Just a short hop away from Miami are some of Florida 's most alluring, charismatic and well-known attractions. If you're tired of clubbing and celebrity-watching, head to some of the most exciting sights around the city.

Here are the top day trips from Miami.

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.

1. Everglades National Park

An easy day trip from Miami, the Everglades provides the perfect excuse to escape from the rat race and reconnect with nature. Here, you'll be able to witness alligators’ backs breaking the water, anhingas flexing their wings before breaking into a corkscrew dive or the slow, dinosaur flap of a great blue heron gliding over its domain.

The Glades should be approached with the same silence and gentle persuasion it shows its inhabitants. Come by car and canoe, bike, kayak or walk around the park. To understand the way a nutrient-rich patch of water produces a mosquito that feeds a frog, who becomes lunch for a ‘gator, who snaps up a fish that gets speared by an anhinga under these long, low marsh winds, you need to be still.

In the quiet spaces, you realize that the Everglades, so often dismissed as a swamp, are more beautiful than all the sin and flash Miami can produce. South Beach changes by the day. The Glades have beautifully endured forever, and if we’re very lucky, they’ll last that much longer.

How to get to Everglades National Park: From Miami, take MacArthur Causeway to FL-907 N. The trek takes about 42 minutes by car.

Best time to visit Miami

2. Biscayne National Park

Just to the east of the Everglades is Biscayne National Park, where a portion of the world's third-largest reef sits (along with mangrove forests and the northernmost Florida Keys).  Fortunately, this unique 300-square-mile park is easy to explore independently with a canoe or via a glass-bottom boat tour.

Biscayne is unique as far as national parks go, requiring a little extra effort to see the reef, and a lot more reward for this work. This is some of the best reef-viewing and snorkeling you'll find in the US, outside Hawaii and nearby Key Largo.

How to get to Biscayne National Park: From Miami, take the Ronald Reagan Turnpike to FL-989 S/SW. It takes a little over an hour to get to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.

3. Florida Keys

Take one part, Florida residents. Add snowbirds. Sprinkle with a large number of Cuban immigrants and Eastern European guest workers. Include gay community (may consist of “sedate partners who just bought art gallery” and “screaming drag queens of the night”). Garnish with Bahamians.

Set attitudes at “tolerant” and “eccentric.” Turn up the eccentric. Finish with rum. Lots of rum. Bake in searing Florida sun and serve on 45 islands scattershot over a 113-mile-long chain, connected by one long-ass road. Throw in the government of the only republic to successfully secede from the US. Yes, those Conch Republic flags say “We Seceded Where Others Failed,” and that’s the Florida Keys in a conch shell: equal parts tacky, quirky and, damn it, alluring.

Hang out here for a while and you start turning into a “Freshwater Conch” – a permanent transplant – real quick. The Keys are out there; it’s three or four hours at a good clip from Key West, at the end of the chain, back to Miami. Come out this far, and you either contract cabin fever or fall in love.

How to get to the Florida Keys: From Miami, take US-1 south. The trek takes over an hour and a half.

First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Hwy

4. Theme Parks in Orlando

In 1971 Walt Disney World opened the gates of Magic Kingdom in Orlando; today, it includes more than 25 hotels, four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), more than 200 restaurants, and two water parks.

Universal Orlando is a pedestrian-friendly and intimate complex with two excellent theme parks (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure), eight first-rate resorts, and a carnival-like restaurant and nightlife district (CityWalk) connected by lovely gardened paths or a quiet wooden-boat shuttle.

Also try checking out Old Florida’s Cypress Gardens, just south of town, kitschy Gatorland and lesser attractions sprinkled throughout the city.

How to get to Orlando's theme parks: From Miami (via a car) take the Florida Turnpike. Via train, there is a daily Amtrak route. For flights, Orlando Melbourne International Airport is the closest airport to most destinations on the Space Coast.

Theme parks and beyond: making the most of Orlando

5. Space Coast

The space shuttle is to the Space Coast what pastel hotels are to South Beach, and you’ll be amazed by the celestial themes swirling in every gas station, café and hotel lobby within a meteorite’s throw. Even the area code is 321! In contrast to the high-tech buildings and bad space puns, however, the area also boasts some of Florida’s most deliciously undeveloped areas.

The Space Center only uses about 10,000 of it's 140,000 acres for its purposes. The rest of the area is set aside as a federally-protected wildlife refuge, so don’t be surprised to see sunning alligators, soaring birds (including bald eagles), and rooting wild pigs, giving new meaning to the term “government pork.”

Along the coast, you can find some of Florida’s finest sea turtle observation programs and among the most pristine beaches in the state. For adventure-holics, the waves from Sebastian Inlet to Cocoa Beach offer the state’s gnarliest surfing, and just west of the barrier island the lagoon is dotted with quiet, undeveloped islands, perfect for wiling away warm summer days.

How to get to Space Coast: From Miami, take the Florida Turnpike and I-95 north. The drive takes nearly four hours.

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This article was originally published in June 2019 and updated in February 2021.

Top 5 day trips from Miami

There are countless things to see and do in the German capital, but if you decide to take a day trip from Berlin's hustle and bustle for a while, we've got you covered. From idyllic lakes and scenic forests to wartime relics and an island full of peacocks, there are many great ways to experience Germany without straying too far from Berlin.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Check the latest guidance in G ermany before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice.

Teufelsberg

Nestled in the scenic Grunewald forest, Teufelsberg is a hill made with debris left over from the Second World War. In addition to providing beautiful views of Berlin, the site is also home to an abandoned Cold War-era US listening post. Now it’s a shabby reminder of the city’s history and an opportunity to combine sightseeing with stunning scenery.

Locals and tourists alike can often be found trekking up the hill before setting down a picnic blanket and enjoying a few well-earned beers – and you might even see a few wild boar on the way.

Getting there: Teufelsberg is a 25-minute trek from the M49 bus stop Mohrunger Allee, or a 30-minute walk from the Olympiastadion S-Bahn. Well within the AB fare zone, travellers can make the journey on a single trip ticket (€2.80). Getting there from the city centre takes around one hour in total.

Potsdam

Best known as the place World War II’s victors met to decide the fate of central Europe, Potsdam is practically overflowing with history. It was once the official home of Prussian rulers and German Kaisers, and later used as a connection between East Germany and West Berlin during the Cold War. After reunification, it became the capital of the state of Brandenburg.

Visitors can expect stunning parks and gardens, along with lots of palaces and some truly exciting culture. The Unesco-listed Sanssouci Palace gives an insight into the life of Prussian royalty, while a former KGB prison offers a more sombre attraction. Other points of cultural interest include the Dutch Quarter, the Russian colony of Alexandrowka and the Chinesisches Haus, a celebration of Chinese architecture.

Getting there: Potsdam is less than an hour from central Berlin, on the S1 or S7 suburban rail lines. The city lies within Berlin’s C fare zone, so an ABC ticket (€3.40) is required if travelling from the centre of the city.

Pfaueninsel

Pfaueninsel, literally meaning “Peacock Island”, is a small isle in the middle of the Havel river home to – you guessed it – a lot of wild peacocks. The island was chosen as the site of a summer palace by Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm II, who had a fairytale-style palace built on the grounds. Not content with having the entire island and palace to himself, the King also brought along a flock of peacocks to keep him company.

The Prussian royals are long gone, but the descendants of his avian pets still remain – making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a long day in the sunshine. The whole island is a protected habitat, so dogs, bicycles and smoking are banned.

Getting there: Pfaueninsel can be reached by travelling to the S-Bahn station Wannsee then taking the 218 bus to the river. A ferry (€4 each way) is available during daylight hours to reach the island.

Schlachtensee

Situated on the southern border of the Grunewald forest, Schlachtensee is a quiet lake loved by locals for its high-quality water and good transport connections.

Like most of Berlin’s lakes, sunbathing and swimming are common here during the warmer months. Boat rentals are available for visitors who would prefer to take to the water, while others can enjoy a quaint beer garden or a spot of fishing on the banks of the lake.

Getting there: Schlachtensee is a 30-minute ride from central Berlin by suburban rail line S1 using an ABC ticket.

Tropical Islands Resort

In an old airship hangar two hours south of Berlin is Tropical Islands Resort, the largest indoor water park in the world. From adrenaline-inducing water slides to languishing lazy rivers, there’s a little something for everyone.

The resort offers overnight lodging, activities for children, a spa, and its very own mini-indoor rainforest. Tickets start at €44 for adults, €35 for children.

Getting there: Take the RE2 train (around €10) from Berlin to Bahnhof Lübben, then board the 506 bus to the resort.

Spandau Citadel

Berlin has no shortage of attractions for history buffs, and the Spandau Citadel is a must-see for anyone with an interest in medieval conflicts. Built in the 16th century, this resilient building now stands, surprisingly well preserved, despite being used to defend the area as recently as World War II.

