Water and the City!
The best city breaks by the water
10/01/2024 Reading time: 10 Minutes
What could be more relaxing than jumping into the water on a hot summer's day? Or at least strolling along it - or even just enjoying the view? In fact, water has always held a great fascination for people. The ideal combination for a vacation is when the body of water is located near a city. Because then you get the best of all worlds. Fortunately, there are many cities that are built very close to the water. And conveniently also score points with outstanding accommodation. These are the best city breaks by the water:
Hamburg, Germany
The second largest city in Germany not only has the world's largest transshipment port, but of course also all kinds of sights. Culture enthusiasts can enjoy concerts in an impressive setting at the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, stroll through the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district, visit one of the many museums or head to the waterfront. Along the Outer Alster, for example, you can go SUPing, canoeing, pedal boating or rowing and explore the canals. Incidentally, there are more of them here than in Amsterdam or Venice.
Hotel tip: The Hotel Tortue is a boutique hotel in the heart of the Hanseatic city. It is close to shopping, Jungfernstieg, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, pretty rooms, three restaurants and five bars.
www.tortue.de
Copenhagen, Denmark
We talk about living like God in France, but he has long since gathered in the Danish capital. A high quality of life, cheerful sociability and laissez-faire are gathered here, embedded in varied culture and fabulous hospitality, surrounded by lots of greenery and even more water. Not forgetting exciting architecture. Copenhagen holds the title of "World Capital of Architecture" for three years. It's good to have a hotel where everything comes together and which also offers a panoramic view of the maritime-urban bustle. Like NH Collection Copenhagen. The iconic building from the 1960s, once the headquarters of the Burmeister & Wain shipping company, stands directly on Christianshavn. Two years ago, it was transformed into a wonderfully homely and modern 5-star hotel and opened its glass doors. And immediately welcomes you with works by Danish artist Anna Bak, who revives the history of the building in abstract form. (Text: Kiki Baron)
www.nh-collection.com/en/hotel/nh-collection-copenhagen
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
If you're looking for a city break by the water that also feels like an island break, the capital of Mallorca is the place to be. In the morning, visit La Seu Cathedral and the old town, stroll along the Borne and discover modern art in the Es Baluard Museum. In the afternoon, it's off to the beach and into the waters of the western Mediterranean. And in the evening, dine in award-winning restaurants with a view of the harbor.
Hotel tip: The luxurious Sant Francesc is housed in a former 19th century palace. It is located right in the historic center of Palma. Its architecture, design and the art that characterizes all 32 rooms and 10 individual rooms make it an insider tip. One of the highlights is the rooftop with pool.
www.hotelfrancesc.com
Budapest, Hungary
When the two cities of Buda and Pest merged in 1873, the once separating element of the Danube remained in their midst. This is why it meanders through the city like a green ribbon today. The banks of the Danube as well as the Castle District and Andrássy Street are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Travelers should also make a detour to a ruin bar, try the Michelin-starred "The Stand" restaurant, stroll along the Danube or head to Lupa Lake north of the city. Here you will find a white sandy beach and a beach club atmosphere.
Hotel tip: The W Budapest only recently opened. It scores with its location, extraordinary architecture, pool, spa and gym. A detour to the "Nightingale by Beefbar" restaurant is worthwhile! After all, the "Beefbar" and its worldwide offshoots are the place to be for steak fans.
www.marriott.de
San Sebastian, Spain
When it comes to gourmet delights, there's not much more to say about San Sebastian. The density of Michelin-starred restaurants is extremely high, with a total of 16 Michelin stars in the city. Its location on the bay of La Concha, the well-preserved old town and Monte Igueldo with its lighthouse as an excursion destination make a stay here even more appealing.
Hotel tip: The Hotel Akelarre, a member of the renowned "Relais & Châteaux" association, is the perfect place for gourmets. The hotel restaurant has three Michelin stars. Elegant rooms with a strong focus on design and minimalism are just as impressive as the spa and the magnificent panorama.
www.akelarre.net
Reykjavík, Iceland
The fact alone that the capital of Iceland is the northernmost capital in the world makes it worth a visit. It is only about 270 kilometers from here to the Arctic Circle. The coast is rugged and characterized by peninsulas, caves and straits. If you are longing for an escape from the heat, you can't go wrong with Reykjavík. Even in midsummer, temperatures barely reach more than 15 degrees.
