The world’s best art can be found in these top destinations. Whether you’re looking to see classic paintings in a museum or contemporary sculptures on the street, these cities offer it all.
The Louvre is home to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, while Florence is renowned for its Renaissance masterpieces. In London, the National Gallery hosts works by Titian and Constable, while Tate Modern is a must-visit for contemporary art.
1. Paris
Art is a central element of Paris culture, and this has led to the city becoming one of the world’s top places to visit for art. With a diverse mix of contemporary galleries and timeless global treasures like the Louvre, the city has something for everyone who wants to immerse themselves in the arts.
Aside from its iconic museums and galleries, the city is also a treasure trove of street art and other creative spaces. You can experience this in the trendy Left Bank neighborhoods of Montmartre and the Marais.
The Musée d’Orsay is home to France’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. With a focus on works by the likes of Monet, Rubens and Modigliani, it’s an important place to discover the roots of modern art.
There’s no better way to experience this stunning museum than by walking through the expansive galleries. The sweeping rooms are framed by walls of glass, making it easy to spot some of the most famous pieces in French history.
Another major draw of this museum is its breathtaking back garden, which is filled with massive trees sculpted by landscaping artist Lothar Baumgarten. The vistas are stunning, and the evocative fragrance of pine fills the air as you walk through the lush landscape.
If you’re looking for a gallery that isn’t necessarily known for its big-name artists, check out this new-ish gallery. Their exhibits are often fast-paced and colorful, so you’ll find something new to explore every time you visit. You might even get a chance to see some of the latest art from up-and-coming artists.
2. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the most culturally rich cities in the world and it is home to some of the most iconic works of art. There are several museums to choose from, but one of the best is the Rijksmuseum. This museum is a must visit for anyone who enjoys art, especially paintings.
Another must see is the Van Gogh Museum. This is the only museum in the world that showcases the life and work of Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most well-known painters of all time. You can view 200 of his works at the museum, along with works by Monet, Gauguin and Seurat.
Lastly, don’t miss the Anne Frank House where you can learn more about this girl who was a Jewish child and hid from the Nazis for 2 years during WWII. She left behind a diary that has been published worldwide and provides an insight into her life during this tumultuous period in history.
As the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam has an abundance of cultural sites and a wealth of historic buildings. These include the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rembrandt House Museum, and more.
The city’s population has increased since World War II, in part due to an influx of immigrants from various countries around the world. Most residents are Dutch, but many have also come from other parts of the country and beyond. There are significant Moroccan and Turkish minorities, and some migrant workers have been brought in from the former Dutch empire (Indonesia, Suriname).
The city’s most popular attractions are concentrated around Dam Square. The main feature of the square is the 17th-century Royal Palace (Koninklijk Palace). This flamboyant civic building has been used as a venue for important events for centuries and still hosts visitors from all over the world today. Other prominent sites include the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk); Madame Tussauds wax museum; and the National Monument, which honors those who lost their lives in World War II.
3. Madrid
The vibrant city of Madrid is a top choice for travelers who want to experience the best in Europe’s art scene. The Spanish capital is home to a world-class art collection in some of the world’s most famous museums and galleries.
A visit to the Museo del Prado is a must for any serious art fan, as it houses some of the most famous paintings by world-class artists like Rembrandt, Velazquez and Goya. The Prado also features a world-class collection of decorative arts, prehistoric finds and ornamental metalwork.
Another must-see in Madrid is the Museo Sorolla, which is set within a beautiful house-museum dedicated to Valencian painter Joaquin Sorolla. Its collection includes rococo mirrors, Spanish ceramics and alluring sculptures.
There are a variety of other great places to see art in Madrid. The Museum of Romanticism re-creates the enchanting atmosphere of the Romantic era and is a favorite for visitors to this charming city.
Whether you’re looking to buy some souvenirs or simply have fun browsing the many different art galleries, there is something for everyone in Madrid. The upscale shopping streets of Gran Via and the surrounding streets are popular for locals as well as tourists, featuring department stores such as El Corte Ingles and designer brands including Red Valentino.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll find many great restaurants lining the narrow streets of this cosmopolitan neighborhood. There’s also the three-story gourmet food market, Mercado San Anton, where you can sample everything from delicious cheeses to fresh fish.
A trip to the renowned Teatro Real, or Royal Theatre, is another must-see in Madrid. It offers performances by the best opera and musical performers in the country.
4. Venice
Venice, Italy is one of the top art destinations in Europe and for good reason. It’s home to some of the best museums in the world, stunning public sculptures and a vibrant art scene.
There are 117 islands in the Venice lagoon which can be explored on a water trip or from a gondola. You’ll also see some incredibly beautiful sunsets along the canals and waterways of the city.
Visiting Venice is not just about seeing the incredible architecture of the city, it’s about experiencing its unique history and learning more about Italian culture. Throughout the centuries Venice has been a major influencer of art, religion and commerce in Italy.
The city is known for it’s canals, gondolas and the Grand Canal which divides the historical centre into two different parts. It’s no surprise that this canal is so important to the city as it has always been the main commercial waterway.
A visit to St Mark’s Basilica aka Basilica di San Marco is a must when visiting Venice, this church features intricate mosaics and gold leaf design. You’ll also be able to see the Treasury which holds many of the city’s most significant religious relics.
Another must-visit is the Bridge of Sighs, this gorgeous bridge is made of white limestone and has windows with stone bars. It is a romantic spot, but it’s also a very historic building as it was the last place for prisoners to get a glimpse of the outside before they started their sentence or were executed.
If you’re looking for something a little different, then book a day trip to the Murano & Burano Islands which sit in the Venetian Lagoon and are famous for their traditional handicrafts such as glass making and impressive lace-making. You’ll be able to witness centuries old techniques first-hand and enjoy a boat ride as you explore these quaint, colorful islands.
5. Berlin
With a wide range of museums and galleries spread across the city, Berlin is a great place to experience art. Whether you’re looking for modern and contemporary works or pieces from the ancient world, there’s something for everyone.
The city also has a vibrant street art scene that’s sure to impress. Head to Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district for a great selection of new and old murals.
While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the top-notch museum of modern and contemporary art, KW. Home to a diverse collection of cutting-edge artworks, including works by artists like Joseph Beuys, Anselm Kiefer, and Robert Rauschenberg, this institution is a must for anyone interested in contemporary art.
Another must-see in Berlin is the Holocaust Memorial, which is a sobering reminder of the evil that took place during WWII. Located along a section of the Berlin Wall, this is an eerie and thought-provoking monument that features 2,711 concrete blocks of different sizes.
Finally, if you’re looking to explore some of the best museums in Berlin, there’s an island in the center of the city called Museum Insel (Museum Island). Here you’ll find five world-class museums that span the entire scope of history.
The Gemaldegalerie is the picture gallery of the Berlin State Museum and is renowned for its impressive collection of European paintings. Highlights include paintings by Rembrandt and other Dutch and Flemish masters, as well as several pieces by French artists such as Poussin, Claude Lorrain, and George de la Tour. You’ll also find works from the Islamic, Byzantine, and Egyptian periods. Plus, don’t miss Berlin’s Museum of Decorative Arts (Kunstgewerbemuseum), which features everything from porcelain and glass to silver vessels, furniture, clocks, and decorative carpets.
