Lifestyle
Stroll through Hampstead: London’s village of art, history, movie magic
High above the bustle of central London, perched like a green crown on the city’s northern edge, Hampstead feels more like a countryside village than part of the capital. Cobbled streets curve around Georgian townhouses, ivy tumbles over garden walls and blue plaques tell stories of poets, painters and philosophers who once called this hillside home.
Hampstead Heath, the neighborhood’s wild, untamed heart, stretches over 800 acres – a patchwork of meadows, woodlands and sparkling ponds. On a clear day, Parliament Hill offers one of the best panoramic views in the city, with the skyline rising in the distance like an intricate paper cut-out.
It’s no wonder filmmakers fall in love with the area. Scenes from “Bridget Jones’s Baby” captured its leafy charm, with Renee Zellweger’s Bridget strolling along the Heath and winding streets – perfectly blending rom-com magic with Hampstead’s real-life beauty.
Cafes here serve oat milk cappuccinos alongside warm scones, while antique shops hide treasures from another century. You might wander into a quiet bookshop and end up chatting with a local who’s lived in Hampstead for 40 years, because here, life still moves at a walking pace.
Art lovers find refuge in the former home of Romantic painter John Constable, while literary pilgrims visit Keats House, where the poet wrote “Ode to a Nightingale” amid the garden’s lilacs and roses.
And yet, Hampstead isn’t frozen in time. Modern restaurants and chic boutiques line the high street, while the weekend farmers’ market brims with artisanal bread, organic cheeses and flowers that seem almost too perfect to be real.
For many Londoners, Hampstead is where you go to breathe – to escape the noise without leaving the city. For visitors, it’s a reminder that London isn’t only about landmarks and lights, but about quiet corners where history and everyday life intertwine.
Where to stay, eat, wander
Accommodations
The Langorf Hotel: A charming boutique stay in a converted Victorian townhouse, just a short stroll from Hampstead Heath.
La Gaffe Guesthouse: Family-run with cozy rooms and a beloved Italian restaurant downstairs, giving you that true Hampstead “village” feel.
Eat, drink
The Holly Bush: A historic 18th-century pub tucked away on a cobbled side street; roaring fireplaces in winter and a warm welcome year-round.
Jin Kichi: A tiny Japanese grill beloved by locals for its yakitori skewers and authentic flavors.
Ginger & White: Bright and airy café famous for its coffee, banana bread and laid-back atmosphere.
Wander, explore
Hampstead Heath: Lose yourself in wild meadows, hidden ponds and that iconic Parliament Hill view.
Keats House: Step into the poet’s world and see the desk where literary magic happened.
Burgh House: Discover Hampstead’s layered history in an elegant 18th-century home.
Flask Walk: Antique shops, flower stalls and cafes along one of Hampstead’s prettiest streets.
Hampstead on screen
Hampstead’s timeless charm and leafy scenery have made it a go-to location for filmmakers. Here are some standout appearances
“Hampstead”: This romantic comedy-drama starring Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson unfolds right on Hampstead Heath and includes scenes at The Holly Bush pub and Church Row.
“Notting Hill”: Kenwood House, nestled on Hampstead Heath, is the backdrop for the “film-within-the-film” featuring Julia Roberts.
“The Wedding Date”: Features outdoor scenes on Parliament Hill Fields, with sweeping views of west London.
“Notes on a Scandal”: Captured emotionally charged moments on Parliament Hill, combining drama with Hampstead’s iconic landscape.
“The Killing of Sister George”: Opens with scenes of Beryl Reid walking through Hampstead’s alleyways near Mount Square and the Marquis of Granby pub (actually The Holly Bush).
“The Collector”: The tense kidnap sequence takes place in Mount Vernon, Hampstead.
“An American Werewolf in London”: Features scenes on Hampstead Heath, Well Walk and Haverstock Hill – including a memorable mansion block at The Pryors.
“Les Bicyclettes de Belsize”: follows a love story set against a cycling journey through scenic Hampstead.
