The Brunswick Centre

Canary Wharf Shopping Centre

Cardinal Place

Westfield Stratford City

Hay's Galleria

Top 6 things to do in LondonLife moves fast in this sprawling cosmopolitan city. Famed for its diversity, it’s a melting pot of cultures and a hotbed of progressive art, fashion, and music. That said, it’s equally well known for its long and fascinating past that stretches back almost two millennia. This is a place where innovation and the ancient go hand in hand, where you can admire both the historic Tower of London and the modern Shard, or the celebrated British museum and an avantgarde installation. The choices are endless. We make it easier by sharing our top picks with you. From the magnificent Buckingham Palace to an enviable array of world-class museums and a giant wheel with jaw-dropping views, discover the city’s best. 1. Tower of London Dating back to 1066, the Tower of London lets you glimpse the city’s grisly yet captivating past. The former royal residence also served as an armory, treasury, mint, zoo, and most famously a high-ranking prison where royalty and nobles met their tragic ends. You can also admire the glittering Crown Jewels. 2. Buckingham Palace No trip to London is complete without seeing the Buckingham Palace, symbol of the British monarchy and the official royal residence since 1837. While you can admire it from afar, nothing compares to standing before the grandeur of rooms such as the red-carpeted Grand Hall with its glittering chandeliers. 3. London Eye The world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel, the London Eye takes you a dizzying 135m up high. On a clear day, views stretch as far as 25 miles, giving you a birds-eye vantage point on the city’s famed landmarks. It’s a slow 30-minute ride that’s so smooth, it’s easy to forget just how high up you are. 4. British Museum Opened in 1759, the British Museum is one of the world’s oldest and greatest museums, with an awe-inspiring collection of art and artifacts over two million years of human history. From the Rosetta Stone, key to decoding hieroglyphics, to the disputed Elgin Marbles, a visit here is an eye-opening experience. 5. Westminster Abbey If only these walls could speak. Since 960 AD Westminster Abbey has held (almost) every monarch’s coronation since William the Conqueror, 16 royal weddings, and is the resting place of 3300 prominent people in British history, from poets to politicians. It’s also famed for its early English Gothic architecture. 6. National Gallery You could easily spend a day immersed in this collection of European masters with more than 2300 works. Covering the mid-13th century to the 1900s, it has paintings by acclaimed artists ranging from Da Vinci to Van Gogh, Picasso, and Turner. While temporary exhibitions aren’t free, they’re also worth a look. Planning your London visit When to go? London is a bustling megacity that never stops, regardless of the time of year. An action-packed calendar of events, from festivals to live music and theatre performances, takes place all year round. That said, summer is the most popular season for visitors, when the weather gets warm, and the days get long. The downside is you’ll have to endure queues for most attractions, while accommodation prices also rise. Christmas and bank holidays are similarly busy. Spring and autumn are better seasons if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and still enjoy some nicer weather; you may want to pack an umbrella though as it tends to rain. Those who aren’t put off by a bit of cold weather and shorter days will enjoy the calmer winter months of January and February. How many days should you spend? London is the kind of city you can spend anywhere from a day to a week, depending on what you want to get out of your trip and how packed you like your schedule to be. It’s impossible to see everything so it’s best to prioritize and plan in advance. For first-time visitors, three to four days is enough to give you a taste of the city and see some of its main attractions. Keep in mind it’s an enormous city so distances between landmarks can be great; you’ll need to factor this into your plans. Otherwise, five to seven days will allow you to go at a slower pace and include more local experiences, like going to the pub, seeing a play in the West End and strolling through one of its many gorgeous parks. How to get there? Heathrow is the main airport and it’s well connected to central London by bus, the Overground, Heathrow Express and the Tube, which all run from around 5 am to midnight. Night buses are also available, while the Tube runs 24/7 on Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost £5.10-34; taxis costs £50-90. City Airport is closest to central London and is connected by DLR (one way £2.80-5). Taxis cost £25-50. Gatwick is connected by the Gatwick Express that runs direct to Victoria (£31.05). Budget options such as coach (from £4) or bus (£11-20) are also available. Taxis cost around £100. Stansted is connected by the Stansted Express (£19.40) and 24/7 by coach (£8-13). Taxis cost around £100. Luton is accessible by coach 24/7; tickets from £5. Trains cost £17.70; taxis charge £50-80. How to move around the city? London is fairly easy to navigate with an extensive transport system that includes: the Tube (one of the fastest modes of transport), the Overground and the DLR, and buses. Using an Oyster card is the cheapest way to get around. On the other end of the scale, you have taxis, which are convenient but pricey (especially the Black Cabs). The city also has a bike-share program that’s handy if you’re a confident city rider. These are designed for short trips, so if you’re interested in doing a longer journey it’s better to rent a bike elsewhere for the day. If you’re looking for a more scenic way to get around, there are also boat rides along the Thames. Where to shop? London is a paradise without peer for shoppers. If you have the time and money, choices are literally limitless. Oxford is the most famous (and also busiest) of the city’s shopping streets. It’s home to commercial brands such as Adidas and Zara, and a handful of established department stores. Nearby Regent St offers more upscale brands, such as Calvin Klein and Barbour. Covent Garden is also popular, but has a more diverse mix of stores, with luxury brands such as Tom Ford and one-of-a-kind gems such as the Petersham Nurseries and the eclectic Neal’s Yard. Creative types will want to go to Shoreditch, where chic buys from Redchurch Street can be paired with vintage picks from Brick Lane. Finally, Mayfair is the place for haute couture, luxury brands and bespoke suits.

