If indulging in some premium retail therapy is your idea of a heavenly Christmas city break, it’s time to fly away to one of Europe’s most stylish cities — with room in your suitcases for your new treasures. And if you’re dreaming of gorging on the cutting edge fashion and haute couture of Paris, London or Rome, why not treat yourself to a Christmas shopping trip to combine festive retail therapy with a luxury stay?
Our exclusive apartments in Europe’s top cities provide divine havens in the heart of the most prestigious neighbourhoods for the finest luxury shopping, dining and cultural experiences.
Double your shopping pleasure with a visit to one of Europe’s most magical traditional Christmas markets with their twinkling lights and stalls piled high with unique, hand-crafted gifts — before diving into the flagship stores of Dior to Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana…
PARIS
Paris transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, with numerous traditional Christmas markets selling an array of artisanal crafts, gourmet foods, and festive decorations.
La Défense Christmas Market is the largest with more than 300 wooden chalets offering everything from handmade jewellery and leather goods to seasonal treats like foie gras, French cheeses, and mulled wine.
And the more intimate Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market at the foot of the church along on the Boulevard Saint-Germain, sells high-quality gifts and festive foods such as crepes, roasted chestnuts, and hot chocolate, making it perfect for a quintessentially Parisian Christmas city break experience.
But for serious luxury shopping, the top haunts are the Champs Élysées and the ‘Golden Triangle’ — a chic area of tree-lined avenues (Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V and Rue Francois 1er) that are home to Paris’ legendary ‘grands magasins’, including Galeries Lafayette, Printemps and Le Bon Marché, and the flagship showrooms of haute couture fashion houses including Hermès, Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton. Some of these temples to high fashion are by-invitation-only salons which adds to the allure.
Star property: Place Vendôme
An exquisitely beautiful luxury apartment housed in an 18th century palace, Place Vendôme apartment overlooks the beautiful square of the same name. This two-bedroom abode is a visual feast with stunning interior design and original artworks by Modigliani and Francis Bacon..
Peruse the full range of options for Christmas city breaks and shopping trips in our Luxury Apartments Paris Collection.
LONDON
London’s Christmas markets offer a delightful mix of British holiday treats and international fayre. The best-loved venues include the Southbank Centre Winter Market, with its cute Alpine style chalets selling handmade gifts, jewellery, and artisanal foods scattered along the scenic banks of the River Thames. And the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a big event for family fun with live entertainment, an ice-skating rink, fun fair rides and circus performances, as well as hundreds of wooden chalets, offering everything from handcrafted toys and decorations to gourmet food and drinks.
For luxury shopping in London, delve into the iconic department stores of Harrods, Liberty London and Fortnum & Mason. And you’ll find the most exclusive shopping streets in Mayfair — Mount Street, Savile Row and Bond Street — are home to the most exclusive stores for luxury goods and designer boutiques. Asprey, Alexander McQueen, and Burberry to name just as few. The New Bond Street section has the highest concentration of luxury shops in London, sparkling with more than 30 jewellers, including Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Bulgari and De Beers.
Star property: Hyde Park Gate Penthouse
Picture yourself relaxing in one of London’s most sought-after penthouses. The Hyde Park Gate Penthouse is a stylish modern three-bedroom retreat spread over two floors, with great views of Hyde Park — and within easy reach of London’s most alluring stores.
View the full Luxury Apartments London Collection of properties in the city’s most desirable locations including Kensington, Mayfair, Park Lane, Marylebone and Notting Hill.
ROME
Rome’s Christmas markets are a magical blend of festive cheer and Italian style and also have more of a religious emphasis, with intricate nativity scenes a key part of the mix. One of the most famous markets is at Piazza Navona, where you’ll find a charming array of stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and classic Italian Christmas sweets like panettone and torrone with street performers, carousels, and live entertainment adding to the festive atmosphere.
If you’re more in the market for Gucci, Versace and Prada, head to Rome’s most exclusive shopping district around The Spanish Steps and Via Condotti where you’ll also find luxury leather goods, home decor and jewellery, as well as art galleries and antique shops. Rich pickings also wait you at La Rinascente, the iconic department store on Via del Tritone, as well the mile-long shopping fiesta which is the Via del Corso. And if you’re in search of heels, hotfoot it to the designer shoe shops on Via Cola di Rienzo, the main street of the upscale Prati neighbourhood.
Star property: Via Germanico Penthouse
Feast your eyes on Via Germanico Penthouse, a lavish contemporary styled two-bedroom apartment with a large terrace for enjoying aperitivo after a hard day’s shopping. It’s ideally situated in Prati, in the heart of Rome, close to the bustling Piazza del Popolo..
Explore a world of Roman holidays. Our exclusive luxury apartments to rent in Rome are situated in the beautiful historical centre, and other top locations including Trastevere, Piazza di Spagna, Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona and Monti.
