles of paella, nightclub denizens party till dawn, and the hotels behind the promenade are packed with visitors. You’ll find volleyball courts, sun loungers and bars beachside; in the water, swimmers duck in and out of waves, while SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), sailing and windsurfing keep active types busy.

Once you’ve maxed out your beach time, you can explore El Cabanyal, an appealing fishing barrio behind Las Arenas with pretty tiled buildings, a rice museum, and some excellent backstreet tapas bars (check out Casa Montaña). Just to the south is the modern marina, which has hosted the Americas Cup and European Grand Prix, while to the north stretch other beaches, including Malvarrosa.

Playa de la Malvarrosa

Heading north from Las Arenas, you’ll reach Malvarrosa beach, another long, wide stretch of sand with a long promenade. Though it can still be packed on weekends, this beach is generally quieter and more relaxed than Las Arenas, with a more local feel. This makes it a good spot if you want to take a half-step off the tourist trail but still have toilets and city buses close at hand.

Malvarrosa gets its name from the mallow flower, a sweetly fragrant shrub that used to grow here. While there are a few restaurants by the promenade ( La Murciana is a good bet for tapas and seafood), the main activities here are sunbathing and splashing in the warm sea.

Playa de Patacona

Past Malvarrosa, Patacona is far enough from central Valencia that it’s technically part of Alboraya, a town that’s been absorbed into the city suburbs. Quieter than either Malvarrosa or Las Arenas, it remains easy enough to reach from the center, with a nice feeling of space. What’s more, its distance from the port means the water is cleaner. Malvarrosa can feel positively tranquil early in the day, as the sun rises over the Mediterranean and horseback riders trot past the palm trees.

You’ll find a few beachfront restaurants and a 25-minute walk inland leads you to Alboraya, the traditional home of horchata, a sweet, creamy drink made with tiger nuts.

Playa de Pinedo

The closest beach heading south from the center of Valencia, Pinedo is tucked to the other side of the port, making it more sheltered than some of the other southern beaches. There’s a dedicated pet area at its northern end, a nudist stretch at the southern end, and water sports in the Turia river. It’s popular with locals and is a great place to get a sense of Valencian life – expect family picnics, strolling couples, and fried fish on the beach.

Just south of here is L’Arbre del Gos, a quieter stretch that’s great for strolling. Facilities are more limited here, although you can do go-karting.

The best of the southern beaches

The further south you go from Valencia, the wilder it gets. El Saler beach, 13km from the city, offers water sports against a backdrop of pine trees. Beyond that, La Garrofera beach has long grass and rolling dunes beyond its soft sands, while La Devesa beach, just beyond the city’s outskirts, is right next to the Albufera lagoon, Spain’s largest.

These southern beaches are still easily accessible from the center (La Devesa is around a 30-minute drive), while offering the opportunity to mix quality beach time with some serious exploring. Here you can bird-watch, cycle, roam sand dunes, visit viewpoints and discover the home of paella – and still get back to the city well before the locals have even started thinking about their night out.

Other great beaches near Valencia

There are superb beaches further afield, too. To the south lies the Costa Blanca, where Playa de Gandia features vast, resort-dotted stretches of sand and a gorgeous 16th-century quarter further inland. Near Dénia and Xàbia, alluring, secluded coves along the coastline beckon.

To the north, the highlights of the Costa del Azahar include Sagunto, which has expansive sands and a fabulous history (don’t miss the medieval castle). Beyond that lie Benicàssim, a likable resort that’s beloved for its famous aqua park and even more famous alt-rock and dance festival, and Peñíscola, an old town with a stunning setting that overlooks a slim but lovely beach.

How to get to Valencia’s best beaches

Several excellent beaches are within easy reach of the city center. Metrovalencia lines 4 or 8 or buses 1, 2, 19, 31, or 32 are convenient for Las Arenas and the beaches to the north, while buses 14 or 15 head past the more secluded southern beaches.

