The pied à terre is such a romantic idea, isn’t it? A pretty little home from home for when you’re working in the city, but really, you live in some huge mansion out in the country. Idealistic it may be, but what about if your job means you work across two cities? If you’re between Paris and London it’s not so bad, but if you’re in New York half your time, then your own little apartment might not be such a bad idea. Plus, I watched Sex and The City repeats last night and New York is seeming like a very glam place right now. So, let’s have a look at some homes for rent.

East 84 Street: £1490 a month

This 1 bedroom apartment on the Upper East Side is pretty decent for its size. After all, you’re paying for location, but you also get a washer-dryer and dishwasher as well. Sounds all very dull and practical, but it’s everything you need to make living away from home easy. Because a home from home isn’t meant to feel like a hotel, is it?

Heart of Manhattan: £1761 a month.

My goodness this is pretty. Look at that floor! Look at those stairs! I know this is meant to be a home from home, but I’d live here all the time if I could. It’s stunning, and it’s right by Fifth Avenue too for all those shopping trips. You get a 24 hour doorman too which is vital if you’re only going to be there half the time.

Paris in New York: £3048 a month.

Now, if you’re flitting between Paris and New York (frankly I’m a little jealous of you) I think this place will suit you just perfectly. French windows, stunning views, and it’s even got a balcony. Oh, and it’s on Madison Avenue. I’d like to move there right this second.

Town House: £9,415 a month

If the thought of an apartment doesn’t give you ideas of home living, then what about a townhouse? There’s something lovely about townhouses. They’re very… civilised. This one has four bedrooms, so if you’ve got a family, it might be a more suitable option than a one bed flat.

All this talk of flitting between two cities has given me itchy feet. Now I just have to find a job that will let me travel to New York every other week and pay for a pretty place like one of these at the same time. That should be easy, right?

If you fancy a change of scene for a few days away, or a long weekend break, owning your own city pad can make quick retreats all the more easier. With no accommodation to find at short notice, all you need to organise is your transport and tickets, and you can be on your way in no time.

Choosing to buy an apartment rather than a house can work out well if you’re intending to use it yourself, as there’s generally less upkeep to be done and less to worry about when you’re not around. Plus, if you do decide to let it out in the future, apartments in city centres stand a good chance of being rentable, both on a short and long-term basis.

Here are some ideas for prime pads in desirable cities.

Paris

It’s got to be one of the top city locations for a weekend away, especially the romantic kind, and is easily reachable from the UK. Whether you want to enjoy some sightseeing, or while away time drinking coffee and watching the world go by, there’s plenty of variety in Paris.

If the café culture meets your approval, then this two-bedroom apartment in a period building has a café almost on your doorstep. Set in the heart of the trendy Marais area of Paris, with its designer boutiques, it’s been recently renovated and is on the market for £656,838.

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal stakes its claim as being the westernmost capital in mainland Europe. Compared to other capital cities in Europe, it’s relatively small, but that makes it perfect for exploring.

If you fancy living in an historic building, then this 18th century palace has been sensitively converted into contemporary, designer flats. Benefiting from river views, there are two bedrooms and great transport links nearby.

Budapest

Hungary’s capital has had a strong reign in the property investment stakes over the years and remains a popular location for tourists. It’s serviced by a variety of airlines, including several budget airlines, which makes getting there relatively easy.

Five star hotel services are on hand at this luxury waterfront development in District 13 of Budapest. The two-bedroom apartment, overlooking the water, have hotel services on tap – perfect for weekend breaks where you don’t have to do anything.