With Europe reopening, here are some of our favorite cities to explore

The news that the European Union will soon welcome vaccinated Americans this summer has everyone at TPG thrilled about the chance to revisit some beloved cities in Europe.

Are you eager to plan a trip to Europe soon but need some inspiration? Here are the cities we adore so much that we’d visit again and again.

Madrid, Spain

Brian Kelly, the founder and CEO of TPG, considers Madrid one of his top cities in Europe.

He shared, "Madrid boasts an incredible food culture, vibrant nightlife, and is quite affordable compared to many other capitals. It's also an excellent starting point to discover more of Spain. The Westin Palace is a fantastic choice in a prime location."

Warsaw, Poland

Steven Sibley, the president of travel at Red Ventures (TPG's parent company), believes Warsaw, Poland, is greatly underrated. He reminisces about visiting it a few years ago during a family spring break, noting the "striking contrast" he felt after seeing Prague, where many buildings survived World War II intact.

Sibley describes the city as having a "cool, laid-back atmosphere."

He said, "We adored the food there... enjoyed wandering through the parks and exploring the city. The guided tour was fantastic, showcasing the historic palaces and gardens."

Istanbul, Turkey

Nathan Richardson, TPG's executive vice president, reminisces about "the enchantment of the vibrant Bosphorus," praising the city's "rich history, the melodic prayer calls... the nightlife, and the bustling markets filled with time-honored crafts and hammams."

Make sure to visit the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and think about reserving a room at either Ciragan Palace Kempinski or the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, both of which Richardson highly recommends.

The Abruzzo region of Italy

For Christopher DiScipio, TPG's director of partnerships and syndication, the Abruzzo region boasts three of his top cities in Europe: Sulmona, L'Aquila, and Santo Stefano di Sessanio.

He remarks, "It's a stunning, mountainous area... featuring some of the most beautiful national parks in Italy. Plus, it's incredibly affordable to stay and explore." DiScipio also points out that it's not heavily visited by tourists (which means no crowds).

Don't miss out on trying the arrosticini or a chickpea dish in the small town of Navelli, home to "one of the best restaurants I've ever visited in my life, Antica Taverna Di Navelli," DiScipio added.

DiScipio also suggests a trip to Montepulciano for its vineyards, noting that the famous "stick wine" originates from this town, along with the numerous medieval villages throughout the region.

Brussels, Belgium

Benét J. Wilson, senior credit cards editor at TPG, lived in Brussels for three years and emphasizes that it's not only an excellent starting point for exploring Europe but also boasts its own unique attractions.

Key sights include the Grand Palace, the Atomium, and the iconic Manneken Pis. Wilson highlights that Brussels is rich in beautiful parks and gardens, such as Florist's, Josaphat, and the stunning Bois de la Cambre.

"The city features fantastic walkable neighborhoods, including the European Quarter (home to Leopold Park), the Canal industrial district, and Avenue Louise, which is famous for shopping and dining,"

In Brussels, you'll find pomme frites stands on almost every corner — "Definitely accept them with mayonnaise when offered," Wilson advises. Besides mussels and chocolate, he insists that visitors must try waterzooi (a Flemish chicken stew) and, naturally, the waffles.

"Consider taking day trips to Bruges (known as the Venice of Belgium and famous for its lace); Ostend, a seaside resort renowned for its mussels; and Antwerp, the world's diamond processing hub."

Belgrade, Serbia

"I have a deep affection for Belgrade (and nearby Novi Sad)," shares senior writer Katie Genter. "Belgrade Fortress is stunningly situated at the meeting point of the Danube and Sava rivers, and walking through it is delightful. The parks are lovely, and I felt secure and at ease visiting solo, which isn't always the case in some parts of Europe."

"The culture is heavily centered on science, featuring images of renowned scientists on much of the currency, and you can visit the Nikola Tesla Museum. The food scene is incredibly diverse, ranging from ćevapi to burek, and even boasts some of the best pasta I've ever tasted. Moreover, accommodations are very affordable through Airbnbs or by using relatively few points with popular hotel loyalty programs."

Barcelona, Spain

For Tom Grahsler, the director of video, this is the first year since 2006 that he hasn't traveled to Barcelona. "While I'm pleased it will welcome tourists again, I feel for my Catalan friends who have enjoyed the city's solitude over the past year and will now have to share it once more." Grahsler advises visiting in the fall or early spring to escape the summer tourist rush.

