TOP THREE
AMSTERDAM
HANNEKES BOOM
Rock up or boat up to this hidden gem and dockside watering hole just a few minutes from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Dangle your feet over the dock, sprawl out on the greenery or grab dinner on the roof terrace as you take in the IJ water views and locals blowing off some steam. Go when sunny – and thirsty.
STRANDZUID
A hidden gem removed from the city’s bustle, Strandzuid’s waterside terrace and urban beach are happily tucked away in Amsterdam Zuid. Watch the boats go by from one of the many canal-side tables, or post up in one of the sand-stationed lounge chairs. When you’ve had your fill of sun, the charming shaded gardens of Beatrixpark are just a short walk away.
W LOUNGE
Amsterdam’s rooftop views are tough to beat, and the ones from the W Amsterdam Hotel’s sixth-floor lobby and cocktail bar are up there with the best. Order a fancy cocktail and take in the panoramic 360-degree views from what used to be the Royal Dutch Post building, then wander out to the bustling Dam Square just two minutes away.
TOP THREE
BERLIN
KLUNKERKRANICH
Garden in the clouds meets beach bar: the Klunkerkranich (German for “wattled crane”) in Neukölln is many things, but first and foremost it is the latest hotspot in Berlin. Party-goers meet between the flower boxes on the roof terrace of the Neukölln Arcaden shopping centre to listen to the DJ’s tunes and watch the sun setting over the rooftops of Berlin. Spanish-inspired fusion cuisine is served in the restaurant.
STRANDBAD WANNSEE
Soak up the sun with a fruity summer drink in hand at Berlin’s very own beach. Stranded Wannsee stretches over 1200 meters, which means there is plenty of room to go for a swim, catch a game of beach volleyball or just lay back and work on that tan.
CAFÉ AM NEUEN SEE
A beer garden with an Italian restaurant, this lakeside spot at Tiergarten Park is tough to beat. Opt for pizza or one of their German-classic Leberkäs or Batwursts, then wash it down with a local beer before paddling a rentable row boat out onto the small lake.
TOP THREE
DÜSSELDORF
BONSAI MUSEUM
Welcome to the Bonsai Museum—a peaceful Japanese haven of ancient trees where you’ll learn everything you need to know about this fascinating art form. A whole Bonsai generation is blooming there with every size, colour and form of the funny japanese trees.
NORDMANNS ICE CREAM
Summer without ice cream is just wrong. And the best place to get your scoops in? Nordmanns. Located in five different Düsseldorf districts, squash your craving with one of their 16 changing flavours – all handmade and without any of the additives or bad stuff.
STADTSTRAND BEACH
One of the many ‘city beaches’ along Düsseldorf’s Rhine, these urban spaces are an oasis for hot summer days spent exploring the city. Take in the river breeze as you enjoy a drink or snack on one of the many pieces of beach furniture–all of which are completely free to use.
TOP THREE
VIENNA
URBAN ART TOUR
Get to know Vienna’s alternative-art side during one of Calle Libre’s guided walking tours through the vibrant 6th and 7th districts. For just €15 per person, their seasoned local guides will show you the most exciting works of street art and the intriguing stories behind each one, and maybe even some bonus city tips as well.
BADESCHIFF WIEN
If a boat on the Danube with a rooftop bar and pool doesn’t sound like the perfect way to spend a summer day, we’re not sure what does. Day tickets start from just €3.50, which you can use to bask on the sun loungers, dip in the pool, or munch on snacks from the bar – all perfect ways to refresh before getting back to the bustle of Vienna’s city streets.
MAYER AM PFARRPLATZ VINEYARD
Up for a little wine with your culture? Don’t miss this winery and the epitome of Viennese Heuriger culture in the 19th district of Döbling, where you can witness the centuries-old tradition of Viennese wine crafting. Fun fact: Pfarrplatz was once the home of the renowned Ludwig van Beethoven. Need we say more?