In addition to the museum detailing the Citadel’s history, the grounds also play host to concerts in the summertime, and visitors can climb the 30m-high (98ft) Julius Tower for exceptional views. Just watch out for bats, there’s around 10,000 of them.

Getting there: The Citadel can be reached on the U7 underground line (get off at U Zitadelle), or you can take the X33 bus from the Spandau S-Bahn station through Old Spandau to double up on your sightseeing. Spandau is within the C fare zone, so an ABC ticket (€3.40) is required.

Britzer Garten

Ever wanted to see the largest sundial in Europe? You’re in luck. But that’s not all this sprawling park has to offer – Britzer Garten also packs in 90 hectares worth of playgrounds, rose gardens, lakes, and even its own mini-railway.

Getting there: Take the M44 bus to Britzer Garten from S+U Hermannstrasse. The garden is in the B fare zone, so an AB ticket (€2.80) is all you need.

Spreewald

Around 100km (62mi) south of Berlin is the picturesque Spreewald forest, a Unesco-listed biosphere littered with more than 200 beautiful canals and stunning nature scenes. Many Germans like to make the journey to Spreewald for hiking, camping, boat trips and pure relaxation.

For a tranquil tour of the Spreewald’s waterways, take a trip on a shallow punt-like boat called a Kahn. The area is famous for its gherkins (pickle), so be sure to try some authentic Spreewälder Gurken if you have the chance.

Getting there: The Spreewald is most easily reached by car, or by taking the RE2 train from Berlin to Lübben or Lübbenau (tickets are around €10).

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This article was originally published in June 2019 and updated in February 2021.

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The 8 best day trips from Berlin

With its temples, museums, wild nightlife and top-class restaurants, Bangkok can keep visitors busy for weeks on end. But venture a little beyond the city limits and you can happen upon ancient settlements, historic WWII sites and golden beaches; experiences which perfectly complement a holiday in Thailand ’s chaotic capital. Here’s our pick of the best day trips from Bangkok.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Check the latest guidance in Thailand before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice.

1. Ayuthaya

Before Bangkok claimed the country’s capital crown, Ayuthaya held the title back during the days of the Siam kingdom. An ancient city dating from 1350, Ayuthaya was once filled with 400 temples and palaces, many of which were adorned with resplendent gold leaf designs, before being sacked by the Burmese in 1767.

Today its many relics remain in ruins, giving Cambodia’s Angkor Wat a run for its sightseeing money. The Khmer-style spires at temple Wat Ratchaburana are striking in all their crumbling 15th-century glory, while Wat Mahathat is famed for its sandstone Buddha head tangled in the roots of an old Bodhi tree. Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, meanwhile, is the custodian of items once housed in the temple’s crypts and includes ancient Thai pottery in its collection.

The Ayuthaya Historical Park is best circumnavigated by bike, which are readily available to hire outside the train station. Alternatively, jump in a tuk-tuk for a breezy way to explore this fascinating Unesco World Heritage site.

How to get to Ayuthaya: Ayuthaya is located to the north of Bangkok, roughly one hour away by car. Trains also run regularly from Bangkok Train Station to Ayutthaya Station, taking one hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, minivans regularly depart from Bangkok’s Victory Monument (journey time: one hour).

2. Bang Krachao

Although considered part of Bangkok, Bang Krachao – known as the capital’s green lung – is the antithesis of the city’s chaotic pleasures over the Chao Phraya River. Underdeveloped and at odds with the rest of the bustling metropolis, here you’ll find the floating weekend market Bang Nam Pheung, 250-year-old temples and an eco-resort where you can sleep in a treehouse.

Largely agricultural, this 16sq km island is filled with mangrove forests, small homesteads, and elevated pathways precariously perched above the canals. It’s popular with cyclists, who zip past the teak-framed houses on stilts shaded by clusters of palm trees, but it’s a must-see for anyone interested in getting a glimpse of what remains of quiet village life in Bangkok. Stop by Si Nakhon Kheun Khan a public park and botanical garden littered with bike trails, fishponds, and a bird lookout.

How to get to Bang Krachao: Long boats make the five-minute river crossing to Bang Krachao from Wat Klongtoey Pier in the southeast of the city. Once on the island, bike hire can be found at either pier for around 80 baht/day.

3. Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi has its dark past to thank for its modern-day popularity amongst travelers. The area is home to the evocatively-titled Death Railway Bridge, built by allied prisoners during WWII and immortalized in the (largely fictional) plotline of Pierre Boulle’s novel The Bridge Over the River Kwai (and subsequent Hollywood movie adaptation). As a result, the town is dotted with fascinating war museums – including the JEATH War Museum, which houses a collection of photographs, paintings and relics (such as an unexploded allied bomb) from the time – and somber cemeteries that help piece together the harrowing historical events that took place here.

But there’s more to Kanchanaburi than its WWII connection. For those looking to take it easy, the region provides a wealth of low-key outdoor activities to enjoy, whether that be admiring the characterful buildings along the town’s Heritage Walking Street, taking a bamboo raft down the river, hopping between ancient temples (including, Wat Ban Tham, with its entrance resembling a dragon’s mouth) or embarking on an organized trek into the area’s dense jungles.

How to get to Kanchanaburi: Kanchanaburi is located to the west of Bangkok, two hours away by car. It's possible to catch a train from Bangkok Train Station to Kanchanaburi, but requires a change in Nakhon Pathom (journey time: 3 hours). Alternatively, minivans regularly depart from Victory Monument (journey time: two hours 30 minutes).

4. Pattaya

Is Pattaya worth visiting? It depends on who you ask. To some it’s the archetypal Thai tourist resort (which it sort of is, having welcomed off-duty American GIs way back in the 1960s), completely over-the-top (in a good way) and boasting attractions for all ages, including two water parks (one Cartoon Network-themed) and a zipline course, plus some great hotels and restaurants (full English breakfast, anyone?). Others will recoil at the touristy-ness of it all, not to mention the lingering signs of the sex industry that’s helped fuel Pattaya’s popularity over the decades – the hundreds of beer bars, go-go clubs and massage parlors aren’t exactly hard to spot.

All that considered, there’s a couple of semi-decent strips of beach here – namely Naklua to the north and Jomtien to the south – for those hankering for a quick dip while staying in Bangkok. Night owls looking for a change of scene from the capital are well catered for too, with a selection of bars, including live music venue Hot Tuna, and nightclubs aplenty.

How to get to Pattaya: Pattaya is located to the southeast of Bangkok and takes around two hours to reach by car. A number of companies run direct buses to Pattaya, including 12Go Transport, whose bus leaves from Nacorn Hostel in Bangkok (journey time: two hours and 10 minutes).

5. Ko Kret

A man-made island created in the 18th century, Ko Kret was first settled by the ancient Mon’s, who ruled central Thailand between the 6th and 10th centuries. Twelve kilometers north of central Bangkok, today it is untouched from modern development, making it an ideal escape away from the crowds, and cars, of the Thai capital – its only road is car-free, though pedals and motorbikes are allowed.

The area is famed for its handmade terracotta pots and you can visit workshops and buy items directly from local artisans who continue to use techniques handed down through generations. Renting a bicycle, or hopping on a moto-taxi, is the most effective way to explore the sites like Wat Poramai Yikawat; the grandest temple complex on the island with a Mon-style marble Buddha statue and an attached museum showcasing both local ceramics and religious relics.

Come weekends, a bustling market, with its plethora of local Mon food dishes and Thai desserts, is popular with both locals and savvy travelers who arrive on Ko Kret in time for its 9am opening (ensuring there’s still plenty of dishes to sample!).

How to get to Ko Kret: Ko Kret is located a little to the north of Bangkok and takes 40 minutes to reach by car. Alternatively, catch the Chao Phraya Express Boat along the river (journey time: 40 minutes) from Saphan Taksin (Central Pier) to Nonthaburi Pier (N30 stop); from here take a long boat on to Ko Kret.

6. Hua Hin

Thailand’s original beach resort is no palm-fringed castaway island and arguably is the better for it. Instead, Hua Hin is a refreshing mix of city and sea with lively markets, good golf courses and water parks, and an ambiance that just keeps getting more hip and cosmopolitan. In fact, many visitors never even step foot on the sand.

This former fishing village rose to prominence in the mid-1920s, when it was transformed into a fully-fledged resort town for the Bangkok-based nobility – even Kings Rama VI and VII built summer palaces here. Given the resort is around three to four hours from Bangkok, it’s probably wise day-trippers bed down for at least one night too; fortunately, there’s now an array of guesthouses in town catering to paupers as well as princes. Likewise, there’s a string of restaurants dishing up high-quality, low-price seafood.

