Your guide to Black travel
Trip inspo, local recs, and lots of good food—everything you need is right here.
Image: Getty Images
The best jerk chicken in NYC? Got it. Top-rated surf schools in Ghana? Got ‘em. A whole community of Black travelers all over the world? We’ve got that, too. Here, you’ll find stories from Black travelers, like a mother-daughter duo adventuring in Iceland, plus recs from locals for all the best Black-owned shops and eats—from cubanos to jollof rice. This is your ever-expanding guide to Black travel and culture, wherever you are in the world.
But first, let’s talk food
Big cities, bigger flavors
Get your fix in these culture hubs
Fill your cup (or plate)
From coffee and rum to soul food
Support Black-owned
Bookmark these Black-owned spots
Where to shop, eat, and stay in top destinations
A local's guide to Black-owned London
London is renowned for celebrating cultures beyond British shores. And one of the most exciting things I’ve seen in my more than two decades living and working at the center of this vibrant city is the evolving and eclectic mix of Black-owned businesses taking the English capital by storm. From an artisan chocolate shop to a retro Polynesian cocktail bar, here’s my rundown of must-visit Black-owned spots.
Shadé Owomoyela, London, UK
Bingham Riverhouse638If you’re looking for a cozy riverside retreat without leaving London, this is it. My top tip about this mother-daughter-run hotel? Borrow an in-house Pashley bike and explore the acres of surrounding parkland on two wheels. Richmond Park (a 15-minute walk or five-minute bike ride) is ideal for a romantic picnic with a side of deer spotting.
Black Cultural Archives29I’ve always been in awe of the way Black culture has shaped so much of the London I know today. For a fascinating dive into Black Britain, stop into the Black Cultural Archives in South London’s Brixton neighborhood. It’s one of the first museums of its kind to showcase both contemporary art and historical exhibitions.
Blank Coffee31Soul food meets great coffee in a hub that prides itself on mixing British, Jamaican, and Antipodean flavors. Like your brunches laid-back and low-key? Order a slice of homemade cake, get snug in a window seat, and bring your furry friend along for company.
Trailer Happiness117This speakeasy-style rum bar has been Portobello Road’s late-night haven of good tunes and good energy for more than three decades. Retro Polynesian decor and a buzzy atmosphere make it particularly popular on Saturday nights, so book in advance. Then come for the irresistibly cool vibes and stay for the best Mai Tai of your life.
Prince of Peckham113Opened by the Nigerian-born Clement Ogbonnaya to create an inclusive community venue, Prince of Peckham might look like your average boozer. But R&B Thursdays, happy-hour cocktails, and Caribbean plates set it apart and cement its status as South London royalty.
Dark Sugars388Bringing African cocoa to Brick Lane is Dark Sugars, one of the coolest artisan shops in town. This is the perfect place to pick up a gift or souvenir—the chili-chocolate truffles never disappoint.
Experiences to remember
The best Black-owned tours, lessons, and more
Take it from the locals
Discover your fave cities with a new lens
Brush up on Black history
Hit the road
Landmarks and historic stops for your next trip
Take a (road) trip through hip-hop history
From the Bronx down to D.C., these are the iconic stops
Stories from the community
A mother-daughter trip to Reykjavik
Like most mothers and daughters, my mom and I butt heads from time to time—but our love of travel brings us together. I’ve dreamt of the day I could take her somewhere she hasn’t been, much the way she did with me when I was little. And a few years ago, I was finally able to plan a special mother-daughter trip to Iceland.
Vanessa Wilkins, Los Angeles, CA
Blue Lagoon20,023We headed here right after landing in Reykjavik—it’s conveniently located for a stop on the way into the city. While I floated through the milky-blue waters with a face mask and prosecco, my mom waved from the on-site restaurant Lava, where she enjoyed a leisurely lunch with an incredible view of the lagoon.
Matur Og Drykkur1,134Locals rave about this restaurant, which is named after an Icelandic cookbook that translates to “food and drink,” and we were eager to try it out. The menu here features modern takes on traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb and salted cod. I pushed to get the tasting menu to get the full range of flavors, and the experience didn’t disappoint.
Hidden Iceland1,362Rather than bickering over directions in a car, we let the experts at Hidden Iceland take the wheel, signing up for the company’s Golden Circle Tour. Our guide was fantastic, taking us to see national treasures like the Secret Lagoon and Gullfoss waterfall, while providing insider tips and recommendations within the city limits, as well.
Reykjavik Art Museum Hafnarhus525You can visit all three of the Reykjavík Art Museums placed around the city, but Hafnarhus is my favorite. Located in the oldest part of the city where the first docks were located, it houses contemporary art from around the world. My mom and I spent hours here admiring the impressive collection and the architectural nods to the building’s previous life as a port warehouse.
Braud & Co2,790This was the perfect place for a quick, delicious breakfast before a day of exploring. We loved the signature sourdough bread and pastries, but my pro tip is to be sure to leave room for the cinnamon rolls, which Tripadvisor reviewers rave about.
Safari Quads1,442Seeking a little adrenaline rush one day, we signed up for an exhilarating ATV adventure with Safari Quads. I took the wheel, and—with my mom beside me—we navigated the rocky trails to a mountain peak that gave way to breathtaking panoramic views of Reykjavík and the Reykjavík Peninsula.
Kröst468This cozy grill and wine bar is a hidden gem located in Iceland’s Hlemmur food hall. There are small bites, burgers, and, of course, a robust wine list (my favorite!). Mom and I grabbed a few drinks here before continuing down Laugavegur to check out Reykjavík’s buzzy nightlife scene.
Northern Lights Minibus Tour with Hot Cocoa, Blankets & Photos192The highlight of our visit to Iceland was this guided tour of the Northern Lights. Like many visitors to Iceland, we actually had to hunt for the elusive aurora more than once: We were unlucky the first night and couldn’t see them. We took the same tour the next day (free of charge!) and there they were, in all their colorful glory, dancing across the night sky.
