How To Spend A Day In Bristol, England

Voted the happiest city in England, Bristol seems to have it all: hills, plenty of water, brilliant architecture and art, proximity to the countryside as well as the Atlantic Ocean, and cafes and restaurants galore — so many good ones, in fact, that the city was named the world’s best culinary destination in 2019. And to think that all this can be found a mere 1.5-hour train ride from London…

Bristol, with just over half a million inhabitants, is small enough to be walkable despite a handful of steep hills, and large enough to offer great shopping and a cosmopolitan feel. For those who love great architecture, a picturesque and bustling harbor, good food, and art — from the Old Masters to street art — Bristol is the perfect place for a day trip.

Let’s assume you arrive from London by train at Bristol Temple Meads and walk from there. You can find my favorite things to do in Bristol in order as you walk.

Here’s how to spend a great day in Bristol.

Saint Nicholas Market in Bristol, England. — Marco Fine / Shutterstock

Browse Saint Nicholas Market

You can either walk down Victoria Street and cross the Bristol Bridge to get to the old part of the city (roughly a 10-minute walk), or you can hop on a waterbus and take a more scenic trip between Temple Meads Station Landing and Castle Park Landing. The ferries come every few minutes and are cheap, with prices depending on how many stops you pass.

First, pop into Bristol’s oldest market, Saint Nicholas Market, which dates to 1743. It’s a covered market full of small stalls selling everything from arts and crafts to local produce, and there are many tempting street-food stalls, should you feel peckish after your journey.

The Saxon fortified settlement bounded by Saint Nicholas Street, Leonard Lane, Bell Lane, and Tower Lane is the most historic part of Bristol. Nearby is the former entrance to the walled city, Saint John’s Gate.

The Bristol Harbor in England. — Stu22 / Shutterstock

Head To The Harbor

Meander down the small lanes and past the picturesque Queen’s Square to the harbor. This array of waterways hints at Bristol’s past as a thriving port with easy access to the ocean and is one of the few instances in which a city harbor was reinvented and modernized successfully.

Here you’ll find countless cafes and restaurants, the M Shed with its displays on Bristol’s history, and the We The Curious interactive science museum. Both museums are worth spending an hour or so in if you can spare the time. But don’t linger too long, since there is plenty more to see. You’ll be heading up College Green next.

Banksy's Well Hung Lover in Bristol. — lindsayscott72 / Flickr

Keep Your Eyes Peeled For Banksy’s Street Art

The most famous street artist of our day is Banksy, with his politically aware, ironic, and to-the-point pieces. Bristol is his hometown, so his work can be found around the city. One of his earliest works is Well Hung Lover, also known as Naked Man Hanging From Window, which can be seen from College Green on the bridge crossing Frogmore Street. Keep your eyes peeled for other works, or download the app called Banksy Bristol Trail to make sure you don’t miss any.

Inside the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. — 1000 Words / Shutterstock

Visit The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

At the top of this not-too-steep hill, you’ll find the beautiful university buildings and the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, one of my favorite museums. It has a quirky and eclectic collection of art, ceramics, and natural science exhibits — and even an airplane hanging in its grand entrance hall. Not too big and free to enter, it has something to keep anyone enthralled for an hour or so.

Clifton Village in Bristol, England. — Edinburghcitymom / Shutterstock

Explore Clifton Village

Keep following Queens Road until you get to the lovely Victoria Square in Clifton Village. This residential area, incidentally my second home, allows you to experience one of the reasons Bristol has been voted the happiest city in England. As you leave the square through the arch on the far side, you step into a bustling village full of little cafes and shops, market stalls, and lovely buildings. Examine the old Clifton Arcade, have a drink at The Albion, and then head up Clifton Down Road through the park full of friendly squirrels and take a left at Gloucester Row.

Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. — Claudio Divizia / Shutterstock

Cross The Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge, one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s masterpieces, is stunning to behold. Crossing the Avon Gorge some 336 feet above the river, the elegant bridge was completed in 1864, although it was designed and funded back in 1753. Depending on your schedule, you can either walk across to the visitor center on the other side or take the path down through the park and enjoy the views of the bridge towering above the river’s cliffs.

Once you are back on the river level, head back toward the city along the riverside paths.

The SS Great Britain in Bristol. — chrisdorney / Shutterstock

Admire Brunel’s SS Great Britain

You will soon come across Brunel’s steamship, the SS Great Britain, which at its launch in 1843 was the largest ship in the world and is still beautiful to look at. It has been reinvented as a museum on Bristol’s maritime history and Brunel’s work, but it’s just as good to look at from across the river.

After walking all day up and down Bristol’s hills, you’ve got a couple choices. You could walk a little more through the modern city center for some shopping around Cabot Circus. Otherwise, you could take it easy, enjoying the views from the river back up to the colorful houses on the top of the hill, and take the waterbus back to Bristol Temple Meads.

Eating And Drinking In Bristol

As I mentioned, Bristol is a superb destination for foodies and offers a wide selection of dining options, from street-food stalls and relaxed little pubs to fancy restaurants and everything in between. From traditional English food — if you are in town on a Sunday, make sure to stop for a classic Sunday roast with Yorkshire puddings — to international cuisine, you will come across every conceivable kind of food on your walk. And since you have walked so much, you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging in it.

