Best city breaks for 2021

NEW YORK, USA

If you’ve never experienced the Big Apple before, what are you waiting for? Exploring this epic city is like stepping onto a film set, with iconic sights at every corner. There isn’t a bad time to visit, either. Head there in November to join in the Thanksgiving celebrations, visit in January or February for cheap West End show tickets, or taste your way around New York in July, when restaurant reservations are surprisingly easy to come by.

OUR PICK – Stay at the Riu Plaza New York Times Square to be within walking distance of Central Park, Times Square and The Empire State Building.

Check out our New York holidays

DUBAI, UAE

This futuristic metropolis is constantly adding record-breaking architecture and bigger-is-better attractions to its impressive landscape. It's not just a paradise for shoppers and sunbathers, it's great for kids too – have a read of our article to find out why. Don’t miss the Dubai Frame, a 150-metre-high bridge that looks a bit like a giant picture frame, the box-fresh CityLand mall, and the world's longest zip-line.

OUR PICK – For a luxurious escape, stay at the Hyatt Regency Dubai, which lines up a rooftop pool and a revolving restaurant.

Check out our Dubai holidays 

LAS VEGAS, USA

New York might be known as the city that never sleeps, but Las Vegas boasts its own 24/7 credentials. It's not all about stag dos either, there's something for families, couples, adventure seekers, and luxury lovers, too. Keen shoppers can bag a bargain at the outlet malls, foodies can buffet hop between the hotels, and nature lovers can hike to the nearby Grand Canyon.

OUR PICK – Pick the central MGM Grand to be within reach of all the best attractions. This place has 15 restaurants, a club, and a state-of-the-art spa.

Check out our Las Vegas holidays

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

Iceland is the place to visit this year. Stay in the heart of Iceland's hipster-friendly city, Reykjavik, and you'll get to taste Icelandic cuisine, experience the local traditions, and be in the best spot for getting out and exploring the countryside, too. Plus, our holidays to Iceland come with a northern lights spotting trip and a Golden Circle tour, taking in everything from waterfalls to geysers, included.

OUR PICK – We love the FossHotel Rekjavik – it’s super central, and features a quirky beer garden.

Check out our Iceland holidays 

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Thanks to its crimson-tinted walls, this 12th-century city has earnt itself a nickname as the Red City. This place is all about souks and spice stalls. By day, haggle for bargains and explore the maze of stalls, and by night catch street performers at the Jemaa el-Fna square, and taste traditional Moroccan cuisine.

OUR PICK – Stay at the TUI BLUE Medina Gardens to be right in the heart of the action, as this place is just five minutes’ walk away from the souks. And best of all, you can choose to go All Inclusive.

Check out our Morocco holidays 

LISBON, PORTUGAL

Lisbon has been steadily rising in popularity over the past few years, and it's easy to see why. The small city boasts Instagram-worthy pastel architecture, a stunning 400-year-old castle, a nearby beach and loads of flea markets and museums. Best of all, it's pretty wallet-friendly too, so a visit there won’t break the bank.

OUR PICK – If you want to get a taste of Lisbon's best attractions, book our Magic of Spain trip with Marella Cruises. Along with Lisbon, this packed itinerary includes Palma, Gibraltar and Malaga. 

Check out all our Marella Cruises itineraries calling at Lisbon

Ready to book your city break?

Check out our best city break deals.

Can’t wait? Bag yourself a last-minute city break deal. Or, find out how to pick a hotel in Las Vegas and discover our favourite unusual short breaks.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Authors: Selina Akhtar and Hannah Stratton