Where to go in Mayfair and beyond this May

Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island located off the coast of Normandy. It is famous for its abbey and narrow streets. In May, the island experiences temperate weather. You can walk across the sands at low tide, though you should check tide schedules carefully for safety. The site is small. It becomes very crowded by midday, so arrive early in the morning to avoid the largest tour groups.

Petra is an archaeological site in southern Jordan carved directly into sandstone cliffs. It is known as the Rose City. May provides warm days that are not yet at the extreme heat levels of mid-summer. It is a good time for walking the extensive trail system. The site requires a significant amount of walking on uneven ground. Wear sturdy shoes and bring your own water.

The Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built. It sits in the center of Rome near the Roman Forum. May is an ideal time to visit before the intense summer humidity arrives. The outdoor areas are pleasant for walking during this month. Security lines are long. Purchase tickets in advance to reduce your wait time at the entrance.

Rome is the capital of Italy and contains centuries of history within its urban borders. It is located in the Tiber Valley. May offers mild temperatures perfect for exploring the city on foot. Most outdoor cafes are fully open by this time. The city is densely populated. Many streets are narrow and become very busy with traffic during the work week.

Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. It serves as a cultural hub between Europe and Asia. May is one of the most comfortable months to visit. The weather is warm enough for boat trips but cool enough for walking the hills. Navigating the city requires patience. Traffic can be very heavy throughout the day.

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built across the northern borders of Imperial China. Various sections remain standing today. May brings clear skies and moderate temperatures to the mountainous regions surrounding Beijing. It is one of the best months to see the wall without extreme heat or cold. Some sections are steep and physically demanding. Choose your section carefully based on your fitness level.

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower located in Sumida. It stands 634 metres high. May provides a high chance of clear views over the Tokyo metropolitan area. The humidity levels are generally lower than in the summer months. Wait times for the observation decks can be long on weekends. Visit on a weekday morning to minimize your time in queues.

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop. It houses the remains of several ancient buildings including the Parthenon. May provides plenty of sun without the oppressive heat of July or August. It is a good time to visit the outdoor ruins before the peak tourist season. There is very little shade at the top of the citadel. Bring a hat and plenty of water even if the weather feels mild.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in the Hunan Province. It is part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area. May is a peak time for greenery in the park. The temperatures are comfortable for long hikes among the rock formations. The park is massive and requires multiple days to see properly. Expect heavy crowds at the popular viewing points.

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal, located on the northern shore of the River Tagus. It is known for its hills and historic architecture. May is a pleasant time to visit the city. The breeze from the river keeps the temperatures comfortable. The city is built on steep hills. You will be walking on uneven cobblestones for most of the day, which can be tiring.