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Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Vienna 2025
F ew cities effortlessly blend history and modernity quite like Vienna. Along with its heritage in classical music and fine arts, the Austrian capital's walkability and bustling café culture have placed it high on the list of 'most livable cities in the world,' according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index. The best hotels in Vienna showcase the city's many charms in their décor, architecture and cuisine. To select the best accommodations in Vienna, I drew from my own personal stays in the city and spoke to Mary McCormack, an Austria specialist at Audley Travel, for key insights. My top recommendation is the contemporary and luxurious Rosewood Vienna. History buffs will appreciate the grand interiors of Hotel Imperial, while boutique lovers should book The Leo Grand or Hotel Motto. Below, the best hotels in Vienna in 2025. Guest room at the Rosewood Vienna. Rosewood Vienna Who Will Love It: Travelers seeking a well-appointed stay near top historic sights All-Star Amenities: Complimentary house car; Dyson hair dryers; butler service; 24-hour room service; spa with sauna and steam bath What Not To Miss: The speakeasy-inspired rooftop bar Location: Petersplatz in Innere Stadt Set in a meticulously restored 19th-century building where Mozart once lived, the Rosewood Vienna immerses guests in the heart of the City of Music. The neoclassical landmark has a prime location on Petersplatz, a lively square dominated by St. Peter's Cathedral, musicians and horse-drawn carriages. While the hotel is stone's throw away from all of the top sights, it also offers a peaceful atmosphere when you need a reprieve. Inside the 99 rooms and suites, you'll find Art Nouveau-style furniture upholstered in heritage fabrics, parquet flooring and designer lighting. The 1,916-square-foot presidential suite is particularly impressive, with a balcony overlooking Petersplatz. For even more views and tranquility, head to the Asaya Spa, which unfolds under archways across the fifth and sixth floors, or the rooftop terrace where you can appreciate the dome of St. Peter's Church with a cocktail. Interiors of Hotel Imperial, A Luxury Collection Hotel Hotel Imperial, A Luxury Collection Hotel Who Will Love It: Well-heeled travelers looking for the royal treatment All-Star Amenities: Butler service; private balconies with city views; 24-hour room service; pet-friendly amenities; turndown service What Not To Miss: The hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant Opus Location: Ring Road in Innere Stadt Originally built as a palace, this grande dame property on Vienna's Ringstrasse (Ring Road) was converted into a luxury hotel in 1873—just in time for the World's Fair. Over the years, Hotel Imperial has hosted almost every head of state and celebrity imaginable, from Queen Elizabeth II to Charlie Chaplin. Thanks to the preservation of its elaborate details like the Royal Staircase, crystal chandeliers and carved statues, a stay here truly feels like stepping back in time. The property's 138 rooms and suites range in size and grandeur, but for a truly dazzling stay, book a suite—The Royal Suite is the most stately, with 23-foot ceilings and perks like butler service and a free-flowing minibar. Champagne breakfast buffets, afternoon tea and Friday jazz nights make the hotel a magnet for locals and travelers alike. Even if you don't stay here, you'll want to swing by Café Imperial Wien to try the Imperial Torte, a rich chocolate cake made with a secret recipe as old as the hotel itself. A room at Hotel Motto in Vienna, Austria. Hotel Motto Who Will Love It: Travelers looking for an intimate and stylish base in a trendy neighborhood All-Star Amenities: Organic toiletries from Viennese brand Saint Charles; Roberts Revival iStream radio; free-standing bathtubs; wellness area with a gym, steam bath and sauna What Not To Miss: The on-site bakery, restaurant and rooftop terrace Location: Mariahilf One of the most creative stays in Vienna, every detail at Hotel Motto lends itself to a whimsical atmosphere that feels straight out of a Wes Anderson film. Occupying a historic building that was once a gathering place for painters, poets and musicians, the property's creative roots are honored through murals and paintings by local artists everywhere you look. The staff's floral uniforms, designed by Austrian designer Lena Hoschek, are sure to bring a smile every time you see them. Rooms here can regularly be found for under $200 a night during the high summer season, making it the best value stay in the city. The service found here is also impeccable: I stayed at Hotel Motto in summer of 2022 and still