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Artful fog design+art, la frieze prequel, a pilgrimage to marfa, the home of american art, the center of the art world, america's museum redefined, contemporary art in london, contemporary art in paris, art in the hamptons, art in the hudson valley, land art in the american west, art basel in miami beach, unlock a world of art experiences, featured jaunt: washington d.c..

Spend a day experiencing magical Glenstone, one of the most exciting new private museums in the world. Located in Potomac, Maryland, 15 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. and set on 230 acres, Glenstone, designed by architect Charles Gwathmey, is renowned for its idyllic architectural spaces and important collection— 1,300 works by some of the most significant postwar artists from around the world. Developed and financed by billionaire American businessman Mitchell Rales and curated by his wife Emily Wei Rales, Glenstone—which collects artists in-depth and will only purchase work after an artist has been exhibiting for 15 years—has been compared to historic U.S. private museums such as the Frick Collection and the Phillips Collection. During your time in D.C., you will also visit major museum exhibitions of the moment, as well as new galleries and collectors' homes.

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Now more than ever, art matters. Artful Impact was established to help amplify art's philanthropic influence on our communities. Our charitable efforts directly support artists, museums, public installations, art education, as well as social justice and sustainability issues. We donate a third of the revenue generated from art purchased on a jaunt to the Artful Impact Fund. Please take a moment to learn about some meaningful charities. We think you will agree they are making a significant difference.

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Why Immersive Art Is This Year’s Biggest Luxury Travel Trend

Here, the eight best hotels where you can experience it for yourself.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Last year, we predicted that art hotels would be one of the biggest luxury travel trends for 2023 . Though we were right on the money—this trend has surged in popularity this year and will continue to grow exponentially over the next decade, according to a report from Future Market Insights —the art tourism we’re seeing in the luxury travel space goes beyond trips to Miami for Art Basel or a hotel with well-appointed, art-forward interiors.

The very best art hotels allow you to completely immerse yourself in your surroundings and offer a travel experience that engages all of your senses. From art-themed cocktails to music created just for you (quite literally, and more on that later), immersive art reaches far beyond basic paintings hung in the lobby. And this travel trend is quickly gaining traction among the most incredible hotels around the world. Here, our favorite luxury hotels with one-of-a-kind immersive art experiences.

Best Immersive Art Hotels

Habitas aiuia: aiuia, saudi arabia.

From well-appointed interiors and expansive desert views to art installations and incredible nighttime stargazing, Habitas AIUIa in Saudi Arabia is sure to indulge your senses. For starters, each room is housed in its own building that’s meant to blend in with its surroundings. The point? To let the natural beauty and art installations around the property shine. In a sea of terracotta desert hues, a collection of neon stones (an art exhibit from Desert X AIUIa 2020, “Falling Stones Garden” by Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim ) stands out, and upon closer inspection, you’ll notice the different sizes, shapes and colors of the natural rocks surrounding the installation. The vibrant piece reframes the viewers’ relationship to the desert landscape and asks them to appreciate all the beauty it has to offer.

To honor AIUIa’s incredible night sky and long-standing connection to astronomy, artist Lita Albuquerque placed an installation titled “ NAJMA (She Placed One Thousand Suns Over the Transparent Overlays of Space) ” on a large boulder overlooking the landscape in a “special arrangement that reflects the alignment of stars overhead on January 31, 2020, at the exact moment of the opening ceremony.” According to the Desert X website, the statue is named Elyseria and she’s a fictional 25th-century female astronaut “with a mission to teach about the stars and their related fields of astronomy and navigation.”

Across the property, what may look like an ordinary swing set (and can actually be used as one) is actually an art installation commissioned for Desert X called “ One Two Three Swing .” Symbolic of the fluctuating global economy and how it connects everyone around the world, this unique swing set “invites its users to activate the socially transformative potential of collective movement, challenging society’s apathy towards the political, environmental and economic crises of our age,” according to the Desert X website.

Tucked behind natural rock formations, you’ll find small black trampolines buried in the sand. Another installation from Desert X, this piece from Manal Aldowayan called “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” is meant to look like puddles and is a comment on climate change and water scarcity in the desert. At night, they become moon circles that light up when people interact with them. According to Desert X's website, “As encounters with the work become bodily, a physical exchange of cause and effect, awareness of the environment, its sensitivities, receptiveness, and actions are heightened.”

The best part about these art installations at Habitas AIUIa is that they’re not hidden behind glass or meant to be admired from afar—they’re built to be interactive (and, may we add, very Instagrammable). They encourage a sense of exploration and invite guests to tap into their inner child and play. And who couldn’t use a bit more child-like fun in their lives?

Book Your Stay

Grand Universe Lucca: Lucca, Italy

The Grand Universe Lucca in Tuscany has 55 rooms and suites that flawlessly blend timeless Italian elegance with contemporary creature comforts. The textiles in the rooms pay homage to the city’s famous silk production heritage and reflect the earthy red, green and yellow shades of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the delicate wall tapestries pay homage to the region’s vineyard patterns.

Beyond beautiful design, the hotel prides itself on its connection to music. The hotel stands next to the Piazza Napoleone and across from the iconic Teatro del Giglio, and each room is named after a composer who frequented the Hotel Universo e Tosca in the early 1900s (think: the “Piccolo Room” and the “Puccini Suite”).

For a truly curated musical experience, guests can take part in the hotel’s bespoke “ Prelude of Existence ” experience. There, the hotel’s classical composer will write your own theme song based on a brief questionnaire identifying your key personality traits. While the composer writes your one-of-a-kind song, you can enjoy coffee, tea and pastries in the Symphony Lounge. Later, the song will be hand-delivered on a sheet of music paper enclosed in a Tuscan leather box (perhaps for you to learn to play later).

Quintessence Hotel: Anguilla

Quintessence Hotel in Anguilla isn’t your run-of-the-mill Caribbean beach hotel (though it does offer breathtaking views of Anguilla’s Long Bay Beach). The 12-suite boutique hideaway has a museum-quality art collection featuring paintings, sculptures, light installations, ironwork and murals that are all hand-selected by hotel owner Geoffrey Fieger.

Additionally, each room is named after a famous artist—from the Jasmin Joseph Penthouse to the Robert Henri Bresil Suite—and incredible works from renowned American and Caribbean artists can be found throughout the hotel (the gallery actually boasts the largest collection of Haitian art outside of Haiti). This season, the hotel is debuting its “art bar,” where you can enjoy specialty cocktails themed to match the gallery’s rotating selection.

Marbella Club Hotel: Málaga, Spain

Located in Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, the Marbella Club Hotel may just be the ultimate destination for art lovers. The hotel’s design—with its bright colors, layered textures, intricate mosaic art pieces, on-site botanical gardens and abundance of natural light—is inspired by the vibrant Andalusian culture surrounding the property. Here, guests can even create art of their own through immersive, hands-on workshops.

Additionally, guests can connect to the art and culture of the destination through the property’s interactive Flamenco dancing lessons. Art lovers can also explore the nearby Museo Carmen Thyssen , Centre Pompidou , or the Museo Picasso which is set in a 16th-century Andalusian palace designed in the Renaissance and Mudéjar architectural style.

JOALI Maldives: Muravandhoo Island Raa Atoll, Maldives

While you’ll still get to enjoy luxe overwater bungalows and screensaver-worthy views, there’s so much more to JOALI Maldives than white sand beaches and the sparkling Indian ocean. As the first and only immersive art resort in the archipelago, you can explore one-of-a-kind installations and a curated mix between international artists and indigenous influences, craftsmanship and materials. The hotel offers an “Art Map” that guides you through the pieces found on the hotel’s property and their unique stories.

Though you (sadly) can’t take the incredible art from the hotel home with you, you can snag a beautiful souvenir from the JOALI Art Studio on the property. There you’ll find textiles, art, and decorative objet d’arts made by both local and global artisans.

Hamilton Princess: Bermuda

The Hamilton Princess in Bermuda has one of the most impressive hotel art collections in the world. The property’s private collection features over 375 works from artists like Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Rene Magritte, Roy Lichtenstein, Yayoi Kusama, Banksy, David Hockney, Jeff Koons, Alexander Calder, Jasper Johns, Tom Sachs, Damien Hirst, and Yoshitomo Nara.

Everywhere you look, art adorns walls and sculptures are dotted throughout the grounds. Additionally, the resort just updated three of its guest suites to be completely art-focused. Each one will feature three to five pieces of high art and offer spacious living areas as well as an outdoor space with harbor or garden views.

Rosewood Villa Magna: Madrid, Spain

Madrid is a great city for those who love incredible art and rich culture—and the Rosewood Villa Magna in the Salamanca district is an art destination that should not be missed. The hotel boasts over 380 pieces of art curated by ArtLink , the English firm renowned for its extensive contemporary art expertise.

The hotel also offers an “ Art Merienda ,” or afternoon tea experience, in partnership with Opera Gallery (an international gallery that recently opened its newest location in Madrid). The hotel’s resident art expert Raquel Saez will walk guests through the works of Spanish artists—including Manolo Valdés—that can be found throughout the hotel.

The tour begins at the hotel's restaurant, Flor y Nata, where guests will pick up a tea or coffee and sample a specialty dessert—a delicious eclair made with milk chocolate and Valencian orange—that pays homage to the origins of Valencian artist Manolo Valdés. Then, the tour will head over to the Museo de Prado’s exhibition “Picasso-El Greco,” which explores the artistic dialogue between two great artists: Pablo Picasso and El Greco.

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort: Soufriere, St. Lucia

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort , the iconic (and very Instagrammable) hotel overlooking the pitons in St. Lucia, is the ultimate beachfront destination for art lovers. Everywhere you look around the property—from enormous garden sculptures to high art to the lush island surroundings—there’s incredible beauty to be found.

The resort boasts an immersive collection from artists like Andy Warhol, Banksy, Tom Sachs, KAWS, and Jeff Koons—and even has a Damien Hirst painting in its kids' club! This summer, the resort will also unveil a new guided walking tour for guests who want to immerse themselves in the property’s robust art collection.

Jaime Milan (she/her) is the deputy digital editor for VERANDA, where she manages the brand's cross-platform digital strategy. She also writes and edits dozens of stories each month about design, architecture, gardening, jewelry, travel, entertaining, shopping, news, and trends. Prior to joining VERANDA, Jaime was a digital editor for over 10 years at national news and lifestyle brands and has written everything from in-depth packages and celebrity news to features and holiday gift guides. In her spare time, she can be found shopping at the antique store, cooking, gardening, or teaching her mini Australian Shepherd, Gumbo, new tricks. Follow her on Instagram at @jaimemmilan . 

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Where to soak in the 10 best immersive art experiences in the US

August 23, 2022 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors August 23, 2022

Enjoying art doesn't have to mean gazing at paintings on a wall. These 10 interactive art spaces, voted as the best by USA TODAY 10Best readers, offer multi-sensory experiences that are meant to immerse you within the art itself. 

No. 10: Flutter - Los Angeles, California

Flutter calls itself “a mini-vacation into a worry-free zone” or “a spa day for your heart and soul.” This multi-sensory installation in Los Angeles features a series of rooms, each curated by a different contemporary artist.

No. 9: Otherworld - Columbus, Ohio

Otherworld, an immersive art experience in Columbus, occupies a 32,000-square-foot space with 47 rooms of interactive art, secret passageways and mixed reality playgrounds. More than 40 artists contributed to the project, with backgrounds in everything from creative writing to digital fabrication.

No. 8: City Museum - St. Louis, Missouri

Housed in the 600,000-square-foot former warehouse of the International Shoe Company, the St. Louis City Museum has a bit of everything – the world's largest jungle gym, a 10-story spiral slide and a rooftop garden with stellar views of the city. Some 20 artists created the large-scale features of this interactive museum well before the term ‘immersive art’ became a thing.

No. 7: ARTECHOUSE - Washington, DC

Washington 's ARTECHOUSE isn't your typical art gallery. Instead, it's an immersive, interactive space designed for showcasing experimental, large-scale installations by the world's most cutting-edge artists. The company also operates spaces in New York City and Miami Beach .

No. 6: House of Eternal Return - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Meow Wolf’s first project, the House of Eternal Return, features 70 rooms of interactive art, tied together by the mystery of the Selig family who disappeared from their Victorian manor. Choose your own path through the space, where walking, crawling and climbing are acceptable.

No. 5: Factory Obscura - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This art collective in Oklahoma City crafts immersive experiences made to “awaken wonder, build community and make the world better.” The 6,000-square-foot space houses rotating installations. Mix-Tape, the current experience, took nearly a year to design and install by a team of some 30 artists.

No. 4: WNDR Museum - Chicago, Illinois

The WNDR Museum hosts immersive art and technology installations from artists, studios and collectives from around the region and the globe. The museum seeks to inspire “joy, curiosity and creativity” and created a fully touchless experience in 2021.

No. 3: Superblue Miami - Miami, Florida

Superblue Miami is a brand-new immersive installation created by a team of experimental artists. In this space directly across from the Rubell Museum, be enveloped in light, wander through a maze of mirrors and become engrossed in a digital environment.

No. 2: Seismique - Houston, Texas

Visitors to Seismique in Houston can explore more than 40,000 square feet of immersive art – the collaborative work of more than 30 artists. The west side “museum” has some 40 rooms, including a rain room and an all-ages jungle gym, meant to be explored in an open-form way.

No. 1: Wonderspaces - Scottsdale, Arizona

This year-round art show highlights immersive artwork from around the globe. At any given time, visitors can explore more than a dozen installations that explore color, light, sound and abstract narratives. You can also find Wonderspaces in Austin, Philadelphia and San Diego.

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The 10 best immersive experiences in the U.S. to check out right now

These museums and exhibits encourage getting all up in the art

For much of our lives, admiring the work of an artist went like this: Unless it’s hanging in our living room, we may never put our grubby hands on it. But lately, there’s a new trend in art, where museums and exhibits are encouraging visitors to not only touch the stuff but to interact with it physically. For a while, these interactive and immersive art exhibits were looked down upon by art snobs, who called them blatant money-grabs that catered to the selfie-obsessed. But then immersive exhibits grew up, calling upon actual artists, sometimes downright masters, to create dazzling displays that allow people to engage and immerse themselves in art in ways that just weren’t possible that long ago. At these exhibits below, not only is touching the art encouraged, but you can very much live it as if you’ve temporarily stepped inside someone else’s imagination.