While the beaches don’t rival those of Thailand’s southern islands (and aren’t good for swimming), Hua Hin is Thailand's kiteboarding capital, blessed with strong, gusty winds and shallow water – lessons are available from a number of outfits including Kiteboarding Asia.

How to get to Hua Hin: Hua Hin is located to the southwest of Bangkok, and takes just under three hours to reach by car. Direct trains also connect Bangkok Train Station and Hua Hin (journey time: four hours and 15 minutes).

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This article was first published in July 2019 and last updated in February 2021.

The 6 best day trips from Bangkok

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is captivating in its own right: from the sprawling Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in the western suburbs. It’s location at the heart of the Kansai region makes it a great base for exploring nearby castles and fabled hot springs too. Here are the best day trips from Kyoto.

Each day trip is accessible by train in under two-and-a-half hours. If you plan to make several trips within a five-day period, consider buying a Kansai Wide Area Pass. Most routes are also covered by a Japan Rail Pass.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Check the latest guidance in Japan before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice.

1. Nara

One of the most popular day trips from Kyoto, tranquil Nara is home to some of the country’s most historical sites. This was Japan's first permanent capital, so it teems with important temples, shrines and Buddhist art. Arrive early and you can see its highlights in a single day.

Don’t miss the massive Todaiji temple and the lantern-lined Kasuga Shrine. While making your way to leafy Nara-kōen, the park famed for its free-roaming, inquisitive deer, stroll through exquisite Japanese gardens at Yoshiki-en. Nearby Isui-en has a prime example of shakkei – the Japanese concept of borrowed scenery – with Mt. Wakakusa rising up as the garden’s backdrop.

How to get to Nara: From Kyoto Station, take a 55-minute rapid train on the JR Nara line to Nara Station.

2. Osaka

Osaka is known in Japan as 'the nation's kitchen', so arrive from Kyoto hungry. Its kuidaore motto literally means “to eat oneself bankrupt”. Chow down on okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) and takoyaki (fried octopus balls) along the Dotombori River and/or try kushikatsu (fried meat and vegetable morsels on sticks) near the Tsutenkaku Tower in the kitschy, neon-lit neighbourhood of Shinsekai.

Wind through the alleys of Ura-Namba to Torame Yokacho (Tiger Alley) too, where you can try myriad favourite dishes under one roof. When full, walk off your excesses in the expansive grounds of Osaka Castle or browse boutique and vintage clothing shops in the hip hoods of Amerika-Mura, Horie, and Nakazakicho.

How to get to Osaka: From Kyoto Station, take a 30-minute JR special rapid train bound for Himeji to Osaka Station. Bullet trains also run between Kyoto and Osaka.

3. Kōbe

Less than an hour from Kyoto is Kōbe, one of Japan's most attractive cities. At the heart of the city are the popular retail districts of Motomachi and Sannomiya, but head uphill from Sannomiya Station and an area of tree-lined streets with merchant houses, quaint cafes and unique shops soon unfurls.

Despite a population of 1.5 million, Kōbe offers easy access to nature. Mt. Rokko, a popular hiking spot (accessible by cable car too), towers over the city’s narrow streets whilst Nunobiki Falls has been a muse for artists, poets and worshippers for centuries. If you have time, consider a side trip to Himeji-jō, Japan's most magnificent castle.

How to get to Kobe: From Kyoto Station, take a JR Limited Express Super Hakuto train for 50 minutes to Sannomiya Station. This service only runs a few times a day, so check the Hyperdia train website in advance.

4. Hiroshima

The best day trip for history

Under two hours from Kyoto, Hiroshima may be synonymous with the devastating atomic-bomb attack in 1945, but this leafy, laid-back city has much more to offer visitors these days than just its past.

If you want to pay homage to the blast victims, go to the Peace Memorial Park and then take in the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome, one of very few buildings left standing near the epicentre. Its shell has been preserved as a memorial.

A good pick-me-up afterwards is the short trip over to the gorgeous island of Miyajima, home to Itsukushima, a bright orange shrine rising out of the ocean. This celebrated spot is considered one of the three great views of Japan (alongside the Amanohashidate sandbar and the islands of Matsushima). From here, you can wander through streets lined with machiya (old wooden townhouses) and take a cable car up to the summit of Mt. Misen for breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.

How to get to Hiroshima: From Kyoto Station, take the one hour and 40 minute Shinkansen Nozomi bullet train to Hiroshima. To reach the ferry port from Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line for 25 minutes to Miyajimaguchi Station.

5. Shiga Prefecture

The best day trip for nature

Just across the Higashiyama mountains, Shiga Prefecture is dominated by Japan's largest lake, Biwa-ko (Lake Biwa), the bucolic inspiration for centuries of poets. Whilst few today will dream up haikus detailing the kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and cycling that attracts most visitors, it still makes for a wonderful, adventure-fuelled day trip from Kyoto.

Hire a bicycle from Maibara Station and pedal south to the charming little town of Hikone and climb up to its castle, the 17th-century Hikone-jō, for spectacular views out across the lake. Or cycle north to Nagahama, which perches on the northeast coast, with highlights including the reconstructed Nagahama Castle on the waterfront.

How to get to Maibara: From Kyoto Station, take a one-hour rapid train or 19-minute bullet train on the JR line to Maibara Station.

6. Kinosaki Onsen

The best day trip for relaxation

If the Kyoto crowds get a little too much, Kinosaki Onsen on the Japan Sea coast is the ideal stressbuster. With seven public bathhouses and a whole host of private ones, this beautiful willow-lined canal town is awash with relaxing hot springs that are famed for their remedial properties and promises of good fortune.

With an entrance designed to look like the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gosho-no-yu is the town's most famous bathhouse, and its most busy too. Kinosaki boasts rotemburo (outdoor baths) and single-person baths too.  If here in winter, enjoy a feast of snow crab freshly caught from the Sea of Japan. Many of the ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) serve delectable kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) multi-course crab meals, which are tasty works of art.

How to get to Kinosaki: From Kyoto Station, take the Limited Express Kinosaki train to Kinosaki Onsen Station. The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

7. Kurashiki

An important trading post during the Edo period (1603–1867), much of Kurashiki ’s character comes from its historic black-and-white warehouses that line its willow-edged canal. Those buildings — many now converted into museums, cafes, and art workshops — make up the atmospheric Bikan quarter.

If visiting from Kyoto, wander the laneways lined with old wooden houses and shops first, before popping into the popular Ōhara Museum of Art, which has works by Picasso, Cézanne and Matisse. A traditional boat tour of Kurashiki Canal is a lovely way to pass the afternoon, or else head to Ivy Square, the pretty courtyard that once housed textile factories, but now often has entertainment on.

How to get to Kurashiki: From Kyoto Station, ride the Shinkansen Nozomi bullet train for one hour to Okayama Station then change to the JR Sanyo line. The connection to Kurashiki Station takes around 20 minutes.

8. Nagoya

Don’t listen to the naysayers who label Nagoya as “Japan’s most boring city.” Most have never even been. This manufacturing powerhouse, just over half an hour from Kyoto, is a cosmopolitan curio that flexes its muscles with some fantastic museums, seafood to just die for, and an unpretentiousness you won’t find in Tokyo and Osaka.

Day-trippers will want to visit the 1900-year-old Atsuta-jingū, one of the most sacred Shintō shrines in Japan, as well as the engrossing International Design Centre Nagoya, which weaves riotously from art deco to postmodernism, Arne Jacobsen to the Mini Cooper.

Birthplace of Toyota, there’s plenty for petrol heads to admire, including two museums that celebrate the world's largest car manufacturer. If you’re short on time, steer towards Toyota Kaikan Museum to see the latest wheels roll off the production line.

How to get to Nagoya: From Kyoto Station, Nozomi trains take around 35 minutes to reach Nagoya.

9. Okayama

A little under two hours from Kyoto, Okayama is often seen as a short diversion before travelers chug on down to Hiroshima, however it can make for a fantastic day trip as well. Most visitors are only here for Kōraku-en, one of Japan's prettiest gardens, but there’s enough here to spare a few hours more.

As gardens go, it’s a corker. In spring the groves of plum and cherry-blossom trees are stunning, in summer white lotuses unfurl, and in autumn the maple trees are a delight for photographers. You can explore its expansive lawns, which are broken up by ponds, teahouses and other Edo-period buildings, in around three hours.

However, what the one-sight wanderers don’t realise is that Okayama also has the best range of restaurants in the region. Those with rumbling tummies should stick around and follow the signs for the 'Kitchen Runway', a clutch of modern, casual restaurants.

How to get to Okayama: From Kyoto Station take the Nozomi train to Okayama Station. The journey takes one hour, but JR passes are not permissible on the route. Bus 18 from Okayama Station drops you outside the garden (Kōraku-en-mae stop) in around 10 minutes.

