Brussels has been named a top place to go in 2026Credit: AlamyIt has some amazing street artCredit: Alamy
However, spring and summer are just as good, if not better, thanks to its amazing restaurant and bar scene, as well as as art scene.
CN Traveller named it as one of their Best Places to Go in 2026, alongside places such as Hong Kong and Australia.
They explained: “This often-overlooked European capital is having a cultural moment, signalling a shift from a bureaucratic hub to a creative powerhouse.”
This includes a number of new openings in the city, including the new The Standard hotel this year, as well as the Kanal-Centre Pompudiu next year, a factory turned exhibition space.
I visited earlier this year, for a quick weekend trip to Europe.
It’s one of the easiest places to get to thanks to the Eurostar – taking under two hours, it is the second stop after Lille.
And it drops you right in the train station just south of the city, making it an easy walk or tram ride into town.
The first thing to do is grab a cup of coffee, and there are some fantastic spots in town.
My favourite was Wide Awake, a trendy stop with their own roasted beans and delicious snacks including kimchi croissants and walnut cookies.
Of course, tourist stops you need to make include Fritland – a chip shop serving up the best in town with a variety of dipping sauces – and Maison Dandoy, famous for their light and fluffy waffles.
A beautiful spot for photos is Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, one of the Europe‘s oldest shopping galleries.
Dating back to 1847, it was inspired by Italian palaces and Parisian gardens, and is now full of luxury shops and chocolatiers.
They said it was a street that “captures the spirit of Brussels” adding: “It’s got all the charm – cobbled streets, crooked façades and centuries-old houses – but without the clichés.”
There’s photobooths tucked into shops – I grabbed a vintage one from Photomatique for a few euros.
Urban Therapie is where you can get some great shopping done, all selling independent brands.
And for food, I recommend Knees to Chin, a small Brussels chain restaurant selling Asian fusion food.
You can even go on street art tours of the cityCredit: AlamyFritland is touristy but a mustCredit: Alamy
Or nearby is Nona Pizza and Nona Pasta, right next to each other and serving up Italian classics.
Make sure to have your cameras ready when wandering around town too, as the city is full of street art and murals.
There is even an official Street Art Trail, which you can find here to help you spot all 150.
Want to take some souvenirs home? One that is unique is the Jeanneke-pis boutique.
The ‘sister’ of the famous Mannekin Pis (the peeing boy), the boutique sells some unusual gifts including statues of the peeing girl herself.
But you can’t go wrong with some classic Belgium chocolates, and can barely walk without being tempted into a chocolatier by its smell.
My favourites include Neuhaus – also in the UK – as well as Mary and Elizabeth.
Some of my other recommendation include Wolf Food Market, an indoor food market with 17 restaurants and bars.
And for a glam stay, the Doubletree by Hilton Brussels City is beautiful (and don’t forget the free cookie at check in).
The Eurostar from London to Brussels takes just 1hr53, with tickets from £39 each way.
Trains from London take less than two hoursCredit: Alamy
ONE lesser-visited region in Spain has been named as one of the best places to visit next year.
It has a main city that holds bull racing events along with huge valleys, mountains and even a desert.
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The capital of Navarre is the city of Pamplona and has a mountain landscapeCredit: GettyNavarre is part semi-desert called the Bardenas RealesCredit: Alamy
Conde Nast Traveller declared Navarra, also called Navarre, as one of the ‘Best Places to Go in Spain and Portugal in 2026’.
The publication said: “We often make a point of covering lesser-known sites in every region and in 2026 we want to encourage readers to check out a new project focused on rural areas in Navarra.”
And it’s famous for its San Fermín festival which is celebrated each year from July 6 to 14 with parades, music, dancing, and bullfights.
The most well-known event is called Encierro or Running of the Bulls.
It involves hundreds of people running in front of six bulls down a stretch of narrow streets which ends in Pamplona’s bullring.
