InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

Take a tour of New Delhi, India, with our Chief Concierge, Jatender Singh Jaswal.

Known for mild weather and a long list of attractions, San Francisco, California, remains a favourite stop for tourists across the globe. Between rolling hills and the Golden Gate Bridge, the historic cable cars move visitors and locals alike through the city’s myriad of culturally diverse neighborhoods. Since San Francisco has no shortage of things to do, here are a few our favourites:

Try Something New
Getting around is the latest trend in San Fransisco site-seeing. Take a guided tour by Segway or rent a tiny electric car and meander through Golden Gate Park to the de Young Museum and the Botanical Garden at your own pace. While you’re in the neighbourhood, be sure to check out the highly anticipated new Cal Academy of Sciences before making your way over to the Japanese Tea Garden for a magnificent view of buffalo, windmills, and surfers in the sunset.

Take Advantage of What’s in Season
In a city of cultural diversity, there’s always something going on. Events range from sponsored concerts in Golden Gate Park, to outdoor installations and performances at SOMA. So if you want to vamp up your trip with some local flair, be sure to find out what’s happening around town before you arrive.

Make a Day of the Market
The Ferry Building is located at the foot of Market Street, where San Francisco’s famous neighbourhoods meet. It’s is easily accessible by public transportation and has plenty of great shopping, a quaint farmer’s market, and a vast spread of independently owned restaurants offering a cross-section of some of San Fransisco’s finest in food.

Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is the most popular destination and a must for first-time visitors. Go for an afternoon stroll and catch the sea lions basking in the sun on Pier 39. Hop on a boat to Alcatraz for a captivating history lesson. Or, settle in at A Sabella’s for fresh seafood with a romantic view of the pier. From museums to novelty shops, you can find it here.

Take a Trip to Chinatown
San Fracisco’s Chinatown is the largest and oldest Chinatown in the US. Upon walking through it’s famous gates, you’ll be transported to a place of sensorial delight. The streets are busting with merchants. The air is rich with fragrance. With so much to do and see, it’s easy to be distracted. Make sure you have a map on hand as you scour the streets and alleys in pursuit of the best dim sum.

The allure of Rome, Italy is atmospheric. A state of being. Spend your days soaking in the history and your evenings sinking your teeth into the city’s true charm. From antipasto to gelato, side-street secrets to mainstream attractions, stop by these must-trys for the ultimate, romantic experience.

As the Romans Do
When you stop by the Trattoria der Pallaro the first thing you’ll notice is a sign that reads: Qui se mangia quello che passa la casa. (Translation: Here, you’ll eat what we want to feed you.) This hidden gem is known for it’s fixed price, five-course dinners in an environment that make you feel more like a Roman dinner guest than a patron.

A Slice of Heaven
Pizza seems a common choice in a city with so many culinary offerings, but Pizzeria Baffetto will single-handedly put pizza back on your list. Their ever-so-thin crusted pizza and casual atmosphere will be welcome departure from cobblestone and candlelight. When you’re there, try the house specialty or a simple margherita—we guarantee you’ll be back for more.

Quintessentially Quaint
Located near the Spanish Steps on a tiny cobblestone street, Matricianella , finds its way to the top of many a traveller’s favourites list. It offers an extensive menu in an intimate atmosphere, but is best known for its tasty fried dishes. While you’re there, try the fried porcini mushrooms or zucchini flowers to experience first-hand what makes this the quintessential Roman trattoria.

Scenic Dessert
Gelateria Caffè Pasticceria Giolitti is one of the most popular gelaterias in Rome. Located only a minute’s walk from the Pantheon, this dessert favourite offers flavours as heavenly as the view.

Although the Swedish capital of Stockholm is a fairly small city, its cultural activities abound. The Old Town, Gamla Stan, is roughly 750 years old and full of historic sites and museums. The newer section of the city, Södermalm, is full of youthful vigor and nightlife extraordinaire. Here are some Stockholm activities that are sure not to be missed.

Skansen
Founded in 1891, Skansen is a park-like open air museum featuring life in Sweden across the ages. You’ll find live folk dances and music, period costumes, zoos, and original 18th century farm houses.

Centralbadet
Health clubs and spas have always been popular in Scandinavia, and Stockholm is home to one of the best. Centralbadet, a relaxing haven for over 100 years, provides spa treatments, swimming pools, saunas, yoga sessions, and gym equipment. Spend an hour or spend a day!

Sosta
Enjoy a quick mid-day fika, or coffee break, at Sosta. An Italian-style espresso bar, Sosta is a great place to pick up a pastry and a quick pick-me-up in traditional Swedish fashion.