Here are some of my favorite places to eat.

Pinkmans Bakery

Just opposite the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Pinkmans Bakery is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, sweet treats, and cake. It has been voted one of the top 25 bakeries in the UK, and often you’ll find people lining up to buy the tasty sourdough donuts. Whatever time of day — be it breakfast, lunchtime, or just coffee time — it’s definitely worth popping in to Pinkmans.

Pigsty

Down by the harbor, inside a redesigned cargo container, is Pigsty. The clue is in the name, as this tiny little place specializes in all things pork. From bacon rolls and sausage sandwiches to pork belly and daily specials, you can pig out on good old comfort food. A small venue with a small menu, this place is fun, full of locals, and delivers on its part-street food, part-restaurant approach. It also serves some good craft beers and ciders.

Ivy Clifton Brasserie

I am a sucker for restaurants inside beautiful historic buildings, and the Ivy Clifton Brasserie certainly qualifies. Located near the Mall Gardens in Clifton Village, this airy restaurant with its grand bar offers casual dining in a lovely setting. You can choose from all-time favorites and daily specials, and so far, everything I’ve tried has been superb.

Looking for more days trips from London? Check out this list.

How To Have The Perfect Saint Moritz Weekend Getaway — Even If You Don’t Ski

If you had asked me what to do in Saint Moritz before I visited, I would have had a one-word answer: ski. And since I don’t ski, the stunning Swiss Alps town was never on my bucket list.

Luckily, a weekend at the swanky winter-only hideaway Carlton Hotel introduced me to the wealth of reasons the Upper Engadine of Switzerland has been a vacation destination for luxury-seekers for more than a century.

I rode the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Express from Zurich, a spectacular activity on its own featuring twists and turns through 55 tunnels and more than 100 gravity-defying trestle bridges.

When I arrived, it was immediately apparent why Saint Moritz has been a popular winter resort for centuries. With 322 days of sunshine per year, crystal-clear skies, and “champagne air,” plus a reputation as the cultural center of the Alps, Saint Moritz offers a lot besides skiing. In fact, I spent several days exploring the town and the surrounding area and never once met a visitor who was headed to the slopes.

Here’s how to have the perfect weekend in Saint Moritz — no skis required.

Water polo on frozen Lake Moritz. — Melissa Klurman

Watch Horses Gallop Across Ice

Did you know that horses like ice? I didn’t either. But in the height of winter, when Lake Moritz is frozen solid (2 feet is the minimum), a tented village springs up on the ice, and equestrian sports fans from across Europe come to watch Thoroughbreds in a frozen wonderland.

Start your weekend at one of the equestrian events held throughout the winter, like White Turf — featuring horse races along the snow-covered ice track — or Snow Polo. I attended the latter, and it was fabulous. Teams galloped across the snow-dusted ice while an announcer called the fast-paced action and riled up the crowd.

It’s free to watch the races and matches, but you must pay approximately $60 for a seat in the stands. I opted for the stands, and my admission included a glass of Perrier-Jouet bubbly, canapes (served with a real cloth napkin!), and a fleece blanket.

Almost as surprising as horses on ice, the sun was so strong that I had to take my coat off!

A sleigh ride through Saint Moritz. — Konektus Photo / Shutterstock

Cuddle Up On A Sleigh Ride

If the horses aren’t running during your visit, or if you simply want to get closer to the equine action and immerse yourself in the winter wonderland, take an afternoon ride on a horse-drawn carriage. The horses will transport you through the snow-dusted forest and past the frozen lake. Along the way, you can nibble on a picnic of delicacies and sip champagne in classic Saint Moritz style.

Enjoy High-Altitude Art

Saint Moritz is the cultural center of the Upper Engadine area, and you could spend an entire morning exploring the dozen or so museums and galleries that adorn the town. Among the highlights are the Vito Schnabel Gallery with its soaring rooms featuring rotating contemporary art exhibits, the century-old domed Segantini Museum dedicated to the work of renowned local painter Giovanni Segantini, and Galerie Karsten Greve with its ever-changing array of international avant-garde works.

Slide Into Sledding

Saint Moritz has hosted the Olympics twice, and one of the remainders of its time raising the rings is the Olympia Bob Run, a world-class bobsled track made of natural ice. If you’re feeling daring, you can sign up to slide down the track at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour.

Or if you’re like me and want to take things much easier, you can spend the afternoon coasting down the longest sled run in Switzerland, the Schlittel-Bahnorama, which sluices down the mountain from Preda to Bergun. Getting there is half the fun on the efficient and incredibly scenic railway (a 20-minute ride).

Once you arrive in Preda, rent a wooden sledge and then coast down the nearly 4-mile run (about 45 minutes; $15 for unlimited rides). At the end, I returned my sled in the storybook town of Bergun and enjoyed a delicious meal of traditional (read: heavy and delicious) Swiss dishes at a local cafe.

A bowl of pizzoccheri from Switzerland. — Iakov Filimonov / Shutterstock

Eating In Saint Moritz

Pack your stretchy pants: You’ll be tempted by some of the richest cuisine in all of Europe in Saint Moritz, and it’s all worth every single calorie.

Since the Alps sit at the German and Italian borders, you’ll hear Italian and German being spoken, as well as French (the other country bordering Switzerland), English, and the local language of Romansh.

