Revisit favorite European destinations with a fresh eye
STOCKHOLM
Go during the summer months. Longer days and pleasant weather invite meandering walks around the city. When you’re done sightseeing hit the stores for shopping.
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Hotel Rival is a popular place for star gazing. No surprise that it’s owned by one of Sweden’s most beloved celebs–Benny Andersson of ABBA fame. Andersson opened his eclectic boutique hotel, located in the heart of Stockholm’s trendy Södermalm district, five years ago. It features a 700-seat cinema on the ground floor and rooms adorned with black-and-white stills from Swedish films. A room for two will set you back 150 Euro. Those who seek more down-to-earth digs should opt for apartment rental. Check In (www.checkin.se) offers clean, fully equipped modern lodging in Stockholm’s most sought-after locations.
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Celebrities have been known to stroll through Rosendal’s Garden (www.rosendalstradgard.se) a botanical wonderland complete with an on-site renovated greenhouse, the Garden Cafe, that’s perfect for lunch. Dishes are prepared using choice organic ingredients and fresh vegetables from the surrounding bounty. Pet Sounds (www.petsoundsbar.se) in hip Södermalm began life as a record shop but over time expanded into a bar and restaurant. Local DJs keep the atmosphere lively.
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Drink in amazing city views, while you drink up, at Gondolen (www.eriks.se). The bar and
restaurant here are part of a floating bridge constructed in the 1930s. Unwind with a cocktail after a long day of sightseeing and marvel at the scenic reflection on the water’s surface.
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Stockholm’s busiest shopping street Gotgatan houses the flagship stores of trendy Swedish brands like Acne, Filippo C, and Cheap Monday. Browse the creations of promising new designers at Designtorget Mode (www.designtorget.se). Popular department store Nordiska Kompaniet (www.nk.se) offers a mix of both.
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Spend the morning exploring the Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, and pay to get in to the medieval Riddarholmskyrkan Church. Take the ferry boat from the King’s Palace to TEXT CUT OFF
June 2009 / InStyle
CAPRI
We all know that Capri is the place where the rich and famous flock for fun in the sun. But the island’s romantic streets and idyllic caves are accessible even to those on a smaller budget.
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Expensive: Punta Tragara (www.hoteltragara.com) is one of the most exclusive hotels in the world. Just one look at the amazing view of the sea and the lavishly equipped rooms and you’ll understand why. This resort boasts two swimming pools, a beauty salon, and a private beach. A night in this hotel during the high-season runs a lofty 420 EUR. Off-season prices are a bit less expensive at 300 EUR per night. Cheap: A surprisingly large number of smaller hotels on the island include breakfast in their nightly rate. One of them is Monte Solaro, which offers double rooms beginning at 70 EUR. To search Capri’s other pensions visit http://www.capri.net.
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Put aside your fear of heights and head up the steep stairs of La Fontelina for lunch. This combination beach club and restaurant, built atop a 300-m tall cliff, specializes in fresh seafood. Guests who dine at the restaurant are allowed access to the rocky beach for free. Others must pay a 30-EUR fee. For dinner go to Verginiello (25a Via Lo Palazzo, Capri
Town). The dining room fills up with a mix of locals and tourists, and the terrace affords amazing views of the sea. Prices are moderate.
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End the evening with a glass of wine at Pulalli (Piazza Umberto I 4), a wine bar tucked in the bell tower of Capri’s main town square. Opt for outside seating and gaze upon the Cathedral of St. Stefan.
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Internationally acclaimed designers from Pucci to Prada have boutiques in Capri, but prices are considerably higher here than in stores elsewhere. Of course, that shouldn’t deter you from indulging in some window shopping — preferably while enjoying real Italian ice cream from Buonocore (Via Vittorio Emanuele 35). Ordering tailored shoes from Canfora (www.canfora.com) isn’t a bad idea either.
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Rent a boat and explore the island. You can anchor virtually anywhere and go for a swim in the sea. Don’t overlook the magical Blue Grotto, though only strong swimmers should take the plunge here. Less adventurous swimmers can rent a boat to get there. If you want to see the island from above, climb to the top of the Mount Solaro Mountain. On the way back down stop in the adorable little town of Cetrella.
How to get there: Two-hour flight from Prague to Naples (Sky Europe, from 79 Euro) followed by an 80-minute ferry ride or 40-minute jetliner to Capri.
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June 2009 / InStyle
AMSTERDAM
Forget all those racy things you’ve heard about Amsterdam. Holland’s capital city balances its well-known seedy parts with quiet canals.
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Expensive: Demanding travelers should head to the Grand Amrath Hotel (www.amrathamsterdam.com), one of the newest, most luxurious hotels in Amsterdam. Situated in the historic Shipping House building, this Art Deco jewel boasts nearly seven-meter-high ceilings, views of the channels, and, aside from the usual lobbies and bars, deluxe amenities like a Turkish bath and pool. Prices for rooms begin at around 179 EUR per night. Cheap: For those who prefer something more cozy and affordable, try The Flying Pancake (www.theflyingpancake.com). This family hostel is located in one of Amsterdam’s quiet neighborhoods. You’ll fall in love with the fireplace, steam baths, and loft-style rooms. If you’re going anytime soon, book one of the two rooms well in advance. Hotel stay, including breakfast, is 130 EUR.
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Expensive: Sample Dutch specialties at Pannekoekenhuis Upstairs (Grimburgwal 2), a funky little pancake house. The narrow space is decorated with the owner’s collection of tea cups. Order up pancakes with apples and cinnamon or, for those with bolder palates, pineapple and bacon. Cheap: Watch the chef whip up your meal at Envy (www.envy.nl), a hotspot with open kitchen and long communal tables. The menu is updated regularly but customer favorites, such as lobster with tomato sorbet, are a mainstay.
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Beer lovers should certainly stop by Gollemu (www.cafegollem.nl), a traditional beer café, where you can choose from more than 200 varieties of beer, including the rare Belgian Trappist brew. Later go to Wercku (www.werck.nl) for cocktails in the shadow of the amazing Westerkerk Church.
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Expensive: Everyone should visit The Nine Streets (www.theninestreets.com) a small quarter containing countless boutiques, vintage stores, and art galleries. We like Van Ravenstein (www.van-ravenstein.nl) which sells Dutch and Belgian brands like Viktor & Rolf, Dries Van Noten, and Veronique Branquinho. Expensive: Tulip season may be over, but don’t miss Bloemenmarkt (between Muntplein and Koningsplein), a unique floating flower market. While you’re there, visit Maranon Shop (www.maranon.com), for hammocks of every size and shape.
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If you want to see Amsterdam the way Dutch people do, rent a bike at Bike City (www.bikecity.nl) in the Jordaan section of town. Drive your bicycle along the embankments to Vondelpark, where you can picnic before visiting the Van Gogh Museum (www.vangoghmuseum.nl). If you can, stay an extra day and take a train to the national park De Hoge Veluwe (www.hogeveluwe.nl) where sand dunes, an art museum, and 1,700 white bicycles await you. Such things are worth the one-hour ride.
Getting there: Sky Europe (www.skyeurope.com) flies from Prague to Amsterdam six days a week. A one way ticket is 45 Euro including fees.
2009
Elizabeth Haas 