Hollywood didn’t put Lake Como on the map—it’s been a holiday retreat since Roman times. But the lake’s popularity among A-listers and jet-setters has established its status as one of the world’s most glamorous destinations. The landscape grows even more luxe in 2026 with the arrival of two five-star hotels: the Lake Como Edition, housed in a 19th-century palazzo in Cadenabbia, just north of Tremezzo, and the Ritz-Carlton Lake Como in Bellagio, which will occupy the former Hotel Grande Bretagne, a 19th-century landmark.

Farther south in Cernobbio, the Miralago Hotel will become the Miralago Luxury Apartments, operated by Villa d’Este Collezione—guests will enjoy concierge services and full access to Villa d’Este’s amenities. It’s not the only local investment from the group, which, in 2025, rebranded and reopened Palazzo Venezia, a hotel in Como’s Piazza Cavour, as a five-star property–the group also revamped the historic Caffè Cavour on the hotel’s ground floor. Elsewhere in Como, Mama Shelter will bring its playful, design-forward energy to the city later this year.

A resident takes in the view of Lake Como from a precarious balcony on a cobblestone street in the town of Lecco.

Sophie Knight

Lake Como also hosts annual events that attract in-the-know devotees for both professional pursuits and pleasure. From May 15th through 17th, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este turns Cernobbio into a stage for rare and luxury classic cars, and the Lake Como Design Festival takes place September 12th through 20th, with installations, exhibitions, talks, and immersive creative presentations taking place in Como and beyond.

But Lake Como isn’t all glitz and glamour. Beneath the polish lies a quieter, more humble side that’s equally compelling: quaint towns and centuries-old traditions of silk-making, cooking, boatbuilding, and wine and olive oil production, plus a history partly shaped by smuggling routes and its role as a Second World War resistance hub–chapters of the lake’s past that still linger.

Below, you’ll find a list of the very best things to do in Lake Como, ranging from the widely touted to the lesser-known spots every traveler should have on their radar.

Casabianca is a transformed 1930s white marble villa overlooking the Lungolago showcasing the De Santis family’s extensive contemporary art collection.

Courtesy Casabianca

I’ve lived in Miami for years, and my relationship to the city has evolved over time—at this point in my life, I really appreciate it in a deeper way. I grew up between Brazil and the ocean, so there’s a familiarity here that feels grounding: the climate, the culture, the pace. I’m the co-founder of a brand deeply rooted in the sea, and a lot of what I’m drawn to, both personally and creatively, is shaped by that environment, especially the proximity to the water. Miami is constantly changing, but it still holds onto a strong sense of place, at least for me, which is something I’ve come to value more as I’ve gotten older. —Duda Teixeira, Éliou cofounder

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Where to stay:

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Day 1: South Miami

Breakfast spot: A treat at Facade Bakery

Morning activity: Yoga (or Pilates)

Lunch spot: Farm-to-table fare at Krüs Kitchen

Afternoon activity: A walk around Coconut Grove

Dinner: Share plates at Fooq’s

Evening activity: Nightcaps with a side of vinyl

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Day 2: Biscayne and Beyond

Breakfast spot: Croissants at Flour & Weirdoughs

Morning activity: A sweat session (and a beach visit)

Lunch spot: Oceanside eats at Gramps Getaway

Afternoon activity: A dose of contemporary art at the Rubell Museum

Dinner: Not-so-classic steakhouse vibes

Evening activity: Live music at Zey Zey

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Day 3: A little bit of everything

Breakfast spot: Smoothies at Under The Mango Tree

Morning activity: A visit to the Design District and Little River

Lunch spot: Burgers at Vecinos

Afternoon activity: Spa time at The Standard

Dinner: A Michelin-mentioned meal at Palma

Evening activity: Dancing at Medium Cool

There’s a lot to love about the Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel: its gardens, its beautiful rooms decorated by Lorenzo Castillo, and its location—Chamberí is not just my neighborhood, it’s my favorite part of Madrid. And then there’s the Four Seasons Madrid: The club sandwich, the cocktail bar, the spa… they’ve managed to keep the Four Seasons level of luxury while maintaining an immensely Madrid vibe. When I’m meeting a friend, the most sophisticated spot, at any hour, is the Rosewood Villa Magna. I love falling into its lively atmosphere. If you’re after an incredibly charming, Madrid-style stay, Hotel Urso is one of my go-tos. My favorite thing about it? The cuisine at its restaurant, Casa Felisa, gets my top marks.

