Time Out contributors

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

With far flung flights to Hong Kong, short jaunts to Jersey and everything in between, Gatwick Airport remains one of Europe's busiest. Add to that its close proximity to the capital and its many attractions and it's clear to see why they need take-offs and landings round the clock. If your departure happens to be at an unsociable hour, or during peak commuter times, you'd do well to book a room nearby so you can get in early and board the plane feeling fresh and well rested. There's somtehing to suit all budgets too, so don't worry about the pennies, simply pick your next stay from our selection of the best hotels at Gatwick Airport. Whether you're after sleek luxury or calm convenience, you'll find just what you're after here. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in London Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The city break is set to rule in 2024. According to ABTA, city breaks overtook beach holidays as the UK’s favourite type of trip over the past 12 months – and travel booking site Opodo has reported that nearly half of all trips taken in 2023 were between two to four days. Long live the long weekend, eh? When it comes to cramming in the best food, nightlife and culture in one whistlestop weekend, Europe really does spoil you for choice. Of course, there are the classics – Rome, Barcelona, Paris – but the continent is packed with lesser-known second cities and more obscure cultural capitals that make for the ideal affordable city break in 2024.  From gastronomic delights and cultural cubby holes to all-hours party hotspots, Europe’s best city breaks tick all the boxes. But with so many options, where should you head? Well, we’ve consulted our local experts in cities across the continent to lend a helping hand. Everywhere from France to Bosnia and Herzegovina is covered, with special events and thrilling experiences around every corner. See you out there! RECOMMENDED: 📍 The absolute best things to do in Europe🗺 The most underrated travel destinations in Europe🛤 The ultimate Europe Interrailing itinerary

’Tis the season for Christmas shows, festive holiday lights and, most of all, shopping, shopping and more shopping. Back to tempt your wallets this winter are a number of holiday markets and craft fairs featuring local, handmade goods for extra special gifting. Find everything from apothecary goods and handwoven handbags to artisan jewelry, candles, prints and more. Even if you’re not sure what to get family and friends on your gift list this season, these Christmas events are a treasure trove of inspiration—you’ll likely walk away with more goodies than you ever knew you needed. Support small businesses and head to the best holiday markets in Los Angeles. RECOMMENDED: See more Christmas in Los Angeles

Based conveniently close to London's wealth of tourist attractions, and having evolved over the years into a five-terminal machine, it's no surprise that Heathrow Airport is Europe's busiest for international air traffic. It's little wonder then that you'll find a whole host of hotels to choose from if you need to catch some Zs before or after your flight. But which are the best hotels near Heathrow? We’ve put together a list of our faves to save you stressing and spend more time luxuriating after or ahead of your next flight. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in London Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

The holidays have a lot going for them. Family, gifts, turkey, glasses in the shape of the new year…and pie. While NYC’s best bakeries turn out gooey cookies, classic cheesecakes and photographable cupcakes all year long, there’s something about the humble slice of pie that makes us feel like celebrating. Some of NYC’s best pies are fruit-forward—think blueberry, sour cherry and apple—while others, like pecan, sweet potato and bean pie, are the stuff of holiday traditions. Make sure to get your holiday orders in early, because the very best pies in NYC are bound to sell out fast.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Thanksgiving in NYC

November 2023: Fall in Miami has finally arrived, so get those hard-to-book Michelin restaurant reservations in while you can. Next thing you know, it'll be Art Basel in Miami and then full-on snowbird season, a truly chaotic time to dine out around here. For now, let's soak up these sweet autumnal vibes, explore the city's breezy waterfront restaurants and bib up for Miami's famous stone crabs (yes, it's that time of year).  While you're at it, check out our guide to eating out on Thanksgiving in Miami, including where to find the best Thanksgiving dinners in Miami—and a few great lunches and brunches, too. The best restaurants in Miami are our local treasures. These are the places we turn to for a delicious meal and a great time, no matter the reason. Our top places to eat in the city are a true mix of flavors and feels, from white tablecloth fine dining—like some of Miami’s best steakhouses—and trendy spots leading the way in culinary innovation to tried-and-tested cheap eats in Miami that never, ever disappoint. Don’t be surprised to run into some of Miami’s best bars on this list either. Where there’s a solid cocktail there’s likely to be an epic dish that follows. Now, who’s ready to dig in? Check back often as we update our roundup of best Miami restaurants with new discoveries and old favorites. Just as we've always done, Time Out’s local experts scour the city every day for great eats, great value and insider info. We emphasize fun, flavor and freshness at every pric

