We don’t know about you, but with the arrival of the summer weather, we at the editorial office are feeling restless. We would love to treat ourselves to a quick and well-planned getaway to a European capital. Where to stay, where to eat, and where to explore? These are three crucial questions that we have delved into. From Lisbon to Amsterdam, and on to Copenhagen, follow the guide!

LISBON

Where to stay?

In a palace. And not just any palace: the Verride Palacio Santa Catarina. Ideally located in the Chiado district, this luxury hotel with an aristocratic ambiance has it all. We love its beautiful range of prestigious rooms and suites, with a choice of views (over the rooftops of Lisbon or the river), and particularly how their intricately detailed molded walls contrast with the simplicity of the furniture. Additionally, it features a contemporary restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide Portugal. The highlight? The rooftop pool, perfect for cooling off in the case of a heatwave.

Price: Starting from €510 per night
Verride Palacio Santa Catarina
R.de Santa Catarina 1, Lisbon
Tel: +351 21 157 3055

Where to dine?

At Belcanto. More precisely, at the table of José Alvillez, claiming the title of one of Portugal’s top chefs at only 43 years old. Belcanto is an institution in Lisbon; opened in 1958, this Michelin-starred restaurant was completely renovated by José Alvillez in 2012. The young chef was awarded one Michelin star, which was followed by a second star in 2014. What to expect on your plate? Lots of creativity and, of course, great taste. In short, be prepared to be surprised, as conventionality will definitely not be on the menu.

Rua Serpa Pinto, 10 A, Lisbon
Tel: +351 213 420 607

Where to dance?

At Pensao Amor. This trendy bar/club, nestled in Lisbon’s old neighborhood, is a former brothel whose decor has been faithfully reproduced. It masters the art of tasteful ostentatiousness, with rococo-baroque extravagance. Leopard print mixed with burgundy velvet, fuchsia pink, or lace, an abundance of wall paintings, oversized chandeliers… It all comes together in a highly successful decor and a unique atmosphere. As for the ambiance, DJs take turns on the turntables all night long, playing a mix of house, hip-hop, and international hits from various eras. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes – luckily, sneakers are in fashion – as you may not find a seat for the entire evening.

Rua do Alecrim 19, Lisbon
Tel: +351 213 143 399

COPENHAGEN

Where to stay?

At Manon Les Suites, an eco-friendly hotel set in a completely verdant environment. We love its exotic decor, which makes you feel like you’re not in a European capital but in the heart of Bali. It is located in the city center, close to the Tivoli Gardens — ideal if you like to do everything on foot.

Price: Starting from €300 per night
Gyldenløvesgade 19, 1600 København V.
Tel: +45 45 70 00 15
www.guldsmedenhotels.com

Where to dine?

At Standard, a former ferry management building with unique architecture.

At nightfall, the establishment transforms into one of the most popular jazz clubs in the European capital. You can dine in three different spaces: Almanak, a modern Danish restaurant, Verandah, a contemporary Indian restaurant, and Studio, a Nordic restaurant led by the former chef of Noma, Torsten Vildgaard. After dinner, you can stroll over to the concert hall, where two concerts take place every evening.

The Standard
Havnegade 44, 1058 København
Open from noon to midnight, except on Sundays and Mondays

Where to explore?

At the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, one of the must-see museums in the European capital. Why do we love it? Because in addition to housing an impressive collection of modern art, it also has a vast sculpture park with breathtaking views of the North Sea. Sublime (and very Instagrammable).

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Gl Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk
Open every day from 11 am to 10 pm, until 6 pm on weekends, closed on Mondays
Tel: +45 49 19 07 19

AMSTERDAM

Where to stay?

At Sir Adam in the A’DAM Tower of Amsterdam. It is one of the city’s most sought-after places, not only for its trendy atmosphere but also for its focus on culture in general, especially music. Here, you can decide the mood! In front of the elevators you will find stacks of 45 rpm records and well-stocked record players. You can choose some music to set the ambiance in your room, where a turntable proudly presides. We love the idea. In the spacious lobby, there are arcade games, a foosball table, several large lounges to relax in, and a stylish bar.

And let’s not forget the height! Perched in this immense tower, the rooms at Sir Adam all offer breathtaking views of the city, thanks to the large bay windows of the building.

Price: Starting from €210 per night
Overhoeksplein 7, 1031 KS Amsterdam
Tel: +31 202 159 510

Where to have lunch?

Why not enjoy French cuisine in Amsterdam? At Marie sur l’Eau, you can rediscover the pleasure of a brasserie in a refined yet charming setting, with a view of the Amstel River. On the menu? Seafood (oysters, sea urchins, mussels with herb-flavored butter, imperial caviar blinis), as well as well-executed dishes (sweetbreads, rib-eye steak, Parisian-style gnocchi…). For dessert, you’ll have a tough choice between the shareable mille-feuille and the tarte tatin made according to the highest of standards. 

Marie sur l’Eau
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14, 1012 AC Amsterdam
Tel: +31 205 311 619

Where to explore?

At the Museum of Eroticism, because yes, culture (and the G-spot) knows no bounds. You can continue your exploration by visiting the Sex Museum to take it to the next level (the black and white silent X-rated films from the 1930s are quite funny). Located in the heart of the Red Light District, this museum is housed in a former warehouse with a façade dating back to the 12th century (that’s right, culture!). It features an original period plaque that says, “God is my castle.” As Alanis Morissette would say, isn’t it ironic? Spread over three exhibition floors, the museum traces the history of the Red Light District with erotic photographs, lithographs that belonged to John Lennon, and even a reenactment of a prostitute’s room from the famous district, immortalized  by Sting in his “Roxanne”song. In the museum shop, you can find souvenirs that will certainly…let’s say “serve a purpose”. We won’t say more.

Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Damrak 18, Red Light District, 1012 LG Amsterdam
Tel: +31 206 228 376