Culture

Live like a local with our insider travel tips for things to see and do (art, history, cinema, music and more) in the world’s most eye-opening destinations.

Raf Rundell: ‘I’ve been getting into country’

Sounds travels with Raf Rundell

Welcome to Sound Travels: a new series exploring the audio adventures of some musically minded globetrotters. And who better to kick things off than the man who graced the decks at this year’s Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Awards: Raf Rundell.

Summer series: night riding in Portugal

Night riding in Portugal's Alentejo

Saddle up for an unusual equestrian experience under the full moon of summer, as we visit São Lourenço do Barrocal – a wild-at-heart hotel that’s stayed true to its rural roots.

Adventures in HiFi: where to shop this Record Store Day

Where to shop this Record Store Day

In honour of Record Store Day – basically Christmas for music obsessives – our crate-digging editor lists his favourite places to shop around the world

A city-by-city guide to China’s most unique museums

A city-by-city guide to China's museums

Check out regional fashion in Beijing, James Bond-style weaponry in Shanghai and elaborate faux food – including items from a historic 108-dish dinner party for an emperor – in Hangzhou.

Perfect pairings: coast and culture in southeast Asia

Coast and culture in southeast Asia

Get the best of both worlds – see the sights and veg out in the sand – with these two-city trips in Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Laura Snapes: ‘I like to fall asleep to drone music’

Sounds travels with Laura Snapes

Cultured critic (and occasional hotel inspector) Laura Snapes opens up her musical suitcase and talks Cornish rockabilly, Paris at Christmas and the romance of Swedish public transport…