The best hotels in Barcelona, Spain (updated 2025)
Time Out tip: Keep walking downhill and you'll eventually reach the old port and the end of La Rambla.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Eight things to do in New York including the free 'park in the sky'
Yellow taxis weave in between rows of twinkling lights and concrete blocks. I tower above them, having grappled with my fear of heights to traverse New York's fourth-tallest skyscraper. Observing the city from One Vanderbilt's observation deck, 1,207ft from the ground, is a knee-wobbling introduction to Manhattan. In its 400th year, the city is dynamic and vibrant. First established as New Amsterdam in the 1620s by Dutch colonists, the relatively small settlement grew in the 18th century following multiple immigration waves. NYC's most famous district is Manhattan, an area dotted with historical landmarks that produce feelings of dizzying awe. Eager to delve in, I'm there on a short break. Jumping on to my hotel bed after a long flight, I turn my eyes to the window and catch a glimpse of the jewel in the crown. Once the tallest building in the city, the Empire State Building, renowned for its distinctive Art Deco facade, is an emblem of New York ambition, a reminder of a time when the city represented luxury, glamour and exuberance. A highlight of staying at the NH Collection on Madison Avenue is gazing at the remarkable views. Situated in a century-old red-brick building, the hotel is a cosy haven that charms with its period features and decor. Attached to the property is Italian restaurant Serafina, which provides a relaxed setting for a buffet breakfast and a lively dining experience at night. The hotel's overall design scheme is mid-century modern, with little flourishes that transport you back to 1950s' New York – think typewriters and historical knick-knacks. Nearby, the High Line is a walkway that places you at eye level with the Manhattan buildings. The space, featuring swathes of greenery, built on a historic freight rail line that was abandoned in the 1980s. As I walk through the 'park in the sky', I admire art installations and architecture, catching the scent of flowers or freshly baked bread from nearby bagel shops. I then make my way to Chelsea Market, a centre of food and retail in the city's Meatpacking District. The High Line trains that once delivered produce to the wholesale butchers of the area are now swathes of pungent eateries, a foodie's idea of heaven. Opting for a more luxurious lunch, I dine at the rooftop restaurant at RH New York, another spot that boasts views of the Manhattan skyline. Mixing Mediterranean-style cuisine with American touches, the lunch menu offers grilled meats, signature salads and caviar three different ways. Proof there's much more to the restaurant scene than chips and burgers, abcV is a plant-based restaurant from Jean-Georges Vongerichten. I visit for the evening, enjoying the clean, white aesthetic and plates of impressive vegetables. Places like this are representative of New York, welcoming the new while paying tribute to the old, with dishes influenced by the people and places that make the city what it is. An area of New York steeped in tradition is the Bronx. The Ramirez brothers, who run the Bronx Beer Hall, are helping to change perceptions of the borough, which was often portrayed as being dangerous in the 80s and 90s. Their beer hall in Arthur Avenue Retail Market welcomes tourists and locals – old men roll cigars at the front and locals sell deli meats further back. As the city's financial district, Manhattan offers a more polished experience, but both are equally impressive. In fact, each borough offers something unique. While Queens is known for its international food scene and arty neighbourhoods, Staten Island has a more relaxed feel to it, dressed with green spaces that act as an escape from the throng of the city. Then there's Brooklyn, with its trendy coffee shops and historic brownstone buildings that attract Instagram influencers. On my last day in the city, I visit Central Park, a huge green space that acts as an oasis within the metropolis. I recognise this park from films and TV shows – Friends, Home Alone 2, and Enchanted are just some that come to mind as I sit on a bench and eat a bagel packed to the brim with fillings. Reflecting on my short stay, I wonder how long it would take for me to explore every brownstone building, skyscraper, bagel shop, museum and park. Wildly different in so many ways, New York has also carved out a distinctive identity over the years. All too often, fact never lives up to fiction – but New York is just as wonderful as I hoped it would be. BOOK IT Rooms at the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue hotel start at around £158 a night. GET THERE Flights to New York City are available from airports across the UK. MORE INFO
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Historic cave in Scotland where a 6th century saint once stayed
The cave in Argyll and Bute is a hidden historic site where an Irish missionary is said to have worshipped on his journey to Scotland Hidden away in the wild and rugged landscape of Argyll and Bute lies a site steeped in legend and early Christian tradition. St Columba's Cave, on the northern shore of Loch Caolisport, has long been considered an important landmark in Scotland's spiritual history. Tradition holds that the Irish missionary who helped bring Christianity to Scotland stayed and worshipped here during his journey from Ulster to the west coast. The cave is not easy to stumble upon. Travellers must take a minor road off the B8024 at Achahoish, following the lochside for several miles before reaching a signposted path. A short walk leads visitors past the overgrown ruins of a 13th-century chapel before arriving at a natural cave beneath an upturned rock face. According to local tradition, Columba stopped here in the 6th century while waiting for King Conal's permission to establish his monastery at Iona. Though there is no firm evidence he stayed in the cave, its association with the saint has endured for centuries. The cave itself is striking. Measuring around 18 metres deep and five metres across the mouth, it contains a raised