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This article was first published in August 2019 and last updated in February 2021.

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The 9 best day trips from Kyoto

It’s easy to forget that within an hour in any direction from bustling Milan exists a world of tranquil lakes, rugged mountain ranges, medieval towns and Unesco-listed stunners. Tear yourself away from the city's glam events and cosmopolitan settings, and the rewards are both many and varied. Whether it's a stroll through the medieval alleys of Bergamo or a boat trip on Lake Como, there are plenty of wonderful day trips from Milan to choose from. Here are some of the very best.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Check the latest guidance in Italy before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice.

1. Lake Como

Studded with villas and backed by dramatic scenery, the languid y-shaped Lake Como, in the foothills of the Alps, has long been a playground for the rich and famous (well before George Clooney showed up). An intimate way to experience the lake is by renting your own boat (no boat license needed) and idly cruising from one charming town to the next. Highlights include the touristy but beautiful Bellagio along with Varenna, Menaggio and Como. Be sure not to miss imposing villas such as Tremezzo's Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianiello in Lenno – you might recognize the latter from movies including Star Wars and Casino Royale.

How to get to Lake Como: Trains leave regularly from the stations Cadorna, Porta Garibaldi and Centrale, stopping at Como Nord Lago. The trip takes up to 90 minutes (depending on whether the train is direct or not). It's about an hour's drive from central Milan.

2. Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands

The lesser-known Lake Maggiore is no less beautiful than Lake Como, and it is home to the three treasured Borromean Islands. Named for the aristocratic family who acquired the land in the 16th and 17th centuries, each island has its own distinctive beauty. The island Bella has a luxurious baroque palazzo and romantic Italian-style gardens to stroll in, while Madre includes 20 acres of landscaped botanical gardens complete with exotic plants and birds. Finally, Superiore (also known as Isola dei Pescatori for its origins as a fishing town) was largely left to its own ends; it has 25 or so residents today and continues in its simple, traditional way of life.

How to get to Lake Maggiore: Take a train from stations Porta Garibaldi and Centrale and get off at Stresa, where you can take a boat trip to the islands. It takes about 90 minutes whether you travel by train or by car. The prettiest road routes hug the lake's west bank, and climb up through the Val Cannobina and then down to Locarno.

3. Bergamo

With the rugged mountain ranges of the Alps in the distance, Bergamo is a town blessed by stunning views. And that’s not all. Divided in two, the lower part shows its modern face while the upper (Città Alta) lies on a hilltop and has a beguiling fairytale-like charm. Nestled inside 3 miles (5km) of 16th-century Unesco-listed Venetian walls is a timeless world of winding medieval alleys and Renaissance buildings. Wander the streets or walk on the walls while soaking up the history. The Piazza Vecchia, lined with elegant palazzi, and baroque gem the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore are both worth a look.

How to get to Bergamo: Trains for Bergamo leave every hour from stations Porta Garibaldi and Centrale, and take around an hour. If driving from Milan, take the A4 motorway and follow the Bergamo exits. Traffic is restricted in the Città Alta, although you can approach and find limited parking outside the city walls.

4. Lake Garda

Covering 370 sq km, Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is the largest of the Italian lakes, straddling the border between three regions. Like the best Italian lunch, exploring this region can't be rushed, so if you can only visit as part of a day trip, narrow down your expectations and focus on one part only.

The western Lombard shore of Lake Garda is the most beautiful, lined with historic towns, stately villas, mountain-backed roads and frothing flower-filled gardens. The eastern shore has a different character, with silvery olive groves lining the shoreline. Day-trippers from Milan may find it best to pick a town such as Sirmione or Desenzano del Garda for a tiny taste of the larger region.

How to get to Lake Garda: Desenzano del Garda is on the Milan–Venice train line with a fast train service that takes about an hour (slightly longer to Verona). The drive to the region is approximately two hours.

5. Verona

Verona is best known for its Shakespeare associations, attracting a multinational gaggle of tourists to its pretty piazzas and knot of lanes, most in search of Romeo, Juliet and all that. The city's heart is dominated by a mammoth, remarkably well-preserved 1st-century amphitheater, countless churches, a couple of architecturally fascinating bridges over the Adige, regional wine and food from the Veneto hinterland and some impressive art. It's just a short hop on from Lake Garda, so can be combined in a long and rushed day trip if you're not planning to linger.

How to get to Verona: It's just over an hour on the fast train from Milan, but nearer two hours to drive.

6. Varese

Varese is a prosperous provincial capital with a pretty old town and some grand villas worth exploring. On a hill overlooking the town sits the glorious 18th-century Villa Panza with its impressive collection of contemporary American art. Donated in 1996 to the FAI (a not-for-profit organization), the mansion holds a collection that Count Giuseppe Panza began amassing in the 1950s. Elegant rooms at the Villa Panza decorated with Renaissance furniture provide the contrasting setting for modern works, many of which explore the concepts of light and color. Dan Flavin’s dazzling neon lights are just some of the works transforming the space. Once you’ve had your fill, a scenic amble through the Italian-style gardens, complete with views and scattered outdoor installations, is a must.

How to get to Varese: From Porta Garibaldi and Cadorna stations you can take a train that stops at Varese. Continue with Bus A from Piazzale Trieste (just outside the station) until it reaches its final stop: Piazza Litta. The journey takes over an hour. It is faster to drive via the A8 motorway from Milan. Follow the signs to the parking station at Piazza Repubblica.

7. Pavia

Pavia combines the youthful buzz of a university town with the historic gems of its old center. A stop at the University of Pavia, one of the oldest universities in Europe, goes without saying. Founded in 1361, illustrious students such as Ugo Foscolo, Alessandro Volta and some say even Christopher Columbus have walked through these halls.

The Romanesque Basilica di San Michele, a 14th-century castle and the main cathedral with its massive dome are also worth a gander. Just outside the city, the Certosa di Pavia is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Italy. Built in 1396 it’s an impressive sight, with its mix of Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Some say Pavia is worth a trip just to eat La Torria degli Aquila. The sensational cooking in this medieval tower is highly creative while remaining rooted in tradition.

How to get to Pavia: Trains for Pavia depart Milan from Centrale and Rogoredo stations and take around 30 minutes. The drive is longer, at around an hour.

8. Monza

For motor racing enthusiasts, the track in Monza needs no introduction. Built in 1922, it’s best known for hosting the Formula One Italian Grand Prix practically since the race’s inception. With its long straights and fast corners, it has a reputation as the "Temple of Speed".

Non-professional drivers can realize the dream of cruising the track in a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Gran Turismo or Formula 3. For those less inclined towards adrenaline-pumping activity, you can experience the track driven in a minivan or by bike.

How to get to Monza: Trains, from stations Centrale and Porta Garibaldi, are the best way to travel to Monza, and take around 15 minutes. From Monza station take Bus Z221 in the direction Carate/Mariano and get off at Vedano al Lambro. From there the Porta Vedano entrance is walking distance.

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Article first published December 2018, and last updated February 2021.

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The 8 best day trips from Milan

Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the beaches, the restaurants – no wonder Los Angeles is such a lure for visitors. But should you need a break from all the glitz, glam and gourmet, a different Southern California experience awaits within a couple hours' drive of Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA to locals): stunning coastal scenery, wine-making, hiking, history, culture and kitsch. Here are just some of the best day trips, so charge up your electric vehicle and hit the road!

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Check the latest guidance in California before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice.

Santa Barbara

Perfect coastal weather, beautiful Spanish-colonial architecture, an easy-to-stroll downtown, excellent bars and restaurants, and activities for all tastes and budgets make Santa Barbara a great place to live (as the locals will proudly tell you) and a must-see place for visitors to Southern California. Check out the Santa Barbara Mission first, then see where the day takes you. The family-friendly MOXI science museum and the west coast's oldest pier, Stearns Wharf are great next stops.

Dining options include the Funk Zone, which bursts with hipster-friendly restaurants like the Lark for farm-to-table cuisine and an admirable wine list, or try the pizzas at Lucky Penny.

If you're in the area around the Summer Solstice, Santa Barbara's celebration is wildly popular and quintessentially Santa Barbarian. It features parade floats, dance troupes and inventive miscellany sashaying down State St – established in 1974, it's like a living prequel of Burning Man. Live music, kids' activities, food stands, a wine-and-beer garden and an art-and-craft show happen all weekend long in Alameda Park.

How to get there: It takes about 90 minutes from DTLA on the 101 Fwy which becomes a dreamy, sun-drenched sweep of coast about half way to Santa Barbara

Ojai

Hollywood director Frank Capra chose the Ojai Valley to represent the mythical Shangri-La in his 1937 movie Lost Horizon. Today Ojai (" OH -hi", from the Chumash word for "moon") attracts artists, organic farmers, spiritual seekers and anyone ready to indulge in day-spa pampering. Bring shorts and flip-flops: Shangri-La sure gets hot in summer.