Do you like scary movies? Of course you do. Who doesn’t? Sure, we all have thresholds for the level of scary we’re willing to subject ourselves to. But whether you’re a fiend for the bloodiest, most nauseating shocks available or tap out at shadows and jump scares, everyone enjoys catching a good fright once in a while.  Given the recent box-office successes of franchises like Insidious and The Conjuring, horror has proven to be one of cinema’s most lucrative genres. It wasn’t always that way, though. Decades back, horror was largely a niche interest, ignored by mass audiences and dismissed by critics. It wasn’t really until the past decade, and the artistic and commercial success of films like Get Out, A Quiet Place and Midsommar, that it began to truly get the respect it deserves. In truth, though, horror has always been worthy of respect. After all, if movies are meant you make you feel something, what can make you feel emotions more strongly than a scary movie? So consider this an official reappraisal. Here are the 100 greatest horror movies ever made.  Written by Tom Huddleston, Cath Clarke, Dave Calhoun, Nigel Floyd, Phil de Semlyen, David Ehrlich, Joshua Rothkopf, Nigel Floyd, Andy Kryza, Alim Kheraj and Matthew Singer Recommended: 🔪 The best new horror movies of 2023 (so far)🔥 The 100 best movies of all time👹 Cinema’s creepiest anthology horror movies🩸 The 15 scariest horror movies based on true stories

A country of phenomenal natural beauty mixed with rich culture, it's not surprising Croatia has risen in popularity in recent years. And, the country is extremely good value for money, cheaper than your typical European weekend hotspots. To ensure you get the true, authentic Croatian experience on your trip, booking an Airbnb is a must. From 19th-century lighthouses to luxurious beachside villas, Croatia is home to some of Europe’s most stunning rentals, plenty of which are near famous tourist hotspots. So below we’ve rounded up some of our favourites of the best Airbnbs in Croatia. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Croatia This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. 

Happy Pride Month, one and all! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and to celebrate, we asked Time Out’s LGBTQ+-identifying writers and editors to tell us all about their favourite city on the planet. The resulting list covers all four corners of the globe, from the beaches of Brazil to the creative hub of Glasgow’s Southside. These are cities with a vibrant queer community, cities that support and protect LGBTQ+ citizens and visitors, and cities that are notable hubs for LGBTQ+ life in their respective countries and regions. So, what are the world’s most LGBTQ+-friendly cities? While we couldn’t possibly name them all, these are some of our favourites. RECOMMENDED:🗻 The world’s best places to travel alone🗺 The world’s most underrated travel destinations😎 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world  

Qu'il s'agisse de restaurants bon marché, de certains des meilleures terrasses de la ville ou des institutions de premier ordre, le quartier le plus achalandé de la ville offre bien plus que ce que l'on peut imaginer. Découvrez le plus grand supper club du Canada, l'un de nos spots de sandwichs préférés, le patio le plus Instagrammable de la ville et bien plus encore. RECOMMANDÉ :Les meilleurs nouveaux restaurants où manger pas cher en villeLes 20 meilleurs nouveaux restaurants de Montréal21 meilleurs bars sur des toits à MontréalLes 33 meilleurs restaurants de brunch en ville

Quand vient le temps de trouver des activités à faire au Mile End, il faut garder en tête qu’il s’est hissé au cours des dernières années comme un des quartiers les plus courus en ville, ce qui signifie que vous rencontrerez multiples nouveaux cafés et boutiques. Et même si toutes ces options sont garantes d’un bon moment, nous ne devons pas oublier les fondateurs, ceux qui ont pavé la voie de leur réussite rapide.  Certaines des spécialités culinaires de Montréal se trouvent ici, que ce soient les meilleurs bagels en ville ou les cafés italiens qui carbureront vos marches dans ces quartiers du passé. Cette rencontre de l’ancien et du nouveau contribue à rendre ce quartier attrayant, amusant et, surtout, incontournable pour une visite éclair ou pour y passer la nuit. On comprend pourquoi c’est un des endroits les plus recherchés pour un séjour à Montréal!  RECOMMANDÉ :Pourquoi le Mile End se classe 5e quartier le plus cool au mondeGuide complet des meilleures choses à faire à Montréal

KIIS FM’s annual holiday behemoth’s lineup reads like a roll call of the station’s playlist: Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Niall Horan, Miguel, Flo Rida, AJR, (G)I-DLE and P1Harmony will all take over the Forum this holiday season. The best seats will cost you a boatload, so look out for news of a free pre-show that usually precedes the main event.

