The walkable European city break that hundreds of celebrities flock to once a year
Basel is most known for its art fair, but the mediaeval Swiss city is a destination in its own right, with a beautiful Old Town and cheese and chocolate galore.
City breaks are the perfect bitesize holiday: time abroad but back in your own bed within a few nights.
There are so many lovely spots for a quick trip, but hotspots get quickly clogged up with other holidaymakers.
Europe is home to some of the most beautiful and luxurious city breaks in the world. However, in popular places like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, the costs can be steep.
The pros at TrustedHousesitters, a pet sitting platform, have revealed the most expensive European destinations for accommodation along with details on how you can travel the world house sitting.
According to pros, the best place to go is Basel. The Swiss city is famous for hosting Art Basel, the world's premiere annual art show attracts people from all over the world each summer.
A-listers the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt are known to rub shoulders with artists, art collectors and millionaire buyers at the show.
Read on for the platform's top picks for pricey European destinations that are worth every penny.
Top five top luxury holiday spots
1. Basel, Switzerland – Average accommodation cost: £208 per night
Basel has earned its notoriety as an art lover’s paradise, with Art Basel attracting hundreds of celebrities each year. Whether it’s visiting one of the 40+ museums, or the charming Old Town, with its medieval buildings and cobbled streets, perhaps even strolling along the banks of the Rhine River there’s something for all art and culture lovers.
Local delicacies: Sample Basel’s famous läckerli, a spiced, nutty gingerbread, or indulge in the city’s vibrant café scene with fresh pastries and hot chocolate.
Pet-sitting perk: Stay in one of Basel’s beautiful homes while caring for a local’s pet, giving you time to explore the artistic treasures and cultural richness.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Average accommodation cost: £253 per night
Wander through Amsterdam’s network of picturesque canals, visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum, or explore the Anne Frank House. This vibrant city is a blend of history and modernity, where you can ride a bike along the canals by day and relax in a cosy café or coffeeshop by night.
Local delicacies: Enjoy Dutch treats like stroopwafels or hearty bitterballen with a cold local beer, and don’t forget to sample some haring (raw herring), a traditional snack.
Pet-sitting perk: Swap expensive hotels for a canal-side home while caring for a local’s cat or dog, offering you the chance to live like a true Amsterdammer in this enchanting city.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland – Average accommodation cost: £210 per night
Iceland is a land 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 delicacies: Savour Iceland’s fresh, locally-sourced cuisine, like lamb stew, skyr (a yogurt-like dairy product), or freshly caught Atlantic fish.
Pet-sitting perk: Stay in a warm Icelandic home and experience the country's natural wonders while caring for a local pet. Enjoy long walks with a friendly dog through volcanic landscapes or along black-sand beaches.
4. Paris, France – Average accommodation cost: £301 per night
Explore the City of Light and its landmarks—the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The city of love, art and fashion has so much to offer.
Local delicacies: Paris is synonymous with culinary excellence. Enjoy 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 pay 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?
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5. Venice, Italy – Average accommodation cost: £368 per night
Venice is pure romance, with its maze of canals, iconic gondolas, and award-winning architecture. Explore the magnificent Piazza San Marco and the grand Basilica, or get lost in the quieter alleys to discover hidden gems like artisan workshops and quaint trattorias.
Local delicacies: Feast on Venetian seafood dishes like sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) or indulge in 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 perk: Trade Venice’s steep hotel prices for a local home, where you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the canals, far from the typical tourist crowds.