Its an incredibly bike-friendly town, and the people prefer that mode of transportation, so either bring your own or rent one from the Mob Shop. Nearly all lodging options also offer bikes to guests if you're planing a romantic overnight.

First-rate organic, sustainable and local ingredients are part of everyday culinary life here, and in keeping with the city's bohemian, hippie vibe, vegetarians and vegans will revel in the options available. The main drag, Ojai Ave, has plenty of places serving excellent food, but there are equally good choices a bit more out of the way.

How to get there: Ojai is around 33 miles east of Santa Barbara via scenic Hwy 150, or 15 miles inland (north) from Ventura via Hwy 33. Gold Coast Transit bus 16 runs from Ventura (including a stop near the Amtrak station) to downtown Ojai ($1.50, 45 minutes, hourly). It takes about 1.5 hours by car from LA.

Santa Ynez Wine Country

One of California's top viticulture regions, the Santa Ynez Valley is a compact area comprising a handful of small towns and dozens of vineyards. Los Olivos is the cutest town, Buellton the most down-to-earth. The most popular wineries are clustered between Los Olivos and Solvang along Alamo Pintado Rd and Refugio Rd, south of Roblar Ave and west of Hwy 154.

Designate a driver to visit some of the 120 wineries dotting the valley. You might start with Alma Rosa and Sunstone, or sample many wines under one roof at the Los Olivos Tasting Room.

The valley's small towns have charm – and restaurants –  to spare, especially Early Californian ranch-style Los Olivos, and Danish-influenced Solvang. Nearby Buellton has more of a contemporary, industrial-hip streak.

How to get there: The Santa Ynez Valley is about a half-hour from central Santa Barbara via Rte 154. The route through twisty mountains passes is a journey in itself, particularly around lovely Lake Cachuma. It takes about two hours from LA.

Read more: Top free things to do in LA

Ventura & The Channel Islands

As the jumping off point for Channel Island boat trips, the beach town of San Buenaventura or Ventura for short has low-key seaside charm, especially on the historic pier and downtown along the Main St. But, don’t let the off-the-beaten-path national park that is Channel Islands loiter for too long on your lifetime to-do list. It’s easier to access than you might think, and the payoff is immense. Imagine hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, camping and whale-watching, and doing it all amid a raw, edge-of-the-world landscape. Rich in unique flora and fauna, tide pools and kelp forests, the islands are home to 145 plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world, earning them the nickname "California’s Galapagos."

Geographically, the Channel Islands are an eight-island chain off the Southern California coast, stretching from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Five of them – San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa and tiny Santa Barbara – compose Channel Islands National Park.

How to get there: Ventura is about an hour northwest of LA on the 101. From there, hop one of the regularly scheduled boats from Ventura with Island Packers. Of the eight islands that make up the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz and Anacapa are the easiest to reach for a day trip.

Further reading: A quick guide to Channel Island's National Park

Long Beach, San Pedro and LA's Southern Coast

LA's southern coast is bedecked with rolling hills, soaring cliffs and ocean vistas so broad you may forget you're in America's second-largest megalopolis. Its also home to Long Beach and San Pedro (say San Pee -dro) twin cities that straddle the LA River and form the busy ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. But these little cities are about more than shipping.

Long Beach has come a long way since its working-class, port, oil-rig and navy days. It has star attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific and the retired ocean liner Queen Mary, while the Museum of Latin American Art consistently stages high-quality shows. Elsewhere, Retro Row and the East Village Arts District provide a more local, chill city vibe. Long Beach is also home to America's largest Cambodian Community.

A few miles west of San Pedro, the cliffs of Point Fermin Park offer inspirational views to Orange County to the left and Catalina Island to the right. Uphill from the historic, 1874 lighthouse are the 18.75-ton, bronze Korean Friendship Bell and Fort MacArthur Military Museum, a decommissioned WWII defensive post offering historical galleries, secret tunnels and bunkers for rambling and scrambling.

Drop by the vintage 1940s bar Walker's Cafe, which attracts bikers and other assorted characters for sandwiches and cheap beer. Or cruise west along Pacific Coast Hwy past the multi-million-dollar homes and bajillion-dollar ocean panoramas of Palos Verdes. Your destination: the lavish Terranea Resort, where the south coast meets the west coast, for a sunset cocktail or dinner overlooking the Pacific.

How to get there: Take the 110 Fwy from DTLA to the port of San Pedro. Point Fermin Park is a few miles west.

Read more: Highlights of Los Angeles

Orange County

Connecting Los Angeles and San Diego along the coast, the beach cities of the OC are quintessentially SoCal. You’ll find gorgeous sunsets, prime surfing and just-off-the-boat seafood when traveling the OC’s blissful 42 miles of surf and sand. But it’s also the unexpected, serendipitous discoveries you’ll remember: learning to surf the waves in Seal Beach, playing Frisbee with your pooch at Huntington Dog Beach, piloting your own boat around Newport Harbor, wandering around eclectic art displays in Laguna Beach, or spotting whales on a cruise from Dana Point.  Your mission is to find out which beach town suits you best.

Plus, there is always Anaheim and you know what that means: Mickey Mouse and friends throw down the red carpet at Disneyland for anyone and everyone who can afford the tickets.  A day trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, where the streets are always clean and the staff is always upbeat and there are parades every day, is sure to bring the grins.

How to get to Orange County: Seal Beach is the OC’s northernmost beach town. From there, crawl along Route 1, aka Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH), south along the ocean for more than 40 miles, passing through Sunset Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente. The drive takes at least an hour (much more with bumper-to-bumper beachfront traffic on summer weekends). Don’t worry: it’s almost always worth it. Alternatively, to travel by train, you can take the Pacific Surf Liner which runs from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. You can jump on in Los Angeles and off in San Clemente and sit back and enjoy the view.

Read more: Best Beaches in LA

Palm Springs

The Rat Pack is back, baby, or at least its hangout is. In the 1950s and '60s, Palm Springs, some 100 miles east of LA, was the swinging getaway of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and other Hollywood stars. Once the Rat Pack packed it in, Palm Springs surrendered to golfing retirees. However, since the mid-1990s, new generations have rediscovered the city’s retro-chic vibe and elegant mid-century modern structures built by famous architects. Today, retirees and snowbirds mix comfortably with hipsters, hikers and celebs on getaways from LA and from across the globe. Perhaps surprisingly, Palm Springs is also one of the nation's gayest towns with roughly half of the population being part of the LGBTIQ+ community. In 2019, it elected the first all-LGBTIQ+ city council in the US. It can be done as a day trip from LA, albeit a pretty full one.

Survey the scene from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway; at nearly 6000 vertical feet up, summer temperatures at the top of the tram can be a welcome 40°F cooler than the desert floor; explore via a network of hiking trails. Back at ground level, tour the city's signature mid-century modern architecture, or browse retro-cool togs and design on Palm Canyon Dr.

How to get there: Palm Springs is an easy drive 1 hour and 45 minute drive east of DTLA, off the 10 Fwy.

Read more: Here's how to spend a perfect weekend in LA's Westside

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Article first published in May 2018, and last updated in February 2021.

Best day trips from Los Angeles

As the stirring, majestic capital of Austria – and the once hallowed seat of the Habsburg Empire – Vienna spoils travelers rotten with baroque palaces, fabled coffee houses and plenty of cultural pizzazz. It’s also a great base for exploring some of the country’s other jewels. These are the best day trips from Vienna.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Check the latest guidance in Vienna before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice.

1. Salzburg

Storybook Salzburg could easily steal a week of your time, but even a swift day trip from Vienna will leave you mesmerized. The whopping 900-year-old clifftop fortress, Festung Hohensalzburg, will eat up a whole morning, whilst a wander through the historic Altstadt will swallow up the rest.

Not much has changed since Mozart was born and raised here 250 years ago, including St Peter’s Stiftskeller serving food. Allegedly Europe’s oldest restaurant, it's said to have been around since the 13th century. Booking remains essential.

Don't go home without bingeing on baroque finery in the DomQuartier's cathedral and abbey or sipping a potent stein of monk-made ale at Augustiner Bräustübl either.

How to get to Salzburg: The Railjet express goes direct from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg in under two hours. Regional trains take around two-and-a-half hours. By car, the journey is around three hours.

2. The Wienerwald (The Vienna Woods)

The best day trip for hiking

For some superb hiking and a taste of the mountains near Vienna, scamper across to the Wienerwald (The Vienna Woods). This 45km swath of forested hills, fringing the capital from the northwest to the southeast, was immortalized in Tales from the Vienna Woods, the concert waltz by Johann Strauss Junior in 1868.

