Valencia - The birthplace of paella

Spain's third-largest city, known as the birthplace of paella, was named the World Capital of Design in 2022 and the Green Capital of Europe in 2024. Valencia impresses with 300 days of sunshine a year, miles of beaches, a vibrant cultural scene, and exciting architecture.

Highlight: the new Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero housing contemporary art in an antique palazzo.
Hotel: Casa Clarita near Plaza de la Reina, with playful interiors by designer Jaime Hayon.
Restaurant: La Salita serves up vegetarian Spanish cuisine with a Michelin star.

Palermo - The heart of Sicilly

There are places whose beauty captivates immediately. Palermo is not one of them. At first glance, the only things that stand out are the quietly crumbling Baroque palaces, windswept palms, and stray cats. But then you notice that life is being lived to the full in Palermo, unfiltered, loud, and often very entertaining – a street theater full of drama, comedy, and plenty of heart.

Highlight: Opened in 1897, the Teatro Massimo is Europe’s third-largest opera house and a real eyecatcher.
Hotel: The beautiful Belle Époque Palace Villa Igiea may not not be very centrally located, but is right by the sea.
Restaurant: Premiata Enoteca Butticè with 600 different wines, Sicilian home cooking, and terrace.

Copenhagen - The Nordic design hub

Copenhagen has always been praised for its design, its gastronomy, its environmental awareness, and even it residents’ good mood. But since UNESCO declared the city the world capital of architecture in 2023, its buildings have stood in the spotlight. The app of the Danish Architecture Center informs you about all the sights you can reach – how else? – by bike.

Highlight: Paper Island, a new district surrounded by water featuring swimming spots and a food market.
Hotel: The 25hours Hotel Paper Island, located directly on the canal, is at once casual, cozy, and elegant.
Restaurant: Almanak with Nordic gourmet cuisine and magnificent views.

Berlin - The capital of contrasts

Europe’s coolest capital! It’s true: Berlin captivates with rich nightlife and multicultural subculture, lots of currywurst stalls and trendy restaurants along with a youthful urban scene that leaves nothing to be desired. But beyond all the hipness, the formerly divided city boasts plenty of history, beautiful residential areas, great museums, and idyllic lakes for swimming – something to suit every taste.

Highlight: A boat trip on the Spree offers new vistas.
Hotel: The Wilmina with its 44 light-flooded rooms, lounge, and garden café in the listed former Charlottenburg court building.
Restaurant: Remi with its contemporary brasserie cuisine, view of the chefs.

Manchester - The birthplace of pop icons

Manchester is a stronghold of indie and pop music, and bands like Take That, Oasis, Simply Red, and Morrissey launched their careers here. The city’s students fuel a lively club scene, while the Aviva Studios supports the local music and performance scene.

Highlight: The Lowry hosts theatre, dance, and exhibitions.
Hotel: The Alan, retro industrial chic in a prime location.
Restaurant: Higher Ground, casual bistro with regional, seasonal, sustainable dishes.

Sarajevo - The crossroad of cultures

The city’s history is complicated, its past tragic, but today life in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s capital is pulsating. At every corner, different cultures and religions, eras and types of architecture meet: Austrian-style coffee houses here, oriental bazaar there, four religions are represented with places of worship in the old town alone – absolutely unique in Europe!

Highlight: The Olympic bobsleigh track from 1984, decorated with graffiti, is a scenic hiking trail above the city.
Hotel: Isa Begov Hamam Hotel offers oriental flair and a good location.
Restaurant: Inat Kuća featuring the most delectable Bosnian cuisine and a cozy terrace by the river.

Rome - The eternal stage

Rome is not known as the Eternal City for nothing: it has been around for almost 3000 years, and every epoch of world history has left its mark here. The possibilities are endless – from visiting museums and monuments to Vespa tours and boat trips on the Tiber. Or you can simply stroll through the Monti district and watch the hip and stylish Romans.

Highlight: Campo dei Fiori, the market and the cafes around it.
Hotel: The brand new Romeo Roma has been sumptuously and curvaceously designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
Restaurant: At Roscioli, actually a delicatessen, you can eat wonderfully, including a fantastic carbonara.

Patricia Engelhorn has – often and enthusiastically on behalf of SWISS Magazine – traveled all over the world and realized that you don't always need to travel far: Europe, too, is wonderful!