Category: Travel Bucket Lists

There’s no better way than art to immortalize emotions, moments, and ideas. Even the most abstract concepts materialize through the inspirational creations of skillful artists. Therefore, exploring these creations is, in a way, exploring different worlds hidden within our own. And I believe the path to get to know a place and its culture goes through discovering its artistic side. That’s why I always seek new art travel destinations to add to my travel bucket list.

If you’re also an arty pilgrim, like me, this post is perfect for you. Below, you can find some of the best art travel destinations — with a slight focus on classical and contemporary works.

I must note before beginning that I’ll try not to mention too obvious ones, like Paris or Rome, yet there will inevitably be some popular destinations on this list.

So, let’s discover the best holiday destinations for your next art trip..

Inspirational Art Travel Destinations in Europe

With the world’s most famous cities and museums, Europe is a veritable paradise for art enthusiasts. Especially countries like the UK, France, Italy, and Austria have a reputation for their vibrant art scenes.

Join me in discovering five European destinations that every creative wayfarer must visit.

1. Vienna, Austria

If you’re an art lover, Austrian capital, Vienna, is one of the best places you can be. The city proudly displays its imperial past in every corner, from historic structures scattered across the land to its myriad of museums.

Vienna is home to many museums where you can view the works of world-famous artists, both contemporary and classical ones. The most prominent of these is clearly the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien. At KHM, you can explore pieces from different epochs of world history, along with awe-inspiring exhibitions focusing on unique artists and themes. Besides its rich selections of artworks, the museum itself is a genuine architectural wonder, housed in a resplendent palace at the heart of Vienna, on the city’s Ring Street (Ringstraße).

Another art museum you shouldn’t miss on is Albertina. One of the most visited museums in the world, Albertina houses over 65,000 drawings and around a million prints. Besides its rich collection, the museum holds temporary exhibitions with various themes.

The Albertina Museum, in addition to its principal building, has two additional branches: Albertina Modern and Albertina Klosterneuburg. For further exploration of art, I recommend these locations as well.

Of course, there are many other art museums and galleries in Vienna. Some of them are:

In addition, Vienna’s abundance of creative murals provides a unique open-air museum experience for those interested in graffiti and street art. You can particularly visit the Donaukanal to see graffiti art along the river bank.

2. London, the United Kingdom

London is among the most popular holiday destinations in Europe for a variety of good reasons. Being the capital of the empire on which the sun never sets, London was a notable center of commerce, art and culture for the most of the last millennium. As a result, the city is home to many famous landmarks, museums and structures today.

If you’re seeking to explore art and culture in London, your itinerary must include the world-renowned British Museum. The institution, with its permanent collection of over six million artifacts, allows you to explore human history and culture from its dawn. Besides its permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions with unique themes.

While the British Museum is a museum that mostly focuses on historical artifacts, Tate Modern is the perfect venue for those who want to bask in art in particular. Tate Modern houses the national collection of international modern art and is one of the largest contemporary art museums. The best thing about this museum is that it’s completely free to visit permanent the collection. However, this doesn’t apply to exhibitions, as they’re offered at affordable rates.

Besides these two, there are many other museums in London that you can consider visiting:

3. Lyon, France

While Paris is the first city that comes to mind when thinking about art travel destinations in France, Lyon certainly deserves more recognition. Yes, as the second largest city in the nation, Lyon is by no means an obscure gem, but I think its art scene still goes underappreciated.

An art trip in Lyon basically starts on the street. Exploring Vieux Lyon, the old town area, you cannot help but bask in the magnificent Renaissance atmosphere with most of the structures in the area dating back hundreds of years. the Tour Métallique de Fourvière — a small yet proud doppelgänger of the Eiffel Tower — rises in the skyline, offering visitors countless Instagrammable views.

While you can find many art stores in Vieux Lyon, you must head to the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon for a more formal art expedition. The institution is home to a wealth of unique pieces, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary artworks. It also hosts the second largest collection of impressionist works in France.

Afterwards, you can continue your trip at the Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon*. The museum has a unique approach to contemporary art, exhibiting pieces created directly on the site. Admission to the museum is very affordable and definitely worth it. The 140-meter-long painting of a river odyssey is basically one of my favorite artworks of all time.

Besides these two, I also recommend Musée Cinéma et Miniature, which boasts a very inspiring collection of movie props and miniature art. There are also several other art galleries and museums in Lyon worth a visit:

NOTE: Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon is closed until March 7th, 2025.

4. Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Colorful streets along its canals, delicious pastries, and spectacular nature make Amsterdam one of the best vacation destinations in Europe. With its tranquil nature, the Dutch capital is a perfect getaway for a rejuvenating experience. But what makes Amsterdam truly unique is its rich artistic heritage. In this city, you can explore the great masters of the Renaissance and the Dutch Golden Age through awe-inspiring exhibitions.

The myriad of museums in Amsterdam makes it a great destination for all art lovers. Among my favorites is Stedelijk Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Design, with over 100,000 pieces of artwork. It allows you to explore the currents of contemporary art and design through the perspectives of different world-renowned artists. The museum also holds highly creative temporary exhibitions that all art enthusiasts must see.

