Between the 1940s and 1960s, Palm Springs became ground zero for Modernist architects like Richard Neutra and John Lautner who were attracted to its lunar terrain and proximity to Los Angeles. Their design aesthetic, which came to be called desert modernism, forever shaped the tableau of the desert city. While sadly you can’t stay at their famous homes, these ten hotels and spas are the next best thing.
The Parker, set against the San Jacinto mountains on 13 lush acres, oozes style and seclusion. The Le Meridien-owned property is a favorite of celebs when they’re in town and the pool area is notorious for star-spotting (Angelina Jolie has been seen lounging by).
Formerly The Horizon, L’Horizon reopened in 2015 after a multi-million dollar refresh by celebrity designer Steve Hermann. The 1950s gem played host to Hollywood legends (and even a few presidents) back in the day and does so today. Each of the luxurious 25 guestrooms is like staying in private Palm Springs home.
Fun and festive describe the Saguaro (pronounced sa-wah-roh), a 245-room hotel decked in pink and orange. If you’re looking for a party-friendly home base for Coachella, this is it. Daily yoga, an Olympic-sized pool and a shuttle to downtown seal the deal.
Jaded city folk should head to this hotel, a former Motel 6 turned high-style hangout. Like its NYC and L.A. counterparts, the Ace has all the amenities you could want, plus an on-site restaurant, bar and spa.
Styled after pensiones in the Mediterranean, the Korakia has all the makings of a seaside retreat — without a sea in sight. A complimentary cooked breakfast is served in the sun-dappled courtyard, one of the many features of this dreamy destination.
Four bars, a restaurant, an 11,000 sq-foot spa – not to mention 398 rooms and 73 suites – the Riviera is as big as it gets in Palm Springs. You won’t be bored here. It’s location in downtown means easy access to everything Palm Springs has to offer.
Like something out of The Jetsons, Orbit In is a retro fantasy come to life. Studio rooms are appointed with Eames furniture and record players, while extras include two saltwater pools and a complimentary happy hour. Their extensive spa menu offers relaxing massages, mat Pilates and yoga therapy.
If Nancy Meyers designed a hotel, it would look a lot like the Alcazar. The Spanish colonial-style inn, located in the hip uptown design district, is decked in sumptuous white linens. Reserve a room with a private patio and let the calm set in.
A hotspot for movie stars in the 1930s,the Spanish Colonial-style hotel was opened by former mobster Al Wertheimer and served as his private club until the 1940s. To this day, the Colony Palms offers guests an indulgent stay, with beautifully appointed suites, a restaurant and spa.
This adults-only property is like a real-life Flintstones set. Built in 1947 by William F. Cody, the hotel was named a Class 1 historic site in 2012. Lounge on a bright orange sun chair or cozy up to one of the hotel’s many inviting common spaces that encircle the saltwater pool.
Originally built in 1935, the Albert Frey designed Movie Colony Hotel combines iconic mid-century modern architecture with a location just one block from downtown Palm Springs. The mostly white boutique hotel has both rooms and townhouses and was a favorite of Sinatra back in the day.
Tired of the mid-century modern aesthetic? Sparrows Lodge is the answer. The restored lodge, built in 1952, is mountain cabin meets desert resort. With No TVs or telephones, it makes for the perfect getaway. The on site restaurant, The Barn Kitchen, serves breakfast, lunch and supper.
Every spring, the world is gifted with the sight of cherry blossoms. In Japan, the tradition of cherry blossom season is known as hanami. But the centuries-old tradition extends beyond the shores of Japan, with many more cities across the world holding annual festivals celebrating the precious pink bloom. From quintessential Kyoto to lesser-known Macon, Georgia, these are the 10 best cities in the world to see cherry blossoms and where to stay.
Kyoto
Kyoto
Named one of our most romantic cities in the world, Kyoto is heralded around the world for its cherry blossoms. While the trees can be viewed throughout Japan during spring, Kyoto is the most picturesque. To really see the blooms in action, visit the Imperial Palace or the Philosopher’s Path.
Westin Miyako Kyoto
Located just outside Kyoto, the Westin Miyako Kyoto embodies the serenity of its surroundings.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Outside of Kyoto, D.C. is the best place for premium blossom viewing. Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is held over a five week period on the National Mall. Crowds can get uncomfortably large, but luckily there are several places in D.C. to see the blooms.
Mandarin Oriental
See cherry blossoms without leaving your hotel at the Mandarin Oriental, with incredible views of the Tidal Basin.
Every April the Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts Sakura Matsui, the Japanese tradition marking the end of hanami (aka cherry blossom season). The two-day affair includes a cosplay fashion show, bands playing traditional tunes and dance performances.
Can’t make it to Brooklyn? Take a scroll through the gardens instead.
NU Hotel
Access the Botanic Garden easily from the NU Hotel, a hip haven in nearby Downtown Brooklyn.
Macon, Georgia
Macon
Little known fact: Macon is the cherry blossom capital of the world. With more than 300,000 trees, the city is practically awash in a baby pink. Its annual festival, ending in March, is earlier than most because of the warmer climate down south.
Stonehurst Place
Stay at Stonehurst Place, a charming bed and breakfast in Atlanta.
The Opus Hotel in Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown district is no doubt one of the best in the city.
Stockholm
Stockholm
In 1998, 63 Japanese cherry trees were planted around one of most central parks, the Kungsträdgården (King’s Garden). 18 years later, the trees have become a can’t-miss sight in the Swedish capital every mid-to-late April.
Hotel Diplomat
Hotel Diplomat, located on the grand boulevard Strandvagen, makes for a refined stay.
