Long-haul holiday deals

Europe doesn’t have a monopoly on city breaks. Long-haul cities from New York to Singapore are famous for a reason and you can easily spend a week discovering their charms without even thinking of the beach! Whether you’re after ancient history or bright lights and late nights, these are some of the best destinations for a long-haul city break.

Bangkok: A real mix of ancient history and fast-paced modern life, Bangkok will quickly get under your skin. Discover its grand palaces, contemporary museums and intricately decorated Buddhist temples by day, then hit the night markets for antiques, trinkets and, of course, dinner. The shopping continues at sprawling malls such as Siam Paragon and Central World.

Cairo: History buffs will love Cairo. The Egyptian Museum with its Tutankhamen exhibition is here, and you’ll find the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx on the outskirts of the city. Other highlights include the Khan el-Khalili souks and the panoramic views from Cairo Tower. Even better? You can get there in around five hours from the UK.

Cape Town: Cape Town might be a 12-hour flight away, but it has pretty much no jet lag to speak of, meaning it’s great for shorter breaks as well as a longer holiday. Table Mountain soars above the city centre – head to the top for panoramic views out to sea – and you’ll be in easy reach of the Cape’s and the penguins at Boulders Beach.

Dubai: For a long-haul city break and beach holiday combined, Dubai is an easy choice. This is a city that doesn’t do things by halves – it’s home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the world’s longest urban zipline and even has an indoor ski slope! Visit Dubai Marina for upmarket dining with views of skyscrapers and super yachts.

Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s dramatic harbour setting is just the start of this city’s charms. Eating out is a joy here, with retro hotpot joints, thriving street food markets and some serious fine dining all on offer, and cultural attractions ranging from the huge Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island to the Hong Kong Museum of History. There’s even a Disneyland if you’re travelling with kids!

New Orleans: You’ll be captivated by New Orleans from the moment you arrive. Spanish, French-Canadian, Caribbean and Native American cultures combine in this Deep South city and the result is its mouth-watering Creole cuisine. Be sure to try gumbo, a meat and shellfish stew, and deep-fried beignet pastries. Nights out here are as addictive as the food, and it's all set to a soundtrack of jazz and blues.

New York: There’s always something happening in the City That Never Sleeps. If you’re a first-time visitor to New York, checking out iconic attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and the Empire State Building will easily fill a week-long holiday. Return visitors, meanwhile, have boutique shops in Brooklyn, some of the world’s best bars and tons of top-notch restaurants to keep them busy.

San Francisco: For an altogether different vibe, head west to San Francisco. Long-haul holidays to this laidback city are less about the sights – though you’ll want to stop by the Golden Gate Bridge and the infamous prison at Alcatraz – and more about exploring the city’s diverse and eclectic neighbours. Visit SoMa (South of the Market) for museums, the Mission for nightlife or the Castro to be in the heart of one of the world’s most famous LGBTQ spots.

Singapore: Want to spend a week exploring shops, hitting up theme parks and dancing the night away? Singapore could be the long-haul city break for you. Highlights include Supertree Grove, Marina Bay Sands and the views from the 57th floor of the SkyPark Observation Deck. Save a day or two to explore Sentosa Island. Universal Studios has a theme park here, plus there’s beautiful Palawan Beach, where swanky beach clubs and kid-friendly activities await.

Sydney: Many of Australia’s most recognisable sights are found in Sydney. The Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach… you could easily spend a week here taking it all in. Hop on the Manly ferry for a cheap way to see that harbour, visit world-class museums such as the MCA, and prepare to eat well. Try Chinatown, Surry Hills and Paddington for a great selection of restaurants.

Vancouver: Vancouver, in Canada’s western province of British Columbia, is a melting pot of Pan-Pacific food, culture and people – and it has one of the best settings of any city, surrounded by mountains and overlooking the Strait of Georgia. Culture cravers will love the city’s galleries, which are packed with work from local indigenous artists and if you’re after outdoor adventures, there are plenty of mountain trails and ski slopes close by.