receive a personalized birthday card from the property in the mail each year. Best Boutique Hotel In Vienna: The Leo Grand Grand Deluxe room at The Leo Grand. The Leo Grand The Leo Grand Who Will Love It: Travelers seeking a design-forward boutique with plenty of history All-Star Amenities: Courtyard restaurant with retractable roof; free-standing bathtubs What Not To Miss: The monkey lamps in each room Location: One block from St. Stephen's Cathedral in Innere Stradt The Leo Grand, a 76-key boutique property, officially opened in 2022, but its roots go back over three centuries. Named after Emperor Leopold I, the hotel was once a private residence from the Hapsburg monarchy in the late 17th century. After a careful restoration and redesign by Austria's Lenikus Group, the property today feels fresh and modern—without losing any of its historic charm. 'It feels very Parisian,' says McCormack, who counts the property among her top recommendations in the city. 'The staff is incredible and go above and beyond to make visitors feel welcome.' Alongside a central location by St. Stephen's Cathedral (some rooms offer direct views), all of the furniture, wallpaper, carpets and lamps (the monkey lamps in each room are not to be missed) were custom made for the property. After a day at the museums, guests can also dine at the property's courtyard restaurant, Dots At Leo Grand. Best Hotel For Couples In Vienna: Hotel Sacher Vienna The hotel's 152 rooms and suites are among the city's most romantic. Hotel Sacher Wien Hotel Sacher Vienna Who Will Love It: Lovebirds looking for a glamorous stay to complement a night at the opera All-Star Amenities: Free non-alcoholic minibar; marble bathrooms with heated floors; separate tubs and showers; spa with steam room and sauna What Not To Miss: A nightcap in the sultry Blaue Bar Location: Across from the Vienna State Opera in Innere Stadt The centuries-old café in Hotel Sacher Vienna is a popular stop for anyone wanting to taste the original chocolatey Sachertorte filled with apricot jam. Especially great for couples, the hotel's 152 rooms and suites are among the city's most romantic. The property blends old-world details like crystal chandeliers with high-tech innovations like televisions built into the mirrors, making it ideal for those looking for a fairy-tale escape with modern comforts. If you can tear yourself away from the plush bed, go on a horse-drawn carriage tour around town while sipping bubbly and taking in the sights, or get tickets to the Vienna State Opera across the street from the hotel. Several on-site bars and restaurants offer intimate places to grab a cocktail or a bite. Best Hotel For Families In Vienna: Hotel König Von Ungarn Interiors of Hotel König Von Ungarn. Hotel König Von Ungarn Hotel König Von Ungarn Who Will Love It: Families seeking a centrally located hotel with spacious suites All-Star Amenities: Private balconies and terraces; in-room tea and coffee-making facilities What Not To Miss: The excellent breakfast buffet Location: Next to St. Stephen's Cathedral in Innere Stadt Dating back to the 1700s, Hotel König von Ungarn is one of the oldest hotels in Vienna. While the property has held onto its traditional charm—many of the rooms have a traditional Austrian aesthetic—it's also become a convenient spot for families seeking a comfortable and affordable stay. The building was once a guest house for visiting church dignitaries, so many of the 44 rooms and suites feel more like apartments centered around a peaceful inner courtyard. Families will want to book the maisonettes, which can accommodate up to four guests across two floors—the spacious layout features a bathroom on each floor, as well as armchairs and couches. Those with kids will appreciate the hotel's central location just steps away from the old town and the underground station, as well as the option to enjoy breakfast in their room at no additional cost. Best Spa And Wellness Hotel In Vienna: Park Hyatt Vienna The spa at the Park Hyatt Vienna. Park Hyatt Vienna Park Hyatt Vienna Who Will Love It: Travelers looking to bookend their days with swims and spa treatments All-Star Amenities: Marble bathrooms; walk-in closets; spa with a pool, Finnish sauna, steam bath and relaxation zones; 24-hour fitness center with personal training sessions What Not To Miss: Sunday brunch at the Bank Brasserie & Bar Location: The Golden Quarter in Innere Stadt Occupying a former bank in the city's high-end shopping district, the Park Hyatt Vienna might not be an obvious choice for wellness seekers. But once you step into its serene spa, located in the bank's old vault that once stored gold and riches, you'll quickly feel all your stresses melt away. The subterranean space features a 49-foot swimming