There are plenty of buzzy properties, but Madrid does rest and relaxation, too. The inner garden at CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha is the definition of peaceful, but the entire property exudes tranquility. A similar vibe unfolds at Casa de las Artes, The Meliá Collection. There’s a serious commitment to culture here, from the intimate cinema to the library—it’s a true ode to artistic Madrid.

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Day 1: Long Walks and Plenty of Small Plates

Breakfast spot: Pastries at Alma Nomad Bakery

Morning activity: Walk through Los Rosales

Lunch spot: Local favorites at El Pedrusco

Afternoon activity: Shop through Contemporánea Condeduque

Dinner: Small plates at Amis

Evening activity: Two vibes, multiple cocktails

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Day 2: The Classic Sights

Breakfast spot: A sweet start at La Duquesita

Morning activity: Embrace the chaos at El Rastro

Lunch spot: Market-fresh fare at La Tasquita de Enfrente

Afternoon activity: Soak in the vibes of Gran Vía

Dinner: More small plates at La Llorería

Evening activity: An exploration of Salesas Chueca

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Day 3: A Hearty Dose of Culture

Breakfast spot: Pastries at Estela Hojaldre

Morning activity: Soak in some culture at Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Lunch spot: Paella at El Jardín del Ritz

Afternoon activity: Go gallery hopping

Dinner: A show at El Corral de la Morería

Evening activity: Experience Spanish Broadway

Choosing your spot to set as home base doesn’t have to be overwhelming—London is home to plenty of chic properties. Perhaps the most iconic hotel in London, Claridge’s is an absolute classic—packed full of old-school grandeur and timeless charm. Even if you can’t swing a stay, it’s worth stepping into the lobby just to soak up the fabulousness of it all (and maybe spot the odd celeb or two). The Ned is another stay that simply transports—the kind of place you could spend an entire weekend without setting foot outside, floating from the dreamy subterranean spa to martinis at Library Bar, followed by a slap-up meal at Lutyens Grill. Plus, the rooftop pool is a knockout.

If you’re after one of the slickest addresses in the city, the Rosewood is pure class, and the location couldn’t be more perfect for London first-timers. My biggest tip? Don’t skip Scarfes Bar—it’s one of the best drinking spots around. If buzzy is a priority, the Martin Brudzinski-designed Broadwick Soho is still a relative newcomer to the London scene, but it’s already embedded itself as a fave with locals and visitors alike, and for good reason. Find me at Flute, the disco-chic rooftop bar, snapping pics of the interiors with one hand and a cocktail in the other. Spending the night at the NoMad London, which is housed in a former magistrates’ court in the middle of Covent Garden, is a sure-fire way to leave feeling more cultured than when you arrived, plus the newly revamped restaurant—Twenty8 NoMad—is worth a visit alone. Don’t leave without booking a treatment with expert facialist Katie England; I promise it’ll be one of the best you’ve ever experienced. For something with constant energy, every night feels like a Friday night at The Standard, right in the middle of London’s regenerated King’s Cross. Don’t let the Brutalist exterior fool you—inside is a retro-futuristic playground with one heck of a restaurant (Decimo) on the 10th floor.