The city also has a pretty Old Town, Cathedral, the Renaissance-like fort Ciudadela, Plaza del Castillo, and the Museum of Navarre.
It’s not just Pamplona, there are other smaller cities within the region, like Barañáin,Burlada, andEstella-Lizarra.
The region was even once an independent kingdom and known as the Kingdom of Navarre.
There are valleys and rivers around the region for kayaking and watersportsCredit: Alamy
Eventually it as split with Lower Navarre merging into France, and Upper Navarre becoming a province of Spain.
Aside from the cities, Navarre also has a semi-desert region called Bardenas Reales which is around 162 square miles.
The desert has plenty of hiking trails and places to go biking – but unique rock formations aren’t to be climbed on themselves as they are part of an eco-system.
In contrast, part of Navarre encompasses the Pyrenean valleys.
It has high mountain peaks like Mesa de los Tres Reyes as well as green valleys, forests and even caves.
During the winter, the Pyrenean valleys become a great and popular spot for skiers.
For four days last summer, professional beer sommeliers and experienced brewers gathered in Estoril, Portugal, for the World Beer Challenge.
The international contest declared which beers were the greatest in the world across a number of categories.
One of the winners of the 2024 gongs was Spanish beer Ambar Especial, which picked up a perfect 100/100 score from all 125 judges, who came from 29 different countries.
The beer is made in the city of Zaragoza in Spain and claimed the gold in the International Lager category at this year’s event.
It’s a city that is often overlooked by people heading to north Spain, with visitors more commonly heading to places like Barcelona, or the beaches of San Sebastian.
WHEN it comes to A Place in the Sun most house hunters are on the lookout for a bargain along the Spanish coast.
But actually, there are plenty of affordable spots to be found outside of Europe – from beautiful Caribbean islands to cities less than an hour to huge theme parks.
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A Place in the Sun experts reveal their best destinations to buy property outside of EuropeCredit: A Place in the SunJean Johansson suggests looking further afield to the CaribbeanCredit: A Place in the Sun
Jean told us: “If you can stretch to the Caribbean, St Lucia has blown me away – and it’s quite cheap compared to Europe to eat out.
“If you want a paradise lifestyle, you can fly out this time of year and get beautiful weather. It’s so laidback too and everyone slows right down.
“The last time I was there for A Place in the Sun, one couple had a budget of £200,000 and they bought an amazing two-bedroom apartment on a little island that you have to get to via a water taxi – it was just absolutely idyllic.
“If you’re willing to have that Caribbean way of life and something a bit different, your money can go far.”
Another destination that is becoming more popular with Brits as being an affordable holiday spot is Thailand.
Craig said: “I’ve not done any shows in Thailand yet – I think the show may have gone there a long time ago, but that’s somewhere else I think has great value property.
“It might be far, around 14 hours on a plane, but in terms of investment, and perhaps if you’re retiring and can stay there for months at a time, it’s a great option.”
Property prices can vary in Thailand depending on the destination with Chiang Mai being more affordable than the beachside property in Phuket.
Once you get there, the likes of food are so much cheaper – you can pick up a meal from as cheap as 150baht (£3.55).
St. Lucia still has some affordable property – and is a great spot for winter sunCredit: Alamy
But out of all destinations, there was one that every presenter mentioned as being one of the best places to invest – and for a good price next year.
Laura told us: “Florida is a place offering exciting opportunities and it’s always been a place we’ve visited on A Place in the Sun.
“I filmed there just before Christmas and it’s quite interesting. In Florida there are lots of properties that 20 years ago were prime luxury houses along the 192 route which is within 30 minutes to the Disney Parks.
“The location is still amazing, but the houses are a bit tired, so the rental opportunities are incredible. In terms of being able to make properties over and add value to them, I think that’s an exciting market.”
Brits should be looking at property in Florida in cities like Fort LauderdaleCredit: Alamy
Jean added that she did some Florida shows last year where she headed to Fort Lauderdale.
