CARETTE
25 Place des Vosges
Carette is a legendary patisserie and it recently opened a second home in the urban wonder that is the Place des Vosges. Fashion designer Givenchy’s newphew, Hubert de Givenchy, designed the new space, mixing Art Deco and Louis XIII details. It’s a classically elegant space, although most choose the tables placed outside facing the square. Indoors or on the terrace you can enjoy the chef’s signature club sandwich or simply have coffee or tea in true Parisian style.

HUGO & VICTOR
40 Boulevard Raspail
If Carette gets you in the mood to try other local patisseries, look for the new Hugo & Victor, a luxurious space for mouth-watering cakes and chocolates. They’re created by Hugo Pouget who has worked with Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy, mixing a variety of flavors which change every season. Also of note is a curious wine selection to go with the pastries.

LA PÂTISSERIE DES RÊVES
111 Rue de Longchamp
The third patisserie on your list should be the new Pâtisserie des Rêves, a second branch to continue to offer the chef’s creative interpretations of classic French pastries. To accompany them there is a great selection of freshly squeezed juices, and you can try them all inside or at the small terrace.

KONG
1 Rue du Pont Neuf
We already recommend it in our Paris Restaurant Guide, but this 7-year-old bar and restaurant is hot again, thanks to a new terrace for summer 2010. Designed by Philippe Starck, it features paintings by Luis Urculo next to Louis XVI furniture around which you can dine, drink, and spend the night in the open air.

B&B ITALIA
35 Rue du Bac
Contemporary design has a new home in Paris via Italy. This new store on the Left Bank offers pieces by Antonio Citterio and Gaetano Pesce among other Italian designers, displayed on three floors. Although everything is from Italy, a French touch was given in the space’s design by Jean-Marie Massaud.

SLOTT GALLERY
12 Rue du Chateau Landon
More design is found at this new gallery, opened to become a creative think-tank in the city, where artists meet and work on new projects. The first exhibition opened last December and it’s now the new place to look for out-of-the-ordinary creations by emerging talent.

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After presenting the essential Stockholm sightseeing tips, we can also give you some advice on the best accommodation choices for every style and budget. Whether you’re looking for unique design hotels, extraordinary hostels, or prefer the conveniences of an apartment, these are the places to consider:

HOTELS

One of Sotckholm’s most popular tourist attractions is found inside the Nordic Sea Hotel. That’s the Absolut Ice Bar where everything from the walls to the glasses are at below-zero temperatures. In the hotel rooms everything is much warmer but equally attractive, with a simple contemporary look.
Alternatively, try the Nordic Light Hotel, with arguably the city’s most stylish interior. Its rooms were designed to please business and leisure travelers looking for a sophisticated ambience and wishing to stay in the heart of the city.

Another design option is the Skeppsholmen Hotel, centrally located but with rooms looking out to the waterfront and greenery. It’s the perfect choice for those who prefer tranquility and who wish to escape the bustle of city life.

Also found on the water’s edge is Hotel J. Although this is a design hotel, it has more of a rustic feel and not the typical cutting-edge décor.

Those looking for other charming options should consider Berns Hotel which offers two restaurants, sauna, and a popular concert hall and night club.

HOSTELS
Stockholm has two of the world’s most interesting hostels. One is Jumbo Stay, a Boeing 747 airplane turned into budget accommodation. It’s just a short walk from the airport, making it a fun way to end your visit to the city, and especially convenient if you have an early flight.
The second option for those looking for unique experiences is a stay in a former prison. Langholmen Hostel allows you to stay in the old cells, and offers much more than the typical hostel such as a restaurant, bar, laundry service, bike rental and free wireless internet.
Independent travelers and backpackers may also want to consider City Backpackers Hostel which has been voted one of the top 10 hostels in the world and offers something extra — a free sauna experience in the afternoon.
Alternatively, check out City Lodge Stockholm which is found right in the center of the city, or see all Stockholm hostels for more choices.