Cars or taxis will save time, especially for the southern beaches; the local ride-sharing app is Cabify. Trains and intercity buses connect Valencia with the likes of Playa de Gandia and Benicàssim, which can be accessed from the city on a full-day trip or with an overnight stay.

Another option to reach the city beaches is to follow the Jardines del Turia, a series of gardens running along the old riverbed through the center of Valencia to the port. It’s an uplifting trip, very manageable on a bike (or as a long walk), and you can take in attractions like the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and Gulliver en route.

The central beaches all offer restaurants, toilets, and showers, but facilities can be sparser on the more remote beaches. It’s always worth bringing a bottle of water and some sunblock.

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The world has long been awake to Amsterdam’s charms, and ever-skyrocketing visitor numbers mean the city can feel uncomfortably crowded in summer. While you might not be guaranteed good weather in winter, it can be a more pleasant time of year to discover this atmospheric European gem. Here are the best things to do in Amsterdam in winter.

Get cozy in a brown cafe

With winds blowing in off the North Sea, the Dutch capital can get awfully chilly during the winter season, but fear not – the Dutch have the perfect cozy sanctuaries where you can warm your cockles in the form of old-fashioned brown cafes. These traditional bars are at their best during the winter months and invite you in from the cold with their warm, yellow glow. Inside you’ll often find an inviting jovial atmosphere, wood paneling aplenty, candles and copious amounts of beer. The cafes are scattered throughout every corner of the city with some of the oldest located in the Jordaan neighborhood. If you’re a craft beer fan, don’t miss 't Arendsnest on the Herengracht, which serves only Dutch brews.

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Make the most of one-off annual events

The Dutch capital’s events calendar is pretty jam-packed, but there are some things that you’ll only get to witness if you visit Amsterdam off-season. National Tulip Day takes place in late January and sees the huge Dam square transformed into a rainbow-colored tulip garden where you can pick your own flowers to take home.

Ice-skate amid Amsterdam’s beautiful architecture

While the Dutch might be known for their year-round love affair with bicycles, their second greatest passion is reserved for the colder months only. Ice-skating is considered a national sport, but you don’t have to be a pro (or even very good) to join in the fun. If you’re extremely lucky and visit Amsterdam during a significant cold spell, you might have the opportunity to skate on the Golden Age canals; however, this only usually happens after multiple days and nights of sub-zero temperatures and is a rarity these days (it was last possible for a couple of days in February 2021, March 2018 and prior to that it had not been possible since 2012). Fortunately, there is a number of skating rinks erected throughout the city during the winter months, including ICE Amsterdam located in the scenic Museumplein.

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Warm-up on winter eats

Dutch cuisine comes into its own during the winter months, with hearty traditional recipes making an appearance on menus. If you’re looking to warm up, don’t miss erwtensoep – a thick split pea and vegetable soup complete with traditional smoked sausage. You’ll find this on the winter menu in most bars and cafes during the colder months. For a home-cooked Dutch dinner that won’t break the bank, pay a visit to the homely Hap Hmm, which serves up simple yet tasty dishes including rich stews with boiled seasonal vegetables (their schnitzel was also voted the best in Amsterdam by Dutch newspaper Het Parool).

Be illuminated at Amsterdam Light Festival

Taking place every winter from late November to early January, Amsterdam Light Festival sees the city’s canals illuminated with light installations by local and international artists. Although many of the displays are visible on foot, most are designed to be seen from the water. Canal cruise companies operate special after-dark tours which follow the festival route and include commentary on each piece as well as general Amsterdam history.

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Enjoy a quieter city center and attractions

Amsterdam is popular all year round, but during the summer months, the central areas and museums become overcrowded with visitors. Amsterdam is a small city with plenty of narrow streets, so a visit during the winter months means you’ll have more space to navigate. Museums and galleries remain popular, so it’s always a good idea to book in advance and avoid waiting in queues.

