Although we are all agreed that our beloved Birmingham is beautiful, we all need a break from home and work life every now and again. With summer here, it’s the time where most get itchy feet and plan a holiday a way away to relax, un-wind and experience other cultures.
If you are wanting a trip aboard but worry you may get a little home sick, don’t worry! Here is a fabulous listing of our twin cities and activities to take part in on arrival.
Leipzig, Germany
(Image: Michael Bader)
Stay: Pentahotel
(Image: Pentahotel)
An uber-cool place, a ten minute walk away from the heart of it all. Decedent décor in this quirky hotel make a great home away from home.
Vienna House Vienna House prides itself on accommodating those who love a little tech. Free high-speed wi-fi and digital newspapers are offered to those that stay, in a refreshing bright and airy setting.
See: Panometer
(Image: Tom Schulze)
This site presents the world’s largest 360 degree panoramas. Their current exhibition focuses on the Titanic, gifting visitors an educational and immersive voyage to the great depths of the Atlantic. Don’t miss this!
St Thomas Church
A beautiful site, rich in history. Not only are the features magnificent but this place of worship holds the remains of famous Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Incredibly interesting day out.
Eat: Ratskeller
(Image: Ratskeller)
A traditional German eatery is found in the Ratskeller, opened in 1904. Dishes include the famous Schnitzel. A definite must for those who want to soak up the authentic experience.
Zest
Zest is one of the many plant-based restaurants based in Leipzig. Soy steak, Seitan ragu and sesame tofu are some of the specialist dishes on the menu.
Drink: Bricks der Cocktail
(Image: Bricks Der Cocktail)
If you love cocktails, there is no excuse not to visit this wonder. How about? A Yuzu Tree – Smirnoff Vodka, Peach, Yuzu Fruit Puree and Raspberries. Set up a tab, pronto!
Golhopfen
Seasoned beer drinkers belong here! This menu boasts a variety fit for a good old drinking session, that’s for sure. We are definitely intrigued by the Chilli Stout! Do you dare?
Cheapest return flights, week commencing 25/06/2018 from Birmingham Airport to Leipzig-Halle are £209 with Eurowings.
Milan, Italy
Stay: Château Montfort
(Image: Chic Neverland)
This hotel and spa is the definition of luxury. Suitably glam for the location. A majestic place with imagery, you’ll believe, straight from a childhood fairy-tale.
Ostello Bello Grande
Less fancy, yet incredibly homely. Visitors will be at ease amongst the flea market style decoration and unique character of this hotel. Extras galore are included, you can even borrow laptops and tablets, if you should need!
See: QC Terme
(Image: Melina)
A world of peace and tranquillity await. This sanctuary treats guests to whirlpools, saunas, relaxation rooms and steam rooms ensure you can make an entire day of wellness become a reality.
Milan Canal Cruise
Like Venice, they may not have as many canals as us, but they are absolutely beautiful! Take a trip on a canal cruise and admire the picturesque surroundings in the most fashionable area on earth.
Eat: Langosteria
(Image: Daniele Siciliano)
A typically Italian menu shines here, serving customers the freshest of fish and seafood specials. King crab, grilled artichoke with lime and yuzu sauce is clean choice.
Trattoria Madonnina
When in Milan! An environment that embraces locals and travellers alike. Pasta made right is what to expect here. Comforting food in a truly authentic setting.
Drink: Bar Luce
If you are a West Anderson fan, this space may seem familiar. Designed by the iconic movie- director, this bar and café is a pristine place to un-wind and take in the calming colours.
Rita
A friendly drinking spot with classic cocktails coming to life thanks to the hugely experienced and dedicated bar team. Stylish with fresh ingredients is what you’d expect at home in Milan.
Cheapest return flights, week commencing 25/06/2018 from Birmingham Airport to Milan Malpensa are £150 with Swiss.
Chicago, USA
(Image: The Masculine Traveller)
Stay: The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast
(Image: Eric Allix Rogers)
Located in popular West Loop is this little gem. The 11 bed B&B is a quaint space with plenty of character, providing the perfect haven after an exhausting day of exploration.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
Just like its sister, Chicago have their own swanky Radisson. Brilliant blue hues combine with a sleek and minimalistic design to form a sophisticated place to stay.
See: Millennium Park
(Image: Tripsavvy)
An amazing green scape with awe-inspiring architecture and art to behold across its 25 acres. Whatever the weather in the windy city, there is something to explore. Ice skating in winter and wonderful water fountains in summer.
Adler Planetarium
If you are looking for an out of this world experience, this is for you! The star of the show being The Grainger Sky Theatre which uses multiple projectors in order to create an immersive journey through solar systems.
Eat: Au Cheval
(Image: Nick Fochtman)
An up-market haunt home to the ‘the best burger in the world’. Roasted bone marrow and chicken liver also feature on the menu if you are looking to experiment whilst on the vacation of a life-time.
Pequods Pizza
A trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without a taste of their famous pan-style pizzas. Pequods offer a range of pies with regular and premium toppings to tantalise those taste-buds.
Drink: Lost Lake
An exotic inner city escape comes in the form of Lost Lake. Bunny’s Banana Daiquiri is a zany choice which transforms the typical fruity cocktail, we all know and love!
Logan Arcade
Hipsters assemble! Logan Arcade is a laid-back hang-out with pinball and video-games to get involved in whilst you sip on an ice-cold beer. You’ll be spoilt for choice by the drinks menu.
Cheapest return flights, week commencing 25/06/2018 from Birmingham International Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport are £629 with Delta.
Other twin cities to visit include:
Johannesburg, South Africa
(Image: Getty Images)
Guangzhou, China
(Image: iStock)
Lyon, France
(Image: Alexi Tauzin)