APARTMENTS
Stockholm is not known for its cheap accommodation, but those not wishing to stay at a hostel can also save by choosing an apartment. UCityGuides can recommend the Airbnb site, listing over two dozen apartments in the Swedish capital. A stay at the Best Part of Stockholm apartment will have the owner welcome you with sightseeing and city life tips, and an excellent location within walking distance to most of the city’s attractions. There are a couple of supermarkets down the street and a good café downstairs if you get hungry at any time of the day.

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Stockholm is known as an expensive destination but it doesn’t have to be if you plan your trip in advance. By doing so you can see most of the city’s highlights at the cost of any other European capital. The first step is to buy the Stockholm Card which gives you free transport and free admission to the city’s museums and attractions. You can choose between a 24, 48, 72, or 120-hour card, and it comes with a free guidebook and map. What it does not include is airport transportation, but you can save on that as well by booking your transfers before you arrive.
Once that is done, all you have to worry about is planning your itinerary. Whether you’re going for just a couple of days, a long weekend, or a long stay, these are the places you should not miss to get the complete Stockholm feel:

1. GAMLA STAN DISTRICT

This neighborhood is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval districts, and walking through its cobblestone streets will reveal Renaissance churches, romantic squares, and the royal palace. Plan to be here at 12:15PM (1:15PM on Sundays) for the changing of the guard and then head to charming Stortorget, a lively square with cafés, the best of which being Chokladkoppen and its outdoor tables.

2. MODERNA MUSEET (MODERN ART MUSEUM)

See works by Warhol and Picasso together with major temporary exhibits at this museum which has also become known as a gastronomic destination. Its restaurant serves international cuisine and wonderful city views, as well as a weekend brunch from noon to 2PM.

3. VASA MUSEUM

Admire the world’s only example of a 17th century ship, a monumental construction that sunk on its maiden voyage and remained at the bottom of the sea for over three centuries. A careful restoration has brought it back to life at this museum which includes a glimpse into 17th century life. You may see it on your own but it’s best to join the tours in different languages.

4. OSTERMALMS SALUHALL MARKET

Get a taste of Swedish traditions at this gastromarket in a 19th century space. Take a look at the gigantic fish, be guided by the aromas, and try some Swedish gourmet specialties. The best time to drop by is on Friday and Saturday mornings although there’s a lively atmosphere at any time, especially at lunch.

5. BIRGER JARLSGATAN STREET

Start your Swedish shopping spree at this long avenue of luxury shops before moving on to the pedestrianized Drottninggatan where you’ll find not one but three H&M (of course!) and the Ahléns department store. Continue in the stylish district of Ostermalm and look for Scandinavian design around streets like Sibyllegatan and Grev Turegatan.

6. DROTTNINGHOLMS PALACE

You can take the metro and then a 5-minute bus ride to this royal palace or see it on an organized tour. Either way, it’s worth the trip for its French-style gardens, wonderful Chinese pavilion and theater. Save this for one of your last sightseeing experiences to relax in the peaceful ambience of the gardens.

7. STOCKHOLM ARCHIPELAGO BOAT TRIP

End your visit with a boat tour. Cruise past the many islands that make up the city, admire its architecture, and see many of its sights from a picture-perfect perspective.

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This months-old design hotel is already one of Milan’s hottest addresses, complete with a spa and three sophisticated restaurants. Located in a former bank of the 1920s in the city’s fashion district, the interior is all about elegant Italian style with a few futuristic features.

Thanks to large windows, the common areas are bright and inviting, although it’s the luxurious spa that can truly be described as a dream. If you find yourself in Milan this summer this spa is a perfect escape from the heat outside, with a swimming pool, sauna, and Turkish bath. When you do step away from the hotel, you’ll find the city’s most exclusive shopping streets like Via Montenapoleone nearby, as well as the landmark Duomo. The Duomo can in fact be seen from the hotel, from inside its conference rooms. Although “conference rooms” is usually synonymous with “business hotel,” this is not the case here. The Exedra is perfect for all kinds of travelers, with its 154 rooms and nine thematic suites featuring a stylish design.