“Allied”: Major portions filmed around Hampstead, including Christchurch Hill and Willow Road for the family home.
Cruella de Vil’s mansion: The dramatic exterior of Cruella’s home in 101 Dalmatians (1996) and 102 Dalmatians (2001) is the striking Sarum Chase on West Heath Road.
“A Christmas Carol”: Church Row and the churchyard of St. John’s in Hampstead served as evocative backdrops.
Hampstead’s cinematic appeal comes from its blend of pastoral landscapes, grand architecture, and quaint streets. It offers a rare combination of rural charm and cinematic versatility – all within Central London.
If you’re an opacarophile – yes, there’s a word for people like us who live for sunsets – you know the feeling. The day bends toward evening and suddenly nothing matters except finding the perfect spot to watch the sky turn molten. On the southwestern coast of Türkiye, in Bodrum, that means plans are often rearranged, dinner reservations reshuffled, even conversations cut short. And while Gümüşlük has long been the postcard image, the real hero of the golden hour is Yalıkavak.
Here, people choose their restaurants by the angle of the sun, not the length of the menu. The rush isn’t for the food not at first it’s to secure that west-facing table before the light begins its nightly magic. Until recently, I would have sworn Gümüşlük was unrivaled. Now I’m convinced: the crown belongs to Yalıkavak. Ready? Let’s chase it together.
Refined sining with view
Hodan, perched inside Avantgarde Refined Yalıkavak, where the kitchen is as compelling as the horizon. Led by founder and chef Çiğdem Seferoğlu, the menu reimagines Türkiye’s culinary traditions with creative flair. Expect artichokes and içli köfte that taste like nostalgia reengineered, a cold meat platter that could double as a still-life painting, and bold additions like kokoreç and uykuluk for the adventurous. Seafood lovers will find grilled octopus and shrimp worth lingering over, even as the light fades.
When The New York Times called Çiğdem Seferoğlu a “star chef” in its feature How Female Chefs Are Sparkling in Istanbul, it was no exaggeration, if anything, an understatement. Rooted in Turkish traditions yet unafraid to break boundaries, she presents flavors that are both authentic and unexpected. If anyone could redefine how the world experiences Turkish cuisine, it’s her. Sunset here is not just a backdrop, it’s the final flourish on an already meticulous performance.
Glamour on plate
The second unmissable sunset spot? Zuma Bodrum. At Yalıkavak Marina, as the sun leans toward the horizon, the restaurant transforms into a golden-hour stage part dining destination, part photo op. Guests line up (yes, line up) for their moment against the view, and it’s easy to see why. Fresh from a winter renovation, Zuma’s pared-back, natural design frames the Aegean like a living artwork. Executive chef Emrah Orak’s menu is global-Japanese perfection: miso-marinated black cod in hoba leaf, lamb chops kissed with sweet miso and black pepper, sushi and sashimi as precise as origami. Local touches like Ponzu Lime and Butter King Crab nod to Bodrum’s coastal bounty. And when the sun finally slips away? The infinity pool catches the last glimmer, the music rises and the night begins.
Where sunset turns into canvas
Some sunsets are quiet. Şişko Perihan is… not. Imagine the golden disc dipping behind a striking Artem Martis sculpture while the crowd shifts from seated diners to tabletop dancers in a matter of minutes. The music is loud, the energy infectious and the view unapologetically dramatic. It’s part spectacle, part beach party, and entirely unforgettable if you like your sunsets served with a side of pure chaos.
Bohemian glow
Finally, for a sunset that feels like you stumbled into a secret Kavanoz. Transplanted from Istanbul’s Arnavutköy, it carries its laid-back, slightly scruffy charm to Yalıkavak’s shoreline. Here, the magic is in the details: candlelight bouncing off mismatched glassware, playlists that hum with coastal ease, and drinks that deserve their own fan base. Finally, Kavanoz is dog-friendly, meaning you might share your golden-hour moment with a happily panting sidekick.
Located in southeastern Türkiye, Adıyaman is home to a rich cultural heritage that stretches back to the ancient Kingdom of Commagene.