Grahsler remarked, "The relaxed pace of life is what makes Barcelona so special to me. With long lunches and late dinners, punctuality isn’t a big concern, allowing for more spontaneous interactions and genuine connections."

Lecce, Italy

"Lecce, Italy, is an absolutely breathtaking city in Puglia, often referred to as the 'Florence of the South.' It boasts beautiful Baroque architecture and rich history but without the overwhelming crowds found in Florence," shares global news editor Emily McNutt.

"Make sure to take your time exploring the city’s charming, quiet streets and savoring the delicious cuisine. Additionally, consider renting a car to visit nearby villages in Puglia, such as Ostuni, Monopoli, Matera, Gallipoli, and the iconic trulli huts in Alberobello."

McNutt suggests that a visit to Lecce is ideal for maintaining social distance while being close to the sea in one of Italy's most picturesque regions.

Hamburg, Germany

"I have a soft spot for classic destinations like Paris and Prague," shares editor-at-large Zach Honig. "However, I also really enjoy Hamburg, Germany."

"Hamburg is home to a major Airbus assembly line, making it a hotspot for aviation enthusiasts. But beyond that, it’s a vibrant city to explore, particularly in the fall during apple picking season. It's a fantastic place to rent a bike and spend the day cycling ... you can ride past Airbus into charming smaller towns, immersing yourself in both the city and the essence of small-town German life," he adds.

Best of all, Honig points out that Hamburg features one of the most affordably priced Park Hyatt hotels he's ever seen — "a win-win situation all around."

Paris, France

"Despite its immense popularity, it remains one of my top choices," shares credit cards editor Juan Ruiz. "In fact, I've visited Paris about five times more than any other European city."

Ruiz describes it as a historic, elegant, and chic city that embodies culture, art, fashion, and cuisine.

Florence, Italy

"I admit it, the crowds are indeed overwhelming," says TPG senior director of engineering, Mitchell Stoutin. "This city isn't exactly tranquil or relaxing to wander through. But do you want to see Michelangelo's David or not? Do you wish to stand beneath the dome of a cathedral that took centuries to construct, started purely out of faith, without the technology to finish it?"

Stoutin emphasizes that the Uffizi and Accademia host some of the finest collections in the world, with the "crowds reflecting just how concentrated Florence's treasures really are."

"I recall seeing a graphic a few years back illustrating that the entire city could fit within the area of an unnamed highway interchange in metro Atlanta. (This highlights a lot about America, Italy, and the 500 years of technological evolution.) Crowded or not, Florence offers an intellectual and aesthetic extravaganza."

Colmar, France

"Colmar may not often appear on lists of the top European cities, but this hidden treasure nestled between Strasbourg and Basel, Switzerland, is definitely worth considering for your next getaway — especially if you’re seeking some festive cheer this holiday season," remarks senior editor Nick Ewen.

"This quaint town serves as an excellent starting point for wine tasting in the Alsace region, with Freiburg, Germany, just a short drive away. However, make sure to allocate ample time to discover Colmar itself. The town features charming cobblestone streets and stunning architecture, along with La Petite Venise, a picturesque canal lined with delightful eateries."

Ewen also highlights that Colmar is a "food lover's paradise, boasting several Michelin-starred restaurants alongside numerous other venues where you can savor the blend of French, German, and Italian cuisines," which pair perfectly with a "refreshing (but not overly sweet) glass of Riesling or Gewürztraminer from a local vineyard."

According to Ewen, the old town truly "comes alive during the holiday season, featuring various Christmas markets that offer beautiful crafts and delectable food. And who can resist a warm mug of mulled wine on a brisk December evening?"

Vienna, Austria

"In my opinion, Vienna is one of Europe's most overlooked cities," says senior news editor Clint Henderson. "It offers the same grandeur as Paris but without the crowds. My colleague Mitchell Stoutin noted that it was the first city to establish a true coffee house culture, making it a hub for various intellectuals. While it carries a complex history of colonialism and fascism, that's a reality for many European capitals."

Henderson enjoys discovering the "abundance of remarkable museums and palaces" in Vienna. He identifies the Leopold Museum and the Belvedere Palace as two top attractions, both showcasing several works by Gustav Klimt.

"This city is truly magnificent. For a luxurious experience, consider staying at the stunning Park Hyatt Vienna, located in a former bank in the historic district overlooking Am Hof square. It's among my favorite hotels in the world."

Ljubljana, Slovenia