There are several bars across the world that carry the Harry’s Bar name, but only two of them are true originals – Harry’s Bar in Venice and Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. While the two bars were both opened in the early 20th century, created several iconic cocktails, and have been frequented by some of the 20th century’s biggest icons, that’s where their similarities end. The two bars are actually not connected in any way, besides sharing a name – and the love of Ernest Hemingway. 

We delve into the different stories of the original Harry’s Bars, and how they came to be two of Europe’s most glamorous watering holes. 

Read more: Our Favorite Classic Cocktails, and the Timeless Hotels To Try Them At

Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Photo credit: @cipriani

Harry’s New York Bar – Paris, France

Disregard the misleading name – Harry’s New York Bar is a true Parisian institution. Nestled in the heart of Paris, not far from the iconic Opéra Garnier, Harry’s New York Bar stands as a monument to history, culture, and the fine art of mixology. 

Founded in 1911 by American jockey Tod Sloan, the bar was originally called “The New York Bar.” Sloan had the interior shipped over from a bar in New York, giving it an authentic American feel right in the heart of Paris. Harry MacElhone, a young barman, took over in 1923 and added his first name to the title. The legendary “Harry’s New York Bar” was born, and it’s still owned and run by the MacElhone family.

Over the years, it became the glamorous watering hole of choice for expatriates, tourists, and locals who appreciated the taste of classic cocktails and the allure of American jazz. Today, visiting this century-old establishment is like stepping back in time. The ambient lighting, original wooden panels, over 400 classic drinks, and the familiar tinkling of cocktail glasses transport you to an era when Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Porter were regular patrons.

Visit Harry’s New York Bar in Paris on: Ultimate Southern France

Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

A cocktail atelier

Harry’s New York Bar was the birthplace of several iconic drinks. The most famous among them is the Bloody Mary, said to have been concocted in the 1920s by Fernand Petiot, a bartender at Harry’s. Their impressive cocktail repertoire also includes the White Lady, the French 75 and the Side Car, legacies of the skill and creativity of the bartenders who’ve graced Harry’s counters.

Read more: 9 essential cocktails to drink (and where to drink them) in New Orleans

Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Cultural epicenter

This Parisian institution was a jazz oasis and something of a second home for the Lost Generation. Throughout the roaring ‘20s, the bar played host to a stream of literary and artistic figures, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and Humphrey Bogart. 

With a crowd like that, it’s little wonder Harry’s New York Bar has been immortalized in popular culture. Hemingway mentioned the bar in “A Moveable Feast” and “The Sun Also Rises.” The famous song “I Love Paris” by Cole Porter was supposedly penned in the downstairs piano bar.

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Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Harry’s Bar – Venice, Italy

Ten years later and 690 miles away, another institution was born under the same name. Located just a few steps away from Piazza San Marco in the heart of Venice, stands the historic establishment, Harry’s Bar. Founded in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani, Harry’s Bar isn’t just a watering hole; it’s a legend of 20th-century history, literature and art, and Venetian culinary traditions. 

The story of Harry’s Bar in Venice began with a chance encounter. A young Giuseppe Cipriani, then a bartender at Venice’s Hotel Europa, extended a loan to a stranded American named Harry Pickering. When Pickering returned a few years later to repay Cipriani with interest, the two decided to invest in a small bar – and Harry’s Bar was born.

Discover Harry’s Bar in Venice on: Ultimate Italy

Photo credit: @cipriani

Photo credit: @cipriani

Birthplace of the Bellini

While many come to Harry’s Bar for its history, others come for a taste of its legendary Bellini. A mix of Prosecco and peach purée, this refreshing cocktail was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani himself in the 1940s. Inspired by a 15th-century Venetian painting by Giovanni Bellini, the drink’s pink glow reminded Cipriani of the artist’s palette. The Bellini has since become an iconic cocktail, enjoyed worldwide but never quite as special as when sipped in its birthplace.

Read more: Dine, Sleep, Do: How to spend a blissful 24 hours in Venice

Photo credit: @cipriani

Photo credit: @cipriani

Cultural icon

Since its inception, Harry’s Bar attracted a roster of artists, writers, and celebrities. The likes of Ernest Hemingway, Katherine Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin, Truman Capote, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Orson Welles were regular patrons. Hemingway, in particular, considered it his favorite watering hole, often describing its intimate atmosphere in his works. The bar’s drawcard wasn’t just the alcohol or the delicious meals, but the sense of camaraderie and creativity. Conversations sparked here would often find their way into novels, films, and art.

