City Breaks

Leipzig could be the saviour of the weekend away.  Located in Germany's old East, a few years ago you could be forgiven for not knowing much about Saxony's largest city, but now, as other cities become saturated with tourists, Leipzig has emerged as the ultimate secret getaway.

While peaceful protests i the city in 1989 directly led to the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was Leipzig itself that threatened with demolition after reunification.  The city had fallen into such a state of disrepair some architects argued that it would be worth knocking it down altogether.

The Puerta del Sol is more than just the heart of Madrid, it is the hub of Spain.  A tablet in the pavement here, marked Km 0, is the point from which all distances in the nation are measured.  The "Gate of the Sun", as the name translates, is also an excellent location to begin a summer's day in the dazzling city of Madrid.

If you are planning on visiting Japan, the city of Kanazawa is work a look in. This Edo-period city has been off the beaten track for some time and was a task getting to, but this should not be an issue any more. The Japanese rail way has opened a new Shinkansen route to the city, from Tokyo you can get there in two and half hours (with your Japan Rail Pass). While there experience it geisha culture, Higashi Chaya traditional teahouses and the Kenrokuen garden, one of Japan’s most breathtaking.

On your arrival into Dublin you will need something to eat, which shouldn't be a problem.  The rolling hills of Ireland are blessed with some of the best produce in Europe, which has made easy for you to find something to your liking. The idea of the gastropub took a while to reach the Irish capital, and most boozers still don’t sell decent food because, frankly, it’s all about the Guinness. But head past the pumps at L Mulligan Grocer to the small upstairs dining room and you’ll find some of the city’s most exciting cooking.

For that combination of sun-dappled piazzas, culture and knockout coffee, Naples is definitely up there with the Italian greats.  Any foodie with even a hint of knowledge about Neapolitan cuisine will know that this city is famous for more than pizza: espresso are rich, strong and will keep you buzzing into the early hours.

Intramoenia Caffe Letterario  is great for rubbing shoulders with Naples’ bright young things on the city’s Amadeus inscribes any name or message on your cappuccino’s foam; many a marriage proposal has been accepted with this caffeine fix.

Kyoto has distinguish itself as a must see destination for anyone visiting Japan to experience more than a century of culture. Kyoto alone has 17 World Heritage Sites, these include Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle.  The sheer number of breathtakingly beautiful shrines and temples, the Tamba Mountains, tranquil Japanese gardens, traditional tea houses, fantastic food, colourful festivals and everything you would expect to find in a modern, vibrant, futuristic city are what makes this former capital of Japan (before Tokyo) a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam, a pretty village-like city with a huge reputation, needs little introduction.  Holland’s capital city has something for everyone –leafy canals, cute cafes and bustling bars.  One of Amsterdam’s biggest draws, though, is it world-famous Museum District, home to the renowned Rijksmuseum.  It reopened last year after a dazzling decade-long refurbishment and is currently showcasing its first permanent photography exhibition, displaying more than 400 images from the twentieth century.

Anyone brought up on a diet of Australian soap operas and hospital dramas may be a little shell-shocked when they arrive in Melbourne. Soulful, stylish and clued up, this is a streetwise city that is at odds with the stereotypical vision of Australia.  In 2000, Melbourne trailed Sydney as the leading city for cafes, bars and nightclubs.  But, the city has climb back on top with good cafe culture and diverse nightlife, some of the best in Australia.

I have always wanted to go to Japan and Tokyo was high on the list of one to the places to visit but nothing can prepare me for the sheer scale of the city. It is home to over 13 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in the world and a thriving centre of commerce and culture, which is both futuristic and steeped in tradition.

An unmissable new feature has been recently added to Helsinki’s skyline.  Like the London Eye there is the Finnair Sky Wheel that ferries passengers 40 metres above the city from the Market Square pier and offers a bird’s eye view of all the capital’s landmark such as Helsinki Cathedral and the imposing Parliament House.  Also on view is Helsinki’s coastline, which weaves in and out of harbours with sailing boats, pleasure yachts and winter-ready icebreakers jostling for space.