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must-sees in seven cities

Having a layover in a foreign city is one of the hassles of business travel. If it’s a couple hours, it’s at least a chance to catch up on e-mails. But nobody wants to waste half a day at another anonymous, soul-numbing airport. With that in mind, here’s a look at some great things you can do if you’ve got a longer-than-normal layover in various cities around the globe, with a great thing to do and a great meal to try. So get out there and enjoy, already.

(All photos by Jim Byers)

Los Angeles

Must do: It’s good to get a bit of fresh air and exercise when you have a layover. One great option in Santa Monica, a fabulous beach town 15 minutes from LAX, is a bike ride with the folks at Pedal Or Not. It’s a place that offers both regular (human-powered) and motorized (electrical battery powered) bikes for rent. You can head toward Malibu, or down to Venice Beach and back, and soak up some warm California sun.

Must eat: Fish tacos are both tasty and nutritious. One of my favourite spots is Blue Plate Taco on Ocean Avenue, which overlooks the city’s fabulous Palisades Park and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Not only great food, but killer margaritas, some of them with a spicy hit of ginger. Option two is Father’s Office on Montana Avenue, where they serve fantastic burgers with blue cheese and arugula and have beer from around the world, including Quebec last time I was there.

Hong Kong

Must do: There are so many can’t miss activities in this city, including a ride on the famous Star Ferry. But I’d say a walking tour around Victoria Peak is better for folks on a layover, as you’ll get more fresh air and a bit of exercise, too. The circle walk tour is about 3.5 kilometres and can be done in an hour or so. After taking the tram to the top of the peak you’ll take a walk alongside quiet roads that are more like jungle paths, with enormous, deep green trees dripping with long vines and gated homes. There are also fantastic views of Hong Kong’s surprising park spaces and those famous skyscrapers far below your feet.

Must eat: Dim sum is something of a religion here. Tim Ho Wan in the district of Sham Shui Po has won awards as some of the best – and most affordable – dim sum spots around. Not much in the way of decor, but the food is other-worldly good. Option two: Make yourself feel at home with street meat from Yonge Piggies, a hot dog and sausage spot started by a Canadian.

Halifax

Must do: You’ve been to Peggy’s Cove. And it’s awesome. So how about a bracing ride on a sailboat in Halifax harbour? It’s a great way to learn something about sailing while also getting a bit of a history lesson in one of Canada’s great cities. Marvellous views and a huge boost of energy, too.

Must eat: Oysters here can often be found for half the price you’ll find in Toronto, or less. The lobster is, of course, excellent. Ditto for the Digby scallops, harvested in the Bay of Fundy a short distance away. Press Gang is a historic, wonderful restaurant in downtown Halifax in a building that dates back hundreds of years and offers these local seafood treats. On the other hand, you can always go downscale and try one of the city’s dozens of donair stands, with greasy meat and that gooey white topping some folks love.

Sydney

Must do: Another great city with another great seaside setting. For a dreamy bit of exercise, try the famous Bondi Beach to Coogee walk. You’ll pass glorious swimming holes and deep, golden rocks lashed by pure blue Pacific Ocean waves. Stop for a coffee or a glass of Australian wine and admire the surfers and beach-goers, then grab a cab back to the airport.

Must eat: Harry’s Café de Wheels is a Sydney institution that’s been serving luscious meat pies for decades. There are now several branches but the most famous is in the Sydney neighbourhood of Woollomooloo, not far from the city centre. Option two: Tuck into a fresh kangaroo steak. It doesn’t taste like chicken but it’s lean and tasty.

Chicago

Must do: The Chicago Architecture Foundation takes advantage of the city’s river by giving fantastic boat tours. Take a seat on the top deck and admire the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower and other beautiful and powerful buildings in the city that pretty much invented the modern skyscraper. If the weather’s not so great, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most inspiring museums in the world.

Must eat: Most folks these days seem to flock toward thin-crust pizzas made in those Italian wood-burning ovens by people with beards and tattoos in places their parents wouldn’t approve of. But aficionados of gooey, thick-crust pizza still have plenty of options in the Windy City. Popular spots include Uno’s and Lou Malnati’s. Option two: Go upscale (way upscale) with either Grace, run by brilliant chef Curtis Duffy, or Alinea, which is run by highly decorated chef Grant Achatz and recently was rated the top restaurant in the world.

Zurich

Must do: Not only is there a booming arts district called West Zurich, but you’ll also find one of Europe’s classic city centres, with steep winding streets and sidewalk cafés. The Fraumunster Church has glorious windows from famous artist Marc Chagall, while a trip to the top of the Grossmunster Cathedral will get your knees and lungs working and reward you with lovely views.

Must eat: You can keep your Swiss chocolate and fondue. The real treat for some of us is the kind of breakfast you’ll get at the better hotels in town. Think crunchy, perfect baguettes that would make a Parisian weep with joy, topped with fresh, thick pats of butter from those famous Swiss cows, and sweet raspberry jam. Toss in flaky croissants, local cheeses and that wonderful Swiss mix of fruit and oats called bircher muesli, along with some good, strong coffee, and you’ve got one heavenly morning.

London

Must do: One of the best urban walks in the world is along the south bank of the River Thames, with lots of paths and many things to see. Take the Heathrow Express into the city centre, then start your walk opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. You’ll pass everything from the Tate Modern (which is free) and the London Eye ferris wheel (which is not) to the Globe Theatre and Vinopolis wine museum. You’ll also get great views of St. Paul’s Cathedral along the way. Finish your walk at the the lovely Southwark Cathedral, next to Borough Market.

Must eat: Dining in London used to mean fish and chips or mushy peas. It’s now a wildly multicultural smorgasbord with no one particular must-try dish. So, to get an idea of the new London, try any of a half-dozen or more restaurants on a wonderful street called The Cut, not far from the Thames in south London. You’ll find everything from gourmet burgers and milkshakes at a chain called Byron to Indian curries. Not Far Away Is The Fire Station, A Converted Firefighters’ Building Next To Waterloo Station With A Fine Bar That Has Been Known To Feature Everything From New Zealand Wakatu Beer To Monkey Shoulder Scotch.