City breaks are the ideal mini-holiday, offering a taste of foreign culture before returning to your own bed within a few nights.
Europe is brimming with beautiful and luxurious city break destinations, but popular spots like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Paris can be quite costly. TrustedHousesitters, a pet sitting platform, have unveiled the priciest European locations for accommodation, along with tips on how you can globe-trot by house sitting. According to these pros, Basel in Switzerland is the top pick.
Known for hosting Art Basel, the world’s leading annual art show, this Swiss city attracts people worldwide each summer. Celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt are known to mingle with artists, art collectors, and millionaire buyers at the event.
Read on for the platform’s selection of expensive European destinations that are worth every penny, reports the Express.
The top five luxury holiday spots
1. Basel, Switzerland – Average accommodation cost: £208 per night
Basel has gained fame as an art lover’s haven, with Art Basel drawing hundreds of celebrities annually. Whether it’s visiting one of the 40+ museums, exploring the charming Old Town with its medieval buildings and cobbled streets, or strolling along the Rhine River banks, there’s something for all art and culture enthusiasts.
Local treats: Try Basel’s renowned lackerli, a spiced, nutty gingerbread, or immerse yourself in the city’s lively cafe culture with fresh pastries and hot chocolate.
Pet-sitting bonus: Reside in one of Basel’s stunning homes while looking after a local’s pet, allowing you to discover the artistic gems and cultural wealth.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands Average accommodation cost: £253 per night
Stroll through Amsterdam’s maze of scenic canals, visit the globally-renowned Rijksmuseum, or explore the Anne Frank House. This dynamic city is a fusion of history and modernity, where you can cycle along the canals during the day and unwind in a cosy cafe or coffeeshop at night.
Local treats: Relish Dutch delights like stroopwafels or hearty bitterballen with a chilled local beer, and make sure to try some haring (raw herring), a traditional snack.
Pet-sitting bonus: Exchange pricey hotels for a canal-side home while caring for a local’s cat or dog, giving you the opportunity to live like a ‘true’ Amsterdammer in this captivating city.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland Average accommodation cost: £210 per night
Iceland is a country of extremes – visit the geothermal Blue Lagoon, witness the Northern Lights, or explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Golden Circle. Reykjavik, the capital, is a gateway to adventure.
Local treats: Enjoy Iceland’s fresh, locally-sourced cuisine, like lamb stew, skyr (a yogurt-like dairy product), or freshly caught Atlantic fish.
Pet-sitting perk: Imagine residing in a cosy Icelandic home, experiencing the country’s natural wonders while looking after a local pet. Picture yourself taking long walks with a friendly dog through volcanic landscapes or along black-sand beaches.
4. Paris, France Average accommodation cost: £301 per night
Discover the City of Light and its iconic landmarks – the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The city of love, art and fashion has an abundance to offer.
Local delicacies: Paris is renowned for its culinary excellence. Savour flaky croissants in the morning, feast on escargot, or sip wine and eat cheese whilst indulging in a classic coq au vin at a bustling Parisian bistro.
Pet-sitting perk: Why fork out for sky-high prices for a Parisian hotel when you can stay in a local chic apartment, with the added bonus of caring for a charming French cat or dog?
5. Venice, Italy Average accommodation cost: £368 per night
Venice is the epitome of romance, with its labyrinth of canals, iconic gondolas, and award-winning architecture. Explore the magnificent Piazza San Marco and the grand Basilica, or lose yourself in the quieter alleys to discover hidden gems like artisan workshops and quaint trattorias.
Local delicacies: Indulge in Venetian seafood dishes like sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) or savour a rich plate of risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto). Pair your meal with a glass of local Prosecco to complete the local experience.
Pet-sitting advantage: Swap the high hotel costs of Venice for a local residence, where you can appreciate the serene beauty of the canals, away from the usual tourist throngs.