Free from the robot clutches of the Transformers franchise and his last, direct-to-Netflix thriller 6 Underground, Michael Bay returns where he belongs: a car chase in Los Angeles surrounded by muscled, sweaty men.  War veteran Will Sharp (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), in dire need of cash to pay for his wife’s unspecified surgery, asks his career criminal adoptive brother Danny (Jake Gyllenhaal) for help as a last recourse. Abdul-Mateen II is the more grounded of the two while Gyllenhaal is giving us crazy-eyes. What’s supposed to be an easy job gets really messy, really quickly, and the two brothers find themselves in a LA-wide police chase with an injured cop in the back of the ambulance they’ve hijacked. If he dies, their sentences will be much more severe. The steely EMT Cam (Eliza Gonzalez) rounds off this unhinged scenario, a relatively sane counterweight to the odd-couple brothers as she tries to keep the cop alive.  Ambulance is a remake of a 2005 Danish film of the same name, but pimped up à la Bay. Something is always happening, very loudly, and everyone is concerned with looking very cool while it happens. Most of the action happens inside the titular ambulance, and credit to Bay for making it feel as cramped and frenetic as the story demands through sweaty close-ups and lunatic banter. His camera goes from trembling close-ups to swooping helicopter shots of his beloved LA at dizzying speed. Something is always happening, very loudly, and everyone is concerned with loo

The Who—that is, Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, some other musicians and two very prominent ghosts—come to town on their “The Who Hits Back!” tour. See them in Anaheim at the Honda Center or at the Hollywood Bowl.

After enduring the long and lonely lockdown, most of us are bursting for things to do over the approaching summer, and here’s a brilliant idea: the picnics-on-the-lawn summer series at Chiswick.   A mainstay of the flashy Eastern suburb of Woollahra, Chiswick has long been one of Sydney’s top dining destinations, whether it be for business lunches, birthdays, weddings or hens-parties. No matter the occasion, it’s hard to think of many venues that so comfortably caters for, and excels at accommodating larger groups. And in a stunning setting to boot. Picnics on the Lawn takes the experience one step further by moving the party out the side door and straight into the garden. Picnics became an unlikely beacon of hope a few months back, signalling our impending release from this latest lockdown. Suddenly Sydney couldn’t get enough of them; we could actually socialise again, outside, with friends, at a picnic! And let’s face it, when the sun is shining there are few places you’d rather be than Sydney. Therein lies the beauty of Picnics on the Lawn. Chiswick has teamed up with Bombay Gin and local luxury picnic purveyors To Dine For to create a carefree, relaxed and totally bougie afternoon in the sun, on the lovely lawns of the Chiswick Gardens. Next time you’re craving a picnic, grab a bunch of your besties and book yourselves in for this truly dreamy experience, all you have to do is turn up. A neatly arranged row of low-lying tables sit atop earthy-toned picnic rugs, plush cush

If you’re making a list and checking it twice, consider this annual shopping event for unique kitchen, pantry and tabletop finds, plus all sorts of foodie goodies. Though GCM has yet to announce a formal holiday market this year, it has started hosting a bazaar every Friday through Sunday in the downstairs basement event space. 

You know it’s summer in L.A. when the live outdoor music starts swelling all over the city, including at MacArthur Park’s Levitt Pavilion. The Westlake concert series returns this summer with free shows every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Expect a genre-spanning mix of local acts that range from cumbia to ska to EDM. Check out the full season lineup below. Courtesy Levitt Pavilion

Throughout the summer, Lower East Side hidden gem Sesh Comedy is hosting a BYOB summer pop-up. Each ticket comes with an alcoholic drink of choice, while BYOB is still encouraged. Each night hosts two shows that run for 75 minutes each, and features comedians from Comedy Central, HBO, Colbert, Netflix, Amazon, and more. Lineups change weekly, so be sure to check out @seshcomedy on Instagram for weekly show details!

