Looking to seriously upgrade your weekends? A European city break is just the ticket to make your travel go even further, with some of the most iconic cities in the world just a short flight away from the UK. Fully lean into the excitement and glamour of a new city at these top luxury hotels.
Whether you'd rather watch the sun rise over centuries-old architecture or indulge in Michelin-starred cuisine by moonlight, our experts have handpicked these exceptional properties to help you experience some of the most extraordinary cities in Europe in style.
From sipping classic cocktails on rooftop bars to unwinding in state-of-the-art spas after a busy day of sightseeing — find out why these exclusive addresses have made it into our luxury city break collection at Inspiring Travel.
1. Prague | Andaz Prague
Address: Andaz Prague, Senovážné námestí 976/31, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
Located just a stone’s throw away from Old Town Square, Andaz Prague is a luxury lifestyle hotel housed in the iconic heritage building of Sugar Palace. It's prime position on Senovážné Square and top-notch restaurants make it one of the best places to stay in the Czech capital!
Inside, you'll find beautifully-designed interiors that seamlessly blend vintage furnishings and regal high ceilings with slick modern amenities and Art Deco accents. The hotel is also home to the Femme Spa Next Level, complete with a Finnish sauna, a steam bath and several treatment rooms where you can unwind with a range of innovative therapies.
Dining at the hotel is an absolute must; its signature restaurant, ZEM Restaurant, is designed in the style of a traditional coffee house and serves both regional favourites and international dishes from its theatrical kitchen stage (think traditional strudels alongside Japanese gyozas).
And if you're staying over a weekend, you're in for a treat! The hotel's Sunday brunch menu — featuring pancakes, breakfast burgers and eggs Benedict with complimenting cocktails — is renowned for being one of the best in Prague.
Outside, stroll through the city's cobbled streets to immerse yourself in over a thousand years of history. Head to the Museum of Communism — which is conveniently located near the hotel — to learn more about life under the totalitarian regime or take in the inspiring artworks of the world-acclaimed Czech artist, Alphonse Mucha, at the Mucha Museum.
2. Florence | Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Address: Hotel Savoy, Piazza della Repubblica, 7, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Discover Renaissance masterpieces and centuries-old architecture in one of the most enchanting cities in the world.
Florence is the ultimate art-lovers destination with many enthusiasts flocking to its streets on a daily basis to take in the works of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, Caravaggio and da Vinci, to name but a few. The Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel is set amongst all this extraordinary art on the famous Piazza Della Repubblica — near the iconic Duomo.
Embracing its Florentine heritage, the hotel's interiors are an alluring mix of old and new. Styled by Laudomia Pucci and Olga Polizzi, you'll find modern light-filled spaces accented with Renaissance antiques, sculptures and signature prints for an added touch of character. Wake up to inspiring views overlooking the ancient square, spend afternoons relaxing on the fifth floor at the newly-launched Spa Suite or stroll over the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge, just a five-minute walk away.
Finally, no escape to Italy would not be complete without some indulgent Italian fare. The hotel's restaurant, Irene, serves top-notch Tuscan cuisine made with ingredients sourced from local markets and the surrounding countryside. Tuck into traditional bean soup and homemade ravioli in the the restaurant's sleek dining room, or on balmy evenings, sit outside and watch the world go by in the piazza.
“The newly-refurbished rooms at Hotel Savoy are stunning — opt for the 5th floor for amazing city views! The service during my recent stay was second-to-none. I'd highly recommend climbing to the top of the Duomo, but make sure to pre-book.” – Jackie, Luxury Travel Specialist
3. Budapest | The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest
Address: The Ritz-Carlton Budapest, Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9-10, 1051 Hungary
Experience one of Europe’s best city breaks in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.
Stay at the ultra-exclusive The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest hotel, housed in a protected 20th-century building: the former Adria Palace. Offering a real sense of contemporary grandeur, the hotel’s sophisticated rooms and suites look out onto Elizabeth Park and other notable city landmarks, including St Stephen's Basilica.
