The best city break hotels for a cultural getaway

Words: Sarah Jappy

Craving culture, cuisine and capital cities with more than their fair share of flair? Let us introduce you to these three RIU Plaza stays, starring prime, city-centre locations. Feel the pulse of local life and tick off inspiring adventures, from theatrical highs to stirring museums, vibrant shopping districts, iconic architecture and flavour-forward dining spots.

1. Best for German japes: Hotel RIU Plaza Berlin

The lowdown: Bed down in the heart of Germany’s capital at Hotel RIU Plaza Berlin. You’ll wake up right by the Ku’Damm, one of the city’s most famous avenues, guaranteeing retail thrills galore. With a modern spirit and a sleek, shiny façade to match, this smart hotel fuses comfort and convenience. Pick from more than 300 city-slicker bedrooms, work up a sweat in the gym and hit up the hotel restaurant for hearty buffet breakfasts and leisurely lunches. There’s also a Grab & Go service, so you can stock up on portable treats for urban adventures. Explore the nearby upscale KaDeWe department store, or hop on the subway (Wittenbergplatz station is just 400m away) to access all areas of Berlin.

Cultural kicks: Survey the city from the Reichstag Building’s rooftop, wave at the Brandenburg Gate (if it’s warm, have a picnic at Tiergarten Park afterwards), stroll around historic Gendarmenmarkt square and check out Museum Island: the city’s Unesco-listed museum complex. For a sobering reminder of the past, be moved by the Holocaust Memorial and the Jewish Museum. 

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2. Best for Irish revelry: Hotel RIU Plaza The Gresham Dublin

The lowdown: Soak up the craic at Hotel RIU Plaza The Gresham Dublin, housed in a handsome historic building on arterial O’Connell Street, whose stones are steeped in local lore. Discover the warmth of Irish hospitality at this city-centre base camp, whose charms include two inviting restaurants, a bar and a swish 24-hour gym. Buffet breakfasts star fresh seasonal produce, an irresistible selection of breads and pastries and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Later, enjoy à la carte cuisine (think succulent steak and seafood, served alongside an impressive whiskey selection) at Toddy’s Bar & Brasserie. Set in the swellegant hotel lobby, the Writers’ Bar serves potent cocktails and a decadent cream tea.

Cultural kicks: Stroll to Dublin’s entertainment heavyweights such as the Gate Theatre and the National Concert Hall. Iconic landmarks on your doorstep include Croke Park and The Temple Bar, plus the vibrant shopping areas around Grafton Street and Henry Street. Abbey Street tram station is a stone’s throw away, connecting you to the rest of the city. Here for a business trip or bleisure? It’s a short hop from the hotel to The Convention Centre Dublin.

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3. Best for British buzz: Hotel RIU Plaza London Victoria

The lowdown: Tick off galleries, boutiques, green spaces, museums, live music and more in the Big Smoke, with Hotel RIU Plaza London Victoria as your urban home-from-home. The clue is in the name: the hotel puts you just a few minutes’ walk from busy Victoria Station in Westminster. Your near neighbours include the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. For a palatial stay, opt for one of the superior suites and drink in the dazzling London panoramas. On-site extras include a relaxed restaurant serving RIU Plaza’s signature buffet breakfast, a lobby bar for pre- or post-prandial drinks and a tricked-out gym worthy of any fitness nut.

Cultural kicks: Where to begin? Once you’ve explored your local ’hood, hop on the Tube for Portobello Market’s vibrant stalls and Notting Hill’s pastel-coloured houses, catch a theatre show in Soho or Piccadilly Circus, explore trending galleries and cafés in Shoreditch, see a film at Rich Mix, hit up South Kensington’s museums (including the wonderful the V&A), and discover the capital’s cosmopolitan flavours in Brixton, Islington or Peckham.

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All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, include a generous checked baggage allowance and a dedicated 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your holiday at Hotel RIU Plaza Berlin, Hotel RIU Plaza The Gresham Dublin or Hotel RIU Plaza London Victoria with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due four weeks before departure for short-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.