Despite its celebrity visitors and renowned cocktails, the beauty of Harry’s Bar today lies in its simplicity. With crisp linen tablecloths and wooden chairs, the original decor allows its rich history to shine. The food remains a winner too, with sumptuous risottos and fresh seafood paying tribute to the city’s culinary scene. 

In 2001, the Italian Ministry for Cultural Affairs declared Harry’s Bar a national landmark. While the designation is a nod to its historical significance, the true testament is the endless crowd of visitors who flock to its doors year after year. 

Read more: The Isle of Dreams: How to Spend the Perfect Day in Capri

Photo credit: @cipriani

Photo credit: @cipriani

The Legacy of Harry’s Bars

While the two bars had completely different origins, they shared many of the same values (and patrons!) arising from the Lost Generation of the early 20th century; music, art, literature, and good company and stories shared over excellent food and drinks. 

These bars aren’t just places to grab a cocktail. They’re historic institutions that inspired literary and artistic giants and global gastronomic traditions. They’re a portal to a bygone era, where the walls tell tales of Jazz Age soirees, literary debates and the art of a well-made drink. 

As both Paris and Venice continue to involve, Harry’s Bars remain true to their roots, reminding us of the timeless glamor of a great bar. The next time you’re in Paris or Venice, be sure to swing by Harry’s, order a classic cocktail, and soak up a century’s worth of stories.

Read more: Wine and Dine: A Guide to Private Wine Pairing in Italy’s Most Exquisite Vineyards

Banner photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Meticulous craftsmanship. Exquisite materials. Prestigious brand heritage and attention to detail. When it comes to shopping for a travel souvenir, we understand you’re looking for something special to remember your journey by.

That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite shopping destinations in a selection of the world’s most glamorous cities – you needn’t look anywhere else. From browsing big-name luxury brands on the Champs-Élysées in Paris to shopping for men’s tailoring on London’s lesser-known Jermyn Street, these are just a handful of the exclusive boutiques and decadent shopping experiences that await you on your travels.

Bond Street, London, UK

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Acclaimed for its elegant stores, designer fashion brands, art galleries, fine jewelry and antique shops, Bond Street is one of the world’s most renowned shopping streets. It is also the most expensive and sought after strips of real estate in Europe.

This luxury shopper’s paradise has been at the heart of London’s high fashion since the 18th century and is where you find iconic flagship stores of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Versace, showcasing the latest haute couture and ready-to-wear collections. As well as exquisite jewelry stores such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Bulgari.

More than just a high-end retail experience, you can enjoy an auction at Sotheby’s or an exhibition at The Royal Academy of Arts. And with Claridge’s or The Ritz just steps away, treat yourself to a luxurious British afternoon tea.

While in the capital, gentlemen should also take a look at Jermyn Street. Dating back to 1664, Jermyn Street holds a worldwide reputation for high quality British artistry and craftsmanship. One of the more unique shopping streets you will find, it is home to the highest concentration of gentlemen’s clothiers in the city. The street hosts London’s finest men’s tailors, shirt makers and suppliers of leather goods.

Visit London on: British Royale

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Via Condotti, Rome, Italy

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Synonymous with luxury shopping Rome’s Via Condotti is a destination in itself.  Where fashion, art, and history converge, the street is adorned with prestigious fashion houses and renowned Italian brands. Here you will find Valentino, Fendi, Bulgari, Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, and discover a rich tapestry of high fashion, exquisite leather goods and designer accessories.

One of the world’s most famous shopping streets, a day spent on Via Condotti is a day immersed in the grandeur of Italian fashion and craftsmanship. Opulent flagship stores and boutique showrooms bustle with attentive and knowledgeable staff providing a personalized service. Take a break from shopping at charming sidewalk cafes, savoring an espresso or gelato and drink in the street’s picturesque architecture and historical charm.

Often going under the radar Via del Babuino is also a charming shopping location. Running from Piazza del Popolo to the Spanish Steps, the street is dotted with high-fashion boutiques among which are Chanel, Cavalli, Tiffany, Sandro Ferrone and RedValentino brands.