Complete details and booking information here: Exedra Milan Hotel

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Take a look at any newspaper lately and you’ll likely see the words “Greece” and “Athens” within the first pages. Those reports of the economic crisis and street protests will have some thinking twice about a visit to the country this summer, but they should not have to. In Athens life goes on as usual despite everything, and judging from the city’s most high-profile openings, things even look better than ever.
There is the recent Matsuhisa Athens, the latest from celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa providing views of the Saronic Gulf and a martini bar listing creations by mixologist Dale DeGross who gave the world the Cosmopolitan, plus the same tasteful interiors and expert Japanese cuisine found at the other Nobu restaurants, including the first one in Greece, in Mykonos.
Also hot is the new Salon de Bricolage, the city’s first members’ club. Located in upscale Kolokani, it will be accepting just 350 members but each member can always bring three friends along. Its aim is the promotion of gastronomy, art, well-being, and entertainment in an exclusive environment.
These are just two perfect places to check out this summer in Athens, together with the recent (and Uward-nominated) Acropolis Museum before hopping on a ferry to Mykonos or Santorini. Who said anything about a crisis?

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The biggest art news in Brussels over the last few months was the inauguration of the (Uward-nominated) Magritte Museum but there was another recent opening worth noting for culture-vulture visitors. The Boghossian Foundation opened a cultural center in the Art Deco Empain Villa which underwent a two-year renovation to operate as a space promoting artistic dialogue between the East and the West. The first exhibition will be shown until the end of October and will display works from private collections rarely seen on public display.
Another exhibition of note is “Isabelle de Borchgrave, I Medici: A Renaissance in Paper” which has been showing since last November and was originally scheduled to run until April, but has been extended until September. It’s the first exhibition of Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave in her home country, presenting 29 paper costumes completely made by hand which were previously shown in Florence’s Palazzo Medici. Borchgrave’s creations imitate the rich textures of genuine Florentine attire in the 15th century and can now be seen at the Cinquantenaire Museum.
Yet another current highlight in the city is the exhibition showing works by Hervé Van der Straeten, a total of fifteen pieces using industrial and raw materials like stainless steel, wood, marble, and bronze. The designer known for bold jewelry has also been creating stunning mirrors, lighting, and cabinets, and collectors will want to check out this exhibition whose pieces will be sold by Pierre Bergé‘s auction house.

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In a city known for its Disney-esque constructions recreating world monuments, the tasteful contemporary architecture of Las Vegas’ new CityCenter building is a breath of very fresh air. UCityGuides has already reported on a small dose of good taste at the shopping area of this center, and can now tell you about its Aria Hotel and Casino.
It’s four months old, offering over 4,000 rooms, a casino and convention center, a spa, and sixteen restaurants. It’s obviously huge, but of a certain refinement that’s not so easy to find in this city.
The environmentally-friendly rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows to provide city views, and in-room entertainment includes MP3 docking stations and 42-inch flat screens. Those not wishing to head to the casino can enjoy one of three outdoor swimming pools or do some shopping. The location at the southern part of the Strip also allows you to check out what’s happening at the Bellagio and Monte Carlo.
More details and booking information here: Aria Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

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After our lists of the hottest spots in Paris, London, and New York, we’ve now gone around Lisbon to check out what’s new — as always incognito to bring you our independent report on what we find is hot and worthy for the savvy urban traveler.

BRASSERIE ROSSIO GOURMET
The just-opened Altis Avenida Hotel faces two of the city’s main squares, so naturally the top floor was reserved for the restaurant in order to serve fabulous views along with fabulous food. Just like in the hotel rooms, the décor of the restaurant is contemporary but slightly inspired in the 1940s, the decade of the building’s original construction. On the menu you have a selection of classic French dishes under the direction of Michelin-starred chef José Cordeiro, and you can enjoy them on the terrace when the sun is out, bringing you even closer to the views.

FLOWER POWER FOOD
One of Lisbon’s coolest flower shops, one you can always trust for the most special flower arrangements for someone special or a special event, is now also a café. Of course the café space is decorated with plants for a fresh and relaxed ambience, all very laid-back and perfect for a light meal. You can choose a dish of the day, salads, or sandwiches, all for less than 10 euros, or go for just a glass of wine accompanied by Portuguese cheeses. A small area with gourmet products allows you to take the finest ingredients to cook at home.