This show-stopping property is within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions. Wander along the banks of the famous River Danube, walk through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Buda Castle District or enjoy a guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building – all within 20 minutes of The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest!
In between sightseeing sessions, indulge in amazing gastronomy back at the hotel. Sample Hungarian specialities at Kupola Lounge, serving light lunches and delicious pastries, or feast on authentic Italian fare at Ottimo restaurant. In the evenings, enjoy a nightcap at Kupola Bar, which is open till 1am and serves classic cocktails with a Hungarian twist, such as the paprika margarita.
Budapest is also well-known for its thermal baths, so spend an afternoon relaxing in the city’s steamy waters or enjoy a pamper session in The Ritz-Carlton Spa. And if you're staying for longer than a weekend, why not build in day trips to Vienna and Bratislava? Both are easily accessible by train from Budapest.
4. Porto | Vinha Boutique Hotel
Address: Vinha Boutique Hotel, R. Fonte da Vinha 383, 4430-487 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
You can't beat a luxury boutique hotel for a romantic city break. Offering an intimate experience and one-off touches, these little gems infuse a lot of personality into their expression of luxury hospitality.
Perched on the banks of the scenic Douro River, Vinha Boutique Hotel is located just a few minutes away from the charming coastal city of Porto. Housed in a 16th-century manor house, the hotel is made up of 38 individually-decorated rooms boasting spectacular riverfront views and adorned with beautiful decoration pieces, handpicked by the owners.
Dial up the romance during your stay with a picnic for two in the 3.5-hectare gardens or enjoy a leisurely boat ride to the UNESCO neighbourhood of Riberia, taking in the colourful 18th-century townhouses along the way. Indulge in Portuguese-inspired cuisine at the fine-dining restaurant, Vinha, and treat yourself to a couples' pamper session at the Sisley Paris Spa — the first and only of its kind in Northern Portugal!
If you manage to peel yourself away from the truly idyllic setting of this exquisite hotel, then the many treasures of Porto await. Visit the São Francisco Church to admire the elaborate gilded carvings inside or sample world-class tipples on a private wine-tasting tour of Douro Valley.
“Porto is the perfect place for a gourmet getaway! Taste the region's famous port, visit multiple vineyards in Douro Valley and enjoy a private food tour in the city. Plus, immerse yourself in Portuguese culture with day trips to the UNESCO cities of Braga and Guimaraes.” – Sarah, Luxury Travel Specialist
5. Berlin | Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Address: Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Behrenstraße 37, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a capital city that is as cool as it is historic. It's gained a reputation for being at the forefront of urban design, modern art and culture, attracting many young artists and visionaries to its streets.
In the middle of Berlin's vibrant city centre, Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel offers the perfect base from which to explore its famous landmarks in style. In fact, many of them can be seen from the hotel's elegant rooms and suites, some of which look out over St Hedwig’s Cathedral, the Bebelplatz and Französische Strasse.
The hotel is housed in the prestigious Dresdner Bank building, which centres around an expansive inner courtyard, where you can enjoy moments of quiet reflection away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Inside, you'll find remnants of Berlin's fascinating history incorporated into the hotel's modern design, including shrapnel from WWII.
Beyond its stunning architecture, Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel also has all the luxury facilities necessary for a glamorous weekend away. Take a tranquil dip in the 20-metre swimming pool, located in the former vault of Dresden Bank, and treat yourself to rejuvenating spa treatments in one of the old treasure rooms.
Feast on showstopping seafood platters and Milanese dishes at CHIARO restaurant, before heading up to the rooftop terrace for a sundowner with views of the iconic Berlin skyline.
6. Vienna | Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Address: Hotel Imperial, Kärntner Ring 16, 1015 Wien, Austria
Oh Vienna! It’s a city renowned for its musical heritage, with former residents including the likes of Strauss and Mozart. The composers’ legacies live on in the city today at The Staatsoper (The State Opera House), where you can still listen to mesmerising renditions of their classical symphonies.
