Covid-19 has affected travel globally, limiting our ability to visit new destinations. With closed borders and a ban on international travel, many who would normally be travelling the globe have been forced to come home, and stay home.
When the restrictions lift, some estimates say that the pent-up demand will be enormous. So how do you choose which city to take off your bucket list? We’ve compiled a list of the top 7 most artsy cities to travel to after the pandemic ends.
1. Washington, DC
If you prefer not to travel abroad quite yet, there are plenty of North American destinations. A visit to Washington DC will give you enough museums and galleries to keep you busy for more than a traditional week of vacation. Start with the National Gallery of Art to view the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the Americas.
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC displaying a statue of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln
2. Paris, France
How can we talk about Artsy Cities and not mention Paris? Since the 17th century, the finest artists and sculptures have been congregating in the French city. The Musée du Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world, but don’t miss the Musée Rodin or the Musée Picasso during your travels.
Louvre Museum in Paris, France Musee Rodin in Paris, France
3. Tokyo, Japan
If Tokyo isn’t already on your art scene bucket list, you’ll want to add it. The Mori Art Museum, which is located on the 53rd floor of the Mori Tower, combines contemporary art and architecture in this world-class museum. The museum also hosts talks in both English and Japanese to allow artists to showcase their activities.
“The Soul Trembles” artwork pictured in the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, Japan The Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, Japan
4. Florence, Italy
Florence represents a veritable treasure trove of galleries and museums, often earning it the name of Capital of Arts. The city isn’t just about art galleries – the Renaissance architecture seen in Brunelleschi’s Duomo, or the Basilica of San Lorenzo, is stunning. No trip to Italy is complete without a trip to the Accademia Gallery to view the Statue of David.
Brunelleschi’s Duomo Cathedral in Florence, Italy The Statue of David created by artist Michaelangelo displayed in the Accademia Gallery in Florence, Italy
5. Portland, Oregon
Oregon may not be on your radar, but Portland has a burgeoning art scene that has produced some seriously big talent like The Decemberists, and Portugal. The Man. There are also a myriad of museums and galleries to discover, including the Blue Sky Gallery, featuring local photographers.
Blue Sky Gallery in Portland, Oregon The Portland Art Gallery in Downtown Portland, Oregon
6. London, England
London is a close runner up to Florence as the world’s Capital of Arts. It is home to 857 art galleries, some of which are the most visited and well-curated in the world. From the Street Art scene (think Banksy) to Theatre, London has it all.
The British Museum in London, England housing thousands of artworks attracts millions of tourists every year The National Portrait Gallery in London, England has some of the best and most extensive collections of Portrait Artwork in the world
7. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Amsterdam is most famous for its canals, Red Light District, and – ahem – coffee houses. While the first thing that comes to mind about the Netherlands may not be art, there is a long artistic heritage in the city that extends over 800 years. Don’t miss the Rijksmuseum, which features 22 Rembrandts and four Vermeers. As a bonus, take the 45 minute trip outside of Amsterdam to Delft, where Baroque painter Vermeer painted most of his life. Here you will find the Mauritshuis museum that houses Vermeer’s most famous painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Four iconic Rembrandt artworks are held inside the Rijksmuseum located in Amsterdam, The Netherlands The iconic Van Gogh Museum is located in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
