Destinations

Sprawling over more than 2000 sq miles and heaving with upwards of 15 million residents, Istanbul is massive – and often mired in traffic. But this megacity is also crisscrossed by a large array of reasonably well-integrated transport options.  Even better news for visitors is that most major sights, historic neighborhoods and other key attractions

Author of Lonely Planet’s Dark Skies guidebook Valerie Stimac shares her favorite places for seeing the stars in all their glory.  Standing in the starlight under the swath of the Milky Way, the pristine night sky is one of the most incredible wonders many of us have not seen – and which is under threat due to the

Nashville may be best known as the home of country music, but this dynamic city contains multitudes – you can catch up-and-coming talent on intimate stages, eat at some of the South’s best restaurants or hike through gorgeous wetlands bursting with wildlife.  Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Nashville. Explore the

Navigating Havana’s confusing dual economy can be a tricky proposition, even to Cubans. However, it’s still possible to enjoy a reasonably priced trip to the Caribbean’s largest city if you’re willing to be flexible and acquire a basic understanding of the local mecánica (Cuban way of doing things). Here are some hints on how to

In a city where few people own cars, the residents of Havana are accustomed to getting around on public transportation. But what might be simple for locals isn’t always easy to understand for visitors. Poor signage and idiosyncratic rules can make navigating Havana’s transport system tricky for unversed tourists. In contrast to other cities of

There are a multitude of ways to get around Nigeria. Millions of Nigerians use various kinds of public and private mass transit options each day, ranging from taxis and buses to motorcycles and tricycles. Wherever you are in the country, you can always get to where you want to go – and often cheaply too.

Nashville is a dynamic place, and if you stick to one neighborhood, you’re only getting part of the story. When it comes to navigating Music City’s neighborhoods, think of Nashville as a flower – downtown sits at its center, and each of its adjacent neighborhoods blooms out like a petal. Downtown, the Gulch and 12 South

As an island nation with nearly three-quarters of its terrain smothered in mountains, Japan seems custom-built for scenic road trips. Whether you’re swerving along the asphalt in the wild and expansive north, skirting the towering bluffs and wave-battered coasts of western Honshu, or winding through the archipelago of the Inland Sea, you can’t beat the

A world-class city, Athens is crammed with attractions and entertainment that can fill weeks of any visitor’s time. But a number of other outstanding destinations are located within easy reach of the Greek capital – whether you travel by boat, public transport or with your own wheels. From ancient ruins to island beaches, these day trips from

Havana has three indispensable city center neighborhoods that travelers with more than a couple of days on their hands should visit.  There’s beautifully restored Habana Vieja (Old Havana), a celebrated Unesco World Heritage site; gritty Centro Habana, where theatrical street life plays out alongside palatial civic buildings and nationally important museums; and the more modern

No matter your age, California is one big playground. From frolicking among the towering Redwoods along the north coast to digging your toes in the sand of Southern California’s picture-perfect beaches, both the young and the young-at-heart have plenty of ways to explore the Golden State. To help craft the perfect plan, we turned to

Nashville takes the science of entertainment seriously, making it a lively place to visit year round. That said, Music City adopts many different personalities throughout the year and assessing your areas of interest (and your tolerance for heat and severe weather) prior to booking a trip will ensure you make the most of your adventure

Not many destinations astonish like Venice – the city’s staggering beauty and unique setting knows few rivals on the continent (or anywhere, for that matter).  Sauntering about Venice’s distinctive web of waterways, canals and bridges as a family evokes Walt Disney World-level marvel and awe around every turn, each nook and cranny wowing kids and

At first glance, Cuba has a transportation network to make traveling around the country an easy ride, including an extensive train system and 900km (560 miles) of highways that link up towns throughout the island. But getting around Cuba isn’t easy. Public transport isn’t well designed for visitors – you need to book ahead or know

A trip to Kenya is synonymous with safari, and rightfully so. Kenya’s national parks teem with wildlife, with the most famous being Maasai Mara Game Reserve, famous for the Big Five – lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant and buffalo – and the Nilotic Maasai tribe with their distinct red traditional shuka (checkered cloth). But Kenya

Of course you’re going to Bermuda for the beaches. But there’s much more to do on this tiny island in the Atlantic Ocean than plonk yourself on the sand. While Bermuda is not part of the Caribbean, it shares the same history of colonial influences, pirate outlaws and distilling rum, and a similarly fascinating hinterland

Emptied your pockets on world-class habanos cigars and Cuban añejo rum? Don’t fret, Havana still has plenty to offer you.  From stunning views to small, leafy gardens hidden in plain sight and underground bunkers dating back to the Cold War, these seven free things to do in Havana will make going gratis a breeze. Get local

New York City’s extensive public transit system is a source of both pride and frustration for its millions of residents. The subway system can be hot, stuffy and prone to delays, and navigating the city at street level becomes an icy ordeal in winter – that’s before you even mention the crowds.  The time of

Travelers have plenty to look forward to on their trip to culturally rich Ghana. Ghana’s warm-hearted citizens make the country one of the friendliest spots in West Africa, and with its compelling history, vibrant clothing prints and flavorful dishes, tourists keep coming back for more. Life in Ghana generally moves at a slow, relaxed pace,

Our slow travel series explores how you can take more mindful journeys by train, boat, bus or bike – with tips on how to reach your no-fly destination, and what to see and do along the way. Below, Lonely Planet contributing editor Brian Healy reports on the best way to see the splendor of Holland’s