When it comes to great cultural experiences, Paris, London, Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Seville and Lisbon stand out as the top destinations for the very best European city breaks for art lovers.
Fancy flying away to Paris to see Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile at the Louvre? Or why not marvel at Michelangelo’s statue of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence and Marilyn Monroe’s Lips by Warhol at London’s Tate Modern?
In addition to the iconic works in their permanent collections, Europe’s top art galleries are home to a rolling calendar of special exhibitions and events.
We’ve curated 10 of the most visually appealing luxury apartments in Europe to rent, close to the leading art venues in these fine cities. Treat yourself to a decadent city break for art’s sake…
City breaks in Paris
Arguably top of the list of the best European city breaks for art lovers, Paris is home to some of the most prestigious galleries in the world. The Louvre Museum is simply unmissable, showcasing over 35,000 works, including da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
The Musée d’Orsay houses an extraordinary collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces from Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. For modern and contemporary art, the Centre Pompidou offers an outstanding collection, featuring Picasso, Duchamp, and Kandinsky.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Musée de l’Orangerie, home to Monet’s large-scale Water Lilies, or the Musée Rodin, where Rodin’s sculptures are displayed in a charming garden setting. The Palais de Tokyo is a must for those interested in cutting-edge contemporary art, while the Fondation Louis Vuitton, housed in a stunning Frank Gehry-designed building, presents world-class temporary exhibitions.
The city’s art scene extends beyond museums, with the Marais district offering contemporary galleries and street art. A visit to Montmartre, where Picasso and Van Gogh once lived, completes the artistic experience.
Where to stay:
One of the most exceptionally beautiful luxury apartments to rent in Paris, Place Vendôme is a two-bedroom haven housed in an 18th century palace, overlooking the famous square of the same name. Its lavish interior design includes original artworks by Modigliani and Francis Bacon.
Or make yourself at home at Rue Grenelle, a stylish three-bedroom apartment in the 7th arrondissement, close to the Musée d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower
Discover the full range of exclusive properties in our Luxury Apartments Paris Collection.
City breaks in London
London boasts an unparalleled art scene, with its mix of classical, modern, and contemporary collections making it one of the very best European city breaks for art lovers. The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square is a must-see, featuring works by da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Turner. Nearby, the National Portrait Gallery showcases historic and contemporary portraiture.
The Tate Britain is home to British art from the 16th century to today, including a vast Turner collection, while the Tate Modern, housed in a former power station, is the leading destination for contemporary and modern art, featuring Picasso, Warhol, and Rothko.
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) boasts decorative arts, sculpture, and photography, while the Royal Academy of Arts curates groundbreaking exhibitions. For contemporary pieces, the Saatchi Gallery and Whitechapel Gallery present emerging artists, while the Serpentine Galleries in Hyde Park offer avant-garde exhibitions. Art lovers should also explore Mayfair’s private galleries, including the Gagosian and David Zwirner.
Where to stay:
Imagine relaxing in the stylish modern Beaufort Gardens Suites, a three-bedroom luxury apartment to rent in London’s elegant Knightsbridge — with Michelin-starred restaurants and designer shopping on your doorstep as well as all of the city’s art and culture within easy reach.
Discover the enviable selection of properties in all the top neighbourhoods, including Kensington, Mayfair, Park Lane, Marylebone and Notting Hill, in our full Luxury Apartments London Collection.
City breaks in Rome
Rome’s art scene is an exquisite blend of classical and Renaissance masterpieces. The Vatican Museums house the world-famous Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, and an extraordinary collection of classical sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and tapestries.
The Galleria Borghese, nestled in the lush Villa Borghese gardens, showcases Bernini’s sculptures, Caravaggio’s dramatic canvases, and Titian’s luminous works. The Capitoline Museums, located on Michelangelo-designed Piazza del Campidoglio, hold an impressive collection of ancient and Renaissance art.
For Baroque lovers, the Doria Pamphilj Gallery and Palazzo Barberini exhibit stunning works by Raphael, Velázquez, and Caravaggio.
Contemporary art enthusiasts should visit the MAXXI Museum, Rome’s hub for modern and contemporary works, and the Macro Museum for experimental exhibitions. The city’s streets and churches are open-air museums, with masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini adorning chapels and piazzas.
Where to stay:
One of the jewels in our portfolio, Piazza di Spagna is an exquisite six-bedroom apartment that’s the perfect choice if you’re seeking to add to your own art collection. Here, you can shop while you sleep — every piece of furniture and contemporary artwork displayed like a gallery in this stylish property is available for purchase.
Explore our full collection of luxury apartments to rent in Rome situated in the heart of the city and all the most historic and elegant locations.
City breaks in Barcelona
Barcelona delivers an intoxicating blend historic and modern art and thanks to the many great landmark buildings created by the legendary Gaudi, the city is like an open-air art gallery.
The Museu Picasso focuses on Pablo Picasso’s early works, showcasing over 4,000 pieces. The MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya) holds an impressive collection of Romanesque frescoes, Gothic masterpieces, and Catalan modernism.
