City breaks

City breaks

The Lowell Hotel, New York
REVIEW
The Lowell hotel review: an Upper East Side pad offering elegance from a bygone era

Just a short stroll from Central Park and Park Avenue, this timeless property knows how to lay on old-school charm and service

New York City
Singapore city skyline at twilight.
This is easily southeast Asia’s most fun (and varied) city
Singapore
The Peninsula New York hotel
REVIEW
The Peninsula New York hotel review: a Fifth Avenue stalwart that looks like a million dollars
New York City
Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The charming, overlooked Italian city you’ll want to keep to yourself
Aerial view of Dunfermline Abbey and Palace ruins in Fife, Scotland.
The UK’s ten worst places for a city break (and why I still love them)
UK
The Naviglio Grande in Milan; La Primavera, sculpture by Filippo Gnaccarini, in the Piazza del Popolo in Rome
Milan v Rome: which city is better?
Italy
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with a busy street market.
The South Asian city with a creative underbelly
Sri Lanka
Woman and teen in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Decca Aitkenhead: My epic, basketball-themed trip to San Francisco
Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The charming, overlooked Italian city you’ll want to keep to yourself
Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The charming, overlooked Italian city you’ll want to keep to yourself
Aerial view of Dunfermline Abbey and Palace ruins in Fife, Scotland.
The UK’s ten worst places for a city break (and why I still love them)
UK
Aerial view of Dunfermline Abbey and Palace ruins in Fife, Scotland.
The UK’s ten worst places for a city break (and why I still love them)
UK
The Naviglio Grande in Milan; La Primavera, sculpture by Filippo Gnaccarini, in the Piazza del Popolo in Rome
Milan v Rome: which city is better?
Italy
The Naviglio Grande in Milan; La Primavera, sculpture by Filippo Gnaccarini, in the Piazza del Popolo in Rome
Milan v Rome: which city is better?
Italy
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with a busy street market.
The South Asian city with a creative underbelly
Sri Lanka
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with a busy street market.
The South Asian city with a creative underbelly
Sri Lanka
Woman and teen in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Decca Aitkenhead: My epic, basketball-themed trip to San Francisco
Woman and teen in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Decca Aitkenhead: My epic, basketball-themed trip to San Francisco
The Lowell Hotel, New York
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

London

Rooftop pool with striped lounge chairs and city view.
The Shard and the Tower of London – some of of the best things to do in London with children
How to keep your children entertained in London this bank holiday
Wilde Aparthotels, London, Liverpool Street has a modern, geometric roof with terraces.
These are the best serviced apartments in London for a homely stay
Family home, Notting Hill, one of the best Airbnbs in London
22 of the best Airbnbs in London
New Road Hotel in Whitechapel, one of the best budget hotels in London
A London hotel for under £200 a night? Here are 22 options
The Trafalgar St. James Hotel in London.
REVIEW
The Trafalgar St James: A refreshed London stay with great views
The Shard and the Tower of London – some of of the best things to do in London with children
How to keep your children entertained in London this bank holiday
The Shard and the Tower of London – some of of the best things to do in London with children
How to keep your children entertained in London this bank holiday
Wilde Aparthotels, London, Liverpool Street has a modern, geometric roof with terraces.
These are the best serviced apartments in London for a homely stay
Wilde Aparthotels, London, Liverpool Street has a modern, geometric roof with terraces.
These are the best serviced apartments in London for a homely stay
Family home, Notting Hill, one of the best Airbnbs in London
22 of the best Airbnbs in London
Family home, Notting Hill, one of the best Airbnbs in London
22 of the best Airbnbs in London
New Road Hotel in Whitechapel, one of the best budget hotels in London
A London hotel for under £200 a night? Here are 22 options
New Road Hotel in Whitechapel, one of the best budget hotels in London
A London hotel for under £200 a night? Here are 22 options
The Trafalgar St. James Hotel in London.
REVIEW
The Trafalgar St James: A refreshed London stay with great views
The Trafalgar St. James Hotel in London.
REVIEW
The Trafalgar St James: A refreshed London stay with great views
Rooftop pool with striped lounge chairs and city view.