Immersive art exhibit Arcadia Earth has reopened after being closed due to the pandemic, and it looks better than ever! The exhibit aims to inspire visitors artistically and ethically, as it uses 15 rooms to spotlight the environmental challenges that our planet is facing (such as overfishing, food waste, and climate change). This exhibit will not only leave visitors in awe, but it will help support Oceanic Global, an organization devoted to raising awareness around our aquatic ecosystems. In addition, a tree will also be planted for every ticket sold, making it a perfect gift for your eco-conscious friends!

Hudson River Park is currently displaying a new public art exhibition, displaying works by graduates from NYC SALT, an arts nonprofit photography program that gives students the opportunity to develop both their artistic and career skills in the field. The exhibition focuses on the diverse and dynamic communities throughout the city that the SALT alumni call home, and features 22 works displayed on 7-by-9 foot panels along the park.

Looking for some hilarious free fun this summer? Every Tuesday night at Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg, the “The Biggest Little Venue in NYC”, comedy fans can gather for a free show at 7pm! The lineups change weekly and can be found on the show’s Instagram and Facebook pages. For the safety of both the performers and the audience, proof of full vaccination is required for attendance. A full-service bar will be available with drinks and snacks for purchase throughout the show. 

Em maedos da década de 
80, Tommaso Buscetta, um importante membro da Cosa Nostra, a máfia da Sicília, tornou-se num dos primeiros arrependidos da história desta organização, fornecendo informações ao juiz anti-máfia Giovanni Falcone. Alguns anos mais tarde, a sua delação levaria à prisão de Totò Riina, o líder
 da Cosa Nostra, desferindo um sério golpe na organização, e conduziria até o antigo primeiro-ministro Giulio Andreotti à barra do tribunal (seria ilibado). Há em Itália uma longa tradição de “filmes de máfia”
(e de séries e telefilmes), sejam mais policiais e de acção, sejam mais documentais ou políticos. O Traidor, de Marco Bellochio, que conta a história de Buscetta, essencialmente a partir da altura em que passou a colaborar com as autoridades, é uma contribuição maior para este acervo. Bellochio apresenta-nos um Buscetta membro da Cosa Nostra “à antiga”. Isto é, antes que o tráfico de droga tenha substituído o de tabaco como a mais lucrativa actividade da organização, levando o monstruoso Riina
ao poder, desencadeando uma guerra no meio do crime siciliano e fazendo tábua rasa dos valores que a orientavam (nunca matar mulheres ou crianças, por exemplo). A certa altura, Buscetta 
(o magnificamente sóbrio Pierfrancesco Favino, que já vimos em Romanzo Criminale ou em Suburra), diz a Falcone ser um desses “homens de honra” dos tempos pré-tráfico de droga 
e massacres indiscriminados. Ao que este responde estar farto do “mito da máfia nobre e honrada”. Bellochio não min

Editor's note: the event is cancelled until further notice. The Wings for Life World Run is a charity running competition that's been held on the first weekend of May since 2014. Zadar is the only Wings for Life World Run race whose route extends along the sea, taking in the beautiful Adriatic coastline as well as much of the pretty city of Zadar. It is the third-largest in the world by the number of participants. In terms of the population of Croatia, it is the largest race of its kind in the country, as well as the race with the highest number of student entrants. In 2019, there were 9000 participants from more than 25 countries.RECOMMENDED: More great sports events in Croatia where you can join in

The historic seat of the noble Pejačević family, set between Osijek and Kutjevo in Našice, Slavonia, will soon reopen its doors after its major conversion to a five-floor museum and wine bar. Pejačević Palace was built in 1812 for the dynasty that produced two Croatian bans or viceroys, and Croatia’s first female composer, Dora Pejačević, whose mortal remains lie in the crypt of the family chapel here following her death after giving birth in 1923. The grand property is still referred to the Big Palace to distinguish it from the little one, also belonging to the Pejačević family in the same grounds. After World War II, it passed into state hands but the interior remained richly furnished, its art collection intact. Davor Javorovic/PIXSELL In 2015, the City of Našice settled legalties with the heirs of the Pejačević family to became the property owners, and initiated the procedure for its protection and restoration. Receiving financing of more than €11 million from the EU Regional Development Fund, the City was able to raise the €13.3 million necessary to carry out the conversion of the palace to a museum. A permanent exhibition will focus on the Pejačević heritage, particularly the life and work of Dora, and the property will also serve as the headquarters for various cultural institutions. Activities can take place on all five floors, from a large multifunctional hall of 100-seat capacity, to the basement earmarked as a wine bar. Paula Bosančić/PIXSELL

