Sydney, Rio, and Barcelona aside, the beach is not usually synonymous with the city. However, with so many amazing urban areas sprouting near water, it is surprisingly easy to catch a suntan – or ride a few cheeky waves – while enjoying the urban crawl.
Are skyscrapers and sandy shores equal in your eyes? Dip your toes into these lesser-known beach cities around the world.
Take a break in Tel Aviv, Israel
Israel’s sophisticated second city boasts a stunning Mediterranean climate and a vibrant beach culture. Bring your rug and matkot (paddle ball) and take a breather from the city’s fine museums, cafes, and galleries. There’s Hilton Beach near the hotel of the same name, where stylish beachgoers splay out in comfort; or the long and golden Gordon and Frishman Beaches, which are iconic (though popular); our favorite, Geula Beach, remains central but relaxed with nargile pipes in full smoke.
Hang out in Hong Kong
Asia’s financial hub is also a small island with lush mountain trails leading down to some beautiful sandy beaches, particularly on the southern side. One highlight is Repulse Bay, featuring an upscale mall and a pleasant restaurant strip overlooking calm waters; while Shek O and Big Wave Bay are known for impressive swells when a daifung circles the South China Sea. After sunbathing, you can easily catch a minibus back to Soho for drinks.
Pace the Promenade in Porto, Portugal
The Costa Verde features a dramatically beautiful coastline in the north of Portugal. Those immense Atlantic Ocean swells crash against rocky headlands and soft sandy beaches, but in the stylish city of Porto, you’ll find Praia do Carneiro. Its long promenade winds back towards the city’s castle walls. The picturesque view may evoke a feeling of saudade, a uniquely Portuguese longing for past glories. The best front-row seat is to sip on some bubbly green wine under an umbrella and relish the city’s understated northern charms.
Dip Your Toes into Dakar, Senegal
Plage de Ngor is the standout choice among Dakar’s many splendid beaches. You can savor locally-sourced oysters at cozy cafes or upscale Euro-Afrique spots in between backstroking across the calm strait. The weather is almost always beach-friendly; even the dry harmattan season in January and February invites swimmers to wash off rapidly pursuing clouds of dust. Ile de Gorée lies offshore as a harrowing reminder of the country’s slave history. The surf is only a short drive south.
Raise Your Temperature in Reykjavík, Iceland
Nauthólsvík Beach is a man-made gem in the heart of the Icelandic capital, where you can brave the icy North Atlantic waters, extending your swim well into the night. Outside of summer – or really, at any time – enjoy the thermal hot tubs with breathtaking city views. The white-sand beach is extremely family-friendly, but trendy adults also flock here on warm weekends to dip their toes in the chilly waters.
Have a Child-Friendly Beach Trip in Hobart, Australia
Perhaps Australia’s hidden beach city, Hobart features a range of pristine bays lining the bends of the River Derwent. On the eastern side, you’ll find Howrah Beach and Bellerive Beach. These locations are rarely crowded and slightly chilly outside the summer months, but both beaches cater wonderfully to children, while the gentle conditions suit sailing or simply daydreaming about adventures to Antarctica. Add to the mix Sandy Bay and Long Beach, which are popular suburban beaches in Tasmania’s capital.
Escape the Norm in Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira, known for hosting at least five music festivals, including the Gnaoua World Music Festival, is bordered by flat, open sandy beaches that attract both elite kite-surfers and wandering travelers searching for authentic experiences and a refreshing dip. The city’s whitewashed, low-rise building, along with easygoing souks and seafood restaurants complement your exotic, windswept adventure. While shopping, keep an eye out for unique lamps or exquisite glass trinkets, but don’t leave without picking up some fresh tunes.
Pamper Yourself in Pärnu, Estonia
Nestled at the convergence of the Pärnu River and the Gulf of Rīga, this stylish Estonian city is celebrated for its 19th-century spa culture and extensive bayside promenade. Even though the Baltic summer may be brief, its days are lengthened, allowing residents to soak up as much sun as possible. The younger crowd strolls shirtless, mingling with well-heeled tourists from the capital Tallinn, Russia, and Finland. Pärnu represents a rejuvenating experience, whether you prefer relaxing in a charming wooden villa or indulging in a therapeutic mud bath.
Show Off Your Dance Moves in Chicago, USA
The Windy City might not seem ideal for a beach day, but Lake Michigan offers a captivating atmosphere, where locals relish gathering around its shores during warmer months. Fitness enthusiasts use the paths year-round, however, visiting in summer reveals a vibrant party scene with outdoor gatherings. Oakwood Beach emerges as the current hotspot, thanks to popular music festivals and colorful murals, while 57th Street Beach is conveniently nearby the city’s renowned Museum of Science and Industry. Moreover, Oak Street Beach, on the ‘Gold Coast’, is famous for beach volleyball, while North Avenue Beach is distinctively iconic for its bathing house styled like an ocean liner.
Watch the World Go By in Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington, prone to Antarctic gusts, may not be your typical summer haven, but with its centrally-located beach leading to clear waters, New Zealand’s capital is hard to overlook. Freyberg Beach lies conveniently a short walk from the excellent Museum of New Zealand and becomes lively during summer. While you may not find more than a gentle ripple in the waters around Oriental Bay, activities such as kayaking, swimming, and building sand sculptures in the shape of ferries connecting the North and South Islands are always enjoyable.