For history lovers, there’s the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the Habsburg dynasty at the Hofburg Palace – the former winter residence of the imperial family – before visiting their former summer residence at Schönbrunn Palace, with its Baroque-style architecture and magnificent gardens.
After all that sightseeing, indulge in hearty Austrian dishes, from wiener schnitzel to Tafel spitz. And for those with a sweet tooth, it would be remiss not to sample the city’s signature cake, Sachertorte, which consists of rich chocolate sponge sandwiched together with apricot jam and covered with a dark chocolate ganache.
Embrace the timeless splendour of Vienna with a stay at the Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Housed in the former residence of the Prince of Wuerttemberg, the hotel’s stunning collection of suites, crystal chandeliers and antiques, all retain the 19th-century romance of the city.
Picture yourself descending the Royal Staircase from your butler-serviced suite to dine on award-winning Austrian cuisine at OPUS, before heading to the opera or sipping vintage Champagne in the Imperial Bar. That's the experience that awaits you at this Luxury Collection Hotel.
7. Amsterdam | Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Address: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, Herengracht 542-556, 1017 CG Amsterdam, Netherlands
Located in the UNESCO area of the city, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is comprised of six beautifully-converted 17th- and 18th-century palaces, just two kilometres from the Museum Quarter.
This historic hotel faces the enchanting Herengracht canal and features a fabulous selection of rooms and suites — all decked out in calming neutral tones — including three individually-decorated loft rooms for a more boutique-style experience. At the rear, you'll even find a serene private garden, giving the property a real 'world away' feel in the heart of the Dutch city.
You can fully expect the VIP treatment here with exceptional facilities and bespoke services to enhance your stay. After checking in, select your favourite fragrance to be sprayed in your suite and receive a scented wax melt on check-out. Unwind in the multi-award-winning Guerlain Spa with an array of personalised treatments and enjoy private transportation, museum tours, and exclusive concert and theatre tickets as part of your stay.
Culinary artistry also takes centre stage at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam with the hotel's two-Michelin-star restaurant, Spectrum, offering a seven-course tasting menu, and Peacock Alley serving a lofty afternoon tea. Plus, you can sample Amsterdam's finest tipples in the dimly-lit, seductive setting of The Vault Bar.
Finally, thanks to its central location, many of the city's most spectacular sights are within walking distance of the hotel! Stroll through Amsterdam's charming cobblestone streets to discover the Museum Quarter, the Dutch National Opera and the shopping district. Other unmissable experiences include a visit to the famous Anne Frank House — a museum dedicated to the Jewish wartime diarist — as well as the 47-hectare Vondelpark, which is a wonderful place to enjoy a scenic bike ride on a warm summer's day.
8. Munich | The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Address: The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Sophienstraße 28, 80333 München, Germany
While the city might be best for know for its annual Oktoberfest beer festival, Munich has so much to offer visitors all year round. With its dramatic gothic architecture, Bavarian hospitality, urban parks and rich WWII history as the 'Capital of the Nazi Movement', it's a European city that is nothing if not unique!
The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel is a contemporary luxury hotel situated near the museum quarter and the Old Botanical Garden. Ocktoberfest takes place at the Hofbräuhaus beer hall — just a 20-minute walk from the hotel — meaning if you are planning your visit to coincide with the celebration, then you can easily stumble back to your room here.
The rooms at The Charles Hotel are stylish-yet-homely and incredibly spacious — some of the largest in the city — with breathtaking views of the Munich cityscape. The hotel bears all the hallmarks synonymous with the prestigious Rocco Forte brand, from impeccable service to state-of-the-art facilities and super-comfortable interiors.
One of its standout features is the spa, which boasts the longest indoor pool in the city, as well as a Finnish sauna, foot bath and steam room. It's the ideal place to recover after a busy day exploring Nymphenburg Palace or shopping the designer boutiques of Maximilianstrasse avenue.
