When Estonians gather for birthdays, family celebrations, or holiday parties, there is a good chance that a cookie cake will appear on the table. Known as küpsisetort in Estonian, this simple yet delicious no-bake dessert has been a household favorit…

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For many visitors to Estonia, experiencing a traditional smoke sauna is just as memorable as exploring medieval Tallinn or hiking through the country’s forests and bogs. Known locally as a suitsusaun, the smoke sauna is one of Estonia’s old…

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On TV: Most games will be broadcast on ETV or ETV2

In bars or pubs: OlyBet Sports Bar and The Dubliner are good places to watch

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is almost here, bringing a month of football drama from June 11 to July 19. While Estonia will not be par…

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Found in supermarkets across Estonia and served at their own flagship shop in the heart of Telliskivi Creative City, La Muu has built a reputation for turning s…

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For four days, the vast open-air venue becomes a centre of music, celebration, and shared summer emotion—drawing together more than 100 artists and over 100,000 visitors.

Th…

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Every country has that one snack visitors become obsessed with. In Estonia, it’s kohuke – a seemingly simple chocolate-covered quark bar that inspires surprising levels of devotion among locals and tourists alike.

At first glance, a kohuke doesn’t look particularly remarkable. It’s small, rectangular, and usual…

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In 2026, Girona offers the perfect balance: history and culture wrapped in a relaxed atmosphere, where centuries-old architecture sits alongside modern gastronomy and stylish hotels. Whether you come for a weekend break or as a base for exploring Catalonia, Girona leaves a lasting impression.

A Medieval City That Feels Like a Film Set

Girona’s Barri Vell (Old Town) is one of the best-preserved medieval districts in Europe. Wandering through its maze of narrow stone streets feels like stepping back in time.

The highlight is the monumental Girona Cathedral, famous for its sweeping staircase and enormous Gothic nave. Fans of television will instantly recognise the cathedral steps and surrounding streets as filming locations from the hit TV show Game of Thrones, where Girona doubled for parts of King’s Landing and Braavos.

Beyond the cathedral, visitors can explore the ancient Jewish Quarter (El Call), climb the remarkably intact medieval city walls, and wander through quiet squares framed by centuries-old buildings. It’s the kind of place where every turn reveals another photograph-worthy corner.

A City Full of Beautiful Locations

Girona’s beauty is not limited to its historic centre. The city is famously divided by the Onyar River, where rows of brightly coloured houses create one of the most iconic views in Catalonia.

Elegant bridges designed by Gustave Eiffel connect both sides of the city, while leafy promenades and small plazas invite visitors to slow down and soak up the atmosphere. From the top of the city walls, sweeping views reveal church towers, red rooftops and the distant hills of the Catalan countryside.

Despite its rich history, Girona never feels overwhelming. It is compact, walkable and remarkably peaceful compared with Spain’s larger tourist cities.

A Culinary Destination in Its Own Right

Food lovers are particularly drawn to Girona, which has quietly become one of Spain’s most exciting gastronomic destinations.

From refined Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy local eateries, the city celebrates the flavours of Catalan cuisine. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, traditional rice dishes and imaginative modern interpretations of regional classics.

Beyond restaurants, Girona’s lively cafés, artisan bakeries and local markets make exploring the city a culinary adventure. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed lunch in a medieval square or discovering a hidden tapas bar down a narrow alley, Girona offers exceptional quality at prices that remain refreshingly reasonable.

Boutique Shops and Relaxed Catalan Charm

Shopping in Girona is another pleasure. Independent boutiques, artisan shops and stylish galleries line the streets of both the old town and the modern centre.

You’ll find handmade ceramics, local fashion, gourmet food products and unique gifts that reflect the region’s creative spirit. Unlike many major tourist cities, Girona’s shops still feel authentically local rather than purely commercial.

Add to that the city’s remarkable cleanliness and organisation, and it becomes clear why visitors often describe Girona as one of Spain’s most pleasant cities to explore.

Stylish Places to Stay

Girona’s hotel scene has also evolved, offering travellers a range of stylish accommodation options that combine comfort with character.

Just outside the city, Girona Hotel Lavida at Camiral, a Quinta do Lago Resort offers a sleek and contemporary base for visitors who want luxury surroundings alongside easy access to Girona’s historic centre.

In the heart of the old town, Hotel Palau Fugit Girona provides a boutique experience inside a beautifully restored historic building. With elegant design and intimate spaces, it perfectly complements the atmosphere of the medieval city around it.

For travellers seeking modern comfort and convenience, Best Western Premier CMC Girona is a popular choice, offering spacious rooms, excellent service and an ideal location for exploring both the historic centre and the wider region.

Exceptional Value for Money

One of Girona’s greatest surprises for visitors is its exceptional value for money.

