During lockdown and time in isolation, I have had a vast amount of time to think about my priorities and reflect on my memories.

I have been very fortunate to have already visited many beautiful beaches, vibrant cities and had some incredible adventures across the world. I have been remembering some of the best places I have been to, in particular, focussing on city breaks.

When lockdown is finally lifted and the world is back to normal, I am sure that most peoples first priority will be to book that long anticipated holiday/trip that was missed out on this year. In light of this, I thought I would tell you all about my top 3 favourite city breaks (which coincidently, all begin with B) to help those who will be substituting sunbathing on golden beaches for a weekend city break. I know I will be putting off that expensive dream holiday while I save and instead, occasionally book a short cheaper trip.

Barcelona

No matter where I go in the world, Barcelona will always be a favourite of mine. I have visited a few times now and will always want to return to see more. Whether you are a beach lover, city lover, want to relax or to see sights, Barcelona has it all!

La Rambla is the main street in the centre of the city which is lined with bars, restaurants and cute shops. Down a side street off La Rambla, sits a square which again is filled with bars and restaurants which even has palm trees and a water fountain stationed in the centre. A very lovely spot to enjoy cocktails and delicious food! It was in this square where I discovered my love for Risottos.

As well as lively bars and restaurants, there is plenty to see if you are up for sightseeing. Some of my favourite places to visit while in Barcelona are: Park Guell which is home to some of Gaudis distinct architecture and a very scenic park to walk through, the Gothic Quarter where you will find the Cathedral of Barcelona as you walk down its narrow medieval streets, the Sagrada Familia - the large Roman Catholic Basilica that is unfinished and designed by Gaudi and lastly, whether you are a football fan or not, Camp Nou (Barcelona FC Stadium) is a great sight to see and I personally enjoyed the tour of the stadium.

Now for me, as a beach lover and a traveller who loves to also see the sights, having the remarkable sights to see that I have listed above paired with its golden beach, results in Barcelona being top on my list. Its coastline stretches 4.5km and is lined with palm trees and a promenade that is usually filled with tourists and locals roller blading, skate boarding or cycling. Barceloneta beach is my favourite beach where one of my favourite memories from my third trip was made - roller blading along the promenade with my friend, passing stunning palm trees in the warm sunshine while laughing our heads off! (it took 20 minutes of our skate hire time just to cross the road from the shop, Ha!) At this beach you can also take time out and enjoy the range of shops opposite the beach front and delicious restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. 

Two top tips:

1. If you visit Park Guell, at the highest point of the park sits a rock formation that has a wooden cross stationed at the top and stairs for tourist to climb. This is a spectacular spot to see a panoramic view of the city and watch the sunset. The photo above was taken on this rock just before watching the sunset - another of my favourite memories of Barcelona.

2. If you are a lover of cocktails, I would highly recommend taking a trip to the Gothic Quarter in the evening to check out First Cocktail Bar. This is a very quirky little bar where colourful sticky notes cover every wall with messages that tourists have left. Here, you can also listen to live music while enjoying the uniquely named cocktails and writing your message for the wall!

Budapest

Budapest is another of my top favourite cities which I would highly recommend, however I have already written a full article on Budapest and the best sights to see. Click here to read The Buda'best' of Budapest.   

Bruges

A more controversial of the B's... Bruges (also known as Zeebrugge) in Belgium is in my top 3!

I visited last March on a P&O mini cruise and was taken back by the city. As a lover of quaint villages and streets, I was definitely in my element. Cobbled streets, medieval buildings, winding calm canals, horses and carts for transport and the smell of Belgium chocolate in the air; I felt like I was on a movie set.

Unfortunately, we were only there for the day but still managed to take in Bruges' sights and get a feel for the historic city. We spent the day visiting Burg Square which is home to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, The Markt of Bruges in the centre where you will find the 12th Century Belfry, colourful but gothic like buildings and lots of places to eat, photographing the still canals while watching the boat tours, and last but certainly not least...eating lots of Belgium chocolate and waffles! We also couldn't forget to sample the local lager Vadett which we probably had too much of. 

Two top tips:

1. If you are unsure if Bruges is for you, I would recommend visiting via a P&O mini cruise. I had a great and surprising experience for the small amount of £45! The mini cruises give you the perfect opportunity to explore the city in a day , then, if Bruges steals your heart you can book to visit again but maybe for the weekend to see more. I particularly would like to visit again in the summer.

2. Don't miss out on trying the famous waffles with melted Belgium chocolate drizzled on top! I would highly recommend going to Chez Albert - Gauffres - Waffles located in Burg Square for their chocolate waffle. You're welcome!