From the bustle of energising capital cities like London and Paris to the invigorating atmosphere of Istanbul, there’s no shortage of city sights beckoning travellers to European city centres.
With so much to do, staying at accommodations near must-see attractions affords not only convenience but also more time to venture out and explore each locale like a local. We’ve picked 10 of our favourite sites in Europe and paired each with a trio of nearby accommodations that meet every traveller’s price point.
Read on for our choices, and once you’ve decided on a favourite, search for flights and accommodation on momondo.
- London, UK
- Paris, France
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Rome, Italy
- Berlin, Germany
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Istanbul, Turkey
Buckingham Palace – London, UK
From admiring art at the Tate Modern to catching the latest musicals on the West End, you’ll never be bored in London. Of course, visiting Buckingham Palace is a must. Whether you take the guided tour when the palace is open to visitors in the summer, or snap selfies out front while glimpsing the changing of the guard, is up to you.
Budget
There are loads of hostels in London but Generator London is a top option thanks to its friendly bar where you can tuck into a cosy booth, pint in hand, and where a London Routemaster Bus doubles as the DJ booth.
Distance to Buckingham Palace: 3.7km
Mid-range
The Mandrake is a boutique hotel with an artist-in-residence program where guests can attend a Q&A with visiting artists and enjoy interactive experiences, in which guests may find themselves photographed as part of an artist’s work.
Distance to Buckingham Palace: 2.4km
Splurge
The Savoy offers the ultimate white glove service, including 24-hour butler service available to guests staying in one of the hotel’s suites. A drink at the famed American Bar, the longest surviving cocktail bar in London, is a must. Sip on a signature cocktail like the Pinstripe – a sweet and flavourful mix of vodka, apricot liqueur, floral tea infused Muscat, lemon, Champagne syrup and lavender – while listening to the sounds of American jazz.
Distance to Buckingham Palace: 1.9km
Eiffel Tower – Paris, France
Paris beckons travellers to stroll the Champs-Élysées, get artsy at museums and sip a local vintage on the terrace of a cafe, but its most iconic symbol won’t cost much to enjoy. The 324-metre tall Eiffel Tower is the perfect vantage point for picturesque panoramas of the City of Lights.
Budget
If you opt to stay at the Ibis Cambronne, book one of the 26 rooms that overlook the Eiffel Tower. With views this breathtaking, your budget stay will feel luxe.
Distance to the Eiffel Tower: 1.5km
Mid-range
Banke Hotel evokes the Belle Époque period. Located in a former bank headquarters, the hotel has an extensive art collection and a mesmerising jewellery collection on display. It might be nearly a one-hour walk from the Eiffel Tower, but Paris is such a wonderful walking city.
Distance to the Eiffel Tower: 4.1km
Splurge
Located on Avenue Montaigne, the facade of Hôtel Plaza Athénée is adorned with 1,900 red geranium plants. Do some window shopping along the fashionable tree-lined street and don’t miss the chance to dine at three-Michelin starred Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée.
Distance to the Eiffel Tower: 1.3km
Nyhavn – Copenhagen, Denmark
Colourful Copenhagen offers a multitude of options for enjoying Danish culture, but one of our favourite places is Nyhavn. Take a stroll through the former commercial port, stopping for a glass of wine on an outdoor patio overlooking the water – when weather necessitates, stay warm with a cosy blanket.
Budget
Steps away from Nyhavn is Generator Copenhagen, a hip hostel that boasts a spacious common area complete with an expansive terrace ideal for nightcaps, where you can also engage in spirited games of pétanque and shuffleboard with new friends.
Distance to Nyhavn: 700m
Mid-range
The Ibsens Hotel is a sociable place to stay. The hotel hosts a daily “Cosy Hour” with complimentary refreshments. Guests can also sign up for a group run on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Distance to Nyhavn: 1.8km
Splurge
The exemplary Hotel d’Angleterre is home to one of the capital’s top restaurants – the Michelin-starred Marchal, which is helmed by Danish Chef Andreas Bagh.
Distance to Nyhavn: 550m
Paseo del Arte – Madrid, Spain
Madrid is a magical city steeped in culture and art. Art is seemingly everywhere – like on the iconic boulevard Paseo del Arte, a one-kilometre area that’s home to a trio of museums: Museo Del Prado, Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza and Museo Reina Sofía. It’s a who’s who of Spanish artists as the largest collection of Spanish paintings in the world are found at the Museo Del Prado, which boasts more than 8,600 paintings and more than 700 sculptures.
Budget
Located in a charming mansion, The Hat offers lots of free perks like city tours, DJ concerts and entry to the best clubs. The hostel has a friendly vibe, both from the staff and guests, who gather on the cosy rooftop terrace to swap stories and city recommendations.
