Amsterdam
NETHERLANDS
Winding alleys, tranquil canals, and echoes of Van Gogh at every turn — Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most captivating cities. Built atop five million spruce pilings, its historic center blends charm with ingenuity. From world-class museums to picturesque streets, the city offers endless discoveries. Admire masterpieces in the beautifully redesigned Museumplein, where art and architecture meet.
BASEL
SWISS
No other city between Lake Constance and Rotterdam has embraced the Rhine quite like Basel. Elegant Art Nouveau river baths invite swimmers to enjoy the current, while charming restaurants, pubs, and bars line the riverbanks. The waterfront also hosts lively pop concerts, and it’s not uncommon to see locals taking a refreshing swim in the river. And don’t miss what may be Switzerland’s most beautiful museum—perhaps even one of the finest in all of Europe.
Brussel
Belgium
It is the seat of the European Union, the headquarters of NATO, the capital of Belgium and, above all, it is one thing: a top address for foodies and art lovers. The density of Michelin-starred restaurants, chocolate factories, museums and galleries is enormous, a fact that is somewhat lost amidst all the political and global political radiance of Brussels.
DÜSSELDORF
Germany
Can office buildings dance? In Düsseldorf, the answer to this question is a resounding “yes”. The architect Frank O. Gehry designed it – its model must have been the Leaning Tower of Pisa. They are located in the city’s famous “Medienhafen” quarter, where other international architects have also immortalised themselves in style between quay walls and railway tracks. Definitely worth a visit.
Ghent
Belgium
Is this place still haunted? At the very least, it is downright mysterious. Footsteps echo in the dark walls, and creepy torture instruments lie resting in the “Executioner’s Cabinet”. Welcome to the “Grafenburg” or the “Count’s Castle”, built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace in Ghent. It is located in the middle of the city – and anyone who sets out on the journey with the audio guide will be amazed – and will laugh at the same time.
COLOGNE
GERMANY
Cologne is a city full of character — from the beloved figures of Tünnes and Schäl to the gabled houses along the Rhine and the lively Old Market lined with cafés. Its streets come alive in spring with Carnival parades and again in summer during Christopher Street Day, when the LGBTQ+ community fills the city with color and celebration. Cologne’s residents are known for their laid-back, humorous, and friendly — yet refreshingly direct—spirit.
Maastrich
Netherlands
Between the green hills and the blue Danube is nestled the charming city of Grein. The rococo theatre in Grein, which is Austria’s oldest theater, was built in 1793 solely to provide a little diversion for the guests passing through. It is located in the middle of the enchanted old town and is still preserved. Its wooden hall is situated in today’s town hall. Another highlight is Greinsburg Castle with its maritime museum, which provides a perfect overview of the history of navigation on the Danube for history or maritime buffs.
Rotterdam
Netherlands
Rotterdam is a vibrant port city—cool, contemporary, and known for its cutting-edge art scene and chic shopping. It’s especially famous for its striking modern architecture, but the city is also a place of contrasts. Historic landmarks like the Art Nouveau–style Witte Huis (built in 1898) stand alongside the iconic cube houses on stilts (from 1984) and a dramatic skyline of sleek skyscrapers. World-renowned architects such as Renzo Piano and Norman Foster have helped shape Rotterdam’s bold and modern identity, blending innovation with heritage.
Mannheim
Germany
Once a residence of the Electoral Palatinate, Mannheim is now the second-largest city in Baden-Württemberg and home to one of Europe’s largest inland ports. While much of the city was destroyed during World War II—leaving it with a reputation that may not rival Germany’s more picturesque destinations—it still offers plenty to discover. Mannheim has a youthful energy, thanks in part to its vibrant student population from the university and the State University of Music and Performing Arts. Notably, the city’s National Theatre hosted the world premiere of Friedrich Schiller’s Die Räuber in 1782.
STRASBOURG
France
It’s quite possible that you will find yourself saying “WOW” every now and then as you stroll and wander through Strasbourg. What you get to see here is impressive and touching, and quite simply beautiful. For example, the cathedral surrounded by half-timbered buildings with colourful decorative glass from the 12th century and one of the highest church towers in the world (142 metres). Or the lock bridge (17th century) can be described without exaggeration as a grandiose work of art by the engineer, Barrage Vauban. And that is by no means all: Be sure to stroll through the “Quartier des Tanneurs”.