RECOMMENDED: The weirdest museums in the U.S.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best immersive experiences in the U.S.

1.  meow wolf.

Meow Wolf, a Santa Fe-based artist collaborative, built “the first multiversal transit station serving Earth” in multiple locations around the country, each with different names, including Convergence Station in Denver and Omega Mart in Las Vegas. That means that a ticket, starting at $35, will buy you access to spaces that feel very much like you’ve permanently left planet Earth. Isn't that nice?

2.  AREA15

AREA15 took the idea of an immersive experience and gave it the Vegas treatment (bigger, louder, more dazzling), with about a dozen attractions, many of them changing regularly, including "sense-altering" rides and "alternate realities" rooms. Tickets start at about $50 and run up to $124, depending on how much reality you want to have bent.

3.  Superblue Miami

Superblue’s 50,000-square-foot warehouse in an up-and-coming industrial area of Miami is packed with interactive art, including a mirrored labyrinth and a Ganzfeld effect, where a field of monochrome light challenges depth perception. Tickets start at $29, but for a few bucks more, you can access " Massless Clouds Between Sculpture and Life ," which kind of simulates being inside a washing machine.

4.  ARTECHOUSE

Imagine stepping into a dramatic painting, carrying you to some trippy world of light and colors, and you've got the idea behind ARTECHOUSE. After its launch in 2017, the experiment in defining interactive art has since spread to three permanent locations in Washington, D.C., New York City and Miami Beach, with tickets (starting at $17) getting you access to a very arty world that’s different in each location.

5.  WNDR Museum

If you've ever been put off by museum security guards telling you not to touch the art, then head to WNDR, which has locations in Chicago, San Diego, Seattle and, coming soon, Boston. With tickets starting at $32, the idea here is art exhibits that encourage people to not only interact with the art but to actually become part of it, right down to triggering light displays by lying down on a reactive light floor.

6.  Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience

With exhibits popping up in cities across the globe, this is the granddaddy of the immersive art movement, with massive screens, VR headsets and flowered bridges that take visitors into the artwork of the French impressionist master. Ticket prices depend on the city but can be purchased at the Google Play and Apple Store.

7.  Seismique

Escape the Room veteran Steve Kopelman designed Houston’s Seismique to feel like a trip to another galaxy, with "mind-bending" exhibits stretched across 40,000 square feet. With tickets starting at $30, there’s space for meetings or events and galleries for local artists, all of which feel like you’ve entered someone’s very vivid imagination.

8.  Wonderspaces

Wonderspaces got its start way back in 2016 with an idea to partner with artists to create traveling, interactive exhibits. It's currently in four cities, including Philadelphia and Scottsdale, and tickets run from a comparatively reasonable $15 to $60 for a yearly membership.

9.  The Friends Experience

If you’ve ever wanted to hang at Central Perk, or in Rachel and Monica's apartment, or lounge on the couch in front of that fountain from the opening credits scene, the Friends Experience offers the chance to do just that. With sets recreated from the '90s sitcom, the exhibit (now in New York, Salt Lake and Miami) offers access starting at $26.50, or more with packages that include schwag and photos. 

10.  City Museum

Twenty artists came together to create the interactive exhibits that turn this 600,000-square-foot museum in St. Louis into an immersive experience. With tickets starting at $20, the place has a 10-story slide, the largest jungle gym in the world and considering you can crawl on just about everything, the whole thing feels like one massive playground.

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Where to go for the best high art travel experiences

Recently updated on July 13th, 2023 at 04:45 pm

Discovering art on your travels is one of the best ways to get to know new cultures and histories. From exploring art galleries to strolling through street art, there are so many ways to get inspired by art travel . Whether you want to feast your eyes on works by Europe’s greatest masters, famous graffiti art, incredible architecture, or modern sculptures, here are some of the best destinations for the ultimate high art travel experiences. 

Florence, Italy

If you’re looking for the best art travel experiences, you can’t miss the gorgeous Italian city of Florence. It was the cradle of the Renaissance, home to some of the world’s most Old Masters including Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael and Titian. From churches to chapels to galleries, there are endless masterpieces to feast your eyes on. 

So what are the must-do’s in this artistic city? Start with Michelangelo’s legendary David sculpture and the famous Uffizi gallery where you can see da Vinci’s The Annunciation, Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch, and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. You also can’t miss seeing Brunelleschi’s incredible duomo at the Florence Cathedral. If you’re looking for some lesser-known gems, check out the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which also holds art from the Duomo, and the Bargello sculpture museum, home to early works by Michelangelo.

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Melbourne, Australia

As the cultural capital of Australia, art lovers flock to Melbourne, where art seems to, quite literally, flow out of the streets. The vibrant street art is one of the most beloved characteristics of the city, and you can go wandering through the laneways of Melbourne’s CBD to discover side alleys covered in graffiti art, spray paint, stencils and installations created by both local and international artists. As you marvel at all the different artworks, you’ll also stumble upon small galleries, boutique designer stores, lively bars, and cafes serving up the famous Melbourne coffee. 

Don’t miss Hosier Lane, ACDC Lane, Union Lane, Degrave Street and Croft Alley in Chinatown. You can also see New York artist Keith Haring’s renovated 1980s mural at Johnston Street in Collingwood. For more art on the streets, head to the Bourke Street Mall to see Simon Perry’s Public Purse. There’s also Birrarung Marr Park where you’ll see the Federation Bells and Deborah Halpern’s Angel sculpture.

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Once you’ve got your fill of street art, there’s art galleries galore! The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is home to some of the country’s biggest collections of art, with two sites houses both an international collection and an Australian indigenous and non-indigenous collection. Soak up the works of Dalí and Picasso, or check out Australian artists like Tom Roberts and Frederick McCubbin. You can also visit the trendy Fitzroy district to see the Gertrude Contemporary or head to the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. 

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Paris, France

An artistic powerhouse, Paris is one of the ultimate art lover destinations in the world. It’s famed for its legendary art galleries like the Louvre (home to da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa) and Musée d’Orsay. There’s also the Centre Pompidou, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, and the Musée National Picasso-Paris (which houses Parisian resident Pablo Picasso’s private collection)… And there are over 1,000 more spread across the city.

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But Paris is more than simply art galleries. There are beautiful neighbourhoods like Montmartre and Belleville to explore, with stunning architecture and vibrant street art to enjoy while you fill up on macarons and croissants in quaint cafés. You can even head to the nearby Palace of Versailles for an unforgettable visual feast, or take a day trip to the village of Giverny, the home of the Impressionist master Claude Monet. You’ll see the gorgeous pink farmhouse where Monet lived and wander through the dreamy gardens that inspired his famous paintings. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Paris Explorer

New York City, USA

Famed as the art capital of the world, the Big Apple is a must-do travel experience for art lovers. It’s home to three of the world’s most renowned art galleries; The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) , the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim. But the highlights don’t stop there. New York is also home to the Whitney Museum of American Art, where you can see Warhols and O’Keefes. And don’t miss the Frick Collection of Old Master paintings and fine art by the likes of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Bellini and Fragonard. 

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If you’re after something a little more contemporary, head to the Socrates Sculpture Garden and Queens Museum in the borough of Queens. Or check out the funky Bushwick neighbourhood in Brooklyn for incredible street art and cutting-edge galleries. There’s also the Red Hook neighbourhood, the artist’s hub where you can explore galleries, use studios, or take art lessons. There are endless artistic pleasures to enjoy in New York and you could spend weeks soaking it all in… Lucky for you, it’s the city that never sleeps! 

GET INSPIRED BY: East Coast USA and Canada

Barcelona, Spain

Famed for its architecture, parks and museums, Barcelona is a mecca for art travel experiences. It was the stomping ground of Catalonia’s most famous artists and architects including Antoni Gaudí and Salvador Dalí, and you’ll find their works spread across the city. Don’t miss La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s magnificent masterpiece that’s still under construction, and his Parc Güell, lined with psychedelic mosaics. For more architectural magic, visit Casa Batllò and Casa Milà, or La Pedrera , the last private residence designed by Gaudí.

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You can also visit Museu Picasso where you’ll find one of the biggest collections of art by the Spanish master (over 3,500 works!), or wander through the Gothic Quarter, filled with vibrant street art. And don’t miss the El Raval area, where you’ll find modern exhibitions at the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, along with trendy bars, boutiques and street art. If you’re a Dalí fan, take a day trip to Figueres, where you can visit the Dalí Theatre and Museum. The building itself is the world’s largest surrealistic object, built by Dalí on the ruins of a 19th-century theatre destroyed during the Spanish Civil War.

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Mexico City , Mexico

Mexico City is an unmissable stop on any list of the best contemporary art travel experiences. The political art movements that thrived from the 1920s to the ‘70s coloured the city in social realist murals and incredible architecture. You can spend hours seeking out the greats like Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Be sure to visit the Barragán House by the famous Mexican architect Luis Barragán, and Frida Kahlo’s La Casa Azul, the electric-blue house in the Coyoacan district that’s become an art pilgrimage site. Kahlo once lived in the house and it now houses a large collection of her work and personal items. 

Explore the Palacio de Bellas Artes for the most famous artworks, including Rivera’s reproduction of the Man at the Crossroads and murals by Rufino Tamayo. Take a stroll through the UNESCO-listed campus of Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) to see the beautiful murals by the likes of Siqueiros and Juan O’Gorman. You can even head to the Mercado Abelardo L. Rodríguez, a produce market where Rivera once encouraged his students to paint. 

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London, United Kingdom

Where do you begin your art travel experience in London? Whether you’re after classic, contemporary or something else, London has it all. The city is home to over 1,000 galleries – including some of the world’s largest and most famous – like Tate Modern , where you can see works by Picasso and Warhol. There’s also the National Gallery (see works by van Gogh and Constable here), the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the cutting-edge Saatchi Gallery. It’s also a street art mecca, home to works by Bansky and colourful murals in neighbourhoods like Shoreditch and Brixton. 

If you’re after something more traditionalist, visit the royal collections at Kensington Palace and The Wallace Collection in Marylebone. Or if you prefer modern art, check out the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park, the Whitechapel Gallery or the Chisenhale Gallery. You could even head to the Fashion and Textile Museum, or explore the vibrant West End. London has inspired the likes of David Hockney, Lucian Freud, William Morris, along with Shakespeare, Dickens, Eliot and Orwell… And you’re almost guaranteed to find something in this city to inspire your artistic journey too. 

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ART IMMERSIONS

Tailor-made journeys and exceptional experiences in Culture & The arts. 

Curated journeys in arts and culture at stunning, sustainable global destinations. Comprehensive, expert-led experiences for art professionals and culture enthusiasts. Group Trips and Independent Voyages. 

There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the infinite passion of life.   - Federico Fellini

ADVENTURES IN ART

with Karen Stone Talwar

Adventures in Art curates luxury travel experiences focused on art, jewelry and fashion for museum patrons and art collectors around the world. Founded in 2011 by Karen Stone Talwar, the company is unique in its endeavor, providing customized itineraries and insider access to art capitals around the globe timed around art fairs, jewelry shows, and exhibitions at major museums.

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Bespoke tours, “twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. so throw off the bowlines. sail away from the safe harbor. catch the trade winds in your sails. explore. dream. discover.”, “the eye has to travel”, diana vreeland, karen stone talwar.

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Your Guide to the Essentials of an Art-Filled Vacation

The best art vacations are ones that are filled with sparks of inspiration that come from transformative places.

Those cherished moments of creative bliss can come from anywhere from the gardens of Italy to the island of Bali. Consider us your inspired vacation curators as we walk you through the best places to travel to for artists. When it comes to discovering destinations through art, each piece tells a story – from composition to medium and presentation. And to help you plan where to experience the best art across the globe, look no further than this hand-selected collection of properties looked after by our friends at Belmond .

Who should go on an art vacation?

You don’t have to be adept with a paintbrush and pallet to enjoy destinations rich with art. In fact, experiencing the local art scene is all you may need to bring out your inner artist.

You don’t have to be adept with a paintbrush and pallet to enjoy destinations rich with art. In fact, experiencing the local art scene is all you may need to bring out your inner artist. Long-haul trips are an especially exciting opportunity to plant the seeds of a new hobby, whether it’s taking an acrylics class or getting lost in a museum. Every painting, photograph, and sculpture is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in a foreign culture. Our Smarties often recommend visiting local museums and galleries as they act as the key to understanding a destination’s history as well as how they’ve shaped current events.

Our SmartFlyer travel advisors create tailor-made trips, and art-focus for those who have a love for learning and eye for aesthetics. The best art vacations are particularly well-suited for any collectors looking to bring home their next pièce de résistance. But whether you’re planning a family getaway or celebrating a romantic milestone, the experiences offered in our recommended destinations below are sure to entice all types.

How does Belmond cater to art lovers?

Our dear partners at Belmond offer guests experiences across their portfolio of iconic hotels, trains, and barges. #TheArtOfBelmond is all about waking up in breathtaking locales from Thailand’s emerald jungles to lively train cars crossing Peru to the vineyard-covered valleys of France. Their team expertly curates innovative artistic, cultural, and cinematic events and experiences across each of their global locales. From cutting-edge art installations at the Venice Biennale to classes with masters in the storied town of Dieà, Belmond helps you dig deeper into every destination.

Where are the best places to travel for art lovers?

• Bali, Indonesia: Jimbaran Puri
• Botswana: Savute Elephant Lodge
• Cusco, Peru: Monasterio
• Tuscany, Italy: Castello di Casole
• Venice, Italy: Cipriani
• Taormina, Sicily: Grand Hotel Timeo
• Florence, Italy: Villa San Michele
• Mallorca, Spain: La Residencia
• San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Casa de Sierra Nevada
• Through Europe by Train: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Bali, Indonesia

Egg painting in Bali is a long-standing tradition found within this Indonesian province. With origins dating back to the 16th century, egg painting is an ancient practice present across faiths. Incredibly delicate and specialized, Balinese artisans often paint colorful scenes on different types of eggshells in a tradition that honors the beginning of life and its struggles. At Jimbaran Puri, A Belmond Hotel , guests can craft their very own alongside a talented third-generation egg painter to create their own handheld masterpieces to take home to commemorate their new best art vacation.

