City breaks can be a great way to escape everyday life for a while without breaking the bank and without sacrificing too much of that precious time off work. Not all of us are as lucky to travel full time, and who doesn't need a well-deserved break from work every once in a while? I've always been more of a beach bum than a city girl, but it's great to check out the cultural centre of a country as you're passing through it because I always find it gives such a different impression of the country. Plus it gives you a good excuse to give in to the tourist inside you - to do and see all the things you've read about. My parents love a good city break and are always jetting off for a mid-season getaway; in the last few years they've been to Venice, Rome, Athens and Barcelona - I've got a bit of catching up to do when it comes to Europe! But luckily my readers come from all over the world so I thought for my list of top city breaks I would take a look at some of my favourite cities from across the world - so whether you're based in America, Europe, Asia or Australia - there'll be one nearby for you to check out.
UK
LONDON
Of course, a particular favourite in the UK. London is a bustling, vibrant city packed full of things to do, and for me, lots of people to see. I studied near London and love returning there to visit friends and family. Plus it's a great place to go shopping, visit one of the amazing museums, go to the theatre or spend a day at one of the fantastic markets. When I'm at home, I usually end up heading to London pretty regularly and never run out of new experiences - check what's on listings as there are always free events going on! If you're wanting to make a full weekend of it and want to experience somewhere new to stay. Why not try somewhere like the Rosewood hotel? Based in Covent garden, it oozes luxury and acts as a perfect luxury getaway (take me there now!).
BRIGHTON
One of my favourite cities in the UK even though I have only been twice - I last visited years ago with my boyfriend and had the most amazing weekend. It's a beautiful city and I love that it's right by the sea - my perfect kind of city. It has a more relaxed feel than London and is full of quaint little boutiques and independent shops when you head to the Lanes. There's some fantastic restaurants and hotels there, and I loved staying in a beautiful boutique hotel overlooking the sea when we went.
EUROPE
ROME
I went to Rome years ago on a school trip where we visited all the stunning historical monuments; walked around the Coliseum and threw coins in the Trevi Fountain, we pounded the streets drinking in the culture, practicing our Italian, and stuffing our faces with pizza and ice cream. I've always wanted to go back since, it's a beautiful city and a perfect one if you love your food and culture, there's just so much history waiting for you. Just remember to take good walking shoes as you'll be out all day!
VALETTA
I went on holiday to Malta two years ago and totally fell in love with the country - it may be tiny but it's a fantastic place to visit. Being so small you can work your way around the whole island by bus and experience every part of Maltese culture. We took a day trip to Valetta, the capital city, and loved the day we spent wandering a round the adorable little streets, around the harbour, and eating Maltese desserts from a cute little bakery in the square outside the library.
BRUSSELS
Sensing a theme here? One of the main reasons I love to travel is the food and the choice of Brussels was a great one for that. My mum and I headed here for a weekend of chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate to celebrate my 18th birthday. I loved the city, it was so beautiful and the buildings were just stunning. You could walk the streets for hours just looking around and I lost count of the amazing restaurants. It's such a cosmopolitan city that you can eat food from all over Europe in the same street!
FURTHER AFIELD
NEW YORK
The ultimate in city break getaways, New York has everything and more to offer. It's a magical city and one I've fallen in love with over and over again, I've actually been there four times and still not run out of things to do. Beyond all the usual touristy activities, there's endless restaurants to gorge yourself at, neighbourhoods within the city to explore, shopping to be done and experiences to have. I'm writing a full post on New York that will be going up over the next week make sure to look out for that if you're planning a trip!
BANGKOK
Easily one of my favourite cities in the world - it's a total culture shock, it's brash, rude and extremely cheeky, you're always in for a good time there and there is so much to see. Amazing historical monuments, beautiful temples scattered across the city, shopping centres and markets packed with everything you could imagine, a nightlife that will keep you going until sunrise. And the food, oh my god, the food. It's dreamy and spicy, it's exciting and unexpected. Fully expect to spend most of your time scouring street food stalls and eating the world.
HOI AN
Fancy something a little less mainstream? Head to Vietnam where one of the prettiest little cities awaits. Set upon a river, but just a few kilometres from the beach, the city has everything you could want including an incredible, rich history that lies on every corner waiting to be discovered. There are a fantastic range of shops, and plenty of opportunities to get clothes made specifically for you. Plus the food is amazing, totally unlike the food elsewhere in Asia - it brings a range of different flavours and textures to the table.
After three months living in the outback, I've never been more excited at the prospect of returning to a city. I'll be flying to Melbourne in nine days and I can't wait to experience the hustle and bustle again. Plus Melbourne has so much to offer - not only is it right by the sea but it's full of art and music and a quirky attitude that I love. I'm looking forward to exploring and discovering all the little treasures that lurk around the city, I can't wait to shop and be able to do city activities again like going to museums and the cinema, going to clubs and bars that don't close at 11pm, being able to use public transport and never being far away from a shop - trust me you really appreciate that stuff after living in the Australian outback!
What is your favourite city and why? Which ones should I visit? Have you visited any of these - what did you love about it? Any cities you wouldn't want to visit?
