London Unlocked: Icons, Insights, and After-Dark Adventures

It feels as though everything in Brussels is tinted with gold. From the gilded rooftops of the old houses on the Grand Palace to the foil-wrapped bonbons piled in chocolatier windows, Brussels seems to sparkle and wink at you around every corner. Aside from the lustrous architecture and Trappist ales, this shiny city is probably still best known for its iconic street food options: salty, golden fries, and fluffy, honey-colored waffles.    While a major political center, home of the EU and NATO, don’t be fooled by Brussels stern ‘Eurocratic’ facade. Brussels revels in cheeky humor and mischief. So much so, Brussel’s beloved mascot, the ‘Manneken Pis’, is a statue of a small child urinating into a fountain. The city takes great pleasure in dressing this statue in festive-themed costumes. It’s no surprise that the artist Magritte, one of the great visual tricksters of the 20th century, called Brussels home. After a few days exploring the city, and taking in its sights and scenes, you’re sure to come away smiling.         

The magic of Paris is undeniable. This is the most romantic destination in Europe, and surely the number one bucket list destination of all time. If you want to say you've traveled, you have to visit Paris at least once.  Along with classic must-sees like the Eiffel Tower and the  Sacre-Coeur, there is so much to see and do in Paris that it helps to narrow it down by interest. Fashion and shopping enthusiast? Look no further than the Galeries Lafayette, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, or the Marais. Art aficionado? Once you're done with the Louvre, make a start on the Musée d'Orsay. History buffs won't be able to walk a block without uncovering a monument to Napoleon or Louis XIV. If you visit Paris with a foodie, be warned — you'll gaze in a lot of patisserie windows, and sample your weight in croissants. Because Paris always has so much on offer, it never grows old.  At dusk, as you stroll the wide boulevards past Haussmann apartment buildings and sharply dressed Parisians, or gaze down at the city from the hill at Montmarte, you might find yourself saying 'Paris Je t' aime'. This is, after all, the City of Love.

Edinburgh is a city where layers of royal tradition, literary legend, and dramatic landscapes combine to create a captivating travel experience. At its heart stands the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city, with the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the cobbled Royal Mile linking centuries of Scottish history and intrigue. Stroll through the Old Town’s winding closes and the elegance of the Georgian New Town, where neoclassical facades meet independent shops, galleries, and cafés. From Arthur’s Seat to Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh offers moments of wild nature right in the city’s core, while hidden courtyards and historic pubs reveal its quieter charms. The city’s culinary scene is as diverse as its heritage—offering everything from haggis and whisky pairings to Michelin-starred innovation and cosy tearooms. Whether you’re exploring ancient vaults, taking in a show at the Festival Fringe, or catching the skyline at sunset, Edinburgh promises unforgettable discovery around every corner.

London is a city where centuries of royal history, cultural heritage, and cosmopolitan life come together to create a thrilling travel experience. At its core stand iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London, each telling tales of monarchs, revolutions, and traditions that have shaped the nation. Stroll along the River Thames, past the grandeur of Parliament and the London Eye, and dive into the buzz of neighborhoods like Covent Garden, Soho, and Chinatown—each brimming with character, cuisine, and charm. From the stately Mall leading to Buckingham Palace to the vibrant energy of Piccadilly Circus, London is a city of contrasts where old and new exist in vivid harmony. Culinary adventures await across its boroughs, from refined afternoon teas to global street food and traditional pub fare. Whether you’re catching a play in the West End, exploring world-class museums, or unwinding in one of its royal parks, London invites you to discover something extraordinary at every turn.

A waterside metropolis with a low-key vibe, a visit to Amsterdam is as fun and freewheeling as a fixed-gear bicycle. This is the city where you can let it all go. The streets of Amsterdam chime with bicycle bells and the laughter of people making their way between bars. Yellow wheels of cheese line shop windows, and in springtime, market stalls are abundant with the famous Dutch tulips.      Younger than other cities in the Netherlands, Amsterdam sprang to life in the 17th century, when it became flush with trade from the Dutch colonies. From the gable tipped houses standing shoulder-to-shoulder on the canals to the Rembrandt paintings hanging on the walls of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam is strewn with relics from the Dutch Golden Age. Whether you rent a bicycle, float down a canal, or just sip on an amber-colored lager and watch the world go by, Amsterdam makes a lasting impression from start to finish.   

Dubbed ‘Mainhatten’ for its glass highrises, financial prowess, and proximity to the Main River, Frankfurt offers a fascinating glimpse into the ‘engine room’ of Europe’s economy with an unexpected twist. Among the glass and steel buildings, the old-worldly Römerberg square will give you a double-take. The square’s 15th-century half-timbered houses, old statues, and church spires contrast dramatically against the modern 21st-century skyscrapers beyond. If you visit at Christmas, the Römerberg is truly special, aglow with the light of the tallest Christmas tree in Germany. The square fills with stalls selling handicrafts, and the air is scented with hot apple wine, honey, and cinnamon.  Delve deeper into Frankfurt and you’ll find a substantial museum district, the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). This area features a cluster of twelve museums on either side of Main River. This includes the Städel, home to Tischbein’s famous painting of renowned writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Frankfurt’s most prestigious sons. The more time you spend in Frankfurt, the more you’ll discover a highly cultured city lurking beneath its glass facades. If you have the time, Frankfurt is certainly worth a second look.