8 European Cities for Architecture and Design Lovers

From the gothic churches of Prague to the achingly cool Stockholm, these cities will inspire and delight.

If you’re short on time this summer – or need a little more stimulation than a sun lounger can offer – then why not dip your toes into a city break? Europe is bursting with photogenic cities, each claiming to house the very best in architecture and design. From surreal modernism, gothic magic and the sleek ways of the Scandinavians, there’s something for everyone.

Here are some of our favourites to help you on your way.

1. Oslo: for the skyline

Unpretentious and astonishingly beautiful, Oslo is a capital full of surprises. Its impressive opera house, where the roof can be scaled by anyone on foot, is a magical feat of engineering, as is the construction of the nearby Edward Munch museum. Zip around on the tram, check out the newly-built Barcode project (so called because its skyline resembles a barcode), and stop by the sumptuous Amerikalinjen Hotel to enjoy a glass of something chilled from the comfort of a classic piece of seating.

2. Barcelona: for sun and everything else

Sun, sea and dazzling architecture: the capital of Catalonia has it all. The impressive Modernist works of Antoni Gaudi will tempt even the most ardent of loafers away from the beach. You won’t be able to beat the crowds at the Sagrada Família, but you can dedicate a day to working your way from one Gaudi landmark to the next (or book a walking tour), and stopping off for tapas for sustenance.

3. Antwerp: for coffee and culture

The jewel in Belgium’s crown is home to dozens of museums, so if the weather turns bad, take shelter at the monumental MAS, or check out the remarkable central railway station. Bold design is embedded here, through the many seminal fashion designers and architects calling the city home. Antwerp is also a haven for caffeine addicts, as it stocks the largest supply of coffee beans in the world.

4. Copenhagen: for world-class design

Stay in the hipster enclave of Vesterbro (CityHub is a no-frills hotel option if the only reason you’ll retire to your room is to sleep) and pad around the boutiques and eateries on your doorstep. Then, make a pilgrimage to the HAY Design and Ferm Living flagship stores, as well as Bogus Iluuminus, to immerse yourself in the very best of contemporary design. A boat trip is a valuable way to get your bearings around a new city, so climb aboard a Hey Captain tour and enjoy its concept of ‘social sailing’.

5. Porto: the oldest city in Europe

Just three hours north of Lisbon is the beautiful and historic town of Porto, where the Douro River winds out to the Atlantic Ocean. Its picturesque bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, he of the Eiffel Tower fame) and the riverside throngs with bars and restaurants. Its compact size makes it a perfect destination to explore on foot over a weekend; check-in at the Coco Rico guest house for the most desirable rooms in town. Port-tasting and pastel de nata sampling is a must, just be prepared for your camera roll to be filled with snaps of beguiling azulejos, for this is also the home of the beautiful tile.

6. Rome: for history

You can’t not be charmed by Rome. Crumbling, historic buildings at every corner, magical cobbled streets, irresistible food (gelato, anyone?) and its sing-song language, this is the city of romance. Sure, it attracts the masses, but getting up close with the Colosseum, the Pantheon is a must at least once in life. Trastevere is a postcard-worthy, car-free neighbourhood which makes for the perfect people-watching spot. Pitch up on a shaded terrace with an Aperol Spritz or Prosecco and some olives to take it all in.

7. Stockholm: for creativity

Sweden’s capital city is achingly cool. Lining its streets are the most desirable furniture and home decor stores, and with the locals camping out at their coastal retreats, summer is the perfect time to visit. Whittling down its museums is tricky, but the interactive ABBA museum has something for everyone, and make sure you take at least one ride on the subway, which doubles up as a contemporary art gallery. Made up of 14 islands, you’re never far from water in Stockholm, so enjoy ‘fika’ (the Swedish tradition of unwinding with coffee and cake) with a view.

8. Prague: for fairytale splendour

Wandering through Prague is a little like flicking through an enchanting picture book. Filled with castles, cathedrals, palaces and bridges, the Czech Republic’s Gothic churches and baroque buildings will transport you to another time. A walk through the Old Town is a must, as is a river cruise on the Vltava River. A beer-lover’s paradise, book in for a meal at the quirky vegetarian eatery, Lehká Hlava.

From the gothic churches of Prague to the achingly cool Stockholm, these cities will inspire and delight.

8 European Cities for Architecture and Design Lovers

From the gothic churches of Prague to the achingly cool Stockholm, these cities will inspire and delight.

1. Oslo: for the skyline

2. Barcelona: for sun and everything else

3. Antwerp: for coffee and culture

4. Copenhagen: for world-class design

5. Porto: the oldest city in Europe

6. Rome: for history

7. Stockholm: for creativity

8. Prague: for fairytale splendour

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