Morning markets bursting with local delicacies, rooftop bars overlooking illuminated masterpieces and boutique hotels steeped in history: Europe’s best city breaks offer unforgettable experiences in compact, walkable urban centres. Read on to discover why each makes for a perfect weekend escape.
A truly wonderful stay at ME Malta!
I absolutely loved my stay at ME Malta and would wholeheartedly recommend it. From the moment I arrived, the level of care and attention from the team was outstanding. There was a genuine sense of personalised service throughout my stay, with so many thoughtful little touches that made me feel incredibly welcome.
Nothing ever felt like too much trouble. The team were consistently warm, attentive and professional, and it was clear that they genuinely cared about making my stay as enjoyable as possible.
I also made the most of the hotel’s fantastic facilities, including the spa, pool and bar. Everything was beautifully presented, and the overall atmosphere made it such a lovely place to unwind and enjoy Malta.
What I’ll remember most, though, is the exceptional service and the personal touches that made the experience feel so much more than just a hotel stay. ME Malta genuinely made my trip even more memorable, and I would absolutely stay here again. Highly recommended if you’re visiting Malta!
10.0
Eryk Z.
I have been to many top hotels, but this experience at ME Malta was truly memorable. Thanks to the warm and friendly hospitality of the entire team, the hotel genuinely felt like a second home during our stay.
The rooms are absolutely enormous! I highly recommend booking one with a sea and Valletta view getting to enjoy the morning sunrises over the sea from your room is an unforgettable experience. The amenities are also fantastic, including a very well-equipped fitness gym that has everything you need.
The dining and restaurant staff deserve massive praise. The food from the hotel restaurant is top-tier, and the breakfast service was incredibly personal. The waiters remembered our daily breakfast orders and even made the extra effort to provide us with fresh ricotta every morning.
A special shoutout goes to Mellany, who provided world-class, professional hospitality. Even when bad weather forced us to cancel a group sailing trip, she stepped in immediately and organized a flawless last minute lunch for 13 of us at the hotel Restaurant.
If you want a hotel with phenomenal food, breathtaking views, and a staff that genuinely cares about your experience, this is the perfect place to stay.
10.0
Larisa M.
I booked a stay at ME Malta as a last-minute birthday gift for my sister, and I honestly could not have chosen a better place! From the moment she arrived, the team went completely above and beyond to make her stay unforgettable.
She was absolutely thrilled with the warm, amazing welcome she received. The staff has a wonderful way of making you feel instantly at ease and cared for. On top of the incredible hospitality, the hotel was spotlessly clean and beautifully maintained. The rooms are just Waw and gives you that luxury feel. One of the most beautiful hotels where my sister has ever stayed.
Because I had mentioned it was her birthday, the hotel staff arranged a stunning surprise for her right in her room. Seeing how happy she was meant the world to me. I am so incredibly grateful to everyone working here for their genuine care and flawless service. If you are looking for a place that combines luxury with heart, this is it! Thank you, ME Malta! ❤️❤️❤️
10.0
Mary
Probably the best hotel in Malta, definitely in Valletta. It’s not even comparable to the Westin, which felt like a completely different world stuck in the 2010s.
Here, everything feels new and modern. The staff are super friendly, attentive, and caring. The room cleaning is excellent, and the pricing is fair. The massage options are also great, including pregnancy-safe treatments. The food is very good as well. Has all necessary facilities ☺️
The only things missing are a jacuzzi, and the elevators can be a bit slow sometimes.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a city of bold contrasts, balancing Mediterranean ease with architectural audacity and world-renowned nightlife. From the mosaic curves of Casa Batlló to the honeycomb towers of the Sagrada Familia, master architect’s Antoni Gaudí’s modernist creations punctuate the cityscape while trendy rooftops invite sundowner cocktails above the city’s buzz.
In the Gothic Quarter, labyrinthine streets open onto sun-drenched squares – best enjoyed with a glass of vermouth and a plate of tasty tapas – while Montjuïc’s hillside museums, like the National Art Museum of Catalonia, offer a quieter vantage point for unbeatable city panoramas. Come dusk, locals drift towards La Barceloneta’s beachfront promenade for golden-hour walks by the sea.
