DISCOVER CULTURAL TREASURES

Cocktail bars, 4am dance floors, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Your guide to the best bars, restaurants, and late nights on Courtenay Place in Wellington.

Need a break from the city? Explore the best Singapore day trips, from Sentosa and Pulau Ubin to JB, Batam, and Malacca.

On the hunt for Bali hidden gems? From waterfalls and rice terraces to secluded beaches, here’s your guide to the authentic Island of the Gods.

This 2 week Japan itinerary takes you to unmissable highlights from Tokyo to Osaka with clear daily structure, transport advice, and easy day trips.

Discover the best beaches in Jakarta, from Ancol and PIK 2 to Pulau Seribu, with tips on what to do and when to go.

Looking for the best Bali day trips? Discover Ubud, Uluwatu, and Nusa Penida, with ideas for exploring from Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and beyond.

Looking for hidden gems in France? Here are 4 secret places to visit, from historic city to beautiful coastline; little-known castle to theme park.

See how your journey flows across Java and Bali in two weeks.

Discover the best day trips in France, from medieval towns to wine regions and artisan villages, with tips, transport advice and curated highlights.

Explore Kota Tua Jakarta with our practical guide to museums, historic sites, restaurants, and walking routes around Fatahillah Square, Old Town, and more.

Looking for things to do in Sanur, Bali? From local festivals to night markets and beach yoga, you'll love exploring this less-touristy beach town.

Eat & Stroll is a culinary bike tour in Jakarta. One of the hidden gems of the tour is a quaint coffee shop located in the Batavia Pantai Indah Kapuk area called Rumah Kopi Papowi. In addition to offering coffee, the place also serves Chinese & Indonesian comfort foods, including the owner’s personal favorites.  Embark on a bike tour and become enthralled in this gastronomic love affair, where you will experience a mouth-watering food adventure to uncover the culinary secrets of Pantai Indah Kapuk such as the famous recipe of the nasi goreng - a traditional fried rice dish - and its surroundings. You will meet the 3 generations of owners, Akong, Papa and Owi, the little boy who likes to help his father and his grandfather by making the drinks or finishing the doughnuts stock. Recommended by Mercure Jakarta Pantai Indah Kapuk​. Rumah Kopi Papowi Coffee  From 15 Rp to 65 Rp Rukan Beach View Blok A No. 25. Golf Island, Jl. Pantai Indah Kapuk, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14470, Indonesia 3,2 km from the hotel Book directly on their website  

Experience the most interesting places to visit in Saudi Arabia for culture, art, historic landmarks and food.

The first stop on your Seoul architecture tour is Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1395, this was the first and most significant royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. There's a lot to admire on the expansive grounds. Be sure to spend some time photographing Gwanghwamun Gate, paying attention to the details of Geunjeongjeon Hall, and seeing the reflection of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeonghoeji Pond. It's also well worth timing your visit with the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, which typically takes place twice daily Wednesdays through Monday. Local tip: Entrance is free for anyone wearing traditional Korean clothing (hanbok). You can rent hanbok from one of the many shops surrounding Gyeongbokgung Palace.