“I think Florida’s always been popular and it’s nice for us to get away from Orlando and away from the Disney parks.
“Fort Lauderdale is a dream with the classic American lifestyle up there – locals start their day with a coffee on the beautiful promenades and there’s a lovely community feel.”
According to Palm Paradise Realty Group, some of the most affordable areas in Fort Lauderdale include Lake Aire Palm View and Flagler Village where the average property price is $343,000 (£255,543).
New episodes of A Place in the Sun will return from Sunday 21 December, and you can catch up on previous episodes on Channel4.com.
A Place in the Sun experts reveal coastline worth buying on NOW where you can ‘still get bargains’ – and flights are £15…
When we asked Laura Hamilton, Craig Rowe and Jean Johansson where exactly Brits looking for a holiday home should buy right now in Europe – they all had the same answer.
Laura Hamilton, who has been working on the show since 2012, explained: “There are still places in Spain which are great places to invest, especially around Costa Tropical.
“The area has increased in value and is still going up. It’s the opposite side of Málaga to Marbella and Puerto Banús, and it’s much cheaper.
“If you go out to a bar or a restaurant, the prices will be significantly cheaper but still great quality.”
Laura revealed that the Costa Tropical has accessibility to both the mountains and the beach.
She added that it’s marketed so that “you can be on the slopes in the morning and beach in the afternoon”.
To get from the beaches to the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains takes just an hour and a half in the car.
Laura continued: “I love that part of Spain and the scenery around Granada is spectacular. If you love the beach, skiing and hiking then it’s a stunning part of Spain – but prices are on the rise.”
Also in southern Spain is the region that presenter Craig Rowe recommended and like Costa Tropical, the region sits between the coast and Sierra Nevada mountains.
Craig told us: “Costa Almería in Spain is really good, especially for anyone on a lower budget.”
Jean Johansson, who has been working on the show for seven years, the same question, she agreed with her colleagues.
Jean said: “It’s got to be Murcia and the south of Spain because you can still get bargains there.”
“When I started on the show seven years ago the area wasn’t as popular at all, but now people are really understanding the value for money.”
IF you’re off to Scotland on a £9.50 Holiday, here’s something to excite your taste buds.
Surrounded by sea and with rolling fertile lands, this beautiful country produces much of its own food, from seafood to hearty haggis.
Surrounded by sea and with rolling fertile lands, Scotland produces much of its own foodCredit: GettyFrom seafood to hearty haggis, and famous Scottish breakfasts from places like The Bandstand Bar & Restaurant in Nairn, travel experts have picked their fave spotsCredit: Trip Advisor
It’s also home to over 150 malt and grain distilleries, with countless whisky-tasting opportunities for those who like a tipple.
You can’t miss the opportunity to sample haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), traditional fish and chips or Scottish porridge.
And you can’t go wrong by starting the day with a full Scottish breakfast, with The Bandstand Bar & Restaurant in Nairn highly rated for theirs.
Another local speciality is Cullen Sink, a warming, thick soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, which you can sample at somewhere like Garden Cafe Pitlochry.
And that’s just the start. We’ve spoken to Scottish locals and holiday park staff to find out the best places to eat and drink – from sea-view restaurants to community-run cafes by the beach.
Here are some places to check out on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday…
Best cheap eats
Morvyn Cattanach, General Manager at Sandylands Holiday Park in Ayrshire recommends Doon the Beach, a community cafe just behind Stevenson Beach.
She said: “It’s a cabin that they’ve done out as a cafe – a wee hidden thing that people might not know about.
“It’s the perfect place to get a cup of tea after a walk on the beach. And it’s really budget friendly – we got two soups, two drinks and a bag of dog treats for £10.”
In the Highlands, Milk Bar cafe and The Auctioneers pub, both in Inverness, are highly rated for their good value food and drink.