The distinct STRAAT Museum is another place I highly recommend, especially to those who are interested in street art. The museum displays the artworks of over 150 artists on an artificial street of canvases. Yes, capturing it in a closed-area might seem a bit against the very nature of street art. However, STRAAT is a great example of the institutionalization of street art, with a carefully planned layout and a unique approach to the medium. In fact, the museum’s blog features a great 2021 article focusing on this topic that I highly recommend.

I would also like to mention the world’s first microbe museum, ARTIS-Micropia, that displays microbes in a very unique, and arty, way. While there are more established museums focusing on the Netherlands’ artistic history and the Dutch Golden Age artists, what ARTIS-Micropia does is truly exceptional.

You can see some of the other museums and galleries here:

5. Brussels, Belgium

The capital of Belgium and, practically, the European Union, is another art travel destination that never ceases to amaze me. With its charming streets cornered by glamorous buildings and heady collection of cultural institutions, Brussels is truly a grand city of art.

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts, a group of institutions, each focusing on different aspects of Belgian and international art, is a must-visit. There are six museums in the group:

1. Magritte Museum
2. Old Masters Museum
3. Wiertz Museum*
4. Meunier Museum
5. Fin-de-Siècle Museum*
6. Modern Museum*

* These museums of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts are currently inaccessible (last updated in January 2025).

While I especially favor the Magritte Museum and the Old Masters Museum from this group, each one has unique exhibitions and is worth visiting.

Of course, these museums are perfect to explore more mainstream and popular pieces of art. If you’re seeking outsider art, Brussel has the Art et Marges Museum with a collection of 4,500 artworks produced outside of the conventional contemporary art. Besides its permanent collection, the museum also holds various temporary exhibitions with creations of international artists.

Also, as a street art enthusiast, I really like the Banksy Museum in Brussels. While the artworks in the collection are recreations, the exhibition gives inspiring insights into the artist’s creative world.

Following is a list of some of the other popular museums in Brussels that you might find interesting:

Art Travel Destinations Beyond Europe

European destinations are popular and well-known. However, there are plenty of gems beyond Europe for art travelers, especially for the enthusiasts of street and contemporary art scenes. Let’s see which non-European destinations I think are the best places for art lovers in 2025.

6. Lima, Peru

A gorgeous metropolitan with its bohemian style and sensational atmosphere, the Peruvian capital Lima is another unusual art travel destination that deserves more love than it currently receives.

Known as the “City of Kings,” Lima has a rich cultural and artistic heritage. A walk through the historic city center, with its blend of architectural styles, gives you a genuine sense of the city’s atmosphere.

While a quick walk is all it takes to bask in Lima’s art, you can further explore the creative side of the city through various galleries and museums. The most prominent of them is the Lima Art Museum (MALI), housed in the gorgeous 19th-century Palacio de la Exposición. Thanks to the museum’s extensive collection, which is the largest in the region, you can explore the art history of Peru in its glory.

In addition to its rich artistic history, Lima is also home to a vibrant contemporary art scene. Barranco district, one of the city’s most Bohemian spots, is a great place to discover the inspirational side of the city. The district is filled with breathtaking structures and colorful street art. Museum of Contemporary Art of Lima (MAC Lima), another must-see spot for art enthusiasts, is also found in this district.

Despite its smaller size and a relatively limited permanent collection, MAC Lima offers truly unique temporary exhibitions. So, if you’re interested in contemporary art, this humble museum might be a pleasant visit — especially considering the very affordable ticket price, which is currently 12 soles (around $3.20) for adults.

Here are some of the other museums and galleries in Peru that might interest you:

7. Cape Town, South Africa

One of the best winter sun destinations, Cape Town, the “Mother City” of South Africa, is the continent’s art capital. Laden with art galleries and museums, the city is a genuine art travel destination brimming with endless potentials.

On a trip to Cape Town, you can bask in the distinct culture and complicated history of one of the most outstanding lands on earth. There are truly a lot of reasons why Cape Town, and South Africa in general, is a must-visit spot. However, here I must focus on the vibrant art scene of this lesser-known gem.

The most prominent art travel destination in Cape Town, for me, is the Iziko South African National Gallery. A relatively underappreciated institution, the gallery’s stunning collection spans centuries, showcasing South African artworks from the 17th to 20th century. Meanwhile, the contemporary art section vibrantly captures the voices of diverse communities through rich mediums to address social and political narratives.

While Iziko is great to explore how South African social and political history reflects on its art scene, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) is perfect to explore the modern art currents in South Africa, and other parts of the world, more in-depth. MOCAA mostly focuses on contemporary art from Africa and her diaspora, with many artworks crafted either in Africa or by Africans. The globally acclaimed museum has a very rich permanent collection, as well as regular temporary exhibitions that focus on a diverse selection of themes and artists.