At first glance, Barsha Heights looks like a modern mix of mid-rise apartments and sleek office towers. But its real personality shows up once you wander through its streets, step into its independent eateries, or browse its easygoing neighbourhood shops. The community blends families, young professionals, and long-time residents from all over the world, creating a vibrant mix of cultures, flavours, and everyday creativity. In many ways, Barsha Heights captures the best of Dubai: cosmopolitan but comfortable, lively without being too overwhelming. Its diverse dining scene, convenient location, and welcoming atmosphere make it especially appealing for couples and families who want the feel of real Dubai living without the premium of beachfront districts. But what truly sets it apart is how effortlessly connected it is. Iconic spots like Palm Jumeirah and Mall of the Emirates are just minutes away, yet you can return to a neighbourhood that feels warm, lived-in, and genuinely local. When travellers ask about the area's location, the answer is always practical and simple: it sits exactly where you’d want to be. Positioned just off Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai’s major highway, the neighbourhood rests comfortably between the glamour of Dubai Marina and the retail energy of Al Barsha, giving visitors the ability to move through the city with complete ease. The Mall of the Emirates is minutes away in Al Barsha, while key landmarks like Palm Jumeirah and JBR Beach can all be reached in around ten minutes by taxi or metro. Even Downtown Dubai, home to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, is less than 20 minutes from most places in Barsha Heights. The district is conveniently served by the Dubai Metro, with Dubai Internet City station within walking distance for many residents staying in the area. From here, you can travel directly to the airport, Old Dubai, the Marina, and several other iconic neighbourhoods without needing a car. Ride-hailing services in Dubai are quick and affordable, and drivers who prefer to rent a car will appreciate the smooth access to major highways from this central location. Whether you're heading to a beach in Dubai Marina, visiting a cultural exhibition at Alserkal Avenue, or sightseeing at Burj Khalifa, staying in Barsha Heights allows you to explore the entire city without hassle.

Your first destination should be Habala Village, or the hanging village. Fun fact: It was once accessible only by rope ladders, hence its name Habala, meaning 'rope' in Arabic. Now it’s accessible either by a scenic hike – for those up for some exercise – or by cable car, open to both visitors and locals. The cable car ride is a highlight that offers sweeping views of the mountains and valleys below. Habala is famous for its postcard views – it clings to the cliffs like a drawing from an Arabic folktale. Come summer, the town bursts into colour as purple jacaranda trees bloom, draping the streets in nature’s own festival. Local tip: Go early in the morning for ethereal photos as the fog lifts from the valley below. Back in Abha’s old quarter lies Al Muftaha Art Village, a living gallery of architecture and history. Once a humble cluster of mud-brick homes, it's been transformed into a vibrant cultural haven that celebrates Aseer’s heritage. Every wall bursts with bold hues and intricate Aseeri geometric motifs, hand-painted in the traditional style once passed down through generations. These patterns aren’t just decoration – they’re living stories of family, faith, and identity, woven into the fabric of the village. From cafés to open seating areas, visitors can pause here to enjoy the tranquil view of the Soudah Mountains. If it's not closed for renovations, make your way to the more traditional Souq Al-Thulatha (the Tuesday Market). Despite the name, it usually opens all week. Be ready to connect with locals as you shop. Traders are storytellers, and conversation is part of the experience. The market itself is like an open-air museum of everyday life in Abha, with stalls stacked with spices, silver jewellery, tribal daggers, and fragrant coffee beans native to the region. You’ll also find more beautifully woven baskets – what the world calls “boho decor” is simply part of everyday life and heritage here. If you’re craving something more trendy and modern, Art Street is the perfect blend of old and new. Lined with outdoor exhibits and chic cafés, it’s where Abha’s locals and younger crowds come to relax, go for a stroll, or simply sip coffee. There are around 10 art galleries here and a theatre that hosts shows and events.

Few French myths capture the imagination quite like the Beast of Gévaudan. The mysterious creature is said to have stalked the Margeride mountains in the 1760s, devouring more than 100 people. Some describe it as a wolf, others as something closer to a monster. Whatever its nature, the Beast has become a chilling symbol of how storytelling shapes remote landscapes. As you explore Lozère’s forests and high plateaux, listen out for rustles in the undergrowth. Keen to learn more? Visit the modest but engaging Musée de la Bête du Gévaudan in Saugues. From Clermont-Ferrand it's around 2 hours 15 minutes by car, or take a TER train to Langeac then a local bus.

Planning a visit to Seoul's vibrant Hongdae neighbourhood? This handy guide will lead you to all the essential things to do, places to eat and drink, and must-visit shops to help you make the most of your trip.

These are the most romantic things to do in Queenstown, from private onsen hot pools and scenic heli picnics to Central Otago pinot noir and lakeside dates.