At the heart of the province is Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colossal stone statues and sweeping sunrise and sunset views that draw travelers from around the world.
Karakuş Tumulus
The Karakuş Tumulus stands out as a royal burial site built for Queen Isias, the mother of Mithridates II, son of King Antiochus I. The mound is surrounded by 9-meter-high Doric-style columns, one of which bears an eagle. Because that column has survived more firmly than the others, the site became known as “Karakuş,” or “black bird.”
Cendere Bridge
Spanning the Kahta Stream, the 120-meter-long Cendere Bridge was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (A.D. 193-211). Made from 92 massive stone blocks, the bridge originally bore four Corinthian columns dedicated to Severus, his wife Julia Domna and their sons Caracalla and Geta. The column for Geta was later destroyed by Caracalla after he killed his brother and sought to erase his memory.
Arsameia archaeological site
Arsameia served as the summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom. German archaeologist Friedrich Karl Dörner identified it as both a ceremonial and cult center. Highlights include a relief of Mithras, a stele depicting Antiochus shaking hands with Heracles, a 237-line Greek inscription, and underground passageways that run as deep as 158 meters.
Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut, often referred to as the world’s highest open-air museum, gained international attention in 1960 through photographs by Turkish photographer Ara Güler for Germany’s Stern magazine. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1987 and declared a national park the following year, the site is believed to have been built by King Antiochus I to unify diverse religions and cultures under one realm.
Antiochus is thought to be buried under a large tumulus on the summit. The eastern terrace, known as the Gallery of the Gods, features statues of eagles and lions symbolizing royal power. The western terrace includes a lion horoscope relief that some scholars link to Antiochus’s coronation date.
Other sites
The Kızılin Bridge, another Roman-era structure, rises 31 meters above the ground and connects to the Kızılin Canyon, which is home to nearly 300 caves and boasts a history dating back approximately 5,000 years.
Nearby, the ancient city of Perre, once a key stopover in Roman times, contains more than 200 rock tombs.
The Gerger Canyon, nestled between the Euphrates River and Atatürk Dam Lake, offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers.
Living tradition
Adıyaman’s cultural scene is also marked by “Harfane Nights,” social gatherings that combine food, music and conversation. Traditionally held in homes or orchards, the events showcase local dishes accompanied by saz music and lively storytelling.
Restaurant owner Nimet Peri, who operates a venue inside a 150-year-old former mill, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that she has been working to promote Adıyaman’s cuisine since 2002.
“For the past two years, most of our guests have been local,” Peri said. “We hope that foreign visitors will also come. Adıyaman is a beautiful eastern city with a rich history, culture, and gastronomy that have yet to be fully explored. From now on, we will host our guests in wonderful restaurants with very special flavors.”
At the southern tip of the United States, where the ocean fades into the horizon, lies a city that is more than just a holiday destination it’s a way of life. Miami is a vibrant cultural mosaic, a tropical dream where the sunshine and rhythm never fade. Pastel hued Art Deco buildings sway under the shadows of palm trees in South Beach, while sailboats glide across the shimmering waters of Biscayne Bay.
Yet Miami’s true charm is not only in its sparkling shores or glamorous lifestyle, but also in its people. With two thirds of the population having Hispanic backgrounds, many of them being from Cuban descent, Spanish is spoken almost as widely as English.
From Istanbul, Turkish Airlines operates two daily direct flights to Miami, with an average journey time of 12 hours and 15 minutes. One aircraft is a Boeing 777-300, the other a Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner. My personal favourite remains the 777-300.
Patchwork of neighborhoods
Miami is a city of colors and contrasts, with each district offering its own distinct flavor. Miami Beach, separated from the mainland, itself is a city, with South Beach as its beating heart. Just hours after leaving Istanbul, you find yourself in a place where the average year-round temperature hovers around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). This is a city that wraps you in warmth, not just from its sun, but from its vibrant energy.
