restaurant with cathedral view in vienna

Breakfast, lunch and dinner in Vienna

Of all the meals in Vienna, ice cream might not be your priority – but perhaps it should be? Gelato makers here go way back and – despite over a century of churning, they’ve opened their hearts to plant-based options. Which pretty much goes for the rest of the city. Even the most famous Vienna schnitzel slinger has a vegan version to serve. That said, Vienna restaurants aren’t all focused on plants. Breakfasts are boozy, lunches can be three course events and dinners come with views and Michelin craftsmanship – without the burden of a star or two. We’ve picked out some of the best restaurants in Vienna for you to muse over…

stalls and christmas lights at vienna christmas market

Get festive for Christmas in Vienna

You could spend all of your Vienna city break skipping gaily from one festive market to another. There’s at least a dozen to knock back a cup of glüwein in – and that’s before you even get started on the concerts, festive shops and New Year market stalls. But before you launch headlong into each and every snow-sprinkled alley of crafts and baked goods, it pays to know that not all of Vienna’s Christmas events are worth your time. We’ll walk you through your best options, and clue you in to all the places to find festive fun in.

axe and skeleton in exhibit at vienna crime museum

Top 10 things to do in Vienna

Wondering what to do in Vienna? Your options are almost endless. Which, if you’re a serial FOMO sufferer, could cause a problem or ten on a Vienna city break. You’ll stop counting the museums when you get past 50. Vienna’s landmarks are so huge you could easily lose a day in just one – and we’ve not found space in our list for the parks, gardens and markets. Needless to say, the sewer system hasn’t got a look in. And it really should have. Explore every inch of this city, just as soon as you’ve ticked off our choice of the top ten things to do.

al fresco coffee shop in vienna

A coffee lover’s guide to Vienna’s best coffee houses

Vienna’s coffee houses can be steeped in history or freshly minted venues ready to serve you the low down on their single origin beans. It’s worth dropping into both types to really get to grips with this city’s coffee culture. Though, fair warning, the Viennese tend to label bars as cafes. Wine, spirits and beer may be temptingly close, but that shouldn’t stop you from sipping on at least a couple of Cortados during your stay. Cool cafes in Vienna aren’t in short supply. So to spare you the horror stopping by any slick but shocking coffee bars, we’ve got the inside intel on the best beans in Vienna…

Jamaica

Let’s get the stereotypes out of the way early doors. Yes, Jamaica is a musical island, but reggae is only part of the story. Rum might be the national drink, but it tastes a world away from any Jamaican rum you’ll find in your local. And, the islanders might be laidback, but that doesn’t stop this island buzzing with an electricity that comes from being surrounded by a wild and rugged landscape with hidden gems so few visitors ever see. We’d never go so far as to say the island’s resorts were bland. Far from it. The luxury Jamaica delivers, is up there with the best. But if you’ve stayed in an over water villa, here, you could almost be in another on a neighbouring isle – and never quite realise.

Cocktails, pristine terraces, international buffets and salsa classes are keeping you from the local fish fry, rum-fuelled dominoes games and from clocking up a few of Jamaica’s landmarks on your Insta feed – at the very least. At worst, you could miss out on a hummingbird landing on your hand for a sip of sugar water, spying the island’s crocs in the Black River or hiking to the island’s highest peak. Take every opportunity to explore Jamaica and you’ll be well rewarded.

jamaican beach wedding

A guide to getting hitched in Jamaica  

Couples, Jamaica is THE place to get married. Sun-kissed wedding snaps aside, wedding venues in Jamaica span the spectrum from beach chic to luxe-laden resorts with all the trimmings. Bespoke weddings are made all the easier with easy access to wedding planners – and independent marriage officers that take care of the pesky paperwork. Even the fanciest venues recognise that some couples just want to get hitched and then fire up the barbecue on the sands. Packages for all price points and venues that can host just you and a couple of close friends or 650+ acquaintances. Let’s break it all down…

man on raft on Martha Brae River

A photographer’s guide to Jamaica

Let’s not beat around the photography bush on this one. There are stunning pictures of Jamaica to be taken at virtually every turn. Yes, you’ll use up a fair few MBs, snapping away at the dreamy shores, but for the keen-eyed photographer the options are endless. Jamaica’s waterways hold a few secrets, abandoned buildings offer more than just ghost stories and the mountains deliver more than just a jaw-dropping landscape shot. Wherever you are on the island, you’ll want a cameraphone at the very least.

rum cocktail on table in jamaica

Rum lover’s guide to Jamaica 

If you think Jamaica, and rum immediately springs to mind, this island’s for you. Though brace those tastebuds for some incoming surprises. The white rum we’re peddled away from Caribbean shores is diluted to a distinctly weaker version of the hard stuff. Golden rum gets its colour and taste from a little oak cask ageing – think 20 years plus. And the heavy stuff? A moody, brooding rum that’s serving you oakey musk mixed with heady molasses. The process? A kind of rum sorcery that’s been handed down through the generations for centuries. Estates on the island create the strongest rums by a process called wild fermentation. Expect to feel more than a little light headed…

sunset at sea bar in jamaica

Top 9 places to visit in Jamaica

Jamaica’s famous landmarks are quite the varied bunch. Naturally, you’ve got the island’s beaches – but who among us needs a helping hand to snuffle out a decent sandy nook? No, you’re more likely looking for the places to visit in Jamaica that are worth doing. We’ve notched up a few of the more famous landmarks below, along with a couple of lesser-known places of interest you’ll want to check out.

Bluefields Anole lizard jamaica

A wildlife lover’s guide to Jamaica

Animals in Jamaica aren’t difficult to spot. There’s a diverse ecosystem that comes with a large number of endemic species. Of course, some are easier than others to track down. You’ll possibly get a little tired of seeing the resident mongooses, but they do fill the gaps between the rarer sightings. Showy standouts include the colourful plumage of the island’s hummingbirds, especially Jamaica’s national bird. But with skinks, bats and tropical fish all laying claim to your time, your wildlife itinerary might start to look a little crammed. We’ve picked out a few key critters from Jamaica’s wildlife list that you won’t want to miss.