Destinations • February 2016
Five city breaks of two halves
If you want to explore the local art scene, while your other half would rather check out the cafes, markets, bars and spas, travel writer Becky Howard has the solution. With her pick of destinations, instant holiday harmony is guaranteed
Miami
High culture: The Wynwood area is the epicenter of the city’s art scene, boasting everything from street murals to fine-art museums. Get the inside track on an Art Tour, exploring galleries and the graffiti-covered Wynwood Walls (pictured).
Pop culture: Immerse yourself in the charms of Espanola Way, a cobbled street tucked away behind Miami Beach. This bohemian quarter offers quirky shopping, but stay for the evening, when twinkling lights and non-stop rumba liven up dinner at one of the diverse eateries.
Porto
High culture: Delve into port’s history on a guided tour with a twist. The Espaço Porto Cruz uses multimedia and chocolate tasting to give an overview of the wine’s tradition. Finish with a port cocktail on the blissful rooftop bar.
Pop culture: For sheer ‘I love my life’ luxury, experience The Barrel Bath Experience at Porto’s Yeatman Hotel (above). Sink into the grape-enhanced bubbling waters for a de-stressing massage, and take in the views across the river Duoro.
Budapest
High culture: Soak up the best views of both Buda and Pest from the Citadel, a fortress built in 1854 atop Gellert Hill. Walk around the terraces until you reach the Liberation Monument, an awe-inspiring statue of a woman holding an olive branch, commemorating Hungary’s liberation from Nazi rule.
Pop culture: Ruin pubs are a unique offering: literally, pubs in abandoned buildings (pictured). From ex-supermarkets to basements, they’re packed with atmosphere and retro detail. Find your favourite on a guided tour by Budapest Flow.
Barcelona
High culture: You’ve ticked off Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, but another of his exceptional creations, Casa Mila (above), is equally essential. It’s known as La Pedrera (the stone quarry). Buy a ticket for The Origins night show, which uses audiovisual effects to create a spectacular architectural experience.
Pop culture: For authentic Catalan cuisine, stop off at La Cova Fumuda. A stalwart of the city’s tapas heritage, this tiny, buzzing venue hidden on a side street invented bombas,those addictively spicy potato balls.
Thessaloniki
High culture: While Greece’s second city is famous for Byzantine and Ottoman history, its Jewish heritage is less commonly known. Expand your knowledge at the moving Jewish Museum, where the story of Sephardic settlers is vividly realised.
Pop culture: Take an early-evening stroll through the Louloudadika Flower Market for a colourful, sensory treat. Then grab coffee and koulouri (sesame bread ring) at the nearby Modiano food market (above).
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