Exit the frenzy of capital cities and the over-saturated tourist must-sees. For a gentle and original getaway in Europe, the editorial team prefers to go off the beaten path. After Bruges and Nantes, here are our two other favorite destinations in Germany and Italy.
A few days ago, Shoelifer shared its favorite locations for a successful city trip through two human-scale cities, Bruges and Nantes. Quite convinced by the idea of exploring Europe beyond its megacities (yes, a bit of self-satisfaction can be good sometimes), the editorial team wanted to repeat the experience. This way, you won’t lack choice or inspiration for your next European getaway. After Belgium and France, let’s head to Germany and Italy. Our favorite cities are none other than… (drum roll): Hamburg and Bergamo. The first, bourgeois and epicurean, faces the sea. The second, generous and romantic, is mountainous. Something to please everyone!
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Taking it easy by the icy waters of Hamburg
Germany’s second-largest city, the country’s first port, and the third in Europe, a water city dotted with canals that stretches around the Alster River, Hamburg has little reason to envy its rival, Berlin. It’s more bourgeois, certainly, less underground, but just as attractive — prime destination for a European getaway.
Where to stay: At the Gastwerk Hotel, an ultra-design establishment created in a former factory. The combination of raw materials (exposed bricks, wood, metal) and contemporary formsgives the common spaces a New York loft feel.
Gastwerk Hotel
Beim Alten Gaswerk 3, Hamburg
Tel.: +49-40-890620
Price: from 118 euros per night
Where to have lunch: At Petit Amour, chef Boris Kasprik’s restaurant, who earned a Michelin star. The unique eight-course gourmet menu will delight fine diners.
Petit Amour
Spritzenplatz 11
Tel.: +49-40-30 74 65 56
Gastronomic menu at 149 euros
Where to have dinner: At Wolhers, offering modernized German cuisine in a simple yet friendly setting, accompanied by a fine selection of wines. The menu, based on fresh and seasonal products, changes weekly. This will give you a new perspective on German gastronomy.
Wolhers
Thadenstraße 148, Hamburg
Open from Thursday to Saturday, 5 PM to 11 PM
Where to have a drink: On the 20th floor of the Empire Riverside Hotel, to enjoy its breathtaking view over the city and the port. It’s even better at sunset.
Empire Riverside Hotel
20up Skyline Bar on the 20th floor
Open every day, no reservation needed
Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97, Hamburg
Where to dance: At Nachtasyl, which is none other than the bar of the Thalia Theater, transforming after each performance into a festive and dancing venue, where the public can meet the actors.
Nachtasyl
On the 5th floor of the Thalia Theater
Alstertor 1, Hamburg
Every day from 7 PM
And what else can you do?: Attend a concert at the ElbPhilharmonie, stroll along the Alster River, visit the Botanical Garden, wander around Reeperbahn, a sort of red-light district in the city center, and cruise the city’s canals. It’s a chill and soothing European getaway.
Reaching new heights in Bergamo
Italy is a safe bet when considering a European getaway. No matter how much you travel across this country, there will always be treasures left to discover. Such is the case with Bergamo, a discreet city in Lombardy, with a population of about 120,000, located northeast of Milan. You’ll find an old town perched on a high hill—the Città Alta—and another nestled below—the Città Bassa.
Where to stay: At the Relais San Vigilio, a charming hotel located in the upper town and restored by a local family in 1978. Green spaces, terraces, a breathtaking view over the city’s tiled roofs and more. It’s a romantic getaway worthy of Michel Berger’s song, Ah si j’étais un homme.
Relais San Vigilio
Via Al Castello, N.7/9, Bergamo
Tel.: +39 035 26 50 987
[email protected]
Price: from 250 € per night
Where to have lunch: At the Roof Garden of the Hotel Excelsior San Marco, to enjoy yet another viewpoint over the beautiful medieval city while savoring local cuisine and wines from the region.
Roof Garden Restaurant
8th floor of the Hotel Excelsior San Marco
Piazza della Repubblica, 6, Bergamo
Tel.: +39 035 366111
Where to have dinner: At a real Italian trattoria, Trattoria Parietti, to taste the typical specialties of the region. A variety of antipasti, gnocchi, penne, etc., with different sauces, escalopes, braised meats… all in a warm and unpretentious atmosphere.
Trattoria Parietti
Open Monday lunchtime, Tuesday to Saturday lunch and dinner, closed on Sunday.
Via Costantino Beltrami, 52
Tel.: +39 035 221072
Where to have a drink: At Le Iris cocktail bar. An intimate and ultra-elegant spot, perfect for whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears.
Le Iris Bar
Monday to Saturday from 6 PM
Viale Vittorio Emanuele II, 12, Bergamo
Tel.: +39 035 217037
Where to go out: Catch a show at the Donizetti Theater, an architectural gem inaugurated in 1791. Jazz concerts, opera, theater, chamber music… there’s something for everyone. Check the program!
Teatro Donizetti
Piazza Cavour, 15, Bergamo
Tel.: +39 035 4160600
And what else can you do?: Visit the surrounding vineyards, stroll along the city’s ramparts, go to the San Pellegrino Spa, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and take the funicular to explore the heights of the Città Alta…
Picture (c) : Daniela Fiderici
