The 20 Best Cities In The World To Spend A Weekend
It's easy to get restless in the city. Venture to an incredible weekend destination such as a charming village at the base of a mountain or a bustling city with a lot of options for thrilling quests and a bustling nightlife scene. The following list is based on data provided by weekenGO, a travel app with focus on weekend getaways. The study looked into the best cities to spend 48 hours.
20. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague got an almost perfect score for cultural events. It is a city rich in history and cultural heritage, and it can be seen everywhere you go. From the statue of the Infant Jesus in its shrine, to the Old Town Square, which has had few changes since its construction in the 10th Century, and the fully-functional 15th Century Astronomical Clock, there's sights to see from Prague's past. The Czech capital is home to one of the most gorgeous bridges in the world – the Charles Bridge.
19. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver was ranked very high in almost every category, scoring 100 in cultural events. Its second best grade was for the number of green spaces in the city. The city isn't too far from Seattle or Portland, making it a perfect trip for a long weekend. Visit in October when locals celebrate craft beer from all over British Columbia, which happens to be the birthplace of craft beer in the country.
18. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is among the best cities in the world for dining, according to the data. It ranked high in the variety of public parks category as well. This coastal city is a lively and unconventional—and that's exactly what attracts visitors from around the world. From the moment you arrive, you'll get the sense that there's no such thing as a dull moment in Sydney and you'd be exactly right. Preserved land (and the wild animals that call it home) is set among high-rise buildings, making for an interesting juxtaposition and nearby beaches round out the trifecta.
17. Cologne, Germany
The city has some of the highest score for cinema and theatre variety as well as concerts and other cultural events. Cologne was also ranked among the best cities for millennials. Due to their age, they are the driving force of the night scene and that's why the ranking includes the number of clubs and their opening times in the calculating formula. The city's second highest score is in the gender equality category. Believing that one gender is superior to another is an outdated concept for locals.
16. Copenhagen, Denmark
Find your way in Bronze Age labyrinths, water mazes, and look in and outside a rainbow and sail a Viking long boat. Denmark's capital is one of the best cities on the list when it comes to security, according to the research. The city also got a high LGBT-Friendly score. Copenhagen made our own list of the cleanest cities in the world.
15. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm got marks in the low 90's and upper 80's across the board. One of the highest marks is for women's rights and safety. Stockholm is also ranked as one of our Safest Cities in the World Feel free to travel around without concern. Visit the Vasa Museum and Stockholm City Hall. Take a walk along the Stockholm Canals, and view beautiful cherry blossoms in the open plaza in the King's Tree Garden.
14. Toronto, Canada
Toronto got an almost perfect score for its friendliness towards the LGBT community. An astonishing destination for art lovers, the city is also a fun place to be year round if you like amazing concerts and quality theatre performances, according to the scores. Visit several of the city's both indoor and outdoor amusement parks to keep the kids entertained. Toronto's waterfront parks have sand or cobble beaches for you to enjoy.
13. Los Angeles, California
The City of Angels has several scores in the 70's but a few almost perfect marks as well – they are for clubs, music, concert venues, and theatre and cinema. It got 100 for museums and galleries. Los Angeles is known for its amazing weather, sandy beaches, and picturesque piers. Thousands of visitors each day are drawn to its beaches. Visit Catalina Island, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of California. Explore Descanso Beach for incredible snorkeling opportunities, South Beach for the ultimate relaxation and Middle Beach for scenic views.
12. Tokyo, Japan
The capital of Japan is one of the most fun-filled cities in the world. It ranks the highest when it comes to dining opportunities. Other very high scores are for bars and music venues. With 25 amusement parks, 83 theatres and 52 cinemas, people looking to be entertainment won't have to search for long at all. Another factor that makes Tokyo a great weekend destination is the variety of different accommodations.
