Find it hard to choose between the urban sprawl and outdoor adventure when you’re planning a holiday? These nine adrenaline-fuelled cities around the world combine the best of both, so you can kayak before coffee, surf before sightseeing or climb a mountain before an evening cocktail.
Nine of the best global cities with adventure on tap
CHICAGO, USA: The city currently gracing our screens on The Bear has some surprisingly wide outdoor offerings and active things to do in Chicago beyond the urban skyline. Lake Michigan is great for windsurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, while hikers and cyclists can explore miles of dunes and trails. In winter, the city’s parks transform into a winter wonderland for cross-country skiing and ice skating.
Top Adventure: kayaking on the Chicago River
Paddle past the city’s iconic architecture on a guided tour. Urban Kayaks offer guided tours for £40.
ZADAR, CROATIA: Would you rather have the mountains or the sea on your doorstep? It’s the eternal question for people who love adventure, but one that locals from Zadar, on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, needn’t bother answering—their vibrant city enjoys the best of both. Lapped by the Adriatic Sea on its western side and framed by the Velebit mountains to the east, Zadar has adventure—whether you fancy hiking, climbing, kayaking, or sea swimming – on tap.
Top adventure: city swims
Join locals for a dip at one of the many ladders and swimming platforms dotted along Zadar’s sea wall.
VANCOUVER, CANADA: Vancouver, where mountains meet the sea, is an adventure lover’s paradise . In summer, explore world-class hiking and mountain biking trails in the North Shore Mountains or try kayaking in English Bay. Winter brings top-notch skiing and snowboarding at nearby Whistler and Cypress Mountain.
Top Adventure: Grouse Grind hike
Take on the challenging Grouse Grind trail, known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.” Grouse Mountain entry fee applies.
CHAMONIX, FRANCE: Nestled at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a mecca for alpine sports enthusiasts. This French town is perfect for skiing, mountaineering, and ice climbing in the winter, with summer offering rock climbing, paragliding, and hiking. The breathtaking scenery and extreme sports options make Chamonix a must-visit for adventurers.
Top adventure: glacier hiking on Mer de Glace
Traverse this breathtaking white glacier over three days with expert guides from Chamonix Experience, learning ice-climbing techniques along the way. £760 including two nights in mountain huts.
BRISTOL, UK: Bristol is a hidden gem for climbing enthusiasts, offering both urban and natural rock faces. The Avon Gorge’s limestone cliffs provide challenging routes with stunning views of the city and River Avon, and the city also boasts no less than five climbing walls.
Top Adventure: climbing Avon Gorge
Tackle the cliffs under the iconic Suspension Bridge with The Climbing Academy – £60 for a half-day session.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Cape Town combines urban excitement with outdoor adventure. From surfing at Muizenberg Beach to hiking up Table Mountain, Cape Town is a Mecca for active types. Don’t miss shark cage diving in nearby Gansbaai or paragliding over the city’s stunning coastline.
Top Adventure: taking on Table Mountain
Conquer Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain via the Platteklip Gorge route, offering stunning views over the city and coastline. Tackle the route solo or join Hike Table Mountain – they offer guided hikes for £52.
POKHARA, NEPAL: Pokhara is the gateway to the Himalayas, and the perfect city base for starting treks including the famous Annapurna Circuit. The city also boasts paragliding over Phewa Lake, white-water rafting, and zip-lining. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and serene lakes, Pokhara is a haven for those seeking both adrenaline and a sense of space.
Top Adventure: paragliding Over Phewa Lake
Glide above the stunning landscape of Pokhara, with the Annapurna range as your backdrop. Sunrise Paragliding will take you soaring from £50 per person.
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND: Iceland’s buzzy capital is the perfect base for exploring the country’s incredible volcanic landscapes. Easy day trips from Reykjavik include diving between tectonic plates, hiking glaciers and chasing photogenic waterfalls. In winter, the nearby mountains offer skiing, and the Northern Lights a once-in-a-lifetime show on night hikes.
Top Adventure: snorkeling in Silfra
Swim between tectonic plates in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure. Provider: Dive.is offer underwater tours from £115 per person. P
MUNICH, GERMANY: Munich may be known for its beer gardens and historic sites, but it also offers a unique urban experience – surfing the Eisbach River. Right in the heart of the city, this standing wave attracts surfers year-round.
Top Adventure: surfing on the Eisbach Wave
Experienced surfers can being a wetsuit to try the famous standing wave in the heart of the city.