The best walks in London

Travelers flock to Savannah, Georgia, to see its picture-perfect scenery – like a time capsule of years past with carefully preserved architecture.

Anyone who visits London for the first time is sure to concentrate on eternal sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the British Museum.

There are so many majestic landscapes to view and things to do in Scotland that it can be hard to narrow down where to visit. So why not choose your hotels as a starting point? Scotland is known for its inclement weather, so choosing a hotel with spa facilities can be an excellent backup for something to do if the weather is terrible. It can also be a great way to soothe weary muscles and feet after all the hiking and sightseeing.

I’ve never been to London, but I’ve experienced it many times. From sitting in on royal meetings in Buckingham Palace to passing through the walls of King’s Cross Station at Platform 9 ¾, London has come alive in my imagination through some of my favorite books and movies.

It may be hard to believe, but there’s a place in England where the sand is fine and white, the sea is turquoise blue, and the sun shines more than just about anywhere else in the country. In this dream-like place, you can surf, you can sunbathe (and even get a tan), you can hike coastal paths, valleys, and moors, and you can stuff you face with cream teas and pasties. You guess it, Cornwall, England, is a must-see when in Britain. Lucky for you, it’s only a direct train ride away from London.

Cushioned by the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver is interrupted by pockets of greenery and bay views. The natural landscapes are matched by the port city’s art museums, vibrant food culture, and wine bars that show off what British Colombia is capable of. Downtown Vancouver, BC, hotels put you within walking distance of the main sights and are just a short subway or boat ride to outlying spots. These are the best luxury hotels in Vancouver for living the high life on Canada’s West Coast.

With its long, sunny days, and kids out of school, summer is typically a busy season for travel. But jam-packed planes and sky-high airfares mean that many Americans aren’t able to plan for as much travel as they’d like this year.

Dreaming of being on a dreamy European beach—or already on one and wondering if you can do even better? Then look to the Iberian Peninsula. European Best Destinations recently announced its ranking of the top 15 beaches in Europe, as voted on by thousands of travelers from 83 countries. This year’s No. 1 is Torrente de Pareis in Mallorca, Spain. Rounding out the top three are Bordeira Beach in Alzejur, Portugal and Amio Beach in Cantabria, Spain.

As a tourist in London, you won’t be short of company. The capital has the three most popular free visitor attractions in the UK (British Museum; National Gallery; Natural History Museum). It also lays claim to the top three paid-for sites (Tower of London; St Paul's Cathedral; Westminster Abbey).

Launched in 2012, the Avenue Verte is a low-traffic cycle route connecting London and Paris , making the most of southern England ’s extensive National Cycle Network and France ’s bucolic north. Greg Dickinson took to the saddle and put the route to the test.

London grew up around the Thames, and a stroll (or a boat ride) along its banks is one of the city’s real treats. This step-by-step itinerary, adapted from our brand new edition of ThePocket Rough Guide to London, takes in some of the river’s best sights. Pick a sunny day, sling a camera around your neck and pack some comfortable shoes for walking.

On those precious sunny London days, there’s no better feeling than sitting outside with a drink. Pub gardens have their time and place, but in a city growing taller by the day, there are more and more places where you can get up high. Here’s our pick of the best rooftop bars in London.