pool, steam bath, sauna, well-equipped gym and relaxation zones. And those looking for further pampering can enjoy an impressive menu of treatments—from gold-infused body scrubs and hydrafacials to a couple's massage and bath in the romantic Twinity Spa Suite. While children are allowed in the pool between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., the spa is adults-only outside of that period. The serene atmosphere extends to the 146 rooms and suites featuring large marble bathrooms and cloud-like beds. Start your day slow with breakfast in the property's historic cashier hall, which now serves as an atmospheric restaurant. Best Hotel For Design Lovers In Vienna: The Amauris Vienna Grand Maisonette Suite at The Amauris Vienna. Courtesy of The Amauris Vienna The Amauris Vienna Who Will Love It: Tastemakers looking for a high-design retreat in the historic center All-Star Amenities: Luxury Italian linens; Acqua di Parma toiletries; marble bathrooms with heated floors; spa What Not To Miss: The excellent breakfast; dinner at the fine-dining Glasswing Restaurant Location: Ringstrasse in Innere Stadt This luxury boutique hotel, which opened in 2023, positions guests right in the heart of the historic center—but it's not just its address that makes it a standout. Inside the 19th-century building, you'll find a sleek retreat that marries old and new, with a strong focus on high-quality materials and finishes. A gorgeous original elevator takes guests up to 62 rooms and suites, including two-story suites decked out with Italian marble, heated bathroom floors and free-standing designer bathtubs. At the end of the day, guests can unwind at the on-site spa with a Finnish sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool. For an indulgent dinner before the opera, don't miss the fine-dining Glasswing Restaurant. Best Hotel For Art Lovers In Vienna: Hotel Sans Souci Vienna The real delight is the extra amenities and services you don't typically find at hotels in Vienna, like the unlimited in-room coffee service (oat milk lattes included). Hotel Sans Souci Wien Hotel Sans Souci Vienna Who Will Love It: Travelers who love Champagne and art All-Star Amenities: Complimentary Champagne breakfast; spa with a 65-foot lap pool and saunas; 24/7 coffee service including lattes, macchiatos and more What Not To Miss: A glass of bubbly at the Champagne bar Location: Leopoldstadt Neighboring the Museums Quartier, where you'll find many of Vienna's best art galleries, Hotel Sans Souci Vienna is ideal for art lovers: The hotel tastefully blends baroque-inspired décor with pop art inside its 63 rooms, which range from cozy units to luxurious suites to long-stay apartments. Inside, you'll also find thoughtful touches like mirror screens, rain showers, heated floors, Bluetooth speakers from Bang & Olufsen and hypoallergenic bedding. But the real delight is the extra amenities and services you don't typically find at other hotels in Vienna, like the 24/7 unlimited in-room coffee service (oat milk lattes included). Champagne fans won't want to miss the lavish breakfast with locally sourced goodies and bubbly, as well as the dedicated Champagne bar that offers specialty tastings. Hotel With The Best Views In Vienna: SO/ Vienna The eatery sits under a canopy of colorful LED lights designed by Swiss video artist Pipilotti Rist—a vibrant offset to the stark architecture. SO/ Vienna SO/ Vienna Who Will Love It: Travelers looking for a riverside respite with city views All-Star Amenities: Complimentary alcohol-free minibar; Bose sound systems; rain showers; deep-soaking tubs What Not To Miss: The panoramic spa with a sauna and jacuzzis Location: Leopoldstadt Overlooking the city and Danube river, the sleek glass tower of SO/ Vienna offers a view unlike any other hotel in Vienna. The building, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, stands like a futuristic sculpture in contrast to the city's more traditional edifices. The interiors of the 182 rooms are minimal and monochrome, allowing the impressive vistas to shine. Some rooms face the inner city's landmarks (St. Stephens Cathedral included), while others overlook the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel. For 360-degree panoramas, head to the 18th-floor restaurant and bar, Das Loft, for breakfast or sunset cocktails during golden hour. The eatery sits under a canopy of colorful LED lights designed by Swiss video artist Pipilotti Rist—a vibrant offset to the stark architecture. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of the old town and also offers direct access to Donaukanal, a riverside promenade that comes alive in the summertime. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. This story was written by Forbes Vetted's senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an 8-year industry veteran who has traveled to over 40 countries, including Austria. She counts Vienna as one of her favorite European cities to visit thanks to its great museums and beautiful, historic cafés (Café Central is her favorite). This story was edited by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the travel section and has traveled extensively through Europe. For this story, Taran spoke to Mary McCormack, an Austria expert at Audley Travel. McCormack shared key insights on the city as well as her own personal hotel recommendations. How We Chose The Best Hotels In Vienna We selected the top contenders based on personal stays as well as extensive research. For this story, Taran spent hours combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, hotel websites and more. We included options for a wide variety of travel styles, including family-friendly properties and more intimate, adult-oriented boutiques. We also included properties across a wide variety of different neighborhoods and price ranges. More Travel Stories Best Hotels In London Best Hotels In Paris Best Hotels In Madrid
The Independent
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
How to take advantage of the loophole allowing visa-free travel to China
Five years on from the World Health Organisation's declaration of a pandemic, much of the world has moved beyond stringent Covid-era travel restrictions. Yet, China remained a notable exception, presenting significant hurdles for British travellers. Until recently, obtaining a visa was a slow, costly deterrent. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. New regulations this year have simplified entry for UK passport holders, permitting visa-free transit for those continuing to another destination. This easing of restrictions offers travellers a chance to experience China, even briefly, without complex visa applications. UK travellers can now visit China visa-free while in transit to another country. This means combining a trip to China with another international destination offers a hassle-free way to explore. Travellers simply need a connecting ticket with a confirmed departure date and seat number to a third country or region within 144 hours (six days). 'This update is great news for UK travellers, including families, as previously China's visa requirement included an in-person application at the embassy in London for each person travelling, including children, which was both time-consuming and costly, at around £140pp,' says founder and managing director of family travel specialists Stubborn Mule Travel, Liddy Pleasants. 'Some restrictions remain, but the update means that visas for UK citizens to visit China are no longer required where the stay is for 10 days or less in mainland China, where that visit is a transit stay en-route to another country, including Hong Kong.' She believes this change along with an increasing focus on China will lead to more bookings to the destination. Additionally, prices haven't risen significantly since 2020 and plenty of flight options are available, making a two-week holiday in China more comparable with the cost of other Asia destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam. An ever-expanding network of routes covered by the high-speed bullet train also reduces the need for domestic flights. Lauren Coppola, product manager for China at Audley Travel, also reports growing interest from customers. 'Enquiries for China are up compared to the same period last year, and we are receiving many calls from clients keen to understand what destinations allow them to take advantage of the new visa transit rule,' she says. Intrepid Travel also saw a 208 per cent increase in China holiday bookings from the UK in 2024, compared to those in 2023. If you want to take advantage of the new visa-free rule, here are a few recommended holidays to book. Sightsee and suntan: China and Thailand Distances are vast in a country 39 times larger than the UK, so packing in all the top sightseeing highlights can be exhausting. Combining an action-packed tour with time on the beach in Phuket creates a comfortable balance between exploration and relaxation. Start with a few days in Beijing to walk along part of the Great Wall, enter the Forbidden City and bike ride through the hutongs (narrow alleys). Continue to Xian for the Terracotta Warriors – a collection of clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China's first emperor – and travel by high-speed train to Shanghai. End in Thailand 's biggest island lapped by the Andaman Sea. How to do it Audley (01993 838220) offers an 11-night tailor made trip costing from £4,800pp (two sharing), including B&B accommodation, train