What does this mean for the cuisine? You can expect the best of all of these food-tastic destinations — and carbs aplenty. Almost every meal will include pasta, potatoes, risotto, cheese — and also truffles, a result of being near Italy and the unusual market of international foodies. During my stay, truffles made an appearance in several forms, including shaved on pizza and mixed into a cheese fondue.

Here are some local dishes and restaurants to try.

Pizzoccheri

For a taste of the Swiss Alps in one bowl, this heavy, hearty, and very delicious dish is a must. It combines buckwheat tagliatelle, potatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce, almost as if chefs from Italy and Germany met at the Swiss border and added their pasta and potatoes to a traditional fondue. It’s the perfect post-sledding food (especially if you have a nap planned for later in the day).

Rosti

Rosti are sheet-thin, crisp-edged, golden-brown potato pancakes that can be piled with toppings such as smoked salmon, ham, and sour cream. Try them at Hanselmann, a historic (and affordable) all-day cafe that’s also known for its stellar pastries.

Gourmet Dining

Michelin stars illuminate the restaurant scene in Saint Moritz like shining constellations in the night sky. The town is such an upscale dining magnet for foodies that there’s a culinary Olympics every winter where you can eat a single course at each hotel’s starred restaurant in a unique progressive dinner.

If your stay doesn’t coincide with the event, treat yourself to a multicourse feast at Da Vittorio, where Italian influences are seen in dishes such as the Paccheri Da Vittorio (fist-size pasta tubes served with a tomato-and-cheese sauce crafted tableside) and a Perigord truffle topped with ravioli. Dinner ends with a French touch: an apple tarte Tatin with layers of apples so thin it takes the pastry chef 4 hours to layer them.

The main shopping street in Saint Moritz. — Fed Photography / Shutterstock

Shopping In Saint Moritz

Saint Moritz’s main shopping thoroughfare, Via Serlas, feels like Madison Avenue in the Alps. There are decadent shops that are home to the most illustrious international designers — think Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada — plus a surprising number of shops dedicated to full-length fur fashion. The window-shopping is delicious, and if you have the budget, you’ll find the newest collections to choose from. If you’re not a luxury brand shopper, there’s still one sweet way to take in the shopping scene.

Chocolate is a Swiss specialty, and the Laderach shop is where to find delectable gourmet versions of truffles, macaroons, and the shop’s own sweet specialty, FrischSchoggi (thick planks of hand-poured milk, dark, and white chocolate studded with nuts, berries, or pieces of honey toffee). A selection of card-shaped pieces carved from 4-foot long planks starts at about $19.

Where To Stay In Saint Moritz

Saint Moritz is known for its luxury accommodations — there are five five-star hotels in the town of just 5,000 people.

The glamorous Carlton Hotel Saint Moritz has been at the top of best-of lists since it premiered in 1913. In the 60 plush, lake-facing suites, every detail feels completely personalized, yet never stuffy. Whether you’re sipping champagne in front of the roaring fireplace or splashing in the spa’s outdoor pool (yes, the sun is that warm), you’ll feel taken care of.

My sumptuous suite channeled designer Carlo Rampazzi’s penchant for plush materials, with damask and gold drapes and a posh velour settee. The mahogany dining table was the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast with a view of the shimmering lake.

And since the Carlton is only open in the winter, it’s the perfect excuse to plan a cold-weather weekend stay.

How To Spend A Weekend In Springfield, Illinois

You probably know Springfield, Illinois, as the home of President Abraham Lincoln. The city does an outstanding job promoting its connection to the 16th president of the United States. While you can tour the Lincoln presidential library, home, and other sites of interest, there are other neat attractions in the area, from stately historic homes to a beautiful botanical garden to a retro Route 66 eatery.

If you’ve got a weekend in Illinois’s capital city, you’ll want to explore the history and culture Springfield offers. Here are some of the best things to do in the area.

Lincoln home and national historic site. — eurobanks / Shutterstock.com

Follow In The Footsteps Of Abraham Lincoln

Springfield is home to Lincoln’s law office, his home, and his impressive presidential museum and library. It was the city the president called home and where he planned to retire. Sadly, he never got a chance to do so, since he was assassinated shortly after the Civil War ended in victory for the Union. Today, visitors can learn more about Lincoln’s life and legacy at the many Lincoln-related attractions in Springfield.

Located in the center of the city, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum provides a look into Lincoln’s life, from his childhood in Kentucky to his legal and political careers. The museum tells the president’s story in an informative and engaging way. Tours cost $15 per adult, but people 62 and older can get in for $12.

After visiting the library and museum, head over to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, which is maintained by the National Park Service. The two-story wooden structure is located in a neighborhood that showcases life in the mid-1800s. Inside, the home features furniture from that era as well as some family items. The house tour is free and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

As you trace the president’s footsteps, be sure to stop by the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, where the president practiced law before his election. Nearby is the Old State Capitol, famous for being the site of Lincoln’s “House Divided” speech. Inside the former capitol building, you can view exhibits that cover political life in Springfield during the time period. As you stroll around the downtown area, you’ll spot a number of Lincoln-related historical markers.

Lincoln, his wife, and three of their four sons are interred at the Lincoln Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Consider stopping by to pay your respects.

