Spring City Breaks
For the perfect city escape, there are some places that just come into their own in the spring. With the long winter a distant memory and before the summer heat gets oppressive (or vice versa in Sydney’s case), these destinations make a perfect urban getaway at this time of year. Filled with food, fun and plenty of culture, each of the cities recommended here are a perfect sunny stop, whether you’re looking for world-class restaurants, street food on the go, museums and galleries, show-stopping architecture, or retail therapy. And, all of them boast a world-class park at their heart, so that when you fancy a break from city living, you can explore the green space and enjoy the spring weather in all its glory.
Sydney for open spaces
From the designer boutiques and artisanal coffee houses of Surry Hills to the beaches at Manly and Bondi, boat tours of the Harbour and the Opera House and a fresh food scene like no other, Sydney is the perfect spring city destination. And Centennial Park, known as “the lungs of the city” is one of its finest spots. The park has more than 460 acres to roam, including gorgeous gardens, lakes, and cafes for when you need to refuel. For a nearby stay, make reservations at Hughenden Hotel, a delightful boutique accommodation dating back to 1878.
Dubai for a green oasis
Dubai’s charms are well documented—reliable weather, a mix of cultures, luxury shopping and family-friendly breaks. But less well known is Zabeel Park, a 128-acre stunner which also comes with the distinction of being “the first technology-driven park in the Gulf region.” That includes an illuminated garden, WiFi for all, and interactive art exhibits that are ultra Instagrammable and make for a perfect open-air gallery. For a luxurious stay close by, check into the Fairmont Dubai, which comes with a massive rooftop pool so guests can unwind while looking out onto the entire city below.
Vancouver for mountains and culture
Canadian winters are long and cold, so the arrival of spring is a real cause for celebration. And whether you’re strolling around the bars of Brewery Creek or the galleries Downtown, Vancouver has everything you want in a modern city break. But when the weather is good, the city also gives you a chance to explore Candian nature in almost 1,000 acres of Stanley Park. It’s a place where mountains, water, and even a West Coast rainforest collide to create a destination that will truly take your breath away. In the park, guests can, of course, find more than a few gardens to enjoy, but they can also learn about First Nations peoples and cultures thanks to the artworks and totem poles found throughout the park. Book a few nights at the St. Regis Hotel, located just down the block, for an easy spring getaway.
Singapore for future forests
A perfect mix of the traditional and futuristic, Singapore is a city like no other. And while it doesn’t lack for Instagrammable locations—its airport alone is a modern masterpiece—Gardens by the Bay is truly special. The perfect counterpoint to the more densely built areas of Singapore, the park boasts larger-than-life artworks and gorgeous plants representing agriculture from around the globe. While visiting, guests can check out the Cloud Forest, home to the world’s largest indoor waterfall, Floral Fantasy, which showcases some unbelievable flower arrangements and head up to the Super Tree Observatory to take it all in from a bird’s eye view. Stay close by at the Marina Bay Sands Singapore, which is also home to the world’s largest infinity pool, making this a trip for the record books.
Chicago for parks and the waterfront
The arrival of milder weather is the perfect excuse to explore Chicago, a city with walkable galleries, hip hotels, blues clubs and award-winning restaurants in abundance. And while its waterfront is a visually familiar landmark, Millennium Park in the heart of the city is just as impressive. Neary 25 acres in size, the Park is home to the city’s most famous feature: The Bean. Visitors can come to explore the garden, take endless photos with The Bean, or time their visit around one of its festivals or shows, where you’ll get a true taste of Chicago fun. Stay as close to the park as possible by booking a room at Chicago Athletic Association – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, which provides impressive views of the park out of all its picture windows.