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Madrid is a changed city. The recent metamorphosis has been fuelled by the economic crisis and led by a new generation of determined Madrileños who have transformed the Spanish capital for the better. Tradition and modernity thrive side by side: marvel at the centuries-old masterpieces inside the Prado one moment and enjoy sumptuous morsels cooked up by […]

Miami has a lot going for it: its shoreline, year-round warm weather, and diverse population. So don’t just get caught in the bubble of fun but distracting Miami Beach. This guide will help you explore the city’s numerous neighborhoods—from Little Havana and Coral Gables to the Design District—and discover its full potential. Monocle will introduce […]

New York used to be such an easy city to crack for the visitor. Not only was there that simple-to-master grid of streets but, really, who wanted to stray from Manhattan? Today, while that stretch from Wall Street to the Upper East Side and beyond still enchants, awes, and bamboozles, you really do need to […]

With its glorious coastline, dramatic mountains, and urban rainforest, Rio de Janeiro is a city that immediately hits you between the eyes with its natural beauty. But there’s plenty to discover here that isn’t instantly self-evident. From lively neighborhood bars and intricate beach culture, to sculptural public gardens and concrete modernist buildings, there is a […]

It would take a lifetime to get to know every facet of Tokyo—so large that it spreads as far as the eye can see. But look closely and you will find a city of exceptional charm and breathtaking efficiency. The Japanese capital is a fascinating tangle of opposites: the latest technology and traditional arts; crowded […]

At first glance, horseshoe-shaped Amsterdam is a breeze to circumnavigate and its offerings seemingly obvious. But look closely and you’ll find hidden pockets in the maze of canals and burgeoning neighbourhoods that are a quick pedal from the city centre. This archetype of liberalism and diversity is forever reinventing itself. The Monocle Travel Guide to […]

Think of Athens and the first things that spring to mind are ancient ruins and camera-toting crowds (before they hotfoot it to the island-bound ferries at the port of Piraeus, that is). It’s true, the Acropolis is ever present and during summer the city thrums with schools of holidaymakers. But there’s much more to the […]

Here’s to a city of effortless charm, a coastal gem blessed with an agreeable climate and beautiful beaches. But before you get lost in that glass of vermut, look around. There’s more to the Catalan capital than sun, sea and sand – starting with its diet-dashing food scene and lively hospitality offerings. Barcelona boasts a singular character, […]

The Monocle Travel Guide to Beirut delves into this metropolis to explore the vivacious thrum of life and unpick its many and varied quirks. We’ll lead you through a collage of cloud-scraping hotels, Ottoman-style palaces and golden age modernist apartments, and introduce you to small-scale fashion labels and smart shop-owners rethinking traditional handicrafts. We’ll also […]

This is a city in perpetual flux and its ability to reinvent itself can be attributed  to its complex history. Today there’s a seductive allure to the German capital’s dynamism and willingness to create anew. Be it a luxury hotel in an old bathhouse, experimental artwork in a former margarine factory or an ever-evolving roster […]

It’s a boon and burden to Belgium that Brussels is the capital of both the country and the rest of Europe. There are many benefits to hosting this lofty seat of power but the city can also fall victim to the associated red tape. An hour away by train, Antwerp is a more relaxed affair, […]

If Berlin is Germany’s clubbing capital then Hamburg is the dinner party that’s as raucous as it is refined – and the guests are a varied bunch too. Stroll around this prosperous port city and you’ll brush shoulders with local fishermen casting their nets on the banks of the River Elbe, world-renowned gallerists hosting exhibitions […]

Helsinki is a tale of two cities. Arrive mid-winter and you’ll find a frosty wonderland of deserted, snow-caked streets, the residents holed up in cosy, impeccably designed cafés. Come in summer, when the sun refuses to set, and you’ll catch locals partying merrily into the early hours and leaping gleefully into the Baltic Sea. The […]

The capital of paradise, Honolulu is more than just the gateway to surf, sand, and sun. Beyond the beaches and behind the palm-lined streets there’s a bustling city of culture and the arts, of fine dining and clubs. It’s a city by the sea where cultures melt and mingle and the beautiful surroundings are a […]