United Kingdom

London

Chessington is an area in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames within Greater London. Chessington is home to the popular theme park resort, Chessington World of Adventures, which also incorporates Chessington Zoo and a SEA LIFE Centre. With over 40 rides and attractions, there’s something for all the family to enjoy at Chessington World of Adventures. The Park consists of ten themed lands, each focusing on a range of world cultures. Major attractions include Vampire, Dragon’s Fury, KOBRA, Rameses Revenge and Dragon Falls. When you’ve had enough adrenaline-pumping activity, head to the Zoo and SEA LIFE centre and get up close to more than 1,000 animals, including gorillas, sea lions and tigers.

Chessington

Chertsey is a town in Surrey, England, on the River Thames. One of the oldest market towns in England, it is a picturesque place packed with history. The town’s main attraction is Thorpe Park, an amusement park, located between the towns of Chertsey and Staines-upon-Thames. The famed park includes hair-raising rides, including the UK’s fastest rollercoaster, a themed hotel and live events, such as Fright Nights at Halloween. Major attractions at the park include Stealth, The Walking Dead, The Swarm, Nemesis Inferno, and the water ride, Tidal Wave.

Chertsey

Windsor, a historic market town with royal connections, is found on the banks of the River Thames in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. Less than 30 miles from London, and only 30 minutes by train, it is the perfect day trip from the capital. A popular tourist destination, the town is widely known due to Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family. Plenty for history lovers to discover, Windsor Castle is the world's oldest and largest occupied castle. Highlights of the castle include St. George’s Chapel, the State Apartments and the Great Park.

Windsor

Royal Tunbridge Wells, also known as Tunbridge Wells, is a town in Kent, England. Located less than an hour from London, Tunbridge Wells has been a popular place to visit since the discovery of Chalybeate Spring over 400 years ago. It is also one of the few towns in England to officially be given a royal title, which was granted in 1909. Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the surrounding landscape features rolling hills, ancient woods, orchards and vineyards. The area is also known for its many castles, historic houses and gardens, making it the perfect destination for culture and garden lovers.

