by Nick Hagan / November 1, 2024
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
It’s often understood that efficient work requires optimal work-life balance. When planning business trips, why not choose a city that embodies this ethos?
More and more in 2024 we’re seeing the trend for executives to mix business with pleasure, finding ways to create mini holidays while traveling around for their work. With our digitized world opening up dazzling new possibilities, you might be ready to join this new era of Bleisurer, to discover the range of possibilities your next business trip could offer you.
Whether there’s a meeting abroad, you’re seeking the best place to relocate, or you want something exciting to do after all that hard work in the office, the ideal scenario is to be in a city that meets all your needs. From a dance floor to sweat off all the day’s difficult decisions to a hot stone Thai massage to celebrate that new sale deal, we’ve compiled the ultimate work hard, play hard cities list that brings it all together. So, if you’re ready to get back to work the morning after feeling refreshed, bright-eyed, and bushy-tailed, read on.
Table of Contents
- New York City, USA
- London, United Kingdom
- Tokyo, Japan
- Hong Kong, China
- Singapore
- Oslo, Norway
- Dubai, UAE
- Effortless Travel, Clearer Mind
New York City, USA
A list full of cities to visit when you’re mixing business with pleasure cannot be complete without the infamous New York City. The Big Apple is perhaps considered the ultimate hub for work and play.
New York is undoubtedly one of the best places to be if you work in finance, marketing, law, or technology. Business is always booming; especially for the finance sector.
New York was found to be the most popular business travel destination in the world in 2018, with London as a close second. Recently, it was recorded that there are approximately 330,000 individuals working in financial services in New York.
This is a place that is always moving, always growing, always changing. So why not go to see what is in the ‘now’ of New York – and by proxy, the whole world? To quote Frank Sinatra: ‘If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere’.
But don’t worry, it’s not all hustle. New York City is, of course, home to the Empire State Building, a 102-story (1,250 feet or 381 meters) Art Deco Skyscraper built in 1931, climbed by King Kong just two years later, and arguably one of the most famous buildings in the world. Hour-long tours are held daily, and you can go right to the top if you feel as brave as Ferris Bueller. Or perhaps even braver? Try out The Edge, where you can suspend yourself literally over the edge of 100 stories, staring through the glass, as the building leans over New York City. This is one of the best ways to shock your system and feel exhilarated by one of the most famous and glamorous cities in the world.
New York City is also home to the best of theater – Broadway. The lights, the stars, the parades… it’s all the showbiz glitz and glamor you could need to whirl your night into a truly magical world. So, dress to impress, strike a pose and head downtown!
London, United Kingdom
Described by the UK government as a “hub of entrepreneurship and innovation,” London is truly a global city, home to a diverse melting pot of culture, art, work, and fun. It’s also one of the best places for business, with an ongoing explosion of new ideas always occurring, and new businesses always developing and evolving around the corner in this capital city.
In 2016 alone, it was found that London had had 205,352 new businesses registered. This is no surprise considering the UK government’s impressive Start Up Loan scheme is designed to help new and independent businesses and boost the economy.
The UK’s biggest city is known for being a hubbub, brimming with the hustle and bustle of everyday life and all its activities. Since 2010, this city’s business population has increased by over 1 million, with small businesses seeming only to increase in number and success in recent years.
This historical city has treasures in store for every worker, whether it’s a post-work drink in Soho, a shopping spree in Camden Market, or a good old-fashioned tour of the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels. A city that is famed for Madame Tussauds, a waxworks museum with an eerie presentation of historical figures, famous characters, and celebrities, and The West End – with shows such as Phantom of The Opera and Les Miserable being stationed there for over 35 years.
Altogether, you’re looking at a powerhouse of a metropolis that can offer the very best in both business and leisure. London’s incredible versatility means it’ll be part of myriad success stories to come – perhaps including yours, if you choose.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is one of the most populous cities in the world. As of 2024, the Japanese capital is home to an eye-wateringly large population of around 37,115,000. A harbor of innovative and modern (dare we say postmodern) ideas, business, and technology, Tokyo is the neon city that truly never sleeps. Bullet trains, high-tech vending machines that can dispense everything from drinks to electronics, robot waiters; whatever cutting-edge, boundary-pushing features you’re looking for, you’ll find them here. The lights, the screens, the new age kawaii fashions: Tokyo is truly what one envisions for a mind-blowing science fiction movie. Want to be part of the future? Then invest in Tokyo today.
We have had a couple of smart cities on this list, but it’s worth noting that Tokyo comes up as number one in this category. This is a place all about embracing change and the new. One local food spot, called Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe, uses robots as their waiters, allowing employees with mobility limitations to control them remotely in order to serve customers. This creates a more inclusive workspace that works with differences in mind, not around them. Since Dawn Avatar Robot pioneered the concept, robot cafes have popped up all over Tokyo. A definite hotbed for business if technology is a passion of yours, Tokyo may be the ideal next step of your expansive entrepreneurial journey.
After the robot cafe, why not try out Tokyo’s other inventive and unique eateries? The Vampire Cafe, for example, is a gothic dream, with realistic flying bats, coffins, and skulls melting on every table. Another lets you hold literal snakes while enjoying a pot of tea. There is also the Chiku Chiku Hedgehog Home & Cafe – one for those who like their energy both cute, and spiky.
If that’s not quite for you, what about exploring the art and world of manga and anime? This is not just some lightweight pastime here, but an actual bona fide lifestyle for some people. Akihabara is one of Tokyo’s hubs, selling limited edition volumes, DVDs, toys, and merchandise, all in one place. So, if you love anime, why not step into its world while you’re in the heart of the megacity?
