Even the world’s most successful business executives need to get out of the office to do a bit of travelling. Not only does travelling breaks up the monotony of dull days at work, but it also offers a wonderful opportunity to explore fascinating sights while building business connections and looking for new opportunities to expand the business.
For entrepreneurs and executives planning to travel, here’s a list of the best luxury European cities for business travel.
1. Paris
Paris is one of the business hubs of Europe, home to some of the world’s top corporate headquarters. The sophisticated city is famous for its quaint cobblestone streets, world-class museums, and luxurious hotels, making it one of the best luxury European cities for business travel.
Paris is one of the busiest entry points into the European market. Entrepreneurs looking to invest in Europe will find plenty of opportunities in Paris. It has one of the world’s highest concentrations of corporate headquarters, including investment banks and oil companies. If you visit Paris for business, allow plenty of time for leisure. Besides, it’s one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, home to iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.
Another great thing about travelling to Paris for business is you’ll find plenty of luxury restaurants to celebrate successful business deals. One such restaurant is Guy Savoy, a Michelin-starred restaurant famous for its impeccable service and mouth-watering food. Some of the restaurant’s signature dishes include an artichoke soup with black truffle shavings, served with brioche slathered in truffle butter.
2. Barcelona
There are many good reasons to consider Barcelona for business travel in Europe. The bustling city has an excellent transportation system, making it easier to get around the city. In addition, it is well-connected to several major European cities by direct plane or train ride.
Many establishments in Barcelona are well-equipped to provide the best quality service, whether small meetings or some of the world’s biggest conferences and summits, such as IBTM World. In fact, it’s a good idea to attend this event on your visit to Barcelona. It’s a gathering of key industry players in the meetings and events industry, a perfect avenue for establishing network connections through one-to-one meetings.
Of course, one of the best things about being in Barcelona is the chance to explore the city’s top attractions. Famous for its arts and architecture, Barcelona is home to some of the world’s most fascinating landmarks, such as the magnificent Sagrada Familia church and other incredible works of art by Gaudi. Your business travel to Barcelona is also a chance to sample delectable Spanish cuisines, from tapas to paellas.
3. London
London has always been one of Europe’s most affluent cities, so it’s not surprising why the British capital is considered a top destination for business travel. As the financial epicentre of Europe, London is home to some of the leading multinational companies in the world, offering numerous unrivalled business opportunities.
Aside from the business opportunities, many business travellers love London because it offers some of the best travel experiences in Europe. So, when your business deals are over, you can spend your time exploring the city’s famous attractions, such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. London is also renowned for its excellent dining scene and has some of the world’s best restaurants.
While in London, treat yourself to a stay in one of the city’s most sophisticated business hotels. One of these is The Corinthia, located close to the Westminster Palace. The hotel was renovated in 2011 and is now one of London’s most elegant accommodations featuring Old World charm with modern design touches. For the ultimate luxury experience, stay at the Royal Penthouse, which has a terrace overlooking the scenic Thames River. The hotel also comes with a business centre, making it an ideal choice for those travelling for business.
4. Milan
As the financial capital of Italy, Milan is undoubtedly a fantastic destination for a business trip to Europe. The city’s key industries include fashion, finance, publishing, and tourism. If you’re interested in investing in any of these industries, you should visit Milan. There are also some amazing accommodations here, perfect for those seeking places to stay in Milan on a business trip.
As one of Europe’s best destinations for business travel, Milan is not short of luxury business hotels, such as the five-star Sheraton Milan San Siro, which has hundreds of well-appointed rooms. It also comes with all the amenities you need for a luxury stay, such as a swimming pool and terraced garden. There’s also a conference and meeting space, making it an ideal home base for entrepreneurs.
Once your business meetings are over, you will have plenty of incredible things to do in Milan. Explore famous sights like the Duomo Cathedral and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. Head to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for a spot of shopping. It’s also home to some of Milan’s most elegant cafes where you can enjoy a cup of cappuccino while taking a break from sightseeing.
5. Budapest
Although Budapest still bears the scars of its tumultuous past, the city offers a cultural experience like no other, making it an ideal destination for business travellers looking to discover a fascinating culture. Hungary’s capital city is bustling and acts as the country’s hub for commerce, finance, arts, and entertainment.
There is plenty to enjoy in Budapest outside of business hours. As you wander around the city, you’ll witness a blend of western and eastern influences, making Budapest a fantastic city to explore. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, explore the Fisherman’s Bastion, and soak at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
Like the other major cities in Europe, Budapest offers the convenience of a modern capital. It has good transportation links, allowing you to navigate the city easily. Budapest is also home to luxury hotels that cater to business travellers, such as the Ritz Carlton and Corinthia. After closing a business deal, treat your clients to one of the upscale restaurants around the city, such as the Robinson Restaurant, located near City Park. It has a scenic location with mouth-watering dishes including Hungarian specialities.
