In the 17th century the focus of the rapidly growing city shifted from the medieval centre, around Plaza de la Paja, to Plaza Mayor. Part market, part meeting place, this magnificent square was, above all, a place of spectacle and popular entertainment. No one knew what the populace wanted better than the playwrights of Spain’s … Read more

A Morning Walk Around Old Madrid Begin the morning at Plaza de la Villa with its handsome 16th- and 17th-century palaces. Take the busy Calle Mayor as far as Calle de Felipe III, then turn into Plaza Mayor . Cross this magnificent square diagonally, leaving by the ancient Calle Toledo, once the main exit south … Read more

African beats on the mediterranean There are many beach destinations in the world but very few with the gastronomic buzz you will find in Marbella. Perhaps it is the Costa de Sol’s generations-old ‘chiringuito’ culture; the Malaguenos know all about creating a very particular atmosphere by the sea, seducing diners with their casual vibe, fresh … Read more

The site of the old airport, Kai Tak has not been allowed to lie fallow, with the former terminal converted into the world’s largest golf driving range. In the neighbouring streets are excellent budget dining and seconds outlets, for this is where locals go bargain-hunting. Culture is found to the north, in the Tang Dynasty-style … Read more

An Afternoon Out After Lunch Catch the MTR to Wong Tai Sin and brave the crowds of earnest worshippers at the temple. Some of the fortune tellers in the nearby stalls speak English. Try to bargain them down to a third or quarter of the price given. Some use numbered sticks, others prefer curved bits … Read more

This wedge-shaped area holds the dubious distinction of being the place where Caesar was assassinated – but it is also home to the Capitoline Hill, Rome’s finest glory right up to the present day. In ancient times, the zone was full of important public monuments, but in the 14th century, when the papacy moved to … Read more

Roman Culture, Layer upon Layer Because of church opening times, you should take this walk (two to four hours) starting at about 10am or at 4pm. Starting with the Theatre of Marcellus, notice the soaring buttresses that support the palace, added in the 16th century. Heading round the next corner, in Santa Maria in Campitelli … Read more

Nightspots The Drunken Ship Currently the top spot, with a sea of energetic carousers night after night in this jumping piazza. Mainstream rock inside. Outside you queue at the service window to get your drinks. Campo de’ Fiori 20–21 I Giganti della Notte A newcomer to the Campo scene, but already a favourite with a … Read more

When Abigail Adams arrived in Washington in 1800, she described Georgetown as “the very dirtiest hole I ever saw.” Then a major port with a huge slave and tobacco trade, cheap housing, and commercial wharves, the town may have been unattractive. But the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and its competitor, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, … Read more

A Morning in Georgetown Begin at Washington Harbour for its views of the Potomac right on the waterfront. Take a pleasant stroll along the river before heading up Thomas Jefferson Street, NW to the National Park Service Visitor Center for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal . In summer, mule-drawn barge rides are offered, with expert … Read more

How could a crumbled structure with no completion become an amazing heritage hotel having full of services? Mridula Gandhi talked about Tijara fortress-palace’s restoration. February 2011 So far, it had been a smooth trip. A promising spring dawn’s soft sunshine was spreading my exhausted body in a comfortable SUV when it brought me back to … Read more

One of first concerns is the main entrance – a gigantic and rough archway which seems familiar the rest of new buildings, employs stones carried from nearby hillside. “When we started digging to build the main entrance, we found a wall which now matches with the main gate’s line and by instinct, it guides us … Read more

Top 10 reasons for which you love Montreal 1.     Life is just a big carnival Jazz, comedy, firework, movie, tango, theater, delicious cuisine… Montreal has one carnival for most of things you can think of. There’s always something about to happen and the party is for everyone. 2.     Diet is a four-letter word When food … Read more

The State tends to be ahead of the curve when it comes to wellness, so where better for a holiday with a fitness fix? Miami is renowned for its beautiful beaches, art deco architecture and great nightlife, but it’s also the place for healthy living – where the rich and famous mingle with the fitness … Read more

The southern part of the city comprises some of the liveliest, most authentic parts of town – the clubs of SoMa, the gay world of the Castro, and the Latino Mission District. There are also some up-and-coming neighborhoods such as Bernal Heights and Glen Park, as the more central areas have priced creative types out … Read more

A Walk Around the Castro District Begin at the city’s gay mecca, the Church Street Muni Station on Upper Market. Decades ago, this corner developed a gay identity as the beginning point of the Castro neighborhood, but it is on the next block, between Sanchez and Noe, that the gay shops and venues really begin … Read more

Most visitors to Berlin regard the magnificent boulevard of Unter den Linden as the heart of the small historic Mitte district. Many of Berlin’s sights are concentrated along the grand avenue and around Bebelplatz, creating an impressive picture of Prussian and German history from the early 18th century until the present day. South of Unter … Read more

A Day of Culture Morning Unter den Linden begins at Pariser Platz in front of Brandenburger Tor . Stroll eastwards along the wide avenue, past Hotel Adlon Berlin. Then turn right into Wilhelmstraße , the former political nerve centre. On the right-hand side you will pass the new building of the British Embassy. In Behrenstraße … Read more

Pubs & Bars Newton-Bar One of the trendiest bars in town. Sink into the deep leather armchairs and sip your cocktails, surrounded by Helmut Newton’s photographs. Charlottenstr. 57 10am–3am daily 030 202 95 40 Opera Court Afternoon teas, coffee and cake are served daily at the historic Opera Court, with its original glazed ceiling, in … Read more

Equal parts relaxing and exhilarating, exotic Morocco is an ideal getaway destination. Penny Carroll goes in search of surf and soul On a sizzling stretch of sand on a bright, sunny morning, I’m lying face-down on a surfboard, pretending to paddle. “Stabilise, stabilise…Now jump!” calls the instructor as I shakily attempt a surfer’s pose. I’m … Read more