The Dana-Thomas House in Springfield. — Dietmar Rauscher / Shutterstock

Tour Springfield’s Notable Homes

Frank Lloyd Wright was considered the best architect of his time. He designed more than 1,000 buildings (more than half were built) and catered to the dreams of the social elite.

The socialite Susan Lawrence Dana sought to have the world-famous Wright design a home for her in Springfield. The Dana-Thomas House, constructed in 1902, was the 72nd house designed by Wright and contains 35 rooms on three levels. The 12,000-square-foot Prairie School-style home features special art glass and furniture featuring Wright’s signature straight lines and 90-degree angles. Today, visitors can tour the elegant home for a reasonable donation.

Springfield’s oldest house located on its original foundation, the Edwards Place Historic Home, was constructed in 1833. Built for Benjamin Edwards, an attorney and the son of the Illinois Governor Ninian Edwards, the home served as the scene of major social events and hosted dignitaries such as Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. The home was often used for political rallies as well as picnics. With its Victorian-era furnishings, the home showcases life as it was in the late 1850s.

From March through December, the home offers tours Tuesday through Saturday. You might also want to consider participating in the tea parties or Canvas and Cocktails painting events the site offers.

Stop To Smell The Roses At The Washington Park Botanical Garden

The 20-acre Washington Park Botanical Garden offers gorgeous views and a dizzying number of annuals and perennials. There are 10 separate garden areas, including an extensive rose garden, a shade garden, a rock garden, and a peony exhibit.

As you tour the grounds, make sure to stop at the Conservatory, a domed structure that contains about 150 types of exotic plants from around the world. A 9,000-foot greenhouse is home to plants and flowers from the tropical parts of Africa, the South American rainforests, and the Asian jungles.

The botanical garden offers special exhibits featuring flowers and plants such as poinsettias, Easter lilies, and Japanese bonsai trees. Open year-round, the Washington Park Botanical Garden is free to enter.

Talk To The Animals At Henson Robinson Zoo

Visiting a zoo brings out the kid in everyone. Who doesn’t enjoy a leisurely stroll to check out unique animals and exhibits? Open from March through October, Henson Robinson Zoo features animals from five continents, including sloths, mountain lions, spider monkeys, and otters. The zoo also has a popular penguin exhibit.

Enjoy A Drink At Walnut Street Winery

Offering more than 20 varieties of wine, Walnut Street Winery prides itself on producing small batches of wine for every palate. About a 15-minute drive from downtown Springfield, Walnut Street Winery makes its home inside a former insurance agency. The winery produces a raspberry pinot noir, blackberry merlot, peach chardonnay, apple riesling, zinfandel, and pinot grigio. They’re all bottled under the name Shanle Wines.

The winery is open daily and offers a menu of almost a dozen pizzas plus meat and cheese plates, cheese curds, and other snacks. While you’re at the winery, you can play a game of bocce ball or take your chances at the slots in the Money Room.

The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. — Paul Brady Photography / Shutterstock

Visit The State Capitol

The Illinois State Capitol is chock-full of history, and I recommend taking advantage of the free guided tours that are offered. The building is the sixth structure to house the state offices; the nearby Old State Capitol was the fifth.

A number of well-known figures have served as the state’s chief executive, including Adlai Stevenson. Portraits of the state’s governors hang on the walls of the first floor. Notice that the state’s most infamous governor — Rod Blagojevich — is missing. This is because he was convicted of attempting to sell the U.S. Senate position vacated in 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president.

Statues and other works of art are highlights of the tour. As you walk through the House of Representatives and the Senate chamber, you’ll notice the attractive trim on the ceilings and columns and the chandeliers over the legislators’ desks. The former state Supreme Court chamber is now a Senate hearing room. The governor’s office has a modern design, including a glass facade that allows visitors to see the governor and his staff in action.

Cozy Dog Drive In Springfield, IL — Logan Bush / Shutterstock.com

Where To Eat In Springfield

Make time for the Cozy Dog Drive In, the home of the original corn dog. Ed Waldmire Jr. and a college friend developed the iconic snack, and in 1949, Waldmire and his wife opened a restaurant on the famous Route 66. Ever since, Cozy Dog has been popular with locals and visitors alike. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Cozy Dog moved to its current location in 1996, next door to the original spot. Besides corn dogs, Cozy Dog’s menu features burgers, cheeseburgers, chili dogs, and pork tenderloin sandwiches.

Famous for its layered concoction, affectionately known as the Horseshoe, Charlie Parker’s Diner takes your choice of meat, places it on slices of bread, and then tops it with French fries or tater tots and cheese sauce or biscuit gravy. If you prefer a healthier option, the diner — open daily from 6 a.m. (7 a.m. on Sundays) to 2 p.m. — offers breakfast sandwiches and omelets as well as burgers, chili dogs, and fish sandwiches. Charlie Parker’s has been featured in national magazines as well as an episode of Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

With a casual menu featuring a variety of flatbread pizzas, salads, burgers, and appetizers (including delicious Bavarian pretzel rolls), Obed & Isaac’s combines history with tasty food. The restaurant is located inside a renovated Italianate manor near Lincoln’s home. Obed & Isaac’s also offers a bocce ball court, a beer garden, and a nice selection of beer and cocktails.

