Radisson Blu introduces ‘Detours’ to rethink the city break - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

City breaks are changing. More and more travelers are looking past famous sights and instead want to understand how a city feels, moves and lives. Radisson Blu is responding to this shift with the launch of “Blu Detours”, a new initiative designed to help guests experience destinations in a more authentic, locally grounded way.

Developed by Radisson Blu, the upper-upscale brand of Radisson Hotel Group, Blu Detours encourages travelers to step off well-trodden routes and engage with the rhythm of the city. The concept combines movement, neighborhood exploration and local storytelling, offering a more immersive approach to short urban stays.

Active and urban ways to explore

Blu Detours is built around two complementary formats. Active Detours focus on physical activity as a way of discovering a destination. Carefully designed running routes, cycling trails and outdoor activities lead guests past both iconic landmarks and lesser-known corners, allowing exploration to blend naturally into daily routines.

City Detours take a slower pace. These self-guided walking itineraries highlight neighborhoods, local cafés, markets, independent shops and cultural areas that reflect everyday city life rather than classic tourist circuits. The aim is to help guests navigate cities with curiosity and confidence, even without a guide.

“Every destination has its own rhythm and story,” said Cristina Serra, Global Senior Vice President, Brand & Experience, Customer and Marketing Strategy at Radisson Hotel Group. “Blu Detours invite guests to go beyond the ordinary, to connect and discover that uniqueness. It’s about moving with purpose, embracing local life and truly feeling the difference.”

Detours across European cities

The concept is already live in several European destinations. In Edinburgh, guests staying at Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre can use the hotel’s location on the Royal Mile as a starting point for running and walking routes that pass Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and Arthur’s Seat. City Detours introduce quieter streets, independent shops and neighborhood cafés that offer a different perspective on the Scottish capital.

On Lanzarote, Blu Detours emphasize nature and outdoor activity. At Radisson Blu Resort, Lanzarote, guests have access to routes that connect volcanic hiking trails, coastal cycling paths and nearby golf courses. Bike rentals and route suggestions support active exploration of the island’s dramatic landscape.

In Bergamo, City Detours from Radisson Blu Hotel, Bergamo ChorusLife focus on walking-based discovery. Guests are encouraged to move beyond maps and guidebooks, exploring Città Alta, Piazza Vecchia, panoramic viewpoints and local artisan districts alongside residential neighborhoods.

Lyon’s Detours highlight the city’s culinary and cultural identity. From Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon in the Tour Part Dieu, suggested routes lead to Vieux Lyon’s traboules, Parc de la Tête d’Or and traditional bouchons, blending food, history and everyday urban scenes.

A broader shift in city travel

With Blu Detours, Radisson Blu positions itself within a wider movement toward slower, more meaningful travel. The initiative encourages guests to pause, observe and engage, rather than rush between attractions. As Blu Detours continue to roll out across Radisson Blu properties worldwide, the brand aims to make this style of exploration accessible to travelers wherever they go.

More information and destination inspiration are available via Radisson Blu Travel Inspiration.

Image Credit: © Radisson Hotel Group