European Style
European Style
by Ms Q and Eric Ng
by Ms Q and Eric Ng
European cities have a style informed by centuries-old culture combined with 21st century modernity. In many cases, they are the standard by which other cities around the globe describe their own charms. Everyone wants to be the Venice of the East or the Paris of South America. We take a look at four of Europe’s top cities and the best they have to offer.
BUDAPEST
The "Pearl of the Danube", Budapest is unpretentious and fascinating. It has over 100 thermal baths, a great café culture, and two sweeping bridges that unite the city’s two sides (Buda and Pest).
The "Pearl of the Danube", Budapest is unpretentious and fascinating. It has over 100 thermal baths, a great café culture, and two sweeping bridges that unite the city’s two sides (Buda and Pest).
Where to shop: The Vaci Utca pedestrian-only district has the best stores for luxury goods. For cheaper, more interesting buys, head for Kiskorut. Antique hunters should try Falk Miksa Utca. You can also buy also buy handmade goods as you stroll along the city streets, especially embroidery.
Where to eat: Gundel is the city's top restaurant, with masterful cuisine and strolling minstrels. Try the pike perch dish “fogas a la Gundel”. For a romantic evening, try the interior courtyard at Kisbuda Gyöngye, where the branches of an old tree create a canopy under which you dine by candlelight. The best vegetarian food is at the Marquis de Salade, where chefs from around the globe create a tempting array of meat-free dishes.
Where to stay: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus is the top hotel. Designed by one of Hungary's foremost architects, it regularly hosts visiting dignitaries, rock stars and business moguls. If you want the best view in town, opt for the Budapest Marriott Hotel. Most rooms have balconies overlooking the Danube to the Castle District.
Not to be missed: The Royal Palace (Kiralyi Palota) houses two fine art museums and the Budapest History Museum, which focuses on the city's history. Be sure to visit the Magyar Allami Operahaz, a richly adorned opera house, and the National Museum, which traces the last thousand years of Hungarian history.
Best insider tip: Make sure you take at least one boat trip on the Danube. A great way to spend a day is to take the boat or a train to the beautiful baroque town of Szentendre, a picturesque artists' retreat with Serbian origins 19km north of Budapest.
VENICE
"La Serenissima" (The Most Serene) is the moniker given to this magical, otherworldly floating city filled with living, breathing evidence of a bygone era.
"La Serenissima" (The Most Serene) is the moniker given to this magical, otherworldly floating city filled with living, breathing evidence of a bygone era.
Where to shop: Venice is uniquely famous for the cartapesta (papier-mâché) Carnevale masks you'll find in numerous outlets. Il Canovaccio produces high-quality masks with a shiny veneer of cool; the shop's work appeared in the Stanley Kubrick film, Eyes Wide Shut.
Where to eat: Hidden away in a tiny alley, Ristorante Da Fiore is a favourite among the moneyed visitors to Venice for its superlative Venetian cuisine and refined, yet relaxed, ambiance.
Where to stay: The Bauer Il Palazzo is a 19th-century palace directly on the Grand Canal, offering intimate, 5-star luxury, combined with genteel, warm hospitality. Arrive by water taxi for the most dramatic entrance.
Where to stay: The Bauer Il Palazzo is a 19th-century palace directly on the Grand Canal, offering intimate, 5-star luxury, combined with genteel, warm hospitality. Arrive by water taxi for the most dramatic entrance.
Not to be missed: After years of construction following a destructive fire, the famous Teatro La Fenice has finally reopened. If you visit during the regular season, plan to attend one of the world-class performances or at least tour the ornate theatre originally built in 1836. Spend at least one evening in the moonlit Piazza San Marco, which Napoléon called the most beautiful drawing room of the world, listening to the cafés outdoor orchestras and gazing at the illuminated basilica.
Best insider tip: The Accademia Galleries is an important showcase where masterpieces by Titian, Bellini and Veronese are displayed in all their splendour. Buy your tickets online and avoid the long wait during the busy summer months.