Compared with larger European city destinations, travellers often find that Girona delivers a premium experience—superb food, beautiful architecture, stylish hotels and rich culture—without the premium price tag. Meals are affordable, accommodation offers excellent quality, and the compact nature of the city makes it easy to explore without costly transport.

For travellers in 2026 seeking a destination that combines charm, authenticity and affordability, Girona stands out as an ideal choice.

Why Visit Girona in 2026?

Girona offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: a city that feels genuinely historic yet wonderfully liveable. Its medieval streets are cinematic, its restaurants world-class, its shops distinctive and its atmosphere relaxed.

Add its beautiful riverfront views, fascinating history and outstanding hospitality, and it becomes clear why Girona is quickly becoming one of Spain’s most compelling destinations.

For travellers planning their next European escape, 2026 might just be the perfect year to discover Girona.

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The post Girona: Spain’s Beautiful Medieval City should be on your holiday list for 2026 appeared first on Cool Hotels.

Here are five reasons why Copenhagen deserves a spot on your travel list this year.

1. One of Europe’s Most Beautiful Waterfront Cities

Copenhagen is a city defined by water. Its network of canals and harbours creates postcard-perfect views around almost every corner.

The iconic Nyhavn waterfront is the star attraction, where brightly painted 17th-century buildings line a historic canal filled with wooden ships and buzzing cafés. But the waterfront experience doesn’t stop there. Visitors can swim in clean harbour baths at Islands Brygge, kayak through the canals or simply stroll along the revitalised harbourfront.

The city’s blend of maritime heritage and contemporary design makes exploring its waterfront one of the most memorable ways to experience Copenhagen.

2. A World-Leading Food Scene

Copenhagen has become one of the culinary capitals of the world, thanks to the influence of New Nordic cuisine and its focus on local, seasonal ingredients.

The city offers everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to relaxed street-food markets. Visitors can sample traditional Danish smørrebrød (open sandwiches), explore the lively stalls at Torvehallerne market or enjoy global flavours at the waterfront Reffen food market.

In 2026, Copenhagen’s food culture remains dynamic and experimental, making it a must-visit destination for travellers who plan their trips around what they eat.

3. A City Designed for Bikes and Easy Exploring

More than half of Copenhagen’s residents commute by bicycle—and visitors quickly see why.

The city is flat, compact and designed with cyclists in mind, with hundreds of kilometres of dedicated bike lanes. Renting a bike is one of the easiest ways to explore neighbourhoods like Nørrebro, Vesterbro and Christianshavn.

Iconic cycling infrastructure such as the Cykelslangen (“Bicycle Snake”) bridge shows how Copenhagen integrates mobility with design, turning everyday transport into part of the sightseeing experience.

4. A Perfect Blend of History and Modern Design

Copenhagen effortlessly blends centuries of history with bold contemporary architecture.

Royal landmarks such as Amalienborg Palace and nearby castles reflect Denmark’s long monarchical history, while striking modern buildings—like the Copenhagen Opera House—showcase the country’s world-renowned design culture.

Museums dedicated to architecture, art and Danish design offer deeper insight into why Scandinavian aesthetics continue to influence global trends.

5. A Relaxed Lifestyle You Can Feel Everywhere

Perhaps Copenhagen’s greatest appeal is something less tangible: the lifestyle.

The Danish concept of hygge—a sense of comfort, warmth and simple enjoyment—can be felt throughout the city. Locals linger in cosy cafés, gather in parks, and make the most of outdoor spaces along the harbour.

For travellers, this creates a welcoming atmosphere where sightseeing blends naturally with slowing down and enjoying the moment.

Why Copenhagen in 2026?

Copenhagen continues to lead in sustainability, urban design and culture, making it one of Europe’s most forward-thinking capitals. At the same time, it retains the charm of a historic Nordic city where everything feels human-scaled and easy to explore.

Hotels like Scandic Spectrum hotel, Copenhagen, Wakeup Copenhagen Bernstorffsgade Hotel and The Square Hotel, Copenhagen offer exceptional value for money, great locations and boast high ratings on Expedia.

Whether you’re drawn by food, architecture, cycling culture or simply the promise of a relaxed Scandinavian escape, Copenhagen in 2026 offers a travel experience that is both inspiring and refreshingly authentic.

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Situated near Pinakothek der Moderne and the Residenz, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost offers a range of amenities including a poolside bar, a terrace, and on-site shopping. Guests can unwind at the Sofitel Spa with treatments such as sports massages, hydrotherapy, and body scrubs. The hotel’s international family-friendly restaurant, Schwarz & Weiz, serves breakfast and brunch. Complimentary in-room WiFi is available throughout the property, and guests can also enjoy relaxing spaces such as the garden and library.