Porto tumbles down steep hills to meet the Douro River, its skyline marked by tiled churches and bell towers. Vila Nova de Gaia’s wine cellars offer tastings with river views and Ribeira’s colourful buildings house family tavernas serving francesinha sandwiches (slathered in the customary tomato and beer sauce) overlooking the water.
Rua de Miguel Bombarda pulses with independent record shops, vintage clothing stores, and art galleries, while evenings in Cedofeita involve craft beer bars and late-night music venues. Weekend markets showcase Portuguese ceramics and traditional crafts beneath distinctive blue azulejo tiles.
Beautiful hotel, great room, very comfortable, exceptional breakfast and great restaurant.
10.0
AnonymousSG
I arrived in the room with a bottle of sparkling wine waiting for me. Staffs were very attentive and kind. the location is walkable distance to the old town centre making it very convenient to travel. also the design of the rooms are unique. We love it.
10.0
AnonymousSA
I stayed for two nights and it was a pleasant stay.
Everything was excellent starting from checking in, the design of the room, the view from my room balcony, the breakfast and the view from there as well and the nice staff.
I would definitely recommend this awesome hotel.
10.0
Bozena K.US · 1 escape · 1 review
Had an Amazing stay at the hotel, Al the staff were great and I highly recommend to stay there. Breakfast was excellent. Amazing views.
London
London remains a global crossroads with endless possibilities across its many eclectic neighbourhoods. Borough Market’s artisanal food stalls serve everything from aged cheeses to Korean street food, while Shoreditch’s vintage boutiques and independent galleries give way to craft beer pubs and underground music venues after dark.
Catch West End shows before late-night cocktails in Soho’s intimate bars, or explore Camden Market’s alternative fashion stalls, followed by authentic Indian cuisine on Brick Lane. The city’s pub culture thrives alongside Michelin-starred dining, while afternoon tea remains a quintessentially British ritual best enjoyed overlooking Hyde Park’s rolling green expanse.
The hotel is lovely, friendly staff with a very great location. My experience was above my expectations! I really recommend it to those who are looking for a large and clean room, great experience with a very good location just walking minutes from London Eye and Big Ben
10.0
AnonymousDE
This hotel is very good, excellent stuff, amazing restaurant, the rooms are very spacious and clean. Everything is great in this hotel, definitely worth a comeback!
10.0
AnonymousUS
So far the best location if you wanna stay in Central London everything nearby five star Service
10.0
AnonymousIN
Superb Stay in an Unbeatable Location
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is an outstanding hotel with top-notch safety, security, and a true 4 to 5-star feel. The location is simply unbeatable, and the breakfast spread is excellent. The staff and facilities are great across the board, and room service is smooth and reliable.
The only drawback was the room design: while some internal-view rooms still get natural light, others have none at all, which can feel a bit dim. Aside from that, it was a wonderful experience, and I would gladly stay here again.
10.0
AnonymousJE
In the hearth of London with incredible easy acces to major turistic areas
Lisbon
Lisbon’s soulful rhythm can only be felt through your taste buds. Sample pastéis de nata (Portuguese egg tarts) still warm from age-old bakeries, then ride the historic Tram 28 past azulejo-tiled facades to reach São Jorge Castle. This hilltop viewpoint is perfect for sunset drinks overlooking terracotta rooftops and the shimmering Tagus River.
Alfama’s narrow alleys echo with haunting fado music spilling out from intimate tavernas. Meanwhile, Bairro Alto turns into party central after midnight with its maze of bars and late-night eateries. Hunt for Portuguese ceramics and cork products in Chiado’s boutiques, then feast on grilled sardines and green wine at bustling outdoor markets.
Spend a single evening dining in Paris and you’ll know why it remains the culinary capital of the world. Start mornings with fresh, buttery croissants from corner bakeries, lunch on coq au vin(chicken braised in red wine) in classic bistros, then browse designer stores along the Champs-Élysées before aperitif hour brings the city alive with clinking glasses of champagne on sidewalk terraces.