Distance to Museo Del Prado: 1.5km
Mid-range
Located in Madrid’s bustling Salamanca neighbourhood, Wellington Hotel is an ideal place for foodies. The sophisticated hotel is home to the Michelin-starred Kabuki Wellington (don’t miss the sashimi de toro) and the site of memorable Basque dinners at Goizeko Wellington (try the signature codfish with ajada, paprika and red peppers). Hotel Wellington also boasts an impressive rooftop urban garden that is one of the largest in the world.
Distance to Museo Del Prado: 1.5km
Splurge
A stone’s throw from Paseo del Arte, Westin Palace is a charming hotel that has welcomed guests since 1912. Tuck into a bountiful Sunday brunch at La Rotonda with a side of live opera performed underneath the restaurant’s impressive gold and turquoise stained glass cupola.
Distance to Museo Del Prado: 280m
Santa Justa Lift – Lisbon, Portugal
Its cobblestone streets, charming squares and laid-back vibe make Lisbon a wonderful place to wander and explore. The capital is built on seven hills that can be a challenge to climb, but it’s not all uphill walking thanks to public lifts. Opened in 1902, the wrought iron Santa Justa Lift links downtown Lisbon with Largo do Carmo, a peaceful square offering picture-perfect views of the capital. It’s not uncommon to wait up to an hour for the one-minute ride to the top, but the views are worth it.
Budget
Located in one of the São Jorge castle’s former accesses, Solar Dos Mouros is conveniently located minutes from the city centre on a narrow, pedestrian-only street. The 13-room hotel is a peaceful respite to capture views over the Tagus estuary, Alfama, or the castle, and it serves as a well-situated starting point to explore the labyrinth-like neighbourhood.
Distance to Santa Justa Lift: 800m
Mid-range
Located on Avenida da Liberdade, the capital’s main street, Heritage Avenida Liberdade is an 18th-century townhouse that’s oh so Instagram-worthy thanks to the meticulous restoration of the building’s original features – like the main wooden door, striking blue façade and shutters with original ironwork.
Distance to Santa Justa Lift: 700m
Splurge
The centrally-located Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon offers one of the best places to perch and admire the sunset. Head to Varanda Restaurant and enjoy the view while sipping fine wine and indulging in caldeirada (fish stew). The hotel is also home to one of the largest privately-owned collections of 20th-century Portuguese art. Another perk of staying at the Four Seasons? Guests can take a four-hour sidecar photography tour with a professional photographer.
Distance to Santa Justa Lift: 2.2km
Drottningholm Palace – Stockholm, Sweden
The 17th century Drottningholm Palace is worth the trek out of town. Located on Lovön, an island in Lake Mälar in Stockholm’s suburbs, the palace is well preserved, making a visit here akin to stepping back in time. The royal palace and permanent residence of Sweden’s royal family is one of Stockholm’s three Unesco World Heritage Sites. Visitors can tour most parts of the palace and stroll through the Baroque-style garden.
Budget
The functional Scandic Malman is a budget hotel that offers the usual benefits of economy accommodation but boasts additional perks like a convenient barber shop and a trio of restaurants. We suggest the French-inspired Bistro Malmen, hip cocktail bar Cocktailbaren, and sweet beats from DJs and heart-pulsing live music at Lilla Hotellbaren.
Distance to Drottningholm Palace: 2.6km
Mid-range
Located in western Stockholm, First Hotel Brommaplan is 200m from Brommaplan Metro Station. The comfortable Scandinavian hotel features a soothing minimalist design along with a beautiful roof terrace, perfect for capturing picturesque photos on balmy summer nights.
Distance to Drottningholm Palace: 4.1km
Splurge
Three minutes from Bromma Airport, Ulfsunda Slott is a tranquil place thanks to its lush gardens and enviable views of Mälaren lake. Choose from one of 54 rooms, each with a different decor, from canopy beds to stage lighting to elk skin. Indulge in a Champagne tasting in the wine cellar where guests can learn to pop bottles with sabres or relax in the hotel’s wood-fired floating sauna.
Distance to Drottningholm Palace: 5.5km
Colosseum – Rome, Italy
Originally, a gift from Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty to the Roman people, the oval-shaped amphitheatre is the largest ever built. The structure is in partial ruin today but remains an ever-captivating spot to visit. While it’s a must-see, prepare for the droves of tourists and gladiator-clad hawkers who gather there – trust us, it’s worth it.
Budget
The aptly named The Fifteen Keys Hotel has 15 rooms and offers a variety of amenities to enhance guests’ exploration of Rome, including complimentary bicycles and Vespa rentals. Each room is individually designed with bright tones and modern furniture. Amenities include a cosy bar and a light and airy breakfast room, which looks out onto a quiet courtyard, perfect for sipping a coffee al fresco in the warmer months.
