While taking off to an unknown destination far away from the crowds has its own charm, staying in the heart of a pulsating city makes it an even more exciting experience. Check out these apartments to stay close to all the action in top global cities.
1. Budapest
Budapest’s Lipótváros neighbourhood is a popular gourmet destination, lined with artsy boulangerie, cafes, and restaurants. Sitting right in the centre of all these epicurean hotspots is a palatial, serviced apartment by Richard Rigby. Situated in a 19th-century block, the place has been carefully remodelled to accommodate modern creature comforts, while still maintaining the classical charm with parquet flooring, high ceilings, original folding window shutters, impressive wooden doors, and central garden.
What to do: Start your day with an exquisite European breakfast spread at Café Farger, before spending a lazy afternoon at the downtown Ibolya Espresso and the highly revered Café Picard. Save the evenings for two of the city’s best restaurants, Costes Downtown and Pomo D’Oro, located a quick two-minute away from the apartment. The metro and tram services are at 5-minutes distance for those who want to explore the city further.
2. Berlin
Home to artists and a large Turkish population, Kreuzberg offers interesting street art scene, and an even livelier nightlife. Just steps away from the urban Viktoriapark and pulsating Bergmannstrasse, check out this plush Airbnb hideaway to stay close to some of Berlin’s best clubs and bars.
What to do: Try pub crawling across your neighbourhood, starting with Watergate (which has recently pioneered the chunky, minimal techno and tech-house groove), and then checking into the Berlin Wall-inspired SO36 (SO standing for Sudost or southeast) for its punk rock scene, and the more opulent Prince Charles for its handsome sunken bar and impressive set of pub crawlers. The two-bedroom apartment, with mid-century modern furniture, also offers close proximity to the daily Turkish market and a host of galleries and museums, such as The East Side Gallery and Berlinische Galerie.
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3. Barcelona
This three-storey bungalow, located close to Plaza Espana, is much sought-after for its central location and spacious bedrooms and open areas, fit to accommodate bigger families and groups. Situated in the chic Sants Montjuic neighbourhood, the place enjoys close proximity to the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, Parc de Joan Miró and the Fira exhibition center.
What to do: Besides these popular attractions, the place is also home to exciting museums and cafes. From serving Mediterranean to Japanese cuisines, the chic restaurants in the area, such as El Xalet and The Tatami Room, have put the area on the map as an emerging dining destination. If you’re in the mood for a private dining experience, order food home and head up to the al fresco dining space on the terrace to enjoy food with magical views of the city.
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This luxe three-bedroom penthoue sits right in the heart of the Johannesburg Central Business District, just five minutes from the party capital Maboneng but far enough to be able to cut off all the noise. Besides the rooftop swimming pool and terrace, the place is in demand for its open plan living areas, city views, and history. It is housed on the 9th, 10th and 11th-floor of the former Barclays Bank headquarters (now a listed heritage monument), and is surrounded by skyscrapers that give the skylines of bigger cities, such as NYC and London, a run for their money.What to do: Bookmark Uncle Merv’s to meet interesting people over coffee and smoothies, and The Bioscope, a little known, 68-seat theatre that showcases local and international independent films. The #iwasshot in Joburg project is worth a visit.
5. Amsterdam
Situated in the thriving neighbourhood of Amsterdam-Noord, this luxe, studio apartment is best for intrepid couples on the move. Make the most of the apartment’s proximity to the nearby chic streets to absorb the place’s vibe. In-room facilities include infra red cabin sauna (after a long day of walking), and a fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy views of the city lights over the IJ river from your bedroom at night.What to do: While you’re here, trust De Ceuvel to serve the best coffee, while offering a crash course on sustainability, or visit the abandoned warehouse that once belonged to Amsterdam’s shipping industry to find the new Art City (known among locals as Kunststad) where local artists and entrepreneurs meet in a creative environ. The apartment is great to walk around suburbs and enjoys proximity to metro and bus station for those who like to venture out of the city for day trips.
6. Paris
Avenue Montaigne is to Paris what Madison Avenue is to New York. Located in the heart of this shopping district is the plush vacation rental, Montaigne. A four-bedroom apartment that houses seven guests, this is the place to be if you’re a bunch of shopaholics. The best part? It can also accommodate your nanny, housemaid, and butler, and comes with a private chauffeur, housekeeping, and parking facilities. The place is located close to a number of designer studios, such as Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton.
What to do: For those looking for more experiences, venture out to explore nearby attractions, such as the Plaza Athenee palace, the famous L’Avenue restaurant, with an immediate access to the Champs-Elysees at Franklin Roosevelt roundabout. The place is also well suited for business travellers, given its proximity to the Golden Triangle neighbourhood.
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