An old joke goes that Pittsburgh is the “Galapagos of Pennsylvania.” The city doesn’t neighbor any other metro areas. Most travelers arrive by plane, or at the end of a very long drive. Even the Pittsburgh dialect is like no other language on Earth. (“Yinz,” anyone?) When it comes to a long weekend in Pittsburgh, …
Everything you need to know about Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most iconic temple
In the 12th century, the ancient Khmer kings of Cambodia packed the equivalent of all of Europe’s great cathedrals into an area the size of Los Angeles, making the fabled Temples of Angkor a veritable Disneyworld for history enthusiasts. These majestic temples in northwest Cambodia are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, topping the …
10 of the best things to do in Peru
Peru may be known as one of the cradles of ancient civilization, but its topography also makes it a wonderland of adventure. The icy mountain peaks of the Andes draw trekkers and climbers, the untamed desert coast is lapped by world-class waves for surfers and, for explorers, there’s the Amazon, a vast mass of wetlands and …
Best 21 places to visit in Aruba, from beaches to historic sites
Aruba, referred to as “One Happy Island” due to its 300 days of sunshine, friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, is home to more than 40 miles of coastline, graceful flamingos gallivanting around its shores and more than 95 recorded nationalities. With an array of pristine beaches to enjoy, the island is also home to an …
How can I increase my chances of seeing the northern lights on a trip to the Arctic?
Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors answer a lot of travel questions, providing tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. We thought this question would be perfect for LP author Kerry Walker, who’s long been obsessed with cold, remote places, snow and the northern lights. Question: We are planning a winter …
The Lonely Planet guide to the Art Institute of Chicago
The USA’s second-largest art museum, the Art Institute of Chicago houses a treasure trove from around the globe. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, this collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings is second only to those in France, and the number of surrealist works is tremendous. The Modern Wing dazzles with Picassos and Mirós, …
9 things you need to know before visiting beautiful and quirky Anchorage
In recent years, an increase in new arrivals has transformed Anchorage from a small town into a big city. In fact, Anchorage – the largest city in Alaska – now accounts for 40 percent of the state’s total population, but that doesn’t mean the city has lost its unique charm. For locals, a quick errand …
10 of the best things to do in Óbidos
Óbidos is like its signature ginjinha (cherry liqueur): a sweet chocolate-clad treat with a cherry on top. Wrapped in crenelated walls, the well-preserved hilltop medieval village is a storybook tangle of azure- and canary-hemmed whitewashed homes, churches and monuments. It’s one of Portugal’s prettiest and most popular destinations, with many travelers taking the brisk one-hour …
Lonely Planet staffers pick their favorite travel photos of 2024
Lonely Planet has been traveling the world for 50 years and counting. And in an era of chatbots and AI-generated images, we continue to rely on real people and experts who taste, smell and see the world – then report the best of it back to us. To create our books and website, we work …
10 of the best things to do in Portugal
It may be small but Portugal boasts diverse cultures, a rich and varied cuisine and incredible landscapes that range from the rugged coast in the west to a mountainous inland. Ancient Roman, Celtic and Islamic influences have shaped the customs and language of this land, which has officially been a country for more than 870 years (it’s one …