Distance to the Colosseum: 1.4km
Mid-range
Ensure a return trip to Rome by tossing a coin in Trevi Fountain, which is a short walk from the neoclassical and glamorous Majestic Rome. The hotel’s restaurant Majestic Ristorante Bistrot is a fabulous place to sip Champagne and people watch from its terrace overlooking Via Veneto, one of the capital’s most famous and posh streets.
Distance to the Colosseum: 2.4km
Splurge
At the top of the Spanish Steps is the luxe Hassler Roma, an exemplary hotel where guests can live in luxury, right in the heart of Rome. A property of superlatives (it’s home to one Michelin-starred restaurant Imàgo and the famed Hassler Bar), be sure to order a refreshing Bellini, an Italian cocktail that is one-part white peach purée and three-parts Prosecco.
Distance to the Colosseum: 2.4km
Brandenburg Gate – Berlin, Germany
Beats, beer and the Brandenburg Gate top the must-do list for many holidaymakers in the German capital. The city’s only surviving gate is from the 18th-century and serves as a symbol of German unification.
Budget
Whether you indulge in the breakfast buffet (it’s served until the afternoon to accommodate travellers who like to sleep in) or sample steins of beers from the hostel’s microbrewery, The Circus Hostel is one cool (and cheap!) place to stay. From spacious dorm rooms to brightly decorated studio apartments that afford more privacy, The Circus aims to please at all price points.
Distance to the Brandenburg Gate: 2.7km
Mid-range
Fashionistas will fall in love with Hotel am Steinplatz, which is a short walk from Kurfürstendamm’s shops. The hotel, which originally opened in 1913 and re-opened a century later, retains much of its Art Deco charm along with a modern interpretation of 1920s style. It boasts 87 rooms, complete with soft leather furniture, warm tones and crisp white linens.
Distance to the Brandenburg Gate: 4.1km
Splurge
Located in the diplomatic district, the 78-room Das Stue Hotel offers amenities like the avant-garde Cinco restaurant by Paco Pérez, the relaxing Susanne Kaufmann Spa and even an exclusive entrance to the Berlin Zoo. Guests can try yoga on stand-up paddleboards in the hotel’s 14-metre pool and soak in a Finnish glass sauna.
Distance to the Brandenburg Gate: 2.6km
Charles Bridge – Prague, Czech Republic
The winding, charming cobblestone lanes in the Czech capital are wonderful places to wander – and this is especially true of the Charles Bridge. Be sure to add a little luck to your life by touching the statue of St. John Nepomuk. A saint in the Czech Republic, the statue is easy to spot among the multiple statues along the bridge by the plaque in front of it.
Budget
Eat, drink, and be merry at Sir Toby’s, where events like beer tasting, barbecues and concerts are daily occurrences. The hostel has a picturesque garden terrace and a lively pub where guests will feel right at home.
Distance to Charles Bridge: 4.2km
Mid-range
Housed in a former 14th-century Augustinian brewery below the Prague Castle, Hotel Three Storks is a welcoming place that exudes a mix of modernity with Renaissance charm, thanks to the well-preserved cellar and reconstruction that includes exposed beams and stunning stucco. The friendly staff welcomes guests with free drinks. Bonus: the hotel is pet-friendly.
Distance to Charles Bridge: 650m
Splurge
Located in a former monastery in the centre of Prague between the Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge, Augustine is a historic home away from home that dates to 1284. The chic Refectory Bar is the perfect spot for a pint of St. Thomas beer and local delights like Prague ham and bread dumplings for when you’re feeling peckish.
Distance to Charles Bridge: 550m
Grand Bazaar – Istanbul, Turkey
Whether soaking in traditional Turkish baths or visiting culturally significant sites like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, there’s plenty to do in Istanbul. But you’ll certainly want to meander from stall to stall at the expansive Grand Bazaar while stocking up on souvenirs like apple tea, Turkish delight, miniature glass perfume bottles and rugs.
Budget
A quick 10-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar, Cheers Hostel is a cheery and convenient place to refuel after retail therapy. Rooms, both private and shared, are painted in bright hues, the kitchen serves Turkish kebabs all day, and there’s a terrace bar serving wine and spirits with enviable views of Old Istanbul.
Distance to the Grand Bazaar: 900m
Mid-range
The 32-room boutique Amira Hotel in the historic Sultanahmet neighbourhood is a 17-minute walk to the Grand Bazaar. The hotel has a plethora of wellness amenities like a hot tub and sauna, which can be enjoyed privately for around £22, and a palatial rooftop terrace with a view of the Bosphorus.
Distance to the Grand Bazaar: 1.2km
Splurge
The 65-room Neoclassic-style Four Seasons at Sultanahmet is a magical place to rest after long days exploring Istanbul. From the quiet courtyard to the A’YA Rooftop Lounge with its amazing views of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, the luxury hotel is worth the splurge.
Distance to the Grand Bazaar: 1.3km
