Description Sagrada on the Balcony: Barcelona

Sitting in the Eixample district, this apartment puts you five minutes on foot from the Sagrada Família – close enough to watch the light shift on Gaudí's basilica at different hours of the day. Tall windows flood the living room with natural light, and the balcony off the main bedroom extends that sense of calm outward, with city rooftops stretching into the distance. The kitchen is bright and well-fitted enough to make cooking in a option. Lift access and luggage storage make the logistics easy, so you can focus on the city rather than the admin.

Home truths:
* Your host operates several homes here, so the exact view, layout and furnishings might differ slightly from the photos. However, the overall quality should remain the same.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair. Request them in advance to make sure everything is ready on arrival.
* This is a busy Eixample street, and some noise from outside is part of the deal – worth bearing in mind if you're a light sleeper.