29 May 2025
There are so many inspiring destinations to travel to, so to help you make a choice, I present five design destinations each month—along with the new restaurants, cafés, shops, and hotels you shouldn’t miss, and of course, a current (design) angle.
This month: Utrecht, Copenhagen, Scotland, Thy, and Ostend.
In the heart of the Netherlands lies Utrecht, a quieter alternative to Amsterdam. Think: beautiful canals, the sound of a violin drifting from one of the houses, and close proximity to the Utrechtse Heuvelrug for those who love hiking. The city is known for Gerrit Rietveld, and the world-famous Rietveld Schröder House is a highlight for architecture enthusiasts (with coffee bar Ukiyo in the former garage). While you’re at it, visit the Huis van Ravesteyn as well. The Centraal Museum always hosts interesting exhibitions, and this summer they’re focusing on motherhood in the broadest sense of the word with Good Mom/Bad Mom. Featuring work from Louise Bourgeois to Rineke Dijkstra. Want to go full-on supermom? Then stop by the Nijntje Museum – a hit with kids aged 2 to 6.
Design Stays? Léo Léo opened this year on Twijnstraat, the oldest shopping street in the city. You’ll sleep above a French bistro that’s open from breakfast to dinner. And this September, Conscious Hotel Oudegracht will open, where sustainability is key.
Find more tips on the Utrecht page
The design week everyone wants to attend – and where FOMO is real because of the sheer number of events – is 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen (June 18–20). All the major brands open their showrooms, new designers (like Belgium’s After the Rain) showcase their collections, and cool events are organized. Booking a Design Walk makes it extra special; you not only see the highlights of a specific neighborhood but also learn more about Danish brands. Looking for more cool spots while soaking in inspiration? Head to wine bar Bar Vitrine, café Amator, or take a class at Rave Yoga.
Design Stays? Spend the night at the Vipp Pencil Case, a bright apartment in a former pencil factory. It’s right across from Vipp’s headquarters, where you can also visit the guesthouse designed by Studio KO for 3 Days of Design.
Find more tips on the Copenhagen page
Scotland’s endless natural beauty moves everyone – and the Highlands happen to be a destination where design lovers can also feel right at home. We already know the cottages of Gairnshiel and Killiehuntley Farmhouse, but did you know that the island of Mull is home to a fantastic restaurant called Croft 3? Inver has also been around for a while and is a must after a long hike. A road trip through Scotland should, of course, end with a few days in Edinburgh, where you need to queue early in the morning at Lannan Bakery for their amazing croissants and sweet treats.
Design Stays? The Hoxton is opening in Edinburgh at the end of this month, right in the heart of Haymarket – close to the city’s best streets and Edinburgh Castle. In the Scottish countryside, Iorram is a holiday home you’ll want to check into immediately. Just before the Isle of Skye, it’s a place where craftsmanship, sustainability, and design take center stage.
Find more tips on the United Kingdom page
If you’re already in Copenhagen this month and want to explore more of Denmark, consider visiting Thy. National Park Thy is Denmark’s oldest national park, and with 200km² of walking and biking paths, it invites you to explore its wild landscapes, spot red deer or seals, or do some stargazing in the evening. In Hurup, SMK Thy is opening this summer – part of the National Gallery of Denmark where you can see works by artists such as Matisse, Picasso, and Dalí. Prefer to hit the water? Cold Hawaii is a beloved (kite)surf spot in Thy.
Design Stays? Last year, Vipp opened a holiday home surrounded by the wild nature of the national park. I wonder if you’ll manage to do anything more than stare at the view from the couch – but luckily, the bedrooms also look out onto nature.
Find more tips on the Denmark page
When thinking of the Belgian coast, Ostend might not immediately come to mind. It is a seaside resort, but also a port, and the coastline is filled with apartment blocks (which is also a reason to go, see Design Stays tip below). Art plays a big role here – not just through the abundant street art around the city but also through small galleries like Oever Gallery and the well-known Mu.ZEE. The latter focuses on modern and contemporary Belgian art from 1880 to the present but had to temporarily close for renovations. From June 28, however, they’ll be hosting a series of exhibitions in the Venetian Galleries. Definitely worth a visit.
Design Stays? Paradis Apartment is a two-bedroom flat by the sea that opened last year, and now features a completely new interior. That was the idea all along – its owners are passionate about design, so why should a vacation home always stay the same? A lovely place to return to after a day at the beach.
Find more tips on the Belgium page
Credits: all pictures by Petite Passport, except Gairnshill by Nathalie van Reeth and Maarten van Meerbeeck, Lannan Bakery by ZAC and ZAC, Vipp Cold Hawaii by Vipp and Paradis Apartment by Micha Pycke
A monthly note with new addresses and places worth traveling to