Royal Tunbridge Wells

Riyadh, the proud capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, home to the extremely-wealthy House of Saud. This extravagant and vibrant metropolis surrounded by an ocean of sand is home to luxurious hotels and top-notch restaurants, evergrowing and ever-improving. Despite its renowned traditionalist mindset, the city recently has become more open-minded and liberal, with the purpose of attracting foreign visitors to further boost its tourism and international reputation. Aside from all the typical grand luxurious activities, Riyadh is also home to some of Saudi Arabia's best museums such as its National Museum and the al-Masmak Palace Museum.

Saudi Arabia

Riyadh

Dubai has grown in recent years to become one of the world’s great modern cities, famed for its gleaming architecture, luxury shopping, great weather and its ambition. Travelers to this desert metropolis will discover a place that’s always restless and striving for the sky.Here, you’ll find the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Don’t miss the chance to see the stunning views from the observation deck, especially at sunset when its long shadow stretches off across the sand. You’ll also see the remarkable Palm Jumeirah manmade island and The World: an impressive artificial archipelago designed to resemble the various continents.It’s not all about the future, however. You can discover the exotic history of Dubai in the traditional districts of Bastakyia and Deira, where you’ll find the old gold and spice souks. Take a traditional Abra water taxi across the Dubai Creek and look back at the skyline from the best viewpoint in the city, or visit the ancient fortress of Al Fahidi. Culture vultures will appreciate the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque and the Dubai Museum.

United Arab Emirates

Dubai

Top 6 things to do in Barcelona This sun-blessed city tops everyone’s destination list, whether it’s for the storybook architecture, glorious food, or simply the lure of a city that’s like a massive beach town. It hits that sweet spot where history and hedonism meet. By day marvel at architectural gems that go from towering Roman-era columns to Gaudí’s masterpieces. By night feast on tasty tapas before hopping to numerous bars and clubs that only get started around 2 am. Best of all, whenever you need a nature break, the beach is right there and waiting. With so much on offer, we make it easier by sharing our top picks. From Gaudí’s spectacular unfinished Sagrada Familia to a museum dedicated to Picasso, we show you the best on offer. 1. Sagrada Familia No visit to Barcelona is complete without visiting Gaudí’s most staggering work. Started in 1812, the sheer magnitude of this project means its construction has continued into the present. Love or hate this twisting turreted masterpiece, there’s nothing quite like it. Head to the Bell Tower for charming views. 2. Casa Batlló With its swirling facade that resembles boney gaping mouths, the Casa Batlló looks like something out of a dream. Commissioned as a home for the well-to-do Battlò family, Gaudí was given full creative power to create a house like no other. He succeeded; this is Gaudí at his most mind-blowing and surreal. 3. Picasso Museum Focusing mainly on Picasso’s early formative years, many of which were spent in Barcelona, there’s plenty to enthrall even moderate fans of the artist’s works. With over 3500 pieces, the breadth and versatility of his pieces will impress upon you his undeniable genius, evident even at the tender age of 15. 4. Park Güell This UNESCO-listed park was originally meant to be a network of houses and landscapes for the rich. Before the project commercially flopped and was finally abandoned, Gaudí created the enchanting park we know today. Explore 2 miles of winding pathways, grottoes, and mosaicked galleries in Gaudí’s inimitable style. 