Art tips

Affectionately known by Brits as the Garden of England, Kent is famed for its leafy surroundings and home-grown produce. But thanks to its bounty of award-winning booze, cutting-edge art and spine-tingling scenery, this county is even more fruitful than its monicker implies. And now is the perfect time to visit – here are five reasons why.

Niigata is a port city on the main Japanese island of Honshu. With a rich history, fine museums and a raft of fantastic cultural experiences on offer, you’ll never be stuck for things to do in Niigata. This spellbinding itinerary takes you from Niigata City to Sado Island, cast adrift in the Sea of Japan. Sado, like Niigata, is known for its rice fields, but also for its superlative local arts and crafts, traditional performing arts and oyster farms. Here’s how to spend 7 days in Niigata and Sado.    

Inspired by Newcastle's Great Exhibition of the North, we take you to another great city in the North of England – Liverpool.

The ‘roof of the world’ has exerted a magnetic pull over travellers and adventurers for centuries. This vast, high altitude desert has spawned myths and legends since the dawn of time. Its mountains are home to the Hindu Gods, the scenery is awe-inspiring, its Buddhist monasteries are filled with art and treasure and the religious devotion of its people is humbling.

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.

Australia's largest open-air art gallery is so vast that you'll need a car and a map to explore it. Deep in Victoria's farming country, the Silo Art Trail consists of grain silos adorned with epic portraits, spread across a distance of more than 125 miles.

If you want to try eating snake in Vietnam, there's one place to head – Le Mat snake village near Hanoi . The restaurants here specialise in the art of serving snake in an elaborate theatrical show. Feeling brave enough? Here's what to expect.

Not all that long ago Margate was a forlorn seaside town rejected by even the bucket-and-spade brigade. In a sad story echoed across England, the already struggling high street was devastated by the opening of an out-of-town shopping centre; pubs and restaurants were closing, and the future of this once thriving seaside resort looked grim.

Tim Chester, Web Editor: From the Turner Contemporary gallery to the proliferation of other indie art spaces, retro shops and cute cafés in the Old Town, Margate now offers much more than its beautifully dilapidated seafront. Dubbed “romantic, sexy and weird” by local girl Tracey Emin, this gem on the Isle of Thanet constitutes one of the highlights of the forthcoming Rough Guide to Kent, Sussex and Surrey for many good reasons.

Welcome to Season 3 of the Rough Guide to Everywhere! In this first episode, Rough Guides web editor Neil McQuillian (@NeilMcQuillian) joins author Thomas Rees (@ThomasNRees) as he dives deep into the vodou culture of Haiti – encountering artworks made from human skulls and plenty of evidence that it could be the best trip you ever take.

From the cultured capital of Tallinn to the winter-playground that is Otepää, here are ten of our favourite things to do in Estonia .

Beyond the mystical sounds of gamelan and the intricate craft of batik, Bali boasts a world of subcultures often overlooked by visitors. The art makes bold statements, nightlife sometimes involves a new tattoo, and music is anything but serene.

Of course Britain has more than its fair share of world-class art galleries and exhibitions, but sometimes it's more interesting to find artwork out and about in public spaces. Here's a few of our favourite al fresco pieces, drawn from travel bible Make The Most Of Your Time In Britain.

Understandably, most of us are closely following the effects of coronavirus at home: the daily news keeps our minds directed to what’s happening close to us. But cast your mind back two months, before the coronavirus hit Italy, and you’ll recall that back then, much of the media’s attention was focused on the Middle East – specifically, Iran, which was the first country outside China to suffer a huge number of cases of coronavirus.

Letting it all hang out has been pretty newsworthy in recent years. There has been an influx of over-the-top pranks at World Heritage sites including Angkor Wat, Machu Picchu, and the Great Pyramids of Giza, while 2015 saw ten backpackers make headlines for baring all at the summit of Borneo’s Mount Kinabalu. Resulting in a brief jail sentence and a fine, the stunt prompted the UK government to issue a code of conduct for travellers.

One of the world’s most dynamic metropolises, Moscow has an energy like no other city, a chaotic spirit rumbling just beneath its polished surface. Whether you're hoping to be in the heart of the action, or you're longing for a quieter escape, choosing where to stay in Moscow is an important decision. Moscow is often considered expensive, but the devaluation of the rouble over the last few years means accommodation is becoming more affordable than ever – even at some of the city’s most luxurious hotels. From laid-back hostels to trendy boutiques, here are the best places to stay in Moscow, according to our Russia expert.

Georgia’s leafy capital is due its time in the spotlight. Dynamic, progressive and home to one of the country’s most exciting food scenes, Atlanta is the new star of the South. Whether you stay for a week or stop by on a layover, you’ll soon discover why it’s one of our top 10 cities to visit this year.

Nepal ranks high on most adventurers’ bucket lists, and with good reason. Home to the magnificent Himalayas, Nepal reigns supreme when it comes to landscapes. Its world-famous trekking routes and national parks teem with vastly underrated wildlife. In its bustling market cities, cultures collide and living divinities hold court over ancient spiritualism.

Serbia’s capital is always on the move – a constantly changing scene of new bars and restaurants alongside old favourites. After a scorching hot summer, temperatures are now perfect for getting the most out of the city’s lively café culture and Eastern Europe’s best nightlife. Here are a few reasons why Belgrade is a hidden highlight of Europe.

Tucked away in the far northeast corner of the Netherlands is the erstwhile Hanseatic city of Groningen . Dripping in history, this charming provincial capital with bubbling arts scene is awash with green spaces, cultural attractions, fine restaurants and gabled houses reflected in the miles of scenic canals. Gilly Pickup explores this little Dutch gem.

Anthony Bourdain controversially characterised Glasgow as somewhere to go ‘’for a beer and a beating” in his TV show Parts Unknown. Bourdain poked good-natured fun at the city’s notoriety, where the drinking culture looms large and the language is colourful; it’s a rep that Glasgow has battled with for decades. However, Bourdain also represented its lesser-known highlights: its charms and culinary delights. This is the side of the city you need to discover – Claire Boyle shares her insider's guide.