Whether you're in Provence, Poitiers or Paris, remember to look up during your travels. You may glimpse a handsome façade, a stone carving or an ironwork balcony. Knowing a little about French architecture helps you forge a deep connection to the past – it’s right there, just above your head!

The Côte de Granit Rose gets its distinctive hue from high-potassium feldspar in the granite, coloured coppery-pink by iron oxide impurities. Mixed with mica and quartz, the rocks also display dark and grey tones that contrast with the pink. Formed around 300 million years ago, the cliffs have been slowly eroded by wind, waves and tides, revealing the fantastical shapes seen today. Their colour shifts with the light – from delicate rose-gold at dawn to orange-red at sunset – creating the coast’s ever-changing palette.

The daily market is one of the most enduring French traditions, and perhaps the easiest for travellers to experience. Markets are less about shopping and more about community. They are a weekly or even daily appointment where neighbours catch up, artisans present their seasonal produce and chefs select the best of the terroir before the tourists arrive. Expect to find crusty French breads still warm from the oven, pungent French cheeses from local farms and stalls selling heritage tomato varieties you will seldom see in supermarkets. Many regions have market-specific customs: in the markets of Provence, early morning bargaining is common, while in Brittany fishmongers may display handwritten notes about the boats that landed their catch. Where to experience it: Almost every town has a market. Larger ones like Sarlat, Beaune or Dieppe are reachable by regional train from Paris within 2.5 to 3 hours. Local tip: Arrive before 10am for the freshest produce and a more local atmosphere.

Now a major tourist attraction in the south of France as well as an homage to slow travel and carefully protected conservation site, the bizarre Colorado Provençal is a land stained by iron-rich ochre in shades from deep rust to canary yellow.

In a world of fast fashion and throwaway goods, French craftsmanship stands apart – shaped by skilled hands, time-honoured techniques and a pride passed down through generations. This savoir-faire is woven into France’s cultural identity, giving everyday objects a soul and a story: leather that improves with time, textiles woven with meaning, ceramics fired by hand and heritage. From iconic Parisian ateliers to hidden rural workshops, here are nine artisanal experiences that invite you to see France through its local crafts.

Forget what you know about Ankara Kızılay. This is how to explore the best old markets and key landmarks that make up the heart and soul of the city.

Each February, the French Riviera transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour as Nice hosts one of the world's oldest and most flamboyant carnivals. For two weeks, enormous papier-mâché floats parade along the Promenade des Anglais, while hundreds of performers and acrobats in fantastical costumes dance through streets showered with confetti and flower petals. Local boulangeries sell socca (chickpea flour pancakes) and pan bagnat (Niçois-style tuna sandwiches) to fuel the festival, and bars overflow with revellers sipping rosé and pastis.

These are Melbourne's best hidden gems, from secret bars and markets to unique art and history, curated for you by locals.

Imagine strolling through the cobblestone streets of Lyon, admiring its Renaissance buildings, when a discreetly marked doorway catches your eye. Feeling curious, you step through – and suddenly, you're in a hidden world of spiraling stairwells, quiet courtyards and ancient corridors. Welcome to Lyon’s traboules, the city’s secret passageways. This unique network of hidden paths are not only handy short cuts; they've borne witness to centuries of historic moments, from the silk trade to World War II. Each door is like stepping into a time machine that reveals its own special story. So, grab a map, lace up your walking shoes and prepare to set off on a journey of discovery.

Serving as the imperial capital from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is Japan's cultural epicentre. With 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, there are so many fascinating things to see and do here that you'll want to spend at least three days in Kyoto. Take your time exploring this history-laden city and you can see geisha walk down the cobblestone streets in Gion, hike through the red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, attend a Japanese tea ceremony in a centuries-old teahouse, take a contemplative stroll along Philosopher's Path, be dazzled by the Golden Pavilion, and sample street food at Nishiki Market. These are just some of the top Kyoto attractions and activities that make this one of the best places to visit in Japan. For a truly local cultural experience, visit in July and partake in the street parties and float-filled processions of the Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri), one of the biggest and oldest Shinto and Buddhist festivals in Japan.

