Things to do tips

Few sights are more magical than hundreds of tethered, glowing hot-air balloons illuminating a dusky night sky. For many this is the highlight of Albuquerque's International Balloon Fiesta, a week-long festival launched in 1972, which draws enthusiasts from all over the world. Festivities start after sunset and culminate with a spectacular fireworks display.

Southeast Asia is a dream for the curious traveller, with ancient temples, bustling markets, postcard-perfect beaches and everything in between. The region rewards those who go off the beaten track, but there's also plenty of the big hitters that you simply shouldn't miss. Here are 30 things to consider for your first trip:

Nepal’s energetic capital is the entry point for most travellers who come to this mountainous and culture rich country. Foreigners tend to apply a “get in and get out” policy to the sometimes overwhelmingly chaotic city, sunk in the basin of the Kathmandu Valley. There are, however, plenty of remarkable sights in the metropolis to make a few days or more here compelling, memorable and – though it may seem surprising – relaxing. Here are our top tips on the best things to do in Kathmandu.

Few other European capitals can compete with Berlin, a city that’s simultaneously funky, cultured, gritty and glamorous. And whether you want to see museums, or be seen at trendy galleries, there are enough free things to do in Berlin to keep you busy for a week or more.

Belize’s most beguiling attraction remains its old world eccentricity. It’s a place where villages are named Double head Cabbage and bound to shine. With a population that hovers around 390,000, Belize is one of the most culturally diverse places on earth. Read our Rough Guide to discover the best things to do in Belize.

Don’t be put off by the high-rise hotels and glitzy boutiques; Hong Kong can still be explored on the cheap. From wandering through sub-tropical forests to seeking out cultural shows in the dense urban jungle, you’ll find that some of the best things to do in Hong Kong are free.

Egypt is the Nile, and the Nile is Egypt, or so the saying goes. But there is much more to this ancient land than that. Egypt has long exercised a potent spell over ordinary people. It has inspired poetry and literature, architecture and more. Here is our guide to the best things to do in Egypt.

Beautiful, brash Jamaica is much more than beaches and swaying palm trees. A sensual land of bright colours, soulful rhythms and unfailing creativity, the island retains a personality that’s more resonant and distinctive than you’ll find in any other Caribbean nation. We have explored Jamaica's variety and here is our take on the best things to do in Jamaica.

Planning your first trip around the world can be daunting. There's an awful lot to discover out there, from retina-burning white beaches tapering off into gin-clear waters to mountain ranges hiding echo-bending canyons and fascinating wildlife.

Many of the popular island destinations in this part of the world boast golf course resorts and beautiful beaches, but Bermuda has so much more than the standard things to see and do. While many of the activities can be enjoyed year-round, Bermuda's sub-tropical climate means that May to September is when the island is liveliest, so here are our favourite things to do in Bermuda beyond the resorts.

The Dominican Republic is a country located on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. It is the second-largest country in the Caribbean, and it is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture and history, and diverse natural landscapes. Here is our guide to the best things to do in the Dominican Republic.

The mighty rivers of the Amazon, the pulsing Carnaval rhythms, bone-white beaches and footballing flair: almost everyone on the planet knows something about Brazil. Yet South America’s biggest country still holds plenty of surprises. Discover the rich culture and stunning beauty of this destination with our Rough Guide list of the best things to do in Brazil and get inspiration for planning your trip.

Albania’s capital used to regularly top lists for Europe's worst city. Decades of Stalinist rule left Tirana grey and grim, lacking in both infrastructure and services. Today Tirana is – while still often chaotic – a very pleasant little city, and the cultural, entertainment and political centre of Albania. Here's our pick of the best things to do in Tirana, Albania.

From a deserted town to enormous sand dunes and sunset cocktails above the city, here are ten unforgettable things to see and do in Namibia.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Japan , your essential guide for visiting Japan .

Looking for free things to do in Lisbon? The city is now a top-league destination. It's still an affordable European capital. But prices have risen in recent years. Get more for your money with our top 10 free things to do in Lisbon. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal, your essential guide for visiting Portugal.

Sightseeing doesn’t have to focus solely on the top museums, art galleries and esteemed restaurants. If you steer off the beaten path you’ll stumble across a more eclectic range of things to do, such as cable waterskiing in Yorkshire or paddling through whisky country in Scotland. There’s plenty of quirky things to do in Herefordshire, too. You may surprise yourself at just how many sights, attractions and experiences there are that fit the bill. From llamas to Neolithic sat navs, this green county in the West Midlands has more than meets the eye. Continue reading to find out more:

Many people seem to skip the Cambodian capital and head straight for Siem Reap, fearing Phnom Penh to be a dangerous and uninteresting city. However, on a recent trip to Southeast Asia’s “unpopular capital”, Meera Dattani discovered all that the city has to offer and concluded that, while it is underrated and understated, Phnom Penh certainly deserves a few days at least. Here are our favourite things to do in Phnom Penh.

Despite its reputation — there is more to Mauritius island than the exclusive beachside hotels that have come to be the regular haunt of celebrities. Stray inland and you will discover mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls, extinct volcanic craters, tumbledown towns and villages, and hospitable locals. This island country, located in the Indian Ocean, has a lot to offer. Here is our list of the best things to do in Mauritius.

To paraphrase Frank Sinatra’s crooned take on the city, Chicago can be your kind of town — even if you’re skint. Here's my top ten tips to enjoy the city for nothing.

Sweden’s swanky compact second city is a perfect weekend getaway. Easy to navigate on foot, Gothenburg (Göteborg in Swedish) has a cool laidback charm and a burgeoning food and arts scene. Our author Rachel Mills spends a long weekend exploring the best things to do in Gothenburg and Sweden's stunning West Coast archipelago.