A Weekend in ...

... Paris

Paris is worth a visit in any season - a walk along the Seine is a must. © Anthony Delanoix

Hotspot Paris there is so much to experience that the highlights have to be cleverly chosen - history and style are around every corner. 37 bridges span the Seine, which meanders glitteringly through the metropolis, some of them reminiscent of the splendor of bygone times as you stroll along; modern buildings such as the Philharmonie or the private museum Fondation Louis Vuitton reflect the city's new verve. The French capital is the ultimate destination for connoisseurs. It is home to the most famous Gourmet Temple of the world and offers a remarkable selection of three-star restaurants. Shopping fans get their money's worth along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. It offers top luxury, but also provides space for smaller design brands. And best of all, the whole of Paris is dotted with stores offering the latest fashion trends.

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... Marrakech

A place out of a dream: Marrakech scores with great architecture, magical gardens and wonderful scents. © iStock

Bustling activity, magical gardens; architectural treasures everywhere you look and the wonderful scent of mint in the air: Marrakech is an experience like no other. The largest medina in North Africa hides lively streets and buildings steeped in history behind its high walls, and it's worth just immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle. The main square, Djemaa el Fna, is the ideal place to be in the famous Souk to browse, relax in a café and watch the snake charmers - after sunset, these and the other artists clear the square and it fills with dozens of stalls offering delicacies.

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... Istanbul

Urban mosaic: The city on the Bosphorus was the center of several ancient empires and today reflects diverse cultural influences. © Getty Images

A feast for the senses is Istanbul, the city of millions between two continents, Europe and Asia: the Orient begins at its gates. Awaiting travelers is the Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine church that is now a mosque and, with its almost floating dome, is considered the eighth wonder of the world. The large covered bazaar with countless narrow alleys tempts visitors to give themselves over completely to the hustle and bustle of the city. Private yachts are available for a cruise across the Bosphorus, offering views of the skyline filled with minarets and domes. Away from the historical, the metropolis offers plenty of lifestyle: luxury brands, vintage stores and elegant cafés mark Nisantasi, for example, as a noble district - this is where everyone meets who enjoys the pleasures of the day and the night. Entertainment search

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... Porto

A city like a picture book: Porto is a colorful conglomeration of lightness and joie de vivre. © iStock

For a long time the portuguese port city of Porto a popular hotspot for wine lovers (the world-famous port wine is even named after it) - but many others have long since acquired a taste for it as well. No wonder: the delightful old town, an abundance of culture and direct access to the sea make Porto a real highlight. In Ribeira, the heart of the city, you can stroll for hours through the winding streets, admiring the historic architecture. Here you will find many of the famous sights, such as the Palácio da Bolsa and the Cathedral, but the old town district is also home to a variety of excellent restaurants and bars.

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... Dubai

Modernity and sea, sustainability and desert safaris: Dubai is famous for its impressive diversity. © Ralf Tooten, Marriott International Hotel

Who in Dubai the view from one of the rooftop restaurants over the skyscrapers of the city and further to the sea, enjoys the interplay of growth and Modern. The Dubai Mall with its 1,200 stores and the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world, are juxtaposed with the contemporary striving for sustainability in this desert metropolis of the United Arab Emirates. This is noticeable, for example, in gastronomy: Whether upscale or down-to-earth, vegetarian or vegan products from the city's own cultivation or from small farms are increasingly appearing on the plates. Research is being conducted into the best conditions for serving freshly caught oysters and seafood - they delight the palate at high temperatures.

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... Athens

Ambience steeped in history: from the "Grand Hotel Bretagne" you look directly onto the Acropolis, the most famous building of ancient Greece. © Hotel Grande Bretagne

One of the oldest metropolises in the world and the birthplace of democracy: Athens is literally paved with history and represents architectural styles that stretch over millennia. Monuments such as the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus or Hadrian's Library are undoubtedly reason enough to visit the city of antiquity. But Athens is much more than its eventful history. The city practically bubbles with life and makes - similar to Berlin - the best of its thrown-together aesthetic. During the day, it's best to stroll the streets of Plaka, where handmade treasures and coveted souvenirs can be found on every corner, and sip coffee in the classic kafenions in the elegant Pangrati district or in the trendy Exarchia meeting place alongside locals philosophizing about life.

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... Venice

A gondolier cruises through the Canali - it's worth getting on! © Karel Balas

Canals, bridges, gondola rides: no matter how many times you've seen it, Venice, the unique city on water, never fails to charm visitors. Some even say it gets more beautiful each time, because the better you know the city and the further you get away from the center, the better you get to know the authentic side of the Lagoon City know. In any case, it is definitely worth crossing the Rialto Bridge and exploring San Polo and other districts in addition to San Marco. As the scene of the world famous Biennale di Venezia Venice is a true center of art and culture. In addition to numerous museums steeped in history, such as the Gallerie dell'Accademia or the Palazzo Ducale, the city offers a multitude of modern galleries that make the hearts of art lovers beat faster. 

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Text: Michaela Hessenberger, Philipp Rossmann and Heidi Rietsch