There are 11 walks to choose from, all easy day trips from the city, but the best lead travelers into the forest. You'll need about three hours to complete the 7.2km trail No 4, which threads up to the Jubiläumswarte lookout tower. There are sweeping views of Vienna and the 2076m hump of Schneeberg from the uppermost platform.

A slightly longer alternative is trail No 1, an 11km loop, which starts in Nussdorf and climbs Kahlenberg (484m), a vine-streaked hill commanding fine city views.

How to get to The Wienerwald (The Vienna Woods): For trail No 1, tram D takes 27 minutes from the Ring to Nussdorf. For trail No 4, tram line 49 takes 34 minutes from the Ring to Rettichgasse.

3. Bratislava

The best day trip from Vienna

A short zip across the border is Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Overlooked by a mighty Renaissance castle, it's easy to lose a morning wandering around the delightful old town, which merrily mixes medieval and Gothic architecture.

The city's nucleus is Hlavné nám (Main Sq), where architectural finery shimmers in almost every direction, particularly the Stará Radnica (Old Town Hall). Look out across the city for lashings of Soviet design – from scowling statues to its space-age bridge.

Ideal for a day trip from Vienna – particularly if you want to miss the uproarious stag parties who drink strong, cheap lager in the city's rowdy beer halls come dusk – try not to miss the art nouveau Blue Church, a powder blue place of worship dedicated to St Elisabeth of Hungary. If you’re in need of food, the city’s cellar restaurants serve huge helpings of dumplings and fried cheese.

How to get to Bratislava: International trains take one hour from Vienna to Bratislava. The journey takes around the same by car.

4. Seegrotte

This former limestone and gypsum mine, just over an hour from Vienna, closed in 1912 after a controlled explosion caused 20 million liters of water to flood with the underground tunnels. That accident then created the largest subterranean lake in Europe.

Now, visitors can wander through the echoing curves of its underground chambers and enjoy a short boat ride out on its turquoise waters. What's more, as the Nazis used the mine’s dry, upper sections to secretly build aircraft during WWII, the lake has plenty of military artifacts on display. Small group tours last 45 minutes.

How to get to Seegrotte: Take the Sbahn from Vienna to Meidling, change for bus 364 or 365, and alight at Seegrotte. The journey will take one hour 15 minutes. By car, the journey is around 30 minutes.

5. Melk

An easy and rewarding day trip from Vienna, most visitors call in on Melk for its blockbuster abbey-fortress that's perched high above the Danube. The twin spires and high octagonal dome of the monastery church dominate the complex, but inside its baroque gone barmy: a riot of chubby cherubs, barley-sugar twirls and polished faux marble.

High on the list for many travelers, day-trippers stream in from Krems too, so the cobbled streets are busy year-round. Stop in on Schloss Schallaburg to see its remarkable 400 terracotta sculptures, each completed between 1572 and 1573, and wander past the Altes Posthaus. Built in 1792, not only is Mercury, the messenger of the gods, depicted in the stucco reliefs, but so too is postmaster Josef Weber Edler von Fürnberg.

How to get to Melk: The regional train from Wien Westbahnhof to Melk station takes around one hour and 15 minutes. By car, the journey is one hour and 10 minutes.

6. Graz

The best day trip for art lovers

Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, might be a smidge over two hours from Vienna by car, but it’s an instant heart-stealer: Renaissance courtyards, baroque palaces, abundant parkland, sea of red rooftops and a beautiful bluff – connected to the center by steps, a funicular and a glass lift.

But it's the absorbing architecture of Kunsthaus Graz, the provocative biomorphic art gallery dubbed the “friendly alien”, that takes visitors aback. Its contemporary design (and exhibitions) are at total odds with the city, which makes it even more arresting.

For something equally as striking, but not quite as modern, check out Schloss Eggenberg, the elegant 17th-century palace with magnificent courtyard arcades built by Italian master builder, Giovanni Pietro de Pomis.

How to get to Graz: The train from Vienna to Graz takes around two hours 30 minutes. By car, the same journey is two hours 15 minutes.

7. Budapest

It may take a little over two-and-a-half hours to meander down to Budapest by car, but as the dual capital of the once-great Austro-Hungarian Empire, a day trip from Vienna can make for compelling comparisons.

Start in The Castle District, the nerve center of Budapest’s history, which towers 170m above the Danube. Survey the scene from the Fisherman's Bastion, the neo-Gothic viewing platform built in 1905, with views across the vast blue river. Look north (left) for the Hungarian Parliament Building, which many believe was inspired by London's Palace of Westminster.

Spend some time at the Royal Palace, which has been bombed and rebuilt at least half-a-dozen times since King Béla IV established it in the mid-13th century, before heading across the river for some lunch. Then slowly work your way along Andrássy út and up to Heroes’ Square. Finish with a soak in one of the 18 thermal pools at Széchenyi Baths before heading home.

How to get to Budapest: Direct trains go from Vienna to Budapest in two hours and 37 minutes. By car, the same journey takes two-and-a-half hours.

8. The Danube Valley

The best day trip for families

To see the grand Danube in all its dramatic glory, head to The Wachau. This romantic stretch of the Danube Valley, between Krems an der Donau and Melk, waltzes through poetic landscapes of terraced vineyards, forested slopes and apricot orchards, with the meandering river – and the imposing fortresses that overlook it –nearly always in sight.

Less than an hour by car, it’s a great spot for a cycle ride with children. Start in Krems an der Donau and take the B3 southwest towards Spitz, pedaling past the lovely town of Dürnstein, with its blue-towered Chorherrenstift backed by Kuenringerburg, the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192.

A couple of kilometers on, just after Wösendorf, you find the church of St Michael, in a hamlet with 13 houses. Get the kids to count the terracotta hares on the church roof. The pretty town of Spitz finally swings into view some 17km from Krems. Head to its Heurigen (wine taverns) for a much-deserved glass of wine before heading back.

How to get to The Danube Valley: The journey from Vienna to Krems an der Donau takes one hour 13 minutes by direct train and just under an hour by car.

9. Semmering

The best day trip for skiing

Come December, when the powder sits plumply across the Austrian Alps, there are a number of easily accessible ski slopes from Vienna which can be visited in a day, including the resorts of Hauereck and Unterberg.

Semmering, however, is the pick of the bunch as its night slopes at Zauberberg and Stuhleck are open until 8.30pm. A long-term host of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup races, there’s 14km of slopes at Zauberberg and 26km at Stuhleck.

How to get to Semmering: The train from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Semmering Bahnhof takes as little as one hour 16 minutes. The journey takes around one hour 50 minutes by car.

10. Hallstatt

At three-and-a-half hours by car, a day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt is doable, but very taxing. This fairytale town, which is thought to have been one of the inspirations behind the Disney film Frozen, throngs with visitors who outnumber locals by more than 10 to one.

Hallstatt’s beauty borders on the surreal and the sublime. Boats glide serenely across the lake from the train station to the village, situated precariously on a narrow stretch of land between mountain and shore.

If you want to visit in a single day, either get the first train from Vienna at 4:55am and arrive before the coaches. Alternatively, stay overnight and wait for the day-trippers to leave. Then you can enjoy a lakeside dinner in relative peace.

How to get to Hallstatt: Trains from Vienna to Hallstatt usually require a change at Wels or Attnang-Puchheim and take around three hours and 52 minutes. By car, the journey takes three-and-a-half hours.

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This article was originally written by Carly Hulls in 2019 and last updated by Daniel Fahey in February 2021.

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The 10 best day trips from Vienna

Portland is blessed with a pretty prime geographic location – drive two hours in any direction and you might find yourself at the coast, on a snow-capped stratovolcano, in the heart of wine country, at a rock climbing crag, soaking in a hot spring or even closing in on other major cities like Seattle, Washington. If you're itching for a change of scenery, Portland has a wealth of day trip-worthy destinations in arm's reach. We narrowed it down to sixteen of the best, with a little something for everyone from foodies to families to outdoor enthusiasts to oenophiles.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel. Check the latest guidance before departure, and always follow local health advice.

1. Waterfall Alley, Columbia River Gorge

Steep, evergreen-covered cliffs are striated with so many high, lush waterfalls that it boggles the mind. Walk into this temperate rainforest and you’ll find golden-red foliage in fall, snow sprinkles in winter, wildflowers in spring and flourishing mosses year-round. The lower edge is dominated by the mighty, curving Columbia River. Adventures in Columbia River Gorge range from easy jaunts from a parking lot to full days exploring the wilds.

How to get to the Gorge: I-84 East runs the length of the Gorge, and you can easily exit to stop in numerous small towns and trail head parking lots along the way. Traffic can get backed up, though, so give yourself plenty of time. Alternately, you can reach the Gorge by public transit if you take the bus or light rail to the Gateway/NE 99th Avenue Transit Center and transfer to the Columbia Gorge Express.