Best dog-friendly cafe
If you have a pooch in tow, Morvyn Cattanach recommends heading to the coastal town of Irvine.
She said: “There’s a lovely cafe called GRO right next to the harbour where you can take your dog. It’s a great breakfast and brunch place – my favourite is avocados and eggs on toast (£9.80).”
The menu also features a “doggy section” with everything from sausages (£3) to “puppuccinos” (£2.50) for hounds.
The inn at the Moulin Hotel, which has a traditional brewery and cosy fireCredit: Trip Advisor
Best local pubs
Christopher Hill, Administration Manager at Tummel Valley Holiday Park in Perthshire, says Pitlochry is the place to find a variety of great pubs.
The Old Mill has a great setting, with a watermill outside and a nice beer garden.
The Auld Smiddy is a traditional pub with great food and a kids’ menu. There’s also the inn at the Moulin Hotel, which has a traditional brewery and cosy fire.”
Best for families
Adele Murray, a Scottish blogger originally from Aberfeldy in Highland Perthshire, says: “One of my family’s favourite pubs is Ailean Chraggan – or “The Crags” as locals call it – in Aberfeldy.
“It’s great for families, with a beer garden and outdoor play area. The Scottish Mussels are delicious and come from the west coast (£9.50 as a starter, £18.95 as a main), but I’ve also eaten pigeon and duck here – the food is great.”
The children’s menu includes garlic ciabatta (£3.50), mac and cheese (£6.25) and more.
Meanwhile, The Tree House in Ayr is a good option for families, with a genuinely good children’s menu and a laid-back vibe.
They also offer activity packs to keep kids entertained, and regular offers like steak nights for less than £15.
Ailean Chraggan – or “The Crags” as locals call it – in AberfeldyCredit: Trip Advisor
Best place for whisky tasting
The Scottish Sun Travel Editor, Heather Lowrie recommends The Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, the Highlands.
She said: “It’s one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland.”
One-hour tours cost from £19. Heather added: “Blair Castle, home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries with its spectacular grounds, is just seven miles away and worth a look.
“You can even go segwaying there with Segway Ecosse and take in Hercules Garden, Diana’s Grove and St Brides Kirk.”
Further north, Lossiemouth in Moray is another good option for sampling the country’s finest malts, with plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants in the town.
Heather said: “Whisky drinkers will love it as it’s in the famous Speyside whisky area, and close to a few of Scotland’s most famous distilleries including Glenfiddich, Macallan and Tamdhu.”
Best restaurant
Overlooking the Moray Firth, Sun Dancer is a modern bar and restaurant – the perfect place to watch the sunset beside a panoramic window.
Make the most of one of the offers, like “boozy brunch” Saturdays (£35pp for two courses and four cocktails, pre-booking essential).
Meanwhile, The Bistro in Ayr is a traditional Scottish restaurant that is highly rated for its dishes, which range from duck leg croquettes (£7.95) to hand-pressed burgers (£16) and butcher’s cut steak.
The Scottish Sun Travel Editor, Heather Lowrie recommends The Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, the HighlandsCredit: Trip Advisor
This past week, my dear friend Bob and I went to Griffith Park in search of a little bit of holiday magic in the hillsides. We were looking for bright red toyon.
In the fall and winter, toyons produce iconic red berries, a signal that the temperatures are lowering around L.A. and that winter is coming.
“Though the most common name ‘toyon’ is thought to be a Spanish alteration of the plant’s Ohlone name (“totcon”), Indigenous peoples around California have given the plant many names,” according to environmental nonprofit TreePeople. “It has also more recently been referred to as ‘California holly’ or even ‘Christmas berry’ due to it’s similar appearance to English holly in the winter months.”
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For many Angelenos, myself included, toyon brings about a warm sense that the winter holidays are nearing too.
