St John Hotel – London Fergus Henderson made his name with the nose-to-tail eating concept he pioneered at St John Bar & Restaurant, and the success oh his offal-dominated menus has led to several spin-offs. The latest, the St John Hotel, opened off Leicester Square in spring 2011 and provides a handy West End location … Read more

The Crown at whitebrook – Monmouthshire Wales This seasoned performer has been offering food and accommodation in a pretty, 17th-century cottage since 1971. The secret to its longevity seems to be a combination of location – its Wye Valley setting is both idyllic and easily accessible – and wonderful food. Chef James Sommerin’s insprised, Michelin-starred … Read more

Reliable, efficient and with stunning views at every turn, Switzerland’s travel system really will take you on the ride of your life, whatever your mode of transport. Much like London’s black cabs and double-decker buses, the little red trains, which wind long foaming rivers at the feet of towering mountains and through verdant Alpine meadows, … Read more

Breathtaking landscapes, natural springs, an endless list of activities, swimmable lakes and world-class saps: it’s so easy to fall in love with Graubunden  Cows in Andeer Lai da Vons Graubunden, located in the east of Switzerland, is the country’s largest and most popular holiday region – a dramatic landscape of seemingly endless mountain ranges topped … Read more

In each of its many forms, water is undoubtedly the heart of Switzerland It’s easy to regard Switzerland as a land of mountains but, with countless lakes, rivers, creeks, waterfalls and glaciers, it is equally a land of water, despite being landlocked. The source of the Rhine and Rhône, Switzerland is also home to the … Read more

William Cook joins revelers on an annual hike through vineyards above the Rhône Valley.  Every year, on the first Saturday in September, the inhabitants of Visp, a sleepy Swiss town near Sierre in the Rhône Valley, stage the world’s most scenic pub crawl. This isn’t a drunken stagger down the high street; for the Swiss, … Read more

Toronto is a city of neighborhoods, each with a distinct identity, many with an ethnic flavor, making it the most multicultural of North American cities. In Chinatown, wares from energetic vendors compete with shoppers for sidewalk space, and restaurants offer everything from take-out buns to sit-down banquets. The city’s multicultural mix finds its fullest expression … Read more

A Downtown Walk Morning Start the day at the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art , taking 90 minutes to peruse the permanent collections and visiting exhibit. On your way out, pop into the gift shop to have a look at the unique crafts. Head north to Bloor St and turn left, walking a half block … Read more

Though hard to imagine today, there was a time when Barcelona was just a small Roman village (named Barcino) encircled by protective stone walls. Over the centuries, the village grew, culminating in a building boom in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), a beautifully preserved neighbourhood of Gothic buildings, medieval places … Read more

Roman Barcelona Morning Starting at the Jaume I metro, enter the ancient walled city of Barcino on C/Llibreteria, once the main road to and from Rome. Head right up C/Veguer to Plaça del Rei and descend into a fascinating underground web of Roman walls and waterways via the Museu d’Història de la Ciutat (see Conjunt … Read more

Belltown Places to Eat Mistral Known for its formal atmosphere and haute cuisine, the Mistral has prix-fixe tasting menus featuring delicacies such as asparagus and English pea fricassee, or artisanal seared foie gras. 113 Blanchard St 206 770 7799 Cyclops Local customers return for their classic hummus plate, and both Interview and Details magazines have … Read more

Belltown Shops Baby & Co. The place for European styled slacks, skirts, dresses, and accessories for women. Look for designs by Martha Francis Garbed, Lilt in Paris, Comme des Garcons, and Marithe and Francois Girbaud. 1936 1st Ave Paperhaus Shop for contemporary presentation supplies and storage materials from award- winning manufacturers such as NAVA, Prat, … Read more

Munich’s historic Old Town is also the downtown area. This is where you will find many historic buildings as well as Marienplatz, (the historic central square), and the Residenz. In the past, further expansion was hindered by the Englischer Garten to the northeast and the Isar River to the east. Within the boundaries of the … Read more

Best of the Rest Isartor & Valentin-Musäum Dedicated to the city’s favourite son, Karl Valentin (1882–1948), the Valentin-Musäum is situated in the south tower of the Isartor (14th century). A small room in the tower furnished in turn-of-the-19th-century style houses a café. Im Tal 50 11am–5pm Mon–Tue & Fri–Sat, 10am–6pm Sun Adm www.valentin-musaeum.de Isartor & … Read more

1.        Big cathedral Big cathedral This magnificent church has Gothic domed architecture. It is the 3rd largest church in Europe (after St. Peter Cathedral in Rome and Big Cathedral in Seville). In addition, it is the highlight for center square and this city. Big cathedral was built in 500 years and owned 3,500 art statues, … Read more

13.     Zona Tortona Zona Tortona In the last 20 years, places have open architecture and interior are for rental with cheap price,  built industry around Tortona made this place become the magnet for designers, restaurants, museums , shops and hotels. This area is known as a place of creativity, including the artwork from David Chipperfield … Read more

Best of the Rest Loop Theater District A sidewalk plaque at Randolph and State Streets denotes Chicago’s Theater District, a cluster of old and new theaters. Civic Opera House This 1929 structure was inspired by Paris’s Opera Garnier. Inside, there are gleaming marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and a grand staircase . Civic Opera Building Symphony … Read more

Shops Macy’s Once Marshall Field’s, Chicago’s oldest and best-known department store continues to be famous for its elaborate Christmas displays, dazzling Tiffany dome, and iconic clock. Established nearly 100 years ago, it offers top styles for home and body. 111 N. State St. DA Clock at Macy’s Filene’s Basement Here you’ll find some fantastic budget-friendly … Read more

Places to Eat & Drink Nine This hip restaurant specializes in steaks and seafood. There’s also a champagne bar and the Ghost Bar for drinks and dancing. 440 W. Randolph St. 312 575 9900 Closed Sat lunch & all day Sun Everest The restaurant on the top floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange has dazzling … Read more

By far the most rewarding area to explore on foot, north of the Forbidden City stretches an almost contiguous run of lakes, either set in parkland or surrounded by swathes of charming historic hutongs. It’s an area rich in temple architecture and dotted with grand old courtyard residences. Its appeal to visitors has resulted in … Read more