Seoul
Seoul
In Seoul, the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival brings thousands of visitors to the city’s national assembly building. More than 1,600 cherry trees bloom along the Han River, in addition to nearly 90,000 flowers including azaleas, forsythias and spireas.
Rakkojae Seoul
Skip the chain hotels in favor of the Rakkojae Seoul, a traditional hanok dating back to the 1870s.
San Francisco
San Francisco Japanese Tea Garden
Some 30 cherry blossom trees will bloom in San Francisco’s Japantown. Happening at the same time is the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, which celebrates the city’s rich Japanese culture and heritage and draws over 200,000 visitors a year.
Hotel Kabuki
Keep in the Japanese theme by booking a room at Hotel Kabuki.
Paris
Paris
One of the many glorious aspects of springtime in Paris is the cherry blossoms along the Parc du Champ De Mars, an expansive green space at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement. On sunny days (a rarity in Paris), there’s no better place to while away an afternoon. Picnics are encouraged.
Hotel du Champ de Mars
Stay at – where else? – Hotel du Champ de Mars, an affordable boutique hotel in the 7th.
Salem, Oregon
Salem
The capitol of Oregon was once known as Cherry City, a nod to the cherry orchards that once surrounded the valley town. Nowadays, the only remnant of Salem’s once-bustling cherry business is the double row of cherry trees outside of Oregon’s capitol building.
Hotel Monaco
The Hotel Monaco is playful and sophisticated in downtown Portland, about an hour away from Salem by car.
As with any vacation, hotel selection is key. The Lodge at Torrey Pines is your best bet. It neighbors a world-class golf course and overlooks the Pacific. And if those surroundings are not enough, “the resort itself is a celebration of the American Craftsman period, from its stained glass and handcrafted woodwork to its Stickley-style furnishings,” says Forbes Travel Guide. Rooms here start at $305.
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Free sunsets
Something to keep in mind is that San Diego is a border city. Mexico is just a short drive away, making for some pretty amazing food. Plus, Mexican heritage is visible in many spots, and Old Town San Diego is a particularly bright spot to experience it. After checking in at the Lodge, make your way to the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. San Diego is definitely a city that requires a car to get around, but if you want to save yourself the hassle of renting one and finding parking, Uber is your safest bet. A trip from the Lodge to Old Town will be around $15. The main attraction of the Historic Park is its plaza, which is “a pleasant place to rest, plan your tour of the park, and watch passers-by,” according to Fodor’s. After a stroll, it’s time you have your first Mexican meal of the trip. The Old Town Mexican Café is a staple in San Diego, where the staff prepares fresh tortillas in front of you. Lonely Planet recommends you try “machacas (shredded pork with onions and peppers), carnitas (grilled pork), and posole (hominy stew).” You can’t go wrong with this casual diner. Dishes here range from $4-$16.
San Diego
Mission San Diego de Alcala
After lunch, cruise over to the Mission San Diego de Alcala, also in Old Town. The architecture is representative of Spanish colonial rule of the area. It is the first of a chain of 21 missions stretching northward along the coast, and according to Fodor’s, has some pretty intense history. Plus, you can still attend mass here over the weekends. Admission into the mission is $5. Before it gets dark, head back to Torrey Pines and check out the Reserve. It is a completely different scene than Old Town. Rather than looking at some amazing architecture surrounded by Mexican food and Spanish music, the Torrey Pines State Reserve is a place to enjoy nature. San Diego is an outdoorsy city, and the Reserve is an ideal place for a late afternoon walk. Afar magazine says “either you can hike a longer loop around the entire reserve, or take a short walk from the parking lot near the nature center to the edge of high bluffs overlooking the ocean.” Exploring the Torrey Pines State Reserve is definitely a great way to open up your appetite before dinner.
Torrey Pines Reserve, La Jolla, California
To end your first day, it’s time to splurge. After all that walking, it’s time to eat at San Diego’s best restaurant, George’s at the Cove. A close drive to the Torrey Pines Lodge, George’s is often regarded as the place to find the city’s best meal. “Chef Trey Foshee is committed to using farm fresh organic and sustainable ingredients in dishes like the yellowfin fish tacos and porcini-glazed halibut,” says Travel + Leisure. Main courses here are between $13-$50.
Day 2
For the next day, you should aim for a big breakfast or brunch, because there’s a lot of walking involved. Hash House A Go Go is known for its huge portions, but “it is not simply quantity over quality,” according to Zagat. The hash browns, biscuits, and pancakes are delicious, as are their eggs cooked in many different styles. Prices range from $9-$18 for meals. It will be a $15 Uber ride from the Torrey Pines Lodge.
Balboa Park
Just a short distance away from the restaurant is one of San Diego’s main attractions: Balboa Park. One of the biggest cultural parks in the world, it houses museums, restaurants, and the first stop for today, the San Diego Zoo. Prepare to explore for hours. “The expansive “habitats” include a tropical rainforest filled with gorillas, a recreated Arctic tundra with polar bears and reindeer, and a Giant Panda Research Station,” says Travel + Leisure. It’ll cost $50 to check out every corner of this 100-acre animal wonderland. After the zoo, be sure to walk around the rest of Balboa Park. The San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Air & Space Museum are two of the park’s highlights.
Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma
As a final stop before dinner visit Cabrillo National Monument, in the Point Loma neighborhood. It’s a historic site dedicated to a 16th century explorer, but the views are the biggest pull here. “It’s also the best place in town to see the gray-whale migration (January to March) from land,” says Lonely Planet. It’s a $16 Uber ride away from Balboa Park, and admission is free. Watch the sunset at Cabrillo, and then get ready for a wonderful meal nearby. Point Loma Seafoods is perfect for an early dinner, and promises amazing food and ambiance. “The place is known for its Alaskan cod fish sandwich, though the squid sandwich is another bestseller,” says Gayot. If you still have some energy left, check out Café Sevilla downtown for live music and drinks. It should be an $8 ride from Point Loma Seafoods. “Thursday through Sunday evenings, it’s packed with youthful throngs who crowd the ground-floor bar,” according to Fodor’s.
Day 3
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Not pictured: you.
You can’t leave San Diego without spending some time at the beach. So for the remainder of the trip, it’s all about Mission Beach. The boardwalk here stretches for several miles, perfect for a walk or a bike ride. An Uber ride from the hotel will be $12. Start the day at The Mission for breakfast. It has three locations throughout San Diego, including the beach. “There’s soy chorizo, gluten-free blueberry cornmeal pancakes, egg whites, and braised tofu and generous bowls of fruit and granola for health-conscious types, and roast beef hash and eggs for hungry carnivores,” says Frommer’s. Expect to pay $7-$11 per item here.
Belmont Park
Make your way to the final stop of your San Diego visit: Belmont Park. The once abandoned amusement park bow has a functioning roller coaster, along with shops where you can find kitschy gifts. “Attractions include miniature golf, a video arcade, bumper cars, a tilt-a-whirl, and an antique carousel,” according to Fodor’s. Prices vary for every attraction. After those 72 hours, you probably won’t be done with San Diego. The hikes, the food, and the gorgeous weather will leave you certain of why this place is such a popular spot. Just listen to the experts, and you’ll be enjoying the best of what the city has to offer.
To start off, let’s check into the Faena Hotel, the highest ranked hotel in Buenos Aires. It “projects a low profile, but the interiors of the luxury hotel are bathed in rich reds and black marble, creating a sexy, dramatic ambiance,” says Forbes Travel Guide. Designed by the renowned Philippe Starck, “it’s the kind of place where you might easily find yourself sharing an elevator with Sting,” says Travel + Leisure. Rates start at $357 a night.
Faena Hotel
After you explore the hotel amenities, which include two on-site restaurants, a lounge that stays open late into the night, and swanky pool area, it’s time to see the neighborhood. The Faena Hotel is located in Puerto Madero, a waterfront district that buzzes with activity. “Sleek office buildings reach into the sky, trendy restaurants are filled with well-heeled locals, and a number of celebrities own places in the hood’s high-rise apartment buildings,” details Forbes Travel Guide. After a walk along the Rio de la Plata, it’s time to head to Café San Juan, in the nearby neighborhood San Telmo. Getting there is easy: while Uber is still not available in Buenos Aires, Easy Taxi is an app that works the same way and is available throughout most Latin American countries. It accepts all major credit cards, and is available in most languages. An Easy Taxi ride to Café San Juan will cost under $2.00 no matter the time of day. Just ten minutes away from the Faena Hotel, this family-run restaurant is where locals and tourists gather, and it would be wise to make a reservation. “During the daily lunch rush, chef Leandro Cristobal fashions inventive tapas and pastas from the likes of sun-dried tomatoes, brie and seasonal vegetables, while his mother pours the wine,” says Time Out. A meal here averages $30, including a glass of wine, but keep in mind that it’s a cash-only venue.
The Plaza de Mayo
It’s now time to visit the city’s most famous landmark, Argentina’s National Museum of Fine Arts, or el Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. An Easy Taxi from Café San Juan ($3) will drop you off in front of this impressive structure, in the heart of the posh Recoleta neighborhood. It’s open from Tuesday til Saturday, and admission is free. According to Travel + Leisure, “the best part of the museum is the Argentinean art—the most extensive collection anywhere. Apart from its intrinsic beauty, the collection gives a peek into life over the centuries, from the Italian immigrants of La Boca (an industrial port) to frontier life on the pampa.” After touring the museum, you can view the sunset in the middle of the city’s Plaza de Mayo. Another $3 cab ride will take you to downtown, which houses the political institutions in the country. Surrounded by old neoclassical buildings, the plaza is filled with energy and history. Once again, it’s time for a bite. Argentina is best known for its beef, and La Cabrera, is the place to taste some. Nestled in the Palermo neighborhood (a $4 cab ride from Plaza de Mayo), La Cabrera is also popular for argentines and tourists alike, so it is best to make a reservation. “Stick with classics from the grill, like sweetbreads, ribeye, short ribs, and stuffed pork bondiola (shoulder),” recommends Frommer’s. Dinner here will be just under $20. A trip to Buenos Aires is not complete without a tango show. Luckily, the Faena Hotel has the “Rojo Tango” on at 10 pm. Get back to the Faena for $4 using Easy Taxi and enjoy the show for $17.
Tango the night away
A trip to Buenos Aires is not complete without a tango show. Luckily, the Faena Hotel has the “Rojo Tango” on at 10 pm. Get back to the Faena for $4 using Easy Taxi and enjoy the show for $17.
Day 2
Day one was packed with attractions throughout the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. Day two will be take place mostly in Recoleta and San Telmo, because they’re lovely for strolls. But first, there’s always a need for some good breakfast. Start the day at Café Tortoni. A $2 cab ride will get you there from the hotel, and it happens to be on the way to the next destination. Tortoni is an institution in Buenos Aires, with a charmingly ceremonial feel given its fame of attracting famous authors. “If there’s a spiritual, intellectual, and historical epicenter to Buenos Aires, this is it,” says Concierge. And coffee here is really good too. Buenos Aires is huge, but walking the city’s streets is essential to captivate the porteño (as locals are called) essence. The best area to walk in is Recoleta, just a $2.50 Easy Taxi ride away. “Elegant houses reminiscent of their Parisian counterparts line the streets of chic Recoleta,” says Michelin.
