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.
Traveling is inherently romantic. The anticipation of a new place, the discovery once you’re there, and the fulfillment once you’ve left. But if you are traveling to inspire amorous feelings, there are cities that will make it a whole lot easier.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic destination for a honeymoon or a first date, these 14 cities will inspire passion. It couldn’t hurt to bring a book of Shakespearean sonnets with you either.
With its moorish architecture and narrow streets, Marrakech is Morocco in a nutshell. Heady smells of cumin and coriander fill the Jemaa El Fna where hawkers once traded gold and ivory. It’s a bustling city, but not one without an abundance of romance.
Stay at La Mamounia Marrakech, Morocco’s most prestigious hotel and host to many a celebrity since 1923.
The Argentinian capital “combines Old World grandeur and tango performances with fabulous nightlife and cutting-edge restaurants” (Food & Wine). Visitors will feel like they’re in Europe, but with a fabulous Latin American twist.
Stay at the Faena Hotel
Faena Hotel
Go for El Puente de la Mujer as an exceptionally romantic spot in Buenos Aires. Frommer’s says “Looking for a romantic spot to share a kiss at sunset in Puerto Madero? This is the place.”
Frommer’s says “if you’re looking for a romantic city with canals, forget the crowds of Venice and head northwest to Bruges instead. Here, the intimate lanes almost require hand-in-hand walks.” We recommend visiting off season, when you’ll have Bruges’ cobbled lanes all to yourself.
Stay at the Hotel de Tuilerieen, which Insight Guides calls “the most luxurious hotel in town.”
Feel like you’re in Europe without ever leaving North America. Food & Wine says “in addition to the cobbled streets and old bistros, this Francophone city fosters some of North America’s most talented chefs, innovative musicians and a vibrant arts scene.” With extreme seasons (caution: winter in Montreal is brrr!), residents enjoy their modern yet historic city nonetheless.
In the morning, stop by Olive & Gourmando for a luscious almond croissant and cappuccino. You’ll want to stay for lunch too: the sandwiches are some of the best in the city.
Get a dose of 19th century charm at Auberge du Vieux-Port, which Fodor’s calls a “magnet for romantics.”
With its hundred-year-old oak trees dripping with Spanish moss and Antebellum architecture, Savannah doesn’t need to do much else to inspire romance. While looking like something out of a storybook, Savannah has a vibrant arts scene thanks to the Savannah College of Art & Design, as well as world-famous culinary destinations.
Stay at The Brice, where Fodor’s says “traditional culture meets curated design, the “New South” [come] alive.”
The Brice
Èze, France
Èze
Many think of Nice and Cannes when they think of the French Riveria, but Forbes says “we think the village of Èze is especially romantic.” Head to this perfectly preserved village on a mountain and feel like you’ve stepped back in medieval times. If you’re lucky to catch Èze on a sunny day, the views below will take your breath away.
Skip the bus back into town by hiking down the Chemin de Nietzsche (Nietzsche’s Path). Drink in the stunning ocean views and serene setting as you wind down the mountain.
Stay in nearby Nice at the charming and quaint Hotel Suisse.
Stroll through one gorgeous palazzo after another, but don’t miss the Renaissance masters while you’re there. “Viewing Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Titian’s Venus of Urbino, Caravaggio’s Bacchus, and Michelangelo’s David leaves little left to the imagination for amorous inspiration” (Conde Nast Traveler).
Stay at Hotel Brunelleschi to be in the heart of Florence, offering views of the Duomo directly from your bedroom.
Take in the view of Florence from a 14th century tower in what Michelin Guide describes as “magical, fairy tale atmosphere” at the Torre Di Bellosguardo.
City center or tower from the 14th century? Your call.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur
Rocky cliffs set the stage for this rugged city by the sea. You won’t see a Starbucks or chain store in this town – what Big Sur lacks in modern commercialism, it more than makes up in stunning coastline, 100-year-old Redwood trees and a starry sky at night.
Built in the 1930s by a Norwegian expat, Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, with its cottages nestled among the forest, makes for an intimate stay.
See a free movie under the stars at the Henry Miller Memorial Library, where the famed author lived and worked.
CNN says it’s best to kick it old-school in Havana, where “it’s still 1959 in the capital of Cuba…the resultant sensations of risk and antiquity in this forbidden time warp make romance unavoidable.” With travel to Cuba more open than ever, now is the time to visit.
Stay at Hotel Saratoga, dubbed “a 19th-century Neo-Classical gem” by DK Eyewitness.
Make the Kenyan capital your home base for exploring all of Eastern Africa’s natural wonders. But don’t miss out on the city’s vibrant cultural life, fantastic eateries and nightlife. Kenyans will wrap you up in a warm embrace, so it really doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo.