Set yourself up for the day with a hearty Bavarian breakfast at Sophia's Restaurant, which features a superb garden terrace inspired by the Old Botanical Garden, and serves elegant Italian fare in the evenings. For light bites and lunches, enjoy tapas and club sandwiches at Sophia's Bar, as well as a wide selection of cocktails and draft beers, which you can savour while listening to live music!
"The hotel is perfectly placed for exploring Munich, being just a short walk away from the historic centre. The staff are so welcoming, and if you stay during Oktoberfest, everyone is wearing traditional Bavarian dress! The Champagne on arrival is a nice touch and the hot stone beds around the pool are so soothing after a night at the beer hall." — Alice, Europe Product Executive
9. Madrid | Rosewood Villa Magna
Address: Rosewood Villa Magna, Paseo de la Castellana 22, 28046 Madrid, Spain
An urban oasis, Rosewood Villa Magna is located on the famed Paseo de la Castellana boulevard in the centre of Madrid. With some of the trendiest bars and restaurants in town just a stone's throw away, the hotel is hard to beat for a super-sophisticated city break.
The word 'swanky' springs to mind here, due to the property's chic black façade and contemporary interiors, which seamlessly blend modern designs with the comforts of home. From its statement rugs to its branded in-room amenities, everything at Rosewood Villa Magna feels slick and fresh.
With four exceptional eateries on site, you don't even have to leave the hotel to find a good meal! Treat yourself to delicious regional pastries at Flor Y Nata cafe, feast on the finest seasonal produce all-day at Las Brasas De Castellana or savour the vibrant flavours of Northern Spain at Amós Restaurant.
And when you're not unwinding in The Sense Spa — featuring an authentic Hammam and oversized jacuzzi — take in the all the sights and sounds of the capital city of Spain. Discover the works of renowned artist, Goya, at the Museo del Prado, and learn more about the Spanish monarchy at the Palacio Real.
“I recently stayed at Rosewood Villa Magna and loved it — you must try the famous Rosewood Negroni! The hotel is filled with beautiful artwork, reflecting the unique spirit of the former Palace de Anglada.” – Alice, Europe Product Executive
10. Taormina | Villa Sant'Andrea, a Belmond Hotel
Address: Villa Sant'Andrea, Via Nazionale 137, 98039 Taormina Mare, Sicily, Italy
Something of a hidden gem, Taormina is a beautiful hilltop town located on the north-east coast of Sicily. Punctuated by ancient Greco-Roman ruins and flanked by pristine sandy beaches, it's a superb destination if you're looking to get the best of both worlds: a luxury city break and an inspiring beach holiday.
Villa Sant'Andrea, a Belmond Hotel was originally built as an aristocratic family home in 1830 and now offers an indulgent slice of island living as a prestigious Belmond Hotel. It's nestled on its own private beach, just a 5-minute drive from the town centre, and comprises an exquisite collection of rooms and suites offering stunning sea views.
Take your seat by the shore to enjoy fresh-as-you-like seafood at Brizza or indulge in authentic Sicilian fare at Ristorante Sant-Andrea — one of the most revered restaurants in Taormina! Revitalise mind, body and spirit at the ocean-facing wellness centre, with a range of treatments inspired by the healing ambience of the island, or simply watch the world go by from the hotel's exclusive new beach club: Lido Villeggiatura.
What truly makes Villa Sant 'Andrea standout, though, is the amazing bespoke experiences they offer. Charter a private boat to explore the enchanting Sicilian coastline, watch world-class musicians with a night at the ancient Greek amphitheatre or embark on a tour of a local clam farm to discover the time-honoured harvesting techniques used by local fisherman.
Plan your bespoke city break
Ready to experience some of these iconic European cities?
Our Travel Specialists have handpicked these exclusive properties and can help you plan the ultimate tailor-made city break in your chosen destination.
Whether you want to attend the opera in Vienna or go wine-tasting in Porto, we’ll make sure you do it in a way that's perfect for you.
Speak to our dedicated Travel Specialists to find out more or browse our full portfolio of tailor-made tours, luxury hotels and extraordinary experiences in Europe.
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