Recoleta Cemetery
During the stroll, be sure to check out the Recoleta Cemetery. Just like Père Lachaise in Paris, Buenos Aires is elegant enough that a cemetery can be worth visiting. Travel + Leisure notes that, “with more than 4,700 ornate stone crypts laid out along a streetlike grid, this graveyard is an architectural masterpiece, and an eerie miniature city for the wealthy dead.” After all that strolling, it’s time for lunch. Luckily, it’s walking distance. The highly recommended Oviedo promises a memorable experience. In a meat-centric city like Buenos Aires, Oviedo is known for offering some of the best seafood. Fodor’s says that, “you can’t go wrong with any of the pristine shellfish dishes. Top it all off with one of the better wine lists in the area and you’re in for a memorable lunch or dinner.” Lunch here can range from $25 – $100.
MALBA and the Plaza Dorrego
It’s now time to say goodbye to Recoleta and head over to the MALBA to peruse some of Latin America’s finest art. An Easy Taxi ride of $1.50 will take you to this museum, which Lonely Planet calls “one of BA’s fanciest.” Some work by the dynamic duo of Mexicans Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo is on display. General admission is $4.50. Another quick cab ride ($3.50) will take you to Plaza Dorrego, which will be especially nice at dusk. Known for the vendors, cafes, and tango on its streets, this colorful plaza in San Telmo is best enjoyed on Sundays. According to our experts, San Telmo gives Buenos Aires that bohemian air that somehow works so well next to the posh neighborhoods of Recoleta and Puerto Madero. While in San Telmo, history buffs cannot miss out on visiting El Zanjon de Granados. Part archaeological museum, part event space, El Zanjon is a restored residence that encapsulates three centuries of urban living. “Expect few visitors and plenty of atmosphere on weekdays; cheaper, shorter tours on Sunday draw far more people,” recommends Fodor’s. Depending on the day, a tour will cost from $11 – $13.
A last meal in Buenos Aires is difficult to choose – the city is filled with great restaurants. The best choice would be Tegui, where ten-course meals are the norm. There’s something for everyone in this Palermo venue that was recently awarded for being amongst the best in Latin America. A $5 ride from El Zanjon will take you to this seemingly discreet façade, which hides high-concept cuisine. Travel+ Leisure recommends the “gnocchi and sweetbreads, rabbit terrine, and very slowly braised lamb.” A meal at Tegui starts at $40. Take one last Easy Taxi ride to the Faena Hotel for $5 before you enjoy some rest from walking your way through Buenos Aires. While 48 hours is quick, go to bed knowing that you saw the top attractions and ate in the best restaurants while gallivanting through the Argentinian capital. It’s not an easy task to take in a huge city like Buenos Aires in two days, but with this itinerary, it can definitely be done well.
Frank Gehry one said, “architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” That’s a motto to live by when it comes to designing a hotel. From gilded 19th century wonders to steel and glass in the desert, these 10 hotels are some of the best examples of timeless design.
Leave party-crazed South Beach behind in favor for stately and refined. “Built in 1926, the iconic Biltmore (a national landmark) brings timeless luxury to a hotel scene overwhelmed by skin-deep glitz” (Oyster.com).
An extensive renovation in 2007 gave a much needed facelift to a Palm Springs institution. With two outdoor pools, a full-service spa and stunning interiors designed by Jonathan Adler, the Parker is at once classic and modern — Palm Springs in a nutshell. Surrounded by 13 acres of lush, green grounds, the Parker remains a favorite of privacy-seeking celebs. Tablet says “this town, after all, used to be where the stars fled to from Hollywood—and the Parker is a conscious attempt to recapture the glamor of those bygone days.”
An extensive renovation in 2007 gave a much needed facelift to a Palm Springs institution. With two outdoor pools, a full-service spa and stunning interiors designed by Jonathan Adler, the Parker is at once classic and modern — Palm Springs in a nutshell. Surrounded by 13 acres of lush, green grounds, the Parker remains a favorite of privacy-seeking celebs. Tablet says “this town, after all, used to be where the stars fled to from Hollywood—and the Parker is a conscious attempt to recapture the glamor of those bygone days.”
Designed by famed architect Kenzō Tange, the Park Hyatt practically floats above the frenetic city below. “Lose yourself in the dizzyingly hypnotic luxury of this Shinjuku lodge, star of Sofia Coppola’s iconic film, Lost in Translation” (BlackBook).
You can expect any hotel in Abu Dhabi (one of the richest cities in the world) to be above and beyond. Notable on the list of top hotels is the Yas Viceroy, a futuristic abode looking more like an airport hanger than hotel. Built around a Formula 1 circuit, stand out features include a LED canopy, 11 dining options, a traditional hammam and access to a 18-hole golf course. Travel + Leisure says, “this 499-room hotel has brave-new-world bravado and future-is-now daring to spare.” When in Abu Dhabi, excess is expected.
“Architect Mies Van De Rohe’s River North centerpiece the Langham Hotel is simply bursting with luxury” (Time Out). Van De Rohe is considered among the pioneers of modern architecture, along with Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier.
Named one of the Historic Hotels of America, the Beaux Art Hermitage is a bastion of elegance in honky tonk land. “The Rolls Royce of Nashville hotels, the Hermitage has been a favorite overnight stop for presidents, visiting royalty, and a slew of celebrities” (Concierge.com).
