Destinations

De Madrid al cielo (‘from Madrid to heaven’) is a popular local expression that fittingly describes the Spanish capital. With historic landmarks, an array of culinary choices, picturesque plazas and world-famous nightlife, there’s a little piece of heaven awaiting every traveler. Take some time to explore Madrid’s sunlit barrios (neighborhoods) and you’ll discover pockets of

Cosmopolitan Mexico City can seem somewhat pricey by Mexican standards, but when you factor in all the free activities on offer, it’s practically a bargain. From first-rate museums and inspiring public art to invigorating hikes and live music, many of the cultural capital’s premier attractions won’t set you back a single peso. You won’t pay

Itching to hit the open road in Mexico? We have five epic drives to fuel your wanderlust. Winding through the country’s most stunning regions, these classic itineraries take you to jungle-set Maya ruins, dramatic turquoise coastlines and culturally rich colonial cities, not to mention a slew of remote places best reached by car. The distances provided are

Prague is a city that knows how to surprise. Wander its beautiful medieval core, and you’ll soon be bumping into both fairytale vistas and provocative street art. At night, small, dimly lit doorways can lead to vast convivial beer halls, whereas riotous music clubs hide behind grand Art Deco facades. Whatever brings you to the

“Where locals go” is our new series featuring under-the-radar holiday destinations that are often overlooked by visitors but cherished by locals. In this edition, our Italy experts showcase their favorite holiday spots at home. Italians are well aware of their country’s charms and when in need of a holiday, they usually head to the mountains

Our landing gear touches down with a gushing wake in Goose Bay, Labrador – “Goose” in local parlance. The thundering downpours that surround us are the reason why we arrive a day early. Getting weather-bound is a common occurrence while waiting for the final leg to the ancestral lands of the Northern Labrador Inuit, over

So you’re thinking about visiting Madrid? You’ve made an excellent choice. Spain’s capital is an extremely friendly destination that happily accommodates tourists while still retaining its unique identity. Duck down any side street, away from the souvenir stalls selling magnets and flammable flamenco frocks, and you’ll discover pretty little squares, dusty 100-year-old artisanal shops and

Stretching along the sinewy curves of the Douro River, Porto is a city of hilly cobblestone lanes, avant-garde museums and grand architectural monuments that date back to the Middle Ages. It’s also a top city for culinary adventures amid northern Portugal’s finest restaurants and wine bars. You’ll find maze-like neighborhoods that are a delight (mostly) to

Depending on whom you ask, the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia is either at the pizza shop without a phone number, in a Home Depot parking lot, or only available in the visitors’ clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park baseball stadium.  Other regions may have their signature dishes, but in Philly, the cheesesteak is our civic identity.

Portugal is one of the most family friendly countries in Europe. Children are an integral part of daily life, and they’re happily welcomed anywhere, from museums and restaurants to town squares and theaters. Cities are rife with parks, playgrounds, while the rest of the country is a perfectly preserved natural paradise.  With 300 days of

Is Venice overpriced? In some ways, sure, but not in others. The bad news is that hotels and restaurants tend to charge premium rates in this small city, where there’s no room to build anything new, and public transport tickets are eye-watering. But then there’s the good: the main sights are free, cheap bar snacks

Lonely Planet’s People You Meet series profiles people we think you should meet on your journey – those who make lasting impressions and help you connect more deeply with the destination.  “How do you like my artwork?” says Almir Ahmetagic, a wry smile creeping across his face as he points to a large dent in

Little did I know when I moved to Switzerland a decade ago, that I’d still be here now. But with its supermodel looks, fine weather, easy-peasy public transport, multilingual mindset and penchant for cheese and wine, this is a country where it’s easy to get comfortable – even if it is a bit on the

Looking for a glorious country to explore with kids? Italy might be just what you need. People are patient and accommodating and there’s no shortage of things to do, from treasure-hunting in Roman ruins to castle-building on sandy beaches. Add brilliant food to the mix and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an unforgettable family

Queen Charlotte lives in another universe. A never-ending whirl of razor-precision etiquette, high society balls and lavish entertainment. Days and nights are spent well away from the humdrum outside world within the walls of vast country piles or stuccoed, high-society city townhouses. It all looks a bit of a blast, and highlights the charms of

In this series, Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors answers your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. Editorial director Fin McCarthy took on this query from a female traveling alone. Question: I’m traveling through Europe this summer staying in hostels. Some places only have mixed dorms

When I booked a flight to Buenos Aires a few years ago, I hadn’t done much research and didn’t know what to expect. In fact, I was just planning to use Buenos Aires as a stopping point on my way to Montevideo, Uruguay, where I was meeting some friends. But after arriving in balmy Buenos

Lonely Planet social media editor Deepa Lakshmin recently returned from a visit to Ireland, where she took a bus tour of some of the country’s most dramatic coastal scenery. Here, she shares some insights and tips for anyone planning a similar trip. I landed in Ireland as I typically do whenever I’m visiting a country for

Boston is certainly up there on the list of US cities with a high cost of living, which – unfortunately – can also mean a high cost of traveling. The biggest challenge is affordable accommodations, as hotels are pricey in this city of expensive real estate and packed event calendars. Fortunately, there are ways to

Here’s the scene: I’m visiting my future husband’s family in Boston for the first time. His mother asks if I want a tonic. It seems like an odd offer, but it sounds refreshing so I accept. Then she brings me an orange soda. What?  You’ve probably guessed that tonic is the word for soda in