Things to do in Miami
Marvel at Art Deco
South Beach’s iconic Art Deco District is home to some of the city’s most eye-catching hotels and buzzing nightlife. Bask in the sun by day, then stroll along Ocean Drive under the glow of neon lights at night.
Discover Wild Side
Board an airboat and glide through Florida’s vast wetlands, spotting alligators, tropical birds and unique flora. The Everglades offer an unforgettable brush with nature.
Adventure in Biscayne Bay
From sailing past celebrity mansions to jet skiing, paddleboarding, flyboarding or parasailing, the bay is an aquatic playground.
Follow Art in Wynwood
Once a warehouse district, Wynwood has transformed into one of the world’s most dynamic art hubs. Here, street art and murals turn walls into living, evolving canvases.
Step into Cuba in Little Havana
On 8th Street, the rhythms of salsa fill the air, locals dance in the streets, and the aroma of cafe con leche drifts from corner cafes. Don’t miss Cuban Memorial Boulevard, lined with monuments that tell the island’s story.
Where to stay
The Setai Miami
The Setai Miami is in the heart of South Beach. This elegant property offers 90 rooms, just a three-minute stroll from the ocean. Suites here boast uninterrupted ocean views. The hotel consists of two parts: the original historic building and Tower 2, a sleek modern structure with 45 spacious suites.
Guests can enjoy two main restaurants, a stylish bar and a tranquil spa located in a separate garden building. Ocean Grill, the only South Beach restaurant with direct ocean frontage, is a highlight. In the main building, Jaya Restaurant serves exquisite Asian cuisine accompanied by dazzling live performances and Miami-style nightlife that often begins after 10 p.m.
Four Seasons Hotel
Often hailed as one of the finest in the Four Seasons portfolio, Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club is set in an upscale residential area, away from Miami’s bustle. With just 77 rooms, the property blends history and modern luxury, built around the legendary Surf Club, which opened in 1930. Part of the original building remains intact, preserving its old-world charm.
Every room offers sweeping ocean views, and the minimalist elegance of the interiors makes sunrise watching from bed a dream. The hotel has two restaurants and a celebrated open-air breakfast on its veranda.
The Italian restaurant Lido, led by Chef Marco Calenzo, serves both lunch and dinner, drawing guests from across the city. The property boasts multiple pools, a private beach and 30 cabanas. The spa, occupying an entire oceanfront floor, offers six therapy rooms with panoramic sea views, a sanctuary for the mind and soul.
Where to eat
Florie’s Restaurant
On Palm Beach, Florie’s, led by three Michelin-starred Chef Mauro Colagreco, blends Mediterranean spirit with Florida’s natural abundance. Signature dishes like crab and leek salad, Galician-style octopus and amberjack carpaccio are paired with Atlantic Ocean views.
Cecconi’s Miami Beach
Housed within Soho Beach House, Cecconi’s offers Italian classics in a lush, open-air courtyard. Standouts include whipped ricotta with honey and truffle and wood-fired pizza topped with truffle, goat cheese and zucchini blossoms.
Chug’s Diner
Chef Michael Beltran’s Cuban-inspired diner is a neighborhood favourite. From oxtail ajiaco to towering sandwiches on fluffy Cuban bread, every bite bursts with flavors. Don’t miss the guava and cream cheese pastelitos or the decadent Diner Burger with caramelized onions, mustard aioli and American cheese.
Other must-sees
Every December, Art Basel Miami transforms the city into a global art stage, attracting over 50,000 collectors, artists and enthusiasts with exhibitions, performances and installations.
For beaches, sunshine and sea, Miami’s 19 kilometers (12 miles) of shoreline offer something for everyone. South Beach, in particular, is young and vibrant.
Lummus Park offers a lively and fun adventure. At 21st Street and beyond, you can find family-friendly spots.
Discover a local Cuban favorite at South Pointe and First Street Beach, and if you’re looking for the perfect swimming spot, check around 85th Street.
Be sure not to miss Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) with its striking architecture and a focus on post-1940 Latin American art.
Coral Gables also offers Mediterranean-style charm and historic boulevards, and Key Biscayne is a serene island beauty just 8 kilometers from the mainland.