5. Montjuïc This hilltop overlooking the port is not only packed with lush lawns and tranquil gardens but also top-notch museums, architectural gems, a castle, and an Olympic pool. The Joan Miró museum, in particular, is well worth a visit. This is also the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy fantastic city views. 6. La Pedrera Named for its grey stone facade, La Pedrera (the Quarry) was commissioned as an apartment and office block in 1906. Now it’s recognized as a UNESCO-listed masterpiece in Gaudí’s trademark style. Admire the smoothly curving walls and twisting wrought iron that add a sense of movement and life to the building. Planning your Barcelona visit When to go? Boasting sunny days and moderate weather all year round, there’s no bad time to visit this charming city. July and August is the peak time for tourists, so you can expect accommodation prices to go up and queues for attractions to get long. The weather will also be sweltering hot, and many small businesses will close as locals go on vacation. On the other hand, this is the perfect time to hit the many beaches and the city will be buzzing with a whole host of fun festivals, which include everything from international music to cultural events. If you’re looking for less crowds and milder weather, then spring and autumn are ideal. Winter also has its own appeal; the weather is crisp but not freezing and you’ll still enjoy some sunny days. How many days should you spend? In three to four days, you’ll be able to see Barcelona’s main attractions, but if you really want to get into the flow of city life then we recommend staying for seven days or more. It’ll give you the chance to not only see lesser-known gems such as Montserrat, but also enjoy local activities, such as a picnic on Montjuïc, a bike ride along Barceloneta, or a friendly language exchange. It’ll also give you time to feast on all kinds of tasty tapas and explore the non-stop nightlife scene. How to get there? El Prat is the only airport in the city and is the main international airport. Aerobúses run regularly (from 5 am to 1 am) to the center and take around 30 minutes; one-way tickets cost (€5.90). A taxi costs around €25. Outside of Barcelona there are two smaller airports: Girona-Costa Brava and Reus. They service mainly low-cost airlines. From Girona airport, there is a direct bus to the Estació del Nord station in Barcelona. It takes around 75 minutes; tickets cost €16. From Reus airport, the most direct way to get to Barcelona is by bus, which will take you to Estació d'Autobusos de Sants. Tickets cost around €15.50 one-way, and it takes around 90 minutes. How to move around the city? Barcelona offers plenty of transport options that’ll get you around town easily and efficiently. The Metro system is excellent and for the most part, all you’ll need. It runs from 5 am to midnight most nights and then till 2 am on Fridays and 24 hours on Saturdays. There’s also a large network of trams and buses. Single tickets for all main public transport cost €2.20, in which case a 10-trip ticket (€11.35) is a good deal if you’re staying for a few days. If you’re up for a spot of exercise, Barcelona is an excellent city for bike riding. The weather is ideal and there are many dedicated bike lanes. Otherwise, it’s relatively easy to get around on foot, especially if you’re in the historic center, while taxis are quite affordable compared to other major European cities. Where to shop? Whether you’re looking for high-end boutiques, historic markets, vintage treasure troves, or hip local design shops, the city more than provides. Top of the list is the city’s main market; La Boqueria. Immerse yourself in its kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and wondrously enticing scents, as you sample all kinds of fresh foods and Spanish snacks. The elegant Passeig de Gràcia instead is worth a visit for power fashion brands, such as Stella McCartney and Louis Vuitton, and also to take in some gorgeous modernist buildings. If you’re looking for something more distinctly local, El Born is where you’ll find home-grown designer boutiques. Finally, El Raval is the place for eclectic design and those hard-to-find vintage gems.