BERLIN
The reunited city of Berlin is cool and cosmopolitan. Once the kinky capital of bohemian subculture, it still has a racy nightlife. Great pre-war architecture and fine museums is countered by the ultra-modern reconstruction of the Potsdamer Platz centre.
The reunited city of Berlin is cool and cosmopolitan. Once the kinky capital of bohemian subculture, it still has a racy nightlife. Great pre-war architecture and fine museums is countered by the ultra-modern reconstruction of the Potsdamer Platz centre.
Where to shop: Your status dictates where you shop in this image-conscious city. Affluent conservatives are at home in the Schoneberg area, while the trendy and fashionable head for the shops and designer stores of Friedrichstrasse, Potsdamer Platz, or Ku'Damm. The really chic and hip head for boutiques in Mitte or Charlottenburg. If you’re unsure, the safest bet is KaDeWe, Europe’s largest department store.
Where to eat: The Bamberger Reiter is considered one of the best. Another is Vau in the Mitte area, with its understated elegance. Zitadellen-Schanke is famous for its medieval banquets, complete with roaring fire, heavy oak tables and costumed minstrels. Don't miss Sunday brunch at Borchardt, in the former East Berlin, where you dine amidst striking art-nouveau decor. For inexpensive local specialities, head for Hardtke.
Where to stay: For five-star grandeur with fabulous views of the Brandenburg Gate, the best choice is the superlative Hotel Adlon Kempinski. If you want a modern hotel in the heart of “new Berlin”, choose the Berlin Marriott in dynamic Potsdamer Platz.
Not to be missed: You must visit the Reichstag, renovated by Sir Norman Foster. It lives up to its reputation as an architectural landmark. The city has more than 150 museums. Two worth making time for is the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, which chronicles the history of the Berlin Wall, and the Berlin Jewish Museum, with its striking design.
Best insider tip: If you are going to be using public transport, buy a Welcome Card. It entitles you to travel on buses, trams and trains in the city centre and is valid for 72 hours. The card entitles gets you free admission or big discounts on guided tours, boat trips, museums, theatres and leisure facilities.
PARIS
Paris remains the stylish standard by which all other cities are judged; it is the city that other cities want to be when they grow up.
Paris remains the stylish standard by which all other cities are judged; it is the city that other cities want to be when they grow up.
Where to shop: The reopening of the landmark Drugstore Publicis has drawn many nostalgic Parisians who remember it as a 60s rendezvous for city youth. Open until 2am daily, inside is an international newsagent, a pharmacy and bookshop and a chi-chi delicatessen featuring lovely olive oils and such. In the basement is where they keep the fine wines and a decadent cigar cellar. The hottest new parfumerie in Paris is Lunx, from the Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido. The boutique has 5 "sniffing stations" where buttons or levers dispense more than 60 fragrances.
Where to eat: Americans looking for a taste of home and Parisians alike are flocking to the restaurant Breakfast in America to scarf down bacon omelettes and fluffy pancakes made in the Southern tradition. Paris movers and shakers have invaded Senso, the Sir Terrence Conran-designed restaurant/bar/lounge in the newly renovated La Trémoille hotel, with a vengeance. The contemporary French cuisine served features unusually delicious combinations like chateaubriand with Provençal monkfish soup.
Where to stay: For the ultimate in decadence, Four Seasons Hotel, George V redefines the art of luxury. Just steps away from the Champs-Elysées, this legendary palace with the City of Light’s largest guest rooms is the epitome of 21st century comfort. The perfect relaxation spot is the Marble Courtyard.
Not to be missed: The privately run Edith Piaf museum is filled with memorabilia (photos, costumes and personal possessions) celebrating the life of the "Parisian sparrow". Telephone ahead to gain access to this very personal tribute to the voice that gave the world "La Vie en Rose" and "Non, je ne regrette rien".
Best insider tip: If you are planning to visit the Louvre, make certain to purchase your ticket in advance, either online or at many Paris department stores, to avoid the hellishly long queues at the entrance. Check out the new display space for the world's most famous painting, Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa.
Read about other European cities in our archive
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