This guide has got you covered with some of the best markets in Bangkok, from authentic street food markets to trendy marketplaces to flea markets.

In Istanbul’s hidden gems, the city slows down—between cobblestone lanes, antique cafés, and soulful stories that invite you to see it through a new lens.

Istanbul architecture reveals centuries of Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern design, where sleek skylines meet iconic landmarks and timeless history.

Looking for things to do in Ismailia? Swim Lake Timsah, watch ships on the Suez Canal, and taste seafood and mangoes in Egypt’s lakeside city.

Cuba Street is home to great coffee, eclectic boutiques, bold street art, and late-night energy. This is your guide the best cafes, restaurants, and shopping along this inner-city Wellington icon.

Hidden gems in Johannesburg will lead you to see the city in a different light – from secret lookouts and quirky museums to cosy eateries you won’t forget.

Explore Singapore's diverse cuisine with this guide to the most interesting places to eat in the city. From local eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Planning a visit to Haji Lane in Singapore? This local's guide will lead you to all the must-visit shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes.

From forest canopy walks to pastel-painted streets, here are five hidden gems in Singapore you won’t find in the guidebooks

Immerse yourself in Fijian culture. Discover traditions, cuisine, and art that make Fiji unique.

Unleash your inner shopaholic in Dubai. Find the best shopping destinations in the City of Gold.

Looking for unique things to do in Hanoi? From street art to street food, this local's guide helps you unearth Hanoi's hidden gems.

Dive into traditional Basque culture in France, immersing yourself in the region's lively festivals, ancient sports, local food, music and handicrafts.

Our guide to villages in France takes you on a journey through history, culture and cuisine, inviting you to slow down and savour authentic rural life.

Book a Mercure hotel to take a deep dive into fragrant Provence markets – the best way to discover your favourite local specialities.

Book a Mercure hotel as your base for exploring spectacular Nice countryside, from visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence to discovering the perfumeries of Grasse.

Find the best beaches in Brittany, France, whether you're looking for top seaside spots, family-friendly shores or tranquil hidden gems.

Follow Mecure's guide to shopping for Parisian souvenirs and bring home unique mementoes of your trip to the City of Light.

Want to see the best Emily in Paris filming locations? Add our two-day itinerary to your Paris sightseeing list and discover the city with Emily.

From laid-back neighbourhoods to vineyards, parks and even cemeteries, these are the most peaceful walking tours in Paris.

This 3-day Kyoto itinerary will take you to the city's iconic attractions, from Gion, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Philosopher's Path, and beyond.

Think 3 days in Istanbul aren’t enough to make you fall for this captivating city? Think again. It’ll easily steal your heart–one baklava bite at a time.

There are so many hidden gems in Dubai. This guide will lead you to the top historical sites, heritage sites, and cultural attractions in Dubai.

Looking for a lush desert getaway? Al Ain Oasis is a shaded paradise of palm trees and cool waters, perfect to explore and unwind from Abu Dhabi.

This 3-day itinerary will lead you to all of the top places to see in Kathmandu, from the three Durbar Squares to Pashupatinath Temple and beyond.

Wander through souqs, trace the sunset coast, and savour local flavours at vibrant dining spots. These are some of the best things to do in Muscat.

Explore the top things to do in Sohar, from ancient forts to Arabian souqs. This city invites you to slow down and discover Oman, the soul of the Gulf.

This self-guided walking tour of the Old Goa churches will lead you to all the highlights, from the Basilica of Bom Jesus to the Church of St Cajetan.

From Christuskirche to the National Museum of Namibia, enjoy top things to do in Windhoek with an itinerary of sightseeing and authentic local flavours.

Coral reefs, stargazing, and Sahara safaris — these are just a few of the best things to do in Hurghada. The rest? You’ll only hear it from the locals.

This guide to visiting the Charminar, Hyderabad, includes the top things to see and do in the area, places to eat, the best times to visit, and more. 

