Where to go in Mayfair London and the best places to visit in May

The Acropolis sits on a rocky outcrop above Athens. It holds the remains of ancient buildings, with the Parthenon being the most famous structure. May is an ideal time to visit because the spring temperatures are pleasant for walking up the steep paths. The summer heat in Athens can be intense, so May provides a much more comfortable experience. Expect to spend at least three hours exploring the site. The site is open daily, but arrive early to avoid tour groups that start arriving around 10am.

Lisbon sits on the northern shore of the River Tagus. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. In May, the city is bright and warm without the humidity of late summer. It is a good time to walk the hilly streets and visit the nearby coastal areas like the Portuguese Riviera. Lisbon is a city of hills. Plan to use public transport or expect significant walking on steep, tiled sidewalks.

The Great Wall is a series of walls and watchtowers built over many centuries. The Ming dynasty sections are the most recognizable parts today. May offers clear skies and mild temperatures before the rainy season begins in June. It is an excellent time for photography and long walks along the wall. Be prepared for steep stairs and narrow paths. It takes significant time to reach the wall from Beijing city center, so budget your travel time carefully.

Rome is the administrative center of Italy and contains the Vatican. It is a city dense with archaeological sites and history. May is arguably the best month to visit Rome. The flowers are in bloom and the temperature is mild. You can walk between most major sites comfortably. Rome is very large and busy. Popular sites like the Colosseum require advanced booking to avoid waiting in long queues.

The Tokyo Skytree stands at 634 meters. It serves as a broadcasting and observation site in Sumida. May is a comfortable time to visit Tokyo. The weather is generally dry and sunny. Views from the tower are best on clear spring days. Tickets can be purchased online to skip the lines at the base. The tower is very popular on weekends, so aim for a weekday morning visit.

This is a tidal island and commune in Normandy. It is famous for its abbey and its unique position in the water. In May, the weather is pleasant for walking the causeway. You avoid the massive summer tourist surge that makes the narrow streets hard to navigate. Access is restricted by the tides. Check the tide schedule before you travel, as the water level changes throughout the day.

Ha Long Bay features thousands of limestone karsts. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique geography. May is one of the better months for a boat tour. The sea is usually calm and the weather is warm enough for time on the water. Most people visit on organized boat cruises. Read reviews carefully, as the quality of the boats and the food provided varies significantly.

Mount Everest sits on the border of Nepal and China. It attracts climbers from all over the world. May is the peak climbing window. The weather is stable enough to allow for attempts on the summit, though it is still very cold at high altitudes. This is a remote location. Visiting the base camp is a multi-day trek that requires high physical fitness and acclimatization.

Seychelles consists of 115 islands off the coast of Africa. It is known for its beaches and marine life. May is a great time to visit for water activities. The winds are generally calm, making for good conditions for swimming and diving. Travel between islands is usually done by boat or small plane. It can be an expensive destination for food and accommodation.

The Atacama is the driest non-polar desert in the world. It spans a large part of northern Chile. May is cool and clear. You avoid the extreme heat of the desert summer while still having perfect conditions for stargazing at night. This is a vast, empty region. You will need to book guided tours to see the main sights, as there is very little public transport between locations.