Top 10 City Breaks, chosen by Hits Radio Escapes
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Whether you want to indulge in some local cuisine in the concrete jungle of New York, cycle through Amsterdam or sunbathe in the cosmopolitan hotspot that is Barcelona, Hits Radio Offers has the perfect city break for you.
For those out there who need some inspiration, read on… here are our top 10 city breaks in Europe:
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!Things to do 1. Venice
Venice never fails to enchant. Summer brings some of the most daunting crowds, but there's a reason why they come: the sheer loveliness of this amazing city miraculously built on water. Think Gondolas, gelatos and romance! Grab a bottle of Venetian Vino, a singing Gondolier and punt down the city’s picturesque waterways - it’s as magical as the movies make out, and perfect for creating those ever-lasting memories.
But there is much more to Venice than it’s Gondolas… for centuries it’s provided inspiration to artists, musicians and writers across the world – and there are signs of this dotted around the city. If you want to see the Venetian Masters, then a trip to the famous Gallerie dell’Accademia is a must. The city’s principle opera house La Fenice, hosts at least two concert seasons a year so make sure you check out what’s on.
Venice is famed for its beautiful seafood, so spend the evenings enjoying sumptuous dishes with a glass of Prosecco at a waterside bar, and soak up the unique beauty of this charming city.
!Getaways 2. Berlin
With a rich history, ample shopping opportunities, and a thriving microbrewery scene there’s plenty to experience on city breaks to Berlin. Germany’s capital embraces all that is cool, edgy, and fashionable. In summer, the city’s residents take full advantage of the decent weather to hit the streets, rivers and lakes and partake in endless events across the city.
Since the fall of its world-renowned Wall, Berlin has busied itself with becoming one of the most stimulating creative and cultural centres in Europe, and although the Wall was demolished in 1990 part of it has been restored along the southern border of Wedding and Mitte. At Check Point Charlie, there’s a tourist centre where comprehensive display boards tell the wall’s story – a must for a culture vulture.
It’s incredibly rich culture and is steeped in history, which you can see in the jumbled styles and influences of architecture and monuments. There is no better place to discover all that the city has to offer, than The Reichstag (home of the German Parliament). The glass structured roof offers panoramic views of the city.
!Food & Drink 3. Paris
Because in the words of Audrey Hepburn...“Paris is always a good idea"...There are so many iconic tourist attractions to visit whilst in Paris; Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle to name a few. And of course, the Eiffel Tower!
Paris truly is one of the world's most beautiful cities – the French capital has a beautiful selection of museums and art galleries, but there are two that must be visited before you leave. Firstly, Musee d’Orsay; housed in a former Railway station this museum boasts the best collection of impressionist paintings in the world and hosts spectacular exhibitions every year. Secondly; Musee du Louvre: the home of Mona Lisa and Venus De Milo, not to mention one of the more incredible collections of ancient artefacts found in Europe.
Visit Paris, drink coffee and dine on crème Brule; you too can play at being a Parisian.
!Health & Beauty 4. Rome
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you definitely won’t see everything it has to offer in a short weekend – but you can give it a good go! Combine ancient Roman antiquities, fascinating museums, fine restaurants and buzzing bars for the perfect Rome City Break. Rome's mild Mediterranean climate is a persuasive draw for visitors. The challenge is deciding what not to do: there are so many churches, archaeological sites, piazzas and paintings to see that a lifetime is hardly enough.
We recommend you throw a coin in the Trevvi Fountain and take an open top bus tour of the city. It’s a great way to see the awe-inspiring architecture, and visit the famous attractions without wearing your feet down. The Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Pantheon are just a few monuments of Ancient Rome that you must see.
!Goodies 5. Istanbul
Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and is fast becoming the place to go for a short city break. Superbly situated either side of the blue ribbon of the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe from Asia, Istanbul is unlike any other city in the world split between two continents.
There is so much to see - highlights include the Blue Mosque, an excellent example of classical Ottoman architecture, Topkapi Palace, the largest and oldest palace in the world, and the Grand Bazaar; one of the world’s largest covered markets.
The old quarter, with its oriental-fantasy skyline of domes and minarets, and its narrow cobbled streets lined with quaint wooden houses, lies on a tapering peninsula pointing gravely across the straits to Asia. To the south, the blue waters of the Sea of Marmara glitter. North, across the graceful curve of the Golden Horn, flicker the bright lights of the entertainment quarter of Beyoğlu.
!Goodies 6. Barcelona
Barcelona is a patchwork of architectural styles and displays dark, Gothic façades next to the harlequin buildings of the Modernistas; not forgetting the breath-taking skyline.Barcelona has a relaxed pace, months of endless sunshine and unbeatable food – after a day of site seeing, sit down to tasty tapas and an ice cold beer or glass of vermouth in one of Barcelona’s many bars and restaurants.
Barcelona also has over 4km of beaches to enjoy and a vibrant nightlife - a couple of days in Barcelona will have you feeling refreshed and relaxed!
!Goodies 7. Amsterdam
Getting around is easy, as Amsterdam is small enough to walk or cycle almost anywhere you want to go – which means it’s inexpensive too. It has the buzz of a metropolis, with few big-city drawbacks.Dinky gabled buildings, pretty bridges and quiet canals give it village-like charm, yet you’ll also find top-ranking art museums and one of the best orchestras in the world.
But no Amsterdam city break is complete without a trip along the famous canals...Hire a boat and go explore the waterways to really get a feel of the city’s beauty. As you meander through the city’s waterways, be sure to catch a glimpse of Bloemenmarkt – the only floating flower market in the world.
!Goodies 8. Florence
Experience the best of Tuscany in fantastic Florence. The city's rich Rennaisance history is a sight to behold - grand chapels and churches, galleries and museums, and world-famous architecture… there’s so much to see here, it’s difficult to know where to start.We recommend taking the time though to explore the busy food markets by day, dine at the local trattorias by night, and visit some of the city's famous wine bars – ‘Coquinarius’ is among its most famous.
!Goodies 9. Budapest
Along the banks of the Danube River, this city is full to bursting with ancient streets and romantic bridges, incredible landmarks, great food and a vibrant atmosphere.Visit the museums, from the National Art Museum through to the Terror Museum - a recent addition to the capital telling the story of oppression under Nazi and Communist rule. Feeling more adventurous? A steep climb leads to Buda's Castle District, where medieval walls and cathedral towers stand guard over the river below.
!Goodies 10. London
People pour in from across the world to visit, work or live in London. The range of restaurants, bars, theatres, sports, pop-ups, performance art and large-scale events is astounding… complete your journey by booking a ride on the London Eye where you can view the stunning skyline, followed Madame Tussauds and the Natural History Museum. With so much to see and do, come the end of your trip you’ll no doubt be exhausted! So book yourself on a relaxing River Cruise along the Thames, sit back and relax… sounds perfect! Broaden your horizons not your budget – go exploring with Hits Radio Escapes.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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