Jimbaran Puri is located in the heart of a fisherman’s enclave, offering a taste of unspoiled Bali. Here, guests can walk through secret gardens with the property as their launching point to experience authentic Indonesia. Their temple experience is a must-try for anyone looking to engage in the cross-section between botany, spirituality, and traditional fashion. Children can also make their own stunning Balinese kite , perfect for their annual kite festival.

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Safaris offer the chance to have unprecedented encounters with wildlife. People often overlook opportunities to explore indigenous art on these treks. The Botswana Bushmen’s san rock art is not just marvelously intricate but reveals new insights into over a millennia’s worth of history. At Savute Elephant Lodge, A Belmond Safari , their art experts will guide you into the bush to see these pieces firsthand. You can also experience the baobab grove, filled with cathedral-like trees that stand as a natural work of art.

Savute Elephant Lodge is an ideal gateway to discovering the wonders of Chobe National Park. This is a timeless explorer’s lodge that provides sun-soaked viewing areas to catch glimpses of wildlife right from your accommodation. One of the most enriching experiences beyond art viewing is their stargazing. With guidance from local experts, you can use powerful telescopes to witness constellations and learn how the indigenous Bushmen used them to navigate the wilds.

Cusco, Peru

But Smarties agree the best art vacations should also include a private art tour, and this hotel offers just that – participate in viewings guided by a local expert who details the history of its 17th-century paintings.

It’s no secret that our team is passionate about putting together custom Peru trips; while Machu Picchu is a highlight, no Peru itinerary is complete without time in Cusco. Independent shops and galleries fill this storied Peruvian city’s streets, featuring pieces that blend contemporary and traditional crafting techniques. Dating all the way back to the days of the Incan empire, Cusco has a reverence for handmade goods, particularly woven textiles.

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel is set around a 300-year-old cedar tree located at the heart of Cusco. The hosts one of Peru’s finest collections of 18th-century colonial religious art with original paintings on display both in the guest areas and the bedrooms. Not to mention the hotel itself is a work of art: a protected 16th-century chapel-turned-national monument. Locals know this retreat for its exceptional architecture, including a gilded chapel hung with fine works of art. But Smarties agree the best art vacations should also include a private art tour, and this hotel offers just that – participate in viewings guided by a local expert who details the history of its 17th-century paintings. Additionally, guests can also enjoy the city’s rich performing arts with dinner at the opera.

In a country teeming with truly iconic art pieces, we’re showcasing Italy’s thriving contemporary art scene. Galleria Continua serves as a major proponent for established and developing artists alike that are looking for a space free of restriction. This gallery bridges Italy’s past and present to the public by presenting a wide range of works. The gallery also collaborates with local schools and hotels to host guided visits and talkbacks.

Belmond takes its partnership with art institutions like Galleria Continua one step further by bringing art straight to their guests. A prime example is Mitico, an installation that celebrates four prominent artists within the collection’s landmark gardens across Italy. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into how Belmond commits itself to Italy’s thriving art community, then read on!

Within their 4,200 acres, Michelango built four Estrucan bronze statues that accentuate the land’s connection to Etruscan civilization.

Castello di Casole is an enchanting country retreat with roots dating back to Etruscan times. Housed in a 10th-century castle, verdant vineyards and olive groves surround this hotel. Within their 4,200 acres, Michelangelo Pistoletto built four Estrucan bronze statues that accentuate the land’s connection to Etruscan civilization. Pistoletto is famously known for his immersive mirror installations . Guests can wander through scenic footpaths linking the artist’s regal statues, as well as take guided tours through verdant gardens.

For a deeper look into Etruscan civilization, Castello di Casole also offers guided tours through its history where you’ll have the chance to begin the day with a private tour of the museum in Casole. Afterward, your guide will walk you through a secluded Etruscan tomb site to learn about this bygone era. To cap off your stay, don’t miss a cooking class!

Cipriani is set amid lush gardens and vineyards on peaceful Giudecca Island, accessible only via the courtesy private launch. In honor of Italy’s culinary history, the hotel commissioned Subodh Gupta to construct a truly remarkable art piece. Curated by consultant Hervé Mikaeloff, the New Delhi-based artist fashioned an expansive house from thousands of pots, pans, and utensils with a fully working kitchen inside. Combined with a culinary performance, this piece embodies the warmth of a cozy meal.

The sumptuous accommodations at Cipirani also capture the essence of Venice and Italian beauty. Every room is adorned with Murano glass, antique mirrors, and fabrics by Fortuny and Rubelli . This hotel also boasts the only Olympic-size swimming pool in central Venice, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and the luxurious Casanova Wellness Centre. Between the hotel’s children’s club and the countless lagoon activities, this is an ideal choice for any multigenerational group seeking a Venetian escape.

Grand Hotel Timeo is an alpine hotel perched right next to the Ancient Theater of Taormina. Amidst the rugged landscape, the hotel welcomed Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou to color its outdoor spaces. In addition to reinstating “Les Routes du Paradis” which winds through six acres of gardens to the theater, Tayou also dotted the colorful path with four crystal sculptures. Guests can find the totems dressed in garbs of various origins, symbolizing the beauty of a global community.

In addition to Grand Hotel Timeo’s art installations, the natural wonders of Mt. Etna are enough to inspire your next art piece. For an up-close encounter, you can take a privately guided tour up to the lava flows still running across the mountain. For our photographers, their guided Ape Calessino tour provides plenty of backdrops from botanical gardens to Mazzarò Bay.

Villa San Michele welcomes Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich to its grounds to construct two installations. Much like his breakout piece at the 2001 Venice Biennale – a full-scale recreation of a swimming pool with a viewing empty chamber below – his pieces challenge viewers’ perception of reality. For example, “The Cloud” is a unique piece consisting of a web of floating glass panes that when viewed from different angles creates a different three-dimensional structure.

Villa San Michele also keeps the art of cooking alive within its 15th-century converted monastery and lush grounds. With fresh produce always available in their Medician gardens, dining here is always a treat. Whether it’s savoring avant-garde creations by Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino or sipping Tuscan wine at the winery, the hotel guarantees foodies an exciting culinary journey every visit. While you’re there, join an expert guide for a Florentine food tour through street food and ancient grain markets.

Mallorca, Spain

…if you’re craving some compelling storytelling, the hotel’s darling private art curator Cecilie Sheridan can take you on a tour of the hotel’s very own studio – boasting over 750 works alone – before heading onwards to Deià’s art studios to meet with local artists.

Mallorca has a rich history of being a converging point for the world’s artistic mediums. Whether it’s the native artificial pearl industry or textiles adopted from Muslim culture, guests can find a breadth of works upon stepping into the Spanish isles. La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel is a romantic retreat featuring a private art collection and ongoing rotating exhibitions and captures the island’s artistic diversity throughout its grounds. For instance, guests can enjoy an aperitivo while enjoying a handful of its impressive thirty-three original Joan Miró works. Or if you’re craving some compelling storytelling, the hotel’s darling private art curator Cecilie Sheridan can take you on a tour of the hotel’s very own studio – boasting over 750 works alone – before heading onwards to Deià’s art studios to meet with local artists.

La Residencia also offers unique art classes that provide guests with personalized sessions with resident experts. Artists like Alan Hydes guide guests through how to lean into paint and drawing from his resident’s studio. You can also make this one of the best art vacations by honing your newfound skills in a masterclass by the sea led by a local Deià artist. If you’re looking for a different discipline, then your SmartFlyer travel advisor can help you book a sculpting class with sculptor-in-residence Juan Waelder . Or, if you want to create some stunning images with Mallorca’s magical dawn as your muse, take a “First Light Walk” led by celebrated photographer Sebastià Torrens in partnership with Leica.

La Residencia ’s 16th-17th-century twin manor houses are set in the Deià artists’ village near the UNESCO-protected Tramuntana Mountains. Here, guests can enjoy an award-winning spa and lush olive and citrus groves. You can find hundreds of locally painted works spread across practically every corner of the property, making this a key destination for art vacations. The original Miró masterpieces in the bar area are a highlight. Outside of art classes, guests can enjoy mountain treks alongside resident experts and their donkeys and enjoy a Mallorcan dinner at El Olivo, housed in an original olive mill with a panoramic terrace.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Mexican folk art and its beautifully saturated works need no introduction. However, we’d like to point you towards the artistic town of San Miguel de Allende . Between cobblestone streets and Baroque cathedrals, this small town became a mecca for artists and writers in the 20th century. Renowned Mexican muralists and revolutionaries like David Alfaro Siqueiros , Diego Rivera , and the unmistakable Frida Kahlo are just a few of the notable artists to contribute to San Miguel de Allende’s history. Fast forward to present day, many of these artists’ homes are now museums that breathe new life into their collections.

Casa de Sierra Nevada’s expert-led private art workshops at Casa Parque can also guide you through oil, acrylic, watercolor, or drawing as a local artist takes you on a journey through the region’s art history.

Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel serves as a modern-day home for local artists looking to make their mark on the Mexican art scene. One way to experience this work first-hand is by participating in an exclusive Mojigangas workshop. Emblematic of the city’s rich connection with folk art, these massive sculptures bridge sculpting, puppetry, and the performing arts. Hermes Arroyo, the hotel’s resident artist, teaches guests how to craft their own iconic paper-mâché characters fit for parades. Casa de Sierra Nevada’s expert-led private art workshops at Casa Parque can also guide you through oil, acrylic, watercolor, or drawing as a local artist takes you on a journey through the region’s art history.

The property offers siesta-like calm in San Miguel de Allende for your next best art vacation. Authentic and inviting, the hotel is set across six heritage mansions, all luxuriously restored. Here, guests can admire stucco walls and striking contemporary art while climbing restored stone staircases to their shaded courtyards. The rooms themselves are also artfully designed and brimming with Mexican heritage. No two accommodations are identical, meaning every visit is a new way to experience this city’s creative spirit.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, France

Gatsby-glitz and the Roaring Twenties are practically synonymous with art deco. But while many associate the style with American inventions such as the Chrysler and Empire State Building, its origins can actually be traced back to 19th-century France . Founded by interior designers of the Societé des Artistes Décorateurs, this style blended the best parts of Cubism, Constructivism, Bauhaus, De Stijl, and Futurism into one glamorous tapestry.

Whether it’s glass-blown fixtures or the sleeper carriages’ marquetry, overnight journeys guarantee the best art vacations any lover of aesthetics could imagine.

Those on the hunt for art deco nostalgia should consider climbing aboard the famed Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train. Originally showcased at the 1900 Universal Exhibition in Paris, Belmond refurbished the train with brand new carriages that reflect the cities they’re named after, including Paris, Venice, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and Istanbul. They also showcase the incredible craftsmanship found across the continent. Whether it’s glass-blown fixtures or the sleeper carriages’ marquetry, overnight journeys guarantee the best art vacations any lover of aesthetics could imagine.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This icon of art deco design transports guests back in time between the French Riviera to the Bosphorous Strait. For the ultimate indulgence, six sumptuous Grand Suites also offer ensuite bathrooms, private dining, and free-flowing champagne. The cuisine served in their three 1920s restaurant cars is just as opulent and delectable as the journey itself.

Inspired? Contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor now to plan your next best art vacation.

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A Guide To The Best Art-Inspired Destinations In The US

One of the coolest things to do when traveling to a new place is to check out the art scene, and some U.S. cities have such an inspiring art presence that they are worth experiencing fully through the lens of such creativity. The United States, being the melting pot that it is and massive to boot, is a smorgasbord of traditions and heritage. With culture being heavily linked to different art styles, it only makes sense that cities with the most cultural foundations would have large art presences. The exploration of great art can certainly take you places you wouldn't first expect, though.

Finding great art anywhere isn't hard – wherever there are people, creativity can be found. However, some cities are teeming with beautiful and unique finds, and we've scoured the United States for some of the very best art installations and experiences for travelers who love an art-centric vacation. From world-renowned cities that are impossible to escape notice to small towns you may have never heard of, here are some of the very best places to visit for a colorful and art-filled bucket list vacation.

Best city for tattoo collectors

Richmond, Virginia has one of the highest rates of tattoo shops per capita in the country  (via The Box Houston ), beat out only by two high tourist cities that likely have a high number of shops geared toward visitors rather than residents. You'd be hard-pressed to find a Richmonder without at least one piece marking their skin, and the college city takes their ink very seriously with little to no gimmicky shops and many celebrated and renowned artists residing there. For travelers who are looking to add a little ink to their collection on vacation – especially of the traditional variety – a trip to Richmond should be highly considered.

Shops like Hold It Down Tattoo , a hidden gem found in a cobblestone alley near the Virginia Commonwealth University campus, and Heroes & Ghosts Tattoos  in Richmond's popular Carytown are home to various popular artists with different styles. While most artists in the city have a style all to their own that is noticeably unique and desirable, artists like Josh Stephens and Two Pillars owner Charles Berger are stand-outs for their bold and specialized style choices.

Richmond is also home to the world's longest-running tattoo convention, which celebrated its 29th anniversary in 2022 . Over 100 artists participate in the Richmond Tattoo, Art, and Music Festival and people come from all over to get tattooed at the convention, making it a great time to visit the heavily tattooed city.

Best open-air art scene

Detroit, Michigan has had a bad rap for quite some time with a high violent crime rate , but it is back on its feet and has become something of a haven for young people and artists. Art and innovation have sprung out of pure grit and willpower as the people take back Detroit , making what is still one of the nation's poorest cities into one of the coolest as well, rich in culture and creativity. The poverty still heavily present in the city should not be taken lightly when visiting, though. The city, as well as its many longtime residents, should be shown the utmost respect by tourists coming to awe at their home and creations.

