Travel
The final word weekend in Dubai
I had heard many issues about Dubai – the oozing luxurious, the thrilling skyline, the epic meals. It is a metropolis the place on one avenue you’ll discover trendy masterpiece the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest constructing, while on the following pathway you get a glimpse of the outdated within the Spice Souq. Dubai definitely is a vacation spot within the United Arab Emirates the place you’ll be able to spend some critical cash, with high-end lodges and expensive experiences, however price range choices exist additionally.
When to reach: Profit from a weekend in Dubai and arrive on Friday very first thing and depart on Sunday night. Relying on what time of 12 months you go to, you’ll wish to begin your days early to keep away from the warmth. Temperatures can soar to 41°C (106°F) in the summertime months, whereas the winter months are considerably cooler at 24°C (75°F).
How one can get from the airport: You possibly can hop on a driverless Metro straight from the airport into the town middle, which ought to take round 20 minutes. Town is house to 2 Metro strains, Purple and Inexperienced, and break up into seven zones. The price of your Metro ticket relies on how most of the zones you cross by means of in your journey. When you’re touring on a price range, buses are additionally an possibility. Go to www.rta.ae for bus fares, timetables and routes.
Getting round city: Taxis are probably the most handy approach of getting round – simply keep away from 3pm to 5pm, faculty pick-up time, and rush hour between 5pm to 7pm. In case you are utilizing public transport, buy a chargeable nol card at any Metro station, bus station or varied supermarkets. The Metro is straightforward to navigate and stops at many key vacationer sights. Buses and trams can take you round too.
The place to remain: Atlantis The Royal is luxurious by means of and thru. With just below 100 swimming pools and practically 20 eating places, that is the last word place to remain should you’re forking out on money. Its sister property, Atlantis, The Palm, feels extra household pleasant with points of interest comparable to The Lost Chambers Aquarium and the Aquaventure Waterpark. Price range-friendly stays exist as nicely, and the variety of hostels is rising.
What to pack: Modest apparel is the best way to go in Dubai. Girls vacationers ought to pack a shawl if visiting any mosques. Males ought to pack lengthy trousers and canopy their arms if getting into a mosque. A coverup by the pool and for strolling round lodges is advisable, together with loads of solar safety.
Day 1
Morning
Begin your time without work with a feast at Gastronomy on Palm Jumeirah. A global buffet restaurant set inside Atlantis The Royal, it boasts reside cooking stations, an array of cheese, fish and chilly meats and even pizza and ice cream stations. That is the place to be for some critical breakfast gasoline.
How one can spend the day
Head to The Misplaced Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm, house to over 65,000 marine animals. When you’re searching for an journey, Aquatrek Xtreme enables you to head 10m underwater within the aquarium, the place you’ll be able to stroll amongst colleges of fish, sting rays and (pleasant!) sharks. Non-certified divers can e book, and anybody over the age of 12 can reserve. Subsequent door, the Aquaventure Waterpark holds the Guinness World Report title for probably the most waterslides present in a waterpark. Or strive Dubai Balloon, a tethered hot-air balloon experience that floats as much as 300m.
Dinner
Take pleasure in a scrumptious dinner at Michelin-starred Ariana’s Persian Kitchen. Tuck into Persian classics comparable to ghormeh sabzi, herb stew, and kabab koobideh, floor lamb kebab. The Rose Bar Mazzah menu options cold and hot mezze and a drink, whereas the Style of Persian menu options three programs. Even should you don’t dine right here, come for a beverage – the Kashani lemonade is a refreshing burst of rose water, lemon juice, barberries and basil seeds. The watermelons are additionally saved within the fountain within the Persian Backyard exterior, a typical methodology of cooling the fruit in Iran. I’ve many fond reminiscences of summers spent in Iran within the swimming pool at my household’s bagh, backyard home. We’d take a dip within the water, with watermelons bobbing round us. I dined in a room full of individuals at Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, however ate in close to silence, taking every mouthful as a reminiscence again to Iran, my childhood, my love of meals.
Day 2
Morning
Saturday brunch is a giant affair within the UAE. Limitless lists of lodges supply all-inclusive brunches, which flip into events. For a extra reasonably priced brunch, head to Muchachas Mexican Cantina, a full of life spot that serves Mexican treats comparable to tasty fajitas and recent ceviche.
How one can spend the day
Proceed your day within the Al Fahidi Historic District, a restored Nineteenth-century district, and benefit from the view of Burj al Arab simply earlier than you enter. You’ll discover loads of retailers and galleries to peruse, together with museums and exhibitions. After, head to Dubai Creek and take an abra, wood water taxi, to Deira, an space of Dubai with souqs showcasing plentiful scents and vibrant materials. The Spice Souq is my favourite souq within the space, with its colourful sacks and towering pyramids of spices.
Dinner
Dubai is a metropolis the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in delicacies from all around the globe, usually with a way of thrill. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is a must-try. A Michelin deal with, the restaurant serves British delicacies from the 1300s. The Meat Fruit starter appears to be like like a mandarin with its vivid freckled pores and skin and a leaf poking out, however minimize inside and discover silky hen liver parfait. When you’re searching for an after-dinner tipple (and a spot of after-dinner sushi, as a result of why not?) head to Nobu Dubai for rooftop views.
Day 3
Morning
Take pleasure in a wholesome kick-start to the day at Seva, a store and holistic wellness middle that gives yoga and meditation courses. After, when it’s not too scorching and earlier than the crowds arrive, head to Jumeirah Public Seaside, which is free, for some morning sunshine.
How one can spend the day
Spend your final day in Dubai having fun with its unimaginable structure and historical past. The spectacular Etihad Museum is a beast at 25,000 sq km and tells the story of the UAE. A 15-minute stroll down Jumeirah Road, you’ll discover the Jumeirah Mosque. The mosque is among the few within the metropolis that’s open to all guests. There are one-hour excursions of the constructing on every single day however Friday at 10am and 2pm. For a wholesome lunch of native and natural produce, head to Comptoir 102. Then, hop on the bus and Metro to soak up a few of Dubai’s trendy wonders. The Burj Khalifa is a triumph, slicing by means of the skyline at 828m. That is Dubai in spite of everything, opulence is paramount. The Dubai Mall is among the largest purchasing malls within the UAE. Children will love its aquarium and zipping across the Dubai Ice Rink. A metropolis of superlatives, The Dubai Fountain is a memorable water, mild and music expertise with the Burj Khalifa as its backdrop; the present is each half-hour from 6pm till 11pm on a regular basis.
Dinner
When you’re searching for tradition, head to the Dubai Opera, which sits subsequent to the Dubai Mall, for music, comedy and theatre. Drive down Sheikh Zayed Street for round 5 minutes, and also you’ll discover Allo Beirut, an genuine Lebanese restaurant, which is a breath of recent air away from the glitz and glamour of Dubai’s usually high-end culinary scene. Tuck into a spread of grilled meats and revel in an array of wraps, from hen shawarma to halloumi to complete off your keep within the metropolis.
Zara Sekhavati traveled to Dubai with the help of the Z!mmerman Company and Go to Dubai.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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