2. Willamette Valley Wine Country

The New World’s answer to Burgundy, the bucolic Willamette Valley excels at producing complex pinot noirs. Small towns chock-full of gourmet restaurants and cute shops are separated by rolling hills covered in grapevines and flowers. Most wineries are family-owned and you’re more likely to be met by a happy dog than an attitude. Beyond wine, check out distilleries, cheese factories, bike trails and more.

How to get to the Willamette Valley: Towns like Dundee at the north end of the Willamette Valley are only 40 minutes or so from downtown Portland, but the Willamette Valley extends for about a hundred miles to Eugene at the far southern end.

3. Sauvie Island

With pick-your-own fruit farms in summer, corn mazes and hay rides come autumn, and beaches, trails and waterways to explore year-round, Sauvie Island is an easy trip to pastoral bliss. Plus, it’s as fun for kids as it is for adults. As the largest island in Columbia River, any land not dedicated to farming is a protected wildlife area. Expect to see ospreys, herons, bald eagles and maybe even a beaver.

How to get to Sauvie Island: Sauvie Island is just 40min from Portland by car and can be reached by US-30 East, I-5 South, or US-26 East. There will be plenty of parking at the farms and other destinations, as well as at the public beaches – just be sure to get there early if it's a sunny summer day.

4. Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls is quite possibly the most stunning park in the state. The 7.2-mile, not-to-miss Trail of Ten Falls does what it says and more as it winds up a basalt canyon through thick forests. Walk the full loop to see all the waterfalls – and even walk behind a few – in their fern-draped, wildflowered splendor, or park at the Silver Falls Lodge from where it’s a short walk down to South Falls – here the trail leads underneath an unforgettable 177ft cascade curtain.

How to get to Silver Falls State Park: Silver Falls State Park is about 26 miles east of Salem on Hwy 214 and 53 miles south of Portland via OR-214 N and I-5 N. It should only take an hour to reach from downtown, depending on traffic.

5. Cannon Beach

The Oregon Coast holds some of the most beautifully grand but lesser-known beaches in the contiguous USA. Cannon Beach is the ideal, easy-to-reach introduction to the region, with miles of white sand, waterfalls tumbling to the beach and the hulking, 72m Haystack Rock which makes for a picture-perfect silhouette. In town, you’ll find art galleries, chic boutiques and incredible dining (hint: try the chowder).

How to get to Cannon Beach: Take US-26 East until it junctions with US 101 – a trip that should be only 1hr 30min by car.

6. Timberline Lodge

Stay, dine, hike, ski or gawk – this iconic Oregon lodge is a destination in itself or a must-stop if you’re exploring Mt Hood. The grand structure was built of local stone and timber to blend in with the surrounding forest and the six-sided central tower is meant to mimic the pyramid-like peak of its glorious mountain location. Timberline Lodge is a National Historic Landmark as well as a hotel, a fine restaurant, a pub, a ski resort and a trailhead for adventurous hiking. You may recognize the exterior from the 1980s horror film, The Shining.

How to get to Timberline Lodge: Mount Hood is only an hour and a half from Portland by US-26 East. Alternately, you can take public transit to the Gresham Transit Center and transfer to the Sandy Local / Gresham Express to Sandy, Oregon. From there you transfer the Mount Hood Express before getting off in Timberline, but it will extend your journey to about three hours.

7. Johnston Ridge Observatory, Mt St Helens

Gaze into the awesome crater of Mt St Helens from the state-of-the-art Johnston Ridge Observatory. Whether this is your destination or you’re preparing for a longer hike through the National Volcanic Monument, you’ll learn the science behind the 1500 atomic bomb-force eruption in 1980. Then take the 1-mile Eruption Trail walking loop for even more views, with explanations, of the volcanic destruction.

How to get to Johnston Ridge Observatory: Take I-5 N to WA-504 E/Mt St Helens Way NE in Castle Rock. The drive is about two hours long.

8. Smith Rock

Best known for its glorious rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park boasts rust-colored 800ft cliffs that tower over the pretty Crooked River. Nonclimbers have several miles of fine hiking trails, some of which involve a little simple rock scrambling. Nearby Terrebonne has a climbing store, along with some restaurants and grocery stores. The formations in the park are simply spectacular.

How to get to Smith Rock: It's a three hour drive to Smith Rock from Portland via US-26 East. Be sure to get there early – Smith Rock quickly fills up on a sunny day. There's camping right next to the park, or at Skull Hollow (no water; campsites $5), 8 miles east. The nearest motels are a few miles south in Redmond.

9. The Fruit Loop

Covering 35 miles along scenic fertile lands, the Hood River County Fruit Loop takes you by family fruit stands, U-pick orchards, lavender fields, alpaca farms and winery tasting rooms. There are blossoms in spring, berries in summer, and apples and pears in fall – with plenty of festivals and celebrations throughout the seasons (except for winter). It's a good way to sample the area's agricultural bounties while appreciating the local scenery too. For more information and a list of events, check www.hoodriverfruitloop.com.

How to get to the Fruit Loop: State Highway 35 runs from Government Camp on the slopes of Mount Hood and the city of Hood River in the Columbia River Gorge. It's along this stretch that most of the farms and other destinations on the Fruit Loop are located. You can take either US-26 East or I-84 to reach one end of the Loop or the other, depending on whether you'd like to drive it clockwise or counterclockwise.

10. Eugene, Oregon

Eugene offers a great art scene, exceptionally fine restaurants, buzzy breweries, boisterous festivals, miles of riverside paths and several lovely parks. Its location at the confluence of the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers, just west of the Cascades, means there's plenty of outdoor recreation on offer – especially around the McKenzie River region, the Three Sisters Wilderness and Willamette Pass. Not only that, Eugene's at the southern end of the Willamette Valley, which boasts several world-class wineries.

How to get to Eugene: It's about a two hour drive on I-5 South from Portland to Eugene. If you don't mind the potential for delays, or want to extend your daytrip into a weekend away, you can also take Amtrak's Coast Starlight or Cascades lines from Portland's Union Station to Eugene, a journey of about 2 hours and 30 minutes if you don't have to wait on a freight train to pass.

11. Tillamook

Best known for its huge cheese industry, Tillamook is a fun destination for a day trip if you're aiming to down some dairy. Cheese production began in Tillamook in the 1890s, when an English cheesemaker brought his cheddar-making techniques to the fledgling dairies along Tillamook Bay. Nearly a million people stop here annually to visit the famed Tillamook Creamery, which produces 171,000 pounds of cheese every day. South of Tillamook, US 101 loses the beaches and headlands and follows the Nestucca River through pastureland and logged-off mountains. The slower but prettier Three Capes Scenic Drive begins in Tillamook and follows the coast.

How to get to Tillamook: US-26 West and OR-6 West will get you to Tillamook in under an hour and a half. Alternately, you can take the 5 bus from Union and disembark at the Tillamook Transit Center, but that will add a half hour or so to the trip.

12. Bend, Oregon

Not all of Bend is as pretty as nearby Smith Rock – Hight 97 (3rd St) is a long commercial strip of cheap motels, fast-food restaurants and run-of-the-mill services. But something has to support Bend's fast-growing population, which has skyrocketed with outdoor-lovers over the past decade or so. You can ski fine powder in the morning, paddle a kayak in the afternoon and grab a beer in the evening at a crop of local watering holes. Or would you rather go mountain biking, hiking, mountaineering, stand-up paddle boarding, fly-fishing or rock climbing? All of those are possible at the nearby Three Sisters Wilderness, Lava River Cave and Newberry National Volcanic Monument. You can even surf a river wave in the center of town. It's the perfect getaway from cloudy Portland, too, with nearly 300 days of sunshine each year.

How to get to Bend: US-26 East will get you to Bend from Portland in just over three hours, though traffic can sometimes tangle up where you pass through Smith Rock State Park. You can also take I-5 South to Salem and take OR-22 East over the Cascades to Bend – a drive of about three and a half hours.

13. Bagby Hotsprings

A 90-mile drive east of Salem is this rustic, clothing-optional hot spring with various wooden tubs in semi-private bathhouses. Bagby Hot Springs is accessible via a lovely 1.5-mile hiking trail through lush forest. Be prepared to wait your turn on weekends. The admission fee is collected by an attendant near the trailhead.

How to get to Bagby Hotsprings: There are a couple different routes you can take south from Portland that all converge around Shady Dell. Whichever you take, you'll ultimately end up driving 11 miles on forest service road NF-7010 until you reach the trailhead parking lot. From there it's a 30 minute hike to the springs.