A new series of aerial photographs taken by PIXSELL’s S Šime Zelić has revived the mystery of a ship that sank near the lighthouse at Veli Rat exactly 40 years ago. The Italian cargo ship Michelle, which was carrying fertiliser, ran aground in a storm in May 1983 just off the north-western cape of Dugi Otok, a two-hour ferry journey from Zadar. According to testimony from the lighthouse keeper at the time, the savvy sailors took advantage of the conditions and deliberately diverted the ship into the shallows to claim insurance money for the ageing vessel. If they did, it was a rash move, for local residents of Veli Rat had to come to the rescue of the ailing crew. Sime Zelic/PIXSELL While the Italians unloaded the cargo from the stranded ship and left it at the mercy of the sea, the event proved a turning point. After the Michelle disaster, a law was passed to force ship owners to retrieve their own wrecks from the sea. Nevertheless, the Michelle stayed where she was, exposed for four decades to the waves and the weather. The hull remains surprisingly well preserved, the portholes of the lower deck still visible, as well as the mast – as photos show from recent aerial footage. Only one question still hangs over from 1983: who will come and take away Michelle – and who will pay for it?

Kitesurfers come from all over Europe to the Neretva Delta, where the river empties out in the Adriatic at Komin. Here, the Maestral wind blows late afternoons in summer over the long sandy shores lining this spit of land in central Dalmatia, creating the perfect conditions to kitesurf. It was here that Lovre Šuman and a few local enthusiasts set up the Komin Kiteboarding club a decade or so ago. Now Germans, Austrians and Hungarians head this way from the end of May to the end of September. The club also offers tuition for anyone over the age of 12 who wishes to learn: “This sport is specific because it is accessible to everyone and can be learned in just three days with professional assistance,” says Lovre Šuman. “It is more about technique and practice. We spend hours in the sea working on it. Anyone can find their level and those who try fall in love with the sport.” “I was taught by a man from Slovenia who is now 70 and still kitesurfs. There are a lot of people over middle age who want to try it because it is not physically demanding. This one of the most favourable winds in this part of Europe for this sport because it is constant, it blows almost every day and is very good for learning the basics.” Komin Kiteboarding Club

Husband and wife Davor and Zrinka Derković Ivčić have left their busy lives in Zagreb to take care of exotic birds in the unspoilt surroundings of Slavonia. Becoming familiar with colourful birdlife while on holiday in Tenerife, visiting the island’s Loro Park, the pair decided to set up their own parrot breeding farm, buying their first bird from Kokolo farm in Križevci. As their birds were more and more numerous, space in their Zagreb flat became smaller and smaller. They decided to sell it and buy a house in order to provide their menagerie with a more comfortable home. That’s when they moved to Samatovci near Osijek in Slavonia. They acquired a site of three hectares and set up their own company, ‘Only Exotic’. “We often used to rent a house in Slavonia to escape from the hustle and bustle of Zagreb. We would enjoy peace, animals and local food. In addition, we believe that the Osijek-Baranja County encourages the work of young entrepreneurs,” they told Pixsell’s Paula Bosančić. Davor Javorovic/PIXSELL In addition to taking care of their birds, Davor and Zrinka are also turning to rural tourism. In their house in Samatovci, they plan to provide guests with accommodation, homemade Slavonian food and massage treatments. They aim to open a family hotel for pets with a personalised approach, where guests can spend time with their pets or leave them in care. Davor and Zrinka would love to share their knowledge with others and plan to make presentations and hold education abo

A beach strewn with rubbish in a hidden cove at Štinjan near Pula has been transformed into an idyllic seaside attraction thanks to the tireless work of a local bar owner and his wife. In 2016, Mario Krekman and his wife were walking their dog when they came across a beach that had been used as a rubbish dump for years. Instead of ignoring it, the couple contacted the local council, which carried out a minimal clean-up. Then Mario decided to take matters into his own hands. He and his wife designed an eco-friendly bar ideal for the surroundings, a minimalist oasis for relaxation. They presented the idea to the council and got the go-ahead. Over six months, they transformed the beach completely, making furniture and the interior from the wood they found there and in the surrounding forests. They also repurposed old waste, coming up with a name and motto for their new initiative: the Lost Bay beach bar, under the watchwords No Plastic Is Fantastic. Music shows, art exhibitions and various other cultural happenings now bring plenty of visitors to this once neglected slice of coast north-west of Pula. For more details, see here.  Paula Bosančić