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is one of the world’s biggest competitors when it comes to finances and business. In fact, in 2019 it was declared the world’s top financial system by the World Economic Forum, with the US racing close behind. If you’re visiting for business, this city offers some amazing opportunities. For one, the bureaucracy behind setting up an off-shore company can be easier than in most places, with fewer restrictions and paperwork, meaning this unique urban hothouse screams potential for expanding your business or seeking new opportunities.
On top of that, Hong Kong does not apply import or export taxes, due to its unique trade agreements overseas. Quite the golden handshake for launching or developing your world-beating venture.
When it’s time to switch off from the corporate world, Hong Kong offers tranquil escapes to restore your balance. A local favorite is Kowloon Park, a sanctuary, rich in plant life and bird life living in harmony. A place to breathe deeply and destress, restoring the zen of your body. Or, furthermore, why not hike up Mount Victoria, if trekking the stress away is how you like to kick back after a long day? Mental and emotional well-being should be a priority for any work-life balance, so a break to breathe in an oxygen-high park should be on your bucket list for this destination. Hit the park and enjoy the high life.
Singapore
Singapore is a powerhouse for high-level executives, combining cutting-edge business infrastructure with a streamlined, pro-business environment. Known for its strategic location in Asia, low corporate taxes, and ease of doing business, Singapore is a magnet for global corporations. Major brands like Google, Facebook, and Unilever have chosen Singapore as their Asia-Pacific hub, reinforcing its role as a key player in finance, technology, and logistics.
The city’s renowned financial district, centered around Marina Bay Financial Centre, serves as a launchpad for regional and global markets. Nearby, the One-North district unites modern tech and biotech firms, fostering a fertile ground for partnerships and growth. Whether you’re rubbing shoulders at the FinTech Festival or making connections at Asia Tech x Singapore, you’re in the epicenter of innovation.
When the laptops close, Singapore offers polished leisure options. For unwinding in style, our recommendation is Atlas Bar, a Gatsby-esque space known for its impressive gin collection. You can also catch the sunset from Ce La Vi, the rooftop bar atop Marina Bay Sands, offering views of the bay and skyline. For a dose of nature, Gardens by the Bay provides a tranquil getaway, with its iconic Supertree Grove lighting up the night. Shopping is elevated along Orchard Road’s luxury boutiques, while local flavor abounds in Tiong Bahru’s artisanal shops and cafes.
Oslo, Norway
Recently rated the top 6th most fulfilling place to live in the world, Oslo has taken off in the business world in the past decade. With a new plan to turn green, the Norwegian capital has put the environment at the very forefront of its commercial plans for the future. Oslo has an ambitious goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and reaching carbon neutrality up to 95% by the year 2030. Not only that, but Norway is the top country in Europe for renewable energy, due to the vast use of hydroelectricity implemented across the country. This, plus the increasing use of public transport and electric cars, is helping this progressive Scandinavian city build toward their carbon neutrality, making their green ambition not only an ideal but a very possible reality.
Oslo is also described as a pioneer for health and life sciences at the heart of Norway’s economy. The city has plans for a micro-district for cancer research and treatment by 2030, fully equipped with laboratories, and research facilities as well as leisure activities for patients and employees, such as restaurants and cafes. A great way to explore how science and tech are at the heart of Oslo is the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, where you can see the incredible inventions and discoveries that have paved the way for this wondrous city.
Apart from the sights, Oslo is also home to kayaking and paddling, as well as ziplining. There is also the Ski Simulator at Holmenkollen for those who either miss skiing or have never tried it and want to – or just for those people who love a high quality, believable simulation.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai truly redefines “work hard, play harder,” blending world-class business with unforgettable experiences. Known for its tax-free policies, ease of setting up businesses, and favorable conditions for foreign ownership, Dubai draws entrepreneurs and global giants alike. Heavy hitters like Microsoft and Coca-Cola have pitched their regional tents here, bolstering Dubai’s reputation as a pivotal Middle Eastern hub.
The business landscape in Dubai is anchored by several key districts, each designed to foster innovation and connectivity. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the crown jewel, drawing multinationals and sprinkling networking events throughout your calendar. Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City buzz with tech and media creatives, cooking up a storm in digital innovation. Meanwhile, Business Bay and Dubai Silicon Oasis are the playgrounds for growth in real estate, technology, and startups.
The local economy thrives on a diverse mix of industries including oil and gas, real estate, finance, and technology, not to mention logistics, tourism, and hospitality. For those looking to expand their empire, Dubai is ripe with opportunities, offering a network that stretches from local minds to global movers and shakers.
But when the workday ends, Dubai offers a world of unique leisure options. Take a private helicopter tour over the iconic skyline, or enjoy a desert safari with dining under the stars— these are the moments Dubai does best. The city is a shopping paradise, mimicking a luxurious mall that never closes. If relaxation is on your agenda, charter a yacht along the Gulf and surround yourself with shimmering waters. You can also play a round at one of Dubai’s premium golf clubs. And for a nightcap, there’s no place like a rooftop lounge, with the Burj Khalifa lighting up the backdrop.
Effortless Travel, Clearer Mind
Life and work go hand in hand, and a balance is certainly needed for a healthy mind. A healthy mind equals a better career, a clearer head, and clearer gut instincts for you and your journey.
For those seeking the pinnacle of seamless travel, Blacklane is your ultimate companion. Our world-class chauffeured services, whether for airport transfers, in-city rides, or city-to-city journeys, ensure your journeys are as efficient and comfortable as possible.
So, try out Broadway, go to a hedgehog cafe, or research groundbreaking ways to make your own business carbon neutral and future-facing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nick Hagan
Nick Hagan is a freelance writer based in Oxford and Reading, UK. He runs Curio Books and Culture in Oxford, and enjoys writing about culture, travel, film, psychology and just about everything in-between.