14. Trillium Lake

If there's one thing Portlanders love, it's heading to Trillium Lake for the day. This popular spot offers stunning vistas of Mt. Hood reflected in the lake's shimmering waters, a nice campground, and boardwalk hikes surrounded by wildflowers in season. During the spring and summer, there are opportunities for boating, swimming and fishing, too. The 63-acre lake sits at an elevation of 3,600 feet, though, so by the middle of autumn the access road is closed by the park service, and instead transforms into a cross country ski and snowshoe trail for the winter. A State of Oregon Sno-Park permit is required November 1 through April 30.

How to get to Trillium Lake: US-26 East will get you to Trillium Lake in about an hour and a half. Once you reach Government Camp, you'll use forest service road NF-2656 to reach the campground.

15. Astoria

Named after America's first millionaire, John Jacob Astor, Astoria sits at the 5-mile-wide mouth of the Columbia River and was the first US settlement west of the Mississippi. The city has a long seafaring history and has seen its old harbor, once home to poor artists and writers, attract fancy hotels and restaurants in recent years. Inland are many historical houses, including lovingly restored Victorians – a few converted into romantic B&Bs. With a number of quirky festivals like the Fisher Poets Gathering and the Festival of the Dark Arts beer showcase, Astoria has plenty to keep day trippers coming back throughout the year.

How to get to Astoria: It takes just under two hours to get to Astoria from Portland on US-26 West. Alternately, you can take public transit to Union and transfer to the CC bus to Astoria before getting off at the East Columbia River Highway stop. It takes just under three hours by bus from Portland.

16. Seattle

Just three hours away from Portland, its bigger, sleeker sibling sits on Puget Sound. Seattle 's current reputation as the town that spawned Amazon and Starbucks won't give you the full picture of the city's oddball cultural heritage. Crisscross its urban grid and you’ll find all kinds of apparitions: a rocket sticking out of a building; a museum built to resemble a smashed-up electric guitar; glass orbs in wooden canoes; a statue of Lenin; a mural made of used chewing gum; fish-tossing market traders; and a museum dedicated to antique pinball machines (that you can still play). Need help acclimating? The city's still-booming legal weed market will help you embrace your own weird side.

How to get to Seattle: It's under three hours to Seattle from Portland on I-5 North. You can also take the Bolt bus, which departs regularly from the Park Blocks in downtown Portland. Another option is to take the Amtrak Coast Starlight or Cascade train from Portland's Union Station in to Seattle. The later two options will take anywhere from three and a half to four and a half hours, not counting possible delays.

You might also like:

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The 16 best day trips from Portland

While Budapest dazzles visitors with its art nouveau architecture, thermal baths and ruin pubs, it’s well worth taking a few day trips to get to know a bit more of Hungary. Whether you’re into history, art, wine or nature, these easy day trips reached by bus, train, car, or even boat, offer attractions to rival the Hungarian capital – so pack your walking shoes and start exploring.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Check the latest guidance in Hungary before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice.

1. Szentendre

As you stroll along Szentendre ’s cobbled streets, with the tower of the 18th century Blagoveštenska Church peering above the wine-red and honeydew baroque houses, it’s easy to see why this has become Budapest’s most popular day-trip destination.

Szentendre had a thriving Serbian community back in the 18th century, before it became better known as an artists’ colony in the late 1920s. As such, the town is scattered with galleries, including the Margit Kovács Ceramic Collection and Serbian Ecclesiastical Art Collection. Further cultural thrills await at the open-air ethnographic (the study of different cultures) museum on the outskirts of town, and – perhaps more appealing still – the National Wine Museum, which traces the development of winemaking in Hungary (and offers tastings!). Aim to avoid weekends in the summer when the town can get really busy.

How to get to Szentendre: Szentendre is located to the north of Budapest, a 40-minute drive away. The town is also accessible by train on the H5 line from Batthyány tér station in the centre of Budapest (journey time: 40 minutes). From April to September boats also go up to Szentendre from Vigadó tér (one hour and 30 minutes).

2. Gödöllő

Once the summer residence of Emperor Franz Josef and his wife Elizabeth (aka Sisi), Gödöllő Royal Palace, in the small town of Gödöllő, carries all the hallmarks of Habsburg grandeur.

This winged baroque palace, accented with flecks of gold on the facade, houses a network of rooms decked out with walls of upholstered silk that match the drapes in burgundy, turquoise, indigo and lavender. Golden chandeliers drip from the stuccoed ceilings above velvet-covered chairs, Caucasian knotted carpets and painted ceramic stoves. The grounds stretch out into lawns surrounded by an arboretum of ordered trees, statues and botanical curiosities. Don’t miss the Baroque Theatre for an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of a working 18th-century playhouse.

How to get to Gödöllő : Gödöllő is located to the east of Budapest, 45 minutes away by car. Alternatively, take a direct train (40 minutes) from Budapest’s Budapest-Keleti station in the east of the city.

3. Eger

Eger Castle has gone down in legend as the bastion that held out against the Turkish invasion, but the relics of eventual Ottoman conquest, including the 40m-high minaret and Turkish baths, still pepper Eger’ s baroque streets.

Apart from the legacy of the siege, Eger is known for its wine – most notably the Bull’s Blood, believed by the Turks to have given the Hungarians superhuman power in battle. Today, you can try Eger’s wine straight from the barrel in the Valley of Beautiful Women (Szépasszony-völgy Hétvége) on the outskirts of town, where you’ll find wine cellars carved into the rock. If you have time, pay a visit to the city’s historic Lyceum, with its wood-clad baroque Archdiocesan Library, and the Great Tower housing an astronomy museum filled with vintage instruments as well as a camera obscura overlooking the city.

How to get to Eger: Eger is located northeast of Budapest, and takes one hour and 30 minutes to reach by car. Alternatively, trains run from Budapest's Budapest-Keleti station to Eger station (journey time: one hour and 50 minutes).

4. Esztergom

Around an hour and a half from Budapest, Esztergom is Hungary’s most sacred city. The town’s enormous basilica, sitting high above the town and Danube River, is a striking sight, rising out of what seems like nowhere in a rural stretch of country.

But Esztergom’s attraction goes beyond this iconic domed structure: there’s a former royal palace (now a museum) to explore and, despite Esztergom being the seat of Roman Catholicism in Hungary for more than a thousand years, the town is home to a 400-year-old mosque (also now a museum) visitors can nosy around. There’s also a handful of great cafes ( some with courtyards, some in the cellars beneath the basilica) and a dusting of good hotels and campsites, should you wish to stay the night.

How to get to Esztergom: Esztergom is located northwest of Budapest, and takes around one hour to reach by car. Direct trains also run to the town from Budapest-Nyugati station (journey time: one hour and 5 minutes).

5. Balatonfüred

In summer, Lake Balaton (the largest in central Europe) becomes the go-to destination for Budapest citizens. The elegant and historic resort of Balatonfüred is ideal for a taster, being only a couple of hours’ train ride away from the capital.

The town was once frequented by artists, writers and scientists – you’ll find the names of Balatonfüred’s illustrious visitors inscribed on the placards embedded into the wall of the Pantheon, which overlooks Gyógy tér, a leafy square with a natural spring at its centre, dispensing slightly sulphuric, but drinkable, thermal water. Today it’s still a popular resort loved for its lakeside promenade where you’ll find yachts docked in the small marina with hazy views over to the Tihany peninsula in the distance. Make sure you take a boat trip around the lake from the jetty.

How to get to Balatonfüred: Balatonfüred is located to the southwest of Budapest, and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach in the car. Alternatively, trains run from Kelenföld Railway Station in the south of Budapest to Lepsény (journey time: one hour), from where you can catch a direct bus to Balatonfüred (journey time: one hour).

6. Visegrád

Visegrád is a small town set on the tight curve of the Danube Bend. Its 13th-century citadel, rising above the town, is worth the intense hike up the rocky woodland path for the views over the bend in the river and the Börzsöny Hills beyond. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can also take the City-Bus taxi van service from the ferry pier up to the historic castle.

Down in Visegrád town, go for a ramble around the romantic ruins of the Renaissance palace once belonging to King Matthias (a warmongering king who ruled Hungary in the 15th century) or learn all about how Hungary’s famous pálinka (fruit brandy) is made – and how it tastes! – in Visegrád’s small pálinka museum.

How to get to Visegrád: Visegrád is located to the north of Budapest, just over an hour away by car. While you can arrive by bus from Újpest-Városkapu (one hour and 15 minutes), it’s much more romantic to travel by boat up the Danube Bend (one hour by hydrofoil, three hours and 20 minutes by boat) from April to September. Another option is to take the train from Budapest-Nyugati station to Nagymaros-Visegrád (one hour) and then the hourly ferry across the river.

You might also like:
How to spend a perfect weekend in Budapest
The 15 best free things to do in Budapest
A guide to Budapest’s thermal baths

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This article was first published in November 2017 and last updated in February 2021.

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