9 of the best destinations to enjoy both city and nature

So here’s your travel dilemma: you want to visit a new city because you’re searching for the exhilarating feel of a big, bustling, unknown metropolis. You’ve got brunches on the brain; you’re thinking about bars, galleries, mingling with locals, ‘gramming the architecture, and feeling that subway swoosh. And yet, something’s missing.

It’s because there’s a simple little adage – one that grandparents around the world are known for saying – and it’s scratching at the back of your brain:

“Fresh air will do you good!”

It turns out there’s some scientific basis to this age-old phrase. Fresh air improves digestion, blood pressure, and heart rate; it clears the lungs, sharpens the mind, strengthens the immune system, and boosts happiness.

Fresh air is in reasonably good supply, too, so fulfilling granny’s prophecy isn’t such a hard task – especially if you choose a city with a spectacular sprinkling of nearby nature and the great outdoors.

That city-nature combo is what constitutes the ultimate trip

So, step out in search of that glorious gulp of fresh O2, get a serotonin kick, free your mind a little, feel the earth beneath your toes, and connect with the ‘good stuff’. Our top 9 city-nature combo destinations should do the trick.

1. Playa Tamarindo

Sip coffee in a cozy cafe in the city, surf on one of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast beaches, then trek through a mangrove-fringed wildlife sanctuary – all in one day. Spot crocs, monkeys, dazzling hummingbirds, and ancient leatherback turtles as you basically tick off nearly every tropical animal species on your watch list. You may as well be called the animal-whisperer.

2. Cape Town

Journey up Table Mountain if you’re a hiking pro and soak up the unreal view of Camps Bay and Clifton Beaches as dusk settles, get a culture-kick on Robben Island, experience a safari, then whip on over to the Cape of Good Hope. I assure you – all your mates on Instagram will be hoping to do the same trip one day.

3. Singapore

Singapore is essentially a dream city. Clean, innovative, tech-driven, architecturally resplendent, and brimming with exciting South East Asian culture. Set back from the beautiful marina, you’ll discover the Gardens by the Bay – a majestic man-made natural wonderland of plants, trees and sparkling light shows. Along with Sentosa Island and a dozen other epic nature spots, this one hits different.

4. Malta

Malta often flies under the radar, because everyone’s always talking about Italy, Spain and Greece when it comes to Mediterranean holidays. It’s time you set the record straight. With thousands of years of history and culture, cities like Valletta and Mdina are home to both hip cafes and ancient ruins, while nature spots like the Blue Lagoon and Dingli Cliffs boast unrivaled beauty. Fancy a scuba-dive, anyone?

5. New York

I know what you're thinking. New York, really? Hear me out. You're in one of the world's greatest cultural capitals, home to iconic landmarks like Central Park, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. Incredible food, museums, Broadway, neighborhoods full of character, and endless energy? City vibes: absolutely.

Now, step outside Manhattan and you'll quickly discover that nature is never far away. Hike through the forests and waterfalls of the Hudson Valley, explore the scenic trails of Bear Mountain State Park, or spend a relaxing day along the beaches of Long Island. Whether you're looking for mountain views, coastal escapes or peaceful woodlands, New York offers the perfect balance between city life and the outdoors.

6. Dublin

Renowned for its welcoming and spirited locals, lively music scene, and plenty of culture, Dublin has got the entertainment part of your trip covered. Branch out a little and you’ll discover why they call Ireland ‘The Emerald Isle’, with stunning rolling green fields, rugged coastlines, and unforgettable nature spots like the Giant’s Causeway and Cliffs of Moher. You’ll basically return home green.

7. Vancouver

Vancouver is one of those rare cities where urban life and spectacular nature exist side by side. Start your day exploring vibrant neighbourhoods, cafés and waterfront markets before heading outdoors for unforgettable adventures. Cycle the famous Stanley Park Seawall, hike through the lush forests of Lynn Canyon, or take in breathtaking mountain views from Grouse Mountain.

If you're hoping to spot wildlife, you're in the right place. Join a whale-watching tour to look for orcas, humpback whales and other marine life along British Columbia's coastline, or venture into the surrounding mountains and forests for even more incredible scenery. Few cities combine outdoor adventure and city living quite like Vancouver.

8. Sydney

Australia’s most famous destination, Sydney is known for its buzzing energy. From sushi joints to rooftop bars, artisanal coffee shops to iconic buildings like the Opera House, this city has you gesturing a wide-eyed ‘wow!’ on the reg. Explore nature on trips to classic Bondi Beach, North Head National Park, the Royal Botanic Garden, and beyond. Don’t forget, the Blue Mountains (so named because of the blue tinted haze given off by millions of eucalyptus trees) are also right on your doorstep.

9. Honolulu

Hawaii is a unique island – it’s home to 1.5 million inhabitants just getting on with their business in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 2000 miles away from the rest of the USA. There’s a whole host of stellar reasons to pay Honolulu (the state’s capital) a visit. The name Honolulu means “calm port”, which makes sense because the locals have a reputation for having a friendly, laid-back demeanour. Picture a safe, bustling city enclosed by tropical jungle, pristine beaches, and live volcanoes. It’s basically like living in a real-life version of Jurassic Park (minus the dinos).