For a truly unique experience, stay at the Giraffe Manor, an ivy-covered lodged home to a herd of giraffes that’ll join you for tea.
During your stay you can stroll across the lawn to the AFEW Giraffe Centre to learn about the endangered Rothschild Giraffe or take a guided walk around the sanctuary.
Leave busy Tokyo behind in favor of Kyoto, formerly Japan’s capital. Smart Travel recommends visiting Kyoto’s Imperial Gardens during cherry blossom season, which starts in February and lasts through the summer. “The very site of these beautiful red and white budded trees will send bumps throughout your body.”
Stay in Lonely Planet’s top choice Hyatt Regency Kyoto.
New York City is many things to many people, but it’s an especially great city for lovers. Whether taking in the breathtaking skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge or rowing a two-person boat in Central Park, NYC is a treasure trove of old-school (and new school) romance.
Dine in Chinatown (try Mission Chinese Food or Chinatown’s oldest dim sum joint Nom Wah Tea Parlor) and take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge at night. Seeing the city lights through the iconic arches of the bridge is worth braving the crowds of tourists.
Stay in the East Village at The Bowery Hotel just up the street from the birthplace of punk rock. Relish in the neighborhood’s entertainment and nightlife while enjoying the hotel’s impressive lobby bar.
Don’t let the tricky name dissuade you from visiting this northernmost city. From October to April, you’ll be able to catch the Northern Lights, a true wonder of the world. Breathtaking snow-capped mountains and crystal clear waters aside, Reykjavik is a modern city with excellent museums, fine dining and a happening nightlife.
Stay at 101 Hotel which Travel + Leisure calls “modern, art-focused property” with a great location near the city center.
Affectionately known as the “Pink City,” Jaipur is literally awash in a rose-colored hue, all the better for those romantics. Visit the gardens at Amer Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Birla Mandir temple, which is especially enchanting at night.
Stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas, a 32-acre resort with an opulent garden and plenty of secret romantic hideaways.
Embark up the hill on an adorned elephant to the Amer Fort or breathtaking views of Jaipur.
At TripExpert, we’ve built a database of nearly 600,000 professional reviews in over 500 destinations around the globe. In addition to aggregating reviews, we’ve also created a massive archive of over 1.2 million photos of hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, which together occupy about 275GB of space on Amazon S3.
After seeing so many wanderlust-inducing images, we’ve learned a few lessons about how to optimize your photographs and how potential guests interact with them. If you manage a hotel or restaurant or you’re photographing one, read on for our tips.
1. Hire a professional
It is easy to see the amount of energy spent on hotel photos by the quality of the images presented on your website. I don’t mean megapixels, I mean the amount of care that went into composing each of the photos you present of your property to your potential guests. Since this is the first impression your clients will have of your venue, it is worth bringing in a professional rather than taking a few snaps with your cell phone. 2. Get the rights right
When hiring a photographer, be sure you get the rights to use your images and to distribute them for use by third parties. Several hotels have sent me to the photographer, only to have the photographer ask for a fee to use the hotel’s photos. It is hard out there for artists and they’ve got to be compensated for their work, but a website promoting your venue shouldn’t be footing the bill. Pay your photographer enough for them to allow you to do what you want with the images later on.
Shoot through door frames to add depth, like Florence’s Hotel Savoy
3. Choose the best gallery
On your website, use an HTML-based gallery instead of a Flash gallery. Flash doesn’t work on iPhones and prevents your photos from being captured (except via screenshot). Make sure you choose a gallery that is responsive: it should work on web and mobile (and should support mobile touchscreen commands like swiping between photos). At TripExpert, we use FlexSlider. 4. Make it easy for others to get access
Although you may feel the desire to “lock down” your images to your own site, keep in mind that you’re trying to sell your property: it is in your best interests to make sure your images are easy to access. You don’t want a post about your hotel to go viral with a bad photo. If you chose to screen the outlets who receive your images, make sure it is easy for them to find a contact email address so they can reach out. Making images available to only a select few is a common practice with larger hotels. Be sure you make your press section as clear as possible with updated contact information.
If you’re unable to hire a photographer right now, here are some basic tips for photographing a room:
Rome’s Hotel de Russie using natural light and shooting straight & natural light on fleek at DC’s Hay-Adams
Use natural light
This will not only make the room appear sun filled and bright, but will avoid the issue of white balancing multiple lamps. Never heard of white balance? This is a good indication that you should hire a professional. Either way, Ken Rockwell has a great article about white balance and how to set it on your camera. Long exposure is your friend
Another reason why a tripod will come in so handy is because of the length of your exposures. You will need to have a longer exposure to ensure your room is well lit and holding a camera still for 1/3rd of a second can be quite tricky. You can learn a bit about exposure from Cambridge in Colour. Use a tripod
Seems silly, but it makes a world of difference when editing your photos. Slow down and look at the photos you’ve taken to make sure everything is in the right place. Compose them well in the camera so you don’t have to attempt any crazy Photoshopping afterwards. It is also nearly impossible to make a long exposure while hand-holding your camera.