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Day 1: Mayfair

Breakfast spot: Classics at Mount Street Restaurant

Morning activity: A wander through Hyde Park

Lunch spot: A quick stop at Arôme Bakery

Afternoon activity: An art education at The Wallace Collection

Dinner: Pub fare at The Hart

Evening activity: Live music at Ronnie Scott’s

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Day 2: Broadway Market

Breakfast spot: Benedict at Bistrotheque

Morning activity: Souvenirs at Broadway Market

Lunch spot: Sandwiches at Deeneys

Afternoon activity: Furry friends at Hackney City Farm

Dinner: Farm-to-table vibes at Cafe Cecilia

Evening activity: Nightcaps at Satan’s Whiskers

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Day 3: Shoreditch

Breakfast spot: A coffee fix at Jolene Redchurch Street

Morning activity: Stalls and snacks at Brick Lane

Lunch spot: Carbs at Beigel Bake

Afternoon activity: Self-care at Sauna & Plunge

Dinner: Thai favorites at Singburi

Evening activity: Karaoke at Bao Shoreditch

I love L’Hôtel for its discreet charm—it has a very French XIXth century aesthetic, and it feels like staying in a secret Parisian home. The bedrooms are so theatrical, with lush wallpapers and silk fabrics; they give a romantic, boudoir feel that is very rare in newer boutique hotels. La Cour des Vosges has a very quiet, luxurious feeling, and a great view overlooking one of Paris’s most beautiful squares. The decor is a perfect blend of XVIIe century details and touches of ‘70s—it’s a very specific blend. For something a bit more intimate, I return to Hotel Massé for its effortlessly stylish Parisian spirit. The scene is very artsy—think: Fashion Week visitors, artists passing through, photographers, designers… the list goes on.

Château Voltaire is my favorite place for a romantic stay; it’s bold, artistic, and all the objects are super well curated. I say it’s romantic entirely because of the interiors: wood walls, custom-made carpets, vintage hardware, and soft lighting. If you plan on spending some time outdoors, Saint James is known for its incredible garden setting; you almost feel like you’re in the countryside, despite being in the heart of Paris. The sprawling gardens surrounding the hotel, designed by Xavier de Chirac, complement the building’s majestic architecture—Irish yews, white hydrangeas, azaleas and rhododendrons, and Japanese maples, to name a few mainstays. To round out the list, I keep coming back to Hotel Rochechouart for its Art Deco style and authentic neighborhood energy. Located in the 9th, you have lots of cool restaurants and bars nearby, and Montmartre is also very close.

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Day 1: Le Marais

Breakfast spot: Coffee and pastries at Dreamin’ Man

Morning activity: A bit of souvenir shopping

Afternoon activity: Vintage shopping

Dinner: Classic dishes at Bistrot des Tournelles

Evening activity: A nightcap at Delicatessen Place

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Day 2: Belleville

Breakfast spot: Sweet treats from Le Petit Grain

Morning activity: A stroll through Buttes Chaumont

Lunch spot: Basque flavors at Le Dauphin

Afternoon activity: A scoop of ice cream and Canal St. Martin

Dinner: A kick of spice at Cendrillon

Evening activity: Cocktails at Combat

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Day 3: St Germain

Breakfast spot: Matcha at Wani Coffee Shop

Morning activity: A piece of Medieval France

Lunch spot: A restaurant with a storied guest list

Afternoon activity: Local ceramics at Astier de Villatte

Dinner: Korean fare at Orson

Evening activity: A cocktail bar with its own magazine

I have been traveling to Berlin every few weeks (for work) for years. To this day, there is still nothing better for me than visiting the city for a weekend in my free time. There is always something new, and nothing better than my old favorites—for example, since my very first visit, my top restaurant has been the Goldener Hahn in Kreuzberg.

Ahead, I’ve put together a three-day breeze through the city that I would plan for myself, from my favorite hotels to set as home base, where to have breakfast, and which parks you can’t miss.—Dennis Braatz, Head of Editorial Content at Condé Nast Traveller Germany

Where to stay

Waking up with a view of the Brandenburg Gate? That’s only possible in one of the famous Pariser Platz suites of the iconic Adlon Kempinski. Also in the area, in Mitte’s buzzy center and only a few steps from the Brandenburg Gate, the Chateau Royal features one-of-a-kind guest rooms decorated by local and international creatives. (It’s modern, chic, and sexy.) If you’re on a budget and still want a trendy crowd, The Hoxton is an affordable place to stay in West Berlin with an interior that taps into West Berlin’s Art Deco heritage—plus many great shops and boutiques are close by.