The Fundació Joan Miró is a must for fans of surrealism, while the MACBA (Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona) features avant-garde works. The Fundació Antoni Tàpies celebrates one of Spain’s most innovative artists. Street art thrives in El Raval, and architectural wonders like Gaudí’s Casa Batlló blur the lines between art and design.
Where to stay:
For a feast of art and culture, Diagonal Luxury Apartments is one of the very best places to stay in Barcelona. It’s the ideal base for getting your fix of Gaudí and Miró — this sublime property designed by renowned architect, Enric Sagnier, is set in the heart of the city’s artistic delights.
Peruse our full portfolio of luxury apartments to rent in Barcelona located in El Born and Eixample.
City breaks in Florence
Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, and boasts some of the world’s most significant art treasures. The Uffizi Gallery is the city’s crown jewel, featuring works by Botticelli (The Birth of Venus), Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Titian.
The Galleria dell’Accademia is home to Michelangelo’s David, an iconic masterpiece of sculpture. The Palazzo Pitti, once a Medici residence, houses the Palatine Gallery, with opulent collections of Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio.
The Bargello Museum is a must for sculpture lovers, featuring works by Donatello and Michelangelo. The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo showcases sculptures from Florence’s famous cathedral, including Ghiberti’s original Gates of Paradise.
Contemporary art is found at the Centro Pecci and the Museo Novecento, which focus on 20th and 21st-century works. Florence’s churches, including Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce, are filled with frescoes by Giotto and Masaccio.
Where to stay:
Get the keys to the stunning Signoria Palazzo, a lavish five-bedroom abode inside a beautifully renovated historic gem of a palazzo near the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio. With incredible decor by an internationally renowned interior designer, it’s one of the finest luxury apartments to rent in Florence.
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.
Other top European city breaks for art lovers
City breaks in Seville
Seville’s artistic offering is deeply rooted in its Andalusian heritage and this Spanish city also packs a punch with its modern art and architecture.
The Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla is a must-visit, featuring works by Murillo, Zurbarán, and Velázquez. The Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo showcases contemporary pieces in a former monastery.
The Casa de Pilatos and Palacio de Lebrija house private art collections and exquisite azulejo tilework. The Hospital de los Venerables features a permanent Velázquez exhibition, while the iconic Metropol Parasol integrates modern architecture into the city’s historic fabric.
Where to stay:
Ideally located in the historic neighbourhood of El Arenal, the Villa Arenal is a sleek modern four-bedroom apartment with an elegant private terrace. Just a short stroll from a high-end bars, shops and restaurants, it’s the perfect luxury apartment to rent in Seville for a cultural break.
View our Luxury Apartments Seville Collection for the full range of prestigious properties in the heart of this enticing city.
City breaks in Venice
Venice is a dream destination for art lovers, with masterpieces spanning centuries. The Gallerie dell’Accademia houses Venetian masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in a stunning canal-side palazzo, boasts modern works from Picasso, Pollock, and Kandinsky.
The Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana offer cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a must-see, featuring Tintoretto’s breathtaking frescoes. The Doge’s Palace offers stunning Renaissance and Gothic art, including Veronese’s The Rape of Europe.
The Fondazione Querini Stampalia presents a blend of classical and modern art, while the Ca’ Pesaro Museum highlights 19th and 20th-century Italian painters. And Venice is also home to the Biennale di Venezia, one of the world’s most important contemporary art events.
Where to stay:
Drink in divine views of the lagoon city at the delightful Venice Panoramica. This elegant three-bedroom abode in situated on the fourth and fifth floor of a 19th-century Venetian Palazzo near San Zaccaria Church, home to Bellini’s masterpiece, Madonna con Bambino.
We offer the finest portfolio of luxury apartments and palazzos to rent in Venice — peruse our properties in top locations including San Marco, Dorsoduro, and Castello.
City breaks in Lisbon
Lisbon’s art scene is a vibrant mix of classical and contemporary works. The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian boasts an outstanding collection spanning ancient to modern art.
The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is home to Portugal’s greatest masterpieces, including works by Bosch and Dürer. For contemporary art, the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) and Museu Berardo offer dynamic exhibitions. And the LX Factory and Galeria Underdogs highlight Lisbon’s emerging street artists.
Where to stay:
Check into Rua Victor Cordon, a spacious and sophisticated haven on the top floor of an 18th-century building ideally located between Bairro Alto, Chiado and Cais Sodré. With lovely views of the river, it’s the perfect base for exploring all of the city’s cultural attractions.
View our full range of luxury apartments to rent in Lisbon.
Be inspired
These are just a few of the extraordinary properties that could provide the perfect base for your cultural city break. To explore our full range of options for all the best European city breaks for art lovers, speak to one of our expert representatives on +44 (0)207 586 5342 or make an enquiry today.
Art on a plate
In addition to personal chefs, butler services and catering for special events and private parties, we can also make reservations at the top fine dining restaurants and create bespoke itineraries for culinary tours in each city.
Discover our first-class array of concierge services and experiences designed to make your stay unique. And for the ultimate fine dining experience, peruse our insider’s guide to the 35 hottest Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe’s top cities for 2025.
The finest luxury apartments to rent in Europe
Explore our full selection of central city apartment rentals. We’ve got the most beautiful luxury apartments to rent in Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Seville, London, Florence, Venice and Prague.
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