Destination guides

When to go, what it costs, how to get there and the hacks that save time and money.

• 🇵🇹 Lisbon, Portugal

  Sunny hills, tiled streets and pastel de nata for about €1.50. One of Europe's best-value city breaks.

• 🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain

  Beach, Gaudí and late-night tapas in one city. Book the big sights ahead and wander the rest.

• 🇳🇱 Amsterdam, Netherlands

  Canals, bikes and world-class museums, all within a short walk. Great for a long weekend.

• 🇮🇹 Rome, Italy

  3,000 years of history on every corner, plus the best carbonara of your life.

• 🇲🇪 Kotor, Montenegro

  A walled old town on a fjord-like bay with mountains straight up behind it. Still great value.

• 🇦🇹 Hallstatt, Austria

  The lakeside village you've seen on every postcard. Magical once the day-trippers leave.

• 🇵🇹 Sintra, Portugal

  Fairytale palaces in misty hills, 40 minutes from Lisbon by train.

• 🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan

  Neon, temples and the best convenience-store food on earth. Easier and cheaper than you think.