9 Of The Prettiest City Breaks To Take Now
Whether you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes or awe-inspiring architecture, these are the most scenic city destinations to discover now. Warning: you’ll likely need more than a weekend to revel in their beauty. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Concentred around Unesco World Heritage canals, lined by teetering gingerbread-esque townhouses (which look even more magical with their illuminated windows after dark), Amsterdam overflows with charm and culture. Best toured by boat or bike, the compact city is renowned for its cool art and design scene, laid-back coffee shops, lively nightlife and alluring architecture.
Where to stay: The impressive Pulitzer Amsterdam inhabits no fewer than 25 Dutch Golden Age townhouses, forming a space that is both capacious yet intimate, and imbued with the artistic, creative character that the city has in abundance. The hotel is perfectly located to stroll between the nearby cultural and historic landmarks. But there is also much to discover inside its heritage walls – including the picture-perfect courtyard restaurant and The Beauty House, a hidden gem offering expert treatments from the likes of 111Skin.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne, and with panoramas of the snow-topped Swiss Alps, this is a city that is geographically blessed to the max. Make the most of the surroundings out on the emerald water with boat trips and water sports, which show the city from its best vantage point. And for skiers who want to hit the slopes, Mount Pilatus is just a 15-minute drive (or bus ride) from the city center.
Lucerne also has much history to appreciate, from the exquisitely preserved Old Town to the medieval Musegg Wall. And, of course, there’s Chapel Bridge, the 14th-century wooden bridge that crosses the Reuss river, which depicts 17th-century paintings (though some were sadly destroyed in a fire in 1993) by local artist Hans Heinrich Wägmann that illustrate events from the city’s past.
Where to stay: An extensive restoration has revived a Belle Époque landmark into the Mandarin Oriental Palace Lucerne, where elegant interiors complement the sublime lakeside setting.
Cuenca, Ecuador
The Ecuadorian city of Cuenca, recognized by Unesco for its cultural and historical attributes, is encircled by stunning scenery – from the soaring Andes mountains (within which it is perched) to the wilderness of El Cajas National Park. The splendor of the surroundings is matched by the charm of the colonial center, which is filled with significant architecture to explore, including cathedrals, plazas and characterful townhouses.
Where to stay: Celebrating the storied heritage of its address in the city’s historic core, Mansión Alcázar invites guests to “travel in time to step inside a stately Cuenca mansion from the late 19th century”. Now a refined boutique hotel, the rooms are highly embellished with art and fine objets from the region, while the restaurant, Casa Alonso, is one of the city’s most renowned.
Cape Town, South Africa
Few backdrops come close to the majesty of Table Mountain, looming beyond the South African port city. Dizzying panoramas of the sweeping scenery can be taken in from the cable cars – the drama of the mountainous landscape matched in spectacle by the beautiful beaches below (Boulders and Llandudno are renowned for good reason, while Beta Beach in Bakoven is a more secluded spot). When not marveling at the city’s natural splendor, the culinary and cultural scene provides an ample array of exciting destinations to explore. And a foray into the region’s prestigious winelands, as fruitful as they are picturesque, is a must-do addition to any Cape Town itinerary.
Where to stay: Ellerman House is a bewitching bolthole that melds bygone opulence with contemporary features across 13 delightful bedrooms. It also has an impressive fine-art collection, pretty terraced gardens and glorious views of the Atlantic.
Trogir, Croatia
A lesser-known (read: slightly less-crowded) option for a European city break, Trogir – on a sliver of an island off mainland Croatia – is steeped in such cultural heritage and history that it has been granted Unesco World Heritage status. In the Old Town, an enchanting labyrinth of ancient cobbled streets wind between the magnificent, centuries-old architecture that the city is famed for, spanning medieval Romanesque churches, and Renaissance and Baroque buildings.
Where to stay: Steps away from the beach, surrounded by the glistening Adriatic Sea and just a short walk from Trogir Old Town, the Brown Beach House is a boutique hotel that prides itself on being both elegant and welcoming. Vast windows let the sea views take center stage, but no vista is better than the one from the open-air, chequerboard-tiled swimming pool.
Jaipur, India
The kaleidoscopic city of Jaipur, situated in the royal state of Rajasthan, attracts multitudes of visitors to bask in its beguiling architecture and soak up the richness of its history and heritage. Whether you are admiring the opulent palaces and temples (Hawa Mahal, Jawahar Circle and City Palace are all unmissable) or soaking up the energy of the bustling bazaars, Jaipur provides an awe-inspiring feast for the senses. March is a particularly magical time to visit, when the radiant city celebrates Holi season with an incredible array of festivities.
Where to stay: The city is home to many decadently designed hotels. The Johri is a resplendent 19th-century home with five elegant suites, nestled within the Johri Bazaar. Elsewhere, Rajmahal Palace RAAS Jaipur is another magnificent base from which to explore the city, with an oasis of gardens and a picturesque Art Deco-style swimming pool.
Porto, Portugal
Lisbon is better known as Portugal’s city-break destination, but the charming, red-roofed city of Porto has gained traction in recent years thanks to its cultural and creative spirit, world-famous wineries and pretty perch along the Douro river. Be sure to stroll around the Unesco World Heritage Site of the city’s characterful Old Town, but don’t miss its network of ornate vintage trams, either: it’s the most scenic way to take in the landmarks.
Where to stay: Torel Palace was lovingly reimagined a couple of years ago, carefully paying homage to its centuries-old history. The romantically restored mansion boasts a number of remarkable features – from the stunning skylight to the tiled haven of the courtyard pool.
Kyoto, Japan
There might not be a ‘bad’ time to visit Kyoto, but, if you want to appreciate the city’s exquisiteness at its most magnificent, then cherry-blossom season is almost unparalleled (though, unsurprisingly, the busiest for crowds). That said, the shades in fall are similarly astonishing. And this ancient Japanese city is full of places that will enthrall – from the mountain landscape of Arashiyama and mesmeric bamboo groves to the stunning temples and traditional teahouses situated alongside modern architecture. In fact, Kyoto boasts no fewer than 17 World Heritage Sites.
Where to stay: Sowaka is a lush sanctuary amid the hum of the city, set in the lovely neighborhood of Gion and Yasaka. An ultra-tranquil space, the main building follows the ancient Sukiya architectural style, while bedrooms are dotted around the pretty courtyards.
Florence, Italy
Italy is disproportionately populated with places deserving of pretty-city status – from the canal-lined and sea-fronted to cultural centers and ancient icons. Celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance, the Tuscan capital never goes out of style for a divine and creatively charged escape where elegant architecture, artisanal treasures and world-famous works can be stumbled upon around the narrow streets. The enchantment of the city lies in its distinct intersection of art and history, so there is an endless wealth of beauty to discover – from getting lost in the piazzas and gardens to becoming immersed in its cultural delights.
Where to stay: The Place encapsulates Florentine grace and sophistication – with all the comforts of a warmly welcoming home. The Duomo Rooftop Loft is the show-stopping suite, with views of the beautiful landmark from its private balcony (as well as the bathtub).
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