11. San Francisco, California
One of the best things about San Francisco is that there are so many free things to do with your family. Visit Golden Gate Park, have a picnic, let your children play on the playground and view the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden. Then, take your family to a floating national park – the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. The city ranked among the very top in the concert category.
10. Madrid, Spain
Spain's capital got a perfect score in the LGBT-Friendly category, and near perfect scores for its awesome bars, night clubs and concert venues. Madrid's Gran Vía contains many shops, attractions, and casinos, and reaches for over a kilometer, and with myriad museums and art galleries (including the Círculo de Bellas Artes venue, with a terrace that overlooks some of the best views in the city), as well as the Casa de Campo park five times larger than New York's Central Park, visitors have a number of options for a cultural experience.
9. Barcelona, Spain
You should visit Barcelona while you still can and before the city imposes limits on the number of visitors going there. People going to experience this amazing city's culture will not be disappointed. Unsurprisingly, as is the case with most places in Spain, Barcelona got high scores for bars, clubs and music venues. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, you couldn't dream up a more beautiful setting for this progressive Spanish city.
8. Munich, Germany
Munich is a city of wonderful contradictions—firm roots in the 12th century and traditions that linger today meet a growing tech industry, for one. It's been called the land of laptops and lederhosen and the fusion seems to serve the city well. Tourists have taken notice of Munich and visit not only for Oktoberfest, but enjoy the summer as well. Munich is also one of the most surprising surf spots in the world.
7. New York City, New York
The city that never sleeps is known for its hustle and bustle, iconic landmarks, and spectacular attractions. Tourists flock to the city every year to experience the culture, scenery, and special events. It scored above 99 for dining, bars, clubs, concerts, and theatre performances. Regardless of which season you visit, there is always a variety of things to experience; just makes sure you don't make some popular tourist mistakes.
6. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Amsterdam scored very high across the board, especially for concerts, women's rights, LGBT friendliness, and cultural events. Many of the art galleries and dining opportunities Amsterdam, which also made the list of top 10 cities for gluten-free eating, have to offer can be found in the Jordaan, the narrow alleyways which were once a working class area. Amsterdam made it on our list of the best places in the world to spend Christmas.
5. Paris, France
The City of Lights scores 100 for concert venues, and nearly a perfect score for...dining (shocking, right?) The Eiffel Tower may be an overrated tourist attraction but there is plenty else to do that's absolutely fascinating. One of the most unique ways to tour the city is on a night rollerblading tour. "Paris Roller" takes place every Friday night at 9:30pm. It's a 3-hour tour, approximately 18 miles long, and the route changes every week.
4. Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is among the safest cities on the list. Its scores for cultural events and theatre and cinemas were just as high. The city also got a high score for walkability which means there is plenty to see and do within a 3km radius. This option is highly values by millennials, families, as well as baby boomers, according to the research. The best time to visit is in the spring because the largest Hanami in the country takes place there every year.
3. Vienna, Austria
If you are looking for a mix of romance and adventure, go to Vienna. Walk through its various flea markets, eat delicious foods, relax on stunning beaches, and be inspired by the unique street art. Vienna celebrates its most famous film with an entire gallery – the "Third Man Private Collection" – but there's much more available in the Austrian capital. It is home to 127 museums, four sports stadiums, 140 shopping arcades, and the seven kilometers of scenic vineyards.
2. Berlin, Germany
This is going to be one of the most affordable holiday destinations in Europe. Emerging as one of Europe's most culturally vibrant centers, Berlin is on the cutting edge when it comes to art, fashion, and nightlife, offering visitors a mix of glamour and grit. The buzz about Berlin is getting louder, which means prices are on the rise. Start planning your trip now.
1. London, the U.K.
The best city in the world to visit for a weekend is London. It has two perfect scores – for theatres and cinemas and concerts. Most of the rest of the scores are almost perfect. There is no shortage of world class tourist attractions in London. They have one of the best entertainment scenes in the world, luxurious hotels, delicious food and top-notch shopping. London is also known for its incredible scenery.