Hotel tip: The Reykjavik EDITION brings modern amenities paired with sustainability to the city. It is located in the heart of the old town, just a few steps away from the shopping mecca of Laugavegur Street. The rooms and suites offer wonderful views of the harbor.
www.editionhotels.com
Valletta, Malta
Valletta may be the smallest capital of an EU country (both in terms of population and area), but as a tourist destination, the city is huge. This is because it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety since 1980. The reason for its inclusion is the city's cultural diversity. Well-preserved bastions, the beautiful old town, Fort St. Elmo and the Grand Master's Palace are just some of the sights to discover.
Hotel tip: Only about one kilometer from the promenade on the beach, the Iniala Harbour House is one of the best addresses for discerning travelers. The 5-star hotel offers a spa with pool, gym, a wonderful terrace and a very good restaurant.
www.inialamalta.com
Porto, Portugal
Right on the Atlantic coast, Porto is a real gem for a city break by the water. In addition to the sea, the Douro River is another body of water that invites you to stroll along it or get active in it. Here, too, the historic center is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The port city is also known for its port wine.
Hotel tip: There are four hotels in total that are part of the Torel collection. One of them is the
Avantgarde Porto in the center of Porto. The 39 rooms and 21 suites live up to the hotel's name. The interior is inspired by the avant-garde elegance of the 1930s and 1940s.
www.torelavantgarde.com
Gothenburg, Sweden
How about another city break by the water in the north? Sweden's second largest city is located where the North Sea meets the Baltic Sea and the Göta älv river flows into the Kattegat. Some of the city's districts are located on the island of Hisingen. Sweden's green harbor city enchants visitors with its rich history, archipelago and enchanting districts. A stroll through the Lila Bommen harbor, a trip to the Nya Elfsborg fortress and the old Haga district with its cobblestone streets should definitely be on your bucket list.
Hotel tip: The Clarion Hotel Post is located in the beautifully renovated post office building from the 1920s. Two restaurants, rooftop with great views, pool and gym await guests. The restaurants are particularly noteworthy. Marcus Samuelsson, one of Sweden's best chefs, cooks here.
www.clarionpost.se
Dublin, Ireland
The city, whose name translates as "black pond", attracts visitors at any time of year. Some of its historic buildings date back to the Middle Ages. There are numerous pubs, rooftop bars and, above all, lots of parks. The Liffey flows through the city. You can stroll along its banks on wooden promenades and watch the river from one of the many benches. There are many sights along the river, such as the Custom House, O'Connel Bridge and Four Courts. For even more water, head to the beaches of Sandymount in the south or the sandbank of Bull Island, located between the harbor and Howth.
Hotel tip: At Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel, guests can choose from 187 rooms and suites in the cosmopolitan Docklands district. The luxurious spa with its infinity pool promises moments of tranquillity. It is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
www.anantara.com
Nice, France
Côte d'Azur, Promenade des Anglais, Vieux Nice, Colline du Château - plus the special flair and proximity to Monaco and Cannes make Nice the perfect destination for a city break by the water. The Mediterranean with its beautiful beach clubs promises sunny moments and cooling off, while culture and lifestyle make the city so interesting for discerning travelers. Designer boutiques and award-winning restaurants, such as the Flaveur with its two Michelin stars, round off the offer.
Hotel tip: As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the
Hotel Negresco stands for particularly exquisite service. Its façade with the iconic semi-circular turret has become a kind of secret landmark on the Promenade des Anglais. Antique furniture, gourmet cuisine in the restaurant Le Chantecler (1 star) and a private beach area are all reasons to stay here.
www.hotel-negresco-nice.com
Naples, Italy
The European city that never sleeps and really comes into its own at night: Naples. As the third largest city in Italy, it offers incomparable sights. From Castel Sant'Elmo on Vomero, for example, you have a direct view of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The Carthusian monastery of San Martino, authentic aperitivo culture and a visit to Pompeii also make the city break by the water an exciting cultural experience. From Naples, a visit to the nearby island of Capri is also worthwhile.
Hotel tip: Located at the ferry port of Naples, the
Romeo Napoli awaits its guests with a rooftop pool and wellness area. This is equipped with a gym, pools and saunas. A trip to the bar is also recommended!
www.theromeocollection.com