Queenstown is the perfect springboard for daytrippers, the starting point for some of New Zealand’s most beautiful self-drive day trips.

Shop at local markets, see Hindu temples, visit orchard gardens, and take a mud bath — these are some of the best things to do in Nadi.

This is your guide to navigating Melbourne’s Chapel Street, home to fashion boutiques heaped into 19th Century buildings and trend-setting restaurants.

Launceston’s City Park is full of the unexpected, from Japanese monkeys to a multisensory garden. Here's how to make the most of your visit to City Park.

Auckland’s Queen Street is your three-kilometre shopping sprint, from Commercial Bay knits, Smith & Caughey’s classics to the hottest new New Zealand designers.

Kangaroo Island is a nature lover’s dream, celebrating Australia’s unique flora and fauna with an abundance of beauty. Here’s how to see it all in one go.

Gold panning at Sovereign Hill, wildlife encounters among the gum trees, and historic tram rides in town, these are the best things to do in Ballarat.

Goa's night markets are a must-visit. Experience local culture, shop unique items, and indulge in mouthwatering food.

Immerse yourself in Dubai's rich art and cultural scene with these five art galleries worth the hype.

From Hegra and Al Diwan in Saudi Arabia, to Petra and Jerash in Jordan, ending in Türkiye, these five ancient ruins will satisfy your inner archaeologist. 

Immerse yourself in culture with desert safaris in Dubai's Red Sand Dunes.

Embark on a once in a lifetime journey to the Edge of the World Riyadh.

From popular beach destinations to lesser-known hidden gems, experience sunset in Goa at these prime locations.

Great Keppel Island is a barefoot paradise where humpbacks breach, coral pops like confetti, and the first footprints of the day will probably be yours.

Portsea’s polo crowd has pivoted to prime fairways, epic bay views, and perfect pinots. Find out why everyone’s flocking to Australia’s fanciest beach boxes.

Between helicopter pub crawling to chartering a yacht for sunset, five-star meals to man-made waves, waterfalls to 4WDs, Darwin has got date night sorted.

Newcastle is home to a booming food and arts revival, idyllic beaches, and provides a gateway to the Hunter Valley wine region.

Townsville, where sporting passion meets adventure. Dive world-famous wrecks, fish pristine waters, scale Castle Hill, and drive a really, really fast car.

The sun goes down, Cairns turns into a party of glowing frogs, night dives, and locals who know how to cook crocodiles in a million different ways.

Ditch the crowds at Bondi and discover Sydney’s best hidden beaches on the North Shore, from Manly’s legendary waves to Palm Beach’s soap-opera skyline.

Experience Perth like never before. Explore Perth's winding laneways, where secret bars, cool cafes, and stunning street art await.

Get your caffeine fix in Wellington. Check out our guide for the best coffee spots in Wellington

From sightseeing to foodie adventures, explore Tokyo's charm with our 3 day itinerary

Discover Wellington's diverse beach scene with our comprehensive guide, from city-side havens to secluded sandy shores.

Immerse yourself in the local culture with our guide to the floating markets in Vietnam.

Discover the colorful world of Singapore street art, a testament to the city's diverse cultural spirit.

Find out why Canberra is well worth visiting. Discover the city's rich cultural heritage, diverse culinary scene, and vibrant arts community.

Discover exciting things to do at night in Busan, from vibrant nightlife to the best vantage points and cultural experiences.

Discover the comfort of Mercure resort hotels in Japan. From Japan’s Eastern Pacific coastal town of Miyagi to Saga on the Northwest island of Kyushu.

If you’re looking for a hidden and tranquil escape in Egypt, Forsan Island on Lake Timsah is just the place, where lakeside serenity and lush palms await.