Machu Picchu may get all the attention, but we think this hotel in Peru is a world wonder in of itself. “One of Cusco’s top hotels, this beautifully restored 1592 monastery of San Antonio Abad is a national historic monument” (Fodor’s).
Ett Hem isn’t the typical modern, Scandinavian hotel when you think of Stockholm, but that’s why we love it. Looking like something out of Architectural Digest, the 12-room hotel (translating to “home” ) is just about the prettiest home away from home. In a townhome dating back to 1910 and dripping in pure country luxury, Ett Hem reflects the city’s desire to step away from harsh design and into something much more appealing. Travel + Leisure notes, “we especially appreciated how every member of the staff, from the chef to the housekeeper, stopped to offer us a warm välkommen.”
Melbourne is one of the coolest cities in the world right now, so why shouldn’t their hotels reflect that? “Cutting-edge design, contemporary artworks and sculptural furniture, and spare yet inviting luxury make this boutique hotel perfect for aficionados of unfussy elegance” (Fodor’s).
Even if you don’t have much time, you won’t forget Hong Kong. It’s a cosmopolitan, multicultural playground that will leave you hoping for your next visit. Even if you just have a day’s layover or a few hours, make sure you get out and explore. Especially at night. The skyline is pretty amazing.
The Peninsula Hong Kong, stunning views from Victoria Peak, dim sum from Tim Ho Wan and the Man Mo Temple
To kick off a great stay, it’s vital to pick the best hotel Hong Kong has to offer. TripExpert ranks The Peninsula Hong Kong as the best one. The colonial building has rooms with “chic, residential-style elegance and have been updated to feature new guest-oriented technology, including multiple bedside adapters, LED touch-screen wall panels (available in five languages), interactive digital tablets, and wireless phones,” according to Fodor’s. The Peninsula boasts character, so staying here for a couple of nights will be memorable. Rooms are $513 a night. As a first stop, you must visit Hong Kong’s most famous landmark: Victoria Peak. If you’re short on time, this is the one place to check out. It’s Hong Kong’s highest point, and gathers “sweeping views of the vibrant metropolis, verdant woods, easy but spectacular walks,” says Lonely Planet. An Uber from the Peninsula will be around $28, or you could take the ferry and see how many locals travel daily. Admission to Victoria Peak is free, and to top off the perks, you get to take a funicular tram to the top. Take a tour of the Peak and make sure you get pictures from your 1800 ft (550 m) view of the cityscape. For lunch, we suggest you taste the dim sum. The best place to find it is at Tim Ho Wan, which is a $20 Uber ride away from Victoria Peak. “The world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, Tim Ho Wan serves up some of the finest and best-value dim sum you will ever eat,” says Conde Nast Traveler. Indeed, you will not spend more than $25 at Tim Ho Wan. The barbecued pork buns are a favorite here. It’s always busy, so try to schedule your lunch outside of peak hours at this spot. Just a short, $8 ride away is the Man Mo Temple, which you should definitely visit during your trip. Hong Kong’s oldest temple, built during the 1840s, is a Taoist gem. According to Frommer’s, “what makes this evocative temple particularly memorable are the giant incense coils hanging from the ceiling, imparting a fragrant, smoky haze — these are purchased by patrons seeking fulfillment of their wishes, such as good health or a successful business deal, and may burn as long as 3 weeks.”
Pick up souvenirs at the Temple Street Night Market
Make another stop before you indulge in some of Hong Kong’s cuisine. The Temple Street Night Market is a place to look for knick-knacks, grab a local snack, or just people watch. “You’ll also find a surfeit of fortune-tellers, herbalists and, occasionally, some free, open-air Cantonese opera performances,” says Lonely Planet. It’s been a long day, but dinner will not disappoint. TripExpert recommends the Cantonese restaurant Lung King Heen. It’s a $10 Uber ride away from the Night Market, where you’ve hopefully built up an appetite amongst the shopping. Forbes Travel Guide says, “seafood figures prominently, along with delicacies such as bird’s nest and abalone, but meat and poultry (including a sublime roast chicken) are treated with aplomb, too.” It doesn’t hurt that the views are spectacular. There’s a set dinner price of $200 at Lung King Heen. Hong Kong is a fast-paced city, and visiting all of its top spots in a day can be difficult, but can be done. This itinerary is perfect for someone who has a day to spare in Asia’s financial capital.
On the north side of the National Mall, the Natural History Museum attracts huge crowds everyday. It has little to envy of its New York counterpart with 127 million artifacts on display. “This is one of the world’s great natural history museums, with 18 exhibition halls, one of the largest IMAX screens in the world, giant dinosaur fossils, glittering gems, creepy-crawly insects, and other natural delights,” says Fodor’s.
Free everyday, the National Museum of Natural History is a favorite around here.
This museum houses artifacts from American History. The range is wide, and can go from cultural objects to military ones. “In general, this is a better museum for children than adults; displays tend to be bright and interactive, perhaps a little too much so for those seeking a more serious engagement with the nation’s history,” says Lonely Planet.
Perhaps the best museum choice for families, the American History Museum is usually crowded, so try to make it early in the day to get the best experience. It’s also a free Smithsonian.
The National Archives are where some of the country’s most important records are held. The American Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are some of the main highlights. Seeing the three together can be a mind-blowing experience since you will understand just how much of the creation of the United States was based on faith and taking chances.
Fodor’s calls the Archives “monument, museum, and the nation’s memory.” Admission is free, but reservations are definitely necessary.
