Everyone has their own definition of luxury. For some, it can be found in the simplest of things such as a great view or the feel of golden sand between the toes. Luxury does not always have to mean expensive but when it comes to travel, luxury is usually associated with comfort, convenience, elegance and glamour. With that in mind, let’s take a look at three European cities that fit the brief of a luxury destination.
The first city may come as a surprise to anyone who has never visited but Budapest deserves its place on our list. A luxury city needs to have beautiful hotels that boast elegance, charm and tradition while providing a high standard of accommodation and Budapest has plenty to choose from.
The architecture is stunning almost everywhere you turn with popular sites such as the Parliament building, Matthias Church and the Vajdahunyad Castle. You'll find Moorish, gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture side-by-side creating a feel of cultural richness that is hard to match. Just strolling through the streets is a joy and when you want to eat or drink, there are stylish cafes, vibrant bars and gorgeous restaurants, all with luxury appeal but without the hefty price tag.
If that’s not enough, there are museums, galleries, casinos and the spectacular sight of the river Danube splitting the city in two. The river itself flows around Margaret Island which provides a tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city with parks, fountains, medieval ruins, health spas and various sports and recreation facilities. A trip to Budapest is full of surprises at every turn and great travel connections make it convenient for weekend breaks as well as long stays.
It is impossible to talk about luxurious European destinations without mentioning Monaco. Unlike Budapest, Monaco epitomizes the stereotypical image of European luxury and does it all so effortlessly. The streets are immaculate, the cars are clean and expensive and everyone looks so well-dressed. The Principality is little more than 2 square kilometers but packs a hell of a lot into such a small space.
Monaco is located on the Mediterranean coast and has several beaches where you can soak up the sun in one of the most glamorous settings in Europe. Most of the beaches are made up of small pebbles so you can go straight to the bars or restaurants without leaving a trail of sand in your wake. Sightseers can also enjoy the Royal Palace, the Oceanographic Museum and the famous casino in the Monte Carlo district.
No trip to Monaco would be complete without a stroll around the marina. You’ll get to glimpse some of the biggest yachts in the world and might even spot a celebrity or two. There are plenty of places to eat and drink with prices ranging from reasonable to ludicrously expensive, so check the menus first if you are on a budget. The same applies in the evening when the place really comes to life with a real party atmosphere in the bars, nightclubs and world-famous casinos.
Speaking of casinos, the land-based casino industry has experienced something of revival following the rise of online casinos and Monaco is no exception. More people have access to games than ever before meaning that no matter where a traveler is from, they can arrive in Monaco fully versed in how land-based casinos work - even if they have never set foot in one. For example, a visitor from Sweden may already be familiar with popular games such as online roulette, blackjack and baccarat, having played them at Swedish online casinos. This phenomenon has sparked new interest in casino destinations such as Monaco, where visitors can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the gaming scene. Just remember to check the dress code before you go.
Our third choice is Barcelona in Spain. The city has undergone a transformation since the 1980s and is now one the best destinations for a luxury break in Europe with fabulous hotels and an endless choice of sights and activities to enjoy.
Firstly, it is in the perfect location, nestled on the Mediterranean coast with a spectacular mountain backdrop. The climate is excellent with plenty of sun all year round and low rainfall. It has no fewer than seven beautiful sandy beaches to enjoy, most just a short walk from the city center. It also has a spectacular marina with a relaxed atmosphere that is much less intimidating than the one in Monaco.
The sightseeing in Barcelona is to die for with the mind-blowing architecture of Antoni Gaudí present throughout the city. The most spectacular example of Gaudi’s work is the Sagrada Familia basilica which takes your breath away the first time you see it. The design is so intricate and elaborate that it has taken well over a hundred years to build and is still not complete. It is just one of the amazing examples of architecture from different eras that can be found all over the city.
There are galleries, museums, luxury shopping and endless restaurants, many with Michelin stars. Barcelona also has some of the best rooftop terraces in Europe where you can enjoy cocktails and watch incredible sunsets over the city. Best of all, Barcelona is a little cheaper than most big European cities like London or Paris so you get more luxury for your money.
Like many Spanish cities, Barcelona has regular fiestas and festivals that feature throughout the year. In fact, there never seems to be a week that goes by without some major event taking place. Most notable is the La Mercè Festival at the end of September which is a massive street party that goes on for five days to say farewell to the summer.
All of our choices are very different, yet all offer the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious experience. Before choosing your luxury city destination, you should consider what you expect to get from your trip. The millionaire vibe of Monaco might be a step too far for some, while Budapest might not be exclusive enough for others. It makes sense to scan through the available accommodation first, research the best areas and check out some recommended restaurants online to see which city best meets your own tastes and criteria. The important thing is to make sure you feel comfortable and that you end your trip feeling like your own expectations of luxury have been met.