tickets guided excursions, transfers and flights. Culture and city: China and Hong Kong For a time-efficient way to make the most of the new rule, bolt on a few days in Hong Kong to a China tour. Start with walking the less-crowded Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, before heading to Chengdu for the giant pandas and them continue to the scenic limestone landscapes of Yangshuo. Take the bullet train to Hong Kong for a final two-night stay, including a cable car ride to the peak. How to do it Stubborn Mule (01728 752751) offers a 14-night tailormade holiday from £14,000 for a family of four including B&B accommodation, transfers, activities and flights. Explore three of Asia's cultural powerhouses on an energetic multi-hop tour across the region. In Vietnam, visit the temples and museums of Hanoi and take a boat tour through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. A calming Tai Chi session is preparation for a whistlestop tour of China, exploring Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Head back to Vietnam for the Cu Chi tunnel system used by the Viet Cong in Saigon, and end the trip in Siem Reap to see Cambodia 's world wonder temple Angkor Wat.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Traveling to Japan with kids? Here's how to find the right tour for your family.
Dreamy videos of Kyoto blanketed in pastel cherry blossoms and Tokyo's anime-inspired street fashion have saturated social media, making it the top bucket list destination for families with teenagers. While there's plenty for all ages to enjoy in Japan, from the more affordable Tokyo Disneyland to ancient samurai villages, monkey parks, and castles, planning a trip there can be daunting, says Tamatha Frederick, senior Japan specialist with Audley Travel. Once you get out of Tokyo, English language translations on websites and family-friendly hotel accommodations—such as connecting rooms, and vacation rentals with a kitchenette—can be hard to find. That's why many parents opt for the ease of a cruise or guided land tour around Japan. Each has some advantages over land tours, but also some tradeoffs. Here are some points to consider when choosing between a cruise or land tour, and the option that holds the advantage. (Related: Top 10 things do in Japan) Both cruises and land tours have something to offer for children of all ages. However, the kids and teens clubs on cruise lines offer a break to exhausted parents and entertainment for wired kids, provided your child is at least three years old and potty trained. Cruises also provide an easy source of kid-friendly menus at breakfast and dinner, allowing travelers to grab a quick meal before sampling authentic set lunches and hot pot meals in town. Most importantly, you only have to unpack suitcases, gear, and toys once. Your stateroom may not be as big as some hotel rooms, but it is close to the areas where you will be eating, and the ship provides safe spaces such as ice cream bars and pools for older kids to escape to, as well as big screen movies to watch on deck or evening shows, like a performance by a famous balloon artist. Many cruise lines also offer premium packages with food and drink delivery to the room, which is handy if you or your kid are too tired to dine at a restaurant after a long day touring. Of course, this convenience means you don't get to experience the authentic stays and cuisine available on land tours, like going to Japanese inns or Ryokans, with traditional tatami mats, low tables and onsens, or hot springs. One area where custom land tours have a definite edge is in curating itineraries to meet the needs of individual families. They can provide more hands-on experiences to keep younger kids engaged, such as ramen-making experiences, taiko drumming, and ninja dojo classes, in addition to the shrine and samurai village tours that are a staple on both land and sea tours. Cruise lines do provide visits to kid-friendly attractions like aquariums and hot springs, but they are trying to cater to big groups of people, not your family's special interests. InsideJapan Tours, for instance, can do a whole itinerary just for theme park enthusiasts, including Tokyo Disneyland, Hello Kitty's Sanrio Puroland, and Fuji-Q Highland's rollercoasters. Tour operators can also get hard-to-get tickets to events or attractions such as the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, and off-the-beaten path experiences, which can be valuable during the peak tourist season between April and June. Bethan Grant, whose husband Simon King co-founded InsideJapan Tours, says it's some of these off-the-beaten-path experiences that stood out for her and her family when they vacationed there last summer, such as taking taxi boats near Tokyo, wandering into a tour of the National Diet (Japan's parliament), going to a sumo tournament, or paddle boarding around Lake Ashi near Fuji. 