The Best cities for all kinds of Travelers!
The Best World Cities for all Kinds of Travelers! - A Blog Teaser!
The Best Cities for Every Kind of Traveler
A Blog Teaser
Brooke presents, in collaboration with Condé Nast Traveler, the best cities for every type of traveler—from history buffs to foodies to cultural aficionados.
While a multi-city European tour is one way to experience several destinations in one trip, we at Brooke in the Air (including, of course, Brooke herself!) also believe in choosing one place that speaks to your passion and diving into it fully. For value travelers especially, the “one city at a time” method can often be more affordable—and far more meaningful.
In addition to your interests, think about the type of city you’d like to visit. Do you prefer mountains or sea? A major metropolis or a lesser-traveled gem? Whether you’re ready for a history deep dive touring ancient Greek sites, shopping sprees in Italy, or outdoor adventuring in the Alps, these European cities cater to every kind of traveler.
Let’s dig in.
(These are in no particular order. We recommend choosing one city per trip rather than attempting a multi-city tour, which can sometimes dilute your experience and turn your itinerary into a checklist of tourist stops.)
1. For the Art Aficionado: Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s classical music scene receives much international praise (this is where Mozart created many of his masterpieces, after all), but the Austrian capital also holds one of the world’s largest collections of European art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum—widely considered one of the most beautiful museums in the world. Its collection spans Roman antiquities to Renaissance-era armor once worn by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I.
The Habsburgs ruled here for centuries, and Vienna’s imperial past lives on in restored palaces like the Albertina Museum, where masters such as Michelangelo and Monet are displayed. The Albertina Modern highlights contemporary works, reflecting the city’s evolution into a modern art hub. And of course, Gustav Klimt’s iconic The Kiss, housed in the Upper Belvedere, has a magnetic pull rivaling the Mona Lisa.
2. For the History Buff: Athens, Greece
Stroll the cobbled streets of Plaka, known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods,” where ancient ruins rise alongside tavernas and cafés. The hilltop Acropolis is visible from nearly every angle.
Many say the best view of the nearly 2,500-year-old Parthenon is from the rooftop bar (or room, if you can splurge) at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, long considered the capital’s “guesthouse” for visiting royals and VIPs.
The Parthenon, originally dedicated to Athena, is a must-see for first-time visitors. Across the street, the architectural marvel Acropolis Museum displays most of the excavated artifacts, with glass floors suspended over archaeological ruins.
3. For the Pastry (and Bread) Lover: Paris, France
Paris boasts more than 1,300 bakeries and pastry shops—reason enough to book a flight. You could easily build your itinerary around croissants and baguettes alone.
Cédric Grolet’s trompe-l’œil fruit desserts have earned him global fame, and lines at his Opéra pâtisserie rarely shrink. Award-winning pastry chef Maxime Frédéric of Cheval Blanc Paris opened Pleincœur in Batignolles, where the marble cake—made with ingredients from his Normandy farm—is worth the detour.
Other must-visits: Mamiche for chocolate babka, Utopie for sourdough croissants, and Tapisserie for its maple-syrup tart.
4. For the Design Enthusiast: Antwerp, Belgium
Belgium’s second city has experienced a renaissance in design. Hotels like August (a converted cloister) and Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp (a former monastery) reflect its sophisticated aesthetic.
The Antwerp Six—including Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester—put the city on the fashion map in the 1980s. Today, creatives continue to push boundaries. At Kannal, envisioned by Axel Vervoordt, industrial warehouses now house galleries and ateliers.
5. For the Foodie: San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián blends traditional pintxos with innovative gastronomy, making it a Basque culinary capital.
Sample gilda skewers of olives, anchovies, and pickled peppers, or indulge in burnt Basque cheesecake—La Viña claims the best in town. With one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per capita, dining here is exceptional. Three-star Akelarre is a legend worth reserving. Don’t forget to try txakoli, the region’s crisp, effervescent white wine.
6. For the Sun Worshipper: Nice, France
Nice has experienced a glamorous revival in recent years. Its cobbled Old Town contrasts beautifully with Hôtel du Couvent, a restored 17th-century convent turned Riviera sanctuary.
Relax at its infinity pool or stroll to the Promenade des Anglais. From Nice, Monaco and Cannes are just a train ride away—and the beach club La Guérite promises an unforgettable party atmosphere.
7. For the Shopaholic & Fashion-Obsessed: Milan, Italy
As one of the Big Four fashion capitals (alongside New York, Paris, and London), Milan is a shopping paradise.
Browse Via Monte Napoleone in the Quadrilatero della Moda, admire the mosaics inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and explore 10 Corso Como, a legendary concept store blending fashion, art, and home décor.
8. For the Digital Detoxer & Wellness Enthusiast: London, England
London’s wellness scene is booming. Members’ clubs like Surrenne at The Emory focus on longevity, while the upcoming Six Senses London promises a Biohack Recovery Lounge, cryotherapy, and personalized spa experiences.
At The HVN longevity clinic, you can book anti-burnout consultations featuring acupuncture and IV therapy. For natural restoration, wander through Epping Forest—an ancient woodland just outside the city.
9. For Families (& Kiddos): Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen offers family-friendly charm alongside culinary excellence.
Visit the iconic Little Mermaid statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, or spend the day at Tivoli Gardens, home to one of Europe’s oldest wooden roller coasters.
For casual dining, explore Reffen street food market or enjoy elevated tacos at Hija de Sanchez from Noma alum Rosio Sanchez. Even without Noma’s famed tasting menu, Copenhagen delivers unforgettable New Nordic flavors.
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