Cultural (977 community guides)

The ancient city of Siena has spectacular culture, wonderful food and a quiet contentment - all of which make it an absorbing but relaxing getaway... read more »

Russia’s northern lakes are beautiful, serene and easily reached from St Petersburg. So why do so few foreigners take this magical trip?... read more »

Taiwan may only be small, but this undiscovered Asian gem is big on fascinating things to do and see, from sailing on mystical lakes to dining with Buddhist monks and staying with aboriginal tribes... read more »

It's often translated as 'inn', but the word 'locanda' denotes small scale, a warm family welcome, quality and Italian style in an urban setting. Here are five of my favourite new places in Venice... read more »

Once known for bombs and bullets, now Belfast is all about cocktails and craic, not to mention black taxi tours to former trouble spots and an eye-opening experience on a big wheel... read more »

Rhodes blends a big dose of sunshine with outstanding sightseeing and knock-out nightlife... read more »

There is more to the charming Polish city of Gdansk than being the birthplace of Solidarity... read more »

Recife has shed its iffy reputation to become one of northeast Brazil’s key tourist attractions. Visit during carnival and discover a city brimming with colour, culture and caipirinhas... read more »

Situated on the Flemish Coast, the North Sea gem of Ostend effortlessly combines rustic charm with palatial splendour, as well as first-rate seafood and impressive art galleries... read more »

Encircled by mountains, islands and fjords, Bergen, Norway’s scenic second city, is home to a thriving port and cutting-edge cultural centre and is a seafood-lover’s paradise... read more »

Vienna is the perfect destination for New Year revellers on a budget, with free entertainment into the early hours and plenty of champagne or mulled wine to toast a stranger with... read more »

Most Parisians define themselves as Left Bank or Right Bank – but what about the islands in-between? Steeped in history, the Ile de la Cité and Ile St-Louis are great places to explore, eat and stay... read more »

From mummies and knights in armour to rooftop encounters with gargoyles, here's how to make the most of the French capital en famille ... read more »

Paris has always inspired artists and attracted art-lovers with its museums and galleries. Now, a new generation of themed hotels gives guests the chance to live and sleep among the artworks ... read more »

It is one of the world's most expensive cities, but a holiday in London doesn't have to cost the earth. There are plenty of cheap ways to eat, drink, travel and absorb the culture of the UK capital... read more »

Cosmopolitan, cool and constantly eventful, London's South Bank is the place to be to get away from the Oxford Street crowds while taking in some culture... read more »

Chester's not short of cool places to shop and eat - but it's really hot stuff when it comes to history. If you know where to go, you can find fascinating treasures in the most unlikely of places...... read more »

Cross the Arno, leave the Uffizi and other famous landmarks of Florence behind, and enter a world of real shops, bars full of locals, traditional food and artisan workshops. This is the Oltrarno... read more »

It may be famous for its skyline, its double-decker trams, its shopping and its fabulous Asian food – but the real attraction of Hong Kong is a mountain escalator made for commuters... read more »

Take a break in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and you'll discover a impressive city that's awash with history.... read more »