More information & booking

Luxury hotel near Marienplatz

Located close to the Pinakothek der Moderne and the Residenz, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost offers a refined stay with amenities such as a poolside bar, a terrace, and on-site shopping. Guests can relax at the Sofitel Spa, which offers treatments including sports massages, hydrotherapy, and body scrubs. The hotel’s family-friendly international restaurant, Schwarz & Weiz, serves breakfast and brunch. Complimentary in-room WiFi is available throughout the property, and guests can also unwind in the garden or the hotel’s library.

• Bayerstraße

Additional highlights include:

• An indoor swimming pool

• Buffet breakfast available for a surcharge

• Bicycle hire and valet parking (surcharge)

• Round-trip airport shuttle service (surcharge)

• Electric vehicle charging station and a vegetable garden

• Multilingual staff, ATM/banking services, and porter/bellboy assistance

Guest reviews frequently praise the breakfast, convenient location, and helpful staff.

Room features
All 396 rooms offer a range of comforts including 24-hour room service and premium bedding, along with thoughtful extras such as pillow menus and laptop-compatible safes. Guests also consistently rate the rooms highly for their cleanliness.

Additional in-room amenities include:

• Highchairs, art supplies, and complimentary infant beds

• Reusable coffee and tea filters, recycling facilities, and LED lighting

• Bathrooms with designer toiletries and hairdryers

• 49-inch flat-screen TVs with streaming services and premium channels

• Eco-friendly cleaning products, electric kettles, and daily housekeeping

Awards and affiliations
Eco-certified property
This property participates in the Green Key (Foundation for Environmental Education) programme, which assesses environmental practices, community engagement, cultural heritage preservation, and support for the local economy.

The property is also a member of Historic Hotels of the World.

Languages spoken:
Arabic, Azerbaijani, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Prices & booking

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München is a grand, centrally located hotel with lots to offer. The glamorous bar, inspired by the 1920s, evokes the timeless elegance of a bygone era. After browsing the luxury fashion boutiques just steps from the hotel, guests can unwind in the serene indoor pool. With attentive service from the professional staff, every detail is carefully managed to ensure a memorable stay in the heart of Munich’s Altstadt.

Booking and more information

• Luxury hotel near Marienplatz

• Close to Hofbräuhaus and Viktualienmarkt, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München provides a terrace, shopping on-site and a coffee shop/cafe. Treat yourself to spa services, such as a manicure/pedicure, a deep-tissue massage or a body treatment. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and local cuisine. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar.

• Other perks include:

• • An indoor pool

  • Limo/town car service, buffet breakfast (surcharge) and valet parking (surcharge)

  • An electric car charging station, express check-out and express check-in

  • Babysitting (surcharge), massage treatment rooms and ATM/banking services

• Room features

• All 297 individually decorated rooms include comforts, such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, in addition to perks, such as pillow menus and laptop-friendly workspaces.

• Other amenities include:

• • Recycling, LED light bulbs and eco-friendly cleaning products

  • Designer toiletries and hairdryers

  • Flat-screen TVs with premium channels

  • Coffee/tea makers, heating and daily housekeeping

• Maximilianstraße

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property

• This property participates in EarthCheck – a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

• The property is a member of Historic Hotels of the World.

Languages

• Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Croatian, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Turkish

Pricing & Booking

Located in a beautiful and upmarket area of Lisbon, Expedia customers rate the very special Hotel Vincci Liberdade as outstanding.

More information & booking

About this property

Upscale hotel near Avenida da Liberdade

Located close to Avenida da Liberdade, as well as Lisbon landmarks such as Marquis of Pombal Square and Rossio Square, Hotel Vincci Liberdade offers a comfortable and stylish base for exploring the city. Guests can take advantage of convenient services including dry cleaning and laundry, a bar and an on-site restaurant. Complimentary in-room WiFi is also available throughout the property.

• Rua Da Liberdade

• Rua Rosa Araújo

Additional features include:

• Seasonal outdoor swimming pool

• Buffet breakfast available for a surcharge

• Self-parking available for a surcharge

• Electric vehicle charging station

• Luggage storage

• Ballroom and banquet facilities

• 24-hour front desk

• Meeting rooms and a water dispenser

Guest reviews frequently highlight the hotel’s excellent location and the friendly, helpful staff.

Room features

The hotel offers 83 well-appointed rooms designed for comfort, featuring premium bedding, pillow menus, air conditioning and complimentary WiFi. Guests often comment positively on the cleanliness of the rooms.

Additional in-room amenities include:

• Recycling facilities and energy-efficient LED lighting

• Wardrobes or cupboards

• Complimentary infant beds

• Heating

Awards and affiliations

This eco-certified property participates in the Bioscore Sustainability and Ecostars programmes, which recognise hotels that implement practices supporting environmental responsibility, local communities, cultural heritage and the local economy.

