Athens, Greece

Old and worth seeing © Unsplash

Reason to book?
Greece is always a good idea in the summer anyway. However, many travelers focus on the islands during the hot months. So why not stay on the mainland and explore the capital? There's plenty to experience. A visit to the Akropolis is worthwhile, as is a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mycenae. Another advantage: Athens has numerous beaches. They stretch from the port of Piraeus to Cape Sounio. Paleo Falirou, Glyfada and Alimos are considered some of the most beautiful ones.

Only recently opened © The Dolli

Hotel Tip
The Dolli is a playful homage to the city's history. Housed in a 1925 mansion, star architect Stelios Kois brought it to new life. A top rooftop terrace is complete with a pool and views of the Acropolis.

The Dolli
Mitropoleos 49, Athina 105 56, Greece
Web: thedollicom
Tel: +30 21 6004 7000
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 490

Vienna, Austria

Tradition meets modernity © Sandro Gonzalez

Reason to book?
The Danube metropolis turns into an outdoor living room in summer. Foodies meet along the Danube Canal to enjoy delicacies of various cuisines with a view of the water. Active people indulge in water sports on the Danube Island. And cinema and music lovers combine culinary delights with concerts and culture at the Film Festival on Rathausplatz. Numerous open-air cinemas invite you to cinema nights under the stars.

Restaurant SO/ Vienna © Didier Delmas

Hotel tip
The SO/ Vienna on the Danube Canal is close to the center and overlooks the water. Conceived by international star architect Jean Nouvel, it interprets luxury in a new way. The hotel scores with bright, stylish rooms and suites and an excellent restaurant and bar with a wonderful panorama view.

SO/ Vienna
Praterstraße 1, 1020 Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Web: so-vienna.com
Tel: +43 1 906160
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 210

Budapest, Hungary

Skyline © Unsplash

Reason to book?
The Hungarian capital is lively and modern - against animposing backdrop. Many of the buildings that line the streets are architectural masterpieces from times long past. No wonder Budapest is nicknamed the Paris of the East. A visit to the Fischerbastei is recommended, as is a trip to the castle. Foodies dine at the star-rated The Stand restaurant and party in the legendary ruin bars. For a welcoming change of pace during the urban city break in summer, check out the city's spas. And, of course, the beaches on the Danube on both sides of the riverbank. There is plenty to experience in Budapest.

Four Seasons Gresham Palace © Four Seasons

Hotel Tip
The Four Seasons Gresham Palace offers stylish stays with views of the Danube. Wellbeing is enjoyed in the spa, while masterfully mixed cocktails are on the menu in the lobby bar. The location is excellent. Most of the city's sights are within walking distance.

Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 5-6, 1051 Hungary
Web: fourseasons.com
Tel.: +36 1 268 6000
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 528

Reykjavík, Iceland

Off to the north © Michael Held

Reason to book?
Icland as a destination for a city break in the summer? Yes! Because the country's capital is considered especially cool. In the true sense of the word. Even on the hottest days, the temperatures barely manage to get above 14 °C. So anyone who has a hard time with heat is in good hands here. Now is the best time to travel to the far north. The days here are particularly long. In June, it shines until midnight. Sunrise is at 3 in the morning. Glaciers, volcanoes, geysers and fjords are waiting for you!

Warm up! © Frank Denney

Hotel Tip
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon invites you to warm up with its legendary Blue Lagoon. Relaxing in the steaming water among the black lava fields is especially stylish. From the rooms and suites, you can enjoy great views of the expanse. Reykjavík is about 40 minutes away by car.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Norðurljósavegur, 241, Iceland
Web: bluelagoon.com
Tel.: +354 420 8700
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 1,460

Palermo, Italy

Piazza San Domenica © Giuseppe Buccola

Reason to book?
Sicily has incredibly much to offer. On the one hand there are cultural highlights such as the Valley of the Gods with its ruins, many ancient palaces, enchanting small towns like Taormina, churches and cathedrals, as well as a natural beauty. Mount Etna is just one example. Visitors to Palermo, the capital, spend their time during the day at Mondello Beach or Céfalu. And in the evening they immerse themselves in the fascinating hustle of the city. Foodies enjoy always good coffee, arancini and the typical sfincione.

Modern aesthetics in Sicily © Palladium

Hotel tip
The Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa is located only about 20 minutes by car from Palermo and lies directly on the extensive sandy beach. With multiple pools, restaurants, bars, and beautifully manicured gardens, it's a great choice for families.

Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa
Viale Himera, 7/8 ss 113 Km 204.3, 90010 Campofelice di Roccella PA, Italy
Web: palladiumhotelgroup.com
Tel: +39 0921 930011
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 288

Bilbao, Spain

View of the Guggenheim Museum © Jorge Fernandez Salas

Reason to book?
European travelers have Barcelona on the bucket list in summer anyway. If you like to have it a little quieter,you should book your city break in Bilbao for summer. The city is not directly on the sea, but the beaches of the Atlantic coast can be reached in a few minutes. They are exciting and beautiful, for example, Playa de Sopelana or Playa Arrietara. The Playa Las Arenas also has a beautiful beach promenade including cafes. Just an hour's drive away is San Sebastián - a mecca for foodies! Tip: In Bilbao, be sure to visit the Guggenheim Museum and Plaza Nueva.

Iconic facade © Carlton Hotel

Hotel tip
The Carlton Hotel is centrally located on Plaza Federico Moyúa. Its facade is a sight in itself. It's a short walk to the Guggenheim Museum, and the rooms and suites are spacious.

Hotel Carlton
Federico Moyúa Plaza, 2, 48009 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
Web: hotelcarlton.es
Tel: +34 944 16 22 00
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 115

Porto, Portugal

Always worth a trip: Porto © Shutterstock

Reason to book?
Enjoyment, joie de vivre, sun, beach, culture, sights: Porto is simply a dream destination. You stroll through the wonderful old town, admire the historic architecture in Ribeira and enjoy urban street food as well as traditional Portuguese cuisine. At Livraria Lello, browse one of the oldest bookstores in the world. And thanks to the cable car, you can climb to dizzying heights and enjoy special views. In the district of Foz do Douro you can relax on the beach.

Elegant retreat © Portobay Flores

Hotel tip
The Hotel Portobay Flores is small and fine. It's located in the city center and is therefore an ideal retreat. The restaurant is worth a visit, as is the spa. The hotel even has a 500-year-old chapel.

Potobay Flores
R. das Flores 27, 4050-416 Porto, Portugal
Web: portobay.com
Tel: +351 22 004 7000
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 161