'There's only so much trailing around and looking at things before kids get bored,' she says. (Related: How to avoid touristy spots and experience Japan like a local) Cruise line touring is limited to the ports you visit for that specific sailing. There's almost no limit to where you can go on a land tour, thanks to taxis, buses, and the efficient train system in Japan, including the Shinkansen bullet train, which can cover 311 miles in two-and-a-half hours. That does not mean that you cannot see some of the most popular areas outside of Tokyo such as Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, or Mt. Fuji on a cruise, you just need to choose the right sailing. If your specific vacation window doesn't include a sailing with that stop, then you're not seeing it. And on many cruises, you're limited to only one day per destination. You can, though, add days to the front and back-end of your stay to see places not included on your trip, such as the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo or a major league baseball game near the cruise port in Yokohama. (Related: Tried street food in Osaka? Then go to Fukuoka) Cruises can be the more affordable option depending on your accommodations. However, once you start adding in excursions in each port, Wi-Fi, and premium food and drink packages for those morning lattes and evening cocktails, the cost starts to add up. The base price per day of my 11-day sailing on Princess Cruises with my teenage son cost between $193 to $694 per day, starting from inside staterooms to those with a balcony. Cruise line promotions, which can range from a child sailing free to stateroom upgrades, can bring down that price, so it's important to shop around. There are several other family-friendly cruise lines that sail around Japan, such as Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Holland America. Custom land tours such as those offered by Audley average around $500 to $700 per person a day, and include transportation such as train tickets, admission, accommodations, and local guides. Both can provide a memorable family vacation. It's just a matter of what you're comfortable with, and what works best for your family's budget, and interests. (Related: 6 heritage towns in Japan to rival Kyoto) Melinda Fulmer is a Los Angeles-based writer and editor with travel, food, and wellness bylines in the Wall Street Journal, Robb Report, AFAR, BBC, Los Angeles Times, Time, and the Washington Post. She loves outdoor adventure and is a passionate advocate for more accessible and inclusive travel. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @melindafulmer.
National Geographic
25-04-2025
- National Geographic
By land or by sea? Here are 2 ways to see Japan
Dreamy videos of Kyoto blanketed in pastel cherry blossoms and Tokyo's anime-inspired street fashion have saturated social media, making it the top bucket list destination for families with teenagers. While there's plenty for all ages to enjoy in Japan, from the more affordable Tokyo Disneyland to ancient samurai villages, monkey parks, and castles, planning a trip there can be daunting, says Tamatha Frederick, senior Japan specialist with Audley Travel. Once you get out of Tokyo, English language translations on websites and family-friendly hotel accommodations—such as connecting rooms, and vacation rentals with a kitchenette—can be hard to find. That's why many parents opt for the ease of a cruise or guided land tour around Japan. Each has some advantages over land tours, but also some tradeoffs. Here are some points to consider when choosing between a cruise or land tour, and the option that holds the advantage. (Related: Top 10 things do in Japan) Ease and convenience (Winner: Cruises) Both cruises and land tours have something to offer for children of all ages. However, the kids and teens clubs on cruise lines offer a break to exhausted parents and entertainment for wired kids, provided your child is at least three years old and potty trained. Cruises also provide an easy source of kid-friendly menus at breakfast and dinner, allowing travelers to grab a quick meal before sampling authentic set lunches and hot pot meals in town. Most importantly, you only have to unpack suitcases, gear, and toys once. Your stateroom may not be as big as some hotel rooms, but it is close to the areas where you will be eating, and the ship provides safe spaces such as ice cream bars and pools for older kids to escape to, as well as big screen movies to watch on deck or evening shows, like a performance by a famous balloon artist. Many cruise lines also offer premium