Skip to main content
logoImage

Learn the stories and secrets of our localities

DISCOVER CULTURAL TREASURES

  • 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 l...

  • The Côte de Granit Rose gets its distinctive hue from high-p...

  • The daily market is one of the most enduring French traditio...

  • Now a major tourist attraction in the south of France as wel...

  • France

    French craftsmanship: 9 artisan experiences not to be missed

    In a world of fast fashion and throwaway goods, French craft...

  • 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 kaleidos...

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

  • France

    Discover Lyon’s Traboules: Hidden Passageways with a Story T...

    Imagine strolling through the cobblestone streets of Lyon, a...

  • Serving as the imperial capital from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is J...

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • FRANCE

    Discover Basque Culture: Where Ancient Traditions Survive an...

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

  • France

    10 Stunning Villages in France to Experience Authentic Rural...

    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.

  • FRANCE

    Provence Markets: 5 of the Best

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

  • France

    Nice Countryside: 8 Top Things to See and Do

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

  • FRANCE

    Discover 6 top Brittany beaches, from rugged cliffs to seren...

    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.

  • Planning a visit to Kota Tua in Jakarta? This guide will lead you to the must-visit museums, colonial buildings, restaurants, and more.

  • 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.

  • Neon lights, 12-hour lamb shoulder, and 4am dancefloors. This is your guide to Courtenay Place, mapping the best clubs, bars, and bites for a wild Wellington night out.

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

  • Experience the scenic beauty of Jakarta's top seven beaches with this guide outlining the reasons to visit and what to do when you get there.

  • 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.

  • France

    Paris by Night: Discovering the City’s Hidden Night Spots

    Like every big city, Paris has individual neighbourhoods wit...

  • Italy

    Untold Stories of Rome’s Fountains: From the Famous to the F...

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

  • France

    Cycling Bordeaux’s Vineyards: Scenic Routes for the Adventur...

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

  • Austria

    Discover Vienna’s Secret Palaces: Private Mansions with Rich...

    Schönbrunn might be Vienna’s crown jewel when it comes to pa...

  • Germany

    Exploring Munich’s Alpine Hinterland: 6 Day Trips off the Be...

    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.

  • Italy

    Discovering Underground Rome: The Hidden History of the Eter...

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

  • Austria

    Vienna's Cafés - 5 Cafés to Explore Coffee, Culture and Time...

    When you step inside a café in Vienna for the first time, yo...

  • Italy

    Rome's Vintage Shops and Hidden Boutiques: 6 of the Very Bes...

    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.

  • France

    Old Nice: Authentic Stories from a Historic Neighbourhood

    No stay in Nice is complete without a visit to its beautiful...

  • Austria

    Viennese Street Markets: Shopping for Local Treasures

    Most people tend to see markets as places for shopping. You ...

  • France

    A Journey Through Parisian Coffee Culture: The Art of Café-H...

    Paris didn’t invent coffee houses. But in no other city has ...

  • France

    History in Layers: Lyon's Roman Ruins & Medieval Echoes

    Lyon, France's third-largest city, might be best known for i...

  • Italy

    A Guide to Rome's Trastevere District: the City's Boho Soul

    Discover Trastevere district in Rome, where local life plays out amongst a labyrinth of cobbled backstreets, ochre palazzi and ivy-clad facades.

  • Kakadu National Park is renowned for its wetlands, waterfalls, and wildlife. Here’s how to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Kakadu from Jabiru.

  • Malaysia

    Learn about the art and tranquility of tea in Kuala Lumpur​

    Established in 1987, Purple Cane Tea Art Learning Center pro...

  • Japan

    Live a traditional Japanese dining experience in Kyoto​

     Nestled in the heart of the famous Gion District, Ryot...

  • France

    Embark on a sailboat trip in Dunkirk and enjoy an ocean-insp...

    Just steps away from Mercure Dunkerque, right on the marina,...

  • UK

    Enjoy a typical English teatime while cruising the River Tha...

    There's nothing like visiting Oxford on board a regatta to cross the river in the afternoon. Take advantage of this out of time moment to explore the

  • France

    Discover the craft beers brewed in a French Abbey near Saint...

    Nestled in a region steeped in history, Clairmarais Abbey, built in 1140 and renovated in the 17th century, bears witness to a rich historical heritag

  • France

    Discover the French apéritif with a breathtaking view over A...

    At the summit of the Dignitaries’s tower, offering a breatht...

  • Poland

    Learn to cook regional Polish dishes from Silesia​

    The Upper Silesian Ethnographic Park is an open-air museum c...

  • Poland

    Discover traditional Vodka making process in Krakow​

    Hard to think of a better place for a vodka museum than one ...

OTHER MERCURE TRAVEL GUIDE INSIGHTS

  • TASTE THE WORLD

    Explore new flavours, learn about culinary specialities and discover where to eat like a local

  • DIVE INTO DESIGN

    Transcend the everyday at our hotels, where each neighbourhood’s spirit is embedded in the design

  • MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT

    Mercure hotels are committed to supporting local communities on food-related issues

YOUR MERCURE EXPERIENCE

Locally sourced, seasonal, sustainable and healthy. Because a destination's cuisine is key to discovery, we craft gastronomic adventures through authentic recipes, masterclasses, meetings with local producers and tips on where to go, so you can eat and drink like a local, wherever you travel.