In the ancient city of Side, located in the Manavgat district of Antalya, southern Türkiye, ongoing investments are not only uncovering the historical texture but also offering visitors a unique visual experience.
Dating back to the seventh century B.C., Side continues its legacy as an important center in tourism, thanks to its historical ruins, sea, beaches and hotels.
Located on a peninsula and once the most significant port city of ancient Pamphylia, Side has been welcoming visitors with a new face each year since excavation works began in 1947.
As part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Legacy for the Future Project,” significant investments have been made in recent years. While traces of the past are being revealed, the historical ruins are also being presented to visitors in a magnificent setting.
One of the most prominent examples of this project in the field, Side has become especially popular for night tourism. With special lighting illuminating the ancient city after sunset, both domestic and international tourists flock here. Visitors escaping the daytime heat take a nighttime journey into history.
The ancient theater, agora, thermal baths, ancient harbor and temples enchant visitors day and night. Combining its cultural heritage with natural beauty, Side is one of the rare destinations offering impressive views – its historic structures shine under the sun during the day and its illuminated silhouette captivates viewers from both land and sea at night.
Reviving historical texture
Candemir Zoroğlu, the provincial director of Culture and Tourism, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that Side is not only important for Antalya but also one of the most significant tourist destinations in Türkiye and even Europe.
Noting that Manavgat has around 300,000 beds for tourists, Zoroğlu emphasized that major investments have been made to ensure visitors enjoy their time and to provide economic benefits to the local population.
Zoroğlu explained that excavation works and environmental arrangements are being conducted simultaneously in the city: “Last year, we focused on the visitor center and successfully brought it to life. We transformed the Side archaeological site into a welcoming center. We completed archaeological excavations and restoration works in areas along C and B streets. The Side Archaeology Museum, one of Türkiye’s first archaeology museums, established in 1969, has been restored while preserving its original texture and reopened to visitors. It is now accessible at night as well. We completed excavation and restoration at the iconic Apollon and Athena temples and opened them to visitors with special lighting.”
He added that the restoration of Side’s ancient theater is planned to be completed next year, with cultural and artistic events set to begin. Restoration work on the monumental fountain is also ongoing at full speed.
Zoroğlu pointed out that there have been no budget issues and that every feasible project receives support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Thanks to these investments, many ancient structures have been rapidly restored. Zoroğlu concluded, “With these investments, Side has become an exemplary destination that preserves its historical texture while offering visitors a modern experience and sustainable tourism.”
Nemrut Caldera, located in Tatvan district of Bitlis, eastern Türkiye, is being protected through inspections carried out by security forces and relevant authorities.
Home to the world’s second-largest and Türkiye’s biggest crater lake, Nemrut Caldera is one of the top destinations for camping enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers.
Awarded the “Excellence Award” as part of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) project, Nemrut Caldera attracts visitors with its green and blue lakes, ice cave, fumarole, bird species and biodiversity.
Gendarmerie teams patrol the crater lake’s surroundings and forested areas with drones to monitor visitors, both local and foreign, providing information and ensuring safety.
Inspections at the caldera prohibit activities such as lighting grills, making open fires and feeding bears by hand. These measures have been positively received by visitors.
Salih Çemberlitaş, visiting from the Netherlands, noted that the natural beauty of the caldera contributes to the region’s tourism development.
Highlighting the importance of protecting ecological balance and preventing pollution, Çemberlitaş said:
“I visit here whenever I get the chance. In the past, people lit picnic fires on site. Littering was polluting nature. The gendarmerie conducted checks at the Caldera entrance. We passed ID controls. Warning signs have been placed throughout the area. We find these measures meaningful. Visitors can explore the area safely. I invite everyone to see the beauty here. I thank everyone involved in these efforts.”
For millions around the world, dogs are no longer “just pets” – they are cherished family members, adventure companions and loyal co-travelers. This shift in perception is mirrored by significant changes in society: the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) reports that over 90 million households in the EU have at least one pet, with more than 73 million dogs among them. In the U.S., New York City recently passed a groundbreaking law recognizing pets not as property, but as legal family members – a clear signal of their rising social importance.