F12 Restaurant
A meal at F12 is an experience all unto itself. Chefs Paul Svensson and Danyel Couet are the masterminds behind a menu that quite literally mixes the old with the new. Mix and match your own meal by choosing from two separate menus: Tradition and Innovation.

There’s never a bad time to visit paradise, but Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s fall festival list makes it that much more seductive. Here are two of our favourites:

Festival Gourmet International
Chefs and foodies from the world round converge at the Festival Gourmet International. Going strong in its 14th year, this festival brings is a showing of delicious and innovative cuisine, not to mention interesting seminars and classes.

International Sailfish and Marlin Tournament
Whether participant or spectator, everyone will find this competition riveting. The schedule is jam packed with activities, from the welcoming ceremonies of the crews in the harbour, to daily weigh-ins to award dinners.

When travelling, sometimes it is fun to book a tour bus and see all the usual sights. But what about the more hard-to-find things that make a city unique, or even odd? Here is a bit of our favourite kitsch in Budapest:

Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum
See how alchemists and pharmacists worked in bygone eras. Housed in Budapest’s first pharmacy, this museum features fascinating bottles and equipment that date back to the Renaissance.

Cave Tours
Although Turkey is famous for its thermal baths, many travellers forget about the caves these waters have formed. You’ll find fascinating formations and colors, and a breathtaking view of nature in its glory.

Cotton Club
The Roaring Twenties are alive and well at the Cotton Club. The sultry ambiance, extensive liquor list, delicious menu, and rousing stage revues are not to be missed.

Film festival aside, Cannes is a little city with a big heart and big excitement. Whether it’s the beach, a dining or shopping getaway, or a romantic weekend, Cannes is a sampling of European charm. Here are a few great things to do:

Dinner at Au Bec Fin
This casual yet delicious cuisine is Provence done the old fashioned way. The portions are generous and hearty and the atmosphere is quaint. Make sure to make a reservation!

Sand and Sun
Rent an umbrella or cabana and enjoy the French Riviera’s sunbathing.

Watersport
Tired of lounging? Take some time off the beach and in the water. Your concierge can arrange a waterskiing, scuba diving, or parasailing excursion.

Shopping at La Croisette
This shopping district is not only a beautiful coastal stroll, but a great place to pick up your favourite designer items, like Coco Chanel. For a more unique experience, stop in a few of the local boutiques.

Adventure
For the more intrepid traveller, try one of Cannes gliding fields. You’ll see some of the most fantastic views of the Alps, urban areas, and the coast.

InterContinental ANA Tokyo’s Chief Concierge, Shinobu Momoi, shows us the wonder that is her hometown.

Each couple has their own unique way of celebrating their new life together, and for good reason, many choose a relaxing trip to the beach. The Tahitian island of Bora Bora is one of our favourites, with its miles of sugar sand, turquoise waters and delicious dining options. Here are a few things to do:

A Day at the Spa
Without ever leaving the hotel, be rid of the jetlag and the hubub of the “big day” with a relaxing treatment at our own Thalasso Spa.

A Picnic on the Beach
Simple? Yes. Romantic? Of course. Your concierge can point you in the direction of a tasty light lunch to take with. Don’t forget a blanket and a bottle of wine.

Scuba Diving
Enjoy the sights from below the surface. Bora Bora is home to a myriad of tropical underwater creatures. For the more fearless lot, a shark dive is fascinating.

Dinner at La Villa Mahana
Delicious French cuisine with a twist of Polynesia. This tiny gourmet spot is a wonderful place for a romantic, intimate dinner and a glass of celebratory champagne.

The restaurants of Guadalajara show an amazing amount of variety when it comes to traditional Mexican cooking. Here are a few of our favourite stops:

Adobe
Set in the quaint Tlaquepaque area of Guadalajara, Adobe features exceptionaly good Mexican cuisine prepared by a well-known chef. Our favourite menu item is the mole: a cross between salsa and gravy made from chocolate, various peppers and spices, then poured over chicken. In addition to the restaurant itself, the surrounding neighbourhood is extremely pedestrian friendly and showcases a number of wonderful boutiques and galleries.

Fonda San Miguel
This colonial-style restaurant is located in a beautifully renovated former Carmelite convent. In addition to delicious eats like warm, homemade bread, the building houses shops and boutiques selling fine handicrafts. Be sure to bring a camera and to ask the manager for a tour. The architectural sights are not to be missed.

Karne Garibaldi
Karne Garibaldi is not only recommended but awarded they are the Guinness World Record winners for the fastest service of Mexican food. Put them to the test, but be prepared to be served immediately, if not sooner.