Where to go in

May

Where to go in

May

You know how sometimes the starter is better than the main course? That’s how we

feel about May holidays – the tantalising appetiser of summer. So close you can

taste it but without the scorching temperatures and mass crowds. We think it’s the

best time of year for Stateside adventures with pretty much perfect temperatures to

be hitting up the Southern states and happening cities like LA and Chicago. As for

Europe, it’s May when the social season starts. Discover our guide to the best places

to visit in May 2024 - and where to stay across The Dis-loyalty Collective when

you’re there.

Los Angeles

There are a lot of reasons to love visiting LA in May, not least because it’s before the main summer vacation when suddenly everything gets very hectic with residents and tourists alike. The weather, too, is pretty much perfect. OK, so it’s not exactly a shocker to expect blue skies in LA but in May the temperature will feel good on the beach in Malibu, but also allows you to hike or sight-see without getting offensively sweaty. As for culture, you’re spoiled for choice. We’re loving the sound of Netflix’s Everything Is A Joke Fest (May 2 to 12) with 300+ comedy shows at 35 venues - see Ali Wong, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock amongst hundreds of others. Music is also sounding good. Catch Kylie Minogue, Janelle Monáe and Diplo at WeHo Pride in West Hollywood Park, or Just Like Heaven, at the golf course next to The Rose Bowl, will fire up your aughts indie nostalgia with a line-up that’s pulled straight from your old iPod (think Phoenix, Death Cab for Cutie and the War on Drugs). May 5 is another key date for your LA diary with the largest Cinco de Mayo festival in the US.

Cannes

You might have heard of the Cannes Film Festival? Well - newsflash - that’s happening for a good stretch of the month, from May 14 - 25. Needless to say, it’s all très chic and the chances of bumping into a Hollywood A-lister whilst you saunter stylishly down the Croisette is pretty high. The film festival also means there’s a massive buzz around town, lots of parties to crash, and people to watch. Back from the glitz of the promenade, Cannes Old Town (Le Suquet) really comes to life in May, with people dining outside on the pretty cobbled streets. Foodies will be spoiled for choice with everything from upscale French dining to casual bistros, tapas bars, and cafes. Beyond the film festival, it’s the true start of the season, the sun is shining, the Provencal Rosé is flowing and the business of everybody living their best lives on the Riviera has started in earnest. P.S. With Monaco just next door, you might want to swing by for the Grand Prix between the 26-29 May, too.

Louisville, Kentucky

Bourbon, Bluegrass, world-famous horse-riding, and that special breed of southern hospitality, it’s not surprising that Louisville was voted one of the best places to visit in 2024 by Travel + Leisure magazine. In fact, The Kentucky Derby will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 4, 2024 so how about that for an historic time to visit? To say things are buzzing is an understatement - take advantage of a ton of pre and post parties that keep the town swinging - and horsey - all month long. A hot ticket is Brunch & Bet at our very own 21c Museum Hotel with brunch, bands, and betting tips. Have your sea legs? Chase the race up the Ohio River on a traditional Steamboat and feast on jambalaya and gumbo. Make your digs 21c Museum Hotel Louisville of course, right in the heart of the action in downtown Louisville on Main Street. Hop next door to the Moremen Gallery, which focuses on works by local artists and don’t miss the extensive collection at the Speed Art Museum, too. Sports fan? Float like a butterfly to the Muhammad Ali Center.

Rome

Say Ciao Roma to the Eternal City in May, an eternally brilliant time to visit this southern Italian city. With some of the world’s most compelling history and devastatingly good food, Rome at any time of year will be magical, but is it a little too hot and busy in August? Yes, it is. May, on the other hand, the sun is shining in a friendly way, the flowers are in full bloom and the city is smelling sweet - hello Azaleas on the Spanish Steps and the opening of the Roseta Rose Garden. Dates for your travel diary include a couple of freebies on the big-hitting sites – on May 5, the Colosseum, and May 26, the Vatican Museums (home to the Sistine Chapel and that Michaelango ceiling). Another best thing to do in Rome this month is ‘Nights of the Museums’ when a huge number of museums, monuments, and archaeological sites are open to the public for the symbolic price of €1 on Saturday night, May 18, from 8pm-2am. Finally, not that we’re blowing our own tromba, but Mama Shelter's rooftop bar and restaurant has a surreal view of the dome of St Peter’s in the Vatican.

Chicago

Chicago is an absolute must-visit city in the US. Don’t believe us? Then take the word of the discerning readers of Conde Nast Traveller that have voted it best big city for seven years in a row now. And May is the sweetest month to travel there. Even though it's known as the Windy City, Chicago in May is more like summertime. It's when the city comes to life and everyone takes to the leafy neighbourhoods and restaurant-lined waterways by bike or boat. The water is a big pull, thanks to the Chicago River that winds through the downtown skyscrapers - hire a kayak or take an architectural river cruise (colloquially known as Chicago’s First Lady Cruises). There’s also Lake Michigan, where the Lakefront Trail is the place to be in Chicago each spring. Rent a bike from Bike and Roll or take a tour with Bobby’s Bike Hike. The trail runs by several neighbourhoods, dozens of popular parks and beaches, museums, and waterfront restaurants (to get your deep-dish fill). Want an art fix? Art on THE MART is a sight to behold with colourful videos set to music each night in May on the riverfront facade of the historic Chicago building.