It's easy to spend a few days in Detroit just visiting the various outdoor art installations and murals, and following Visit Detroit 's weekend art tour itinerary will take you along a journey that visits a lot of what the city has to offer in way of inspirational experiences. One of the best ways to experience the art scene and really understand the scope of how far Detroit has come back is by visiting The Heidelberg Project , an outdoor art display that strives to rehabilitate the area by turning vacant lots into environments of art. Detroit isn't a city to overlook, especially when it comes to its art scene.

Best city for affordable and awe-inspiring art

Surprisingly, one of the most affordable U.S. cities to travel to also happens to contain some pretty amazing and jaw-dropping art installations. Many travelers visit Philadelphia because of the city's ties to American history, as it is sometimes referred to as the birthplace of the United States. For art lovers, though, Philly is also a pretty great city to see, as the entire city is peppered with breathtaking visuals.

One of the most striking and visually stimulating attractions in Philly is the  Magic Gardens , which is a huge mosaic art piece and gallery that spans three city lots. The immersive art experience was first created by artist Isaiah Zagar in an effort to revitalize the South Street neighborhood of Philadelphia, which became a solid contributor to the city's art and revitalization period known as the South Street Renaissance . The wildly creative behemoth of a mosaic collection is a must-see for anyone visiting Philly, but certainly a point of focus for art lovers.

Philadelphia's Mural Mile is also a near-free attraction that has many impressive art styles on display. Travelers can take self-guided tours of all the important murals that use the city as a canvas. With over 4,000 murals crafted thanks to Mural Arts Philadelphia and local creatives who continue to fill the city with artwork, there is plenty to see when exploring the vast city.

Best cities for art museum-goers

New York City and Washington D.C. both contain some of the best museums in the United States, especially when it comes to art. With New York City being such a diverse and populous city and D.C. being the capital of the country, it makes sense that some of the most well-known art museums would reside within their limits. Both cities honor various styles and historic periods of art within their many art museums and galleries.

New York City is home to the Museum of Modern Art – popularly known as the MoMA – and The Metropolitan Museum of Art , both of which are revered as two of the most admired art museums in the world . The Met, of course, is popular for its annual Met Ball , which is basically an elaborate and upscale costume party where the most well-known celebrities wear designer outfits that reflect the year's theme. The MoMA holds some of the most influential contemporary and modern art in history. Van Gogh's "The Starry Night," arguably the single-most well-known and beloved modern painting, is among The MoMA's inhabitants , as well as paintings by Frida Kahlo, Picasso, and Andy Warhol.

Washington D.C. boasts a whole lot of museums and is home to another of the world's most beloved art museums: the National Gallery of Art . The museum hosts work from artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, and Van Gogh and, better yet, is free for all to visit.

Best city for interesting and unique architecture

While cities like New Orleans and New York City are known to have amazing architecture throughout, Miami, Florida is an unexpected wonder when it comes to stylized buildings. The Art Deco Historic District is home to a number of striking buildings that showcase the Art Deco style of the 1920s, '30s, and early '40s, as well as Miami Beach's most iconic street, Ocean Drive. Movie buffs will recognize some of the striking art deco buildings from various iconic films, like "Scarface" and "Miami Vice" – it's hard not to notice how the style of architecture affected the films' whole vibe. Iconic buildings in this district like The Carlyle and Park Central Hotel with their extravagant yet subtly comfortable design are huge jewels in the crown of Miami's South Beach.

Art Deco isn't the only beautiful design choice that designers made in Miami, though, as the city boasts a pretty hefty presence of Mediterranean Revival-style buildings as well. This style pops up in many of Miami's neighborhoods, among the most famous of these buildings are The Alamo and The Freedom Tower . No matter the style, though, Miami's architecture is timeless and the diversity of its stylized buildings paired with how well the city pulls them off makes it a perfect city for art lovers to enjoy.

Best city for art festivals

Charleston, South Carolina is a Mecca for artists, and both they and their creations come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. The southern city is home to a number of annual art festivals that bring in artists from all over. Whether travelers are interested in adding to their art collections or just experiencing a wide array of artists and styles, attending one of Charleston's art festivals is a great addition to any art-led vacation.

One of Charleston's most anticipated festivals is the annual North Charleston Art Fest , a five-day festival that features not only the visual arts but a wide variety of art mediums. Similarly, the Moja Arts Festival uses different art forms to celebrate African American and Caribbean cultures and the harmonization of the many cultures that influence Charleston. For travelers more interested in music and the performing arts, Charleston's Piccolo Spoleto Festival delivers beautifully in these directions.

Festivals in Charleston are a community affair, but they also are open and welcoming to tourists who want to partake in what the many artists and creators have to offer. For being a decently sized city, Charleston still feels like a small town with its emphasis on community, the fast-paced art festival scene speeds things up in the city, making it a bustling and exciting area for creative-minded travelers to enjoy.

Best cities for guerrilla art

Graffiti and unexpectedly placed art can be found all over, specifically in highly populated cities. Naturally, New York City has a huge guerrilla art culture that can be seen in pretty much every neighborhood in the big city, like The Bushwick Collective . Local contributors as well as artists from all over the world have taken part in the massive art project that is made up of almost 100 blocks of murals and large-scale art pieces. Travelers can take a short, pay-what-you-want walking tour to see all the project has to offer.

Los Angeles is another city in which guerrilla art is heavily ingrained in the culture. Street art and graffiti have made quite a transformation over the years in L.A., and artists throughout the city are doing some pretty great things in terms of large-scale murals – a lot of which have deeper meanings than just beautifying the city. There are numerous areas that have a dense presence of beautiful and sometimes thought-provoking images, but The Arts District and The Container Yard are two that speak to the diversity of Los Angeles' street art styles, as they both display a vast number of differing works.

Graffiti has been around for a long time as a means of public creative expression. Murals have become popular all over the world, but a vacation planned around the art pieces should certainly include New York City and/or Los Angeles, as their cultural significance when it comes to guerrilla art is undeniable.

The city with the most culture-rich art

Any traveler heading into Chi-Town would be remiss to forgo any of the numerous opportunities to experience the bustling art scene the city has to offer. Chicago, Illinois has pioneered and innovated a number of different art forms and styles throughout the decades, like jazz music and the performing arts, and they remain a huge part of the creative scene in the city.

The city of Chicago is the perfect place for lovers of art in all its forms to visit, as visual art is just as prevalent as music and comedy or theater. Pablo Picasso even honored the city with a 50-foot sculpture named after himself to stand in Daley Plaza. Expo Chicago is an annual, international event that curates pieces from galleries all over the world and exposes new art from emerging talent.

The neighborhoods within Chicago are steeped in culture, and the different artworks that are scattered throughout reflect that. Neighborhoods like Wicker Park and River North are home to a number of galleries and host regular creative events like First Friday and the Art Crawl .

Best city for an emerging art scene

Though Austin, Texas has had a consistent art scene for decades, the city is still very much blooming with its indie art scene and, until very recently , a large influx of young people moving there and contributing to the creative atmosphere. Although it was projected to be one of the next big cities in the world for art , skyrocketing rent being seen in larger cities has people relocating. The affordability that first brought artists to Austin is now affecting smaller, nearby Texas towns in a great way.

While there are a number of smaller towns on the outskirts of Austin that are seeing an influx of artists, Bastrop is really emerging as a go-to spot  for outdoor art. The small town has had an art presence for a number of years, but with artists from Austin recently relocating to the town along with Austin's Art Institute, it is expected to boom with creativity in the coming years. The Lost Pines Art Center is a huge gallery, offering free access daily. With murals popping up throughout the town and the Bastrop Art Fest hosting unique artists and vendors, including the metal casting company Pyrology , the town has no problem showing off its creativity. For travelers who like a more small-town feel and want to feel like they are a part of something up and coming, Bastrop is the perfect destination – especially when the established art city of Austin is just a short drive away.

A city built for more than music

While Nashville, Tennessee is overwhelmingly known as a city where would-be country music stars and musicians in various genres flock to, it also has a brilliant art scene. Exploring Nashville's art district is striking, with murals that are both beautiful, moving, and reflective of the city's rich history.

Jefferson Street is home to both history and art, the nearby Fisk College hosts a number of art galleries. A historically Black community, the art around Jefferson Street reflects the culture and experience of those who have resided there and heavily features the neighborhood's ties to music. An undeniable and impactful addition to Nashville's art scene is the Norf Art Collective , which is responsible for a number of the large murals in the city that act as historical and cultural memorials. The collective has incorporated and honored a number of Black figures important to Nashville's story in their art – exemplified in their "Family Matters" mural.

You could spend a lifetime in Nashville, but the city could also be just the thing for travelers simply looking for a creative outlet. The music scene may be what people flock to the city for, but seeing the Music City through the lens of its impactful artwork is a whole different experience.

A small town that prioritizes art

In the middle of the Ozarks is the small, eclectic town of Eureka Springs. The town is nestled in the mountains and lined with local art, galleries, and shops. The town is an art colony and is home to around 300 artists, which is about 15% of the town's population!

A month-long art festival is a feature of the town, which is a great time to visit. The annual May Festival of the Arts is a huge event, with the ARTrageous Parade starting the event off in a major way. Participants in the parade go all out creating vibrant costumes that impress residents and visitors alike. Other art-centric events and mini-festivals are scattered throughout the festival month, like an air painting festival and a performing arts workshop.

With art as the focus of pretty much the whole town, it only makes sense that Eureka Springs would be home to a pretty great art school. The Eureka Springs School of Art hosts workshops for various art mediums and is active in many of the art-centric community happenings, like the annual ARTRageous Parade. The styles of art vary greatly in Eureka Springs, making it a place where pretty much everyone can find some beauty.

Where to see natural art in the wild

Art comes in all forms and frequently takes inspiration from nature, so it only makes sense that one spot on our guide to art in the U.S. would go to a destination where you can catch some truly amazing natural masterpieces. Near the U.S. and Canadian border is Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge , one of the only places to see the Northern Lights from the United States. Not to mention that the stargazing is prime here as well.

There is so much beauty and diversity in nature, and it doesn't take a whole vacation to see something amazing as just going outside can result in a natural wonder . However, the natural world is so sensitive that changing locations can result in some truly unique experiences – seeing the Northern Lights in Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is one such endeavor. A great place to catch the aurora borealis in the refuge is Moosehead Lake , where you not only have a large, open view of the sky, but the reflection of the lights off of the water is truly awe-inspiring.

An unexpected but necessary destination

Amarillo, Texas may not be one of the large state's most sought-after destinations, but it is quite artistic and unique in its own right. The city's crown jewel of an art installation is the ever-changing Cadillac Ranch , which features ten half-buried Cadillacs on Route 66 that are continuously graffitied by artists. The vibrant Cadillacs can be seen from Route 66, which makes it almost impossible not to stop.

Cadillac Ranch may be one of the cooler art pieces in Amarillo, but it is not nearly the only thing that brings art lovers in. The Hoodoo Mural Festival is a feel-good creative outlet for the whole community that aims to bring people together through art and beautifying public spaces. Texas Monthly 's art guide to Amarillo outlines a lot of the top art destinations in the city, but it's almost as if Amarillo itself is art – a trip to the Texas town will be packed with stunning visuals and creative interactions. For travelers wanting to venture to a large city that is outside the typical art destination codex, Amarillo may be the perfect vacation.

Artsy Traveler

For Independent Travelers Who Love the Arts

Last updated on August 27th, 2024 at 03:00 am

Welcome to Artsy Traveler !

Do you enjoy independent travel and seeking out museums, art galleries, concerts, and artsy travel experiences? Then you’ve come to the right place.

Like you, I love the arts, and so I created Artsy Traveler to share with independent travelers my passion for fascinating museums, world-class art galleries, compelling performances, thought-provoking historical sites and more.

Artsy Traveler is for you if you love the arts, prefer independent and comfortable travel, and want to get the most value out of your travel dollar.

You’ll find tips about recommended places to go and what to see along with interesting, artsy activities (and occasionally just cool activities!) to seek out. I focus a lot on art because I love art and I also include recommendations for arts-inspired novels to read while you’re on your travels because I love books and reading.

On Artsy Traveler, you’ll also find plenty of posts related to the ins and outs of traveling comfortably and safely, particularly in Europe. Get driving tips, find great places to eat and check out some of my favorite accommodations .

NEW! The “Perfect Artsy Traveler Day” Series

When I travel to new places, I like to know what other travelers think is a perfect way to spend my time, even if I have only one day. With that in mind, I’ve created a new series of Artsy Traveler Posts that give you my take on a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in various destinations. Check back frequently as I keep adding new Perfect Artsy Traveler Day posts!

How to Enjoy a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid

How to Enjoy A Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Paris

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My name is Carol Cram and I live on Bowen Island in British Columbia when I’m not traveling. I’d love to be your guide to artsy traveling, particularly in Europe, but sometimes in other places, depending on where the wind takes me. I’m also an historical novelist with four novels published , all of which are inspired by my love of the arts.

What’s on Artsy Traveler?

Ever since my first trip to Europe with my mom when I was fourteen (see My Story ), I’ve loved planning trips, going on trips, and especially sharing travel tips to help other independent travelers enjoy awesome travel experiences. I guess it’s because for many years I was a teacher, but I really enjoy helping people figure out where to travel, what to see, where to stay, and a lot more.

My usual travel companion is my husband Gregg Simpson. Often, we’re attending his exhibitions while we travell, particularly in Europe. Have a look at Gregg’s fabulous artwork .

I’m overflowing with gratitude that I’m able to travel. I hope I can share some tips and inspiration with you!

Love to travel? Subscribe to the Artsy Traveler Update and periodically receive updates about new destinations, travel tips, and personal recommendations.

10 Great Travel Destinations for Art Lovers

From a japanese art island to a creative colony among ancient olive groves in israel, these are the global art towns, big and small, we’d happily visit..

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Art meets nature at Brazil’s Instituto Inhotim, home to one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the country.

Photo by Brendon Campos

New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Los Angeles, Florence, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, São Paulo—these cities are all home to blockbuster art markets, creative superstars, and museums as famous as the works they house. We love these places, but we also love art destinations outside of the art-world orbit: places with an air of mystery, a whiff of a pilgrimage, a winking nonconformity, a love of experimentation, and a tight-knit sense of community.