Where To Stay In Springfield

A boutique downtown property, Carpenter Street Hotel is an excellent choice. Guests receive complimentary shuttle service to area attractions as well as a complimentary breakfast buffet. With king and queen beds, the hotel offers a comfortable stay.

If you prefer a more intimate, unique experience, the Flagg Farmstead Bed & Breakfast is both cozy and rich in history. The five-bedroom 19th-century farmhouse just north of Springfield provides a continental breakfast each morning. Enjoy a walk around the property’s beautiful 2.5 acres surrounded by maple and oak trees.

Springfield is also home to a variety of chain properties, such as the Country Inn & Suites, Drury Inn & Suites, and Wyndham Springfield City Centre.

8 Things To Do In London’s Marylebone Neighborhood

London can be overwhelming, even if you know the city well — too many people, too spread out, and too loud. But there are ways to escape the hustle and bustle and discover a London that is tranquil, village-like and full of residents rather than groups of tourists. All it takes is a step in the right direction.

As you walk along Oxford Street, dodging shoppers, find the large H&M store not far from the Bond Street station. You’ll see an entrance to a tiny alleyway between H&M and the next shop. Walk down it, and you’ll arrive at Saint Christopher’s Place, a courtyard brimming with boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Stroll along until you reach Wigmore Street, cross it, turn right, and immediately turn left onto Marylebone Lane. Welcome to the neighborhood of Marylebone: a village within the city, only a few steps — but a million miles — away from stressful London. It’s a gorgeous quarter to explore.

I must admit that this is one place I always visit when I am in London. The atmosphere is hard to beat, and the little restaurants and shops are superb.

Here are eight great things to do in London’s charming Marylebone neighborhood.

Daunt Books in Marylebone. — Chrispictures / Shutterstock

1. Make Travel Plans At Daunt Books

Daunt Books is the bookstore for travelers. Not only is the inside simply gorgeous with its arches, grand stained glass window, and wooden stairs leading up to a mezzanine floor, but the offerings are fantastic. Choose a city or a country, and you’ll find a wide selection of travel books, novels set in that destination, plus maps and other guides — by the time you leave here, you’ll be well prepared for your next trip! The staff members are very knowledgeable and can offer recommendations for what to read next.

If you buy a certain number of books, you’ll get a lovely tote bag. The bags come in a variety of sizes, from tiny to heavy-duty, and they’re all emblazoned with the store’s iconic shopfront. But you can also buy a bag, should you not want to carry too many books on your travels.

Alfie's Antique Market in Marylebone. — Willy Barton / Shutterstock

2. Hunt For Treasures At Alfies Antique Market

Is there anything better than browsing an antique shop for a bargain? Alfies Antique Market, a 10-minute walk from Marylebone High Street, contains several floors full of treasures. Located in a former department store, the market offers antiquities, quirky 1960s interior decor items, vintage clothing, glassware, jewelry, and art. You could spend hours taking it all in and searching for that one special piece worth taking home. When you’re ready for a break, you can stop in at the market’s cafe — it has a lovely roof terrace.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for more shopping opportunities, head to the Church Street Market, which sprawls along the street in front of Alfies every day except Sunday. You’ll find cheap and colorful clothing, street food, fresh produce, and more.

The Wallace Collection in Marylebone. — Chrispictures / Shutterstock

3. Catch The Old Masters At The Wallace Collection

Located in a luxurious townhouse just off of Marylebone High Street, the Wallace Collection is like a who’s who of Old Masters. Rubens, Rembrandt, Titian, Canaletto, Velasquez, Gainsborough, and Turner are all represented.

The private collection and mansion were bequeathed by Lady Julie-Amelie-Charlotte Castelnau Wallace, the widow of Sir Richard Wallace, who set about collecting works by the Old Masters after the French Revolution and is said to have snapped up paintings before anybody even dreamed that the artists would become so famous. The museum also features some fine furniture and interior decor, all assembled over the years by collectors who evidently had a good eye for very special pieces.

Pro Tip: Several times a month, the Wallace Collection offers workshops and special glimpses into certain artistic styles or eras. Most of these events are free, but you’ll need to book early to reserve your space.

Coco Momo in Marylebone. — Chrispictures / Shutterstock

4. Enjoy A Fish Finger Sandwich At Coco Momo

Every time I’m in London, I make time to pop into Coco Momo for either a drink, breakfast, or lunch. The old corner building oozes charm, the staff members are friendly, and the people-watching is perfect. And I haven’t even gotten to the food!

For breakfast, I love the scrambled eggs with sourdough toast and wild mushrooms on the side. For lunch, it doesn’t get better than the oh-so-English fish finger sandwich (for grown-ups): two large pieces of battered fish on an open piece of ciabatta, a side salad… perfection.

Pro Tip: There is an extremely Instagram-worthy view of two red telephone boxes through one of the windows. It always makes me smile — and it’s a hit on social media!

5. Browse The Boutiques And Charity Shops

One of the joys of this neighborhood is the shopping — mostly independent shops, a lot of British designers, and all small stores. Try Emma Bridgewater for the cutest crockery, The Conran Shop for superb interior decor ideas, and Cath Kidston for all things floral.

Then there are the charity shops. This is an upscale residential neighborhood, and when the women give their once-worn clothes to charity, you can sometimes pick up a real bargain. Try Cancer Research UK and Oxfam (which also has a superb book section). If you are a connoisseur of vintage clothing, make an appointment at William Vintage, where you can get exclusive and very special old clothes and costumes — for a price.