Revel in Rome on: Ultimate Italy

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Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s chicest street, Avenida da Liberdade, was conceived by the city’s urban planners who wanted it to mimic Paris’s iconic boulevards and shopping streets. Built in the 19th century, a thoroughfare was created in the center of the Portuguese capital featuring wide, leafy lanes. The cobblestoned promenades are paved with stunning Portuguese-style patterns, smoothed by the many pedestrians over the decades.

Because of its history, Avenida da Liberdade became the natural destination for opulent visitors. The most expensive street to buy or rent property on, it is adorned with grand theaters, townhouse-style homes of dignitaries and celebrities, and luxury hotels.

Unsurprisingly Liberdade is also the most sought-after address for big-name fashion labels. Cartier, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Gucci can all be found, offering a luxury shopping experience to rival Paris or Milan.

Treat yourself to a gourmet dining experience at one of the elegant restaurants, indulge in a delightful pastry at a traditional café or a stay at one of the luxurious hotels that adorn the Boulevard.

Chiado is also considered to be the best shopping district in Lisbon, in which fine boutiques and street markets coexist to offer a blend of classic and contemporary fashion. It is a great place to buy gold and jewelry as you often get a better deal here than anywhere else in Portugal.

Discover Lisbon on: Spain & Portugal in Style

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Avenida Alvear, Bueons Aires, Argentina

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One of the world’s most stylish and flamboyant cities, Buenos Aires just oozes sophistication and style. To fill your shopping desires head to Anevidar Alvear, one of the city’s most aristocratic avenues. Dating back to 1885 it is the home of architectural marvels like the iconic Teatro Colon, a grand opera house that has hosted world-class performances for over a century.

An impressive lineup of prestigious fashion houses and designer labels including Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada can be found. Additionally, exclusive jewelry boutiques such as Tiffany & Co. and Cartier offer dazzling collections for those seeking timeless elegance.

To complete the experience, a tantalizing selection of upscale restaurants and cafes adorn the avenue. Indulge in gourmet cuisine or enjoy a delightful afternoon tea at the classic Alvear Palace Hotel.

A lesser known but must-visit destination for upscale shopping in Buenos Aires is Galerías Pacífico, an exquisite shopping mall that exudes both historical significance and contemporary glamour. This magnificent Beaux Arts style building, originally constructed in the late 19th century as a railway station providing access to the Pacific Ocean, has a captivating past. The basement of Galerías Pacífico was later revealed to have served as a grim torture chamber during the military junta of the 1970s. Today, Galerías Pacífico is home to an exciting range of upscale boutiques. Inside, you’ll discover an array of world-renowned brands, including Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste, among others.

Enjoy Buenos Aires on: Classic South America

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Ginza, Tokyo, Japan

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Though not so much a street as a district, Ginza in Tokyo is a luxury shoppers paradise. The ritziest and biggest upscale shopping district in Tokyo is home to the city’s exclusive boutiques and glamorous department stores, such as the classic Mitsukoshi and avant-garde Dover Street Market. Dior, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Burberry, Printemps, Chaumet and Hermes all have boutiques here.

The district is also dotted with art galleries, traditional tea houses and Michelin-starred restaurants, offering a fusion of artistic expression and gastronomic delights.

Also in Tokyo, Omotesando Hills is a sleek, chic shopping, dining, art and café space that opened in 2005, designed by the famous modern Japanese architect Takao Ando. While this leafy boulevard includes some of the most popular shopping malls in the city, it’s also one of the more unusual shopping streets in that it is home to some of the most amazing examples of human-scale modern architecture that you’ll find anywhere in the world. The Prada and Dior buildings are both are outstanding when lit up at night.

Discover Tokyo on: Majestic Japan

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Champs-Élysées – Paris, France

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The mile-long Champs-Élysées in Paris, gliding glamorously down from the Arc de Triomphe, is probably one of the world’s most iconic shopping streets. In a city where stye and chic are ingrained in every moment, this legendary boulevard epitomizes the elegance, beauty, and grandeur of France.

The Arc de Triomphe, majestically standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, commemorates Napoleon’s military victories and offers breathtaking views of the city. Further down the avenue, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais showcase magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture and host world-class art exhibitions.

High-end fashion boutiques, flagship stores and prestigious brands line the avenue, enticing fashion enthusiasts from around the globe. From Louis Vuitton and Chanel to Dior and Guerlain, the Champs-Élysées is a paradise for those seeking the epitome of style and refinement.