Read on for 10 great destinations, big and small, art lovers should bookmark for their next vacation.

‘Your Rainbow Panorama’ tops the AroS Art Museum in Aarhus, Denmark.

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Aarhus, Denmark

In the heart of Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city and one of its oldest (dating to the 8th century), a colossal rainbow ring rises above the city. This is artist Olafur Eliasson’s installation, Your Rainbow Panorama, a walkway circling and capping the ARoS Art Museum, itself a jewel among Aarhus’s many cultural institutions. The museum is home to another art colossus, the crouching Boy sculpture by Australian artist Ron Mueck, and it hosts collections of Danish art from the 18 th century to today, as well as the work of international artists. Art lovers can wander among pieces by London-based, British-Palestinian Mona Hatoum, known for her probing and glowing installations; Japanese photographer Miwa Yanagi; and New York–based Tony Oursler, who has been innovating video and installation art since the 1970s.

In Aarhus, self-dubbed “Smilets By” (Danish for “City of Smiles”) and the “World’s Smallest Big City,” ARoS is just a jumping-off point for a smørrebrød (smorgasbord) of art destinations and happenings. Spiral out from the museum and see the city’s famous modern architecture, such as The Iceberg , a seaside apartment building that lives up to its name, and the grass-covered Moesgaard Museum . We love Charlotte Fogh Gallery , a Danish and international contemporary art gallery; the Højkant art collective and design shop full of cheeky creations; and the intimate PS Art Gallery and studio in a green, half-timbered, 17th-century home in the city’s Latin Quarter.

Juxtapose all this contemporary art and design with Den Gamle By (The Old Town), an open-air folk museum comprised of 75 historic buildings relocated from across Denmark, cobbled streets, and Danes dressed in period clothing baking bread and chopping wood. You can eat an actual smørrebrød here, as well as fried fish and frikadeller (Danish meatballs).

Chris Burden’s ‘Beam Drop’ (2008) was re-created at Inhotim; the original work was on display in New York in 1984.

Brumadinho, Brazil

Brumadinho is home to the Xanadu of the art world: the Instituto Inhotim , a contemporary art museum and sculpture park in a 346-acre private botanical garden founded by mining magnate and art patron Bernardo de Mello Paz.

Celebrating 15 years in 2021, the institute is one of the largest outdoor art spaces in the world, placing hundreds of giants of the art world alongside thousands of giants of the plant world, from octopus agave to ponytail palm and swamp cypress. The garden hosts more than 700 works by 60 artists, including Brazil’s own beloved boundary-defying Hélio Oiticica. As Oiticica intended, visitors can walk through his Magic Square #5 (1977), a colorful abstracted “public plaza” built of cement, glass, and stone. You could spend weeks wandering the grounds, a crash course in modern and contemporary large-scale art, studying the likes of Elisa Bracher’s eucalyptus and cedar wood Embrionário , going tête-à-tête with Paul McCarthy’s Pinocchio Block Head , gazing through Olafur Eliasson’s mirrored Viewing Machine, and falling in love with your own reflection at Yayoi Kusama’s Narcissus Garden Inhotim, 750 stainless steel orbs bobbing in a reflecting pool.

While the garden is the main draw, Instituto Inhotim has many noteworthy pieces in its indoor gallery as well, such as the blue-and-white tile room Celacanto provoca maremoto by Adriana Varejão , the sci-fi-inspired plant and mirror maze structure Vegetation Room Inhotim by Cristina Iglesias , and the enforested glass geodesic dome by Matthew Barney .

There are several places to eat across the sculpture park and the institute has many recommendations for nearby lodging, including Villa Rica , decorated with local art, or Villa Domaso , surrounded by lush nature.

Zeitz MOCAA has become a destination unto itself in Cape Town, South Africa.

Photo by Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock

Cape Town, South Africa

Rising from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with Table Mountain as a backdrop, is the world’s largest museum devoted to contemporary African art: the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa , commonly known as Zeitz MOCAA. First things first, the museum itself is a marvel , a towering structure revamped from the historic Grain Silo Complex with an interior that looks like an abstracted concrete-and-glass honeycomb.

Zeitz MOCAA is home to works by some of the continent’s leading artists such as Athi-Patra Ruga and Mary Sibande of South Africa, Njideka Akunyili Crosby of Nigeria, Ghada Amer of Egypt, and Nandipha Mntambo of Swaziland. The permanent collection also includes works by artists of the African Diaspora, like Kehinde Wiley and Frohawk Two Feathers, both of the U.S.

But Cape Town was an artist’s haven long before the arrival of MOCAA in 2017. The Woodstock neighborhood alone, with its pink town hall, is home to several renowned galleries dedicated to contemporary African artists including SMAC , Goodman Gallery , Stevenson Gallery (all of which have sister galleries in another top South African art destination, Johannesburg).

Cape Town is also delightfully crowded with public art, such as Es Devlin’s installation Zoetrope at the Waterfront and Arch for Arch, a woven wooden structure next to St. George’s Cathedral that honors Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The organization Baz Art hosts the annual International Public Art Festival , which in 2021 focused on painting murals in the Salt River neighborhood . There are also several art road trips worth taking from the Cape. Drive inland through mountainous wine country (many of the vineyards you’ll pass have their own fantastic art collections) to Stellenbosch, an oak-lined university town packed with art studios and the awe-inspiring Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden .

Mismatched pastel buildings that look like scoops of gelato along the water in Collioure, France.

Photo by Pani Garmyder/Shutterstock

Collioure, France

Legend has it that Henri Matisse said the quality of light is just different— magical —in Collioure, a laidback and ancient fishing town on the French Mediterranean 15 miles from Spain. Matisse and André Derain would summer here and become the first fauves (French for “wild beasts”), leaders of fauvism, the early 19th-century art movement known for its bold colors and brushstrokes, an unruly descendent of Impressionism. Matisse’s famous Open Window (1905) and Derain’s Fishing Boats (1905) were painted here, among many more fauvist works.

Collioure’s very petit harbor still captures the brilliant sunlight, bouncing off a 13 th -century castle and fortress and layers of mismatched pastel buildings that look like scoops of gelato along the water. Visitors can see the town through the artists’ perspectives along the Chemin du Fauvism, which features both empty bronze frames that outline the views of their most famous canvases, as well as reproductions. The Maison du Fauvism offers guided tours.

Keep cool with an actual scoop of gelato—countless gelaterias line the streets and try a bite of Catalan fare at Le Neptune overlooking the bay or the Templiers restaurant and hotel, a cozy spot with a bar made from a ship hull and walls lined salon-style with paintings.

Bronze sculptures by the residents of Ein Hod, Israel, dot the surrounding landscape.

Photo by Leonid Radashkovsky/Shutterstock

Ein Hod, Israel

Within hilly olive groves, tucked between the Mediterranean sea and Mount Carmel, is Ein Hod , a small artist colony established in 1953 by artist Marcel Janco , one of the founders of the avant-garde dada movement, which formed in reaction to World War I. Legend has it that Janco toured Israel, sketchbook in hand, and stumbled across the then-abandoned village and found it could be the perfect refuge for artists.

Today Ein Hod , 12 miles south of Haifa, has about 650 residents—mostly painters, sculptors, jewelers, architects, and artisans—and the landscape is dotted with their handiwork: outdoor bronze sculptures (look for Couple in a Sardine Can by Ben Levy), murals, studios, galleries, and workshops that offer classes for visitors. See the abstract colorations of Miriam-Ruth Sernoff Frohlich at the Sernoff-Frohlich Gallery Of Fine Art , the soulful book art of Nechama Levendel at the Karoyan Gallery , and the work of many locals under one roof at the Artists Gallery Ein Hod .

This tiny bohemian enclave is also home to two museums, the Nisco Museum of Mechanical Music and the Janco-Dada Museum , created in 1983 to honor the work and vision of the colony’s founder. This museum features the restored stone-arch studio of Janco and the DadaLab , where museumgoers can try their own hand at creating the absurdist, convention-defying art that defined this movement. Since 1990, Ein Hod has hosted an international Sculpture Biennale , inviting artists to install large-scale works outside amid ancient olive trees.

You can eat with the locals in one of the village’s classic stone buildings at Café Ein Hold. While larger hotels are available in nearby Haifa, Ein Hod itself offers a handful of quaint and eclectic apartments for rent, many with views of the Mediterranean.

Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art is

Photo by C. de la Cruz/Shutterstock

Hobart, Tasmania

Looking out from the Berriedale peninsula onto the River Derwent is the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), or as founder—businessman, art collector, and high-stakes gambler David Walsh—calls it: a subversive adult Disneyland.

MONA is as irreverent as its benefactor, its website describing the museum’s everchanging identity as a “really elaborate marketing stunt” and “somewhere people can come to say ‘not sure about the art but the architecture is amazing.’”

And many are not sure about the art : MONA has the work of some of the biggest shock jocks of the art world: Hermann Nitsch’s bloody 6-Day-Play videos and Wim Delvoye’s stinking waste machine that is Cloaca Professional, to name a few.

Regardless of your take, the museum has helped put Hobart’s art scene on the map, bringing deserved attention to other art spaces like the Art Mob , which specializes in Tasmanian and Australian aboriginal art by the likes of Queenie McKenzie and Dennis Nona. Across the harbor are the contemporary fine art Despard and Handmark galleries, the latter of which is part of the bustling Salamanca Arts Centre , a transformed warehouse space home to several galleries and exhibition spaces, a theater, and the jewelry and metal collective Hammer & Hand , as well as public art such as We Are Made of Stardust by Michaela Gleave and Escape Pod by Colin Langridge. Stay in the neighborhood at the Henry Jones Art Hotel , which features contemporary art by Tasmanian artists in its rooms.

Kilns have been firing in this hilly city of Jingdezhen, China, known as the “Porcelain Capital of the World.”

Photo by CYSUN/Shutterstock

Jingdezhen, China

Leading ceramics artists and students worldwide travel to Jingdezhen, China, the “Porcelain Capital of the World,” where the ruins of ancient kilns meet contemporary factories and galleries. For more than 1,700 years and many imperial reigns, kilns have been firing in this hilly city of Jiangxi province along the Chang River, where ceramic masters have innovated technologies to produce the most coveted china, such as the emblematic blue and white pottery developed during the Ming Dynasty.

The stunning Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum —shaped like ancient kilns in red brick, and the Jingdezhen Ceramic Industry Heritage Museum , help put the expansive history of this art industry in context. The industry, however, is alive and well today, cultivating the next generation of ceramicists at the renowned Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute and employing 30,000 people at outfits like the Porcelain Sculpture Factory in the Eastern suburbs or in the nearby Sanbao International Porcelain Art Village filled with artist studios and workshops. The Pottery Workshop , run by artist and curator Caroline Cheng , is an education center and hub for young artists in Jingdezhen, known as jingpiao . Every Saturday morning, the jingpiao sell their wares—traditional pottery, jewelry, contemporary art—at the Pottery Workshop Creative Market .

Countless ceramic artists and designers have their practices in the city such as Cheng herself, plus Wan Liya , Juz Kitson , Lin Wang , Robin Best , and Ryan LaBar . Walk down the Taoxichuan, known as the Ceramic Art Avenue, to peak into studios, galleries, and markets, and try some classic Jiangxi fare such as Lushan San Shi and fish banquets. The Fairfield by Marriot Jingdezhen hotel is near many of these attractions, and there are a handful of gorgeous Airbnb options .

An art lover’s trip to Japan has to include Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea.

Photo by N_FUJITA/Shutterstock

Naoshima, Japan

There is a string of tiny flecks of land in the Seto Inland Sea that are teaming with museums, architectural marvels, and art installations. Naoshima, commonly referred to as Japan’s art island, home of the Benesse Art Site , leads the pack. Here, massive sculptures such as Lee Ufan’s Porte vers l’infini (2019) and Beatriz Millhaze’s Yellow Flower Dream (2018) dot the landscape creating a fine art playground. (Until recently, one of Yayoi Kusama’s massive pumpkin sculptures sat on a pier before a typhoon swept it out to sea . Benesse Art Site is in the process of restoring it.)

Then there are the museums and galleries: the mind-bending subterranean Chichu Art Museum designed by architect Tadao Ando housing works by Claude Monet and James Turrell; the Benesse House Museum , which melds a hotel and exhibition space with nature (with a restaurant serving kaiseki meals that rival the art for presentation); the kooky art facility Naoshima Bath where—you guessed it—visitors can take a bath surrounded by the artwork of Shinro Ohtake; and the Miyanoura Gallery 6 in the site of a former pachinko parlor once popular with islanders.

If you’re willing to island hop, head to Teshima to see large-format paintings in the Teshima Yokoo House (named for artist Tadanori Yokoo) and Inujima for an art museum housed in a old copper refinery .

You could spend a full day just exploring Georgia O’Keeffe’s artwork in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Photo by Fred Mays/Shutterstock

Santa Fe, New Mexico

One of the oldest cities in the U.S. (older than the country itself, with a founding date of 1607) Santa Fe and its iconic pueblo architecture encompass many art scenes and histories, from the vast indigenous collections of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) to the electro-pop experiences of Meow Wolf to the storied career of Georgia O’Keeffe who was so deeply influenced by the New Mexico landscape.

Housed in a historic Peublo Revival-style post office downtown, the IAIA’s Museum of Contemporary Native Arts stewards the National Collection of Contemporary Native Art, featuring 9,000 artworks created since 1962 including pieces by legends such as George Morrison, Helen Hardin, and Fritz Scholder. From here, walk past the Santa Fe Plaza to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to see up-close and personal Black Hollyhock Blue Larkspur (1930), Pelvis IV (1944), and Spring (1948), among others. O’Keeffe fans can stay at the Abiquiú Inn , next to the The O’Keeffe Welcome Center housed in the artist’s former home and residence.

Around Canyon Road, you’ll find 80-plus galleries including Turner Caroll Gallery —whose international roster of artists includes Judy Chicago, Wanxin Zhang, and Swoon; Nedra Matteucci Galleries with its renowned sculpture garden; and the art collective and gallery Cielo Handcrafted , with goods including stoneware ceramics, leather totes, and silver jewelry.