Don’t forget to investigate the side streets, such as Chiltern Lane, Marylebone Lane, and others, as there are many places to discover there.

Pro Tip: Pop into Waitrose, a lovely supermarket, to pick up some items for the next idea on this list.

A fountain Regent's Park. — I Wei Huang / Shutterstock

6. Explore Regent’s Park

Henry VIII used to go hunting in Regent’s Park before the city swallowed it up. While it is no longer the countryside, the park still provides a breath of fresh air.

Regent’s Park, formerly known as Marylebone Park, is home to the London Zoo, a rose garden with some 30,000 roses in 400 varieties, a lake, an annual art fair, an open-air theater, and a canal. Take time to stroll and enjoy the surroundings.

If it’s a nice day, consider bringing a picnic. But whether you decide on a picnic for yourselves or not, do bring some raw nuts for the abundant squirrels. They’ll come running over to you and will take the nuts right out of your hand, making for the perfect photo opportunity.

Pro Tip: Have a look at Saint John’s Lodge in the park. It is the private residence of the royal family of Brunei and is the UK’s most expensive private residence, sold in the 1990s for a reported $52 million. The garden is open to the public.

Inside the Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone. — Chiltern Firehouse

7. Dine In An Old Fire Station

If you are in London for a special occasion or would just like to eat somewhere a little fancier, try the Chiltern Firehouse, which has long been one of London’s favorite restaurants. Set in an old fire station, the space has been transformed into a grand brasserie-style restaurant where the rich and famous go to see and be seen. But that should not put you off, as it is a special place where you can enjoy a Michelin-starred meal from an eclectic menu.

If you want to enjoy a special dinner on a certain day, make sure to book well in advance, as it can be difficult to secure a table.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum in Marylebone. — LTerlecka / Shutterstock

8. Channel Your Inner Sherlock Holmes

Marylebone was where the intrepid detective Sherlock Holmes lived — at 2251B Baker Street. Today there is a rather popular museum in his name at that address.

Of course, Holmes is a fictional character, but walking around Marylebone, you could easily forget that. A statue in his honor stands on Marylebone Road; the wax museum Madame Tussauds just around the corner exhibits a selection of the nearly 50 actors who have portrayed the sleuth on stage, television, and film; and on Devonshire Place, you’ll find the house where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote his detective stories.

Pro Tip: If you are a fan, visit the Sherlock Holmes Public House & Restaurant, where there are plenty of Holmes-themed items on display and the pub food is surprisingly good. Alas, it is not in Marylebone, but about a 20-minute walk away in the direction of Trafalgar Square.

London bound? Don’t miss these 10 free museums in London. And when you’re ready for a break from the hustle and bustle, consider one of these eight amazing day trips from London.

How To Spend A Day In Lyon, France

France’s second-largest urban area can certainly hold a candle to Paris. It has the same elegant surroundings, offers romance and great food, and is full of history and art. Many say that it is better than Paris, and at times it is difficult to dispute that.

Lyon is very walkable, offers visitors a full program at a less frantic pace, and benefits from a near-perfect location. Two rivers, the Rhone and Saone, converge in the city at the end of the peninsula called Presqu’ile. Lyon also boasts two steep hills, the Fourviere and Croix-Rousse, which are studded with historic buildings and Roman amphitheaters, and from the tops of those hills you can see the snow-covered Alps on a clear day. While the hills are steep, there is a funicular railway up Fourviere, so you can easily get up and down. Croix-Rousse has a metro as well as steadily inclining slopes with cafes along the way.

While Lyon is home to some excellent museums, it’s also a great place to simply explore and get lost in. Consider putting on your walking shoes, getting a day pass for the metro, walking up the hills, and taking your time walking down, stopping when and where you wish. In my experience, that’s the best way to enjoy Lyon.

Here’s how to spend a great day in the city.

Traboules in Lyon, France. — prochasson frederic / Shutterstock

Explore The Traboules

Lyon’s traboules are historic, intriguing, and fun to explore. The word comes from the Latin trans ambulare, or “to walk across.” They are connections between buildings on both the Fourviere and Croix-Rousse hills, taking the shape of spiral staircases, winding paths, or concrete stairwells. Some are painted in romantic pastel shades, and some are covered in street art; others have vaulted ceilings several stories high and take quite a bit of effort to scale. Reportedly, there are some 400 passages like this across Lyon, with a mere 10 percent of them open to the public.

Originally built in the fourth century to allow residents to get down to the rivers without having to follow the roads down the hills, they later doubled as walkways to carry down the wares of the canuts, the Lyonnaise silk workers, and as hiding places during periods of unrest.

There are plenty of guided walking tours, maps, and apps that will tell you where the entrances to the traboules are. Each officially open traboule has a plaque beside the door that leads farther in, but I found that heading through the open doors, gently nudging seemingly closed doors, or inconspicuously following a resident led to some true marvels. The Lyonnaise are fairly relaxed about people gaping at their backyards and staircases, as long as you don’t push your luck.

Here, taking your time is key. You could simply look into some traboules, or you could just as easily spend all day exploring them. If you are staying at the Cour des Loges, there are some entrances very close by.

