Art tips

Set on the banks of the mighty River Clyde , this former industrial giant can seem less than enticing as you approach. However, after a little time exploring visitors will find a city that is, in its own idiosyncratic way, a cultured and dynamic place well worth getting to know. Taken from the Rough Guides Snapshot Glasgow , here are six of our favourite things to do in Glasgow :

Stuck for summer holiday inspiration? Lithuania has loads to offer, from wild, dune-backed beaches to even wilder festivals. And, with the country gearing up to celebrate 100 years since the restoration of independence (in 2018), there's never been a better time to visit.

Move over Toronto and Montréal: there's a quiet revolution happening in Ottawa. Not so long ago, the city was lambasted as the dullest place in Canada, dubbed the «town that fun forgot» by a sniping journalist half a century ago. The label stuck like glue, but nowadays the perception of the capital of Canada has changed and it's brimming with things to do. Green, youthful and increasingly dynamic, with a burgeoning culinary scene and vibrant roster of festivals, the Canadian capital has outgrown its reputation as a stodgy government town. Here's our guide to the top things to do in Ottawa.

The Pacific Northwest, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains, is known for its picturesque national parks, stunning coastline and awe-inspiring mountain scenery.

Edinburgh is a stunning city at any time of year. Whether you’re blown away by the view over the city from Arthur’s Seat, or simply enjoying the gorgeous architecture in the Old Town, there’s something to please everyone here. But it’s during the festivals that Edinburgh really comes into its own, and those iconic attractions are brought to life with creativity, buzz and brilliant entertainment. Here are 13 essential sights in the city, and how best to enjoy them during Edinburgh's many festivities.

Vending machines have come a long way since the first one was invented in ancient Egypt, when a mathematician invented a device that dispensed holy water in return for a bronze coin.

The variety to be found in South Africa is nowhere more apparent than in its two biggest cities. Cape Town has a scenic coastal beauty that brings the Mediterranean to the mind of many first time visitors. By contrast, Johannesburg is landlocked amid the vast plain of the Highveld, but its charms, while hidden deeper, as just as rich – like the mines that made it the “City of Gold”.

Chocolate box old town Kraków is a jumble of narrow cobbled streets, elaborate churches and grand medieval sights like the main square and Wawel Royal Castle. However, in the summer months, Kraków struggles to cope with overtourism. In 2017, 13 million visitors (and the horse-drawn carriages that carry them) thronged the old town, as well as nearby Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine. Rachel Mills suggests hitting the highlights fast and then exploring places with a little more local flavour at a more leisurely pace.

Nicknamed ‘The Main’, this is one of the most central streets in Montreal as it links the old town to Chinatown, and Little Italy to the seaport. In summer, some of the stretch is closed to traffic while arts and jazz festivals take over and hundreds flock to the street to take part.

Hyderabad is one of two capitals in southern India’s Andhra Padesh and Telangana state, twinned with Secunderabad. It’s an old city – founded in 1591 – with bazaars, museums and palaces to explore, as well as a burgeoning technology scene that’s giving the area a much-needed surge of energy. Nearby is Hussain Sagar, an artificial lake, that separates Hyderabad from Secunderabad.

With its rolling agricultural landscape, Herefordshire is a countryside-lover’s dream. This laidback county in the West Midlands is an easy place to visit, with the likes of riverside trails along the wriggling River Wye and charming towns like Hereford making for an appealing agenda. Beyond Hereford, the picturesque Ross-on-Wye is an attractive town in the southeast of the county, and Symonds Yat is perfect for aquatic adventures. Continue reading to discover why Herefordshire is well worth a visit.

With 192 miles of pristine Pacific coastline, the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains, sensational surf spots and a range of resort options, it’s no wonder Riviera Nayarit is a top-drawer destination for all kinds of travellers. But beyond resort-life, this region of Mexico offers travellers unforgettable experiences of a cultural kind – activities that support sustainable living and the area’s indigenous communities. Read on to discover more in our latest “Tell Us Your Story” feature.

The Loughcrew hills near the centre of Ireland are little-known – but at the spring equinox they take on a special magic. On this spring bank holiday, Paul Clements looks back to his visit to this enigmatic site.

Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is a lesser-visited gem of the Eastern Caribbean, an island loved by travellers seeking truly off-the-beaten-track experiences. Though small in size, Dominica is big on nature, And we mean big. It’s not for nothing that it’s known as the Nature Island. It has the world’s highest concentration of active volcanoes. It's home to countless rivers and waterfalls, and an epic Boiling Lake. And Dominica is big on innovative community projects too, as seen in the work of the female-led organizations whose stories we share below. Both Help for Dominica and the Breadfruit House Dominica Foundation are dedicated to nurturing young lives on the Nature Island.

On a trip to Mexico's Riviera Nayarit, just a short drive from bright lights of Puerto Vallarta, Neil McQuillian discovers the unexpected...

Ishikawa is one of the country’s most enchanting prefectures. Its scenic location – fringing the Sea of Japan on Honshu’s northern coast – is matched by a long history, stretching back to days ruled by the Kaga clan. Over the centuries, Ishikawa has developed into an important centre for a range of creative arts, and you’re just as likely to find yourself marvelling at fine ceramics and lacquerware as sparkling ocean views. Here, Rough Guides brings you the definitive Ishikawa travel guide.

Spain’s two biggest cities have long had a friendly rivalry – and it goes far beyond football. Madrid is, of course, Spain’s capital city and as well as being more or less geographically at the centre of the country, it is also the centre politically, economically and culturally – as well as the home of the Spanish monarchy.

When you think of Swedish traditions, what comes to mind might be fika, lagom or Midsummer’s Day celebrations… but the country has another unique tradition that you may not have heard of: kulning, otherwise known as cow-calling.

What image does the word “Teesside” conjure up? A stark landscape where heavy industry meets the wind-whipped North Sea coast, perhaps? While this stereotype certainly forms part of Teesside’s character, there’s so much more to the intriguing northeast region than meets the eye.

Turin is a food city and the hometown of Barbera and Barolo, as well as traditional Vermouth. It's the place to eat white truffles, load up on chocolate and discover authentic Piemonte cooking. Find out more in our foody guide to Turin. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Italy your essential guide for visiting Italy.

Home to a burgeoning café scene and an ever-growing stock of backpacker hostels, the western Ukrainian city of Lviv (Львів) represents the country at its most tourist-friendly. A top pick in Rough Guides' top ten cities for 2014 list, it’s certainly the Ukraine’s biggest surprise, a former outpost of the Habsburg Empire whose elegance and charm will challenge any preconceptions about what eastern Europe or former Soviet cities are supposed to be. So if you’re considering a trip to Europe’s eastern fringes this year, here are ten reasons why Lviv, Ukraine should be on the itinerary.