Down Cerrillos Road, follow the neon glow of Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return , an “explorable art experience,” a sort of dayglo haunted house with more than 70 immersive rooms.

The streets of tiny Todos Santos are full of galleries and shops stacked with handmade ceramics, metal work, and beautiful textiles.

Photo by Arturo Verea/Shutterstock

Todos Santos, Mexico

About 50 miles northwest of Cabo San Lucas on the Baja California peninsula lies the bohemian Todos Santos, oft-compared to a young Taos and one of Mexico’s “ Pueblos Mágicos ” (magical villages), a designation given to places that have preserved their original architecture, traditions, history, and culture. Surrounded by Mexican cardon, the tallest cacti in the world, and azure water where whale sharks pass, Todos Sontos is also home to a thriving artist enclave. February is a prime month to engage the local art scene with the annual weeklong Festival del Art and Todos Santos Open Studio Tour . However, visitors can stroll the old-town cobblestone blocks fluttering with papel picado year-round to see what artists are up to.

A great place to start is La Sonrisa de la Meurta , an international gallery and workshop (with a sister location in Belgium) featuring graphic arts—from limited-edition prints to card decks to handkerchiefs—printed by young and emerging Mexican artists. Nearby (everything is nearby in Todos Santos) are the Galería Arturo with Mexican artist Arturo Mendoza Elfeo ’s whimsical impasto and textured canvases, and Galería Logan , featuring American expat Jill Logan’s dreamy swirling canvases in sunbaked colors. For a historical perspective, stop by the Centro Cultural , housed in a red-brick former school with revolutionary murals dating back nearly a century.

The Hotel San Cristóbal makes for a chic home base in town, while Paradero Todos Santos could be your cultural retreat at the intersection of desert, mountains, and Pacific coast. At the hotel, and beyond, order any fish dish: Todos Santos began as a fishing town and fisherman still take their little panga boats out daily.

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THIS TRIP IS NOT CURRENTLY SCHEDULED Over the years, Amy has developed and operated trips to a variety of destinations including this one, but not all trips are offered every year. If you are interested in joining a scheduled departure of this trip in the future, please send us an email and let us know. Click to send us an email or use the form at the bottom of this page.

We can organize and operate this trip as a private group departure with a minimum group size of 8 persons. Start organizing your private Russia art adventure here .

Best time to travel: June for the “White Nights” Best gateway city: Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia Moscow and St. Petersburg Slide Show

Experience the art treasures of Moscow and St. Petersburg with guide, Amy Osaki. Begin in Moscow, continental Europe’s largest city, the seat of the government of Russia, and now home to over twenty billionaires! View iconic sites such as the Kremlin (which began as a fortress in the eleventh century), Red Square, and the sixteenth century St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then explore the art masterpieces at the Tretyakov Gallery, the National Museum of Russian Fine Art encompassing works from the eleventh to the twentieth century. Visit the Armory at the Kremlin filled with Imperial treasures including Faberge eggs once exchanged by the tsar and tsarina at Easter. Conclude your Moscow experience at the quiet seventeenth century Novodevichy Convent, one of many World Heritage sites included in the trip.

After a short flight, continue the trip with five days in St. Petersburg where you’ll be immersed in the opulence of Imperial Russia. Established by Tsar Peter I in 1703, St. Petersburg (known as Petrograd and Leningrad for most of the twentieth century) was the capital of the Russian empire for over two hundred years until the Russian Revolution of 1917. The Hermitage—said to be the largest art museum in the world with a collection of over three million objects housed in four main buildings—rivals the Louvre in Paris for both the quantity and quality of its treasures. Founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, and open to the pubic for over two hundred years the museum is so vast that we’ll spread our visit out over several days and organize it by different themes. Also on the schedule is a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress—the original citadel above the river founded in 1703—as well as some of the Imperial palaces in and around St. Petersburg such as Peterhof, a World Heritage Site. Peter I hired French architects to work on his many palaces, including Jean Baptiste Le Blond who worked with Andre Le Notre at Versailles. Consider enhancing your Russian experience by purchasing tickets to a performance—perhaps a ballet at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre (also known as the Kirov).

Day 1 Overnight in Moscow Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your centrally-located hotel, your base for the next two nights. Enjoy an afternoon and early evening walk through Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad) past St. Basil’s Cathedral, and GUM department store all of which are back-dropped by the walls of the Kremlin fortress. Remember that we are here during the fabled “White Nights” when the summer days linger with light-filled evenings.

Day 2 Overnight in Moscow Within the walls of the Kremlin fortress, visit the Armoury Museum, one of Moscow’s oldest museums established at the start of the nineteenth century. The Kremlin Armoury was the royal arsenal; it produced and stored the weapons, jewelry and other regalia of the tsars. The museum’s collection encompasses four thousand items of applied art from Russia and elsewhere dating from the early fourth century to the twentieth century. Later in the day, visit the collection of masterpieces of the renowned Tretyakov Gallery. The Tretyakov collections were begun by the philanthropist Tretyakov brothers in the early nineteenth century. The gallery is recognized by many as a key repository of Russian art spanning the nation’s artistic tradition from early Orthodox icons to art nouveau, impressionist, and avant-garde works.

Day 3 Overnight in St Petersburg Enjoy a morning visit to the sixteenth century Novodevichy Convent named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004. The convent’s name is sometimes translated as “New Maidens’ Monastery” to differentiate is from the convent within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin. Surrounded by white crenellated walls, this complex of churches has remained essentially intact since the seventeenth century. Here you’ll find the five-domed Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk with its spectacular iconostasis and the tall, red and white Gate Church of the Transfiguration which is often cited as a fine example of “Moscow Baroque” architecture. The neighboring Novodevichy Cemetery is the final resting place of the likes of Anton Chekhov, Sergei Prokofiev, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Boris Yeltsin. This afternoon fly to St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city situated on the banks of the Neva River where it empties into the Gulf of Finland.

Day 4 Overnight in St Petersburg Start of your exploration of St. Petersburg with a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the original citadel of St. Petersburg. The fortress was built to the designs of the Swiss Italian architect Domenico Trezzini in the early eighteenth century. Trezzini’s Peter and Paul Cathedral dominates the fortress grounds and its iconic golden spire punctuates into the Baltic sky. Later visit the Yusupov Palace on the Moika, acclaimed as an “encyclopedia of St. Petersburg aristocratic interior design.” The palace was the home of the Yusupov family from 1830 and 1917 and was the place where Grigori Rasputin, a spiritual mentor to Tsar Nicholas II and the Royal Family in the early 20th century, was assassinated. A visit to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood built between 1883 and 1907 rounds out the day. The church was built in “Russian Revivalist” architectural style by Tsar Alexander III in commemoration of his father, Alexander II. The church occupies a conspicuous location on St. Petersburg’s Griboedov Canal and contains 7,500 square meters of mosaics; the interior walls and ceilings are completely covered by mosaics.

Day 5 Overnight in St Petersburg Seeing St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum in a day would be like trying to see the Smithsonian in a day! Rather than a forced march through the galleries at a rapid pace, we will slow down and savor the masterpieces. Remember, there are nearly seven miles worth of exhibitions! Today we focus on “Imperial Russia,” touring the rooms decorated for members of the Russian Imperial Family and viewing the art they commissioned and collected. This is the art that influenced the style of the grand palaces of the era. View the Grand Suite of rooms, Peter I’s collection of gold, and the jewelers art owned by the Russian Imperial Family (including Fabergé eggs, gold and diamonds). Here, too, are the rooms of Catherine II and her son Paul I with their fifteenth to eighteenth century French paintings and sculpture (Poussin, Watteau, Fragonard, Chardin, and Houdon).

Day 6 Overnight in St Petersburg Return for a second dose of the Hermitage! Today is dedicated to the famous European masterpieces exhibited at the Hermitage. Feast your eyes on memorable works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Velazquez, and El Greco. At the Hermitage, you can revel in Rembrandt; there are twenty of his works in the museum’s collection. After lunch, enjoy the eighteenth to twentieth century masterpieces of Monet, van Gogh, Gauguin, Rodin, Picasso, Matisse and Kandinsky. Digest the art and reflect on this unique collection of human creations. Consider an evening performance, possibly at the Mariinsky Theatre.

Day 7 Overnight in St Petersburg Journey by hydrofoil across the Gulf of Finland to experience Peter I’s palace at Peterhof, a series of palaces and gardens that evoke comparisons with Versailles which Peter visited in 1715. Begun in 1714 with the construction of the Monplaisir palace and expanded by later Imperial generations who added Rococo and Neo-classical elements, Peterhof is now a World Heritage Site. The creative mastery of architects, engineers, artists and craftsmen from throughout Europe is on display here and all is choreographed to celebrate water in homage to Peter, the maritime emperor.

Day 8 Overnight in St Petersburg Go behind the scenes with an excursion to the Hermitage Museum’s Staraya Derevnya Restoration and Storage Center on the right back of the Neva River north of Kamenny Island. This vast treasure house is only accessible by private tour. Later, travel to Vasilvesky Island across the river from the Hermitage to visit Menishkov Palace completed in 1721 and now the oldest stone building in St. Petersburg. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

About your guide : Amy Osaki holds a master’s degree from the Winterthur Museum. She studied art at the Louvre Museum in Paris and worked as a museum curator for over a decade including six years at the Portland Art Museum. She is an award-winning art educator who has led art trips around the world for the last fifteen years with Walking Softly Adventures. Many of these trips were offered for graduate credit from Portland State University where she is an Adjunct Professor.

Resources for Further Learning

• Preview part of the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery at its website.
• Learn more about the Moscow Kremlin .
• Prepare yourself to experience the Hermitage . You can even shop on-line at the museum’s on-line museum store!

We're looking forward to hearing from you! You may contact us by telephone at 503-788-9017, by e-mail ([email protected]) or by completing and submitting the form below. Please enter any questions or comments in the "Message" box. PLEASE BE SURE TO MENTION THE TRIP IN WHICH YOU'RE INTERESTED. You must enter a valid email address in order to submit this form successfully. When you're finished entering information, enter the CAPTCHA code where indicated and click the "Submit" button at the bottom of this page. Art Tours by Amy does not release any of the information you provide us to any third party without your express permission.

The Art-Lover's Guide to Traveling the World

Where to head if you're after high art, architecture, food and museums.

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Tom Marchant is the co-founder of luxury travel company and trip planner, Black Tomato , which delivers luxe experiences around the world via inspiring itineraries and access to the globe's up-and-coming, remote destinations. Marchant's finger on the pulse of travel trends and the world's best in hotels, restaurants, destinations and honeymoons is unique and incomparable–and he's sharing his expertise and curated lists of where to visit, stay, eat and more with BAZAAR.com. Here, his picks for the most exclusive and in-the-know places to imbibe in New York City.

In a world where indulging our passions has become second nature, travel has become more than just an enjoyable getaway, but a means by which to explore interests old and new. Why and where we choose to travel is a choice motivated by a number of factors, each of which varies from person to person. From history and cuisine to discovering the world's best beaches, these are motivators that come up time and again. But recently, there has been a long overdue shift to traveling for the arts.

The arts have always held a mesmeric power in their ability to shine a spotlight onto destinations and neighborhoods that, perhaps, we would not have considered otherwise. Traveling through the lens of galleries, museums, architecture, theatre and more shows another side to these destinations, as you step away from the crowds to discover a world which gives you a true flavor for a destination, its culture and its people. Here, the top 9 cities in the world to visit–if not solely for their art hubs.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is an unmissable destination on the global contemporary arts circuit. 2018’s World Design Capital has much to celebrate–from internationally renowned museums to lesser known architectural landmarks. Home to the famous Barragán Houses, named after the eponymous Mexican architect, Mexico City has become a place of art-fueled pilgrimage for many.

Wandering between his home studio at Casa Luis Barragán to Casa Gilardi, Cuadra San Cristobal and onto Casa Pedregal, the might of Barragán’s influence is inescapable–but he is not the only architect making an impression on Mexico City’s cityscape. Discover the lesser known works of contemporaries such as Mathias Goeritz, Félix Candela and Mario Pani and get a sense of the emerging talent that makes a stroll around any neighborhood here one full of architectural admiration. For real insight, head to the National Autonomous University of Mexico campus, down in the south of the city, and check out the Central Library adorned in stunning murals by the late Juan O’Gorman. A certified UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNAM is an architectural showpiece that few take the time to appreciate.

Mexico City is not all about architecture, and it would be an injustice to visit the city without stopping by some of its top museums. Whilst Kurimanzutto and OMR attract the international spotlight (and quite rightly so), José Garcia is a relative newcomer doing its part to bring works of leading Mexican artists onto the world stage. Stay at Las Alcobas and rub shoulders with Mexico City’s elite in a privileged location set amid the capital’s top bars and restaurants and it’s most fashionable boutiques.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has always been ahead of the game when it comes to art and culture, but it’s been catapulted onto the world stage thanks to the recent opening of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), the largest collection of contemporary African art in the world. Located in the newly renovated Silo district, the impressive building (once a Grain Silo Complex) has been reimagined by renowned architect Thomas Heatherwick and is a totally unique space that fits into the African context.

From the Silo District, head to to Long Street where you can browse traditional art and antiques stores and pick up something to return home with. To eat? Stroll through town up to Bree Street, the strip that cuts through town towards Table Mountain, a vibrant setting that’s packed with bars, cafes and specialty eateries such as dedicated bars for gin, bacon and cheese. Make sure to stop by Bocca, La Parada and Chef’s Warehouse for a spot of people watching and delicious small plates. Sleep at the newly opened Silo Boutique Hotel , which boasts incredible views and is part of the Zeitz Museum complex, putting you right in the heart of the art-loving action.

Lima is rapidly becoming a global cultural hub for arts and cuisine. The city's museums showcase some of the country’s finest treasures, while providing insight into the region’s ancient civilizations and historic sites, which can then be explored in greater depth elsewhere in the country.