If you seek a more intimate experience, Clementina Ceramics Studio is an excellent place that deserves to be on your itinerary. Established by the famous South African potter Clementina van der Walt, this production studio allows visitors to explore the reflections of African urban and rural landscapes on pottery, creating a breathtaking aesthetic along with a nearly spiritual journey. In fact, all of the handcrafted pieces at the studio provide “a sense of the individuality of the human spirit.” If you want to visit the studio, don’t forget to make an appointment.

Of course, these venues are only a small sample of what Cape Town offers. There are many other places in the city that you can visit for an unforgettable art expedition:

Also, if you’re in Cape Town between February 21st and 23rd, you can explore South African art in its finest at Investec Cape Town Art Fair.

8. São Paulo, Brazil

Defined by its diverse community and creative culture, São Paulo has been one of the rising stars of the art world. Especially with the influx of new contemporary art pieces produced within the context of the city’s intricate social landscape, this art travel destination offers a rousing experience for creative minds.

If you wonder where to find São Paulo art, you can start by exploring the city’s streets. The Brazilian metropolis is one of the best places to check out street art, with colorful murals and graffiti scattered across the city. Minhocão, Pinheiros and Beco do Batman are three of the many areas you can visit to see the best pieces of public art.

While streets of São Paulo are open-air galleries, you can check some of the city’s museums and art galleries for more mainstream artworks. São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), renowned for its distinct architecture and rich collection, is one of the most popular art travel destinations in the region.

With a collection of over 8,000 pieces, MASP hosts the largest collection of Western art in Latin America. Besides, the museum also boasts a comprehensive collection of Brazilian art, allowing visitors to explore art history from a highly nuanced perspective.

Once you uncover history at MASP, you can head to the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art (MAM) to explore contemporary art. Although its collection is only half as big as the MASP’s, MAM manages to amaze its visitors with artworks exploring society and human nature through unique techniques. Plus, along with its permanent collection, MAM also holds temporary exhibitions with inspiring themes throughout the year.

I know that only a couple of venues aren’t enough to discover what São Paulo truly holds. Here are some other establishments where you can find all about the Brazilian art:

9. Buenos Aires, Argentine

Buenos Aires, the breathtaking capital of Argentina, is another popular art travel destination favored by those seeking an unforgettable holiday abroad. As a prominent global city, Buenos Aires is where you can have all kinds of experiences. Its spectacular urban landscape, lively nightlife, and paradisiacal Atlantic coast beaches make this city among the most popular winter sun destinations.

Of course, what makes Buenos Aires really special for this post is its vibrant Latin American art scene. Along with other countries mentioned above, the Argentinian capital has many distinguished institutions and unexplored gems where you can uncover the inspirational nature of both local and international art.

Consider adding Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA) to your itinerary for a true art expedition. Housing the artworks of some of the most famous Latin American artists, such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, MALBA is where you can bask in the true spirit of Latin American culture. Thanks to its extensive collection and regular exhibitions, MALBA allows you to uncover the continent’s diverse socio-political contexts in the light of art.

If you seek to explore further, Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (MAMBA) might help you check out the finest pieces of artists who force the limits of creativity. The museum has over 7,000 artworks, most created by famous Argentinian and international artists, including Xul Solar, Pablo Picasso, and Wassily Kandinsky. MAMBA also holds exciting temporary exhibitions focusing on diverse themes, allowing visitors to explore different currents in contemporary art.

But that isn’t all. In Buenos Aires, there are many other venues where you can find impressive artworks. Here is a brief list of some:

10. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City, a popular holiday destination and the capital city of Mexico, is among the largest cities in the world. Thanks to its rich history and cultural importance, Mexico City is also a prominent capital of art, making it another brilliant choice for your arty pilgrimage.

Mexico City’s streets display a beautiful mix of colonial and modern architecture. Murals and graffiti art in various parts of the capital allow you to explore the city’s creative side non-stop. And when you want to pick a museum, a gallery, or a culture center to explore the local art scene, Mexico City gives you countless options.

When it’s about Mexican art scene, however, one artist comes to mind immediately: Frida Kahlo. One of the most prominent artists of the 20th century, Kahlo’s influence on the art world is definitely indisputable. And there’s no better place to explore her life, influences, and art, than Mexico City’s Frida Kahlo Museum.

The museum resides in the historical house where Frida Kahlo grew up and spent the last years of her life. Exploring the rooms of the museum, you’ll have the opportunity to take a glimpse into the lives of Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, another famous Mexican artist.

After visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum, make sure to visit the Anahuacalli Museum, just a 10-minute drive away, with free entry using the same ticket as the Frida Kahlo Museum. A temple of arts designed by Diego Rivera, the Anahuacalli, is a true center of culture where you can explore the various aspects of the Mexican culture.

The central space of the Anahuacalli focuses on Rivera’s sketches. The museum also boasts a spectacular collection of pre-Columbian Mexican artifacts. Besides its permanent collection, the Anahuacalli also holds various contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year.

Of course, these two aren’t the only art travel destinations in Mexico. The city is home to a myriad of galleries and museums focusing on different aspects of Mexican art. Among these museums are National Museum of Art (MUNAL) and Palace of Fine Arts must be on your Mexico itinerary.

You can find below a list of other venues in Mexico that are worth visiting: