The Prettiest European City Breaks To Take Now
Whether you’re seeking an urban wellbeing escape or an instant culture fix, these are the European city breaks to explore now – and the glorious hotels to check out when you get there. By KATIE BERRINGTON
ATHENS, for buzzy openings and artistic neighborhoods
While its well-hopped island neighbors have long had their moment in the blazing Aegean sun, Athens is finally garnering recognition for its chic city magnetism. There are stunning hotels, including the very boutique, nine-bedroom Monument Hotel Athens. With high frescoed ceilings and an art-filled interior, it serves as an elegant, intimate hideaway in a neoclassical mansion in the lively Psyrri neighborhood. For standout views of the Parthenon, The Dolli is magical, housed in a beautifully restored landmark building a stone’s throw from the Acropolis, with a wonderfully scenic roof terrace and dazzling infinity pool.
Next, head to the Athenian Riviera, where a revival of Golden Age glamour was heralded with the glittering opening of One&Only Aesthesis. Here, stunningly luxurious private-pool bungalows descend directly into the azure waters from spacious terraces. Back in the city, there are the obvious ancient wonders, which are particularly awe-inspiring at golden hour in the early evening, along with a hearty culinary scene, great coffee spots, and a cool mix of vintage shops, vinyl stores and bookshops.
ROME, for history and wellness
For a city steeped in history, Rome’s hotel scene has undergone a revival in recent years, as well as a rejuvenating new focus on spas. Six Senses is a transformed 18th-century Palazzo situated within Piazza di San Marcello, featuring a particularly beautiful rooftop and, of course, a signature oasis-like spa that offers a modern take on the ancient rituals of Roman bathing. Meanwhile, visitors hoping to soak up the sights of the Eternal City will enjoy the brilliant positioning of the sleek Rome Edition. Situated between the city center and the Trevi Fountain, the hotel’s fun Punch Room bar is perfect for a drink to begin (or end) your evening with. There’s also the storied Casa Monti, a hidden gem bursting with color, modern art and a Susanne Kaufmann spa. The recently unveiled Zaha Hadid-designed Romeo Roma combines ancient architecture with her visionary, bold design and a state-of-the-art wellness center from Sisley Paris. Finally, a stay at the Bulgari Hotel Roma in the city in which the jewelry house was founded seems particularly apt. Steeped in splendor befitting of both the heritage brand and locale, the spa is not to be missed – it evokes ancient Roman baths via a marble-columned swimming pool bathed in warm light from gold and green glass.
PORTO, for scenic tastings
Lisbon might take the headlines for a Portuguese city break, but the characterful, red-roofed city of Porto is imbued with just as much culture, creativity and beautiful architecture – as well as the port wineries for which it is famous, and a stunning locale on the Douro river. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and makes for a sublime exploration of its history. On that note, the centuries-old property of Torel Palace Porto has been reimagined in recent years, romantically restored and boasting a pretty tiled courtyard pool. Those visiting for a gastronomic fix might consider The Yeatman, for its Michelin-star restaurant and well-stocked cellars with an extensive selection of wines.
This year, The Largo has teamed up with the renowned Six Senses Douro Valley for a combined city and countryside venture. Guests are transported by The Largo’s private yacht and given the opportunity for sommelier-led tastings of the Douro Valley’s harvest.
VIENNA, for dazzling architecture and ambience
An exquisitely beautiful city that really comes alive in the colder months – with its twinkling lights, illuminating the magnificent array of architecture, charming markets and with concerts galore (in halls that birthed some of the most famous classical compositions) – Vienna is a must-visit for culture lovers. Rosewood Vienna is an opulent and lovingly restored 19th-century building, found on Vienna’s renowned Old Town square, Petersplatz, which is perfectly located to wander sights and soak in the majesty of the architecture and the atmosphere. Better still, the hotel organizes wonderful experiences for visitors to discover the city’s well-known and lesser-explored charms.
AMSTERDAM, for compact culture
Amsterdam is renowned for its eminent art and design offering, and right now is a particularly opportune time to visit, as the city launches a year-long festival to celebrate its 750th birthday. Compact in size and built around UNESCO World Heritage canals, it is the perfect destination for a cultural sojourn. The soon-to-open Drift Museum is set to add to the eclectic roster of galleries, as a vast, wonder-filled experiential space. As for where to stay, the Pulitzer hotel occupies 25 Dutch Golden Age canal-side townhouses, with its heritage walls and meandering corridors imbued with the city’s artistic character – and well situated to explore the lively coffee shops and nightlife around the Jordaan district.
PALMA DE MALLORCA, for coastal charms
The pretty tangle of streets around the beach-fringed, old town of Palma, bolstered by a beautiful era-mix of architecture, the magnificent 14th-century cathedral and a vibrant bar and restaurant scene, make the Mallorcan capital a sublime coastal-city getaway. Stay at Portella, a 17th-century palace with Arab and Baroque influences that has been recently restored, with 14 boutique rooms and five suites, a stunning central courtyard stone hammam, and rooftop terrace with cathedral views. Also, make sure to visit Deia, a 40-minute drive away, and the legendary Belmond La Residencia, which has just unveiled an exquisite reimagining of its historic Robert Graves villa designed by Studio Ashby, amplifying the hotel’s storied art collection.
PARIS, for decadent hotels
Paris never goes out of style – and a few openings of late have added to the French capital’s magnificent hotel scene. These include Cheval Blanc, the 19th-century Seine-side property owned by LVMH and exquisitely overhauled by architect Peter Marino. Meanwhile, Bulgari Hotel Paris is designed by the Italian architectural firm ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Parisian architects Valode & Pistre, in the Triangle d’Or. Martin Brudnizki is behind two of the most glorious new Parisian hotspots: Aptly set in the creative neighborhood of Le Marais, Le Grand Mazarin is a hotel with artistic spirit and wonderfully eclectic design, while La Fantaisie is a spectacular hidden gem with possibly the most charming courtyard garden in all of Paris.