“During the fall season, after several months of growing and maturity, toyon fruits change color from green to red; it’s a signal to birds and other larger animals that a meal is ready for them,” wrote Jorge Ochoa, a professor of horticulture at Long Beach City College. “It is also during the fall that the hills of Griffith Park are adorned with striking red colors reflecting the many toyon plants growing in the hills of the park.”
Although Los Angeles County is warmer in the winter and thus doesn’t produce iconic scenes of a winter wonderland, you can easily drive nearby and find it, whether it’s by hiking past toyons, frolicking in the mountain snow or, as you’ll see here, catching a cosmic light show during Hanukkah.
If L.A. is your ho-ho-home for the holidays, I hope visiting these three natural places below helps you catch the holiday spirit, regardless of how you celebrate. Let’s sleigh these trails! (I had to!)
Bright red toyon berries in Griffith Park.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
1. For red berry bliss: Griffith Park’s Five Points-Beacon Hill Loop
The Five Points-Beacon Hill Loop is a six-mile moderate hike past several toyon trees, laurel sumac and California black walnut (with bright yellow leaves at the moment).
Friends of Griffith Park developed that trail option as part of the Griffith Park Explorer, 15 routes along more than 50 miles of trails in L.A.’s outdoor sanctuary. As someone who has gotten lost (or just forgot where I parked) in Griffith Park more than I will readily admit, I am grateful for these efforts.
Also, the Griffith Park Explorer makes it easy to discern which trails will provide the best red berry bliss! If you’d like to determine the best trail for your physical conditioning that has toyons, you can look at iNaturalist, a citizen science app, to see where toyons grow in the park and match that with the best Explorer trail.
That’s how I identified the Beacon Hill loop. As Bob and I started our hike, I quickly spotted red berries on the hillside. We also savored the quiet that Griffith Park offers just before sunset as the hillsides become blanketed in yellow, orange and scarlet light. At Beacon Hill, I paused and took in the clear views that winter brings. I felt grateful to be here now, which, to me, evokes gratitude and joy, two essential elements of the winter holiday season.
Distance: A six-mile loop Elevation gained: About 1,200 feet Difficulty: Moderate Dogs allowed? Yes Accessible alternative:Bette Davis Picnic Area
The snow-covered road to the Buckhorn Campground in Angeles National Forest in 2024. The campground is a common spot for anyone near L.A. who wants to snowshoe and frolic in the powder.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
2. For snow-dappled trees: Buckhorn Campground trail
The Buckhorn Campground in Angeles National Forest is a special place to me, bringing me and my family joy every season. In the winter, it is often covered in snow, as it sits above 6,000 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Crunching over the snow-covered road into the campground this past March — the campground is closed for camping in the winter — I was transported back into a childlike sense of wonder. The evergreen conifers towered above, like giant Christmas trees for squirrels, deer and bobcats.
The view of the snowy mountains near Mt. Hawkins from Angeles Crest Highway in the Angeles National Forest on Nov. 23.
(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)
If you celebrate Kwanzaa, Buckhorn would be a great place to visit to observe multiple of the seven principles, including unity, as you and your friends and family slog through the elements together. (Microspikes recommended!)
And if you can’t make it up to the mountains, but still want to observe Kwanzaa with community, the annual Unity Run/Walk is scheduled for Dec. 27 at Balboa Park in San Diego. Either way, you can be in a natural environment hopefully in unity with each other and nature.
Distance: Varies Elevation gained: 300 to 500 feet Difficulty: Easy to lower-level moderate Accessible alternative: Large turnouts after snow along Highway 2 east of Camp Valcrest
A Perseid meteor streaks low in the sky in this 16-second exposure, as seen from White Tank campground in Joshua Tree National Park early on Aug. 12, 2024.
(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)
3. For cosmic candlelight: Joshua Tree National Park
On Dec. 21, during the second to last night of Hanukkah (and also the start of the winter solstice), the Ursids meteor shower will peak, allowing anyone watching to see around five to 10 meteors per hour, according to the American Meteor Society.