Paris

The Toy Story 2 crew in TOGETHER: a Pixar Musical Adventure at Disneyland Paris
How to do Disneyland Paris on a budget — without scrimping on fun
Advice
Place des Vosges in Paris, France.
An insider’s guide to the best neighbourhoods in Paris
French President Emmanuel Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron visit Notre Dame ahead of its official reopening
Maria RealfNotre Dame cathedral reopening: how can I get tickets?
a hotel room with a soccer field in the background
Huw OliverMy night sleeping inside Paris’s most famous football stadium
FIRST PERSON
I’ve stayed at more than 60 hotels in Paris. These are my favourites
17 of the best affordable hotels in Paris under £150
Hôtel Pilgrim Paris review: affordable Seventies-style chic in the Latin Quarter
I was one of the first inside the reopened Notre Dame — here’s what to expect
Paris rooftop terrace with red furniture and Eiffel Tower view.
FIRST PERSON
I’ve stayed at more than 60 hotels in Paris. These are my favourites
Off Paris Seine, 13th arr, one of the best affordable hotels in Paris
17 of the best affordable hotels in Paris under £150
Hotel lounge with fireplace and seating.
Hôtel Pilgrim Paris review: affordable Seventies-style chic in the Latin Quarter
A group of tourists are looking at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.
I was one of the first inside the reopened Notre Dame — here’s what to expect
French President Emmanuel Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron visit Notre Dame ahead of its official reopening
Maria RealfNotre Dame cathedral reopening: how can I get tickets?
a hotel room with a soccer field in the background
Huw OliverMy night sleeping inside Paris’s most famous football stadium
ADVERTISEMENT

New York

Rooftop pool at the Virgin Hotel New York with black and white striped lounge chairs and teal umbrellas.
A bedroom at Crosby Street Hotel in New York
REVIEW
Crosby Street Hotel review: a chic urban bolt hole in downtown Manhattan
New York City
The Fleur Room, with view of Manhattan, at Moxy NYC Chelsea hotel in New York
REVIEW
Moxy NYC Chelsea hotel review: an affordable yet playful pick in a plum spot
New York City
Aerial view of Roosevelt Island, the Queensboro Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline.
Follow in the Great Gatsby’s hedonistic footsteps across New York
New York City
Lounge area in a suite at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park hotel
REVIEW
Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park hotel review: an elegant stay in Midtown
New York City
Man with backpack in Central Park.
WILL PAVIA IN NEW YORK
Central Park’s runners and riders are at war. Could I help them make peace?
US news
A bedroom at Crosby Street Hotel in New York
REVIEW
Crosby Street Hotel review: a chic urban bolt hole in downtown Manhattan
New York City
A bedroom at Crosby Street Hotel in New York
REVIEW
Crosby Street Hotel review: a chic urban bolt hole in downtown Manhattan
New York City
The Fleur Room, with view of Manhattan, at Moxy NYC Chelsea hotel in New York
REVIEW
Moxy NYC Chelsea hotel review: an affordable yet playful pick in a plum spot
New York City
The Fleur Room, with view of Manhattan, at Moxy NYC Chelsea hotel in New York
REVIEW
Moxy NYC Chelsea hotel review: an affordable yet playful pick in a plum spot
New York City
Aerial view of Roosevelt Island, the Queensboro Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline.
Follow in the Great Gatsby’s hedonistic footsteps across New York
New York City
Aerial view of Roosevelt Island, the Queensboro Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline.
Follow in the Great Gatsby’s hedonistic footsteps across New York
New York City
Lounge area in a suite at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park hotel
REVIEW
Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park hotel review: an elegant stay in Midtown
New York City
Lounge area in a suite at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park hotel
REVIEW
Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park hotel review: an elegant stay in Midtown
New York City
Man with backpack in Central Park.
WILL PAVIA IN NEW YORK
Central Park’s runners and riders are at war. Could I help them make peace?
US news
Man with backpack in Central Park.
WILL PAVIA IN NEW YORK
Central Park’s runners and riders are at war. Could I help them make peace?
US news
Rooftop pool at the Virgin Hotel New York with black and white striped lounge chairs and teal umbrellas.

Dubai

The Dubai skyline at sunrise
Thinking of heading to Dubai? Here’s what’s not to miss…
Tapasake terrace restaurant at One&Only One Za’abeel hotel in Dubai
REVIEW
One&Only One Za’abeel hotel review: a towering but tranquil Dubai retreat
Swimming pool with striped lounge chairs and colorful shade sails.
Sarah Hedley HymersHow to live it up in Dubai for under £200 a night
The Lana, Business Bay, is one of the best hotels in Dubai
Nicola Chilton26 of the hottest hotels in Dubai for 2025
I’ve been going to the world’s wackiest city for 20 years. Here’s why I love it
REVIEW
Atlantis The Palm hotel review: a Dubai palace with entertainment for the whole family
Dubai chocolate is delicious but I discovered a lot more at this food-lover’s dream destination
Ireland
15 of the best family hotels in Dubai for 2025
Museum of the Future in Dubai.
I’ve been going to the world’s wackiest city for 20 years. Here’s why I love it
Atlantis The Palm hotel, Dubai
REVIEW
Atlantis The Palm hotel review: a Dubai palace with entertainment for the whole family
Aerial view of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina.
Dubai chocolate is delicious but I discovered a lot more at this food-lover’s dream destination
Ireland
Atlantis The Palm is one of the best family-friendly hotels in Dubai
15 of the best family hotels in Dubai for 2025
Swimming pool with striped lounge chairs and colorful shade sails.
Sarah Hedley HymersHow to live it up in Dubai for under £200 a night
The Lana, Business Bay, is one of the best hotels in Dubai
Nicola Chilton26 of the hottest hotels in Dubai for 2025