Other top shopping destinations for Christmas city breaks
BARCELONA
Barcelona’s lively Christmas markets showcase Catalan traditions set against a glorious backdrop of Gaudi’s historic landmark buildings.
The Fira de Santa Llúcia, located in front of the Barcelona Cathedral, is the main draw with over 300 stalls piled with handmade crafts, nativity figures, holiday decorations and a feast of Spanish delicacies. Another charming market not to be missed is the Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família, held in the square next to Gaudí’s famous basilica where the locals go to buy Christmas trees, plants, and ornaments, as well as traditional Catalan foods, including churros, chocolata calenta (hot chocolate), and other seasonal treats.
When you’re ready for more upmarket delights, head to the Passeig de Gràcia, the city’s premier luxury shopping avenue. Lined with elegant modernist architecture, including Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, this street is home to both iconic Spanish designer labels such as Loewe and the flagship stores of international brands including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès.
Another hotspot for high-end retail therapy is Avinguda Diagonal, where you’ll find your old friends Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, and Michael Kors — and for a unique blend of fashion and culture, explore the little boutiques amongst historic building on the Carrer de la Portaferrissa and the Gothic Quarter.
Star property: Carrer Pau Claris
For high-class Christmas city breaks and luxury shopping trips, Carrer Pau Claris is one of the very best places to stay in Barcelona. A grand 2-3 bedroom haven with stunning interiors and a home cinema, it’s situated less than two minutes’ walk from the shopping heaven of Passeig de Gràcia.
Peruse our full portfolio of luxury apartments to rent in Barcelona located in El Born and Eixample.
VIENNA
Arguably the top destination in Europe for Christmas market city breaks, Vienna’s Christmas markets are opulently decorated winter wonderlands serving artisanal crafts and festive foods, including Käsekrainer sausages, Apfelstrudel and Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Glühwein (mulled wine).
The most famous is the Vienna Christmas Dream Market at Rathausplatz, set against the stunning backdrop of Vienna’s City Hall, with over 150 stalls offering everything from handcrafted ornaments and candles to knitwear and toys.
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, is another must-visit and home to high quality goods including handmade ceramics and glass ornaments.
If you’re more hungry for fashion and a taste of glamour, trot along to Kärntner Strasse, one of the most prestigious streets in the heart of the city, where you can look at premium glitter in the dazzling stores of Cartier and Montblanc. Other high-end shopping areas include Graben — a delightful pedestrianised shopping street in Vienna’s 1st district — home to Hermès, Rolex, and Bulgari. And the famous Kohlmarkt offers a heady mix of diamonds from Tiffany & Co. and gourmet food and drink.
Luxury apartment to rent in Vienna
Looking for the height of luxury without lifting a finger? Lindengasse apartment is a fully- serviced and elegant two-bedroom abode in Lindengasse, situated just behind the Mariahilfer Strasse, a vibrant hub for fashion with numerous little boutiques.
FLORENCE
Traditional Christmas markets in Tuscany are typically held in historic town squares and feature a variety of local crafts, gourmet foods, and holiday decorations.
The main Florence Christmas Market (Mercato di Natale di Firenze) is held at the beautiful Piazza Santa Croce and features wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and Tuscan delicacies like panforte, biscotti, and artisanal cheeses. Another must visit is the Christmas Village (Villaggio di Natale) in the nearby medieval town and famous wine region of Montepulciano. This market sells superb local wines, olive oil, truffle products, and handcrafted ceramics.
Lusting after Italian labels? Make haste to Via de’ Tornabuoni, Florence’s most exclusive shopping street, filled with the flagship stores of Gucci, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Versace. The Ferragamo store, located in the historic Palazzo Spini Feroni, even houses a museum dedicated to the brand’s legacy, adding a cultural touch to the shopping experience.
There’s more couture in store along the lovely Via della Vigna Nuova and if you’re seeking a unique jewellery shopping experience, there’s nowhere like the famous Ponte Vecchio. This historic bridge over the Arno River is lined with luxury stores, offering exquisite pieces from the finest jewellers.
Star property: Palazzo Vista Duomo
Housed in a Liberty-style building with a beautiful Art Nouveau façade and décor, Palazzo Vista Duomo is breathtakingly beautiful inside and out. One of the very best luxury apartments to rent in Florence, it’s just steps away from the Duomo, and a short walk to most of the main sights of central Florence, and the most tempting stores.
Explore our Florence Luxury Apartments Collection featuring a wealth of elegant properties in all the most beautiful parts of the city, including by the Duomo in the centre, Santa Croce and San Marco.
SEVILLE
Seville’s Christmas markets are dotted amongst the city’s historic landmarks and exude ever warm Andalusian charm.
