Searching for the best city breaks to book for the year ahead? If your idea of a holiday - be it a leisurely week away or a stolen weekend escape - involves soaking up some city culture, then Europe has a wealth of different destinations to pack your bags and head for, whether on a whim or to look forward to far in advance. From the long-time favourites to the more recently discovered, there's the contemporary cool of Amsterdam and Berlin, the traditional luxury of Paris and the beach vibes of Barcelona. Better yet? The quick travel times ensure maximum holiday time. So, as we start to map out the year in trips, these are the best city breaks in Europe, with the places to stay, where to dine and the things not to miss while you're there.
1. AMSTERDAM
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A post shared by I amsterdam (@iamsterdam) on Feb 19, 2019 at 11:53pm PST
Where to stay:
The latest hotel under the Soho House umbrella opens in the Dutch capital this summer. Situated in the beautiful Bungehuis building on the Spuistraat, its canal-side location makes the perfect base for exploring (if you can tear yourself away from the plush interiors of the House, its decadent bedrooms and the views from the rooftop pool, that is).
Where to eat:
Amsterdam is known for its art scene, so cool, artisan coffee shop Toki is an ideal spot to start your day (and to get that perfect Instagram brunch shot). The interiors are minimalist and the vibe is friendly neighbourhood hangout.
If you only do one thing while you're there:
The obvious way to travel in the Dutch capital is by bike, but the best way to explore the city's waters is via its famous canals - get a boat and sail between the sights.
2. BERLIN
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Where to stay:
For those who love the exuberance of a landmark hotel, Hotel de Rome, housed in the grand setting of a 19th-century banks, on Bebelplatz boasts big rooms, marble bathrooms and an elegant garden terrace on which to enjoy breakfast. If you fancy something a little different, the Das Stue Hotel - ideally situated for sightseeing - blends classic features of the period property with eye-catching and experimental design (from bold and brilliant furnishings to quirky animal sculptures).
Where to eat:
Every Thursday, the city's first major street food market takes place in the cool and creative Kreuzberg district, with such a wealth of tempting options it borders on being overwhelming (the Thai dumplings and pulled pork sandwiches come highly recommended).
If you only do one thing while you're there:
Spend the night (and the whole night that is - this is quite literally a city that doesn't sleep) at Clärchens Ballhaus. Looking much like it did on opening in 1913, this serves-every-purpose venue is where the entire cross section of the city’s population meet on the dance floor. Glitter curtains hide most of the now sleepy grandiose features but the bow-tied waiters and hefty plates of schnitzel ensure the timeless feel remains.
3. PARIS
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Where to stay:
In the words of Audrey Hepburn, " Paris is always a good idea", so the City of Light remains a classic choice as one of the best city breaks in Europe. Hence why it is far from short of beautiful places to reside - both on the grand and boutique scales. The iconic Hôtel Lutetia, situated in the vibrant Saint-Germain-des-Prés destrict, is the epitome of Parisian luxury. The five-star hotel, originally opened in 1910, has recently enjoyed a four-year renovation to restore it to its absolute glory, and the results are outstanding.
Where to eat:
You're in Paris, so tantalising food will beckon you from every corner. Not to mention the wine bars. But why not try one of the fashion crowd's favourite haunts and indulge in the delectable steak selection at Argentinian restaurant Anahi?
If you only do one thing while you're there:
Where to start? The fashion, the landmarks, the art, the food. Paris has it all. If you're keen to make the most of the culture (and don't mind battling the crowds), head for the Louvre and The Tuileries Garden for a scenic walk and some world-famous art. For something a little different, go for a dip at the Art Deco swimming pool Moliter before enjoying a drink on the pretty roof terrace.
4. LISBON
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Where to stay:
The tree-lined Estrela district is populated with characterful haciendas with equally characterful owners. Book in early to secure a room at the Palacio Ramalhete during peak season and be thankful for its dipping pool with views of the sea.
Where to eat:
The Time Out market (don’t scoff) and Palácio Chiado are both lavish food halls that put any similar propositions in the UK to shame. For those wanting a “check-in” dining experience for their social accounts, JNcQUOI is the multi-story, multi-concept answer. Seafood lovers, meanwhile, should look to local favourites like Cervejaria Ramiro for authentic Portuguese dishes.
If you only do one thing while you're there:
Have a day on the tiles and wander around the plethora of antique and vintage shops, each with colourful ceramic or painted exteriors. The Fiera da Ladra market, LX Factory sale and Arco da Velha store are all retro haunts to tick off.
5. EDINBURGH
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Where to stay:
Make the most of the compact Scottish capital by staying central. The boutique Rutland Hotel is right in the middle of the West End action, making it an ideal base for exploring. Alternatively, follow in the footsteps of Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul McCartney and JK Rowling by staying at the prestigious five-star Balmoral.
Where to eat:
Located in a 19th-century brick warehouse and south-facing yard, Timberyard is a hip, industrial-chic former warehouse with an in-house butchery and smokehouse. The ingredients are locally sourced and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
If you only do one thing while you're there:
If you're lucky enough to be visiting during Fringe in August, enjoy the vast array of street performers and an extensive programme of brilliant live acts that fill the roster every year. Outside of festival season (and during), whisky tasting is a must - either in one of the city's many drinking establishments or, for a more formal experience, The Scotch Whisky Experience will leave you feeling like an aficionado.
6. NAPLES
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Where to stay:
Hotel Costantinopoli 104 is a historic residence surrounded by the GrecoRoman area of Decumani. The garden and swimming pool in the centre of the stained-glass building make it an oasis away from the bustling streets. It calls itself the “house of charm”, and it can certainly pull that moniker off.
Where to eat:
Wander through the maze of streets in the Spanish Quarter to find the best family-run trattorias (and the €1 aperol spritz bar), but don’t leave Naples without visiting Sorbillo, the cult pizzeria run by Gino Sorbillo, aka the premiere Neapolitan pizza maker. Yes, you’ll have to cue alongside other dough lovers, and yes, it’s totally worth it.
If you only do one thing while you're there:
You can hop across to Sorrento in 30 minutes or Ischia in 45, but picturesque bathing spot Bagno Sirena is the perfect cool-down retreat on the mainland. If you want an Insta snap of Italy’s signature striped umbrellas and sunloungers, Sirena is the place.
7. BARCELONA
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Where to stay:
The W hotel has fast become a city landmark, sparkling over the Sant Sebastià beach like a disco ball. If you’re looking for something less eye-catching but equally impressive, head to Alma (conveniently adjacent to a modestly-sized-but-well-stocked Louis Vuitton store and looking more like a gallery space than a hotel). The rooms here are just enough to tempt you away from having another glass of locally-sourced Cava in the beautiful hotel garden.
Where to eat:
There’s more to Boca Grande than its Insta-legend bathrooms. Sit amongst locals and first-timers (and occasionally a glittering of famous faces) to dine on Catalonian dishes, fine wines and a well-stocked seafood bar. The charcuterie selection is the star attraction.
If you only do one thing while you're there:
Visit the Sagrada Família – everyone you know will have been here already but Gaudi’s still-unfinished architecture really has to be seen to be believed. Arrive in the morning or early evening, when you’re less likely to accidentally intrude on everyone else’s selfies, and the legions of school-trip backpacks.
Text by Katie Berrington, British Vogue
