Even though its population doesn't even hit half a million, Zürich is a forerunner in Switzerland when it comes to business, banking, nightlife and gastronomy. If it’s happening in Switzerland, it’s happening in Zürich first.
26.02.2024 - 15:05 / lonelyplanet.com
Prague is arguably Europe’s prettiest capital.
Travelers come in droves to stroll the cobblestones and admire the many historic buildings whose architectural styles stretch back some eight centuries. The view to Prague Castle from statue-lined Charles Bridge is breathtaking. The narrow alleyways of the Old Town spill out onto the grand Old Town Square, where a 15th-century Astronomical Clock keeps time to the rhythms of the Middle Ages.
It’s no surprise, then, that Prague has evolved into one of the continent’s most-popular destinations, and much of its medieval charm can quickly evaporate on a hot day in summer when those pretty backstreets are choked with thousands of other people.
Fortunately, it’s possible to time your visit in order to experience some of the city’s magic for yourself.
Most visitors come during the Czech Republic's short summer, when the weather is warm and the days reliably sun-drenched. All the attractions are open, parks and gardens are in full bloom, cafes and restaurants have put out sidewalk seating, and daylight stretches as late as 10pm near the summer solstice. The downside is that Prague is packed to the rafters. Expect higher prices for lodging and meals and long waits to see A-list sights like St Vitus Cathedral and the Prague Jewish Museum.
June brings plenty of sunshine, but without being uncomfortably hot. As July hits, daytime highs reach the mid-30°Cs (upper 80°Fs and 90°Fs). The city empties out the first week of the month as locals decamp to summer cottages to enjoy the public holidays of St Cyril and Methodius Day (July 5) and Jan Hus Day (July 6). In August, which continues to be hot, thousands of people from around Europe come to attend the annual Prague Pride festival, a week of parties and happenings at venues across the city.
If you're visiting during these high-season months, double-check your accommodations have air-conditioning – not everywhere does.
The spring and autumn months draw fewer crowds to Prague but offer the possibility of sunny days and warm weather (though bring a jacket and umbrella just in case). April and May are particularly beautiful as trees and flowers bud and bloom. Book in advance during the busy Easter holiday, which heralds the unofficial beginning of the tourist season, when a festive, three-week Easter market takes over Old Town Square. In May, days are comfortably warm but the nights are cool. On May 1, couples traditionally climb Petřín Hill to toast their romance with flowers. The city’s ambitious festival season kicks off in mid May with the annual Prague Spring Music Festival, the high point of the cultural calendar.
September brings the best of all worlds: warm days, but without the summer crowds. The familiar rhythms of city
Even though its population doesn't even hit half a million, Zürich is a forerunner in Switzerland when it comes to business, banking, nightlife and gastronomy. If it’s happening in Switzerland, it’s happening in Zürich first.
Delve into Local Strolls, a series where writers reveal their favorite walks in their hometowns. Each route offers a snapshot of urban life, guiding you to lesser-known attractions and cherished local spots. Here, Chloé Braithwaite takes us on a gentle stroll through the cafes, shops and sights of Nice’s Old Town.
If you’re a sakura - or cherry blossom - lover, you’ll likely have Japan and Washington DC on your travel bucket lists. But did you know there are countless places across Europe with equally impressive pink blooms to take in this spring?
Explore Tunis, Tunisia's dynamic capital in North Africa, where cultural fusion thrives. Wander through the fascinating Arab Medina, alongside European-inspired facades. And on the outskirts is the charming seaside town of Sidi Bou Said, another must visit. Tunisian contemporary culture has been in the spotlight recently with a surge in art spaces, particularly in Tunis and its surroundings. Also inspiring to see are the internationally acclaimed films by female directors, including Under the Fig Trees by Erige Sehiri and this year’s Oscar-nominated Four Daughters by Kaouther Ben Hania.
The people of Memphis know how to have a good time and there is rarely a period when the city isn't enormous fun to visit.
Seville is one of the most beautiful and liveliest cities in Spain, with a cerulean blue sky and streets bathed in year-round sunshine.
As more people reconsider how they travel on a warming planet, a small but growing contingent in Europe wants to switch from high-emission, short-haul planes to more climate-friendly sleeper trains.
The Faroe Islands offer superlative hiking, bird-watching and awe-filled experiences, with shard-like moss-covered mountains and roads snaking around fjords that will take your breath away. A trip to this relatively off-the-beaten-track archipelago takes you under the sea – via the world’s first subsea roundabout – over it, on a range of ferries and boat trips, and around it, seeking seabird-filled cliffs, wild beaches and idyllic hiking trails.
The table is set with a crisp white tablecloth, there’s a soft glow from a tablelamp and outside the window, snow-dusted trees are whizzing past at 120 kilometres per hour.
The opening of Radisson RED Belgrade marks the debut of the Group’s first bold and cutting edge upscale Radisson RED property, perfect for travelers looking for a playful twist on the conventional.
In addition, Davide Barnes will oversee and support the operations and performance of sister hotel Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani, ensuring brand consistency and standards.
More than a collection of hotels, Design Hotels brings forward-thinking member hotels insightful travel industry expertise – from trend forecasting and creative consultancy, to PR, marketing, and global sales representation.