The Gallo-Roman Theatre in Lyon. — Taromon / Shutterstock

Travel Back To Roman Times

Lyon, or Lugdunum as it was then called, was founded as a refugee camp for Romans expelled from Vienna. Before long, impressive amphitheaters and baths were built for the residents’ entertainment and comfort.

The Roman baths and two amphitheaters are still around today. The larger amphitheater, the Gallo-Roman Theatre, plays a huge part each year in the Festival of Lights; it’s located on the Fourviere and is today part of the Gallo-Roman Museum, along with the baths nearby. The other amphitheater is on the Croix-Rousse.

Give yourself at least an hour to explore these Roman structures.

View from the top of the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere. — prochasson frederic / Shutterstock

Head For The Hills

Once you’ve taken the traboules or the funicular up the Fourviere, you’ll find not only spectacular views but also the very pretty Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere. The nearby Tour Metallique de Fourviere is Lyon’s version of Paris’s Eiffel Tower. On the side of the hill nestles Vieux Lyon, full of traboules, winding cobbled streets, and historic buildings.

On the other side of the river Saone, the best way to explore is to take the metro up to Croix-Rousse and then to meander down Rue des Pierres Plantees. Some excellent shopping can be found along and around Montee de la Grande Cote, a wide pedestrianized street with gentle steps. The entire area is full of cafes and little galleries and boutiques.

Taking the funicular or metro up the hill will save you time and energy, better spent on exploring the city on the way down. Spend a couple of leisurely hours on either hill.

The Fresque des Canuts in Lyon. — Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock

Get Artsy

If you need an art fix, Lyon’s Musee des Beaux-Arts is a first-class museum filled with treasures, and it is conveniently located at the bottom of Croix-Rousse. While you are there, look out for Lyon’s famous murals, especially the Fresque des Lyonnais at 2 Rue de la Martiniere and the Fresque des Canuts at the corner of Boulevard des Canuts and Rue Denfert-Rochereau.

Eating In Lyon

Lyon is widely acknowledged to be the belly of France, with Paris being the heart. Home of chef extraordinaire Paul Bocuse, the city is famed for its bouchons, or tiny family-run restaurants — originally associated with butcher shops — that serve all things animal. Traditional Lyonnaise cuisine is rustic and incorporates meat and innards of all kinds. Nowadays, menus have been expanded, and more refined meats are also on offer, but the rustic, traditional approach is still king.

For a traditional bouchon, try the Michelin-recommended Le Musee with its French-countryside decor complete with red checkered tablecloths. The menu is old fashioned, and the ambience is convivial.

A more modern approach to the bouchon concept can be found at the tiny and always busy Cafe Terroir. The mix of traditional and fusion cuisine plus the fabulous assortment of wines make this a personal favorite of mine.

Where To Stay In Lyon

Lyon regularly hosts travelers on vacation as well as on business trips, resulting in a wide variety of hotels. If you are in town for just a day, stay either on the peninsula or in the old part of town. That way, you’ll be close to all the sights and will be able to walk everywhere.

On Presqu’ile, steps away from the shops, a theater, and the large Place Bellecour and a mere bridge away from Vieux Lyon, is the colorful and affordable Hotel des Artistes.

In Vieux Lyon, at the bottom of the hill and on a cobblestone street, is Cour des Loges, a more luxurious hotel. Not only is the location superb, but with its ancient stone arches, amazing stairwells, wooden beams, and rich furnishings, this hotel will make you feel like you’re staying in a castle.

View of a bridge in Lyon, France. — kenzo885 / Shutterstock

How To Get To Lyon

Lyon is a 2-hour train trip from Paris’s Gare de Lyon, a 4-hour train trip from London, and less than two hours from Marseille and Provence.

Lyon is most easily and comfortably reached by train, but it’s also home to a small and easy-to-navigate international airport, Lyon Saint Exupery, with connections across Europe and direct flights from Montreal. So, if you are touring Europe and are short on time, you could easily fly into Lyon.

Want to enjoy Paris off the beaten path? Check out these hidden gems, delightful shops, surprising things to do, and lesser-known churches in the city.

Must-See Architecture In Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe. It’s home to only 120,000 people, although that is still more than a third of Iceland’s total population. But this small city packs a big architectural punch.

Iceland has a long and interesting architectural history dating back to the days when Norwegian Vikings landed there in A.D. 870 and built wooden longhouses protected by turf and grass. Over the years, houses were still built out of wood, but styles changed from gable-fronted houses to farm buildings with porches to Swiss chalet styles. Only in the 18th century did the first stone houses and churches appear.

In 1915, when Reykjavik had a population of some 14,000 people, a large fire devastated the city, and many of the wooden houses were destroyed. The fire changed the city in many ways. Fire hydrants were installed and a fire brigade was established.

A young Icelandic architect, Gudjon Samuelsson, had just returned from studying housing design in Denmark. He would become the country’s chief architect and would change the face of Reykjavik forever. Samuelsson went on to design many of Reykjavik’s iconic buildings in concrete, and took some 41 years to finish the main architectural landmark of the city, if not the country: the impressive Hallgrimskirkja Church.

Since then, Reykjavik has embraced modern design and been open to a more contemporary and daring approach, resulting in a handful of architectural masterpieces.