Montmartre’s cobbled streets hide a wealth of vintage clothes stores and caricature artists just waiting for their next muse, while Le Marais, once home to Victor Hugo, is filled with trendy cocktail bars and perfectly manicured gardens. The Louvre may house the Mona Lisa, but the real Parisian magic happens wandering through weekend markets and sipping wine by the Seine as golden light bathes elegant Haussmann boulevards.
Madrid
Madrid has something for every type of traveller. Spend the morning among masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya at the Prado Museum, wander beneath the trees of El Retiro Park, then follow Gran Vía past ornate facades, theatres and rooftop bars with sweeping views across the capital.
Food is reason enough to linger. Tapas bars and traditional tavernas spill into the streets around La Latina and Lavapiés, while the elegant Salamanca district brings designer boutiques and polished dining. After dark, do as the Madrileños do: order vermouth, settle in for a late dinner and accept that an early night probably isn’t happening.
We had a fantastic stay at this hotel – it was central, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the facilities were clean. We particularly enjoyed the breakfasts – they were delicious and had such a broad range of options.
10.0
AnonymousMY
The hotel is really beautiful, from the architecture and design down to the fine detailing. I had a large room with a balcony facing Gran Via, and it was lovely and not noisy. Staff were very friendly and location was excellent. Thanks for a great stay, will return again!
10.0
David A.AU · 20 escapes · 4 reviews
This is a lovely hotel in the best location on Gran Via and we had a beautiful stay in Madrid
10.0
Janelle F.AU · 18 escapes · 6 reviews
Prime location for shopping and central to everything.
10.0
CHUN C.CA · 1 escape · 1 review
we loved our stay with H10 Villa de la Reina as this was our first time in Madrid. Then location is prime and the room and everything else about the hotel were great as well
Rome
Wander Rome’s ancient streets and you’ll find gelato shops nestled beside millennia-old monuments, and every piazza full of Italians lingering over a morning espresso. The Pantheon’s perfect dome stands sentinel over busy cafes, and Trastevere’s cobbled laneways lead to family-run trattorias ladling steaming bowls of fresh pasta under vine-strewn terraces.
Aperitivo culture reigns supreme here, so join locals for negronis and crostini as golden hour graces the Spanish Steps before browsing through Via del Corso’s flagship boutiques and artisan workshops.
Beautiful hotel, lovely obliging staff, breakfast was lovely, great location for sites. Would stay there again. Grazie mille
9.0
Amna A.AU · 21 escapes · 2 reviews
A very quiet little hotel. Close to many beautiful restaurants. Pleasant staff but the breakfast needs an upgrade
9.0
Kevin B.GB · 3 escapes · 2 reviews
The Loly hotel was situated in a quiet area but not far from the main sights and also close to bars and restaurants. The room was lovely and the staff so helpful and friendly, would definitely recommend
8.0
Jason M.GB · 3 escapes · 1 review
A bit out of the lively part of Trastevere but a few nice bars and restaurants very local. Not as luxury as I was expecting but a nice hotel nonetheless. The rooftop bar was closed as out of season which was a shame as the weather was lovely. Rooms are a bit dark as the sun doesn't really hit the balcony/terrace due to tall buildings next door. Food in the restaurant was very nice and the extras with LE were a nice touch especially the free drinks and 10% off at Bar Della Place which was a great restaurant.
3.0
carmen K.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
Unfortunately there were ants in our bathroom 😞
Berlin
Berlin is a city break with plenty of edge, where landmark sights sit alongside cutting-edge galleries, late-night bars and some of Europe’s most exciting dining. Spend the day tracing the city’s history at the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag and East Side Gallery, then explore the boutiques and cafes of Mitte or Kreuzberg.
After dark, Berlin shifts gear. Settle in for cocktails on a rooftop, try the city’s famously diverse food scene or head out for the nightlife that has made the German capital legendary.
Always a pleasure, especially with a room overlooking the zoo.
The best breakfast ever! 😉 Great bar, and all this high above the rooftops of Berlin.
8.0
Jacob K.