Languages spoken

Staff at the hotel speak English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

More information & booking

More information & booking

About this property

Upscale hotel near Main Market Square

Radisson RED Hotel & Radisson RED Apartments, Kraków offers a stylish and contemporary stay close to the city’s historic Main Market Square. Guests can take advantage of a range of convenient amenities, including dry cleaning and laundry services, a bar and a well-equipped gym.

Dining is available at Filini Restaurant & Bar, the hotel’s on-site venue serving a variety of dishes in a modern setting. Guests can also stay connected with complimentary WiFi available in public areas throughout the property.

• Aleksandra Lubomirskiego

Additional features include:

• Buffet breakfast available for a surcharge

• Self-parking available for a surcharge

• Electric vehicle charging station

• Express check-in and express check-out

• Front desk safe

• Meeting rooms for business or events

• Multilingual staff

• Computer station

Room features

The hotel offers 275 guest rooms designed for both comfort and practicality. Each room includes laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, along with thoughtful touches such as desk chairs and in-room safes.

Additional in-room amenities include:

• Bathrooms with a bath or shower and hairdryer

• 55-inch LED televisions with digital channels

• Wardrobes or cupboards, electric kettles and heating

Languages spoken

Staff at the hotel speak English and Polish.

More information & booking

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki is a stunning, luxurious hotel located right in the centre of Finland's capital. It has a great on-site Scandinavian cuisine restaurant, Bistro Vilho and a fantastic sauna.

More information & booking

About this property

Luxury hotel near the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki offers an elegant stay in the heart of the city, close to the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, including a terrace, an art gallery and designer shops within the hotel. For relaxation, the property also features a sauna.

• Mikonkatu

Dining is available at the hotel’s Scandinavian restaurant, Bistro Vilho, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can also take advantage of a coffee shop or café, dry cleaning and laundry services, and complimentary in-room WiFi throughout their stay.

Additional hotel features include:

• Breakfast available for a surcharge

• Express check-out

• Tour and ticket assistance

• Wedding services

• Luggage storage

• 24-hour front desk

• Front desk safe

• Smoke-free property

• Five meeting rooms for business or events

Guests frequently praise the hotel’s excellent breakfast, central location and friendly, helpful staff.

Room features

The hotel’s 302 individually decorated rooms are designed with comfort in mind, featuring premium bedding and pillow menus. Additional thoughtful touches include laptop-compatible safes and air conditioning.

Other in-room amenities include:

• Hypoallergenic bedding, memory foam mattresses and down duvets

• Bathrooms with showers or bath/shower combinations

• HDTVs with premium channels

• Complimentary infant beds

• Free tea bags or instant coffee and electric kettles

Awards and affiliations

This eco-certified property participates in the Green Key programme, which recognises hotels committed to sustainable practices that support the environment, local communities, cultural heritage and the local economy.

Languages spoken

Staff at the hotel speak English and Finnish.

More information & booking

A former prison, Home Hotel Katajanokka in Helsinki is one of our favourite hotels in Europe! We've stayed a few times, and have always loved it. It's clean, the food is great, and it's just 20 minutes walk from the city centre. Look out for their deals which include evening meals - it's excellent value!

More information & booking

About this property

Luxury hotel near Senate Square

Situated close to Helsinki landmarks such as Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral and Allas Sea Pool, Home Hotel Katajanokka offers a distinctive stay in a historic setting. Guests can start their day with a complimentary breakfast buffet and enjoy amenities including a terrace and a peaceful garden area. For relaxation, the hotel also features a sauna.

• Merikasarminkatu

The on-site restaurant, Linnankellari, specialises in Scandinavian cuisine and serves both lunch and dinner. Guests can also take advantage of additional conveniences such as a library, dry cleaning and laundry services, and complimentary in-room WiFi.

Additional amenities include:

• Self-parking available for a surcharge

• Electric vehicle charging station

• 24-hour front desk

• Multilingual staff

• Banquet hall and lift access

• Seven meeting rooms

• Luggage storage and a television area in reception

Guest reviews frequently highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of the hotel staff.

Room features

The hotel’s 106 rooms are designed with comfort and practicality in mind, offering premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, along with complimentary WiFi and in-room safes.

Additional in-room amenities include:

• Hypoallergenic bedding and cots or infant beds available for a surcharge

• Bathrooms with rainfall showers and either a bath or shower

• 43-inch flat-screen televisions with streaming services and satellite channels

• Wardrobes or cupboards, recycling facilities and tea and coffee-making equipment

Awards and affiliations

This eco-certified property participates in the Green Key programme, which recognises hotels committed to sustainable practices that support the environment, local communities, cultural heritage and the local economy.

Languages spoken

Staff members speak several languages, including English, Finnish, French, Russian, Spanish and Swedish.

More information & booking