Need a break from your routine? A long weekend can really refresh and recharge you. Upgrade your weekend plans and discover the buzz in these five cities.

A Grand NYC Getaway

With so much happening across NYC’s five boroughs, deciding what to do during a weekend getaway could be overwhelming. Relax. Midtown Manhattan is having a moment, and the city’s most iconic hotel, The Plaza, places you within walking distance of cultural jewels, including the Museum of Modern Art. Celebrate your arrival with a flight of bubbly and a dozen East Coast oysters at the Champagne Bar.

Fashion aficionados can recharge with a visit to the luxe flagships and classic department stores on nearby 57th Street and Fifth Avenue. Browse curated finds by Bergdorf Goodman’s fashion director Linda Fargo in her expanded fourth floor boutique, and check out the storewide transformation of Saks Fifth Avenue. Channel the spirit of Holly Golightly as you explore 10 floors of glittering jewels, contemporary artworks and immersive displays at Tiffany’s revamped flagship store, now dubbed The Landmark. Afternoon tea under the stunning stained-glass dome of The Palm Court is the perfect spot to celebrate your new wardrobe pieces.

Searching for a way to counteract the high-octane pace of the city? Take your time with a peaceful stroll through the native meadow on Central Park’s Dene Slope or schedule a relaxing massage at The Guerlain Spa.

Star-powered shows like the acclaimed revival of Sweeney Todd with Josh Groban are currently lighting up Broadway. Pre- or post-theater, dine at one of several recently opened Rockefeller Center venues, such as acclaimed French restaurant Le Rock. You might even spot an SNL cast member at elegant townhouse destination Pebble Bar after filming in the 30 Rock studio.

Festivals and French Flair in Montreal

From June’s vibrant Mural Festival to the 11-day Montréal Pride Festival in August, Montreal fizzes with cultural celebrations throughout the year. More than 40 take place in the Quartier des Spectacles alone. Plan your weekend getaway at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, a midcentury landmark in the heart of the city, to be close to the action.

Embrace that Friday feeling at Nacarat, where local DJs and new twists on classic cocktails create the perfect buzzy combo. The terrace offers a view of The Ring, a monumental art installation framing the slope of Mount Royal and an emblem of Downtown Montreal’s revitalization.

Old Montreal is a must for first-timers, but repeat visitors will also discover something new in the historic district. After dark, Montréal en Histoires – Cité Mémoire creates magical visual narratives through archival footage projected onto the cityscape. The area is also bursting with must-try eateries, from enduring favorites like Olive & Gourmando to nouveau brasserie Place Carmin.

Recognized as one of the world’s best cycling cities, Montreal has an extensive bike-share program and hundreds of miles of designated paths. Before you hit the road, fuel up with a freshly made crepe or local charcuterie and cheese at Marché Artisans. The incredibly scenic Lachine Canal Path starts at the Old Port of Montréal and extends 13.5 kilometers to Lake Saint-Louis.

A multicultural food scene, exceptional cultural offerings and a distinctive skyline overlooking Lake Ontario add up to an unforgettable weekend in Canada’s largest city. There’s no better place to experience it all than at Fairmont Royal York, a 1929 icon within walking distance of renowned attractions, including the Hockey Hall of Fame and CN Tower.

Peruse Canadian art, vintage curios and locally designed fashion in the impeccably restored 19th century buildings of the Distillery District. In the warmer months, tables fill the cobblestone streets of this lively pedestrian-only dining hub. King Street West is the heart of Toronto’s flourishing theater district, whether you’re looking to catch a touring Broadway show or a homegrown production. Prefer an evening of Jazz? Find your groove at Reign‘s wine bar, a seductive nook offering expertly curated vintages, small plates and live music.

Spend a leisurely Sunday wandering around the Kensington Market neighborhood, known for brightly hued Victorian architecture, vintage shops and eclectic cuisine. Taste a Venezuelan version of a Montreal-style bagel at Nu Bügel, or choose between goulash and pad Thai at Hungary Thai. It’s worth timing your visit for the last weekend of the month between late May and late October, when Pedestrian Sundays close the entire area to traffic, letting art and food vendors take over the streets.

You may associate Boston with Revolutionary War history and highbrow culture, but did you know it’s also a major innovation hub? Instead of the Freedom Trail, follow the recently launched Innovation Trail to discover the city’s legacy of cutting-edge inventions. You can learn about the first use of an anesthetic at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Ether Dome and world-rocking technology at the MIT Museum. A landmark of the elegant Back Bay since 1912, Fairmont Copley Plaza lays claim to several hotel-industry “firsts,” including the addition of direct-dial phones to its guest rooms.

The hotel is two blocks from the South End, one of Boston’s most photogenic neighborhoods. Wander along charming streets lined with impeccably restored 19th-century row houses, independent boutiques and trendy restaurants. The nearby SoWa warehouse district is a warren of galleries and artist studios. Between May and October, SoWa Open Market offers handmade wares and rotating food trucks every Sunday.

With the opening of the MGM Music Hall at Fenway, there are more reasons to visit Boston’s legendary Fenway Park. The affiliated indoor venue lends a state-of-the-art stage to a variety of high-profile music and comedy acts. Whether you’re cheering the Red Sox or swaying to a chart-topping hit, gather at OAK Long Bar + Kitchen before or after the event for elevated favorites like lobster rolls and handcrafted pizzas.

Art and Adventure in Los Angeles

LA celebrates several milestones in 2023, including the centennial of the iconic Hollywood sign, with events and exhibitions throughout the year. For a memorable outdoor adventure in the heart of the city, hike the Brush Canyon Trail to see the sign or join a guided trail ride on horseback in Griffith Park for striking views of both the sign and downtown.

Sleek, modern accommodations and an exclusive rooftop pool with panoramic city and ocean views make Fairmont Century Plaza the ultimate LA address. The hotel has one of the city’s largest spas, where you can lounge in a Himalayan pink salt room or indulge in a Biohacking Power Nap.

The hotel’s central location makes exploration easy, whether you want to look for immaculate red-carpet cast-offs in the vintage boutiques lining Melrose Avenue, view contemporary art at the reimagined Hammer Museum or head up the PCH to spend the day at Malibu Beach. Want to get a taste of the laid-back LA lifestyle? Head down to Venice, where you can wander between boho-chic boutiques, galleries and artisan cafés along Abbot Kinney Boulevard before capping off the day with a Med-meets-SoCal meal on the bougainvillea-adorned patio of Paloma.

No matter which travel hotspot you prefer, make plans for your weekend getaway today!