The Best Destinations for Art Lovers
Creative Travel Guide by CB.
It’s always inelegant to talk about oneself, but to understand the following lines, it’s somewhat necessary. I’m a not-so-young Frenchman, father of two, and endlessly curious about art in all its forms.
Art, in its noble sense, is often confined to specific domains like fine arts, painting or music. Yet for me, it manifests everywhere. I don’t deny beauty and the stimulation of the senses as fundamental to art, but above all, I believe art should be accessible to everyone. It can be a magnificent Impressionist painting, a cinematic performance, or even a perfectly placed football curling into the net after a beautiful team play.
But I digress…
Discovering art in all its forms is, of course, possible in your own city or country. However, it becomes far more vivid when you travel. Leaving home is an ode to exchange, to discovering new customs and foreign arts, and above all, to open-mindedness. A mindset essential to experience art in its truest diversity.
That spirit was with me during my world trip in the early 2010s. Europe, Africa, and Asia were not just a succession of highlights, but an artistic journey through cultures. More importantly, they helped me understand which destinations connect most deeply with art. Finding a destination to visit today is easy, but finding one that resonates with art is rarer.
Here are a few I personally recommend:
Rome For Classical Art
I first visited Rome by chance during Easter celebrations. Everything is an ode to classical art, from its monuments and masterpieces to its sense of grandeur. From the Sistine Chapel to the Borghese Gallery and the ancient ruins, one is constantly in awe of what human hands have achieved.
Yet what struck me just as much was the culinary art. Traditional dishes are perfected with mastery, while the new Roman scene, places like Roscioli or Marzapane, will awaken all your senses.
Nara For Nostalgic Art
After exploring Tokyo and its numerous museums like the Nezu Museum, which houses a unique collection of calligraphy and Sumi-e paintings, I recommend heading to Japan’s ancient capitals. Kyoto first, for its enchanting walks and timeless gardens.
But especially Nara, Japan’s capital over a millennium ago. It feels like stepping into a Miyamoto artwork, where past and present coexist harmoniously. Two artistic experiences moved me deeply: the ancient temple architecture, built using now-forgotten interlocking techniques, and the ever-present deer that roam freely through the city.
Nature and art are often seen as opposites, since art supposedly requires human intervention. Yet this fusion, the harmony between nature and human creation was a revelation.
Paris For Romantic Art
Paris was not just a destination, it was home. I lived there for five wonderful years, during which I discovered art in every form imaginable. Performing arts are omnipresent, with countless live shows and performances.
Paris is also a hymn to romanticism through its architecture, its subtle beauty, and that inexplicable magic in the air. It may look like a city built by a firm hand, with its long Haussmannian boulevards and copper-toned Eiffel Tower, yet something poetic lingers. Art, somehow, takes over the city.
My Next Destinations:
Bogotá, the Urban Canvas
Colombia’s capital has become one of Latin America’s most vibrant artistic hubs. From the striking murals of La Candelaria to the Museo Botero, the city is a living gallery. I’m drawn by this dialogue between modern urban energy and deep cultural roots where street art, music, and gastronomy all tell stories of resilience and reinvention.
Hong Kong, The Intersection of East and West
Hong Kong fascinates me for its duality: glass towers reflecting ancient temples, and modern galleries rising beside traditional markets. Between PMQ, Tai Kwun, and countless art fairs, it’s a city where creativity never sleeps. I’m eager to see how local and international artists reinterpret identity in this ever-evolving crossroads of cultures.
Author Bio:
CB.
Journalist, entrepreneur, trydetour.com founder and above all, an art enthusiast in the broadest sense.