We also love Rue saint Honoré. Here you’ll find all the major fashion houses like Dior, Givenchy and Hermès, and lots of well-known brands mixed in with more niche designers. A favorite of magazine editors and style bloggers since it is just steps from the Jardin des Tuileries, where many fashion week runway shows take place, this is one of the shopping streets you should definitely have on your radar.

Timeless elegance. A journey on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express will remain in your heart for a lifetime. Travel in luxury with exquisite dining, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Alps on a golden-era train. To add to the experience, Belmond has now unveiled new luxurious cabins on board, bringing new heights of luxury and comfort to the original legend of the rails.

A recent discovery of two original 1920s and 30s carriages has led to the commissioning of eight new suites, set to launch in June 2023. Each of the carriages will be lovingly restored and re-imagined by expert French designers and craftsmen.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy with Venice-Simplon Orient Express extension

Spacious luxury

@vsoetrain

 The new luxuriously appointed suites will blend the train’s iconic history with modern comfort. Double and twin bed areas convert into a spacious lounge, complemented with an ensuite marble bathroom. Wrap up in your kimono and slippers and relax, knowing that your personal 24-hour cabin steward is available to attend to your every need

Related content more: In 2022, why we do we crave the New Golden Era of Travel more than ever before

Inspired by four regions

@vsoetrain

The new suites on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express each pay homage to the sensational European landscapes through which the train passes. Inspired by four regions: La Campagne (the countryside), Les Montagnes (the mountains), Les Lacs (the lakes), and La Forêt (the forest). Nature’s landscapes will be celebrated through the design of the interiors, with plush furnishings and fabrics reflecting famous Art Deco designers, such as Dufrene, Rousseau, Prou and Lalique.

@vsoetrain

Reflecting the Alpine scenery outside your window, Les Montagnes Suites mirror the peaks of Austria’s Arlberg massif. This mountain range serves as a backdrop on the train’s route to Venice. Les Lacs Suites reflect the beauty of Lake Como in Italy and Switzerland’s Lake Zug.

Celebrating all that is best of the wilderness and countryside, La Campagne Suites show off velvet greens and delicate floral designs. A nod to the vineyards and pastures of Italy and France’s Cȏte d’Azur. And, La Forêt Suites channel the majesty of the Black Forest, seen when traveling from Prague to Paris.

For inspiration: France travel guide

Existing Accommodations

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The new suites will be offered in addition to the two existing cabin categories, Historic Cabins and Grand Suites. The Historic Cabins provide exceptional comfort in the Art Deco carriages,  and transform from a day-time lounge to upper and lower beds at night.

@vsoetrain

The Grand Suites feature private ensuite bathrooms with showers, double beds, and a living area, with underfloor heating, for private dining experiences. Guests in a Grand Suite also enjoy 24-hour cabin service and free-flowing champagne.

Read more: A real life Orient Express mystery has just been solved, thanks to YouTube

On board dining

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The exquisite menu is seen to by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert. Dishes include gourmet Beef Wellington, roasted turbot and the famous lobster brunch. Inspired by vintage Venice-Simplon Orient Express menus, Imbert’s dishes celebrate quality, seasonal ingredients, like morels, peaches and figs.

@vsoetrain

Keeping the legend and mystery of the world’s most famous train alive, Imbert reimagined the full dining experience, from the menus and canapes to the opulent restaurant cars themselves. Guests onboard the VSOE train have the choice of three elegant restaurant carriages from which to dine.

Read more: Meet the Michelin star chef putting his stamp on the Orient-Express menu

Timeless train journeys

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Channeling the nostalgia and glamour of bygone days, the Golden Age of luxury train travel evokes old-world images of opulent surroundings and slow-moving scenery as your canvas.

If you are nostalgic for the romance of train travel and keen to take an Orient Express trip, take a look at our limited edition luxury train journeys. Step onboard and back in time for some very special train tours across Europe, South Africa and North America, where we partner with luxurious trains that perfectly complement our guided tours.

Travel from Venice to Paris aboard the Venice-Simplon Orient Express. Take an unforgettable journey through the Scottish Highlands aboard the Royal Scotsman. Be amazed by the scenery from your glass-domed coach on the Rocky Mountaineer in the Canadian Rockies. And journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls in South Africa, aboard the spectacular Rovos Rail.

Discover our limited-edition luxury train journeys

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