Explore Airbnbs
looking for a super-chic break to your most searched-for cities? we’ve taken the pain out of finding your dream home from home…
MODERN CLASSIC in Dublin
An enormous Georgian townhouse serving up classic style credentials over three floors, this laid-back space is full of light and calm. THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Portobello, Dublin 8 is one of the hippest spots in the city. Pick a canalside restaurant for dinner; for breakfast, nip out for bagels to enjoy in the pretty walled garden.
LOWDOWN From £577pn, for up to six guests (airbnb.co.uk/rooms/6286228). Fly to Dublin with flybe.com or ryanair.com.
LOFT LIVING in Brooklyn
The decor of this spacious apartment is heavy on original warehouse features, from exposed brick walls to heavy sliding doors with a touch of the tropics thrown in – think palm-print bedlinen and ’70s rattan furniture. There are also fun touches, from the yellow front door to the piano – and there’s even a swing!
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Bushwick in north Brooklyn is where all the Williamsburg artists hang out. Expect lots of warehouse space galleries, a buzzy night scene with new music and a cool cocktail-restaurant vibe. It’s 20 minutes into Manhattan on the train.
LOWDOWN From £84pn, for up to two guests (airbnb.com/rooms/17941851). Norwegian flies three times a day to New York JFK from London Gatwick with free wi-fi (from £139.90 one-way, norwegian.com).
BELLE EPOCHE in Barcelona
Want to stay in an apartment straight from a film set? This amazing art nouveau flat is just that – Pedro Almodóvar and Wim Wenders have both filmed within this historic building. Adding to the panache, the architect-owned flat is packed with uber-modernist furniture.
The neighbourhood Casa Ramos is located in the leafy Gràcia district, right by a Metro station and 10 minutes’ walk from Gaudí’s kooky Park Guell. Away from the frenzy of Las Ramblas, Gràcia has a more chilled out, village feel, but still with plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy. Lowdown From £293pn, for up to four guests (airbnb.co.uk/rooms/959089). Fly with flybe.com or norwegian.com.
PARTY PAD in Paris
The best thing about this house – an old industrial building that’s been upstyled into a light-filled loft – is not the vaulted ceilings, family kitchen, fabulous plants or double-height library that spans the mezzanine floor, it’s the outstanding fireplace. Even in high summer, we’d be inclined to gather round.
The neighbourhood Located in the best part of Canal Saint-martin, just north of Le Marais, on a tucked away courtyard, this place is close to the Centre Pompidou and there is a Sunday market nearby. Lowdown From £640pn for up to 11 guests; there are three double bedrooms in the mix. airbnb.co.uk/rooms/2749954. Fly with easyjet.com; or go by eurostar.com.
CANALSIDE in Amsterdam
Moored in Amsterdam’s city centre, take to the water on this gorgeous houseboat styled with a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces. With windows on all sides, the view is a knockout. Enjoy evenings sipping crémant on the flower-filled deck before being gently rocked to sleep.
The neighbourhood You’re close to the cool shopping spot of Utrechtsestraat and Rembrandtplein, the main square in Amsterdam. The location is also perfect for strolling the canals with lots of casual, chic eateries to drop in on.
Lowdown Sleeps up to four guests, from £294pn; airbnb.co.uk/rooms/19803300.
Fly to Amsterdam with flybe.com.
BOHO RHAPSODY in Manhattan
If you like your homes on the maximal side of the tracks, this opulent first floor apartment is a trip for any wannabe Holly Golightly. Breathing a sense of theatre into a historic brownstone building, Oriental rugs and oil paintings, an enormous four-poster, claw-foot bath and an eclectic array of antiques set the tone.
The neighbourhood The Empire State Building, Grand Central Station and Union Square Park are within 10 minutes’ walk of this historic area.
Lowdown From £290pn, for up to two guests (airbnb.co.uk/rooms/663608). Norwegian flies to New York JFK from London Gatwick (norwegian.com).
MINIMAL CHIC in Berlin
A Japanese-platform bed and G Plan furniture keeps this look effortlessly stylish. For a touch of colour, we love the pink tasselled shade but otherwise we’re happy to bask in its pared-back chic. Bare plaster walls and white floorboards deliver on ultimate insouciance.
The neighbourhood Prenzlauer Berg , in the north east of the city, is one of Berlin’s most popular areas, with history and great architecture combined with lots of cafés, restaurants, bars and boutiques. The Sunday flea market at Mauerpark is a must. Lowdown From £117pn, for up to two guests (airbnb.co.uk/rooms/4342108). Fly to Berlin with flybe.com or ryanair.com.
MODERN ART in Venice
One-of-a-kind, this light and airy mezzanine studio is the creation of local artist and architect Lithian Ricci. Mural walls in pastel shades and original artwork give colour to a mainly all-white space with painted old beams. There’s also a garden.
The neighbourhood A hop over Accademia Bridge on the Grand Canal and you’re in Dorsoduro – beautiful Venice, minus the San Marco crowds.
It’s an art-filled area with lots of nightlife. The Peggy Guggenheim collection is one of the main draws.
Lowdown From £106pn, for up to four guests (airbnb.co.uk/rooms/16091090).
Fly with flybe.com or ryanair.com.
LUXE in Lisbon
Keep your cool in white mixed with log table inspo and stripes. This relaxed loft studio and patio (we like the geometric pattern of the yellow-tiled floor) is the perfect base for city sightseeing. Floaty linen curtains and slouchy deckchairs complete the look.
The neighbourhood From street markets to upscale stores, the elegant shopping district of Chiado is best explored by foot. It’s next to the more bohemian Bairro Alto area, where restaurants playing traditional Fado music can be found.
Lowdown From £145pn, for up to four guests (airbnb.co.uk/rooms/3137482).
Fly with ryanair.com.