Festivals of Light
Prague This riverside city rivals Paris for its architectural beauty, art museums and public spaces. The maze of jumbled streets and hidden courtyards are a wanderer’s dream. Czech microbreweries offer a wide range of ales, and the city boasts funky cafés and eateries tucked away in narrow streets. Prague is also a great match for the budget-conscious, offering superb value for money. The stunningly beautiful Signal Light Festival in October uses high-tech projectors on the facades of Prague’s most iconic old buildings and is a celebration of light, art and technology combined.
Where to stay? Luxury: The Grand Mark, Prague offers unrivalled elegance, glamour and luxury in a Baroque 17th-century residential palace with a spot-on location bang in the city centre. Mid-Range: The central Three Storks Hotel offers a cosy 5-star experience. It dates back to the 14th century and was once home to a monastic brewery. On a budget: Sir Toby’s is a quirky hostel furnished with antiques. It has a sociable atmosphere and great bar, plus it’s only a short tram ride from the city centre.
Seville, Spain A city of blue skies and pavement cafés, Seville offers orange trees bursting with fruit and the sweet smell of jasmine. It serves up the most amazing tapas, and the soundtrack of delicate flamenco guitar. It’s a perfect city break for the autumn months, as the weather here stays warm and sunny well into November. There’s a weekly flea market on a Thursday morning on Calle Feria where the street comes alive with an assortment of vintage gems. For sightseeing, don’t miss the jaw dropping Real Alcázar, which Game of Thrones fans will recognise as the backdrop for the fictional land of Dorne. Seville’s Easter Fair is a huge event which kicks off each year with the ceremonious turning on of the lights – starting with the 22,000 bulbs that cover the entrance gateway, followed by a wave of lights sections by section.
Where to stay? Luxury: The EME Catedral Hotel boasts cathedral views from its chic panoramic rooftop pool and bar area and offers clean modern rooms with a superb location. Mid-range: Hotel Las Casas De La Judería Sevilla is located in the La Juderia quarter, one of the most traditional areas in Seville. This building housed wealthy Spanish families during past centuries and offers a rooftop pool and spa. On a budget: Casa de Mestro boutique hotel is tucked away on a quiet side street and is the converted mansion residence of the master flamenco guitarist Niño Ricardo.
Berlin, Germany Big on culture, rich in history and forever leading the way in culture and fashion, Berlin is a trendsetting modern city that never sleeps. Visit in winter for festive Christmas markets and steaming cups of Glühwein (mulled wine). The annual Festival of Lights in October illuminates well known landmarks around the city, from The Brandenburg Gate to the Cathedral and Concert Hall. The Berliners know how to throw a party, and the festival is no exception. You can view the lights easily on foot, although it is possible to hire a Segway to get around or take a tour by bus or boat.
Where to stay? Luxury: The Hotel de Rome was once the headquarters of the Dresdner bank. It’s now one of Berlin’s most prestigious Bebelplatz addresses, with a great roof terrace spa and pool located in the former jewel vault. Mid-range: Sir Savigny Berlin is a smart, stylish hotel in the vibrant Art Nouveau district. Shoppers will love the proximity of this hotel to Kurfurstendamm, Berlin’s shopping oasis. On a budget: The Adina Apartments at Checkpoint Charlie offers spacious studio rooms with balconies in a residential district a few minutes’ walk from Checkpoint Charlie.
Reykjavík, Iceland For a city of less than half a million people, Reykjavík is extraordinarily cosmopolitan with a vibrant arts and music scene and is home to some of the coolest cafés, bars and restaurants in Europe. No visit to Reykjavík would be complete without a swim in the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal pools. They’re right by the airport, so pop in for a dip here on your way to or from your flight. The Winter Lights Festival every February celebrates the nights getting shorter at last, after the long dark winter in the northernmost capital in the world. The whole city is illuminated with displays, and you can even hope that nature’s greatest light show, the Aurora Borealis, will also make an impromptu appearance. For your best chances of seeing The Northern Lights, visit between late September and April and take a cruise or bus tour away from the city.
Where to stay? Luxury: Reykjavík Centrum Hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant and has its own Viking exhibition centre. Mid-range: Skuggi Hotel offers minimal chic rooms and incredible breakfasts. It is located close to the numerous cafés and trendy boutiques on Laugavegur street. On a budget: Hotel Fron is a typical Icelandic town house in the heart of the city.