DESTINATIONS • May 2016
Six cities best visited in June
Summer holidays are here, so why not use yours says Alicia Miller, assistant editor at the Sunday Times Travel Magazine, to discover these six urban delights
Bergen
The russet houses of Bergen’s old town captivate at any time of year – but even more so when you can sit alfresco, soaking up their gabled profiles as the sun inches across the sky. This month in Bergen, it won’t set until midnight – make the most of it with stay-up-late music festivals, such as the eclectic Bergenfest, set in a medieval fortress.
Get there: Friday’s BA0758 (07:55) gets you into Bergen with time to drop your bag at chic Det Hanseatiske Hotel before getting stuck into the day’s festival.
Moscow
There’s a buzz about Moscow in June. It’s not just because the International Film Festival is in town – though it sees global moviemakers flock to stay at the regal Ritz-Carlton. This month also boasts Russia’s bells-and-whistles Independence Day (12 June); celebrate like a Russian and down vodka on the riverside terrace at Gipsy.
Get there: Take BA0233 (08:45) on Friday morning to arrive in Moscow in time for a pre-party afternoon wandering Red Square.
Seoul
Seoul gets soggy come July, but in June beat the downpours and enjoy the balmy summer climes. Rambling 15th century palace Changdeokgung will be fringed with early summer green; and you can comfortably stroll along Insadong-gil, an atmospheric tangle of cafes, teahouses, galleries and restaurants. It’s all a perfect excuse to check out the city’s swish new Four Seasons – opened late last year.
Get there: Take flight BA0017 (12:45) on Friday from Heathrow, landing in Seoul Saturday morning in time to pick up a flaky breakfast pastry at the hotel’s marbled Confections cafe.
Dubai
Thanks to scorching summers, Dubai is most popular for blasts of winter sun – but many people don’t realise that in June temperatures haven’t nearly hit peak sweat. And yet, because the crowds have stayed away, you can have the place to yourself – with rock bottom prices for company. Rooms at the grand One & Only The Palm that cost over £500 during December go now for less than £300. That’s a lot of cash saved for the Dubai Mall…
Get there: Take overnight flight BA 0109 (21:25) on Friday evening from Heathrow, and arrive Saturday morning when temps are pleasantly low.
Bordeaux
In June Bordeaux’s vineyards are flushed with leaves and, with 25°C days, it’s time to toast the success of this year’s vintage at the Bordeaux Wine Festival. Sip the refined reds of Bernard Magrez, who owns four Grand Cru Classés and will tailor a vinous itinerary to your exact(ing) tastes. Stay in one of his fairytale chateaux, or his enchanting hotel, La Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez.
Get there: Take BA2788 (17:10) from Gatwick on Friday, to arrive in time for a Bordelais dinner of duck confit.
Milan
Venice doesn’t have the monolopy on picture-perfect canals: Milan has long, idyllic stretches of its own. The Navigli are lined with hip galleries, chilled-out cafes and pretty shops – and with a buzzy outdoor Sunday antique market to boot, they’re marvellous this month. Even if Men’s Fashion Week (18-21 June) doesn’t whet your appetite, a stay at the glossy new Mandarin Oriental, set across four 18th century buildings, should.
Get there: Take BA0574 (10:25) from Heathrow to get in with time to climb the 150 steps up the Duomo before lunch.
This article has been tagged Adventure, Destination