select - Stylish Europe
Written by Brian Johnston
Move over Paris, London, and Milan; from Danish design to Swedish chic and the Spanish art of living, the trendy smaller cities featured here have plenty of reasons to flaunt themselves on the European stage of fashion and style
Barcelona
A city with a 2,000-year history and former capital of a vast empire, Barcelona has been leading the way in style for centuries, from the beautiful Gothic architecture of the old town to its Art Nouveau mansions, Picasso canvases, and its fabulous (and yet unfinished) cathedral by Antoni Gaudí. These days, style is set in everything from the local legendary football team to the city’s restaurants, not to mention the effortless cool of laidback tapas bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and 24-hour lifestyle, best experienced by strolling the legendary La Rambla. And when it comes to fashion, Barcelona is challenging Paris and Milan with its cutting-edge offerings from young designers in the quirky stores of El Born and Eixample districts, while Fashion Week in late September is now one of Europe’s most prominent.
WHY
For anyone with a liking for architecture, fashion, dining, nightlife, and the good life lived 24 hours, Barcelona is irresistible.
WHERE
Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region, and lies on the Mediterranean coast of northeast Spain.
HOW TO GET THERE
Qatar Airways has daily non-stop flights from Doha to Barcelona.
Stockholm
In recent years, Stockholm has been undergoing a renaissance. Confident and stylish, the city is leading the way in fashion, design, and technology – while never forgetting to celebrate its history. Stockholm’s Old Town bursts with antique stores and quaint cafés. Stroll to the ‘new’ town for contemporary Scandinavian style. Norrmalm is the location for major Swedish department stores, while Östermalm has outstanding interior decoration and Scandinavian design boutiques. Södermalm has lately been emerging as the place to hunt for funky, alternative fashions. Chic glassware, wooden items in pine and birch, and knitted sweaters and mittens with typical Nordic patterns make for stylish souvenirs, as do painted handicrafts from the provinces.
WHY
Sweden is synonymous with modern design and considerate living, and Stockholm is its elegant showcase.
WHERE
Stockholm lies in the east of Sweden on Lake Mälaren, the beginning of an archipelago that stretches to the Baltic Sea.
HOW TO GET THERE
Qatar Airways has daily non-stop flights to Stockholm.
Copenhagen
Trendy, youthful Copenhagen is agreeably small yet big enough to be lively, and has an enviable living standard. It’s also a showcase of Danish design, that model of simple and efficient chic, whether in fashion, buildings, or homewares. Browse the famous pedestrian Strøget, as well as Købmagergade, and Bredgade, to see it on sale, then visit the Danish Design Centre and Louisiana Museum, where it becomes an art form.
WHY
One of the world’s most convivial small capitals, Copenhagen oozes contemporary flair and effortless chic.
WHERE
Copenhagen spreads across the islands of Zealand and Amager in eastern Denmark.
HOW TO GET THERE
Qatar Airways flies directly from Doha to Copenhagen four times a week.