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Nestled into the mountains of northern Thailand, the laid-back city of Chiang Mai has charm to spare. One of the most visited destinations in the country, this city is known for breathtaking landscapes, colorful art and handicrafts, and historic landmarks that befit the ancient capital of the Lanna kingdom.

Chiang Mai offers travelers the chance to experience a wonderfully slowed-down pace of life, get up close and personal with local culture, and head out on off-the-beaten-path adventures. With so much to offer, the relaxing destination can seem overwhelming for first-time visitors.

Here are the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Buy something beautiful at Chiang Mai’s markets

Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar sprawls across two blocks and provides the city's main forum for shopping. The countless stalls sell everything imaginable, including Thai silk, silver, antiques, art, clothes, and shoes. The Night Bazaar is open daily from 6–10pm.

On Saturday evenings, Wualai Walking Street springs to life just outside the old city walls. The market is a good place to sample tasty snacks, as well as buy unique handicrafts and other locally made products.

A popular tourist attraction in the city, Sunday Walking Street Market starts at Tha Pae Gate and meanders for nearly one full kilometer (0.6 miles). At its many stalls and shops, you’ll find handmade gifts aplenty. You can also look forward to live music from local bands and performers.

Taste Chiang Mai food

At all hours of the day and night, you can satisfy your hunger pains by tucking into the local cuisine in Chiang Mai. The city is filled with street vendors selling scrumptious appetizers and snacks as well as one-plate dishes. You can’t visit Chiang Mai without trying khao soi, a popular yellow curry and coconut milk soup made with crunchy noodles, soft noodles, and chicken or pork, then garnished with shallots, mustard greens, and lime juice.

Other traditional local dishes to try include sai oua, a tasty pork sausage made with chilies, garlic, herbs, and spices. For a light snack, try nam prik ong, a flavorful tomato chili dip unique to the region and traditionally served with a platter of fresh vegetables.

For a sit-down meal, head to SP Chicken. This tiny cafe is best known for its succulent grilled poultry and also has a menu of classic Thai soups and salads.

Visit Chiang Mai’s temples

Each of Chiang Mai’s 200 or so Buddhist temples is an architectural wonder in its own right. A sacred site outside the city first built in the early 19th century, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is approached via a long staircase with seven-headed serpent statues. Once you reach the top, the views dazzle.

Visitors to Wat Chedi Luang, in the historic city center of Chiang Mai, marvel at its elephant statues and massive pagoda. Wat Sri Suphan is built in a traditional Lanna style. Its resplendent decorations give it the nickname “Silver Temple” – no surprise, as it was first built as the main temple for a silversmith colony, and small silver studios are even today scattered around the temple grounds. After you’ve said a prayer in the sanctuary, you can stop in to see the smiths in action, and even buy silver works to take home.

Get artsy at Baan Kang Wat

At the base of Doi Suthep, Baan Kang Wat offers a fabulous escape from the city that’s not to be missed. The vibrant artist village is home to several tastefully decorated independent businesses operated by local makers who produce wooden handicrafts, home decor, and other pieces with Thai flair. Many of the artisans in town host classes or workshops in their studios and encourage visitors to join in.

The charming village blends traditional Thai architecture with contemporary accents like white stucco walls and ribbon windows. If you’re hungry, stop (and linger) at a tiny café or delicious homemade ice cream shop. Truly one of Chiang Mai’s gems, Baan Kang Wat is the perfect place to relax and take in local creativity.

Drink in the city’s coffee culture

A fresh cup of piping hot coffee is easy to find in Chiang Mai. Arabica coffee farms abound in the region, resulting in traditional coffee shops, slow bars, and specialty coffee roasters on almost every corner. The café scene in the city has both style and a fair dose of healthy competition – which makes (coffee) bar hopping all the more fun.