Elegir los lugares más bonitos del mundo no es tarea fácil. Después de todo, ¿cómo se puede comparar una cascada atronadora con una ciudad iluminada por faroles? ¿O de una colina con los colores del arcoíris a una reluciente mezquita blanca? La buena noticia es que el planeta no está sujeto a los mismos estándares rígidos de belleza que los humanos. Ya sea una pequeña isla, un país entero o un templo budista, todo vale en nuestra lista de los lugares más bellos del mundo. En todos los continentes se pueden encontrar algunos de los sospechosos habituales y recomendados por cualquier viajero (después de todo, ¿qué es una lista de lugares hermosos sin las salinas de Bolivia?) junto con algunos de los lugares de belleza menos conocidos del mundo o incluso destinos infravalorados a pesar de su belleza, todos elegidos por la red de escritores de viajes trotamundos de Time Out, que han experimentado personalmente la belleza de cada lugar en esta lista. El ranking lo encabeza Kotor Bay, en Montenegro, con la silueta de la fortaleza medieval zigzagueando por los escarpados acantilados como desafiando a la gravedad. En segundo lugar, Islandia, concida como 'la tierra del fuego y el hielo' por la existencia de volcanes y aguas termales, campos de lava y glaciares en un mismo territorio. El top 3 lo completa Marruecos con Erg Chebbi, "el tramo de arena más evocador que se pueda imaginar", como sugiere Jeremy Flint, el viajero que lo recomienda como uno de los lugares más bellos del mundo

A major archaeological discovery off the island of Korčula has attracted the attention of experts around the world. Recently, during underwater research at the submerged site of Soline, archaeologists discovered a 7,000-year-old road in Gradina bay that connected the settlement with the coast of Korčula. During subsequent research, Igor Borzić from Zadar University then noticed strange structures in the sea, which triggered further investigation. This May, he and his colleagues hit upon a settlement four to five metres down, identical to the one in Soline. These neatly arranged stone slabs were part of a road four metres wide. It once linked a settlement on an artificially created islet off the Korčula coast. Divers then uncovered flint blades, stone axes and fragments of grindstones from the Neolithic era. Thanks to earlier radiocarbon analyses of preserved wood from the Soline site, it was possible to determine that the entire historical settlement dates back to around 4,900 years before Christ. This means that people used this newly discovered road almost 7,000 years ago.

After a year and a half of intensive renovation, the former coal mine at Raša in eastern Istria has been reopened, repurposed as a tourist attraction. The local municipality has invested €870,000 into this authentic mining museum, 1.5 kilometres of accessible tunnel that welcomed its first visitors this July. Along with the museum, a miner’s lodging was also built, an authentic evocation of the miner’s everyday life, both inside and outside the mine. The Kova Experience tour lasts 2.5 hours and shows every aspect of the miner’s hard and dangerous work. Currently tours are only given in Croatian, with English-friendly ones available through Arsiana (Croatian-only) or email info@arsiana.hr. This tourist project, in addition to reviving the history and industrial heritage of Raša, highlights the importance of mining activity in the area, which dates back to the Venetians. After World War I, and Italy taking power in Istria, in 1935 Mussolini approved a loan of five million lire to construct the Raša settlement from scratch. The entire town was built in just 547 days and is an architectural and industrial curiosity in its own right. From 1928 to 1966, more than 10,000 miners worked here.  Paula Bosančić

Do you remember the Trocadero? Back in the day it was a palace of arcade games, cinemas and fast food: a teenager’s heaven. The entertainment centre closed down in 2014 and London was worse for it, but the building will live to see another day. The former site of the Troc has been bought by a property developer and is being turned into a three-storey house of prayer and Islamic centre. The central London mosque will have space for 390 worshippers. It’s being opened by Asif Aziz, a developer known as ‘Mr West End’ who owns almost 40 London properties. The tycoon copped the building all the way back in 2005 for £220 milllion and is funding the place of worship with the charity arm of his business, the Aziz Foundation. It’s thought the Islamic centre could be ready for use within the next few months, opening as the ‘Piccadilly Prayer Space’.  Part of the nineteenth-century building is home to the 490-room Zedwell hotel, which will remain as it is. The mosque will take over a space that once housed a Metro cinema but has been vacant since 2006.  London’s muslim community has been waiting for a large central London mosque for quite a few years. Proposals for a 1,000-capacity mosque on the site were withdrawn in 2020 following backlash from far-right groups and some residents. But Westminster Council has now approved a planning application for the smaller centre for worship.  ‘It was like being in a sci-fi movie’: Londoners share their favourite memories of the Trocadero. It’s offi