Like the seven sun-dappled hills that overlook the sparkling Rio Tejo, Lisbon has had its ups and downs. Nevertheless, the plucky city has always bounced back and today it’s positively thriving: well-travelled residents and foreign talent are opening smart businesses behind every other crumbling, azulejo-covered façade. Most visitors spend their time in the historic old town but we’re going to take you […]

Los Angeles is known for its glitz and glam, beach culture, blockbuster studios and famous residents. But there’s much more to this sprawling metropolis than perfect teeth and tanned and taut bods. La La Land is a city budding with talent: it’s a haven for artists and architects, top chefs, fresh designers and trendsetting retailers. […]

Morocco may be a short hop, skip and a jump across the Med from Europe but it feels like another world. Salesmen flaunting their wares in the souks, robed figures rushing to prayer and ancient palaces decked with dazzling tiles – it’s easy to fall under its spell. Marrakech, on the cusp of both desert […]

Add to the mix a first-rate food scene and an abounding wine region on its doorstep and you may just find yourself agreeing with the Melburnians loving their city. The Monocle Travel Guide to Melbourne will lead you down our favourite laneways, drop by the cutting-edge galleries shaking up the city’s art scene and show […]

Quesadillas sizzling on street corners outside cosy coffee shops; mariachi in sequined sombreros serenading late-night revellers; tower blocks casting long shadows over baroque churches and Aztec ruins studded with cacti. Mexico City simultaneously conforms to every stereotype and challenges every preconception with shameless self-assurance. Unconventional, ever-changing and utterly beguiling, this megalopolis is an endless parade […]

Few things will be handed to you on a plate in Milan – except, perhaps, a generous portion of rich and creamy risotto con ossobuco. The Lombard capital has an enviable wealth of restaurants, shops and galleries but the best are often hard to find. This is a city that rewards those who take the […]

Munich is the capital of one of the oldest states in Europe so naturally its affinity with tradition runs deep. Yet, as well as having one foot in the old world, this southern German city has another firmly planted in the new – and that’s part of its undeniable charm. This happy balance, along with a strong and stable economy, encourages entrepreneurialism, attracts […]

Paris: the city of love, the city of light —the city everyone thinks they know from movies and books. But there’s more to this vigorous new-old metropolis than Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Along its winding streets and hidden in picturesque views along the Seine, there’s so much more to do and discover, to taste […]

Energetic and sprawling, brimming with culture and piled high with layers of history: Rome is a beguiling, vivacious ever-changing creature. Good guidance is essential: it’s easy to be waylaid by the big-ticket sites, myriad trattorias and cobblestoned shopping streets. Then again, who doesn’t enjoy being distracted by a scenic spot to perch for aperitivo? We’ve pushed past the charm of gingham […]

Poised on its Californian peninsula, San Francisco is an energetic enclave with a storied libertine history, undeniable entrepreneurial fervour and vibrant cultural patronage.It may be known for its thriving technology sector but look beyond the numbers and you’ll find a dynamic urban offering, complete with easygoing charm and dramatic natural beauty. The Monocle Travel Guide […]

The South Korean capital is energetic and sprawling; it’s a 24-hour city that’s home to some 10 million people and plenty of brightly lit billboards, skyscrapers and shops. The Monocle Travel Guide to Seoul looks past the dazzling lights to discover what, and who, have brought this late-blooming city careering into the 21st century. Its streets […]

Gone are the days when outsiders struggled to pinpoint Singapore on a map; this equatorial city-state is making waves across myriad sectors from health to logistics. Its skyline has taken shape at a blistering pace with numerous attention-grabbing architectural accents. Singapore can still surprise though: quaint colonial-era shop houses sit anachronistically nestled alongside skyscrapers; temples, […]

Stockholm has a world-leading design scene, picture-book palaces and an enviable berth in the waters of an idyllic archipelago – so to say that it’s an easy city to fall for sounds a little trite. But it’s more than looks that grace this place (even if a dedicated Beauty Council does oversee the architectural developments). […]