Set in an elegant skyscraper in West Berlin, and just around the corner from the shopping boulevard Ku’damm and Germany’s number one department store, KaDeWe, the Waldorf Astoria also has a massive gourmet food hall. The ultra-modern, cube-like KPM Berlin Hotel Residences stands on the 18th-century Royal Porcelain Manufactory complex. Rooms are clean and functional, and major sights like Tiergarten and the Berlin Zoo are 10 and 15 minutes on foot. And if you’re up for an escape from the city, the grand landmark mansion Schlosshotel Berlin is tucked behind tall iron gates in West Berlin’s peaceful Grunewald district.

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Day 1: A Mitte Deep Dive

Breakfast spot: A caffeine fix at Matchasome

Morning activity: A stroll through one (or two) museums

Lunch spot: A classic at Borchardt

Afternoon activity: New outfits at William Fan

Dinner: Some serious spice at Restaurant Tim Raue

Evening activity: Drinks at Victoria Bar

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Day 2: Big Architecture

Breakfast spot: A full spread at Frühstück 300

Morning activity: Shopping (and history) at KaDeWe

Lunch spot: Stall hopping at Die Sechste

Afternoon activity: A matinee at Friedrichstadtpalast

Dinner: Moody vibes at Goldener Hahn

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Day 3: Essential History

Breakfast spot: The buffet at Bel Etage

Morning activity: A necessary education

Lunch spot: Must-have currywurst at Curry-Baude

Afternoon activity: A dip at Stadtbad Neukölln

Dinner: Retro eats at Luna D’Oro

Evening activity: A night of dancing

With only eight suites, the Hotel Dé Ricci feels like a private home right off one of my favorite streets in Rome, Via di Monserrato; it’s a street that hasn’t been commercialized and still retains the Roman charm I love. Speaking of charm, the courtyard at Hotel Locarno has been a second home for me. It’s a true Roman crossroads where locals and guests reunite for aperitivo; the rooms in the main historic building still capture the 1960s glamour of when it served as a living room for the likes of Fellini, Rossellini, and Mastroianni.

If you want to feel like you really live in Rome, the SuperAttico Monserrato is a real gem on Via di Monserrato. This beautifully designed penthouse is owned and tastefully curated by Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla, the duo behind the cult-favorite boutique Chez Dédé. For an equally laidback vibe, The Hoxton is set in the Parioli district, it allows you to be based in a neighborhood that still belongs to the locals, yet it’s close enough to reach the historic center with a beautiful walk through Villa Borghese.

For a spa you’ll never want to leave, head to the Six Senses. I’m usually not one for spas (too high energy to chill), but after 20,000 steps through Rome, their signature holistic massage is the only thing that truly brings you back to life. And over at Vuotopieno, the apartments are curated spaces designed for multidisciplinary exchange, where travelers live alongside site-specific works left behind by visiting artists.

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Day 1: Sights along the Tiber River

Breakfast spot: Carbs and coffee at Forno Campo de’ Fiori

Morning activity: Golden souvenirs

Lunch spot: Unfussy Italian fare

Afternoon activity: A walk through Aventino

Dinner: A veggie-heavy feast

Evening activity: A nightcap (or three)

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Day 2: Centro Storico (and Beyond)

Breakfast spot: Baked goods at Regoli

Morning activity: A dose of contemporary art

Lunch spot: Classic Roman dishes

Afternoon activity: Gelato and Caravaggios

Dinner: A parade of seafood

Evening activity: Natural wine among locals

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Day 3: A Day Trip to Campagnano Romano

Breakfast spot: Pastries and road-trip bread

Morning activity: A dip in a volcanic lake

Lunch spot: Farm-to-table favorites

Afternoon activity: A masterclass in Italian Art Deco

Dinner: Offal at Trecca

Evening activity: Nightcaps at La Mescita

For something buzzy, the revitalized Waldorf Astoria is an absolute visual treat, from its signature lobby lounge to the iconic clock. This is no ordinary hotel; it’s a piece of Manhattan history, and you’ll want to soak that in, whether you’re sipping a martini at its two-story brasserie or checking into a Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed suite overlooking Park Avenue. For another side of the city’s history, head straight to the Hotel Chelsea. The version of Patti Smith and Leonard Cohen’s era may be long gone, but its story is still fiercely celebrated, whether through longtime residents who remain in its apartments or the vintage fireplaces and stained glass of its interiors. Still, contemporary perks are woven into this living museum, including a fabulous spa.

