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Why not north? The unsung summer cities worth your curiosity

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You know how the story goes. Come June, Europe flocks south. To the sun-baked coastlines. The bustling beach towns. The crowded piazzas. But what if your best summer holiday wasn’t where everyone else is heading?

What if, instead, it was in a Nordic city where the sun lingers until midnight? A Bavarian capital buzzing with culture, beer gardens, and open-air festivals? A Danish design mecca where you can cycle from waterfront sauna to rooftop bar before dinner?

This summer, Bob’s spotlighting the less expected, but no less unforgettable corners of Europe. The ones that locals love, but tourists often overlook. Cities where you’ll find space to roam, stories to uncover, and a cooler (literally) kind of summer magic.

HELSINKI: SEASIDE STILLNESS MEETS SCANDI COOL

Finland’s capital is a total summer sleeper hit. Think island hopping by ferry, wild swimming off city piers, and long golden evenings spent in a rooftop sauna.

Wander the Design District, sip natural wines in Kallio, or catch a gig at Flow Festival (August 2025) where the crowd is effortlessly cool, and the lineup just as hot as the Med.

Oh, and those Scandi interiors you dream about? You’ll be living in them.

Where to stay, according to Bob:

Kaartinkaupunki – Heart of the Action

Central, stylish, and steps from the sea. Great coffee, better wine, and that elusive something special you only get in a neighbourhood where city meets coastline. (Also: our award-winning design gem lives here.)

Ullanlinna – Art Nouveau Class

Elegant buildings, buzzy cafés, and the Design Museum down the road. Leafy, cultured, and within strolling distance of Helsinki’s highlights.

Katajanokka – Nautical Oasis

Surrounded by sea and steeped in charm, this peaceful district blends seaside calm with great eats, wellness spots, and a touch of Moomin magic.

MUNICH: BEER GARDENS, BIKE RIDES & BAVARIAN VIBES

Don’t let Oktoberfest steal all the glory—Munich in summer is all green parks, lakeside swims, and cultural happenings.

Join the locals at Tollwood Festival (June–July), catch a pop-up film screening by the Isar River, or pedal your way through the Englischer Garten with a pretzel pitstop en route.

It’s charming, it’s chilled, and yes—you can still get your stein of wheat beer with a view. 

Where to stay, according to Bob:

Schwabing – Creative Energy

Former artists’ quarter turned boho-chic base. Full of stories, style, and spontaneous inspiration—ideal for curious wanderers.

Old Town – Historic Soul

Cobblestones, spires, and unbeatable local flavour. You’ll wake up in the heart of it all, ready to explore Munich’s best bits.

Münchner Freiheit – Lively & Local

Buzzing with markets, street art, and indie vibes. Stay here if you want authenticity, espresso, and a side of spontaneity.

COPENHAGEN: SUMMER STREETS, COOL CANALS

Copenhagen knows how to do summer right. Locals spill into the streets and onto the water, with kayaks, bikes, and Aperols in tow.

Live jazz echoes across Nyhavn during Copenhagen Jazz Festival (July), and you can cool off with a dip at Islands Brygge before hitting up the city’s Michelin scene.

Here, summer is lived outdoors, in style, and always with a side of smørrebrød.

Where to stay, according to Bob:

Østerbro – Urban Calm, Danish Cool

Design-forward, green-tinged, and effortlessly stylish. Østerbro strikes the perfect balance between city energy and coastal ease.

Curious? Try a new kind of summer—with a little nudge from Bob

Sometimes trying something new needs a little extra nudge. So, Bob’s giving Inner Circle members an extra 10% off stays in these unsung summer heroes. Think of it as a thank you for being curious—and a sign to take the trip.

This offer’s just for you lot in the Inner Circle. And if you’re not in yet? Well, we’ve saved you a seat.

Inner Circle Explore More Offer

💸 10% off (on top of your usual Inner Circle rate)
📅 Book between: 16–30 April 2025
🛏 Stay between: 22 April–31 August 2025
🔐 Available via Inner Circle only


Opening Soon: Bob W Helsinki Kamppi – Be First In with 35% Off

Love the sound of a summer in Helsinki? You’ll love this even more.

We’re opening a brand-new Bob W in the heart of Kamppi this summer—think retro 70s architecture, contemporary Finnish design by KOKO3, and (of course) a rooftop sauna with city views. And to celebrate, Inner Circle members get 35% off as an exclusive early access deal.

That’s an even deeper discount than usual—just for being one of Bob’s trusted Inner Circle insiders.

🛏️ Stay dates: From 30th May to 31 August 2025
📆 Book between: 15–30 April 2025
🎁 Room only rates | All room types | Limited time only
🔐 Inner Circle members only

*discount automatically applied at checkout

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