Here are just a few works of architecture you should make time to see when you’re in Reykjavik.

Hallgrimskirkja Church

The stunning Hallgrimskirkja Church that stands at the end of the Skolavordustigur shopping street is a photographer’s dream. Its steeple rises nearly 246 feet, making the church one of the tallest buildings in Iceland. Instead of rising separately from the church building, however, the steeple is a part of the front of the church.

On closer inspection, you can see that the details of the church, designed and built by Samuelsson, resemble the hexagonal basalt columns formed from lava along the coast of Iceland, giving the church a unique look. At night, the resemblance to the basalt columns is even more obvious — and quite magical.

Visitors can ascend the tower by elevator, and the views across the colorful roofs of Reykjavik are stunning.

Harpa Concert Hall And Conference Centre

Like the Hallgrimskirkja Church, the very modern Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre near the old fishing harbor of Reykjavik has a look inspired by those iconic basalt columns. Here, they have been reimagined in the metal structures covering the glass facade of the building, which lights up at night.

Henning-Larsen Architects completed the hall in 2011 with a stunning interior to match, with seemingly off-kilter staircases, a grand lobby with a multistory atrium, and an auditorium where operas and concerts regularly take place.

The souvenir shop on the ground floor sells quirky mementos and pretty Christmas baubles.

National Theatre Of Iceland

Between the initial idea of building a national theater and the inauguration of the actual building lay 77 years, with the still-unfinished building being occupied by the British Army during World War II. A perfect example of art deco architecture, the National Theatre of Iceland, also by Samuelsson, showcases the architect’s beloved basalt columns.

Reportedly, the theater is Samuelsson’s version of an Elf Palace, referring to the ancient Icelandic belief that elves live inside rocks and that humans can enter into their colorful world of plenty, dance, and song. And indeed, you can enter here into no less than five different theatrical venues, including a puppet theater. Even though the plays are in Icelandic, you can still appreciate the colorful dance performances and operas.

Nordic House

Designed and built by the internationally acclaimed architect Alvar Aalto, the Nordic House, a celebration of all things Nordic, was constructed in 1968. If it weren’t for the pop of blue color on the roof jutting out of the plain white building, most would drive by without a second glance.

But at second glance, the design features, the white walls accentuated by wooden beams, and the slats on the roof all jump out at you. When you go inside, everything comes together perfectly: Aalto designed the furniture as well as the building, and the rooms — such as the library, which contains some 30,000 books in seven Nordic languages — present a perfect example of Nordic understated design.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the art library, which holds 500 examples of graphic designs by Nordic artists. Library members can borrow them for up to three months to display in their homes. Visitors can look at them.

University Of Iceland Main Building

Another gem by Samuelsson is the main building of the University of Iceland campus at Saemundargata 2. This art deco building features two large wings, elongated windows, smooth corners, a light-green entrance with lovely glass doors, and an overall stark geometric style.

It’s impressive, but in my mind, not as impressive as the National Theatre. But maybe I stand alone, since according to local lore, when Reykjavik was occupied by the British Army during World War II, the army did not seize this building, as it was deemed too beautiful to be taken over by the troops.

Pro Tip: Walk back into the city center past Lake Tjornin, where you’ll see lots of birds and pretty wooden residences.

Parliament Building

In 1880, Iceland’s Parliament Building was built from dark gray dolerite, a volcanic rock similar to volcanic basalt. Designed by the Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl, it is today one of the oldest stone buildings in Iceland. Look out for the reliefs above the four outer windows on the second floor, representing the four mythical Landvaettir, or pagan land spirits of Iceland: the giant, the eagle, the bull, and the dragon.

The building has two annexes: the Rotunda, dating to 1908, and the Skalinn, a glass-fronted addition dating to 2002. Another notable feature is the garden at the back of the building, which is Iceland’s oldest public garden.

You can visit this building when the Parliament is not in session, but you’ll need to take an organized tour.

The Reykjavik Domkirkjan Cathedral in Iceland. — RUBEN M RAMOS / Shutterstock

Reykjavik Cathedral (Domkirkjan)

You might be surprised to learn that the city’s Lutheran cathedral is not the Hallgrimskirkja Church, but the Domkirkjan, yet another example of Iceland’s quirkiness. This wooden structure next to the Parliament Building dates to 1796 and is the seat of the Lutheran bishop of Iceland. In typical Nordic style, the interior is relatively plain when compared to other European churches of the time, but it’s stunning nonetheless.

When inside, remember this: When the church was built, it could seat everyone living in Reykjavik!

Reykjavik Art Museum Asmundarsafn

One of three locations housing the Reykjavik Art Museum, Asmundarsafn is probably the most interesting architecturally. It was the former home of Iceland’s most famous sculptor, Asmundur Sveinsson, and he himself built it with a little help from architect Einar Sveinsson in a style heavily influenced by south Mediterranean and Arab styles. Its arches, pyramid shapes, and central igloo-like dome are a nod to old northern residential buildings.

The museum is set within a park displaying 30 or so of Asmundur Sveinsson’s gigantic sculptures.

Pro Tip: This museum is located on the outskirts of Reykjavik, so you’ll need to take a bus numbered 2, 4, 14, 15, 17, or 19 to the Sigtun stop.

Planning a trip to Iceland? Check out our other pieces on the country here.