Housed in an elegant, whitewashed mansion, the Larco Museum hosts the world’s largest private collection of Pre-Columbian art including ceramics, gold and silver jewelry and an extensive selection of ceramics from the Moche culture, featuring memorable erotic pottery. In addition to the museum, the property includes a gorgeous garden and a top notch restaurant. Our favorite places to eat are Central and Maido , #4 and #8 respectively on the World's 50 Best Restaurants List. Stay in Hotel B Lima , a breezy, elegant fin de siecle spot for Lima’s well-heeled.

Beirut, Lebanon

Perched along the Mediterranean, the vibrant Beirut is, at first glance, a place travelers wouldn’t make a go-to for its present tumultuous tenor, but this would be a grave mistake.

A remarkable city steeped in history and culture, many have deemed it the ‘Paris’ of the Middle East–and for good reason. Beirut exudes warmth and civility, with an extraordinary arts scene, starting with the remarkable Beirut Arts Fair , a diaspora featuring incredible galleries from the region and beyond. March Hachem gallery is a must, featuring artists like Raouf Rifai. With outposts in New York and Paris, it has become a formidable competitor to some of the more well-known gallerists.

Tajalliyat Gallery downtown features extraordinary rotating exhibits with some of the region’s most extraordinary artists, including (most recently) Boutros Al Maari. Equally marvelous are the extraordinary Lebanese designers like Timi Hayek who specializes in handmade garments; in fact, there is an entire community organized around haute fashion design called Starched downtown, a consortium of local designers. Orient 499 is a veritable luxe orient fantasy land, housing beautiful home furnishings and art. Equally impressive is Bokja , a women-run design enclave that houses exceptional, eclectic pieces you may feel compelled to return home with. The city has an entrepreneurial spirit and phenomenal infrastructure, lending itself well to setting up an art business, be it fashion, design, or studio art.

Stay at the visually stunning and intimate Hotel Albergo and dine at Em Sherif , which serves up Lebanese haute cuisine in an unparalleled setting. Makan features rotating chefs delivering a diversity of cuisines from all over the world, housed in a gorgeous old Beirut house and garden (with seriously cool art on the walls).

Zurich, Switzerland

For those looking for a Euro Art fix, but veered more towards contemporary than classical works of art, Zurich has an art scene like no other European city. The birthplace of the Dada Movement and home of Le Corbusier’s final architectural masterpiece before his death in 1967, Zurich truly sits at the forefront of contemporary art.

2018 will also mark 20 years of the Contemporary Art Fair Zurich and is sure to be easy on the eyes with a range of exhibitions featuring everything from abstract photography to conceptual installations–from established and emerging artists alike. A city for the avant garde, the cutting-edge and the creative, swing by Galerie Eva Presenhuber and Peter Kilchmann Galerie before you go and admire the ever-changing exhibitions. Home to many a haute horologist, stop by Vacheron Constantin or IWC’s flagship to browse exceptionally luxurious timepieces.

Stay at the Widder Hotel , where a medieval facade belies slick contemporary interiors and walls are splashed with abstract art, encapsulating Zurich’s art scene in one charming boutique hotel. Not only are they nailing interior decor, but The Widder also boasts a seriously impressive restaurant. Encouraging you to ‘follow the flavour,’ the menu is a cacophony of intriguing dishes and themes, including ‘Smoke Signs’, ‘Basil Bash’ and ‘Intro to Cilantro’.

Beijing, China

A decommissioned military factory on the outskirts of Beijing where whitewashed turbine halls and generator rooms now house artwork over weapons, the 798 Art Zone is one of Beijing’s buzziest hangouts. An atmospheric space sprawled across the neighborhood of Dashanzi in a flurry of modern art, 798 is the ideal place to discover contemporary Chinese art and culture. A must visit for any culture vulture, 798 draws you in with a fascinating combination of the politics, society and culture of China.

Head to Originality Square to admire striking Bauhaus architecture, the mystical Cholima statue and some of the best exhibits through galleries filled with innovative paintings, photography, sculptures and the occasional multimedia outlet.

To sleep? That’s easy–stay at The Peninsula . The hotel boasts an inspiring gallery, The Peninsula Art Journey, showcasing pieces by renowned artist Zhao Ying Chao; it's the perfect complement to a culture-packed visit to the Chinese capital. For a bite in 798, head to Fodder Factory, a little-known restaurant balancing kitsch with industrial-chic, which will blow you away with its spicy Hunan dishes. Expert tip: be sure to bring a local with you to translate the menu.

Seville, Spain

Whilst a traditional landscape used to reign supreme across Seville, recent years have see a younger, more contemporary side emerge. Specializing in local, boutique galleries rather than the big names of Madrid and Barcelona, Seville is the place to discover hidden gems. From Fine Arts to Art Nouveau, the galleries of Seville reflect the evolution of the city. Check out distinguished works by Velazquez at the Museo de Bellas Artes , contemporary Andalusian art at Museo de Arte Andaluz Contemporaneo and surrealist and abstract works over at La Caja China. For something completely different, head to Delimbo, a former banana warehouse now showcasing urban art from across Europe and the United States; it’ll open your eyes onto a whole other side to Seville.

Stay at The Mercer Hotel , a modern boutique hotel in the heart of Seville’s historic centre that effortlessly blends cutting-edge design with historical surroundings and makes for a luxe base. No matter how much Seville changes, go for its unbeatable tapas scene. Whether you're dining in Bodega in Santa Cruz, El Rinconcillo in the Old Town, Sol Y Sombra in Triana (we could go on), dining in Seville never disappoints.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki has changed a lot over the last few years, making it one of the most exciting cities to visit in Scandinavia right now. Much of this growth surrounds the arts, and leading the pack has been cultural festivals, such as the ever-popular Midnight Sun Film Festival . However, contemporary galleries and exhibitions have been on the up and up too–they’ve just gone about it in a subtle way, so much so that you may have missed this art scene altogether. In a world full of mind-blowing contemporary art, Helsinki is geared towards the home-grown and the local.

To catch a glimpse of what’s up-and-coming in Finnish contemporary art, head to Myymälä2 , a non-profit artist-run space, and Galleria Heino with its focus on emerging Finnish talent, before checking out more internationally-known spaces such as Galerie Anhav a and Helsinki Contemporary . The combination of breathtaking architecture and stunning artworks on show at Ateneum and Kiasma really can’t be beaten, so spend an afternoon in either and watch as the hours fly by.

For sleep, stay at Klaus K , an irresistible hideaway inspired from a traditional Finnish tale, The Kalevala. This spot masterfully combines literary heritage with innovative design in the heart of the city. For dining, whilst Finnish staples herring, perch and vendace remain favorites, recent months have seen a flurry of new openings in the capital. The hottest seat in town right now is Chapter , whose innovative pairings of classics with the contemporary have got everyone talking. Can’t get a table? You can’t go far wrong with the kitchen-facing tables of Ora or the open-fire grill of Werner either.

New Orleans, Louisiana

While New Orleans may take acclaim for its famed drinking culture, a burgeoning arts scene has been putting this Southern city on the map. An inherent vibrancy and passion can be found in many mediums, including a remarkable exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art taking the national stage with the opening of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty , an exhibit that began at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and has made its way around the globe.

The National World War II Museum, a lesser known but impressively concise haunt, is worth exploring. New Orleans breeds art and creative thinkers, embracing poets, chefs, musicians, sculptors, and writers from all walks of life. One of of New Orleans most inspiring galleries and personalities is Ashley Longshore Art , whose witty namesake sits at the helm of what has become a divine shrine to pop art and irreverent social commentary. The 5,000 square foot space (not including the chicken coop, as Ashley herself points out) includes an array of art that will leave you mesmerized. Stepping into her gallery is to enter an outrageous microcosm and a wonderland world. For those in NYC, Ashley recently curated the entire 5th Avenue window space of Bergdorf Goodman, with the 7th Floor dedicated to her pieces in many mediums.

New Orleans is a foodie haven, with many young chefs taking center stage, including Kelly Fields at Willa Jean , all typified by southern hospitality and where the door is always open. Turkey & The Wolf has gained national attention and with good reason: the gumbo made with stellar Charlie Sausage and collard green melt is out of this world. Stay at the recently opened Ace Hotel which coincidentally has expertly crafted cocktails (as this is a central element to NOLA).

Tom Marchant is the co-founder of luxury travel company and trip planner, Black Tomato , which delivers high-touch experiences around the world via inspiring itineraries and access to the globe's up-and-coming, exclusive, and remote destinations. Marchant's finger on the pulse of travel trends and the world's best in hotels, restaurants, destinations, and honeymoons is unique and incomparable–and he's sharing his expertise and curated lists of where to visit, stay, eat and more in his travel column on BAZAAR.com .  

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Ecuador & Galápagos

I n d i g e n a s

C o l o n i a l e c u a d o r.

Leap back in time into Colonial Latin America, traipse along columned corridors into skylit central patios and out onto romantic balconies. Devout or not, hail the marvelous architecture and beauty of the churches, cathedrals and convents exhibiting various periods of art within the historic centers of Quito and Cuenca. Watch the curtain rise in theatres graced by famous orchestras, plays and dramatized folklore. Theatrized expositions and walking tours bring to life past protagonists biographical, legendary or mythical. Take part in the living history of the best preserved colonial centers whose residents fiercely protect and promote their customs. Where the local barista not only brews the perfect high altitude arabica coffee, but also concocts works of art in fabric, wood and wax. Feast on home cooked meals in restaurants where secret family recipes have not been diverged nor divulged from generation to generation. Ultimately, call one of these colonial houses, with incredible personalized service, home for the night.

N a t u r e

One might say this country has it all: jungle, mountains, coastline and one of the most pristine archipelagos in the world – Galapagos. We have described Ecuador as colorful, where the vivid palette of nature can be appreciated in lush greenery, white foam waves, red-yellow sunsets, and blue footed boobies. Visit Ecuador any time of year and the climate is perfect, whatever your favorite season may be, since it is possible to experience all four seasons within one day! 

Specific microclimates and ecosystems throughout 26 distinguished habitat types contribute to the county’s classification as one of the 17 megadiverse countries of the world. Furthermore, as a small country, Ecuador is special because nowhere else in the world can you be treated to such magical diversity in nature without having to travel long distances. Everyday new and different natural wonders await to take your breath away. 

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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15 reasons you must visit Moscow

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / 15 reasons you must visit Moscow

Home to almost over 12 million souls, Moscow is many things to many people, and everyone finds their own reasons to visit Moscow. There is an infinite number of reasons to visit Moscow and its attractions. To make it easier for travellers, we created a list of the crowd’s top fifteen reasons and attractions everyone should visit when in Moscow.

Table of Contents

1. Indulge in countless historical and modern artworks

Whether you are just dipping your toes into the art world or you know everything about arts, Moscow is a must-visit for every self-proclaimed or certified art connoisseur and historian. The city has numerous historical and contemporary museums and art galleries and they are essential in the list when you visit Moscow. Among the plethora of galleries and museums is The State Tretyakov Gallery  holding the world’s foremost collection of Russian fine art. Another is the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts which showcases artworks from the ancient times to this day such as the paintings of Rembrandt, Botticelli, Van Gogh, and Picasso. The Moscow Museum of Modern Art , on the other hand, displays artworks created in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Moscow is not only home to famous historical paintings, the city also showcases modern, educational, and multimedia arts. The Moscow Planetarium is one of the biggest planetariums in the world. It is an interactive museum that educates everyone with their scientific resources. The openness of Russia to new forms of arts can be seen in the Multimedia Art Museum, Winzavod (Wine Factory), Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Lumiere Brothers Photography Center . These art galleries unite all forms of media, arts, and modern culture.

For the love of art, moreover, they have converted former industrial areas to unique art spaces. ARTPLAY Center of Design and Flacon Design Factory are two of the known art spaces for local organisations and artists to express their creativity, host their own workshops, lectures, design festivals, concerts, performances, and exhibits. 

TIP: Open Museum Day in Moscow offers free day-time admission in most city museums every third Sunday of the month. Forty museums and art galleries are participating including the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow Museum of Modern Art, Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics , and State Museum of Ceramics and Kuskovo Estate of the 18th Century.

If you’re craving for more museum adventures, we have created a list of the best museum to visit in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

2. Step onto the mighty Red Square

Walk onto the uneven cobblestones alongside the throngs of bustling citizens and you’ll see centuries of Russian (and world) history reflected in the architecture of Red Square. It is the epicentre of Russia. The country’s major highways and Moscow’s main streets all originate from the Red Square. However, it is not only the heart of Russian streets but is also the heart of Russian history and culture where most of the biggest Russian events and changes unfolded such as high-profile executions and military parades. The city square also served as the main marketplace and site for national public ceremonies and festive processions. Being considered as a sacred place, it is absolutely a must-see when you visit Moscow.

Official commemorations and parades today are still mostly held in the square. The surrounding buildings of the Red Square also add great significance to why you should include the beautiful square on your bucket list when you visit Moscow. Some of these famous attractions are iconic:

• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Lenin’s Mausoleum
• The Kremlin
• Kazan Cathedral
• The historical GUM Department Store
• State Historical Museum
• The Iberian Gate (also known as the Resurrection Gate and Chapel

3. Visit the Moscow Kremlin

The Kremlin , together with Red Square was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. UNESCO included this architectural ensemble not just because of its outstanding design but also because of its rich historical and political linkage. That is why you should not miss this when you visit Moscow. It is located on Borovitsky Hill just above the Moskva River, on the west side of the magnificent Red Square. It serves as the Russian President’s residence and treasure houses such as the Armory Chamber Museum and the Russian Diamond Fund . Two Royal Cathedrals, the Secret Garden, and Ivan the Great Bell Tower are some of the attractions you can visit inside the Kremlin. Also, along the Kremlin wall is where you can see the gravestones of most Soviet leaders -including Stalin’s.

TIP: The Kremlin is open every day except on Thursdays and tickets for each establishment inside the Kremlin are sold separately. They also limit the number of daily visitors. May to September of every year is considered as the peak season.

