Words: Gentleman's Journal
It’s that time of year when the Christmas and New Year festivities are but a distant memory and winter is now tediously dragging, or drizzling rather, on. Now is the perfect moment to book a few days away to rejuvenate the senses, so here is our pick of 5 of the best cities to visit this spring.
BEIRUT
Beirut is the perfect place for a long-weekend escape, particularly during April when the weather is pleasantly warm but you can still head out on the slopes for the final few weeks of the ski season. This charming city is being described as Lebanon’s ‘reborn Capital’ and is packed full of cultural highlights, great restaurants, eclectic art galleries and buzzing nightlife, while the Faraya ski resort is just an hour or two away.
TOKYO
What better way to tackle the winter blues than to dive into the high-octane metropolis that is Tokyo? Visit between March and May and not only will you avoid the muggy summer climate but you will also experience the beautiful cherry blossom season, when the city bursts into bloom and special hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties are held in the parks.
SYDNEY
Spring in Europe means Autumn for Sydney and a fantastic time to visit when the weather has cooled slightly after the summer months (along with the droves of tourists). The city is famous for its many offerings, but it’s the waterfront location that makes it ideal. Blow away the cobwebs with a sunrise walk along the rugged coastline before indulging in some inner city dining and theatre in the evening, followed by an overnight stay in a harbour-side hotel.
LISBON
Warm days, cools nights and chilled-out atmosphere make Portugal’s capital Lisbon great for a few days away. The colourful cityscape is dotted with Gothic cathedrals, monasteries and winding narrow lanes lined with anything from fine dining restaurants to reggae bars. It’s also the perfect city for foodies, as the eateries vary so widely in international influences and local delicacies include the melt-in-the-mouth massa folhada pastries.
NEW ORLEANS
Between February and May New Orleans comes alive with celebrations of music, art, food and culture. Among the many festivals held during this time, Mardis Gras and the Jazz Heritage Festival are must-see experiences for visitors who want to get to the heart of this boisterous city. Expect revelry and excess at every turn after dark, but the days can still appeal to those looking for some calm.
By Dominique Thew
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