European Cities
Great City Breaks
by Peter Graham
by Peter Graham
If you're considering taking a city break in Europe, your biggest problem could be deciding where to go and where to stay. The choice is mind-boggling. If its luxury you're after, some of the world's most historic and luxurious hotels are waiting to welcome you. But if you just want to relax somewhere quiet, there are hundreds of small hotels where you can while away the days in a courtyard or pavement cafe and pretend you're a local.
We all have our favourite cities for a summer break: Paris, London, Prague, Berlin and BarcelonaM. But there are dozens of other cities filled with attractions and perfect for a short holiday. Here we take a look at four cities destined to be among the most exciting destinations in Europe this summer:
Dublin, Ireland
Once it was considered old and grey, but Dublin has transformed itself over the past decade or two into one of the most vibrant, trendy cities in Europe. Unsurprisingly, given the Irish penchant for a tipple, it has a wonderful party scene and you can literally spend the whole week-end cruising pubs and clubs if that's your scene. And, most of the time, you'll able to walk from one packed venue to another.
If that sounds too hectic, there's plenty to keep you busy if you want to soak up the city's fascinating history. Check out Dublin Castle and its superb Chester Beatty Library, as well as Trinity college, Oscar Wilde's alma mater. You can also check out Wilde's home and see a statue of him.
This being Ireland, you just have to taste Guiness, the national brew. Visit the Guinness Storehouse in St James’s Gate if you are a lover of the black stuff and take a stroll down Grafton Street to see artists and buskers ply their trade. If you're in search of a restaurant, head for Dame Street, where there is a great selection.
Of course, the place to drink is Temple Bar, with its cobblestone streets and rowdy pubs. Let's hand it to the Irish, they know how to party. And they are one of the friendliest nations in Europe, there's certainly no xenophobia here. You'll be treated as a friend, not a tourist. And that makes a big difference.
Recommended hotel: Temple Bar Hotel *** Right in the heart of the action. Chances are you'll be able to walk everywhere from here. The perfect place to stay if you're in a party mood.
Naples, Italy
While other tourists pack Rome, Florence and Venice, get your bit of Italy this summer by visiting Naples
(Napoli to Italians). It's less of a tourist magnet than its more famous rivals, but this doesn't mean it's not a fabulous destination. Founded by the Greeks and expanded by the Romans, the city boasts stunning architecture and a rich history. You could spend your whole holiday exploring the historic city centre, which has been declared a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site. Narrow alleyways lead to small churches, mysterious catacombs and delightful craft shops.
You can also visit the city's intriguing underworld; a labyrinth of caves which stretches 80 kms from the entrance at Piazza San Gaetano. But perhaps its greatest claim to fame is that pizza originated here. The city's chefs take this honour very seriously, so this is where you'll taste some of the best pizza in the world.
If you feel like a trip out of town, you can visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were destroyed by the volcano on Mount Vesuvius. Regarded as some of the best Roman ruins in Italy, they are definitely worth a visit. You may also want to visit the beautiful island of Capri, only a 45-minute ferry trip from Naples port.
Recommended hotel: Britannique Hotel **** A good value hotel only 10 minutes walk from the historical centre and the seaside promenade. The grand decor may be fading, but some rooms have a great view of the bay.
Sofia, Bulgaria
The ancient city of Sofia is scenically situated at the foot of the Vitosha Mountains. With its neo-classical Stalinist architecture and Soviet-style block housing, it may seem an unlikely choice for a weekend break. But wander down one of the city side streets and you will discover a different Sofia, with pretty tree-lined boulevards and balconied buildings.
You will find that the streets are abuzz with locals having a great time. Join them at one of the many open-air cafes for coffee, check out the bazaars for local produce, buy flowers from a gypsy on a street corner and take time to listen to a few of the street musicians. Jump aboard one of the rattling old trams and visit one of the many Orthodox churches dotted around the city.
Most tourists to Bulgaria only stop over in Sofia on their way to the ski resorts and the Black Sea, so you'll never feel crowded out by foreigners in this city. As other European capitals heave under the influx of the summer tourist wave, Sofia retains a charming innocence and a friendly, welcoming attitude.
Recommended hotel: Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan *****, a truly grand hotel in the city centre, with huge archways, Italian marble floors and twin ballrooms.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia has transformed itself since it won the right to stage the prestigious America's Cup yacht race last year. The city, known for its beaches, oranges and paella is now of the most sought-after destinations for the world's yachting fraternity. The new Port America's Cup and its 600-berth marina is impressive and a great place to spend time checking out the millionaires and their
The city's brave vision can be seen in the City of Arts and Sciences, Europe's largest leisure complex. The work of local architect Santiago Calatrava, this white cityscape is truly inspirational. Stretching 2.5 kilometres, it consists of the Arts Centre, a Science Museum, a Planetarium and an Ocean Park.
If it all seems too futuristic for you, take a stroll through the historic Old Quarter. Head for the Plaza de la Reina and the Barrio del Carmen area, where palaces have been transformed into bars, restaurants and cafes. Take time to check out the city's magnificent cathedral, famous as the supposed hiding place of the Holy Grail. If you read the best-selling novel the Da Vinci Code, you will know that Valencia features prominently.
The best times to visit are during the Las Fallas festival in March and the Festival La Tomatina in August. During Las Fallas they burn big effegies, while at the tomato festival, they have wild street fights with tons of tomatoes. The locals will be happy to let you join in these fun events. However, whenever you visit Valencia, make sure you save time to enjoy a dish of fresh paella at one of the seafront restaurants at La Malvarroso beach.
Recommended hotel: Melia Valencia Palace Hotel ***** Luxury in the heart of the city, alongside the Turia River Gardens and the Music Palace. A rooftop swimming pool and solarium offering spectacular views and the beach is only a short drive away.
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Siem Reap, Cambodia
Enjoy the comfort, elegance and superb refinement of the French Art de Vivre close to Cambodia's great tourist attraction, Angkor Wat. At the Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa, the level of service is only matched by the building's graceful colonial architecture. Located in the heart of the quaint old market town of Siem Reap, close to the World Heritage-listed temples, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely break.
Rooms from only US$114 per night! Stay two nights and get an additional night free
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