4 of the hottest city break destinations in 2023 (and where to stay!)
Bright lights, big city! 4 of the hottest destinations for city breaks in 2023 (and our guide to where to stay!)
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You can truly have it all on a city break.
By day, wander through eye-opening museums, explore fascinating historical sites or lounge on sun-drenched city beaches, and when the sky darkens, dine in cosy local restaurants, slip into trendy cocktail bars or take in a world-class show.
Regardless of whether you’re planning an intimate jaunt for two, a unique family holiday or a relaxed weekend with friends, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for when you book with British Airways Holidays.
In Europe, explore the labyrinthine waterways of Venice, the romantic avenues of Paris, and the buzzing beachfront scene in Barcelona, or cast your net wider and book a trip further afield.
Here we present four bucket-list city break destinations – New York, Chicago, Las Vegas and Dubai – that are brimming with spectacular new attractions to discover in 2023.
There’s no holiday quite like a city break. One bucket-list city to visit with British Airways Holidays is Chicago – above is the view of the city’s skyline from Nobu Hotel Chicago’s rooftop
Making your holiday as worry-free as can be, every trip you book with British Airways Holidays is ATOL (5985) protected, the holiday helpline is open 24 hours a day, just in case you need it, 23kg baggage allowance per person is included, and if your holiday is impacted by a major travel restriction before departure you can cancel for a full and speedy refund if they cannot fulfil your holiday.
So what are you waiting for? Whether it’s a gastronomic getaway, a cosmopolitan shopping trip or a culture-filled weekend away, get planning an unforgettable city break now.
Viva Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Strip wouldn’t be the Las Vegas Strip without the Fountains of Bellagio (above)
The neon playground of America, Las Vegas sees luxurious hotels jostle with cutting-edge performance spaces and high-stakes casinos, leaving its legendary Las Vegas Strip humming from morning to night.
And getting to Las Vegas couldn’t be easier – British Airways operates daily flights from London Heathrow and from March 26 to October 28 there’ll be three flights a week running from London Gatwick.
WHERE TO STAY: The Las Vegas Strip wouldn’t be the Las Vegas Strip without the Fountains of Bellagio, a mesmerising spectacle of light, water and music that can soar to an awe-inspiring height of 460ft.
The water features are the jewel in the crown of Bellagio Las Vegas, and guests staying in the Fountain View rooms and suites can admire them from day to night. The hotel also has stunning newly refurbished Premier King and Queen rooms, inspired by the breathtaking landscape of Italy’s Lake Como.
The incredible conservatory at Bellagio Las Vegas
You’ll feel a million miles from the hustle and bustle of Vegas as you float through the pools at Bellagio Las Vegas
When you can tear yourself out of bed, dive into the hotel’s pool area, which boasts five glimmering lagoons. You’ll feel a million miles from the hustle and bustle of Vegas as you lounge in one of the glamorous private poolside cabanas.
Come dinner time, make a date with a perfectly cooked steak at the PRIME steakhouse or check out more fountain views from the elegant eatery LAGO. Later, pick up a ticket for Bellagio’s incredible ‘O’ Cirque du Soleil show to get a taste of Las Vegas’ world-famous entertainment.
Another show-stopping hotel choice for entertainment lovers is the MGM Grand, home to three theatres and a full-size arena that hosts some of the world’s best acts night after night.
Las Vegas’ MGM Grand is home to three theatres and a full-size arena
Peach pink tones and mid-century accents evoke the aesthetic of Palm Springs in MGM Grand’s guest rooms
When you’ve had your fill of showbiz, spend an evening practising your swing at the hotel’s incredible Topgolf Experience.
Design lovers will fall head over heels for the hotel’s newly renovated Studio King guest rooms and what’s more, the hotel’s West Wing Tower – now known as the Studio Tower – has just undergone a stunning multi-million dollar makeover.
Leisurely dips await in the MGM Grand’s pool complex, with four refreshing swimming pools, three whirlpools and thundering waterfalls to keep you cool in the sizzling heat of a Nevada summer. Slide into an inflatable and float down the Lazy River or show off your chicest swimsuit at the bustling Wet Republic pool party.
Book now at ba.com/mgm
New York, New York
New York guarantees to leave you with stars in your eyes. Above is the stunning vista of the Empire State Building from the Magic Hour rooftop bar at Moxy Times Square
It’s no wonder countless films, novels and songs are a love letter to New York – the city guarantees to leave you with stars in your eyes. Wander its blocks, from Hell’s Kitchen to the East Village, and you’ll be smitten by the futuristic skyscrapers, the honking of horns and the theatrical window displays.
While the Big Apple’s classic attractions will forever hold their allure, there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s an edgy dive bar, new gallery or cool new district.
As a bonus, flying to New York from the UK is easy – there are up to 16 daily flights from London with British Airways.
WHERE TO STAY: An affordable hotel stay in New York is hard to come by, but Moxy Times Square offers value in spades – and it’s uber-stylish to boot. The hotel’s 600-plus guest rooms ooze contemporary charm with smart furnishings, spacious walk-in showers and access to streaming apps.
To look your sharpest, head to the hotel’s Blind Barber barbershop, where grooming experts arrange cuts, shaves, and blow dries in a chic white-tiled setting.