Spain

Barcelona

Top 6 things to do in ParisThe City of Lights needs no introduction. For centuries it’s enthralled visitors and inspired the work of some of the world’s most acclaimed writers and artists, from Victor Hugo to Van Gogh. Iconic monuments, world-class museums, elegant boulevards, and impossibly chic inhabitants are all part of its charm. So where to begin in this impeccable city? From its soaring Eiffel Tower to the boldly modern Centre Pompidou and sculpted Arc de Triomphe, we show you the best the city has to offer. And let’s not forget its glorious gastronomy, from delicate pastries to the humble baguette and creamy cheeses accompanied by earthy local wines. Discover it all and let this mesmerizing city cast its spell on you.1. Eiffel TowerConstructed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, it’s hard to believe this iconic tower was ever intended to be temporary. Saved by its potential use as a radio antena, it’s become one of Paris’ most enduring symbols. Head to the third floor for city views (that get especially romantic at night).2. Louvre MuseumThere’s more to the Louvre than its gleaming glass pyramid and Da Vinci’s mysterious Mona Lisa. Home to more than 10,000 works, its collection runs the gamut from Egyptian antiques to Dutch masters such as Vermeer and Rembrandt. Highlights include the ancient Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo.3. Arc de TriompheBegun in 1806 in honor of Napoléon’s recent victory at Austerlitz, it was another 20 years before his monumental arch was finally complete. Highlights include intricate sculptures such as Départ des Volontaires de 1792 (Departure of the Volunteers of 1792). You can also climb the 284 steps for sweeping views.4. Musee RodinGet to know this famed sculptor in the 18th-century mansion he used to call home. While many of his works are in the mansion itself, his most famous sculptures can be found in the surrounding rose garden. Exuding tranquility, the latter is the perfect place to ponder one of his greatest works: The Thinker.5. Centre PompidouFormer French president George Pompidou wanted a game-changing museum and he certainly got it. Famed for Its radical inside-out architecture, the museum houses cutting-edge exhibitions, performances, cinemas and an enviable permanent collection of French art. Don’t miss the panoramic view from the rooftop.6. French gastronomyHome to one of the world’s most renowned cuisines, there’s no excuse for not indulging in some fantastic foods, such as a light-as-air macaroon or some creamy camembert. Make your way from artisanal boulangeries to exquisite patisseries, cosy bistros and Michelin-star restaurants; you won’t be disappointed.Planning your Paris visitWhen to go?Paris will charm you regardless of the season. That said, the months from April to May and September to October are widely considered the best times to visit. You’ll miss the summer crowds while also getting to enjoy the mild yet sunny weather. Spring also lets you see the city in full bloom. Summer is the peak tourist season (June to August), when the weather is at its best and brightest and attractions are at their busiest. Some local establishments may also close during August. Winter is better for those looking to nab a deal as prices for both flights and accommodation tend to drop. Sights are less packed, although you’ll never have them to yourself as Paris attracts tourists all year round.How many days should you spend?Paris is a cosmopolitan city brimming with culture, history, shopping and fantastic nightlife. Three days might just be enough to pack in some of its main sights, but keep in mind you’d be on a tight schedule. Instead, we recommend you get to know the city at a more leisurely pace by spending five days to a week. This way you can see the city’s top attractions while also discovering its more hidden local side.How to get there?Charles de Gaulle is the city’s main airport and is connected to central Paris by train (RER) and bus; prices range from €6 to €18. If you're in a hurry a taxi is the fastest way to get into town (45 minutes) and costs €55-60.Orly Airport is 13km south of Paris. Getting to the city center is a little less direct unless you take a taxi (€35). If you go by train, you’ll have to change at the Antony station to lines RER B or RER C. It costs around €12 one way. Otherwise, the Orlybus will take you direct for €8.30 one way.Beauvais Airport is a small airport 80 km from Paris, which is mostly used by low-cost airlines. It takes 80 minutes approximately by airport shuttle to Porte Maillot (€17). Trains run to Gare du Nord station every 1 to 2 hours and cost €13-€16.How to move around the city?While the city is by no means small, it’s relatively easy getting around thanks to a speedy and efficient public transport system. The Metro and RER are the fastest modes of transport and operate from around 5:30 am to 1:15 am (Fridays and Saturdays the Metro stays open an hour later). There’s also a bus system run by RATP, which may be more convenient for families with strollers and those with limited mobility. Prices start from €1.90 for a single bus/train ticket. Paris is also becoming increasingly bike-friendly and this is a scenic way to explore the city. While you’ll spot various bike-share systems throughout the city such as Vélib', not all will accept foreign credit cards.Where to shop?With its well-heeled locals and chic boutiques, this is a city that knows a thing or two about style. Get your sartorial dose at any number of shopping districts. The Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is the beating heart of designer fashion, with flagships stores from big-name brands such as Versace and Hermes. Otherwise, if you’re looking for something more niche head to Marais, which has everything from artisanal jewelers to trendy concept stores like Merci. Vintage lovers will go wild in Paris’ many flea markets; Saint-Ouen is the city’s largest and is a veritable treasure trove of pre-loved goods. Additionally, you can’t leave Paris without strolling through one of its covered arcades famed for their old-world beauty, such as the Galerie Vivienne.