FOR ART
If your ideal weekend involves gazing at exquisite works of art, there’s nowhere better than Florence. Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is steeped in history and art. The pedestrian streets around the spectacularly beautiful Duomo cathedral are a World Heritage Site, and just walking them is a masterclass in Renaissance architecture. The two big draws, gallery-wise, are the 16th century Uffizi, home to works by artists including Titian, Raphael, Rembrandt and da Vinci, and the Galleria dell’Accademia, most famous for its works by Michelangelo, including the statue of David. But there are dozens of smaller galleries too – check out the Museo de San Marco and the Bargello Museum for more beautiful works of art. For bespoke breaks, try Kirker Holidays.
FOR COCKTAILS
For a party weekend fuelled by Mojitos and Manhattans, there’s still nowhere better in the world than New York. Those in search of the Mad Men era should start at the Campbell Apartment at Grand Central Station before heading to Bemelmans at the Carlyle Hotel, where you can enjoy a little jazz with your julep. The city’s most famous Speakeasy has to be PDT, where the bar is accessed through a phone booth at the back of a hot dog joint, but Raines Law Room and the Backroom (where drinks are served in teacups) are both worth seeking out. But to be truly hip, follow the cool kids over to Brooklyn, where the rooftop Ides bar at the Wythe Hotel comes with spectacular views of the city. For the best pick of hotels, try i-escape.
FOR SHOPPING
If you’ve peaked on department stores, and never want to see a mall again, Marrakech is the place to go. Polish up your bartering skills and plunge into the souks, where beautiful ceramics, leatherware, jewellery and ironwork are all on offer, at a price that is very much negotiable. Aim to pay no more than 60% of the first offer – but bear in mind that if you do start to haggle, it’s considered rude not to finish the transaction. If that all sounds a bit like hard work, there are government-sponsored shops that sell much of what you can find in the souks without the haggling; try the Ensemble Artisanal on Boulevard Mohammed V – all of the goodies, with none of the hassle. Try Lawrence of Morocco.
FOR MUSIC
One of Europe’s most beautiful capitals is also one of the most musical. In Prague, there are concerts and performances every night, in churches, halls and bars. For classical recitals, head to the Rudolfinium, where the Czech Philharmonic play regularly, or the Smetana Hall, home to the Prague Symphony Orchestra. The churches of St Simon and St Jude, along with the Spanish Hall at Prague Castle all host regular concerts. Jazz lovers should head to the Jazz Dock, while guitar fans should check out the legendary Lucerna Music Bar. And clubbers? Choose from the Roxy, the industrial-themed Cross Club or Meet Factory. For bespoke packages, try Abercrombie & Kent.
FOR HISTORY
For history lovers, there’s no better choice than Athens, a city defined and dominated by its glorious past. Start with a visit to the Acropolis, home to the spectacular Parthenon temple and the Dionysos, the oldest remaining Greek theatre. The ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus is equally impressive, while the Acropolis Museum gives an excellent insight into the role and creation of the buildings. Once the major sites have been done, take some time to stroll through Plaka, the oldest quarter of the city, dotted with small cafes, shops and bars. Try Classic Collection.
FOR CAKE
Beautiful Vienna is a city that runs on kaffee und kuchen; coffee houses played an important part in shaping Viennese culture and they remain at the heart of the city. Start off with a traditional café; Café Sperl is a vast, beautiful room that has been serving up the best strudel in town for decades, or follow in the footsteps of Leon Trotsky, with coffee and the papers at Café Central. For a little light piano with your pastries, Café Schwarzenberg has live music in the evenings. Of the new breed, the industrially-chic Burg Ring 1 and Café Phil – which feels like a vintage bookstore – draw in the hip crowd. For bespoke packages, try Cox & Kings or go by train with Railbookers.
FOR FOOD
French cuisine may not be as fashionable as it once was, but Paris is still one of the richest capitals in terms of culinary delights. Kick off with omelettes at the Café de Flore in St Germain, or save yourself for a plateau fruits de mer at L’Ilot in the Marais. For traditional Gallic cakes visit Patisserie Stohrer, and try their speciality rum babas, or head to Fauchon for truly innovative gateaux – try the chocolate éclair with an imprint of the Mona Lisa’s eye on it. And dinner? Stroll around the picturesque Latin quarter, and choose from Guy Savoy’s Atelier Maitre Albert, 18th century Laperouse or traditional bistro food at Ribouldingue. Find the best hotel deals with Trivago.
FOR BEACH LIFE
A city break with a beach on the side – what better combination? Palma, capital of Mallorca, offers both; visit the spectacular La Seu cathedral, check out the art in Es Baluard, and take a tapas trail through the pedestrianised streets of the old town – La Boveda and Forn de Saint Joan are both particularly good. Then head for the sea – literally minutes away – and the small beach at Ca’n Pere Antoni, which lies just beyond the cathedral, or keep walking along the promenade for ten minutes to reach the hip area of Portixol, with its own beach club. Try Sovereign.
November 2014