‘Slow down, wander and be amazed’ – Malachy Tallack on Fair Isle’s timeless beauty

After living on Fair Isle, the singer and author says visitors should pause to appreciate this tiny island with a big sense of community. But keep an eye on the weather!

10 top tips from our Moscow correspondent

The Russian capital is full of cultural treats – from galleries and parks to its restaurants, bars and baths. Our writer picks the must-sees plus his own favourites

Jordan is spectacular, safe and friendly – so where are the tourists?

With tourism to the Middle East in decline, visiting Jordan’s mesmerising sights is now a solitary experience. But the silence and emptiness only add to their allure

Bristol ranked fourth in inspiring city list

The West Country city beat London, Paris and Amsterdam in an online survey and is lauded for its vibrant arts scene

Alt city guide to Birmingham

With independent art and street food scenes, and clubs and soundsystems bursting with bass, the second city has first-rate cultural credentials – if, like our writer, you know where to look

10 top tips from our Berlin correspondent

Whether you’re in Berlin for its history, nightlife or design, Philip Oltermann picks out his favourite venues beyond the tourist haunts – plus a couple of must-see classics

‘We like being special.’ Basque standard-bearer Ivan Jiménez Aira on Bilbao

The once dirty, industrial city now revels in its modern architecture and enterprising outlook, while preserving its traditions and cuisine

10 top tips from our Rome correspondent

Rome’s sights, style and food inspire our foreign correspondent. Here, she picks her favourite places, from an authentic gelateria to a locals’ cookery class

10 of the world’s epic train journeys

Whether gliding through the Rockies or labouring up the Andes, our pick of spectacular railway trips gets a green light for all budgets

‘Munich feels like someone pushed a slow motion button’: Alice Sara Ott on her home city

The German-Japanese pianist loves her home city for its old-fashioned values and classical music, but grew up relishing its bierkellers and pretzels, alongside its concert halls

10 of the best small towns in the US: readers’ travel tips

To get a real feel for the diversity and quirkiness of America, visit its small towns – where fascinating history, regional cuisine and great scenery are just some of the attractions

Let’s go to … spooky south-west Wales

Get spooked for Halloween on a tombstone trail that covers five graves of interesting or scary characters in four area of south Wales

Iran holiday guide: from Tehran to Isfahan and beyond

With staggering architecture, exotic landscapes and rich culture, Iran offers endless adventure. Resident Haleh Anvari is our guide around Persepolis, Yazd, Kashan and more

Holidays in Iran: readers’ travel tips

Our well-travelled readers pick Iranian hill villages, palaces and guesthouses, plus unusual events such as ancient athletics and ritual mourning

Searching for signs of the Soviets in St Petersburg

Built from scratch by the tsars, imperial St Petersburg was at the epicentre of the Russian Revolution. Harriet Green scours its streets for Lenin’s legacy