packages with food and drink delivery to the room, which is handy if you or your kid are too tired to dine at a restaurant after a long day touring. Of course, this convenience means you don't get to experience the authentic stays and cuisine available on land tours, like going to Japanese inns or Ryokans, with traditional tatami mats, low tables and onsens, or hot springs. Range of activities (Winner: Land tours) One area where custom land tours have a definite edge is in curating itineraries to meet the needs of individual families. They can provide more hands-on experiences to keep younger kids engaged, such as ramen-making experiences, taiko drumming, and ninja dojo classes, in addition to the shrine and samurai village tours that are a staple on both land and sea tours. Cruise lines do provide visits to kid-friendly attractions like aquariums and hot springs, but they are trying to cater to big groups of people, not your family's special interests. InsideJapan Tours, for instance, can do a whole itinerary just for theme park enthusiasts, including Tokyo Disneyland, Hello Kitty's Sanrio Puroland, and Fuji-Q Highland's rollercoasters. Tour operators can also get hard-to-get tickets to events or attractions such as the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, and off-the-beaten path experiences, which can be valuable during the peak tourist season between April and June. The water tank at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the largest in the world. Photograph by Yagi Studio, Getty Images The Shining Flower Ferris wheel at Fuji-Q Highland gives riders a prime view of Mount Fuji. Photograph by Jon Arnold Images Ltd, Alamy Stock Photo Bethan Grant, whose husband Simon King co-founded InsideJapan Tours, says it's some of these off-the-beaten-path experiences that stood out for her and her family when they vacationed there last summer, such as taking taxi boats near Tokyo, wandering into a tour of the National Diet (Japan's parliament), going to a sumo tournament, or paddle boarding around Lake Ashi near Fuji. 'There's only so much trailing around and looking at things before kids get bored,' she says. (Related: How to avoid touristy spots and experience Japan like a local) Choice of cities (Winner: Land tours) Cruise line touring is limited to the ports you visit for that specific sailing. There's almost no limit to where you can go on a land tour, thanks to taxis, buses, and the efficient train system in Japan, including the Shinkansen bullet train, which can cover 311 miles in two-and-a-half hours. That does not mean that you cannot see some of the most popular areas outside of Tokyo such as Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, or Mt. Fuji on a cruise, you just need to choose the right sailing. If your specific vacation window doesn't include a sailing with that stop, then you're not seeing it. And on many cruises, you're limited to only one day per destination. You can, though, add days to the front and back-end of your stay to see places not included on your trip, such as the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo or a major league baseball game near the cruise port in Yokohama. (Related: Tried street food in Osaka? Then go to Fukuoka) Affordability (Winner: Cruises) Cruises can be the more affordable option depending on your accommodations. However, once you start adding in excursions in each port, Wi-Fi, and premium food and drink packages for those morning lattes and evening cocktails, the cost starts to add up. The base price per day of my 11-day sailing on Princess Cruises with my teenage son cost between $193 to $694 per day, starting from inside staterooms to those with a balcony. Cruise line promotions, which can range from a child sailing free to stateroom upgrades, can bring down that price, so it's important to shop around. There are several other family-friendly cruise lines that sail around Japan, such as Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Holland America. Custom land tours such as those offered by Audley average around $500 to $700 per person a day, and include transportation such as train tickets, admission, accommodations, and local guides. Both can provide a memorable family vacation. It's just a matter of what you're comfortable with, and what works best for your family's budget, and interests. (Related: 6 heritage towns in Japan to rival Kyoto) Melinda Fulmer is a Los Angeles-based writer and editor with travel, food, and wellness bylines in the Wall Street Journal, Robb Report, AFAR, BBC, Los Angeles Times, Time, and the Washington Post. She loves outdoor adventure and is a passionate advocate for more accessible and inclusive travel. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @melindafulmer.
