Top Business Destinations and What to Do With a Few Extra Days There

Travelling on business? Save space in your suitcase for something a little more comfy than your business suits and make it a bleisure trip instead, with a few extra days to let loose and explore. Read on for how to spend that extra leisure time wisely in the top business destinations around the world. 

New York City

In NYC, the world is at your fingertips. If this is your first time in the Big Apple, embrace your inner tourist and get to sightseeing. Squeeze in an aerial view of New York City at least once, either from the Top of the Rock or from the Empire State Building. If you’re a repeat NYC visitor, lay low and take in Brooklyn’s neighbourhood vibes. Enjoy a leisurely brunch (any day of the week), take a walk on the High Line, and definitely grab a slice of New York-style pizza.

 

Singapore

Go green in Singapore with visits to the island’s extraordinary botanical gardens. The futuristic Gardens by the Bay is an uber-modern take on the traditional botanical garden. Walk along the OCBC highway for spectacular aerial views and be sure to visit Supertree Grove at night to watch the trees come alive with a dazzling display of lights. Go slightly more old school, but no less stunning, at Singapore Botanic Gardens, where over 600 different species of orchids are on display.

 

London

When your work is done, unwind with one of London’s most beloved traditions — afternoon tea. For a classic take on tea (complete with fancy dress code), book a table at the Ritz. For a more quirky (and highly Instagrammable) take, head to Sketch, where plush pink seating and whimsical illustrations set the tone.

 

Brussels

Browse the shops in one of Europe’s oldest shopping arcades, Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. While there, embark on your own personal foodie tour of Brussels with a stop at the arcade’s chocolate shops (yes, all of them). Try the pralines at Leonidas, the chocolate bars at Corné Port-Royal, and the truffles at Neuhaus…and don’t forget to pick up some extras for the trip home.

 

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s most famous market, dubbed the Ladies’ Market, is one of the best places to get a feel for the local flavour, and to score a new fashion find. Stalls begin setting up around noon, but the market’s busiest time is in the evening, when the buzzing crowds will make scoring those fresh fashion finds even more exhilarating.

 

Barcelona

When in Barcelona, checking out the architecture of Gaudí is almost mandatory. Great options to get your Gaudí fix are Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell. Save plenty of precious vacation time for wine and tapas by booking your tickets in advance and skipping the lines.

 

Lisbon

Scratch beneath Lisbon’s surface by spending your off-time touring the city’s winding streets and intricate monuments with a certified historian. Context Travel’s Belém tour takes you through the city’s history via some of Lisbon’s most iconic sights. Fortunately, Portuguese custard tarts are a solidly important part of that history.

 

Sydney

Pack your favourite swimsuit because Sydney is home to one of the world’s most photographed pools and while you’re there, you should definitely get in on the action. Just a $7 entry fee gives you access to Bondi Icebergs Pool’s million dollar view overlooking the sea.

 

See more: Barcelona – Brussels – Hong Kong – Lisbon – London – NYC – Singapore – solo traveller – Sydney