If you’re celebrating Hanukkah, you can experience your own cosmic Festival of Lights as the sky lights up during the meteor shower at Joshua Tree National Park. I checked, and there are still several campsites available at the park on the peak night. It’s also a great place to celebrate the winter solstice, lighting a campfire (if allowed under fire restrictions) and taking in the natural elements. There are endless hiking options too.
If you want to camp closer to home, you could try Chilao Campground in Angeles National Forest for a darker sky option. (Chilao is at 5,300 elevation, and it’ll be cold. And it is sometimes closed because of snow.) To check whether it’s open, you can call the Angeles National Forest office in Acton at (661) 269-2808. The office is generally closed Wednesday and Thursday, so another option is to call the Gateway District office at (818) 899-1900.
Either way, be prepared for an awe-inspiring light show, a beautiful way to be together with the people you love (who can also keep you warm, in body and spirit).
Happy holidays to you, my dear Wilder!
3 things to do
Members of Paddle LA and OC participate in annual Christmas paddles near Long Beach, dressing in festive costumes.
(David Sanchez)
1. Paddle past pretty lights in Long Beach Paddling LA and OC will host an evening paddle from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday through Alamitos Bay to observe holiday lights near the water. Guests are encouraged to don holiday costumes and light up their boards with good cheer. All skill levels are welcome, but paddlers need to be comfortable in the water after dark and around slow-moving boats. Register at eventbrite.com.
2. Secure Fido’s ranger badge in Calabasas Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area will host its B.A.R.K. Holidays event from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the King Gillette Ranch visitor center. Dogs and their owners can visit ranger-led booths and take part in a special swearing-in ceremony where pups will earn their official B.A.R.K. Ranger badge. Learn more at the park’s Instagram page.
3. Hike among native plants in Sylmar Scorpio Gardens, a queer, Latinx-owned native plant landscape design company, will host a hike along the May Canyon trail from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday at Veterans Memorial Community Regional Park in Sylmar. Guests will first be guided in mindfulness and stretching before heading onto the trail. Hike leaders will help participants with native plant identification, discussing the roles the plants play in the larger San Fernando Valley ecosystem. The event is free, but donations are welcome. Register at eventbrite.com.
The must-read
(Ruthy Kim / For The Times)
In highlighting these hikes and natural places where you can celebrate the holidays, I don’t want to seem oblivious or excessively positive. It would be a massive understatement to say it has been a hard year for L.A. “In the past 12 months, we’ve witnessed homes destroyed by fire, families broken up by ICE, skyrocketing anti-trans hate and massive layoffs across the entertainment and media industries leaving thousands in our city unemployed,” wrote Times staff writer Deborah Netburn. Amid all this devastation, it is even more important to try to find joy. That was the message Netburn heard from experts she spoke to about how to still find joy this holiday season in L.A. Joy is an essential element of our lives, refilling our tanks not only to help us survive but also to keep doing good in the world. “The purpose of oppression, hatred and discrimination is to disconnect us and dehumanize us,” said Thema Bryant, a psychologist and minister at First AME Church in Los Angeles. “It is an act of resistance to say, ‘I’m not going to give all my peace to those who are working to stress me out.’”
Happy adventuring,
P.S.
For almost 20 years, the Mojave Desert Land Trust has worked to preserve prime desert habitat, protecting more than 125,000 acres of California desert. Recently, the trust acquired 1,280 acres at the entrance to Mojave Trails National Monument, a massive swath of federal land south of Mojave National Preserve that had been suffering from illegal dumping, graffiti and more. If you’d like to help support the trust’s efforts to protect the desert, consider attending a fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Last Bookstore in Studio City. Barret Baumgart, author of “Yuck,” and Josh Jackson, author of “The Enduring Wild,” will discuss their books that underscore the importance of protecting our diverse desert landscape. Guests can imbibe free beer and buy signed books and limited-edition desert posters and tote bags. Half of sales will support the trust. 🏜️
For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.
