INSPIRATION • October 2022

Short-haul trips to boost Tier Points

Eager to keep your tier status, or even climb up a level? Around-the-corner adventures are the easiest and cheapest ways to collect Tier Points and unlock other Club benefits (including 1 Avios for every £1 spent with BA Holidays). Agatha Zarzycki shares five must-see destinations, the best things to do from dawn to dusk and what to look out for in 2023

Edinburgh
1

Edinburgh, Scotland

Time to explore: dawn 
From its mediaeval castle perched on top of a dormant volcano to its spectacular St Giles’ Cathedral, the vibrant heart of Scotland is known for its Gothic fairy-tale feel. But more recently its coffee landscape has become (almost) as famous. Fuel up for a day of sightseeing at Union Brew Lab, famous for its speciality java, roasted by our partner Union Hand-Roasted Coffee, plus take in the city’s morning glow at the nearby Salisbury Crags.  

Not to miss in 2023: the opening of The Alchemist’s new location on George Street early next year, where you can indulge in coffee-inspired cocktails such as the Next-Spresso Martini, which comes with a spoonful of caramel caviar. 

Visit Edinburgh

Dublin
2

Dublin, Ireland

Time to explore: midday
There’s more to the capital than Guinness, good-looking Georgian architecture and lush green spaces (though we wouldn’t complain if there wasn’t). Its boutique shops are also worth a visit – and a dent in your credit card. Discover high-quality Irish crafts and food at Avoca, hard-to-find literature at Ulysses Rare Books and a magical range of children’s toys at Barn, or simply window shop in the Creative Quarter.

Not to miss in 2023: luxury retailer Flannels is coming to Ireland for the first time in late 2022/early 2023, adding its iconic designer collections to Dublin’s shopping bliss at Clerys Department store.

Plan your Dublin holiday

Malaga
3

Malaga, Spain

Time to explore: afternoon
Picasso’s place of birth, this often underrated city has reinvented itself as a cultural hub, thanks to the creative genius. 16th-century Andalusian gem the Picasso Museum, which celebrates it 20th anniversary next year, is where its renaissance began, when members of the painter’s family donated almost 300 artworks to it. Since then, many artistic openings have followed, including the famous Pompidou Centre, an imposing multi-coloured cube that shares collections with Paris.

Not to miss in 2023: the Year of Picasso, a monumental exhibition route that will tour the US and Europe, including the Casa Natal de Málaga, to mark the 50th anniversary of the artist’s death on 8 April.

Discover Malaga

Madrid
4

Madrid, Spain

Time to explore: sunset
The elaborate, Baroque-style Royal Palace, the grand Neoclassical Almudena Cathedral, the Rosaleda Garden that’s home to more than 4,000 roses… The soul of Spain has many stunning sights, and what better way to see them than altogether in the golden hues of sundown. For a view you won’t soon (or ever) forget, head to the perfect picnic and photo spot, Templo de Debod at Parque Oeste, a 2,200-year-old temple gifted to Madrid by Egypt. 

Not to miss in 2023: a new edition of the Women’s Creation Festival, Ellas Crean, held on International Women’s Day (8 March). See established female talent showcase exciting work in film, music, literature and more.

Make the most of Madrid

Nice
5

Nice, France

Time to explore: night
History meets modern Mediterranean living in the French Riviera’s capital, and its nightlife is no exception, from drinks at the first dining cellar in Nice, La Part des Anges, which specialises in natural wine, to live jazz, blues and R&B until 4:30am each night at Shapko. Both are in the Old Town, adding contemporary flair to the quarter’s charming cobblestone streets, beautiful Baroque buildings and traditional pops of pastel. 

Not to miss in 2023: La Maison Abandonnée, a deserted villa converted into a dreamy installation space, is reopening and celebrating its 20th anniversary. Think glass beaded chandeliers, Italian terraces and diverse art experiences.

Take off to Nice

 

Book your 2023 holiday here

Tier Points can differ according to cabin and tier. To calculate how many Avios and Tier Points you’ll collect for a direct flight, use our handy calculator

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This article has been tagged BA, Destination