If Sydney’s famed opera house is a sailing ship, then the city truly is an essential port of call on any global itinerary. The largest city in Oceania and an Asia-Pacific powerhouse, Sydney is a diverse mix of new urban cool and classic refinement, with some of the best beaches in the world thrown in […]

Like the tide that laps knee-high against its fine palazzos, Venice is ever-changing. Since its bog-like beginnings as a collection of mini islands in swampy marshland, the city has been forced to use its initiative. Today, faced with floods of day-trippers and acqua alta alike, it continues to rely on innovative ideas. Whether it’s a […]

There’s much more to Austria’s capital than Baroque palaces, horse-drawn carriages and the landmark venues where Mozart and Klimt first showcased their masterpieces. This guide will steer you away from the crowded Prater and its ferris wheel (although naturally we’ll make a quick detour past the Vienna State Opera and Schönbrunn Palace) and out to […]

Snowy peaks rising above city skylines, wandering cows jewelled with tinkling bells, gooey strings of cheese stretching from bubbling pots of fondue, masterfully engineered watches keeping people punctual, and timely trains zipping across pretty landscapes. Few countries can be reduced to such clichés as easily as Switzerland. But this neutral power is so much more […]

21st century luxury is about the interplay between cult streetwear brands and elite fashion houses. Explore fashion’s transformation for a new generation of in-the-know consumers. Highsnobiety, the publication geared at culturally-connected, style-savvy, forward-thinking young men, is seen as a gatekeeper to the growing intersection of music, fashion, and style. Their latest book seeks to define […]

A modernist take on Mediterranean aesthetics, this new movement in interior design embraces sumptuous minimalism through warm, earthy tones, and natural materials. A welcoming, new, down-to-earth minimalism is gaining momentum in home interiors, from California to Morocco, Portugal to Mexico. This trend combines folkloric influences with a rustic aesthetic, taking cues from arid landscapes to […]

At the heart of this book are those maverick spirits who are striding forward to find creative solutions to protect and preserve the landscapes that have transformed us—ideas deeply inspired by our connection to nature. From pioneers of closed-loop clothing, who continually recycle their materials into new products, to the open-source approach of sustainable outdoor […]

Immerse yourself in the traditions that have defined our cultures and reveal our connection to what make us human. A new generation wants to lead a more meaningful and sustainable life by reconnecting with heritage and traditions. They are looking to the craftsmanship, lifestyle, and unique experiences of the people keeping these practices alive. The […]

More and more of us are turning to the great outdoors when seeking peace, balance, and a touch of adventure to offset our daily grind—whether hiking through the mountains, paddling on a silent…..

Intimate and individual, pencil and paper are a personal touch in a digital age. The pencil is our direct connection between mind and page. We tell the story of an overlooked cultural icon with anecdotes, unexpected facts, and hand-drawn pencil-and-paper illustrations. This book features profiles of pencil crafters, anecdotes about famous writers and their favorite […]

The Ride 2nd Gear presents a stunning selection of recent custom motorcycles, as well as the small, local workshops around the globe in which they are built. Hotbeds of creativity and craftsmanship, these workshops are mostly run by single individuals and attract a small yet devoted community of fans and fellow builders. The custom bike community […]

Good stores still exist. In fact, their number is growing. Well-designed specialty shops that are inspired by the small manufacturers and mom-and-pop operations of the past are now sprouting up. These outlets are defying e-commerce and anonymous online shopping with outstanding products, original interior design, innovative concepts, and, first and foremost, friendly and competent customer […]

Driven by idealistic visions, utopian architecture aimed to overcome social divisions and political strife, to put us in touch with nature, and to enable us to live humane, healthy lives. For half a century, it was both hope and inspiration. The Tale of Tomorrow surveys this diverse twentieth century phenomenon, featuring renowned works like The […]

The Touch is a new collaboration between Nathan Williams of Kinfolk and Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen of Norm Architects that welcome readers into over 25 inspiring spaces where interior design is not only visually appealing but engages all of the human senses. Through beautiful homes, hotels, museums, and retail stores―from contemporary designs by Ilse Crawford and Bijoy […]

