YOU’RE MAINLY INTERESTED IN… SHOPPINGSHOPPING
Your dream destination is London, one of Europe’s top shopping destinations.
The heart of the London shopping scene is Oxford Street, which has over 300 shops, souvenir stores, designer outlets, boutiques, department stores etc. to satisfy your cravings. If – by some miracle! – you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, head to the elegant Regent Street, vibrant Covent Garden or Bond Street and Mayfair, the most exclusive shopping area London has to offer.
Are you looking for vintage, independent boutiques, local designer stores or antiques? Get yourself to Notting Hill or Carnaby, made up of 13 streets with hundreds of shops. Don’t forget about Camden, where you’ll find funky streetwear, trinkets, gothic and punk clothing, curiosities and much more.
If the weather’s rainy (let’s not forget that this is the UK, after all), you can turn to one of the two major shopping centres in Westfield so you can indulge in your shopping spree without getting soaked.
YOU’RE MAINLY INTERESTED IN… CULTURECULTURE
You’ll definitely like Paris, one of the world’s most legendary capitals.
Paris has been attracting artists from all over the world for centuries. The French capital is home to hundreds of must-see museums, galleries, exhibitions, monuments and churches. The Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame de Paris, the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, the Centre Pompidou and the Louvre are but a few of the city’s defining landmarks, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Countless museums scattered around the city are certain to make every culture vulture’s heart skip. The Louvre, of course, is one of the best places to start. The world’s largest museum houses art treasures of international renown, such as the Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, the Venus de Milo and Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People.
Other gems include the Musée d’Orsay, set in a stunning former railway station, the Centre Georges Pompidou, the Grand and the Petit Palais and the Musée de l’Orangerie, a must-see for every fan of Monet.
We could go on for a while here… but it’s best to see it all yourself ;-)
YOU’RE MAINLY INTERESTED IN… NIGHTLIFENIGHTLIFE
Dive into Berlin’s clubbing scene and discover the city that never sleeps.
The diversity of the German capital is reflected in its vibrant nightlife, as well. If you want to get loose, here’s the place to do it in one of the numerous epic warehouse clubs, beer gardens, lounge bars and music venues.
Beer lovers shouldn’t miss Prater Garten, which is the oldest beer garden of the city. Dating back to 1837, Prater serves great beer and hearty German dishes. If cocktails are more your style, head to Newton Bar at Charlottenstrasse and park yourself in one of the red leather armchairs.
Party the night away in Berghain (also known as the church of Techno) – a club that will blow your mind! Located in a former power plant of enormous dimensions, this is the place to be for techno and house lovers. Remember: what happens in Berghain, stays in Berghain…
Also worth a visit: the Watergate (house, drum and bass), Tresor (techno) and :// (a mix of styles).
YOU’RE MAINLY INTERESTED IN… GASTRONOMYGASTRONOMY
If you’re one of the so-called foodies, Lyon’s the way to go.
Lyon has a rich culinary heritage and some would go as far as to dub it “food capital of the world”. You’ll certainly find something to your taste in one of the city’s somewhat 2,000 eateries, including the typical “bouchons”, serving traditional Lyonaise cuisine, fine-dining and Michelin restaurants and places to grab a light lunch or a cup of coffee.
Start with a visit to Les Halles de Lyon market, brought to you by world-famous top chef Paul Bocuse. This indoor food market has over 50 stands that will get your mouth watering: cheeses, cured meats, seafood, wine, macarons, truffles…
For lunch, try one of the traditional dishes of Lyon in a bouchon, such as Quenelle (creamed fish or meat), Saucisson de Lyon (sausages made from minced beef and diced bacon) or Cervelle de canut (a cheese spread). If the budget doesn’t matter, head to one of the city’s must-try fine-dining restaurants, for instance the Auberge du Pont de Collonges, La Mère Brazier or Têtedoie.
YOU’RE MAINLY INTERESTED IN… NATURENATURE
Enjoy nature at its best in Lausanne, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Lausanne has been an inspiration for writers over the centuries, including with Ernest Hemingway and Lord Byron. And who could blame them? This Swiss city enjoys a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Geneva, the biggest lake in the west of Europe.
Take in breathtaking views of the lake from the Montriond Ridge, home to Lausanne’s Jardin Botanique, or head to the protected forest of Sauvabelin for a peaceful and quiet walk. To really embrace the woodland feel, take one of the hiking trails along the Vuachère River.
Between Lausanne and Montreux, you’ll find the UNESCO protected vineyards of Lavaux, which showcase the beauty of the Swiss countryside unlike any other place. The vines grow in sloped terraces overlooking Lake Geneva… It doesn’t get more scenic than this!