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Turin has a way of feeling alive without ever becoming overwhelming. It is a city of elegant streets, open squares, warm evening light and the steady rhythm of everyday Italian life. During a long weekend here with two friends, it quickly became clear that Turin is not a city that tries too hard to impress. Instead, it invites you in quietly — through clean boulevards, welcoming people, lively piazzas and the feeling that, somehow, time moves a little more slowly here.

Getting to Turin is refreshingly simple. The city is well connected by air, with easy access via major European hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol. From the airport, the centre is only a short journey away by train or taxi, with taxis into town capped at around €40. It makes arrival feel wonderfully uncomplicated.

For a stay in the heart of the city, Palazzo Bellezia Luxury Suites & Spa is hard to beat. It sits as centrally as one could wish, close to Turin’s historic streets and main sights, yet the surrounding area still feels calm and quiet — a rare combination in a city centre. Its own website describes it as being near Piazza Castello and Via Roma, while booking platforms place it in Turin’s historic centre.

We spent much of our time in Quadrilatero Romano, the old Roman quarter and the historic beginning of Turin. Originally laid out by the Romans as a defensive settlement, the area still carries that ancient order in its straight streets and square layout, making it easy to explore without a map. Yet within this structure, the neighbourhood is full of charm: narrow lanes, tucked-away bars, small restaurants and piazzas that seem to change character as the day turns into evening.

One of the most memorable places here is Turin’s great market, where stalls overflow with fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, wine, olives and produce from the surrounding Piedmont region. This is not a polished tourist market, and that is exactly what makes it special. Locals shop for their daily food, restaurants collect quality ingredients, and visitors get a vivid glimpse of the city’s real appetite.

By evening, the squares of Quadrilatero Romano come to life. Piazza Emanuele Filiberto is especially good for a younger crowd, with people gathering for aperitivo, conversation and the small rituals of a night out in Italy. For a cocktail later in the evening, T-Club Cocktail Bar is a lovely choice, with a warm atmosphere and a setting that suits the neighbourhood’s relaxed nightlife.

Food is one of Turin’s quiet strengths. For breakfast or a fresh start to the day, The Mix Food & Juice is an easy recommendation. For dinner, Scannabue is well worth seeking out. Located in San Salvario, it is known for regional Piedmontese cooking, a welcoming atmosphere and a wine list that celebrates the surrounding region. The Michelin Guide describes its cuisine as regional in flavour, while local food guides highlight its Piedmontese character and strong wine selection.

One of Turin’s great pleasures is that the countryside is never far away. A short drive from the city brings you into some of Italy’s most celebrated wine country, including Barolo and Barbaresco. We visited the Barolo district, a compact and beautiful area made up of 11 small villages, the best known of which is Barolo itself. Here, vineyards roll over the hills and the pace becomes even gentler. There are excellent opportunities to visit wineries and taste some of the region’s finest wines, but the area is just as rewarding for those who simply want to wander through small Italian villages and enjoy the landscape.

Taken together, Turin offers a rare balance: the culture, food and energy of a city, without the chaos that can sometimes come with larger destinations. It is big enough to be interesting, small enough to feel manageable, and charming enough to make you want to stay longer than planned.

For friends, couples, small families or anyone drawn to the Italian way of life, Turin is a wonderful choice for a long weekend. Come for the markets, the wine, the food and the evening piazzas — but perhaps most of all, come for that quiet feeling that here, life has found a slightly better rhythm.

Just 25 minutes by train from Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam greets you with a pulse both modern and maritime. We chose to stay at the Marriott Hotel, perfectly situated just two minutes from the central station—an ideal base for exploring the city without hassle. The convenience of simply tapping your credit card at any metro or train gate made getting around effortless, always ensuring the correct fare without worrying about tickets.

Our days in Rotterdam began with a dive into its seafaring heritage at the Maritime Museum, a place where the city’s long relationship with the sea comes vividly alive. Open to everyone, it offers optional guided tours, though we found wandering at our own pace equally rewarding. Another highlight was the Fenix Museum of Migration, where stories of the Holland America Line unfold—reminding visitors how Rotterdam once stood as a gateway to new lives across the Atlantic.

The city center offered a mix of shopping streets and lively squares, a touch touristy but full of energy, lined with restaurants where locals and visitors mingle. For dinner, we discovered Umami by Han, an Asian fusion restaurant recommended by the Michelin Guide. The food was elegant yet approachable, served in a relaxed atmosphere that made the experience memorable without feeling overly formal.

Another culinary highlight was VINEUM, also recommended in the Michelin Guide. Here the focus is on refined, classic cuisine paired with a truly exceptional wine list. David, the owner, personally welcomed us at the door and set the tone for an evening that felt both warm and extraordinary. His presence and passion elevated the dining experience, making it one of the most memorable moments of our trip. This is a place worth seeking out, but reservations are essential as tables fill quickly.

Rotterdam is a city of contrasts—sleek architecture and buzzing nightlife on one side, quieter corners and local gems on the other. The east and south of the center revealed inviting neighborhoods with character, while the west side promised a more authentic, multicultural atmosphere for those craving something different. And when evening falls, Witte de Withstraat becomes the city’s social artery, alive with bars and eateries. We lingered at Wijnbar Het Eigendom, where an excellent glass of wine provided the perfect close to the night.

We also devoted a day to nearby Delft, just 20 minutes away by train or metro. In contrast to Rotterdam’s modern skyline, Delft is a postcard of the past: narrow canals, historic houses, and a slower rhythm of life. The atmosphere here is calm, relaxed, and welcoming—an invitation to enjoy classic Dutch charm at an unhurried pace. A canal cruise proved a gentle way to take it all in, drifting past centuries-old facades before stopping at small cafés and independent shops tucked along cobblestone lanes. For lunch, we can warmly recommend Kek – De koffiebar van Delft, a cozy spot with excellent food and coffee that perfectly matches the city’s laid-back charm. Delft felt like a place that encourages you to slow down, breathe, and simply enjoy.

A long weekend in Rotterdam offers the best of both worlds: a city firmly rooted in its maritime past yet brimming with innovation, nightlife, and easy connections to nearby gems. Whether wandering museums, dining in Michelin-recommended restaurants, or slipping away to Delft’s tranquil canals, you’ll find Rotterdam both accessible and endlessly surprising.