Come along for the adventure of a lifetime: revel in the freedom of a road trip, and join two friends riding into the unknown—traveling 20,000 miles south on their trusty BMW air-cooled G/S overland haulers. From the Guatemalan jungle, to the magical, desolate Bolivian salt flats, the high roads of the Peruvian Andes, all the […]

Adding. Extending. Transforming. Upgrade breathes new life into forgotten architecture. Past structures are consciously preserved and revamped, expanded and altered, to create something exciting and enticing. Upgrade explores architectural and design concepts that seek to enhance and repurpose our surroundings from slight changes to complete renovations. Extensions upon a rooftop. Factories turned into relaxing retreats. […]

Upstart! presents fresh branding ideas for entrepreneurs and designers. To stand out in a land of consumerist plenty, the new gen- eration of small business entrepreneurs has learned to set high design standards. Poised between playfulness and professionalism, their holistic visual identity concepts become an integral part of their core busi- ness. From hemp farmers […]

As more and more people see bicycles as the best way of getting around, bikes have evolved. Today, e-bikes power past urban traffic. All-wood bikes bomb slopes. Cargo bikes haul gear and goods. Handlebars sync with phones and GPS buzzes through grips, enabling no-look navigation. These bikes, their makers, and their riders are defining the […]

For a cycling enthusiast, only the perfect bike will do. Engineers adapt their creations to every terrain and every taste – from chic baroque bicycles with frivolous details to colorful pushbikes; from remakes of classic cruisers to robust cargo bikes. Fully equipped SUV two-wheelers are ready to roam through rocky terrain, while the latest electric […]

Visual Feast reveals a world where food is both an art medium and an edible eccentricity. We eat with our eyes. People love to stage and take photos of their food. Driven by Instagram and the advertising industry, stylists, gourmands, and photographers continually invent new ways of presenting food as both delectable and radical. Visual […]

As the world grows more complex, some of the best stories are told through visuals – infographics. From election results to catastrophes to wars to scientific discoveries: the stream of data we are exposed to daily becomes ever more complicated. Infographics help make sense of it, transforming difficult to grasp facts and figures into accessible […]

The exciting Canyon Trail in Zion-National Park, the spectacular El Caminito del Rey in Spain, the pilgrim trail on the holy Kumano Kodo in Japan or a mythical hiking path in the land of the giants, Norway – Wanderlust explores legendary hiking trails in enchanting corners of the world and over a variety of terrain: […]

Long-distance trekking, short day trips out of town, an extended weekend escapade; the first series installment of our bestselling Wanderlust has it all. Experienced outdoor enthusiasts and those lacing-up their boots for their first time: prepare to hike the diverse American landscape. Whether aiming to conquer epic expeditions, or simply complete a day hike to […]

Around the world, dandies embrace style while respecting their local cultural traditions. Dandyism transcends fashion―it is a committed way of life. An international survey of the global dandy community from the creators of I am Dandy. From America to Africa to Asia, dandyism is a way of life. It is fashion in the best sense, […]

The last three decades have marked an era of technological upheaval as frenetic and groundbreaking as there ever has been. From early desktop computers and mobile phones to virtual reality: the web is now virtually inseparable from all facets of human interaction and daily life. But it wasn’t always funny cat videos and sleek interfaces. […]

The woods are alive with possibilities: Retreat into nature, meet mushroom pickers, collectors, and explorers. Build cabins and scenic trails, create crafts, or start inspired projects. This is the way to the forest. Step into the woods―refuge and escape and home. Some go there to hike or fish. The people and projects presented in this […]

Wonderwall Case Studies is the first comprehensive exploration of the work, process, and mind-set of the Japanese interior designer Masamichi Katayama, founder and principal of Wonderwall, one of the most influential interior design firms in the world. The timely release of this compendium not only celebrates Katayama’s prolific and profound body of work, but honors […]

Invitations provide the perfect personal touch for everything from private events to opening nights. You’re Invited! is the definitive guide to this versatile and charming medium. Whether for a wedding, a birthday, or a fashion show, invitations carry a touch of the personal. Carefully crafted, they span the spectrum, from the whimsical to the elegant. […]