Two rainy days at 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin gave us more time there than expected, and the hotel is a mixed experience. It tries very hard to be quirky, witty and “special,” but often feels like corporate hipness pretending to be personal. The jokey messages and playful touches are overdone, as if the place assumes every guest wants to be treated like an 18-year-old discovering irony for the first time. That is a pity, because the hotel really does not need to try so hard.
The real strength is the location. It sits in the historic Bikini Berlin ensemble, a 1950s West Berlin landmark whose nickname came from its open middle section, like a “bikini” showing midriff. You are right by the zoo, Tiergarten, Zoo Palast, C/O Berlin at Amerika Haus, the Helmut Newton Foundation and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church with its famous ruined tower and the modern additions locals nicknamed the “lipstick and powder box.”
The rooms are genuinely comfortable. The bed was great, we slept very well, and some design ideas are actually smart: the wide window ledges work as chill-out spots, the central sink with a double-sided mirror is practical for two people, and even the odd shower layout works. These low-key ideas are much better than the hotel’s louder attempts at being funny.
Reception on the 3rd floor feels spacious, but the lounge/bar area has a strange “adult kindergarten” vibe, like a WeWork version of cool. Upstairs is the best part: NENI and Monkey Bar. NENI was excellent – spacious, lively, with genuinely very good food. Try the Balagan-style sharing dishes, especially the salmon and moussaka. Monkey Bar gets its name from the view over the zoo’s monkey area, which is a nice bit of local trivia.
The weak point is the staff. Too many seemed disoriented, late and oddly unprofessional. So overall: a comfy and well-located hotel that keeps getting in its own way by trying too hard to manufacture personality.
6.0
Nils W.
We were disappointed with our medium jungle room at the 25hours Hotel Bekini Berlin. Generally, the hotel is in a convenient location with good views of the Tiergarten and the room somehow looked like on the advertised pictures. However, what the photos don't reveal is that there are metal wires obstructing the view to the TV. We didn't pay much attention to this at first but, because of the World Cup and the weather, we ended up watching more TV than we usually would. We had also expected a hammock in the room and when we asked at reception why this was missing we were simply informed that they were not in every room. Maybe not the most important thing in the world, but we somehow felt deceived. At least the breakfast at the NENI Rooftop Restaurant was excellent.
Florence
Experience the Renaissance through every one of your senses in old Florence. San Lorenzo market overflows with Tuscan specialties – truffle oil, aged Chianti and focaccia still warm from wood-fired ovens – while artisan workshops in Oltrarno sell hand-tooled leather goods and traditional silk scarves.
Aperitivo hour transforms piazzas into outdoor living rooms where Aperol spritz flows beneath the magnificent Florence Cathedral. Try your hand at an authentic Italian cooking class to master pasta making, then dine al fresco overlooking the Arno as church bells chime across terracotta rooftops.
We stayed in the only Junior Suite with a terrace at the prestigious five-star Palazzo Firenze by Baglioni Hotels & Resorts, whose luxury rooms and suites are housed within a splendid 18th-century noble residence.
From our wonderful terrace, we enjoyed a truly enviable view, with a splendid view of the nearby Basilica of Santa Croce.
The spacious and remarkably quiet room had a large bathroom finished in elegant Tuscan marble, a comfortable sofa, and every comfort needed for a relaxing stay.
From the hotel, you can easily walk to Piazza del Duomo, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, and all the city's main artistic attractions. The building, a splendid historic palazzo, is striking for its elegant, impeccably clean spaces, meticulously maintained down to the smallest detail, and brimming with charm. A delicate fragrance wafting through the common areas contributes to a particularly pleasant and refined atmosphere.
The reception, dining room, and housekeeping staff have always been extremely courteous, attentive to guests' every need, and highly professional.
One evening we dined at the on-site Guelfi e Ghibellini restaurant. The gourmet dishes, inspired by the great classics of Tuscan cuisine, were excellent and served with great skill and attention by the staff.
Breakfast also fully lived up to expectations, thanks to a rich buffet featuring typical local sweets, savory options, fresh fruit, yogurt, and many other specialties. The apple cake deserves special mention, as it was the perfect end to this delightful moment of pampering every morning.
Overall, an extremely positive experience in every way: a hotel that undoubtedly deserves all its five stars.
