Chic city pads for a break away

With some of the worlds most exciting cities just a short hop away, city breaks offer a fantastic option for a memorable holiday, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family holiday or last minute weekend break.

For those seeking a vibrant, authentic spot to holiday, HomeAway Holiday-Rentals has compiled a list of the Top 10 best properties for a cosmopolitan city break. Head to Paris, the capital of romance and enjoy the high life in a lavish apartment in St Germain des Pres, or explore magnificent Rome from your own luxury penthouse. Take your pick from these or any of the eight other stunning homes in urban hotspots across the world and you’ll be in for an unforgettable city stay.

In addition, HomeAway.co.uk lists over 10,500 other city centre properties around the world, from cute compact studios to large luxury lofts. So whatever your budget there’s a huge range of chic city pads to choose from in Europe and beyond. What's more, renting a private apartment works out much cheaper than a similar standard hotel and you get so much more for your money than just a room. Holiday rentals also provide separate living spaces, bathrooms and kitchens too. Even in studios or smaller apartments, kitchenettes are provided, enabling you to save money by having some meals at home so you have extra cash to splash on shopping and souvenirs.

Prices quoted are per property and correct at time of going to press.

HomeAway Holiday-Rentals favourite top 10 city pads:

1. LONDON

Penthouse apartment with views across London and Hyde Park
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7. £2,995 per week
homeaway.co.uk/p414907 - Situated in the Lancaster Gate area near Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, this gorgeous, bright apartment is perfectly located to make the most of buzzing London. Featuring large floor to ceiling windows in all rooms and a large reception area with baby grand piano and design furniture, the property also has a balcony decorated with trees and flowers, from where you can enjoy magnificent views of sunsets and the nearby area.

2. NICE

Charming antique apartment close to the beach and promenade
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4. From £600 per week
homeaway.co.uk/p415038 - Located in an impressive Bourgeois well-maintained building on the 2nd floor with a lift, the apartment features a unique and full of character living room, with access to a small balcony. In addition, a large French Louis XVI armoire provides hanging and drawer space with a beautiful antique art deco lamp adorning the space above.

3. ROME

Penthouse located in the historic centre, with magnificent views of Rome
1 Bedroom, Sleeps 4. From £1,316 per week
homeaway.co.uk/p405802 - Within the historic centre, a stone’s throw from the Spanish Steps, this property offers magnificent views of Rome. The penthouse features a spacious living room with floor to ceiling windows leading onto the large terrace. From North to South East, the view spans over 180 degrees from the gardens of Villa Borghese, to Villa Medici and its gardens, to the towers of the Church of Trinità dei Monti, the dome of St.Peter’s and the dome of the Pantheon. The building was built in the late 1880s and enjoys the luxury of facing only parks and gardens in the immediate vicinity.

4. PARIS

Lavish apartment in St Germain des Pres
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4. £2,303 per week
homeaway.co.uk/p406436 - Situated in one of the best locations of Paris in the 6th Arrondissement, this apartment offers ample living space with a luminous living area, comfortable bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and two modern bathrooms. It is adjacent to the Jardin du Luxembourg and was completely renovated to contemporary standards in early 2007.

5. BARCELONA

Antique apartment in the heart of Barcelona
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8. From £1,228 per week
homeaway.co.uk/p69641 - Fabulous, antique apartment refurbished with exquisite taste for your stays in Barcelona in an incomparable environment, located in the city centre, the heart of the tourist area of Barcelona near Las Ramblas Plaza Reial, Palau Guell and Plaza Catalunya. The property features spacious living and dining rooms and three nicely furbished bedrooms, along with three individual balconies.

6. NEW YORK

Magnificent loft-like apartment in 'Plaza District'
Studio, Sleeps 4. £1,316 per week
homeaway.co.uk/p416000 - Designed by AIA award winning architect Richard McElhiney, this condo has been renovated to perfection. This upscale, spacious, high floor alcove studio combines the best of boutique condominium building and beautiful apartment living in the hearth of Manhattan. You enter into the living space with its luxurious modern design, where a wall of windows South facing provide steady dawn to dusk light with city views. The property also features a separate kitchen with granite counter tops and state of the art appliances, marble bath, dining area, exposed brick wall and dark hardwood floors.

7. LISBON

Stylish apartment located in Campo de Ourique
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4. £66 per night
homeaway.co.uk/p83922 - This is a charming newly restored Lisbon apartment, just a few steps from restaurants, shops and the famous 28 Tram that covers all historical Lisbon.The property is well equipped, featuring a comfortable living area and two colourful bedrooms.

8. AMSTERDAM

Beautifully renovated and totally restyled apartment in historical building
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6. From £1,452 per week
homeaway.co.uk/p225701 - This beautiful spacious apartment is part of a 17th century house located in the oldest part of historical Amsterdam. Admiral Michiel de Ruyter was once the owner of this beautifully restored house. The property is located along the IJ-harbour where the proud ocean traveling vessels were anchored while preparing for their next voyage to the Indies.

9. PRAGUE

Classic apartment located in the elegant Vinohrady district
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4. £1,216 per week
homeaway.co.uk/p530179 - This is an exquisite property featuring antiques that blend with modernity and unique Prague photo prints. The muted poppy and pistachio tones create a relaxed mode, to reflect Vinohrady, with its attractive townhouses, terrace cafés and antiques bazaars dotted around the quiet streets which slope down towards central Prague.

10. BERLIN

Chic apartment in Tiergarten Berlin
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 3. £74 per night
homeaway.co.uk/p425145 - Considered a top location for the travellers, this luxurious one bedroom apartment is located in the diplomatic and embassy quarter in the centre of Berlin.The very light and surrounded by glass apartment is located on the first floor and is accessible by elevator.