A must-see for anyone seeking a deep understanding of one of the largest genocides of recent history, this museum seeks to teach. When you begin your tour, you’ll pick the identity card of an actual Holocaust victim, whose journey you will learn about throughout different parts of the exhibit. Other museum highlights covers the rise of Nazism, anti-Semitism, and the rest of World War II. “You learn that anti-Semitism was nothing new, and observe for yourself in newsreels how Germans were bowled over by Hitler’s powers of persuasion and propaganda,” says Frommers. The museum is free, and definitely worth a visit.
One of the coolest features about the American Indian museum is that it was designed by a Native American team. This means that the actual building is as much a part of the message as the exhibits themselves. Time Out says “the details are extraordinary: dramatic, Kasota limestone-clad undulating walls resemble a wind-carved mesa; the museum’s main entrance plaza plots the star configurations on 28 November 1989, the date that federal legislation was introduced to create the museum.”
Like most Smithsonian institutions, the museum is free.
The collection at the National Gallery is noteworthy because it extends from the Middle Ages to the present. The collection is giant: 100,000 pieces stored in two buildings. Travel + Leisure highlights the “array of classical masterworks by Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt, and van Gogh—as well as the only da Vinci in America.”
As for the modern art lovers, the National Gallery also offers Picasso, Matisse, Pollock, and Warhol, all for free.
The 22 galleries at the Air and Space Museum tell the story of aviation from the earliest human attempts at flight to supersonic jets and spacecraft. It is often called the most popular Smithsonian museum.
According to Lonely Planet, “Everyone flocks to see the Wright brothers’ flyer, Chuck Yeager’s Bell X-1, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St Louis, Amelia Earhart’s natty red plane and the Apollo Lunar Module. An IMAX theater, planetarium and flight simulators are all here ($7 to $9 each).”
Unlike most of the other Smithsonian Museums located on the Mall, the National Portrait Gallery is found in the busy Penn Quarter of downtown DC. The impressive courtyard space is memorable in this museum, modeled after its namesake in London. “Andy Warhol’s iconic Marilyn is here, alongside a striking kitsch-classical Elvis by Ralph W Cowan, looming huge over a rural scene with Gracelands in the background, as well as serious figures such as Hillary Clinton,” writes Time Out.
This family-friendly museum is quirky and fun. It houses gadgets that anyone will be keen to try. Plus, “visitors adopt cover identities, test their spy skills, and learn about the history of espionage and its role in the Civil War. The museum’s got plenty of spy-themed gifts (think lipstick pistols), plus an exhibit dedicated to James Bond,” says Travel + Leisure.
The Spy Museum does cost $22, though children can get in for $15. It’ll be worth it though, after you learn what to look for when it comes to suspicious activity.
Joseph H. Hirshhorn, a Latvian immigrant who made his fortune in uranium mines, founded this museum. Frommer’s advises to “look for Thomas Hart Benton’s dizzying sprawl of figures in the 1920 painting People of Chilmark, Ellsworth Kelly’s vivid minimalist paintings, Dan Steinhilber’s sculpture made out of paper-clad wire hangers, Henri Matisse’s bronze casts, and Damien Hirst’s The Asthmatic Escaped II.” The Sculpture Garden is another highlight here. The Hirshhorn is free for visitors.
A trip to DC is a huge blast from the past. It’s a city to understand how the United States began, and how it progressed. Make sure to visit as many museums as you can during your stay here.
The Bay Area is having a renaissance — and I don’t mean just San Francisco. Aside from that stunning metropolis, the Bay Area’s other two cities across the East Bay, Oakland and Berkeley, offer a wide variety of wonders (both culinary and visual) that are worth exploring.
To aide in your NorCal trip, we’ve complied a guide to the best long weekend filled with attractions and good eats. From San Francisco’s best dim sum to the ultimate record store in Berkeley, we think having this guide in your back pocket would be a hella good idea.
Day 1
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Hotel Zetta, Boulevard, City Lights Bookseller, Ferry Building Marketplace,
Start your weekend off by checking in to the fun and tech-savvy Hotel Zetta, located in the SoMa neighborhood. Frommer’s says it “embodies San Francisco’s young professionals’ “work hard, play hard” motto.” Gayot says Hotel Zetta “emphasizes interactivity with its services,” which include an interactive lobby with Mac computers and a Plinko game wall. San Francisco is, after all, the home of such tech luminaries like Twitter, Airbnb and Uber, so why not stay at a hotel that reflects the city’s innovators? Rooms from $260 a night. From the hotel, hop in a quick 10 minute cab ride or Uber ($8) to City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, one of the last great independent bookstores in the city, opened in 1953. Peruse the aisles for hard-to-find titles in world literature, arts and politics. While you’re there, you might even catch their weekly author reading series. After City Lights, it’s a short walk to the Embarcadero, home of the Ferry Building Marketplace. Originally built in 1896, the building is now host to a marketplace featuring merchants like Blue Bottle Coffee, Cowgirl Creamery and Acme Bread Company. Lonely Planet says “hedonism is alive and well at this transit hub turned gourmet emporium, where foodies happily miss their ferries slurping local oysters and bubbly.”
Every Saturday morning, locals pile into the Ferry Building for the farmer’s market to scoop up fresh produce, local cheeses and meats.
While you could just make a meal out of provisions found at the Ferry Building, if you’re feeling more of a sit-down dinner, walk to Boulevard, where chef Nancy Oakes is known as one of the first to put a fine dining spin on American cuisine. According to Time Out, “Since 1993, this Belle Epoque restaurant has been a consistent favorite: From the service to the cooking, there’s seldom a misstep.” The menu is full of sumptuous, seasonal-focused dishes like Quail with Roasted Forest Mushrooms & Cauliflower Panzanella. Main courses from $27. End the day with a nightcap at Hard Water, a restaurant and bar carrying up to 180 different American whiskeys. Opened by Charles Phan of The Slanted Door, Hard Water’s “compact space featuring a central horseshoe-shaped bar is best for socializing over ‘after-work drinks,’ ” says Zagat. We’d say sipping an Old Fashioned by the water is a pretty stellar way to cap off the night.
