4 reasons to visit Timişoara, Romania

visit Timisoara2021 Unirii Square architecture

Timişoara was European Capital of Culture in 2021 but it’s relatively undiscovered with plenty to offer visitors. Here’s why you should visit. Reason 1: Architecture in Timişoara is fabulous Its buildings may be less well recognised than those of its Romanian counterparts Sibiu, Sighişoara and Brasov; but Timişoara’s architecture is fabulous. Baroque and Austro-Hungarian influences are […]

How to spend a full day walking York city walls

York Gatehouse Coffee - York city walls walk

This locals’ guide to York city walls features several hot spots that make this English city so special. Plus: I include some insider tips about the off-wall places you shouldn’t miss. You could walk the 3.4km around York city walls in an hour or so. But, take in sights and the occasional pub en-route, and that hour could […]

What to see on a self-guided Berlin architecture walk

Berlin architecture walk Karl-Marx Allee

Wow, Berlin’s got a tonne of fantastic buildings! Here’s my self-guided Berlin architecture walk that shows off the city’s eclectic side. There’s a load of glass, brick and render out there! 1. Modern Berlin architecture at the Hauptbahnhof A homage to glass, the multi-storey central train station (Hauptbahnhof) combines style and function and has itself become a […]

Day trip from York: Beningbrough Hall by bike

day trip from York - Beningbrough Hall by bike

Beningbrough Hall makes a perfect day trip from York by bike. Here’s how to combine gentle exercise with a Georgian mansion, without ending up in a spin. Cycle Route 65 from York to Beningbrough Hall by bike The route from York to Beningbrough Hall forms part of National Cycle Route 65, which means loads of signposts and minimal chances […]

DIY your Lisbon architecture tour with this guide

Lisbon architecture - azulejo tiles

The architecture of Lisbon has been influenced through history by its rulers, its seafaring exploits and a great big earthquake. DIY your own tour of Lisbon architecture by time-travelling through the Portuguese capital. The Moors – Arabic influence in the architecture of Lisbon Lisbon was under Moorish rule from the 8th-12th centuries. The current Castelo […]