The megastar attractions of the city are right on your doorstep, as the hotel is conveniently located just south of Times Square. Refuel back at the hotel – its Café D’Avignon pop up at Bar Moxy serves up speciality coffee and artisanal pastries if you need something on the go. Or pop into Legasea Bar & Grill for a fresh take on bar and grill classics in a fun-casual atmosphere.
Pull up a seat at the copper-wrapped bar in the light-filled Bar Moxy
Moxy Times Square’s guest rooms ooze contemporary charm and the megastar attractions of the city are right on its doorstep
By night, you can’t miss the Magic Hour rooftop bar, a whimsical space filled with urban amusement park-themed experiences. With each season comes a new installation, though the phenomenal skyline views are a permanent fixture – to the east you’ll be greeted by a larger-than-life vista of the Empire State Building.
Return to the rooftop for brunch the following morning and tuck into a serving of its famous Pink AF Pancakes Stack – your sweet tooth will thank you.
Book now at ba.com/moxy-nyc
Charming Chicago
Chicago has been named the ‘Best Big City in the US’ by Conde Nast Traveller for six years running. Nobu Hotel Chicago (above) is one of the coolest haunts in the city
Perched on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the home of mouthwatering deep-dish pizza, a world-class jazz music scene and ground-breaking architecture. There’s never a dull day in the Windy City, whether you’re window shopping on Magnificent Mile, watching a play in the Theatre District, perusing art collections in the city’s museums or dining out in one of the many Michelin-rated restaurants.
Getting there is hassle-free, too – there are two British Airways flights to Chicago each day from London Heathrow to the city’s O’Hare International Airport.
WHERE TO STAY: One of the coolest haunts in the city, Nobu Hotel Chicago is set in the West Loop neighbourhood, known to locals as a foodie hotspot. The famed ‘Restaurant Row’ is just steps away and is heaving with the city’s best food joints, whether you’re craving sugar-dusted bakes or authentic Mexican cuisine.
Naturally, the Nobu Chicago restaurant is unmissable and you can enjoy smaller plates and sundowners on The Rooftop at Nobu Hotel Chicago, where the city’s lights spread out before you.
After a busy day of sightseeing, it’s a balm to immerse yourself in the calming waters of the hotel’s Tranquility Pool
The Nobu Chicago restaurant – crowned by a beautiful hanging installation that’s inspired by changing leaves – is unmissable
A minimalist Japanese design aesthetic is carried throughout the hotel, with delicate brass accents, soft wool rugs and natural furnishings and after a busy day of sightseeing, immerse yourself in the calming waters of the hotel’s Tranquillity Pool. You’ll awake feeling refreshed – and ready to return to the energy of Chicago’s streets.
Book now at ba.com/nobu-chicago
Dreamy Dubai
No city break bucket list would be complete without Dubai and its futuristic skyline
No city break bucket list would be complete without Dubai and its futuristic skyline. Each year sees a bevvy of incredible new openings in the city, from record-breaking architecture to must-see museums.
To sweeten the deal, getting to Dubai is superbly straightforward with three daily direct flights from London Heathrow.
WHERE TO STAY: When you’ve spent your days touring the highlights of Dubai, it’s a treat to return to a resort that’s a destination in itself. Perched in an idyllic location on an 800m stretch of private beach, JA The Resort is just that.
Expect glorious sea views, private terraces and sleek interior design from the rooms and suites at the resort’s JA Beach Hotel.
Little ones will be fully occupied by the resort’s Just Splash splash park and splash pad (above)
Meanwhile, at the nearby JA Palm Tree Court, stylish family-friendly suites face out toward manicured gardens, the white sandy beach and bubbling water features.
Awash with activities for all ages, guests can divide their time between the championship golf course, private marina, horse stables, padel courts and the tranquil spa.
There’s also a pool for every day of the week, four of which boast stylish swim-up bars. Your little ones will be fully occupied from dawn to dusk with the Just Splash splash park and splash pad and the Pirates and Mermaids Kids’ Club – plus there’s a babysitting service on hand to give parents some well-deserved time off.
Those staying at the nearby JA Palm Tree Court can avail of the same knockout restaurants and facilities as guests of JA Beach Hotel. Above is the hotel’s Tamr pool and bar
The stylish suites at JA Palm Tree Court are the epitome of tranquillity
Top-notch gastronomy is part and parcel of your stay – one evening you can dine on melt-in-the-mouth Indian delicacies by the Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna in Kinara and the next try sublime Sicilian cuisine at the Italian restaurant Sette.
For beautiful South-East Asian specialities make your way to White Orchid, or go to the Sports Café for tasty pub grub paired with views of the picture-perfect marina. If you’ve got room for dessert, venture to Smokin’ Gun for a creamy milkshake.
It’ll make for a city break like no other.
Book now at ba.com/jabeachhotel and ba.com/japalmtreecourt
BOOK YOUR DREAM CITY BREAK FOR 2023 WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS NOW
For a wide range of city break destinations that will suit every kind of traveller, look no further than British Airways Holidays.
Whether you’re dreaming of a European jaunt or a weekend away further afield, the options are limitless.
Book now to enjoy low deposits from £60pp*, a baggage allowance of 23kg pp as standard, ATOL (5985) protection and the peace of mind that’s guaranteed by British Airways Holidays’ customer promise.
Visit ba.com/holidays to book.
*T&Cs apply. Deposit balance due 28 days in advance for short haul and 7 weeks in advance for long haul. See ba.com/deposits for more information
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