Pro tip: You’ve heard of the Golden Hour, but try photographing your venue just after the sun has set during the Blue Hour. You can capture the rich color of the sky and the benefits of a long exposure.
Don’t use fisheye lenses
I get it – you can see SO much more than with a regular lens, but it just isn’t worth it. Fisheyes distort the room too much and are too distracting. Do you want me to be daydreaming about how weird the walls look or how comfy your bed looks? In the event you have an underwater property and you are showing the room from the vantage of a fish, you may use a fisheye. Don’t feature people
You want to show people the good times that your hotel has hosted and how luxurious a bubble bath looks, but showing people in your photos just makes me wonder how many people have slept in the room I’m about to stay in. There are few exceptions to showing folks in the guestrooms on your website. This isn’t the time to get creative.
Photography is awesome. The challenge of photographing something and putting your own spin on it is one of the main attractions of the medium, but this isn’t the time to be the next Annie Leibovitz. Shoot straight, as DesignSpunge says. Also, keep your photos in color – it is hard to get the best idea of a room in sepia or black and white. Selective color never works out well, so try to avoid it.
Have some additional questions about photography? Want to chat about cameras? Drop me a line [email protected].
There’s so much to do in New York City that you could spend an entire life its five boroughs and not experience all that it has to offer. But what if you only had 24 hours? What is the best possible day you could spend in New York City? What would you do? Where would you eat? Where would you sleep? And how much would it cost?
We have the ability to find out. The TripExpert Score is calculated by a patent-pending algorithm that allows us to examine the critical consensus on all there is to do in New York City (and around the world). By aggregating and analyzing critical reviews (think Rotten Tomatoes meets Nate Silver), we can scientifically calculate the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions in New York City. We can then use these ratings to figure out the ideal 24 hours in the City. This trip is not just one person’s opinion; it’s what the math tells us is the best possible 24-hour trip to NYC.
Want to learn how the TripExpert Score works? Skip to the bottom of the post for a full explanation.
The best 24 hours in New York City
So what would the ultimate 24-hour trip to New York City look like?
Crosby Street Hotel
We’ll start the 24 hour clock by checking into the Crosby Street Hotel, the top rated hotel in NYC. Its “as much gallery as hotel” says Frommers, the rooms are “expansive and sun-light filled” according to Fodors, and Oyster.com loves how the hotel manages to be both “lavish and welcoming”. The Crosby Street Hotel features Bose iPhone docks, heated towel racks, and an on-site movie theater.
We imagine you’ll want to make of all those amenities (as well as potentially visit the rooftop chickens), so we’ll allocate 3 to 4pm as hotel time. At 4pm you’ll hop in a cab to the Brooklyn Museum, the top ranked attraction in Brooklyn and #3 in all of NYC. The 30-minute trip will cost $20 via Uber and we’ll allocate you 90 minutes to peruse NYC’s second-largest art museum.
Brooklyn Museum
According to Lonely Planet, the Brooklyn Museum is “a great alternative to the packed-to-the-gills institutions in Manhattan” and the crowd at your closing time visit should be especially sparse, allowing you quiet contemplation of the museum’s stellar “4,000 piece Egyptian Collection” as well as the “masterworks by Cézanne, Monet and Degas” recommended by Time Out New York.
Closing time is 6pm and we’re off in another Uber, this time heading to Central Park for sunset. The 40-minute trip will set you back $35.
Central Park
Central Park is among New York City’s highest rated attractions. New Yorkers have been coming to the park for over 150 years as a respite from the hectic bustle of New York; take an hour to stroll what Concierge.com calls the “calming yang to the city’s fervent go-go yin.”
Daniel
You’ll want to get changed before your 9:30 dinner reservation, so Uber back to your hotel ($20) before heading to Daniel, NYC’s top rated restaurant. “One of the most elegant dining experiences in Manhattan,” says Fodors. Charles Michener of The New Yorker praises chef Daniel Boulud’s cuisine for its “luxurious, sometimes surprising combinations, which, when all is said and done, seem simple.” This the best possible trip to New York City, so we’re going big. You’ll order the seven course tasting menu for $225, plus the optional wine pairings for another $225. The “very attentive service is a highlight” (Forbes Travel Guide), so we’ll tip 25%, which adds another $112.50, for a total of $562.50.
