7 Chic European City Breaks To Book Now

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. Some beautiful new openings have reinvigorated its hotel scene, including the 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. 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.

For a city steeped in history, Rome’s hotel scene has had a revival in recent years, as well as a rejuvenating new spa focus. Six Senses is a transformed 18th-century Palazzo within Piazza di San Marcello, with a particularly beautiful rooftop and, of course, a signature oasis-like spa, which 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. 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.

Steeped (steep being the operative word) in history and home to a vibrant cultural scene, Edinburgh’s magic lies in its melting pot of old and new – from the ancient castle that towers above the labyrinth of streets, and is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe, to a thronging bar-and-restaurant scene. Not to mention the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the cultural highlight that brings the streets to life in August, with on- and off-schedule performances promising an experience for everyone. For a chic stay, visit the magnificent Gleneagles Townhouse – the city outpost of Scotland’s eminent Gleneagles estate – a boutique 33-room hotel with a brilliant all-day restaurant and rooftop bar, Lamplighters.

Oslo has a wealth of historic, culinary and cultural delights (not to mention stunning vistas of the mountainous landscape in which it resides), including the vast National Museum of Norway, which was unveiled in 2022, and a host of excellent exhibitions on the cards. But, thanks to its compact size, the city offers maximum exploration potential in close proximity to wherever you stay. Speaking of which, Sommerro, in the old and elegant neighborhood of Frogner, is the result of the transformation of a 1930s landmark into a glorious Art Deco hotel, with decadent interiors, a buzz of restaurants and bars, and the city’s first year-round rooftop pool and terrace.

Paris never goes out of style – but it has, of course, been particularly in focus this year. And a few openings in the French capital recently have added to its magnificent hotel scene. These include Cheval Blanc, the 19th-century Seine-side property owned by LVMH and exquisitely overhauled by architect Peter Marino, and the design-forward Hotel les Deux Gares, which has interiors helmed by British designer and master of maximalism Luke Edward Hall. 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.

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 cellars well stocked with an extensive selection of wines.

The delight of Madrid becomes even more apparent out of season, making the fall and spring optimum times to visit. As for where to stay to see the best of its art and culture: The Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid underwent major and meticulous renovations to the 110-year-old Belle Époque palace in the Golden Triangle of Art – with the Museo del Prado practically on its doorstep – and near to the city’s shopping district. A little further away, but still within easy walking distance of the Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, Rosewood Villa Magna was reimagined by the luxury hotel group with architect Ramón de Arana and Bar Studio to create an elegant urban oasis. The magnificent property boasts four restaurants – including Amós, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jesús Sánchez – and a sleek signature Rosewood Spa. Four Seasons, in the heart of the city, is an art destination in itself: the property is home to a collection of almost 1,500 pieces, from classics to contemporary works by emerging artists. But it’s not only about the new: at the other end of the spectrum, the city’s oldest hotel, the Gran Hotel Inglés, which dates back to 1886, gives guests the chance to soak up the rich history of the city.

6 of the most astounding retreats in Greece

The best restaurants in New York