10.0
Tin C.
Excellent overall!
6.0
ines a.
Ideally located for exploring Florence and the surrounding area. Close to trams, buses, and the train station, yet conveniently situated in the city center. The common areas, while decorated in a modern style, remain very austere. The rooms are quite large but dreary and seem to have been decorated hastily: poorly placed pictures, TV in the wrong spot in the room. The bathroom is absolutely not up to 4-star standards: no mixer tap, poor lighting, worn-out furniture, a wheezy hairdryer, and no tissues or shoehorn. The staff is pleasant but seems completely disillusioned by the hordes of extremely noisy tourists at breakfast. If you're looking for peace and quiet, this isn't the hotel for you. The breakfast room is worth a visit, with a magnificent view of the Duomo. There's also a lovely terrace with plenty of greenery, but it's sorely lacking in maintenance: stained sofas, broken armchairs, and dirty floors. The breakfast is varied and plentiful. We won't be returning.
2.0
Kostas R.
We booked this hotel well in advance, only to be informed that our reservation could not be honored because the renovation had been delayed and the hotel would remain closed. This was extremely disappointing and disrupted our travel plans. Although an alternative hotel was offered, we had booked this specific property for a reason. What made the experience even worse was that it took almost a month to receive our refund after the cancellation. Overall, this was a very frustrating experience and not what I would expect from a luxury hotel brand.
Istanbul
Offering a sensory overload of flavours, sounds and treasures, Istanbul is one of the only cities in the world that spans two continents. The Grand Bazaar’s 4,000 shops overflow with hand-woven rugs, Ottoman antiques and sparkling jewellery, while street vendors serve donor kebabs and Turkish delights under the Blue Mosque’s elegant minarets.
Trendy rooftop bars in Galata offer Bosphorus views with raki cocktails, and meyhanes (traditional Turkish taverns) serve up some of the finest mezze platters you’ll ever encounter. Haggle for spices in the fragrant Egyptian Bazaar, then ferry across to Asia for sunset views.
Budapest embraces the Danube with its twin cities – hilly, historic Buda and flat, cosmopolitan Pest. The neo-Gothic Parliament building creates one of Europe’s most recognisable riverfronts, while ruin bars like Szimpla Kert in the Jewish Quarter serve craft cocktails in crumbling courtyards.
Thermal bathing culture thrives in ornate historic spas like Széchenyi and The Great Market Hall showcases Hungarian specialties like lángos (deep-fried flatbread) and pálinka (fruit brandy). Evenings bring river cruises with dinner and traditional music, or late nights exploring the underground club scene.
One of the best hotels we have stayed at.
Great breakfast 😋 and a quiet location within a short walk to the shopping area.
10.0
AnonymousUS
The best involves the overall ! Ms. Lili inspired me to come back again and stay here. as well as the manger Boti , Zoltan. They are the best!
10.0
AnonymousGB
The room was spacious and comfortable. The furnishings were lovely. The staff were friendly and I received a complimentary photography book about the hotel upon check out. The hotel is in a good location and I would stay here again.
10.0
Christopher G.AU · 25 escapes · 5 reviews
The hotel was fabulous. Massive rooms, breakfast was great, staff were friendly and the building itself is beautiful. Only small comment is that the water in the spa could have been warmer!
10.0
AnonymousUS
Staff along with the rooms are exceptional.
Always check this hotel first before choosing where to stay when I visit Budapest.
Vienna
Vienna’s refined pleasures cover everything from coffeehouse culture to concert halls. Traditional Kaffeehäuser serve sachertorte (indulgent chocolate cake) and mild melange coffee in settings unchanged since Mozart’s era. Meanwhile, the Naschmarkt’s international food stalls dish out modern flavours alongside Austro-Hungarian classics like Wiener schnitzel.
Designer boutiques line the pedestrian Kärntner Strasse, and indie stores in Neubau showcase local designers and vintage finds. Come evening, delve in traditional Austrian entertainment inside the gilded Musikverein or sample handcrafted cocktails in underground bars, with late-night würstelstands (sausage stands) offering post-party sustenance.