Chiang Mai's legendary Akha Ama Coffee opened in 2010 and has since become a city stalwart. The popular café also functions as a social enterprise, giving farmers a fair living wage and ensuring that profits get invested back in the village where the coffee beans are grown.

Experience Chiang Mai by night

Nightlife in Chiang Mai is as diverse as the city. There are plenty of bars and pubs at which to grab a drink to end your day, not to mention a plethora of live-music venues and dance clubs for continuing the fun.

One of the most popular live music bars in Chiang Mai, North Gate Jazz Co-op showcases a regular lineup of jazz artists in a cozy atmosphere. It is always busy here, so don’t be surprised if you see the crowds from inside spilling out into the street.

Head into the countryside

Thanks to easy access to nearby mountains and waterfalls, you won’t find it hard to access the wonders of the countryside that surrounds Chiang Mai. Plentiful day trips showcase the incredible views and lush landscapes outside of the city, while letting you spend the night in town.

We recommend taking in the Pa Pong Piang rice terraces, nestled near tranquil Karen villages hidden in the mountains of Doi Inthanon National Park, around a two-hour drive from town. Local guides for hire can take you around the picturesque paddies and villages by bicycle.

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From gazing on the northern lights to soaking in a geothermal pool surrounded by volcanic landscapes, Iceland 's natural environment turns the prosaic into the extraordinary. With glaciers, geysers, and wildlife-watching opportunities, it's no surprise this astonishing place is has seen a surge in popularity. Here are 15 must-visit places to add to your Iceland itinerary.

Explore it all on the Ring Road (Route 1)

There’s no better way to explore Iceland than to hire a set of wheels and road-trip Route 1, affectionately known as the Ring Road. This 832-mile (1340km) tarmac trail loops around the island, passing through verdant dales decked with waterfalls (be sure to stop at Goðafoss), glacier tongues dripping from ice caps like frosting from a cake, desert-like plains of grey outwash sands, and velvety, moss-covered lava fields. It's supremely spectacular – but don’t forget to follow other roads as they splinter off into the wilderness. Allow around ten days to take it all in, longer to make the most of those detours.

Tour the Golden Circle for Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss

On a quicker visit to Iceland, you can take in some major sights on a shorter driving route, all within a couple of hours' drive from the capital. It can feel more commercial than other areas, but despite the hordes, the Golden Circle remains one of the most memorable routes on the planet. It spans roughly 185 miles (300km) and takes in three main sights, which are all true knockouts: Þingvellir where tectonic plates meet, Geysir where water erupts more than 100 times a day, and the roaring and staggeringly voluminous waterfall Gullfoss. It takes about four hours to drive the loop without any add-on stops. If you have time, though, check out nearby activities: rock-climbing, rafting and soaking in geo-pools, plus visiting a hydropower museum, fishing and exploring a 6500-year-old explosion crater.

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See Europe's last true wilderness in the Westfjords

Iceland’s sweeping spectrum of superlative nature comes to a dramatic climax in the Westfjords, where mass tourism disappears – only about 10% of Iceland's visitors ever see the region. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is one of Europe's last true wilderness areas. It’s a fantastic destination for hiking, with challenging terrain and excellent opportunities for spotting Arctic foxes, seals, whales and teeming bird life. At Rauðasandur on the Látrabjarg Peninsula, you will find a stunning beach with shades of pink and red sands stretching out ahead of you. Dynjandi is the most dramatic waterfall in the Westfjords. The bumpy drive to it is famous for incredible views; you'll see how the falls are the catchment area for run-off from the peaks and inland valleys all around.

Learn about Icelandic culture in Reykjavík

Petite Reykjavík boasts all the treats you’d expect of a European capital – such as excellent museums and great shopping – but the city’s ratio of coffee houses to citizens is nothing short of staggering. In fact, the local social culture is built around such low-key hang-outs that crank up the intensity after-hours, when tea is swapped for tipples and the dance moves are broken out. When you're not swigging handcrafted caffeine or microbrews, you might be wandering the Old Harbour and neighbouring Grandi, which have blossomed into hot spots for tourists, with key art galleries, and several museums. Other city draws are Hallgrímskirkja, the white concrete church with a viewing deck in the 74m-high tower, and the Icelandic Phallological Museum, with its huge collection of penises.

