The Best Cultural City Breaks in Europe

Florence, Italy – Palazzo Vista Duomo, 6 guests, 3 bedrooms

The opulent Palazzo Vista Duomo apartment is exceptionally located, dating back to the mid-19th century, the property features a beautiful Art Nouveau façade and décor, including sculptures, coloured-ceramic and wrought-iron work. The apartment features two spacious living/dining room areas, a main kitchen, three large bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms with large bathtubs, as well as balconies and windows that offer superb views to the magnificent Duomo, the building that set the scene for the Italian Renaissance. 

The apartment is just moments away from some of the most spectacular sights of Florence, such as the Piazza della Republicca and Piazza della Signoria. As one of the most visited places in Europe, with an array of restaurants, bars, cathedrals, and museums, guests craving a cultural escape need look no further than Palazzo Vista Duomo.

Rome, Italy – Palazzo Babuino Apartments, 8 guests, 4 bedrooms

The Palazzo Babuino Apartments are located just moments from the Piazza di Spagna, and are one of Rome’s most exclusive accommodations. The property boasts five palatial quarters housed within an 18th-century palazzo managed by one of Rome’s luxurious hotels, which have all been designed with everyday comforts in mind and furnished to the highest standard. From the building’s private roof terrace, guests can soak in the sights of the Spanish Steps and the imposing towers of the Trinità dei Monti. This private property on the Via del Babuino is ideal for guests wanting to explore the most elegant street for antiques in Rome, or walk about the Tridente complex. 

The five separate luxury apartments consist of one 4-bedroom penthouse with its own spacious terrace, and four 2-bedroom apartments which have access to the building’s large roof terrace. The 2-bedroom apartments can interconnect to form two 4-bedroom apartments, perfect for small groups or families. Each home has a fully stocked kitchen which leads into a stylish dining room, ensuring a seamless service for private dining or entertaining. There is also a beautifully appointed living space at the centre of the property which offers plenty of natural light and unimpeded views. Guests staying at the apartments have a dedicated house manager on hand and unbridled access to the spas, bars and restaurants of Rome’s foremost hotels which sit either end of the apartments on Via del Babuino.

Barcelona, Spain – Gaudi Apartment, 10 guests, 5 bedrooms

Located on the famous Passeig de Gràcia with an exquisite view of Gaudi’s Casa Batlló, the Gaudi Apartment is a superb base for sightseeing, shopping, dining out, and enjoying the best that Barcelona has to offer. The contemporary property has been furnished throughout, and comfortably accommodates ten guests in its five spacious bedrooms, providing exclusive views of Casa Batlló from the Spanish balcony.

The Passeig de Gràcia is arguably the most iconic street in Barcelona, the luxury avenue is home to exclusive shops and restaurants, as well the two key sighting points of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Among the most important buildings are the modernista mansions, with all the gaudy flair from 19th-century Spanish bourgeoisie, offering guests a glimpse into the historic richness of Spanish architecture. 

Seville, Spain – Villa Arenal, 9 guests, 4 bedrooms

Situated in the neighbourhood of El Arenal, Villa Arenal is set in a prime location for exploring the city on foot. The historic area was once the walled centre of Seville, with large defensive towers between the Alcázar and the Guadalquivir river. Guests will be a few minutes walk from the city centre, and also from the Maestranza/Plaza de Toros bullring, which holds the largest bullfighting festival in the world during the festival week Feria de Abril. Other traditions such as Flamenco, and the famous mix of Moorish, Christian, and Jewish architecture, are available for guests to explore and enjoy in the city.

The villa has three stories, connected by stairs, as well as a private lift which can be accessed from street-level and can transport guests to the large solarium terrace located on the third floor. The entrance from the street leads to an entrance hall, and two bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor. On the first floor is a large and impressive living room and kitchen, and on the second, the master bedroom and another double bedroom, both with bathrooms. On the final floor, there is a large private terrace furnished with sun loungers, and a dining table for alfresco dining. A kitchenette and minibar are also on the third level, ideal for guests wanting to watch the sunset over the city with a cocktail in hand.

Paris, France – Apartment Louvre I, 1e, 6 guests, 2 bedrooms

The Apartment Louvre I, 1e, is located directly across from the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, with exceptional features such as the balcony running all the way around the apartment offering a view of the Tuileries Garden from every room. The unique apartment boasts quintessential Parisian architecture features, the impressive living room is decorated in earth and neutral tones, carved mouldings, and a marble fireplace. It has a comfortable and spacious sitting area and the space opens onto a fully equipped kitchen, as well as a large dining table with seating, brilliant for entertaining. 

The two bedrooms both have en-suite bathrooms and the master is equipped with a cosy fireplace. The apartment is the ultimate property for guests to experience one of the world’s major global cities in entertainment, music, media, and fashion.

Venice, Italy – Palazzo Locatelli, Apartment I, 10 guests, 4 bedrooms

Centrally located on the Grand Canal between St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, this splendid apartment is set in a historical palazzo dating back to the 16th-century. Guests are a minute’s walk away from the charming Campo Santo Stefano, and a short distance from many of the famous sights of Venice, such as the Palazzo Ducale and the Galleria Accademia, as well as various restaurants and shops. 

The palazzo is divided into four stunning apartments, with a spacious entrance and its own private water entrance with a jetty for direct arrival by boat. For a large group, the apartments can be rented together for up to twenty-eight people. The palazzo has recently been restored to the highest level, but still retains its original ornate interior and features. Apartment I is the largest, with five bedrooms it can accommodate up to ten people in total, and has two main floors which are connected by a beautiful staircase as well as a lift. The rooms are exceptionally light, with both front and side views of the Grand Canal, guests are spoiled by the views of Venice.