The Weekly Spotlight
One place, told properly. Then ten more.
Every Thursday we take a single theme — small coastal towns, big metro cities, mountain villages — and pick a location spotlight of the week, followed by the ten destinations worth knowing under that theme.
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This week · Issue 9 · Large metro cities
The Metropolises Built for Forty-Eight Hours
Ten large cities where exceptional transit, distinct neighbourhoods, and serious culinary scenes make a short stay thoroughly satisfying.
Spotlight
São Paulo — Southeast, Brazil
Past issues
- Issue 8 · Hot springs and spa towns · October 29, 2026The Art of Slow Immersion: Ten Exceptional Thermal TownsFrom forested ravines in Kyushu to high Pyrenean stone basins, where geothermal waters shape architectural heritage and the daily pace of life.
- Issue 7 · Surf towns · October 22, 2026Where the Waves Are Forgiving and the Evenings MatterTen coastal towns where beginners and improvers can catch mellow Atlantic and Pacific breaks without sacrificing good food and life on land.
- Issue 6 · Rail journeys · October 15, 2026On the Right Lines: Ten Stops Worth Leaving the Carriage ForA curation of remarkable towns anchored to the world's most atmospheric rail routes, from alpine valleys to high plateaus.
- Issue 5 · Island escapes · October 8, 2026Beyond the Horizon: Ten Islands for a Focused Week AwayFrom volcanic Atlantic ridges to quiet Baltic shores, ten islands that justify a seven-day escape without consuming days in transit.
- Issue 4 · Small coastal towns · October 1, 2026Ten coastal towns where maritime life still outranks tourismFrom Basque fishing outposts to South Atlantic headlands, ten seaside settlements shaped by salt water, walkable streets, and distinct local culture.
- Issue 3 · Shoulder-season steals · September 24, 2026The Art of the Shoulder Season: 10 Places at Their Quiet BestWhy arriving a few weeks early or late yields lower room rates, clearer skies, and the rare gift of space.
- Issue 2 · Walkable old towns · September 17, 2026The Walkable Old Town: 10 Historic Centres for Slow TravelHistoric centres compact enough to navigate on foot, where winding cobblestone lanes lead to intimate squares and unhurried dinners.
- Issue 1 · Wildlife encounters · September 9, 2026On Quiet Ground: Where Wildlife Encounters Are Still Done RightTen destinations where habitat protection comes before tourist spectacle, from Brazilian wetlands to ancient European woodland.