Author Profile: Tim Shaw

Welcome to Marseille, the sun-drenched jewel of the French Riviera. As France’s oldest city, Marseille is steeped in rich history and vibrant culture – from its bustling old port to the quiet charm of its narrow streets. You’ll love its diverse neighbourhoods, stunning coastal views, and a unique mix of old-world charm and modern-day...   view more

When we first went to Bucharest we didn’t know much about Romania. In the UK (and perhaps elsewhere) it’s maybe (unfairly) associated with the Romanian orphanage crisis in the 90’s (Romania has improved its child services and is one of the best in Europe now). We didn’t know what to expect, but found an interesting and beautiful place to...   view more

Nestled along the stunning Mediterranean Sea, the Principality of Monaco is a small but incredibly captivating destination. This lavish playground for the rich and famous offers more than just glitz and glamour. From the medieval charm of the old town to the sheer absurdity of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix race, there’s something for...   view more

Nestled along the banks of the Douro River, Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, offers a beautiful blend of historic charm, culture, and amazing food. From its narrow streets in the historic centre to the rich, world-famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, this coastal city is perfect for those looking to enjoy both tradition and adventure. It’s a perfect place to unwind, and packed full of things to do in...   view more

Nestled at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, Lyon is the perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity. Its France’s third-largest city, and is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage sites (visiting the old town is one of the best things to do in Lyon), Roman ruins, world-class museums, and vibrant arts scene. It’s also the culinary capital of France, home to countless bouchons, Michelin-starred restaurants, and local...   view more

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union. It has a long and rich history dating back to the 10th century. It sometimes gets a bad rap as not having as much character as other places in Belgium, but we’d disagree – its definitely worth a visit and there are plenty of things to do in...   view more

Many travellers overlook Ghent in favour of its more famous Belgian counterparts, missing out on this medieval marvel that combines rich history with a vibrant, contemporary vibe. There are so many things to do in Ghent, from top attractions, museums, and charming canals, to amazing local cuisine and hidden gems. So, are you ready to uncover the secrets of Ghent? After reading this, you’ll be booking your tickets faster than you can say “Belgian...   view more

When you first hear “Bruges”, you might picture cobbled lanes, gothic towers and maybe Colin Farrell having an existential crisis. But Bruges is far more than just a backdrop for a dark comedy. It’s a beautifully preserved medieval city that feels like stepping into a storybook – only it’s real, and you can drink great beer while exploring it. It’s known for its scenic canals that you can explore by foot or boat, and its the perfect place to wander round, drink a coffee, and get...   view more

Antwerp is packed with art and history, with a museum for every interest. From world-class art and diamond museums to quirky niche spots, you’ll find countless reasons to fall in love with Antwerp’s cultural scene. We’ve found all the museums Antwerp has to offer to help you plan your trip here. Let us know what we’ve...   view more

When you think of Belgium, the first thoughts that probably come to mind are chocolates, waffles, and maybe Brussels or Bruges. But there’s a gem that should absolutely be on your travel radar: Antwerp. Belgium’s second-largest city offers a beautiful old town, museums, and loads of fab bars and pubs to have a Belgian beer or two. Antwerp has old-world charm, but it’s also a modern and trendy city....   view more

Nice is the kind of place that’s equal parts seaside ease and sophisticated city life – the Promenade des Anglais, the market alleys of Vieux-Nice, hilltop views from Colline du Château and a fantastic cluster of small museums. This guide is written for first-time visitors and repeat travellers who want to pick the best of Nice without the fluff. We’ve also included easy day-trip ideas (Monaco, Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer) and quick, sustainable travel tips so you can enjoy Nice with a...   view more

We went to Lisbon towards the end of our tour of Portugal, and we loved it – its packed with things to do and it was easily one of the highlights of our trip. It’s a modern and trendy city with plenty going on, but still packed with old-world charm and culture. It’s a maze of narrow streets, vibrant neighbourhoods, and stunning vistas. There’s plenty of things to do in Lisbon, and places to...   view more

We spent four days in Bucharest and were impressed by how varied its food and drink scene is. You’ll find historic beer halls, refined modern restaurants and cosy cafés tucked down side streets, often all within a ten-minute walk of each other. This guide lists the places we actually visited and tested on foot (short visits, meals and drinks), plus a few trusted local favourites to...   view more

Arundel is small, photogenic and perfect for a day away from London. We spent a weekend here and found the place to be exactly what a short UK escape should be: compact enough to see on foot, with proper local cafés, independent shops and a castle whose gardens make a perfect picnic spot. In this guide we’ll tell you how to plan a day trip (or a relaxed overnight), where to eat, the best short walks into the South Downs, and a few timings so you don’t waste the afternoon queueing at the...   view more