Day 2
Oakland Museum of California
It’s Saturday morning — and that means brunch. While you could wait in hours-long lines for pancakes and eggs, we’d rather hit up our pick for city’s best dim sum, Ton Kiang. Take the 38R bus down Geary Boulevard (it’s a long walk from the hotel) and stop when you see a snaking line outside of the bi-level restaurant. While inevitably busy, rest assured that you’ll be in and out as quick as the servers can cart their shumai and sesame balls.
I’ve been coming here since I was 5. It’s my family’s favorite.
With a full belly, it’s time to explore the city across the bay, Oakland. From Ton Kiang, take a 20-minute BART train ride to the Oakland Museum of California. Specializing in natural science, history and art of the great state of California, Lonely Planet says the museum is a must-see. “Relevant, fascinating exhibits have included knockout Yosemite photography and interactive Great Quake rooms.” The museum’s mid-century modern design is worth seeing just on its own. General admission is $15.95. Alternatively, you could see a matinée film at the historic Paramount Theatre, one of many Art Deco-era movie palaces in Oakland. The Paramount is known for showing classic films, as well as being a host to music performers in town. It’s dinner time, and there are few better places in town to indulge than Camino. While on the pricey side, this restaurant with a wood fire grill does simple, Californian cuisine at its finest. Lonely Planet says the restaurant “showcases the best of local organic produce and meats, most cooked over an open fire in slow-food-meets-California-now style.” Main courses start at $30. Grab an Uber ($30) or hop on the BART back to San Francisco. It’s been a long but adventurous day!
Wake up early and head to Tartine Bakery, an unquestionable institution in San Francisco with long lines to match. Famous for its European-style bread (which you can order up to 3 days in advance), the bakery and cafe also serves an astonishing variety of pastries, cakes, tarts and sandwiches. This is nirvana for those who love a flaky croissant or morning bun.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Take your pastry and coffee and walk over to Dolores Parkfor a great vantage point of the city. Recently reopened to the public after extensive renovation, the park remains a favorite among locals with picnics, offering unparalleled views of the city. Frommer’s says it’s “the scene of modern bohemia,” and we’d have to agree. SFer’s know how to relax.
Mission Dolores Park, Berkeley, Chez Panisse
But enough splendor in the grass. Hop in 30-minute a cab or Uber ($20) and spend the afternoon in the other city across the bay, Berkeley. Berkeley is foremost a college town, so you would be remiss in not visiting the University of California, Berkeley. Stroll around the leafy campus, made famous in the ‘60s for its Free Speech Movement and opposition to the Vietnam War. After soaking up collegiate vibes, make your way to Telegraph Ave, one of the city’s thoroughfares and historic center of hippie culture. Drop by Moe’s Books (it’s been around since 1959) for browsing new and used books, then walk over Amoeba Music, a record collector’s dream carrying hundreds of thousands of CDs and LPs.
You may recognize Amoeba Music for the “What’s In My Bag?” series on YouTube.
When the hunger pangs begin, make your way to Chez Panisse. Opened in 1971 by Alice Waters, the restaurant practically invented farm-to-table cuisine. “Californian cuisine is so much a product of Alice Waters’s genius that all other restaurants following in her wake should be dated A.A.W. (After Alice Waters),” says Frommer’s. Yes, this restaurant is one of the best known in the country, and yes, you’ll need a reservation, but we think Chez Panisse is an absolute must when in Berkeley. Prix fixe menus at dinner start at $75, while the cafe serves an a la carte menu. Don’t leave Berkeley without seeing the stunning nighttime views over San Francisco bay at the Lawrence Hall of Science.
Day 4
Be sure to catch some Golden Gate views before heading home.
Sadly, your weekend in the Bay Area is coming to an end, but before you leave, don’t miss viewing San Francisco’s top-rated attraction – the iconic, elegant, Golden Gate Bridge. For the best views, Travel + Leisure has you covered: “Do yourself a favor and see the Golden Gate Bridge the way it was meant to be seen: from below.”
With that last view, your long weekend in the Bay Area is over. You stayed at one of the best hotels, ate at some of the best restaurants, and saw some of the best attractions. Once you’ve experienced SF, Oakland and Berkeley once, you’ll be planning a trip back very soon. It’s just that kind of place.
Pro tip: Consider buying a Go San Francisco Card, an all-inclusive pass to the city’s top museums, attractions and tours, including a cruise around the Golden Gate Bridge.
Atlanta, a historic mecca of art and culture in the South, has always had its fair share of adventure and charm. However, a recent wave of creative attention has lit a fire within the city’s innovators. Now packed with even more things to see, Atlanta ranks up there with some of America’s best cities. But, if you only had 24 hours, what would you choose to see now and save for later? Should you stay in a modern high-rise or a historic bed and breakfast? Would you find the best dinner at an old, homegrown restaurant or a brand new culinary venture?
At TripExpert, we have the answer to the most Atlanta-filled trip you could have in one day. The experts know best and we’ve brought together reviews from the most trusted names in travel to create a score for each city’s most worthwhile attractions. With this score and some insider knowledge of Atlanta, we’ve figured out where to go and what to do for your next day trip to Atlanta.
So where should we start the best 24-hour trip to Atlanta possible?