Watch icebergs drift by at Jökulsárlón

A ghostly procession of luminous-blue icebergs drifts serenely through the ten-sq-mile (25-sq-km) Jökulsárlón lagoon before floating out to sea. This surreal scene (handily, right next to the Ring Road) is a natural film set; in fact, you might have seen it in Batman Begins and the James Bond film Die Another Day. The ice caves come from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, an offshoot of the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap. Boat trips and kayaking among the bergs are popular, or you can simply wander the lakeshore, scout for seals and exhaust your camera’s memory card.

Indulge your body at the Blue Lagoon

Iceland’s unofficial pastime is splashing around in its surplus of geothermal water. You'll find "hot-pots" everywhere, from downtown Reykjavík to the isolated peninsular tips of the Westfjords. Not only are they incredibly relaxing, they're the perfect antidote to a hangover and a great way to meet the locals (this is their social hub, the equivalent of the local pub or town square). The Blue Lagoon is the big cheese: in a magnificent black-lava field, the cyan Blue Lagoon spa is fed water from the futuristic Svartsengi geothermal plant; with its silver towers, roiling clouds of steam, and people daubed in white silica mud, it's an otherworldly place. Those who say it’s too commercial and too crowded aren't wrong, but you’ll be missing something special if you don’t go. Pre-booking is essential. It's conveniently close to Keflavík airport, making it the perfect send-off before flying home.

Get adventurous in Vatnajökull National Park

Europe’s largest national park – created by the combination of two previously-established national parks: Skaftafell in southeast Iceland and Jökulsárgljúfur in the northeast – covers around 14% of Iceland and safeguards mighty Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap outside the poles (it's three times the size of Luxembourg). Scores of outlet glaciers flow down from its frosty bulk, while underneath it are active volcanoes and mountain peaks. This is ground zero for those "fire and ice" clichés. You’ll be spellbound by the diversity of landscapes, walking trails and activities inside this supersized park. Given its dimensions, access points are numerous – start at Skaftafell in the south or Ásbyrgi in the north.

Seyðisfjörður and Borgarfjörður Eystri

A tale of two east-side fjords. Stunning, art-fuelled Seyðisfjörður garners most of the attention – it's only 17 miles (27km) from the Ring Road, and it welcomes the weekly ferry from Europe into its mountain-lined, waterfall-studded embrace. The town's Rainbow Street is a favorite with photographers and Instagrammers for its rainbow-painted pathway leading to a quaint church. Beautiful Borgarfjörður Eystri, on the other hand, is 43 miles (70km) from the Ring Road, and much of that stretch is bumpy and unsealed. Its selling points are understated: puffins, mythical elves, rugged rhyolite peaks. Both fjords have natural splendor and bumper hiking trails in spades, and many people can’t help but love ’em equally.

Take a dip in this fjord-side swimming pool on Tröllaskagi

Touring Tröllaskagi, or Troll Peninsula, is a joy, especially now that road tunnels link the spectacularly-sited townships of Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður, once end-of-the-road settlements. The peninsula’s dramatic scenery contrasts with the gentle hills that roll through most of northern Iceland. Pit stops with pulling power include Hofsós ’ perfect fjord-side swimming pool, Lónkot’s plates of fine local produce and Siglufjörður ’s outstanding herring museum. Plus you'll find glorious panoramas, quality hiking, ski fields (including a growing trade in heliskiing), microbreweries and beer baths, whale-watching tours, and ferries to offshore islands Grímsey and Hrísey.