Rome

View of Amalfi, Italy, a resort town on the coast.
Rome cityscape with terracotta rooftops and a church dome.
Inside Rome’s most expensive — and most extraordinary — new hotel
Six Senses Rome
REVIEW
Six Senses Rome hotel review: a sustainably-minded showstopper
a room with tables and chairs and a table with a box on it that says ' a ' on it
ROME
8 of the best luxury hotels in Rome
a bedroom with a statue on the wall and a balcony
26 of the best hotels in Rome for 2025
a restaurant with tables and chairs and a view of the city
11 of the best restaurants in Rome
Rome cityscape with terracotta rooftops and a church dome.
Inside Rome’s most expensive — and most extraordinary — new hotel
Rome cityscape with terracotta rooftops and a church dome.
Inside Rome’s most expensive — and most extraordinary — new hotel
Six Senses Rome
REVIEW
Six Senses Rome hotel review: a sustainably-minded showstopper
Six Senses Rome
REVIEW
Six Senses Rome hotel review: a sustainably-minded showstopper
a room with tables and chairs and a table with a box on it that says ' a ' on it
ROME
8 of the best luxury hotels in Rome
a room with tables and chairs and a table with a box on it that says ' a ' on it
ROME
8 of the best luxury hotels in Rome
a bedroom with a statue on the wall and a balcony
26 of the best hotels in Rome for 2025
a bedroom with a statue on the wall and a balcony
26 of the best hotels in Rome for 2025
a restaurant with tables and chairs and a view of the city
11 of the best restaurants in Rome
a restaurant with tables and chairs and a view of the city
11 of the best restaurants in Rome
View of Amalfi, Italy, a resort town on the coast.
ADVERTISEMENT

Amsterdam

Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens
REVIEW
Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens review: a fashion-forward harbour stay for creatives
Eurostar resumes direct Amsterdam services — from just £50

Inspiration

The village of Pyrgos in Santorini
These are the best spots to find some late-summer sun this year
Mountains meet the beach in Mauritius
Your go-to guide on the best time to visit Mauritius (and what to do)
Mauritius
Zebras in the African savanna of Namaqualand - one of the bets places to visit in September
Time to plan ahead with these top places to visit in September 2025
Person standing outside a car, watching a sunset over mountains.
We were victims of Spain’s ‘highway pirates’. Don’t let it happen to you
Three people posing in front of a beach scene.
The UK beaches loved by Caitlin Moran, Alan Titchmarsh and more
UK
The village of Pyrgos in Santorini
These are the best spots to find some late-summer sun this year
The village of Pyrgos in Santorini
These are the best spots to find some late-summer sun this year
Mountains meet the beach in Mauritius
Your go-to guide on the best time to visit Mauritius (and what to do)
Mauritius
Mountains meet the beach in Mauritius
Your go-to guide on the best time to visit Mauritius (and what to do)
Mauritius
Zebras in the African savanna of Namaqualand - one of the bets places to visit in September
Time to plan ahead with these top places to visit in September 2025
Zebras in the African savanna of Namaqualand - one of the bets places to visit in September
Time to plan ahead with these top places to visit in September 2025
Person standing outside a car, watching a sunset over mountains.
We were victims of Spain’s ‘highway pirates’. Don’t let it happen to you
Person standing outside a car, watching a sunset over mountains.
We were victims of Spain’s ‘highway pirates’. Don’t let it happen to you
Three people posing in front of a beach scene.
The UK beaches loved by Caitlin Moran, Alan Titchmarsh and more
UK
Three people posing in front of a beach scene.
The UK beaches loved by Caitlin Moran, Alan Titchmarsh and more
UK
PROMOTED CONTENT
Plan your perfect city break with our expert advice on the best hotels, things to do, bars, restaurants and places to visit in cities including London, Paris, New York, Dubai, Rome, Amsterdam and more. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a solo adventure or a romantic getaway, our city break guide has you covered.