Stonehurst Place, Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
One of Atlanta’s nicknames is Dogwood City, and we say skip the towering, modern hotels for Atlanta’s highest rated bed and breakfast: Stonehurst Place. “[Fusing] art, history, and high-tech amenities” (Jetsetter), Stonehurst Place exemplifies a modernized “Southern charm.”. Housed in a renovated 19th-century home, this charming bed and breakfast looks out onto a quiet street in midtown within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, and attractions. Oyster.com loves “the affability of the owners” and highlights its “relaxing atmosphere.” The property features a heated porch and each room has free Wi-Fi. Individually decorated rooms start from $199 per night.
Since check-in doesn’t start until 4pm, drop off your luggage at Stonehurst Place and take three-minute stroll up Piedmont Avenue. There, you’ll find one of Atlanta’s beloved breakfast spots, The Flying Biscuit Café. Known for their modern Southern food and fluffy biscuits, this café is also a great spot to fuel up before exploring the shops and attractions nearby. Sprawling out behind The Flying Biscuit Café is Atlanta’s biggest park. Dubbed “Atlanta’s answer to Central Park” by Not For Tourists, Piedmont Park. Stroll around Lake Clara Meer and take in the broad Atlanta skyline reflecting in the lake’s still waters. Or walk along the edges of the park, stopping to peer into the other cafes and shops right at your fingertips. As well, when planning your trip, try to visit during one of the many arts and culture festivals held here such as Music Midtown or The Atlanta Arts Festival. Finally, before moving on, make friends with a friendly group of ATLiens hosting a picnic in the park’s green, picturesque fields. On the north side of the park within walking distance is another highly rated attraction: The Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Perfect for the green thumb within all of us, the Botanical Gardens contains the Fuqua Conservatory, a collection of “unusual flora from tropical and desert climates,” according to Fodor’s. There you can also find the award-winning Fuqua Orchid Center where you can see (you guessed it!) an extensive collection of orchids from around the world. Entry to the gardens will cost you $18.95 and prearranged tours are available at $15.95 (self-guided) or $19.95 (guided).
By now, you’ve probably worked up a good appetite from walking all over Piedmont Park and the Botanical Gardens. Rest your legs by grabbing a $6 Uber ride to Mary Mac’s Tea Room: One of Atlanta’s most historic Southern cooking establishments. Zagat describes Mary Mac’s menu as “old-fashioned Southern comfort food for the soul…with all the fixin’s” and they ain’t just pullin’ your leg. Fried chicken, sweet tea, and enough cheesy grits to go around will leave you stuffed and yet wanting more. Each delicious entrée will set you back between $11 and $23. From food for the soul to food for the mind, grab yourself another $6 Uber ride to the High Museum of Art. With admission priced well at about $20 per adult, the High’s collections are “a little bit Met, a little bit MoMA, and a little bit Southern” (Frommer’s). While the museum’s exhibits often include some of art’s biggest names such as Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo, their permanent collection spans several genres from local artists to African-American to decorative with 11,000 pieces always in view. However, the beauty doesn’t stop there. “Covered in white porcelain-enameled steel” (Michelin Guide), the 135,000-sq.-ft. mansion is a “destination as much for its architecture as its world-class exhibits” (Lonely Planet). You’ll easily find yourself wandering its halls for several hours and it’ll be time to check-in before you know it.
High Museum
Head back to Stonehurst Place for $6, check-in, and take a moment to enjoy your cozy room. Cuddle up in a plush bathrobe and enjoy some homemade, complimentary snacks. Don’t take too long – you’ve got a reservation at Atlanta’s finest restaurant: Bacchanalia. Uber it over to west midtown for $7 and prepare for an all-organic masterpiece with an outstanding TripExpert Score. For over 20 years, Atlanta has held Bacchanalia as the city’s best restaurant and it’s no surprise with its dining room’s “vaulted ceiling” and “exposed brick-trimmed windows,” its “low-lit sexy bar,” and its “vibrant, seasonal American” five course pre-fixe menu (Forbes Travel Guide). Bacchanalia’s chefs Anne Quantrano and Clifford Harrison often pull ingredients from their own farm at home or from other small farms to ensure the highest quality for their dishes. Their pre-fixe may set you back $85 per person (not including any caviar service), but when in Atlanta, do as the Atlantans: try the Gulf Crab Fritters and Braised Short Ribs. Since Atlanta is the artist mecca of the South, we couldn’t forget to go to the theater while you’re there. While the Fox Theater houses touring Broadway shows, we’re actually going to send you to the Alliance Theater to see a show directed, acted, and produced by Atlanta’s finest. A $7 Uber ride away from dinner, the Alliance Theater boasts world-class productions and vows to honor the work from the most diverse group of artists possible. From original works to pieces once performed on Broadway, their shows cost between $20 and $45, a good price considering the caliber of their artists. With a piece of Atlanta’s performing arts under your belt, it’s probably time to call it a night. Your last Uber for the night will cost you $6 to get back to Stonehurst Place. Once you’re back, you can take in the night air on their front porch or enjoy some quiet in their cozy sitting room. If you’re feeling a tad restless, you could grab a nightcap at one of several restaurants/lounges near your hotel such as 10th and Piedmont. In addition to a vibrant night scene, this area is known for the many bars catering to the LGBT community. When it’s time to wind down, your bed will greet you with incredible comfort with Stonehurst’s luxury linens and a quiet, uninterrupted night’s rest.
Check out in the morning will mark the end of your trip and, congratulations, you will have had the best and most authentic 24 hours in Atlanta possible! You had your fair share of Southern cooking, took in Atlanta’s beautiful scenery and parks, had dinner at the best restaurant in the whole city, and took in some of the best art The Big Peach has to offer.
