Why Go on a City Break this Summer?

Stuck between a rural retreat or a city break this summer? Discover the benefits of being in the urban, from cultural sites and cuisine to thrilling nightlife.

Immerse yourself in culture

Captivating historical sites are part and parcel of major cities which have been developed over decades – if not centuries. This makes them the perfect place to delve into a destination’s heritage, through visits to age-old attractions such as castles and cathedrals and tours of museums with world-class exhibitions.

Try to time your visit to coincide with a colourful festival denoting a particular cultural tradition. Some of the best festivals in the world include the Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, India’s Holi paint-throwing extravaganza and table-stamping Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

The contemporary culture of a city is a fascinating contrast to stories and signs of its past. Visit the latest additions to the streets such as institutes dedicated to emerging technologies and get tickets to a theatre production or music or dance performance showcasing local talent.

Sample diverse dishes

Following the boom in international travel during the second half of the 20th century, major cities now offer a vast range of cuisines. You can explore every facet of local food while having access to the culinary delights of other cultures for variety.

One of the best ways to dive into the culinary scene is to visit a street food market where you can sample diverse dishes in one place. Look out for tasters of local produce and dry goods you can take home like coffee and spices. Dare to try new things to set the experience apart: depending on where you visit, this could range from sugar-coated insects to exotic meats.

In the evenings, dine at characterful restaurants upholding cultural traditions in their food and set-up. Seek out the options in your price range which rate best for cuisine, service, entertainment and atmosphere: recent reviews are a great guide to hidden gems.

Experience vibrant nightlife

Unless you want to see the stars away from light pollution, cities are the best places to explore a destination after dark. You can immerse yourself in vibrant nightlife sure to elevate your holiday experience and take in the spectacular cityscape illuminated by neon lights.

Take the chance to live like a local and head to independent bars offering an authentic experience in terms of décor, music and the beverages they serve. You can complement this with more touristy spots designed to deliver an exceptional experience like European ice pubs.

If you want to stay out late, there will be clubs where you can dance ‘til dawn to energetic DJ sets. Clubbing not your thing? Book tickets for a live music performance instead: whether you prefer classic compositions such as orchestral pieces and operas or indie bands, there will be a venue offering events for you.

Shop ‘til you drop

Once you’ve got to grips with navigating the busy streets, a city break is the perfect opportunity to shop ‘til you drop. You can explore boutiques of all shapes and sizes to find souvenirs or pick up unique pieces you wouldn’t be able to get at home.

Ask around for recommendations from residents about the best places to purchase authentic goods, checking if there are any shops selling tat to tourists that you should avoid. Popular purchases include fabrics, jewellery, crafts and food. Bear in mind the guidance for bringing goods into the UK including restrictions and banned products and remember to declare any items when you return.

Many people use city breaks as a chance to visit designer stores to invest in the latest luxury items. Often conveniently placed side by side in one district, you can go between stores with ease and enjoy the effortless experience of being waited on by shopping assistants. The best cities for luxury shopping include Milan, the centre of Italian fashion, London and New York.

Relax in green spaces

Choosing a city break for your holiday doesn’t mean denying yourself the chance to relax in green spaces. Major urban centres usually have large nature areas where you feel a world away from city life.

Stroll around flower-filled parks with cultivated lawns and towering trees blocking the city skyline. There are often dedicated playgrounds where children can be entertained for hours, and sometimes themed activities such as treasure hunts and water sports in lakes and rivers. You can finish with a picnic in a scenic spot and take a moment to soak up the tranquillity.

Look out for botanical gardens like the world-famous Kew Gardens in London and Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. You can explore exotic plants in unbeatably spectacular settings.

Enjoy stress-free logistics

Last but certainly not least, a major benefit of a city break is the stress-free logistics. It’s easy to arrange airport transfers to and from your destination that are quick and efficient, so little time is wasted on travel, giving you more time to concentrate on exploring your temporary home from home.

Navigating cities is straightforward too as, unlike the countryside, infrastructures are geared up for vehicles and visitors. Use public transport where possible to keep costs down and to experience every facet of local life. Most cities have buses, trains and trams to choose from. For total freedom and flexibility, hire a car, rent a bike or exploring the streets on your own two feet.