Visit black sand beaches on Snæfellsnes Peninsula

With its cache of wild beaches, bird sanctuaries, horse farms and lava fields, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is one of Iceland’s best escapes – either as a day trip from the capital or as a relaxing long weekend. It's little wonder it's called "Iceland in miniature" – it even hosts a national park and glacier-topped stratovolcano. Jules Verne was definitely onto something when he used Snæfellsjökull's icy crown as his magical doorway in Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Visit the black sands at Djúpalón Beach, where a series of rocky sea stacks emerge from the ocean. Stykkishólmur, on the populated northern coast, is the region’s largest town and a logical base.

Take a boat tour of the islets of Vestmannaeyjar

An offshore archipelago of craggy peaks, Vestmannaeyjar is a mere 30-minute ferry ride from the mainland, but feels miles away in sentiment. A boat tour of the scattered islets unveils squawking seabirds, towering cliffs and postcard-worthy vistas of lonely hunting cabins perched atop rocky outcrops. The islands’ 4000-plus population is focused on Heimaey, a small town of windswept bungalows with a scarring curl of lava that flows straight through its center – a poignant reminder of Iceland’s volatile landscape.

Head to the lava fields of Askja

Accessible for only a few months each year, storied Askja is a mammoth caldera ringed by mountains and enclosing a sapphire-blue lake known as Víti crater. To access this glorious, otherworldly place, you'll need a robust 4WD, a few days for hiking, or passage on a tour. Highlands excursions generally incorporate river crossings, impossibly vast lava fields, regal mountain vistas and outlaw hideouts – and possibly a naked soak in geothermal waters. While you're in the area, head just south of Askja for Iceland's freshest lava field at Holuhraun.

Marvel at the waterfall at Hengifoss

Crossing the bridge across Lagarfljót on Rte 931, you’ll reach the parking area for lovely Hengifoss, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall. The falls plummet 128m into a photogenic brown-and-red-striped boulder-strewn gorge. Getting to Hengifoss requires a return walk of one-to-two hours (1.5 miles/2.5km each way). From the car park, a staircase and path lead up the hillside – Hengifoss is soon visible in the distance. It’s a steep climb in places but flattens out as you enter the canyon. Halfway to Hengifoss is a noteworthy smaller waterfall, Litlanesfoss, surrounded by vertical basalt columns in a honeycomb formation.

Spot puffins at Hafnarhólmi

The photogenic small-boat harbor and islet of Hafnarhólmi is home to a large puffin colony. A staircase and viewing platforms allow you to get close to these cute, clumsy creatures (and other seabirds). The puffins arrive by mid-April and are gone by early to mid-August, but other species (including kittiwakes, fulmars and common eiders) may linger longer. In summer's peak, from the islet you can enjoy midnight sun viewings in the company of puffins and with an evocative soundtrack of bird calls.

Go whale-watching in Húsavík

Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital, has become a firm favorite on travelers’ itineraries – and with its colorful houses, unique museums and stunning snow-capped peaks across the bay, it's easily the northeast's prettiest fishing town. The excellent Whale Museum provides all you need to know about the impressive creatures that visit Skjálfandi bay. Húsavíkurkirkja, the town's beloved church, has an Alpine style and is nothing like any other church you'll see in Iceland.

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A nation of vast distances and ever-changing landscapes, China is a destination that’s simply made for train travel. While you’ll encounter the classic imagery of the country’s mist-shrouded jagged peaks and pine-clad temples, you may be surprised by what else is on offer.

From the snow-capped Himalayas and Silk Road oasis towns to grassy Inner Mongolian steppes and bamboo forests, China’s expansive rail network gets you right in amongst it – reaching speeds in excess of 300km/h, the arrival of the fast-train network has been a game changer. Not only has it halved the time required to travel across the country, but it’s infinitely more comfortable and reliable, and offers a much greener alternative to flying. And with the unveiling of the Maglev bullet trains, clocking in around 600km/h, rail travel is about to get even faster.