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Why you should visit this newly reopened country
Five years after the World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic, much of the world has moved beyond the tight travel restrictions of the Covid-19 era. However, one country remained notably difficult to access: China. Until recently, obtaining a visa to travel there presented a significant obstacle for British travellers – a slow and expensive process that discouraged many. But the landscape of travel to China has changed dramatically for UK passport holders. New regulations introduced this year have simplified entry requirements, allowing visa-free transit for those travelling onward to another destination. This shift represents a significant easing of restrictions, creating opportunities for travellers to experience China, even briefly, without the complexities of visa applications. Now, UK travellers can visit China visa-free provided they are in transit to another country. This means that combining a trip to China with another international destination offers a hassle-free way to explore the country. Travellers only need a connecting ticket with a confirmed departure date and seat number to a third country or region within 144 hours, or six days. 'This update is great news for UK travellers, including families, as previously China's visa requirement included an in-person application at the embassy in London for each person travelling, including children, which was both time-consuming and costly, at around £140pp,' says founder and managing director of family travel specialists Stubborn Mule Travel, Liddy Pleasants. 'Some restrictions remain, but the update means that visas for UK citizens to visit China are no longer required where the stay is for 10 days or less in mainland China, where that visit is a transit stay en-route to another country, including Hong Kong.' She believes this change along with an increasing focus on China will lead to more bookings to the destination. Additionally, prices haven't risen significantly since 2020 and plenty of flight options are available, making a two-week holiday in China more comparable with the cost of other Asia destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam. An ever-expanding network of routes covered by the high-speed bullet train also reduces the need for domestic flights. Lauren Coppola, product manager for China at Audley Travel, also reports growing interest from customers. 'Enquiries for China are up compared to the same period last year, and we are receiving many calls from clients keen to understand what destinations allow them to take advantage of the new visa transit rule,' she says. Intrepid Travel also saw a 208 per cent increase in China holiday bookings from the UK in 2024, compared to those in 2023. If you want to take advantage of the new visa-free rule, here are a few recommended holidays to book. Sightsee and suntan: China and Thailand Distances are vast in a country 39 times larger than the UK, so packing in all the top sightseeing highlights can be exhausting. Combining an action-packed tour with time on the beach in Phuket creates a comfortable balance between exploration and relaxation. Start with a few days in Beijing to walk along part of the Great Wall, enter the Forbidden City and bike ride through the hutongs (narrow alleys). Continue to Xian for the Terracotta Warriors – a collection of clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China's first emperor – and travel by high-speed train to Shanghai. End in Thailand 's biggest island lapped by the Andaman Sea. How to do it Audley (01993 838220) offers an 11-night tailor made trip costing from £4,800pp (two sharing), including B&B accommodation, train tickets guided excursions, transfers and flights. Culture and city: China and Hong Kong For a time-efficient way to make the most of the new rule, bolt on a few days in Hong Kong to a China tour. Start with walking the less-crowded Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, before heading to Chengdu for the giant pandas and them continue to the scenic limestone landscapes of Yangshuo. Take the bullet train to Hong Kong for a final two-night stay, including a cable car ride to the peak. Stubborn Mule (01728 752751) offers a 14-night tailormade holiday from £14,000 for a family of four including B&B accommodation, transfers, activities and flights. Explore three of Asia's cultural powerhouses on an energetic multi-hop tour across the region. In Vietnam, visit the temples and museums of Hanoi and take a boat tour through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. A calming Tai Chi session is preparation for a whistlestop tour of China, exploring Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Head back to Vietnam for the Cu Chi tunnel system used by the Viet Cong in Saigon, and end the trip in Siem Reap to see Cambodia 's world wonder temple Angkor Wat.