Like every big city, Paris has individual neighbourhoods with distinct vibes to them. If you’re looking for dressy and glamorous dining or nightclubs, the elegant Avenue des Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement is your best option – and prices are correspondingly high. Charming Le Marais (4th) is the hub of the city’s gay scene. The Latin Quarter (5th and 6th) is best for casual drinks in crowded bars, while Bastille (11th) is known for anything from chic bistros and cocktail bars to intimate jazz clubs always packed with a young crowd. The edgy bars along Canal Saint-Martin are the preserve of monied 30-something urbanites, but if you prefer to do your nightlife a bit more offbeat, hipster Belleville in the 20th arrondissement is known for its affordable late-night cafés and boho bars with live music. Wherever you end up, Paris nightlife starts late, with much of the action taking place well after 10pm and into the early hours. If you're drinking, do remember to plan your journey home beforehand so you can have a safe but fun evening.  

Dive into the artistry, history and cultural significance of Rome’s many fountains, from the film-worthy to the lesser-known.

Plan your Bordeaux cycling adventure with Mercure's guide to the best routes, bike rentals, guided tours and cycle-friendly hotels in Bordeaux city.

Schönbrunn might be Vienna’s crown jewel when it comes to palaces, but some of the city’s lesser-known “Palais” can give the Baroque beauty a run for its money. If you enjoy marvelling at ornate façades and gilded halls – but aren’t too keen on waiting in long queues – these quieter, timeless treasures are the perfect treat. Each one offers plenty of grand architecture, fascinating stories and lingering memories. They aren’t just buildings after all, they’re local guides that give you glimpses of the city’s glorious past.

Day trips from Munich allow you to see Alpine villages, timeless castles, Germany's highest peak and Bavarian lakes from the comfort of your Mercure base.

Uncover five secrets of underground Rome: Read Mercure’s guide to the catacombs and crypts that lie beneath the streets of the Eternal City.

When you step inside a café in Vienna for the first time, you don’t know what you’ll get. Sure, you may know you’re going to order a melange or a double espresso, but everything else that comes with it is likely to bowl you over. The glinting chandeliers, velvet banquettes, marble-topped tables and the pastries that look like they belong in a museum. And, most of all, the smell. The smell that feels like an embrace you’re only released from when you leave – hours later. Once you’ve soaked up centuries of whispers, laughter and debates. Once you’ve realised you’ll come back one day. Ready to discover your new favourite corner? Let five of the best cafés in Vienna work their charm on you.

Find a one-of-a-kind treasure at Rome's best vintage shops with Mercure's guide to elegant boutiques, markets and inexpensive thrift stores.

No stay in Nice is complete without a visit to its beautiful historic quarter. Old Nice (Vieux Nice) is a captivating neighbourhood at the heart of this glamorous Mediterranean city. As you step into its narrow, winding streets, you're immediately transported to a world where history, culture and everyday life meet in one vibrant mix. Elegant Baroque buildings in shades of ochre yellows, muted oranges and pale pinks dominate here, a legacy of Italian influence during the 17th and 18th centuries. These historic buildings, with their ornate columns and weathered façades, tell stories of the city’s importance as a trading port. Tiny cobblestone streets, so narrow that you could almost stretch your arms out and touch either side, are lined with charming boutiques, artisan shops, traditional cafés and hidden squares that suddenly open up like unexpected treasures. Old Nice buzzes with an infectious energy that's hard to find anywhere else. Local markets overflow with fresh produce, aromatic herbs and regional delicacies. Cafés spill out onto the streets, with locals and visitors alike chatting and laughing as they enjoy coffee, pastis or a leisurely lunch. In the evening, fun-seekers come to hang out in relaxed bars, where people-watching is a favourite pastime. Amid the soft lighting illuminating the historic façades, you feel, just for a while, like you’re on a truly magical journey of local discovery.

Most people tend to see markets as places for shopping. You may do, too. But that will change as soon as you visit some in Vienna and learn that markets are in fact an experience – indeed, a living postcard. If you want to know the real Vienna, beyond Schönbrunn and Sachertorte, this is where you find it. These markets are like mini-worlds within the city, each with its own special atmosphere. So put on your comfiest shoes, and bring a big bag and an even bigger appetite as we take you on an insider tour of some of Vienna's best markets.