Travel

Top 10 City Breaks

1) New York City

New York, New York, the city so good they named it twice! Here in the Big Apple, boredom just doesn’t seem to exist and there is something to do around every corner. Begin your day with Breakfast at Tiffany’s (obviously!) and then spend the morning shopping in all the designer stores lining Fifth Avenue. Break for a picnic lunch in the middle of Central Park before soaking up the amazing view from the top of the Empire State Building. You can then sail across to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty at sunset. After this, it’s time for a slap-up dinner from one of New York’s finest street vendors before sitting back and losing yourself in one of the world-famous Broadway shows. Round off your evening with a stroll through the bright lights of Times Square before falling, exhausted, into your bed. Phew! It’s not called The City That Never Sleeps for nothing!

 

2) Paris

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend break or a classy getaway with the girls, Paris is a destination not to be missed. Immerse yourself in the French culture and language, maybe even push your daring side with an entrée of snails or frogs legs (they taste like chicken!) . Sightseeing is a must. You can’t come to Paris and not climb the Eiffel Tower or take  a stroll down the Champs D’ Élysée. Maybe take in some of the worlds finest works of art during a trip to The Louvre. If  this all sounds a little too sophisticated for you, then why not take a short train journey and indulge your inner child at Walt Disneyland Resort, Paris? Whatever you decide, Paris is one of the worlds most famous cities, make the most of it.

 

 

3) Rome

Rome may be old, but that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful. With so much to offer, you will soon see why some people never want to leave. Here in Rome, the past and the present are intertwined; one second you could be walking down a modern shopping street, you turn a corner, and it’s as if you have been transported back a thousand years. You can challenge your friends to a battle in the Colosseum, make a wish in the Trevi Fountain or pay the Pope a visit in the Vatican city. Whether you follow the traditional tourist paths or stray off the beaten track, you are bound to create memories of Rome that will stay with you for years. Of course, if you want to see Rome as the Romans do, what better way than to hire a Vespa and explore the city on two wheels? After all, when in Rome…

 

4) Venice

Imagine yourself laying back , drifting aimlessly down a canal in a gondola with a good looking Italian gentleman at the wheel (or should I say oar?), you can hear the sound of an accordion playing in the distance and the smell of freshly cooked spaghetti fills your nose. Sounds like heaven, right? Now imagine that you could actually be there, in fact, stop imagining and go and book some tickets! If it’s peace and tranquility you’re looking for then Venice is the place for you. Watch as Venetian artists bring masterpieces to life before your very eyes down one of the quiet side streets and indulge in gourmet Italian cuisine on a street-corner (and yes, I am including gelato under this category, of course). If floating lazily downstream and watching the world go by sounds like the perfect city break to you, then Venice is the perfect city to do it in.

 

5) Barcelona

As the second largest city in Spain, you certainly won’t be short of things to do during a trip to Barcelona. If architecture is your thing then you won’t be disappointed. Make sure to marvel at the extensive detail that has gone into the creation of each building, from the smallest of churches to the huge cathedrals. For those whose passions are more sport related, why not take a day trip to Camp Nou or the Olympic Stadium that played host to the 1992 games. For the foodies among us, Barcelona is the ideal place to tempt your taste buds – make sure to try the authentic Catalan cuisine as well as the more traditional Spanish dishes. Barcelona is definitely a city that deserves to be seen.

 

6) Berlin

Everyone knows something about German history so if you’re looking to learn more, what better place to look than the nation’s capital?  Take yourself back twenty years and stand where the Berlin Wall once stood and see first-hand the effects war can have on a city. It may not be the most beautiful city in the world but what it lacks in appearance is more than made up for in history and things to see and do. Also, if (like me) you are a sucker for a souvenir, you will be pleased to hear that shopping in Berlin is well-known for being cheap and cheerful so if you want to bag a bargain,  Berlin is the place to do it.

 

 

7) Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city that needs to be recognized for more than just its notorious red light district and its leniency towards narcotics. While these attractions may be one of the reasons this city is so popular with students and stag do’s, there are several other things to see and do if you are planning a somewhat tamer trip to the Netherlands. The entire city is structured around the historic canals and waterways and the transportation around the city is great, both on water and land. The many museums around the city are sure to tap into your cultural side and the beautiful flowers and gardens that decorate Amsterdam will make for a photographers paradise. An amazing city all year round that everyone should go and see at least once.

 

 

8) Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, there is a lot more awaiting you than tartan kilts and plates of haggis. What better way to start your trip than by taking a traditional open top bus tour around the city to see the sights and familiarize yourself  with your surroundings. For the whiskey drinkers among us, make sure you check out the Scotch Whiskey Experience, complete with taste samples at the end of the tour.  If galleries and museums are more your style, you will not be disappointed and the National Museum of Scotland is a good place to start. If you are fans of travelling by foot or are looking for a good walking holiday destination then Edinburgh should definitely be on your list. Surrounded by rolling hills and glorious countryside, it is easy to forget that you are actually in a busy city. Of course, feel free to try on the kilts and sample haggis as well.

9) London

If you are planning a short getaway but don’t want to stray too far from the beaten track, why not plan a weekend break in our own capital city? London is one of the most cosmopolitan and culturally diverse cities in the world and is definitely worth the visit. Catch a show in the world renowned West End, take a cruise down the River Thames or see the sights from the top of the London Eye. If shopping is of interest to you, check out the Covent Garden market for a bargain or if you (and your wallet) are feeling daring, head down to Oxford Street or Westfields shopping center. Take yourself back to Shakespearean times with a performance at The Globe theatre and admire the crown jewels at the Tower of London. Before you leave for the day, head over to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard and, of course, try and make one of the guards laugh.

 

 

10) Reyjkavik 

Reyjkavik is probably not a city that would immediately spring to mind when you are planning a city break but it is not a city to be overlooked. The beautiful scenery is probably the most obvious reason to visit Iceland and nature is practically on your doorstep in Reyjkavik. Take a cycle tour through the valleys or a day trip on a whale watching excursion, if you like to relax by playing golf then take advantage of the several golf courses surrounding the area. If you are planning a winter city break with a bit of excitement, why not take up skiing or skating in the beautiful winter wonderland of Reyjkavik. There are countless museums and galleries in the area to tickle your cultural taste buds covering everything from food to music and all things in between – including the Icelandic Phallological Museum! If you head out of the city in the evening you may be lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights – just in case Reyjkavik wasn’t pretty enough for you.

1 Comment
To Top