Bright Lights, Big Cities

?History, fashion, music, and culture -- European cities ooze greatness, especially when the sun goes down. Luminated architecture inspires scenery for lovers, excitement for partygoers, and moody-cool sightseeing opportunities.

CopenhagenCompact Copenhagen has the best view from above. Head to the Arne Jacobsen?designed Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, the world?s first design hotel, for a drink at Alberto K, where golden speckles of light bedazzle the landscape below. From here, catch a glimpse of the harbor reflecting the moon and theTivoli Gardens (above, decked out in an Indian theme last year) lit up beneath.

BerlinLike a bulbous lightning rod from the future, the TV Tower in Berlin may not be as tall as Tokyo?s Sky Tree, but the views are just as good, overlooking historic Alexanderplatz East Berlin below. Make it a Sunday and lose yourself afterward in the flashing neon nightlife of GMF @ Week End where the 15th floor and rooftop heave with the raucous gay energy now known for in the city.

AmsterdamStay tripped up in Amsterdam's Red Light District, where luminous signs of coffee shops and sex shows emanate a ubiquitous rosy glow all night long. Trade crass for class at Hotel de l?Europe, where a new fumoir off the classic Freddy?s Bar overlooks the flickering radiance and romance of the canals, especially when the Winter Magic Amsterdam Festival gets going with parades of blinged-out boats (Dec. 8?Jan. 8).

ZurichAlso in December, Zurich?s Clouds will open on the 35th floor of Switzerland?s tallest building, its first skyscraper. A restaurant-bistro-lounge, it will offer up visions of the lake, mountains, and city from a prestigious and comfortable vantage point. In the meantime, head to Dolder Grand Hotel (above) a five-star castle-like lodge commanding magnificent views atop the Z?richberg.