4. Awaken your senses in the Bolshoi theatre

The Bolshoi Ballet Company is one of the most enduring symbols of Russia’s esteemed cultural traditions, and Moscow’s Bolshoi (Big) Theatre is the association’s fittingly elegant headquarters. Moscow’s oldest theatre has been painstakingly restored and renovated in recent years. It is a must-see day or night with their world-famous opera and ballet performances when you visit Moscow. Taking in an evening performance of a classic Russian ballet like Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is one of the city’s most captivating cultural experiences.

Aside from the Bolshoi Theatre, there are around 170 theatres in the city; each of which features unique performances. It is the sole reason why Moscow is coined as the “City of Theatres”.  No matter what genre, as long as it is in Moscow it will be surreal.  No wonder the city attracts all theatregoers around the globe. To name a few, here are the must-visit theatres around the city: (1) Maly Theatre which showcases classic traditions of Russian Theatre, (2) Moscow Art Theatre combines classical and modern drama traditions, and (4) Theatre of Nations and (5) Gogol Centre further popularized modern arts such as post-drama and comedy production.

TIP: Most people have been planning to witness a performance (especially in Bolshoi Theatre) for years. Remember to check and purchase tickets ahead of time before getting excited to watch the spectacular performance. Also, wearing your best evening dress won’t hurt.

5. Enjoy the ambiance of Moscow parks

While Moscow’s attractions are usually known as a mixture of extravagant Tsarist architecture and stern Soviet buildings, much of Moscow is actually surprisingly green and the city’s parks have grown into its pride and joy over the years. Take a break from walking around historical establishments and rest in these well-groomed green areas. These parks provide some of Moscow’s best people-watching spots and offer various activities you can do with your group or with the locals from playing sports and board games on the pavement to simply enjoying the outdoor cafes.

Slow down from the hectic pace of the city life by having a stop-over in the most popular green spaces when you visit Moscow. Gorky Park has its own telegraph and clinic, Park of Arts Museum often hosts music festivals, art fairs and exhibits, and lastly, Sokolniki Park and Izmailovsky Park have bike rentals and small amusement parks that are perfect for family day-outs.

6. Experience the magnificent Moscow Metro

Apart from being an extremely handy way to get around the city,  Moscow’s metro system  is a striking feat of engineering. Opened in 1935, it is one of the largest and oldest underground railway systems in the world. Its grand stations are remarkably beautiful. With their grandiose architecture, intricate mosaics, and dramatic sculptures, it has turned many metro stations into picturesque tourist attractions. There are 12 lines and a total of 200 stations. Elektrozavodskaya, Arbatskaya, Kievskaya, Komsomolskaya, and Mayakovskaya are just a few of the magical stations that seems to be like an underground palace.

Visit Moscow grand stations during “dead hours” —11 am to 2 pm or after 10 pm in order get the most out of the spectacular metro stations. And for the sake of courtesy and respect, always give your seat to Babushkas or the beautiful Russian grannies on the train. Train tickets can be shared and you can buy them for 1, 2, 20, 40, and 60 trips. Unlimited Metro travel for 1, 3, and 7 full days are also available from 210 to 800 rubles. Alternatively, you can purchase a Troika Card which costs 50 rubles and allows you to travel on all public transportation in Moscow.

7. Be amazed by the beauty & grace of Moscow’s churches

In Moscow, the majority of religion belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church which has 320 of total parishes in Moscow alone. Thus, it is not surprising that Orthodox churches and its unique architecture are one of the must-sees when you visit Moscow. Onion domes had long been known as the classic design of Orthodox churches in Russia. Below, we will mention some of the iconic churches you shouldn’t miss seeing in the city.

The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed or St. Basil Cathedral is perhaps the most popular and most unusual church in the country. It is located at the Southern end of the Red Square. Built in 1555, it is originally called the Intercession Cathedral  to commemorate Ivan the Terrible’s victory over the Tatars. The bonfire-flame-shaped-cathedral has nine towers full of colours, shapes, and patterns. It was designed like a maze as a whole while each way leads to nine chapels with creatively decorated interiors. The magnificent cathedral is open every day except for the first Wednesday of every month.

With its golden onion domes, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour  is the largest cathedral of all Russian Orthodox Church and has the capacity of over a thousand devotees. However, there is another known cathedral with golden domes —the Cathedral of the Assumption. What makes this cathedral different is that its domes are not just gold, but  they  are also light-reflecting sitting inside the Kremlin. Lastly, we would like to feature a church with neo-gothic architecture –the Moscow Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral.  It  is the largest Catholic building in the country. To this day, masses and Catholic religious services are still being conducted in different languages in the cathedral.

8. Visit Moscow streets and the monumental architecture

The beautiful architecture of museums and churches, makes each city street a sight to behold. For sure you’ll have a jaw-dropping moment at least once when you visit Moscow. The streets around the Red Square are a good start for you to stroll and have them as background for your OOTD photos. 

Tverskaya Stree t is known as Moscow’s fashion street and main street. This street is also one of the most expensive streets in the world, basing from the commercial rental fees. Another fashion district, Kuznetsky Most (literally translates to Blacksmith’s bridge)is where popular shops such as “Kuznetsky Most 20” – a famous concept store and “House of Foreign Books” (which is the best foreign-language bookshop) are located. Ulitsa Varvaka claims to be the oldest street and has the most churches in the city; it also shows the more medieval side of Moscow. If you are looking for high-end souvenirs, take a look at the shops on Arbat Street . Just do not forget to negotiate with the vendors and ask for discounts! Also, you get a chance to taste local vodkas as they offer free samples on the street.

9. Enjoy Moscow street food and fine dining restaurants

Moscow can surprise even the most demanding gourmands with the variety of foods , flavours and dining scenes the city has to offer. Russian cuisine is famous for exotic soups and rustic, hearty dishes like pelmeni (meat dumplings), pancakes with different fillings, and last but not the least, caviar. Sweets are also a big thing in the Russian kitchen and they are incomparable with other confectioneries that can be bought outside the country. “RotFront” soya bars , Chak-Chak Sticks and Kozinaki are just a few of the most popular sweet snacks in Moscow.

Great food is everywhere, 24 hours a day in the city. Yar , one of the oldest restaurants in Russia has been serving local Russian cuisines for nearly a century now in Moscow. Another restaurant, Praga , which opened 150 years ago is known for its European and Russian dishes in addition to their pastry shop on the ground floor. Cafe Pushkin , a three-storey restaurant is open 24 hours a day. Each floor has its own menu and theme: the Pharmacy, Library, and the Fireplace Room. The Library floor is said to have the best view of the Tverskoy Boulevard during breakfast. However, if you want to time travel, find the secret door of Mari Vanna and experience what it is like to live in a Soviet home 50 years ago. Watch old Soviet channels and look through old bookcases and photos while having traditional Russian stews and pies. And oh, do not forget to book for tables!

But there’s so much more to Moscow’s modern gastronomic landscape. From sophisticated new takes on old-school cooking to cosmopolitan eateries offering refined cuisine from around the world, Moscow is also boasting with street foods. Chebureki or cheburechnaya, as what some cafes call them, are fried triangle-shaped thin dough stuffed with minced meat and spices. On the other hand, Blini is a better option for those who have a sweet tooth. They are crepes that can be filled with, cheese, jam, honey, ham, condensed milk, or red caviar. Today, Blini are famously made and sold in Teremok — a popular fast-food chain. Another fast-food chain has popularised a Russian local snack: Kroshka-Kartoshka . Although the name translates to “tiny potato”, they serve enormous baked potatoes with cheese, pickled mushrooms, butter, and other fillings. And lastly, pirozhki, which means pie seems to be the symbol of Russian street foods. Just look around the streets and try the four local snacks that we’ve mentioned and you’ll realise that every food is stuffed and/or filled with something. Now it is your turn to stuff your belly with Moscow street food!

10. Shop till you drop in Moscow boutiques

Muscovites are mad-shoppers and once you see the brands and collectives in each shopping centre, you might become one of them. From the most glamorous high-end fashion brands, art and design pieces, to antiques and traditional handicrafts, the opportunities for a hardcore spree are endless. Make sure to drop by the two most famous shopping centres, GUM and TSUM when you visit Moscow. They are must-visits even if you are only there to admire (or baulk at) their stupendous swankiness.

GUM is on the east side of Red Square. It is a former State Department Store. The building’s architecture will instantly give you an extravagant feeling. However, along with its luxurious interior, comes the most luxurious brands and prices. It is open for twelve hours each day from 10 am to 10 pm. On the other hand, TSUM , a six-story historical gothic building is the largest high-end department store in Eastern Europe. There is a luxury supermarket which is open for twenty-four hours on the ground floor.

More affordable options are in the city’s many bustling flea markets, or in beautiful old boutique stores. Tsvetnoy Central Market and Kuznetsky Most 20 are just two of the known markets in the city where both hot and hippy street brands can be found. Local creative contemporary designers and high-end creatives are also housed in both markets.

11. Earn bragging rights with the perfect Instagram snap

Up your Instagram and Facebook feed with these views and different angles of the city. Shamelessly share your food and shoes with the streets and floors you’re walking into with your virtual friends. Or take a snap of the random streets of Moscow depicting their rich cultures. Also, do not forget the big picture! Which literally means photos of the whole city.

Did you really visit Moscow if you don’t have any photo of the Red Square and Moscow Kremlin? Stand at the centre of Red Square and Kremlin, take the most iconic shot and show the world that you were actually in Moscow. We’ve listed three buildings that have the best top views of the city. The (1) Federation Tower which also has the highest restaurant in Moscow, (2) The Moscow State University has a panoramic view of the city inside The Museum of Geography on its top floor and (3) Cathedral of Christ ’s observation deck have the most breathtaking top views of the city.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Garage Museum of Contemporary Art , GUM, ARTPlay , and Moscow Metro stations are just some of Moscow infrastructures perfect for your channel your inner artsy persona.  While walking around the Moscow CBD, do not forget to look up and take photos of the skyscrapers as far as your eyes and camera can reach. However, if you want to take a break from all the spectacular man-made architecture, take a stroll in Patriarch’s Pond , where you can feel like a real Muscovite and nature-lover.

12. Moscow never sleeps

>Let it be known: Russians love to party! And Moscow is undoubtedly the party capital of Russia. The capital city has an incredible array of nightlife options and a scene for everyone. Whether you’re keen to catch a live Russian rock band or slink into a smoky jazz club, Moscow is there for you. Go clubbing till the break of dawn or just lounge around with a beer and an endless array of fine local vodka. We have listed our top five bars and clubs to help you decide which one to go to. Go ahead and get your body moving along the music while drinking with Muscovites. In that way, you can actually experience Moscow.

Propaganda , or Probka as what regulars call it, is opened in 1997 and has about the same age as the Moscow club culture. Aside from local drinks and world-class DJs, the club is also boasting with cheap sandwiches and steaks. On Thursdays, they hold dance parties and gay parties on Sundays. Nauka i Iskusstvo (Science and Art) is for you if music is the sole reason for your night out. The club is said to host the best electronic and hip parties. Noor Bar, nonetheless, is known for their classic cocktails which can be best enjoyed on Fridays and Saturdays while listening to their DJ sets. Just make sure to go there early to secure a spot. Another two famous nightclubs are located in Artplay: Pluton and Rodnya . Pluton promotes all kinds of music and art-performances while Rodnya is a rooftop club where you can enjoy dancing while waiting for the sun to rise in Summer.  Squad 3/4  is one of the most bizarre nightclubs in Moscow. It is located at the basement of the former Central Baths building and often hosts bohemian raves.

13. Take a Moscow River Cruise

Cruising along the Moskva River is one of the best ways to see and visit Moscow. Ticket pricing of the cruise depends on the size of the boat; the bigger the boat, the more expensive and smoother its sailing will be. For 800 rubles, you can board the most famous tour boat in Moscow: the yellow Lay’s boat. It plays loud Russian pop music as you sail the river. Bigger boats cost 1,100 to 2,000 rubles per person. These cruises on bigger boats often offer cozy lunch and dinner on top of the cruise itself.

TIP : There are two main boarding piers: Hotel Ukraine and Park Kultury. If you want to save money, buy your tickets online and make sure to arrive earlier as it is hard to find the pier where your boat is at. However, if you do not mind spending more for tickets, you can purchase from street hawkers. They will personally guide you on where to find your boat and where to get off. Also, make sure to bring extra clothes even in the summer season.

14. White Christmas in Moscow

Visit Moscow and bring all your thick but light-weight clothes and experience Moscow’s white winter. The average weather in December is around -10 to 0 degrees Celsius with an average of 17-30 days of snowfall. Witness snowfall on the Red Square which transforms into a Christmas market and the biggest ice skating rink in December. Celebrate with Muscovites during the Russian Winter Festival and watch live performances, eat street foods, and play games from mid-December to mid-January in Manezh Square.

15. Explore the Medieval towns of Golden Ring

There is always more to see beyond the capital city of a country. And in Russia’s case, outside Moscow is the ancient region called the Golden Ring . The region’s name is derived from the golden onion-shaped domes of the churches around the towns and from the ring-like route in which 1967 art historian and journalist Yuri Bychkov travelled.

The Golden Ring is comprised of eight main cities:

• Yaroslavl is where the Transfiguration Monastery (now a museum) and Ioann Vasiliyevich — a Soviet-themed hotel and restaurant.
• Vladimir boasts its Golden Gate and the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God.
• Suzdal is a thirty-minute drive from Vladimir, it has five monasteries, thirty churches, and a market square (Torgovaya Ploshchad) where you can local berries and honey.
• Sergiev Posad is known to be the location of the Trinity Lavra of St Sergius — one of the largest monasteries in the world.
• Pereselavl-Zalessky is where you can enjoy windsurfing and ride hot air balloons.
• Rostov Velikiy or Rostov the Great is boasting its colourful churches and unchanged kremlin architecture.
• Ivanovo is known for its huge textile industry, it is also known as the city of brides since there more women than men in the area.
• Kostroma is where the town of Bui — a town of cultural heritage, and Trinity-Ipatiev Monastery can be explored.

Visit Moscow and experience and see in the Golden Ring afterwards. We have carefully crafted  tours  for every traveller like you.

Just as a cherry on top, here is an awesome video clip of this magnificent city, Moscow:

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