LARGO
An inexpensive meal at Flower Power Food allows you to save to splurge at the new Largo Restaurant. It’s found right by the city’s opera house, with an interior by Miguel Câncio Martins, the Portuguese designer who created the interior of Paris’ Buddha Bar. The owner is Miguel Castro e Silva, one of Portugal’s most acclaimed chefs, here presenting a menu of contemporary Portuguese and international cuisine. The prices are not the cheapest in the city, but the top quality of the food and the sophistication of the space and service certainly justify them.

MANIFESTO
Another star chef with a new restaurant is Luis Baena, a talent developed next to some of the world’s biggest culinary names such as Paul Bocuse. His restaurant is in the Santos Design District and has a fitting interior revealing a stylish pop/Warholian look. The creative menu is whatever the chef is inspired to prepare, but always blending his Portuguese and international know-how.

PORTAS DO SOL CAFÉ
One of Lisbon’s most beautiful viewpoints is now even more attractive since the opening of Portas do Sol Café. It’s on the terrace of the same name and serves light meals to the beat of a cool, chill-out soundtrack during the day, and drinks to the sounds of live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. But here’s a warning: the views and ambience will make it hard to leave.

ROSSIO WINE BAR
End your day with a glass of Portuguese wine as you overlook the bustling Rossio Square from the windows of this new bar inside the renovated Internacional Design Hotel. Or you may choose a cocktail instead, either before or after dinner, as the hotel’s restaurant is right on the other side of the room. The menu spans all continents and uses organic products.

TEASE
The coolest shopping street of Lisbon’s Bairro Alto district now has an equally cool café for you to take a break. The big “tease” here are the cupcakes, which are irresistible as soon as you set your eyes on them. In a city so rich in pastries, cupcakes are only now becoming popular, and that’s in no small part thanks to the “Sex and the City” series. The interior is small but decorated in such a glamorous pink/red-hot style that Carrie Bradshaw would certainly approve. Whether or not “Tease” achieves the success of New York’s “Magnolia” with long lines at the door only time will tell, but considering that one of the owners is also behind one of the city’s hottest cocktail bars (Cinco Lounge, recommended in UCityGuides’ Lisbon bars guide), you can say this has a recipe for success.

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Zurich’s Kunsthaus Museum is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and is doing it with major exhibitions. One of them is the revival of Picasso’s first retrospective shown by the museum in 1932 and curated by the artist himself. This time, starting in October, it’s exhibiting around 70 masterpieces on loan from private collectors and from some of the world’s top museums such as New York’s MoMA and Metropolitan, London’s Tate Modern, and Madrid’s Thyssen-Bornemisza. Count this exhibition to be one of Europe’s top cultural experiences this year, one that will certainly bring thousands to the Swiss city just to see (especially now that, as reported by UCityguides, Paris’ Picasso Museum is closed until 2012). For that reason, tickets are already being sold (see the museum’s website for information on how to get them now).
But obviously before October the museum will also have plenty to see, like the current exhibition on display until next month. It’s showing works by Cézanne, Monet, and van Gogh from the Bührle Collection which will finally have its own space in 2015 thanks to a Kunsthaus expansion. In total there are 150 works to see together with another exhibition focusing on Salomon Gessner.

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This one could very well be added to our list of 7 Essential Stops in Amsterdam if one of our long-time favorites ever closes. Brasserie Witteveen was a popular restaurant in the 70s and 80s and after a recent reopening it should attract a legion of new fans. The new space is quite contemporary, and is open throughout the day, starting with a breakfast menu that changes regularly. The other meals offer daily specials together with a variety of choices, from pastas and salads, to sandwiches, all at reasonable (average) prices. The big surprise is the wine list, offering dozens of choices, mostly from Europe. That, and the opening times make Witteveen a place to meet even if only for a drink.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and there are different sitting areas — a wine bar, a “living room,” and the brasserie space:

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