rock shelf along the east wall. On the shelf stands a drystone altar, above which is carved a small cross in low relief, just 17 by 14 centimetres. To the north lies another Latin-style cross, framed by a curious series of five pits in the rock face. A third, much fainter cross is said to exist further north, though difficult to spot. Excavations outside the cave revealed two ancient burials of indeterminate date, alongside evidence of human use stretching back to the Mesolithic period. To the west, a smaller cave shows signs of being used as a dwelling. The site has inspired many local traditions over the centuries. The font at nearby Achahoish church is said to have been taken from the cave, further strengthening its connection to early Christian practice. Whether or not Columba truly stayed here may never be proven, but the setting and the view over the loch make it easy to imagine why such a story took root. The surrounding area is rich in related landmarks. Between Kiel Cave and St Columba's Chapel lies the mysterious St Columba's Footprints. These stone impressions sit atop a rocky outcrop, reached by a small flight of steps. One footprint was carved in 1856 by a local mason, but the other is much older. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Some believe it is Columba's own, though historians suggest it was more likely used during the coronation of kings in Dalriada, or even earlier by the southern Picts. A similar footprint can be found at Dunadd in Kilmartin Glen. Close by is St Columba's Well, a rocky basin carved into the slope where water collects from a spring. The waters are said to have healing properties, and a rough Latin cross has been cut into the overhanging rock face above the pool. Further along stands St Columba's Chapel within Keil Cemetery. Though often linked to the saint, the chapel was almost certainly built centuries later. Its east end dates to the late 13th century, with extensions added between the 14th and 15th centuries. Overgrown with ivy, the ruined structure can still be entered through a partially buried doorway. Inside lie medieval grave slabs, two of which are thought to have been carved at Saddell Abbey.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Top tourist spots around Glasgow to travel with family when the sun is shining
From sandy beaches to historic sites, Scotland offers a host of family-friendly destinations that have are fun for entire families As the summer sun shines and bank holidays roll around, Glaswegians are embracing the chance to escape the city for a day, revisiting childhood memories and creating new ones with the next generation. From sandy beaches to historic sites, the region offers a host of family-friendly destinations that have delighted generations, Glasgow Live reports. A day at the beach in Ayr, Troon, Saltcoats and Largs A trip to the Ayrshire coast remains a firm favourite. Whether building sandcastles at Ayr, indulging in an ice cream sundae at Nardini's in Largs, sliding down the pink elephant chute in Saltcoats, or enjoying a slightly more refined experience at Troon, the beaches continue to captivate families. 'Everyone has their favourite chip shop or ice cream spot and bringing it up is bound to cause heated debate,' the report notes. Gazing at Ailsa Craig from Girvan's shores Further along the coast, Girvan offers breathtaking views of Ailsa Craig, a sight that has long enchanted visitors. For many children, it evokes memories of Tracy Island from Thunderbirds, inspiring family car trips that stretched beyond Ayr to allow youngsters to spot the island. The town has recently been recognised as one of the most dog-friendly destinations in Scotland, making it perfect for family outings. Caravaning at Craig Tara For those seeking a longer break, the iconic Craig Tara caravan park has long been a staple of Ayrshire holidays. While often a week-long jaunt rather than a day trip, the site remains a popular staycation spot, attracting families eager to enjoy the outdoors together. Cycling round Millport Millport, on the Isle of Cumbrae, continues to charm visitors with its cycling opportunities. Families can hire bikes or even Quadricycles to explore the island, pausing to search for crabs along the shore. The small island retains all of its original appeal while offering new attractions for young explorers. Visiting the Bonnie Banks Loch Lomond also continues to provide a scenic escape. Popular spots include Luss, Balmaha, Milarrochy, and Balloch, each offering opportunities for swimming, picnics, and outdoor adventure. The national park remains a playground for Glaswegians seeking a respite from city life, with Luss proving a perennial favourite for rediscovering the loch through children's eyes. Getting adventurous on the isle of Arran For the more adventurous, a ferry trip from Ardrossan to Arran offers visits to Brodick Castle, climbing Goatfell, and a chance to explore an island often described as 'Scotland in miniature'. Stepping back in time at New Lanark History is also on the itinerary, with New Lanark providing an educational yet entertaining experience. Visitors can explore woodland walks, a giant watermill, and a Victorian-style gift shop, alongside modern family attractions such as soft play areas and seasonal events. Making a splash at the Time Capsule Indoor fun is equally accessible, with the newly renovated Time Capsule offering swimming, ice skating, and soft play for children, while adults enjoy the thrill of the wave machine and river rapids. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Saying hello to the animals at Palacerigg Park Palacerigg Park in Cumbernauld remains a peaceful retreat for spotting wild animals such as roe deer, red squirrels, and pine martens. Going down the pit at Summerlee Industrial history comes alive at Summerlee in Coatbridge, where families can ride vintage trams, explore a real mine shaft, and create badges from their own artwork. Seeing what life was like on a real farm at Blackshaw Farm Park For a taste of rural life, Blackshaw Farm Park and the nearby Rural Life Museum near East Kilbride allow children to see newly born lambs and piglets and explore Scotland's largest collection of tractors and farming machinery.