Feria del Belén, held in front of the majestic Seville Cathedral near Avenida de la Constitución, is a top venue that’s dedicated to nativity scenes, with numerous stalls offering hand-painted figurines, handcrafted cribs, and all the elements needed to create a traditional Spanish nativity display, known as a ‘Belén.’
And the Muelle de las Delicias Christmas Market, located along the Guadalquivir River, is the place to indulge in a festive sugar rush with stalls selling a feast of churros, roasted almonds, and traditional Andalusian sweets.
For high-end designer labels such as Purificación García and Carolina Herrera, Calle Tetuán is your go-to destination — with plenty of great tapas bars when you need to refuel. And other exclusive shopping enclaves include Plaza Nueva and the surrounding streets where you’ll find boutiques and flagship stores of the biggest Spanish and international fashion and luxury brands, as well as the famous El Corte Inglés department store.
Star property: Villa Arenal
Situated in the historic neighbourhood of El Arenal, the Villa Arenal is a sensational four-bedroom apartment with sophisticated contemporary design features and an elegant private terrace. It’s also just a few minutes walk from the centre of the city, for easy access to the best of Seville’s shopping as well as dining and cultural scene.
Our Luxury Apartments Seville Collection features the finest properties in the heart of the city, with all the top attractions, including the best restaurants within easy reach for an unforgettable Christmas city break.
VENICE
Venice’s Christmas markets make this ever-enchanting city a festive dream.
The Campo Santo Stefano Christmas Market is the star attraction where you can buy beautiful Venetian masks and lace, and stock up on Italian festive food and wine treats while feasting on frittelle (fried doughnuts) with mulled wine or hot chocolate. And on Murano Island, you’ll find smaller markets specialising in the island’s famous glassworks, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments and gifts.
Located near the iconic St. Mark’s Square, Calle Larga XXII Marzo is the city’s most prestigious shopping street for fashionistas in search of something beautiful by Prada, Gucci or Versace. Another fabulous area for luxury shopping is Mercerie, a historic shopping district that connects St. Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge that’s home to more houses of haute couture and fine Venetian jewellers. And the boutiques along Calle Vallaresso, include Bottega Veneta and Hermès for a heavenly mix of Italian and French luxury.
Star property: Vista Grand Canal
For stunning views of the iconic Grand Canal, make the gorgeous three-bedroom Vista Grand Canal, situated on a quiet small street with water jetty for private boats, your home from home. This unique apartment styled by famous Italian interior designers is just minutes from Piazza San Marco and the stylish boutiques of Via XXII Marzo.
We offer the finest portfolio of luxury apartments and palazzos to rent in Venice — with all properties located in the most prestigious locations including San Marco, Dorsoduro, and Castello.
PRAGUE
Prague’s Christmas markets pop up in some of the city’s most stunning historic locations, including the chrming Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
The Old Town Square Christmas Market is famous for its towering Christmas tree and traditional wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, such as wooden toys and intricate Czech lace, along with festive treats like trdelník (a sweet pastry), roasted chestnuts, and svarak (mulled wine).
The Prague Christmas Market in Náměstí Míru is smaller but equally charming. It showcases local artisans and offers a more intimate experience. Here, you can find unique gifts, seasonal foods, and enjoy live music and performances,
Pařížská Street which runs from the Old Town Square to the banks of the Vltava River is Prague’s most exclusive shopping destination lined with beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and filled with luxury boutiques and Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, and Gucci flagship stores.
Another top street for premium retail therapy is Na Příkopě, home to Czech brand Pietro Filipi, as well as international labels like Michael Kors and Hugo Boss — and Slovanský dům, a luxury shopping and entertainment centre featuring designer stores, gourmet restaurants, and lush gardens.
Star property: Apartment Vltava
Ideally located overlooking the magnificent river of the same name, Apartment Vltava is a stylishly furnished two-bedroom gem of an apartment housed in a grand historic building. It’s a short walk to the charming Old Town where you’ll find unique stores as well as great bars and restaurants.
View our full range of luxury apartments to rent in Prague Our exclusive Prague apartment rentals are ideally located in the city centre, overlooking the Vltava River, and just a 10-minute walk from the famous Charles Bridge and the Old Town.
These are just a few of the extraordinary properties that could provide the perfect base for your luxury Christmas city break and shopping trip. To explore our full range of options to suit you and your guests’ specific needs, speak to one of our expert representatives on +44 (0)207 586 5342 or make an enquiry today.
VIP shopping services
In addition to personal chefs, butler services and luxury transport by private jet or limousine, we also offer luxury shopping services. Elevate your experience by hiring a professional personal shopper who can take you to the best places or source special items on your behalf.
Discover our first-class array of concierge services and experiences designed to make your stay unique.
More luxury apartments to rent for Christmas city breaks
Explore our full selection of central city apartment rentals for the finest festive stays in Europe this year. We’ve got the most beautiful luxury apartments to rent in Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Seville, London, Florence, Venice and Prague.
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