Wonders or blunders?
How far will we go to attract tourists? Architecture correspondent Jonathan Glancey chooses the best and worst additions to the world's landscapes.
Behind the scenes
As cinephiles flock to the German capital for its 56th international film festival, Matthew Tempest gives his tips for an authentic Berliner experience.
Viennese swirls
Making a film on the life of artist Gustav Klimt gives actor Saffron Burrows an insider's glimpse of Vienna's cafes and galleries.
Hot spot
It is known as 'the city that coke built'. Now Miami is reinventing itself as the US's capital of art. By Tibor Fischer.
Stepping on Woody’s turf
As Woody Allen turns 70 today, Donald Hiscock sets off on a pilgrimage along the sidewalks of the director's beloved Manhattan, to the places that inspired his greatest works.
Let’s trance
Youssou N'Dour and Ravi Shankar have played the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music. But William Dalrymple found real soul at an all-nighter in the backstreets.
A pomskizillious place to go
Edward Lear was so impressed with Gozo he had to make up words to describe it. Juliet Rix finds that its perfect blue waters and ancient structures make it an island that's sure to seduce.
Holidays in hell
The Hayward's new exhibition tries to show the fun side of travelling. But pain, violence and horror have a habit of sneaking in, says Adrian Searle.
Skye at night
The Scottish island is taking art to a new extreme, as Caroline Roux discovers on a midnight ramble.
In the government yard in Trench Town…
Some destinations are much more than places to unwind - they have fired imaginations and fuelled artistic revolution. Akin Ojumu opens our special issue on inspirational places by visiting the Jamaican streets that nurtured Bob Marley.
Wish I was there
Remember those far-off family holidays? Picnics and ice creams, early starts and leaking tents, when the grown-ups were still giants and time stood still. Observer writers return to their childhood to see how things have changed.
Party time for the friends of Dorothy
Does the decadent spirit of Dorothy Parker live on in her old haunts? Richard Eilers, and an army of fellow obsessives, get dressed up to seek it out.
Parliament tours return for summer
Security at Westminster has been stepped up, but visitors are still welcome, says Gwyn Topham.
Out with the Auld
Edinburgh offers surprises even to those who return every year. Katie Wood picks out some new attractions.
Beyond the Fringe
Festival veterans share their favourite haunts and tell Gwyn Topham where they go when Edinburgh in August all gets a bit much.