In recent years, craft beer in Croatia has exploded in popularity, giving rise to several ubiquitous brands found in bars and on shelves across the country. Here's our top seven... © The Garden Brewery The Garden Brewery The first craft brewery in Croatia to produce beer in cans, they're also the one on this list you're most likely to find on foreign shelves, their global profile raised by the venue and festivals of the same name in Zadar. Using all-natural ingredients including fresh hops from America, Japan, Germany and Slovenia, their pale ales and pilsners are of particular note. The tap room at Slavonska avenija 26/1 is open from 10am till late daily. More details. Križevačko Almost every craft-beer producer in Croatia brews pale ales but Križevačko is one of the few to make APAs. They don't bottle or can their beer, these can be found in draught form only. Established in 2013, the brewery has a line of unfiltered wheat beers, pale lagers and hoppy beers, most over 6-7%. More details. Medvedgrad One of the first independent craft breweries in the country, and an early adopter of additive-free processes, Medvedgrad has been brewing for over 20 years. Producing a variety of bitter lagers, IPA's, small batch seasonal beers, they are one of the biggest names in the business. Check out their brewery bar and restaurant with a leafy outdoor terrace on Ilica 49 in Zagreb. More details. PriMarius PriMarius One of the youngest and smallest breweries, this one-man-operation tu

Full of natural wonders, Croatia has been known as a major destination for spa tourism ever since Roman times. As well as popular spots north of Zagreb blessed with healing waters, resorts such as Opatija were developed in the late 1800s for the upper echelons of European society, who would flock to this part of coast for healthy getaways in opulent hotels. In more modern times, upscale contemporary hotels the length of Croatia make use of rare medicinal plants and local muds to offer guests specialised treatments prepared and administered by experts. Here is a handful of recommended destinations around Croatia, long renowned for their health-giving benefits: ©Istarske Toplice Istarske Toplice The Romans certainly enjoyed bathing in the healing waters of Istarske Toplice in northern Istria – we know this, as 2,000-year-old remains have been found around the spring here, set beneath a towering rock. The spa draws upon the spring waters of Sveti Stjepan, their unique mineral composition said to be good for everything from chronic rheumatic diseases to post-op rehabilitation. Surrounded by the Motovun forest, guests here can also enjoy a number of outdoor activities in a relaxed bucolic setting. Krapinske Toplice Located within Krapina-Zagorje County, easily accessible from Zagreb, the thermal spa of Krapinske Toplice is fed by waters of temperatures around 40ºC, rich in calcium and magnesium content. People have long been coming here seeking relief for everything from spine c

Historic home of the iconic Lipizzaner breed associated with the Habsburg monarchy, Croatia has a long relationship with horses and horsemanship. You still visit the renowned Lipizzaner stud farm in Đakovo, among the fertile flatlands of Slavonia that provide the perfect terrain for the many riding schools here. Although the specific classic breed was only brought over from Lipica in 1806, the stables of Đakovo had already nurtured thousands of high-quality stallions sired from the 90 Arab horses documented as being here 300 years before. Light grey Lipizzaner still demonstrate their highly trained dressage skills at the Spanish Riding School within the Hofburg in Vienna. Ivo Biočina/CNTBLipik The Đakovo Stud Farm, meanwhile, actually has consists of two stations, the main one in this pretty Slavonian town, and a smaller one at nearby Ivandvor. Another key equine hub is Bjelovar-Bilogora County, further west towards Zagreb. The hussars of the Bjelovar Border Guards date back to 1756 and still perform at showcase events around Croatia and abroad, maintaining a link with the military cavalry history of the Habsburg era. Here, the Bilogora Horseback Tourist Trail runs for 90 kilometres, dotted with 15 equestrian associations and ten rural tourism farms, providing guides, local gastronomy and lodging. Beginners can start out with riding lessons in the enclosures and pastures of Čazma. More experienced riders can try out the longer-distance and trickier terrains of Papuk, also w