Top cities for an urban retreat
From rooftops to riverwalks — here’s where to go (and stay) in the world’s greatest cities.
By Alina Dizik | August 7, 2025
Alina Dizik
Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, real estate, family, work trends, and dining. She lives in Chicago and has previously lived in New York, Europe, and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children. Alina has visited more than 50 countries, and her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian, and other top publications.
Some of the world’s most vibrant cities are never without adventure. Visitors stroll the streets to stumble upon food fests, outdoor concerts, and so much more. Restaurant seating pours out onto the sidewalks, and the late sunsets make evening outings hard to resist. Check out these stylish new ways to stay for the ultimate city voyage.
New York
Exploring the Big Apple can be thrilling but also a bit tiresome, so plan for a luxurious and centrally located home base. The newest must-visit option? The legendary Waldorf Astoria New York, which has undergone a meticulous restoration to highlight its storied past. Expect elegant Art Deco flourishes, gold detailing, modern rooms, and a stunning 30,000-square-foot spa, complete with a coveted Park Avenue address. The lobby, with its grand marble statues and iconic Peacock Alley bar, feels like stepping into a royal sanctuary. Nearby, check out a concert at Radio City Music Hall, enjoy skyline views from the top of Rockefeller Center, or pack a picnic for an afternoon in Central Park. With so many options, the hotel’s concierge can curate a seamless itinerary for a perfect New York escape.
Singapore
A city known for its diverse food scene, stunning skyline, and impeccable cleanliness, Singapore is a beacon for travelers seeking a dynamic urban escape. A stay at Conrad Singapore Orchard puts you at the center of it all, while providing a serene retreat from the city action. Indulge in retail therapy along Orchard Road, a global shopping destination just steps from the hotel, where gleaming malls, exclusive boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants await. For fine dining, it can’t get more convenient than Summer Palace, located within the hotel. One of Singapore’s famed Michelin-starred restaurants, its menu blends traditional Cantonese cuisine with modern techniques to craft a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience. When you’re ready to call it a night, the hotel’s Signature Sleep to-Wake-Ritual will lull you into deep slumber with calming teas, in-room sound bath, and luxurious linens.
London
London welcomes visitors looking to enjoy everything the city has to offer — from bustling markets and open-air dining to top-notch museums and star-studded musicals. Settle in at NoMad London, which features chic and meticulously decorated rooms and suites. The hotel’s lush public spaces provide the perfect setting to unwind, including the stunning, glass-ceilinged Twenty8 NoMad, where you can feast on regionally inspired dishes. Outside, stroll through Green Park for an escape from the crowds at Buckingham Palace. For a quintessential London experience, take a classic double-decker bus tour or explore the luxury boutiques of Bond Street. Return to NoMad London for a nightcap at Side Hustle, where Latin American flavors influence the food and cocktail menus.
Paris
A romantic destination any time of year, plus a breathtakingly renovated Notre Dame cathedral, visitors can’t get enough of the City of Light. Stay at SAX Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts, a boutique hotel within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. Take in views of this famous monument from Kinugawa, the hotel’s rooftop terrace restaurant which boasts a modern Japanese menu. Outside the hotel is a world of tree-lined boulevards, boutique shops, and sidewalk cafés. Attractions like the Louvre Museum and Luxembourg Gardens are nearby, too. Relax on the banks of the Seine River and be sure to stop by Berthillon, an iconic ice cream shop on the tiny Île Saint Louis famous for its strawberry sorbet. Make time to catch an open-air film at Parc de la Villette, one of Paris’s best traditions.
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