Grand Central Terminal
By the time you finish dessert it’ll be late, but we have one more attraction to hit before bed. Hop on the 6 train ($2.75) heading south and exit at Grand Central Terminal, New York City’s 3rd highest rated attraction. Walk up from the subway station into the main concourse, described by the Michelin Guide as “one of the most spectacular interior spaces in the city”. It’s late so you won’t have the normal bustle, but the lack of crowds will allow you to marvel at the details of this 1913 masterpiece of engineering, architecture, and art. Many New Yorkers will tell you that this is their favorite place in the city. When you’re done, hop one last Uber back to your room at the Crosby Street Hotel ($12). Tomorrow’s going to be another busy day, so make sure you get some rest.
Sleep well? Considering you stayed at the best hotel in New York City (and taking into account how busy yesterday was), odds are you did. But now is not the time to let up; you still have plenty of time left in your 24-hour New York City trip.
Locanda Verde
Your first stop the next morning is Locanda Verde, New York City’s highest rated restaurant that serves breakfast. Take a pleasant mile-long stroll from the Crosby Street Hotel through Greenwich Village and Tribeca to the restaurant. According to NY Magazine, Locanda Verde’s “crowd pleasing cooking” is “designed to promote a good time in a casually stylish, relatively economical way”. It’ll be a great way to start the day and, for such a highly regarded restaurant (#13 in New York City), not unaffordable at about $40 including tip for a full breakfast.
Ellis Island
After Locanda Verde, you’ll be visiting Ellis Island, New York City’s 5th highest rated attraction. The first ferry to the island leaves from Battery Park at 8:30am, so take a quick $8 Uber down to the dock. Ellis Island, “an icon of mythical proportions,” according to Lonely Planet, was New York’s primary immigration reception facility for over 60 years. The ferry costs $18 and a tour of the hospital is another $25. There’s a lot of history to see, so you’ll have to move quickly.
The Frick Collection
You’ll be back in Manhattan by 10pm. It’s time for another Uber ($25), this one to the last attraction you’ll be visiting: the Frick Collection. This art museum is the highest rated attraction New York City. The museum ($20) is “a real find among the city’s museums” (Concierge.com). “Everything here is a highlight”, says Fodors. Housed in coke and steel magnate Henry Clay Frick’s Fifth Avenue mansion, the Frick Collection, “arguably the best small museum in the nation” (Frommers), “offers a unique opportunity to view an exceptional trove of Old Masters paintings” (Fodors). Take two hours to wander this quiet oasis of art and 19th century extravagance.
Lunch at Per Se
Your 24 hours in New York City is almost up. You’ve done a lot but there is still one more once-in-a-time experience to fit into this trip. Take one last Uber ($8) to your lunch destination, New York City’s second highest rated restaurant, Per Se. This restaurant is Thomas Keller’s Columbus Circle masterpiece. “Rightly recognized as one of the world’s finest restaurants, Per Se is nothing short of spectacular,” says the Michelin Guide. Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, Per Se has been featured in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants for its entire life. A meal this memorable won’t come cheap; the 5 to 9 course lunch ranges from $205 to $310. You can choose from Per Se’s extensive wine list or bring your own bottle, for a $150 corking fee. Assume with a 9-course lunch and a bottle of wine, plus tip, you spend $575.
With that epic lunch, the best 24-hour trip you can take to NYC is over. You stayed at the best hotel in the city. You ate at three of its best restaurants in less than a 24-hour span (be sure to hit the gym next week). You visited some of its best museums, most impressive monuments, and most treasured parks. You spent $1,912.25 in 24 hours (not counting tips or actually getting to New York City) but you had the best 24 hours you could possibly have (according to science).
About TripExpert’s Scoring System
The rankings described in this article are based on the TripExpert Score. You can read about how the score is calculated on our About Page, but simply put, the TripExpert Score takes into account how many publications have recommended a venue and what they’ve said about the venue, including any score or rating they’ve awarded it. It’s a method not dissimilar from how Nate Silver conducts his poll analysis for fivethirtyeight.com. By looking at a wide range of experts and weighing them based on their reliability, we’re able to generate the most accurate appraisal of quality for hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Unlike sites such as TripAdvisor and Yelp, we don’t incorporate crowdsourced reviews, or rely on sites that use them. While we do believe these sites have their uses — they’re good at surfacing under-the-radar dining spots that may not come to the attention of travel critics (for example, a great sandwich counter hidden away in a bodega), they suffer from issues that make them unreliable to the point of unusable for the sake of measuring the true quality of a hotel, restaurant, or attraction.