Naturally, this growing bond influences the way we travel. Vacationing with our four-legged friends is no longer the exception but an emerging norm. Across the globe, more hotels, restaurants and beaches are opening their doors to dogs, making holidays enjoyable not just for humans but for their furry companions too.
This trend is especially visible along the western Turkish Riviera – a coastal gem encompassing Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye. Known for its turquoise waters, historic richness and laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, the region offers the perfect setting for a dog-friendly getaway. With mild weather, an outdoor-centric culture and a growing number of pet-friendly accommodations and venues, the Turkish Riviera is leading the way in inclusive travel.
Warm welcome
In many local cafes, bowls of fresh water await canine visitors. Dogs are often welcome in garden seating areas and given that summer life along the coast mostly takes place outdoors, opportunities for a relaxed vacation with pets are plenty. Still, mutual respect is key: dogs brought into public spaces, hotels or restaurants should be well-socialized, clean and calm. Guests with allergies or a fear of dogs deserve just as much consideration. After all, respect isn’t a limitation – it’s the foundation for harmonious coexistence.
For those willing to take on this responsibility, the rewards are immense: bonding time with your pup in paradise, memories in breathtaking settings and the joy of discovering new places together.
Here are a few standout hotels in the region that go the extra mile for their four-legged guests:
Martı Resort
Located in the heart of Içmeler, Martı Resort is one of Türkiye’s first holiday villages and a landmark of the Marmaris coast. This beachfront resort blends traditional architecture with a modern flair, offering a spacious, laid-back environment that’s as welcoming to dogs as it is to their humans. From check-in, pets are treated as honored guests, often greeted with a snack and their own food bowl. Dogs on leashes are allowed in most public outdoor areas and the resort’s sprawling gardens and beachside paths provide ample room for walks and play. With its long-standing legacy of hospitality and an easygoing, pet-positive atmosphere, Martı Resort proves that tradition and modern pet-friendly travel can go hand in hand.
The Marmara Bodrum
Part of the esteemed “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” collection, The Marmara Bodrum is a visual feast of modern architecture, contemporary art and breathtaking views over Bodrum Bay. Its chic atmosphere caters to refined travelers; including those on four paws. Dogs are treated to stylish beds, bowls, food and even complimentary waste bags for their walks. With its central location, guests can easily explore nearby beach clubs and historical sites, proving that design, elegance and pet-friendliness can go hand in paw.
Rammos Managed by Dedeman
Located in peaceful Turgutreis, Rammos Hotel is a newly built, meticulously maintained oasis ideal for longer stays. Clean lines, natural light and spacious rooms give the hotel a modern yet serene feel. From many rooms, it’s just a few steps to the sea – perfect for morning walks or sunset strolls with your dog. The relaxed, no-fuss attitude toward canine guests makes the stay all the more enjoyable. Dogs are welcome across the entire property and the calm atmosphere invites true rest and rejuvenation.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re after a stylish city break, a serene beach retreat, or a little bit of both, the western Turkish Riviera offers a welcoming, sun-soaked haven for travelers with dogs. Here, design meets dog bowls, sunsets come with tail wags and every moment is shared with those who matter most – on two legs or four.
So pack the leash, grab the treats and get ready for a vacation that proves: traveling with your dog isn’t just possible – it’s wonderful.
DMM’den ‘Terrorismless Türkiye Commission to deny the slanders: completely unfounded
Reaction to Ozgur Ozel from Burhanettin Duran, President of Communication to Ozgur: The bottom of negative politics
An agreement was reached in approximately 2 million files by reconciliation method
DMM’den ‘Terrorismless Türkiye Commission to deny the slanders: completely unfounded
Reaction to Ozgur Ozel from Burhanettin Duran, President of Communication to Ozgur: The bottom of negative politics
An agreement was reached in approximately 2 million files by reconciliation method
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