November Culture Guide

Edinburgh, Scotland

Visit: The National Museum of Scotland, the city's treasure trove of discovery, housing extraordinary collections spanning natural history, world cultures, science, technology, and the rich tapestry of Scottish heritage.

Spend the afternoon at: Armchair Books, a bibliophile's paradise offering an eclectic collection of second-hand and antique books in the atmospheric heart of the historic Old Town.

Neighborhood to explore: Dean Village, once a busy milling area where traces of its past remain visible today. Well Court, built in the 1880s for mill workers, is the village's most notable building. Nearby, you'll find the Dean Gallery and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

Make a reservation at: The Witchery, where Chef Douglas Roberts celebrates Scotland's exceptional natural bounty. Savor wild game from the estates of Perthshire and the Highlands, alongside Scottish beef from the rolling Borders.

Stay at: The Roseate Edinburgh, which has graced the gateway to the historic old town since the 1860s, blending neoclassical design inspired by Edinburgh's heritage.

Madrid, Spain

Visit: Museo del Prado, which ranks among the world's finest art museums. The gallery's treasures span centuries of artistic brilliance, featuring paintings by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Bosch.

Spend the afternoon at: El Retiro Park, sprawling across 125 hectares and sheltering more than 15,000 trees—a lush oasis in the heart of the metropolis.

Neighborhood to explore: Salesas, nestled between Chueca and Salamanca in central Madrid, epitomizes urban sophistication. Stop by Jack's Library for a classic speakeasy experience and exceptional cocktails.

Make a reservation at: OSA, which presents a seasonal tasting menu in an intimate two-story setting. Chefs Jorge Muñoz and Sara Peral blend French and Japanese influences into their evolving culinary vision.

Stay at: The Santo Mauro, a 19th-century ducal estate in Madrid's Chamberí district transformed into an elegant retreat.

Lisbon, Portugal

Visit: Housed within the Madre de Deus Convent, The Museu Nacional do Azulejo takes visitors through five centuries of Portuguese tile artistry.

Spend the afternoon at: A masterpiece of Manueline architecture, the Jerónimos Monastery stands as one of Portugal's most treasured monuments. This 16th-century structure embodies the nation's Golden Age of Discovery and has become an enduring symbol of Portuguese identity.

Neighborhood to explore: Belém's riverside district showcases Portugal's maritime heritage through landmarks like the Tower of Belém. Visit the legendary Pastéis de Belém for the birthplace of Portugal's iconic custard tarts.

Make a reservation at: A Baiuca, an intimate tavern serving authentic Portuguese flavors and tradition, with standout dishes like octopus and pork tapas.

Stay at: Hotel das Amoreiras, a boutique hotel that brings countryside calm to Lisbon's historic center, overlooking a picturesque mulberry-filled square with museums, gardens, and architectural gems within close reach.

Budapest, Hungary

Visit: The Victor Vasarely Museum, which celebrates the work of the Hungarian-French artist who helped establish Op Art as a movement.

Spend the afternoon at: The Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, the capital's largest library network, which inhabits a magnificent 19th-century neo-baroque palace. Beyond the books, it's worth visiting to wander through the opulent rooms and marvel at Wenckheim Palace's stunning interior.

Make a reservation at: Déryné Bistro, both chic and local—the city's largest and oldest Michelin-guide recommended restaurant.

Stay at: The Párisi Udvar Hotel, set in a restored Art Nouveau arcade and featuring a Parisian café and bar in an ornate atrium, near the Danube River.