Travelling the world and making our own memories is what we love the most about being globetrotters. And if cities are where you feel most at home, then there are plenty of destinations to suit you! Cities are amazing places to visit because they are rich with history, have unique architecture and still have the hustle and bustle that you enjoy. Cities are iconic, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy! That buzz when you arrive in a new city and discover it through a fresh pair of eyes is exciting, and really transforms your experience in a foreign country. So where are the best city escapes?
There is so much choice, so little time. Let us help you get inspired for your next trip with our selection of favorite cities that you just have to visit!
New York
New York is the city escape! The city is spectacular, particularly at night with its multicolored lights and famous billboards. Admire the breathtaking views from the Empire State Building across the whole city, and the One World Observatory. Visit the iconic Central Park – practice your best yoga moves, grab a bite to eat or enjoy a day at the zoo, then walk across the park and discover the Guggenheim, or the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
If you’re a shopping fiend, then New York is the place to be. Enjoy Chelsea market with its range of shops, restaurants and fresh food markets that will get your taste buds tingling, or discover their wide range of shopping malls and department stores such as the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue or Brookfield Place, both buildings are eye-catching and beautifully designed, you’ll love strolling around these spectacular shopping destinations.
Paris
Paris is the city of love and light – so it’s no wonder the French capital is a popular tourist destination. It has so much to offer – history, shopping, amazing gastronomical experiences, and architecture that will have you wishing you lived there! Picnic at the Jardins des Tuileries before exploring the Louvre, and of course, stop off at the world-renowned Eiffel Tower! Enjoy a boat cruise across the Seine to discover the city in all its beauty, or get a Velib’ bike and cycle the distance Parisian style!
Paris also has some beautiful parks – Parc Monceau, or Buttes Chaumont, where you will find most Parisians sunbathing as soon as the weather gets warmer. For a unique take on museums, get yourself a ticket to the Yves Saint Laurent museum for an immersive experience into Saint Laurent’s creative world, or, check out the Musée de l’Illusion, a museum created to play tricks on your mind.
London
London is a beautiful city with a true eclectic mix – each borough has its own atmosphere, and that’s why we love it! From the rock’n’roll edge of Camden Town to the creative, hip Shoreditch, there is something for everyone. Of course, if it’s your first time visiting London, stop by to get a snap of Buckingham Palace and discover Green Park, for a bit of tranquillity within Central London. And don’t forget Big Ben and Westminster! If you love city parks, then Hyde Park will definitely be one to tick off your list – it’s the most famous park in London, and it allows you to escape the busy Oxford Street and Marble Arch.
Into alternative culture? Explore Camden, and enjoy its diversity – from the international cuisine street food stands, to antique stores, to tattoo and piercing shops, it shows Camden’s transformation over the last few decades. Remember to stop at Regent’s Canal for a pitstop while on your adventures!
Brighton
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Brighton is a seaside town on the southern coast of the UK. Renowned for its pier with fun for all the family, it’s ideal for a family city escape thanks to its arcade games and rides. Wanting to wind down? Stroll across the beach before walking down to the Royal Pavilion with its unique Indo-Saracenic style, which used to be a place to stay for the British royal family during the 1800s.
Discover Brighton’s cobbled streets and see what the city has to offer. It has a wide range of restaurants to suit everyone’s tastes, and independent stores and shopping centres to ensure that you bring back something you love to remind you of your trip!
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is seen as the “Paris of the south”, the city has unique architecture, just like Paris, and is well-loved by the French and tourists alike. As well as being renowned for its wine culture, Bordeaux is well known for Place de la Bourse, a square that is really a symbol for the city. Just a short walk away, you can enjoy the Water Mirror, a display created by landscape artist, Michel Corajoud, which is a popular tourist attraction.
Are you a wine lover? Then stop off at La Cité du Vin, a high tech museum that will teach you all the ins and outs of wine – its building is truly unique, and stands out against the old architecture of the city. Then, we recommend you take in the view of the majestic Bordeaux Cathedral, and its medieval gothic architecture.
Stockholm
Via Helena Bradbury
Stockholm is a striking city, combining the dreamy mix of the old town and hip and trendy roads of shops and restaurants. It’s a mix of old and new, and even in its coldest months, Stockholm is stunning. Discover the city’s medieval roots by visiting Gamla Stan, where you can find the cathedral, and cobbled streets, which have a certain charm to them. It is also home to the Royal Palace, which is open to the public all year round and you can get a guided tour around the baroque style palace.
Do you love art? Then you will fall for the Modern Art Museum! Originally created in the 1950s, the museum moved in the 90s to a building designed by Rafael Moneo. You can find artists such as Picasso, Henri Matisse and Salvador Dali. There are regular exhibitions, and you can enjoy a meal at the restaurant with typical Scandi dishes.
Copenhagen
Did you know that Copenhagen is one of the happiest cities in the world? The happy locals, cycling culture and culinary scene makes it one of the must-see destinations in Europe. This is an ideal destination for all – whether you’re a family or having a trip between friends, there is fun for everyone! From Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest theme parks, where you can also see musicals and concerts, to Nyhavn, the city’s docks where you can enjoy a drink and admire the view of the harbor, this is a city that has a lot to offer!
In the heart of Copenhagen, you can find the Botanical Gardens, that stretches for acres, with glasshouses dating back to the 1870s, and over 13,000 species of plants, in which you can find 600 species of Danish plants. Plan a picnic at this beautiful park, and even get a guided tour of the glasshouses!
Barcelona
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Barcelona should definitely be on your list of city escapes! Admire Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, which is not expected to be finished until 2026. It has been in construction for over 100 years and is one of the world’s most iconic churches. Gaudi was aware he would not be alive to see the end of construction and he left detailed plans so that the project could continue. Barcelona is also known for its vibrant streets such as Las Ramblas, with its multicolored architecture. It’s one of the most famous streets in Europe, and you can find La Boqueria, the traditional market to discover in the city!
The city is known for artists’ presence such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, we recommend you visit the MACBA, a cutting-edge and beautifully designed contemporary art museum, where you can attend exhibitions, and there are even activities for families to keep the little ones busy!
San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the cities you just have to visit during your lifetime! The views from Golden Gate Bridge, and glorious sunsets are just one of the many reasons why you should travel there. It’s a culturally diverse place, you can watch the ballet, and many playwrights past and present have written while being in San Francisco. It is also the dream destination for foodies – with over 4500 restaurants, you will be truly spoilt for choice! No two neighborhoods are alike, so you can try different cuisines and try out new things during your visit.
Another must-see is Chinatown, which is like a little bit of China within the city. Stop by its Chinese-owned restaurants for truly authentic cuisine. And for the shopaholics, there are plenty of places to splash your cash at – head over to Union Square for the biggest retail names!
If you enjoyed reading this article you may also enjoy our list of the Best Looking Cities in the World!
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