From the minute you enter Nine Orchard, you feel like a more stylish version of yourself. Credit the venerable address (it’s housed in the historic 1912 Jarmulowsky Bank Building), the chic design (the lobby combines midcentury furniture with maximalist Gucci wallpaper), and the expansive city views. Plus, it boasts one of my favorite bars in town, the lush Swan Room. Moody and sleek, the Ritz-Carlton, Nomad is also designed to make an impression—and not just because of its 50-story sway. Inside, dramatic interiors set the tone, matched by excellent service. Must-try food and drink experiences include Spanish-Japanese fusion at The Bazaar by José Andrés and rooftop cocktails at Nubeluz, a jewel-toned bar with views for miles. Equally impressive, the exuberantly designed Fifth Avenue Hotel is a wondrous escape from the busyness of NoMad that lives just beyond its doorstep. Stockholm-born designer Martin Brudnizki has filled it with a romantic enthusiasm that is both transportive and cocooning. Leave room for a nightcap at the snug, wood-paneled Portrait Bar—or order up a martini cart to your suite.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a good option if you’re looking for views over Brooklyn Bridge Park and coveted panoramas of Downtown Manhattan—it draws a loyal following of younger, sustainability-minded travelers who appreciate its green ethos. At any given moment, the plant-filled lobby is dotted with stylish locals and tourists alike, and the rooftop buzzes all summer long.

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Day 1: Upper East Side

Breakfast spot: Babka (and more) at Breads Bakery

Morning activity: Jog the reservoir

Lunch spot: Comfort food at Café Sabarsky

Afternoon activity: Get lost at The Frick

Dinner: French fare at Chez FiFi

Where to eat in Sacramento

Sacramento’s dining scene is shaped by two forces that don’t always coexist: one of the most productive agricultural regions and one of the most diverse urban populations in the United States. The result is a city where a chef-driven tasting menu or a family-run eatery can both be essential, and the best meal of your trip might come from either.

Casual eats

Midtown is a natural starting point. Its grid of tree-lined streets is easy to navigate on foot, with enough restaurants, bars, and coffee shops clustered to fill an entire day. Restaurants like Mulvaney’s B&L helped establish Sacramento’s farm-to-fork reputation, while newer spots such as Majka Pizzeria & Bakery carry the tradition forward with seasonal pizzas, handmade pastas, and vegetable-driven plates.

Beyond Midtown, there’s more to discover. Southside Super serves a tight menu shaped by Korean and Vietnamese traditions, including kimchi fried rice and a simmering bowl of chicken pho that has developed a devoted following. In Carmichael, Noroc feels like being invited to a stranger’s grandmother’s house for dinner. Enjoy dumplings, borscht, and chicken Kiev built from family recipes that Alexandru and Ludmila Sirbu brought with them from Moldova. Stockton Boulevard in South Sacramento has become one of California’s largest Vietnamese commercial corridors, with bakeries, family-run pho shops, and bánh mi favorites like Duc Hoang. In East Sacramento, Tacos 65 is a go-to for lunch. The smell of charcoal hits before you even reach the door, a preview of the tacos al carbón that keep locals coming back.

Upscale dining

Michelin-starred Localis is where chef Chris Barnum-Dann builds tasting menus around Northern California’s farms and producers, a love letter to the region written in food. At last year’s Michelin Guide California ceremony, Barnum-Dann was also named Sommelier of the Year.

The Kitchen, also Michelin-starred, blurs the line between restaurant and theater. Chef Kelly McCown works the room like a host who has known every guest for years, moving table to table between courses while guests are invited into the kitchen itself.

Kru has shaped Sacramento’s Japanese dining scene for years. Chef Billy Ngo opened it young and earned a James Beard Award nomination along the way, but what sets Kru apart is its commitment to the region: locally grown rice replaces Japanese imports, Tsar Nicolai caviar comes from sturgeon farms in Elk Grove, and Delta sturgeon itself appears on the nigiri menu. It remains the place locals go when the occasion calls for it.

Stay at the Kimpton Sawyer, where dining options include Echo & Rig.