Here are our picks for the best train journeys running through China, to see beautiful landscapes, epic World Heritage sites and beyond.

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Beijing to Lhasa (3757km)

One of China’s most epic train journeys is this spectacular two-day trip along the highest railway line in the world. Running from the nation’s capital all the way to Tibet, it covers some 3757km across eight provinces.

Departing Beijing in the evening, you’ll awake to the flat rural landscapes of the North China Plain, but it’s not until reaching Qinghai (2275m) that the highlights reel clicks into gear. Here you’ll pass through the Tibetan Plateau as you make your ascent to the Roof of the World. The remaining 1110km to Lhasa features 86% of the line above 4000m; the highest point is at Tanggu-la Pass (5072m), the highlight, where you’ll be treated to the sharp-contoured snowy mountains overlooking stunning grasslands home to Tibetan nomads and yaks.

And for those wanting to make the trip in luxury, the Golden Eagle Shangri-La Express does the journey too.

Trans-Mongolian (7621km)

No discussion on China train travel is complete without mention of the Trans-Mongolian route. One of the world’s great rail journeys, this seven-day, six-night bucket-list adventure travels 7621km from Beijing into the wilds of the Gobi desert, the Mongolia steppe and the endless birch forests of Siberia before pulling into Moscow.

Departing from Beijing, the Chinese leg takes you through the dramatic forest mountain scenery of Northern China's Hebei and Shandong provinces before entering the grass steppes of Inner Mongolia. Reaching the Mongolia border, you’ll encounter the remarkable process of the changing of the bogies, in which each carriage is painstakingly hoisted up to change the gauge from the Chinese to Russian line before continuing on its way.

Another option from Beijing is the Trans-Manchurian (8986km). This less-traveled journey takes you through China’s northeast provinces before arriving at Harbin, from where it shoots through Inner Mongolia to reach the Russian border and on to Moscow.

Hefei to Fuzhou (850km)

Unquestionably one of China’s most scenic high-speed railways, this route passes not one, but three World Heritage sites. Beginning in Hefei in Anhui province, this bullet train races through China’s southeast to arrive at Fuzhou in Fujian province. It’s a four-hour journey through mountainous scenery of mist-cloaked pine forest, canyons, rivers, tea plantations and well-preserved villages. Highlights include Huangshan, Sanqingshan National Park and Mt Wuyi, all featuring idyllic trails leading to summits with astonishing lookouts.

Xian to Urumuqi (2344km)

Linking China to the West, the ancient trade route of the Silk Road has long evoked a sense of romance for travelers far and wide. And though the days of camel-drawn caravans are long gone, the Lanzhou–Xinjiang High Speed Train enables you to retrace their steps in quicker and more comfortable means.

Boarding the train at the Silk Road’s historical starting point in Xi'an, you’ll shoot through the plains of Shaanxi province to arrive at Lanzhou in Gansu. Here you’ll transfer to another bullet train to Xinjiang province, from where you’ll pass through China’s northwest wilderness, admiring the Gobi Desert, grasslands and snow-capped mountains among the rapid-fire development of new cities. Arriving at the provincial capital of Ürümqi, you’ll notice a distinct exotic flavor that feels more Central Asia than mainland China.

Guiyang to Guangzhou (856km)

If ever there was an example of just how much China’s fast-train network has made a difference, then the route between Guangzhou and Guiyang is it. Back in 2014, it took 20 hours; today it takes little more than four.

Beginning in Guiyang, the train travels southeast through Guangxi’s attractive verdant valleys to reach Guilin and Yangshuo, with its famous karst limestone peaks. Jutting out like sharp mossy teeth that span the horizon, it’s as spectacular as it is surreal; so otherworldly, in fact, it was used as the backdrop to the Wookiee planet Kashyyyk in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. You’ll pass among its rice fields and the scenic Li River before crossing into the Cantonese province of Guangdong to arrive at Guangzhou –  one of China’s biggest and most dynamic cities.

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