I’ve long dreamed of going on a tour of European cities on holiday. Several cities top my list of “One Day”, and for good reasons. From the cream of art and culture, each city contributes its uniqueness to this treasure called Europe. Be an art lover, a history enthusiast, or a person who fills themselves with vibrant culture have your city’s name in Europe. Let’s go through some of the top destinations this continent is offering for a feast to your creative soul.
London, England: The Epicenter of Street Art
There are SO many reasons why I want to visit London. One of them is the world-renowned street art and graffiti on Shoreditch and Brick Lane. These two streets have the best street art in London. Like this amazing hybrid Elephant-Octopus Mural on the streets of London by Alexis Diaz. Located on Hanbury Street, off Brick Lane, it took Diaz a week to paint it and has thousands of tiny brushstrokes. Of course, if you’re going to London to see street art, you absolutely must traipse through the East London neighborhood of Hackney, the Dalston neighborhood, and Camden, too. And while you’re at it, you really should check out the London Mural Festival . Seriously, I could just wander around looking at art for days.
And while it may be a bit morbid, I’ve also always wanted to visit the Royal London Hospital, where the skeleton of Joseph Merrick (The Elephant Man) is on display.
Paris, France: The Art Capital
Where does one even begin with Paris? The City of Light is almost synonymous with art and culture. There is the Louvre, which must be seen, holding in itself the Mona Lisa and countless other works of art. It’s like being transported into some kind of time machine where every nook and cranny holds a new treasure from history.
Speaking of Mona Lisa…
What do Mona Lisa, Whoopi Goldberg, and That Bald Chick (that’s me) have in common…
I’ll give you a second… Okay. Give up? We don’t have eyebrows.
Anyway.
From the collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works in the old railway station Musée d’Orsay to a bohemian stroll through Montmartre, this historical district was once the pulsing heart of the artists of Paris. If you are into theater and opera, performances at Palais Garnier and Comédie-Française are nothing short of spectacular.
Florence, Italy: The Renaissance Gem
Florence was where the Renaissance took place, and it is still brimming with creative vigor. The
Uffizi Gallery is a treasure chest of Renaissance art, with the likes of Botticelli, Michelangelo, and
Leonardo da Vinci. For fans of the great man, the Accademia Gallery-which hosts his David-is
sure to leave you awestruck.
Side note – for all the amazing art that da Vinci created, it really was the movie Ever After, with Drew Barrymore and Anjelica Huston, from 1998, that made me a da Vinci fan.
Stream Ever After on Amazon to see why this portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci made me a fan.
It is like living in a museum when strolling around the city of Florence. Each nook has its story to
say, but most especially, stories from every corner are related to one of the most powerful
families of the time, the Medici family. Get your hands dirty in a Renaissance art workshop and
learn classic techniques for yourself. European tours often highlight Florence as a must-see
destination, emphasizing its unparalleled contribution to art and culture.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: The Contemporary and the Classic
Amsterdam is a lovely city to observe if one loves classic and modern art. Some of the biggest items to note include at the Rijksmuseum, a grand display of the Dutch Golden Age that comprises works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Another must-see museum is the Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh.
The Stedelijk Museum greets one in modern hues, its collection of contemporary art making for
the mainstay of displays. A cruise on the canals offers a totally different perspective of both the
city’s art and architecture, being an excellent way to soak in Amsterdam’s beauty. If one is not
averse to a little more history, then Artis Royal Zoo is not merely a repository of animals but a
historical treasure trove with artistic connotations.
Berlin, Germany: The Modern Cultural Hub
Berlin is a pulsating city where history meets modernity face-to-face. Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, full of astonishing museums from ancient to modern pieces of art. The East Side Gallery on the Berlin Wall represents an open-air gallery with amazing street art.
The cultural scene is very much alive and kicking in Berlin, with the Berlin Philharmonic offering world-class music performances. Street art tours surely are a must to dive into the edgy, ever- evolving art scene of Berlin. And of course, landmarks like the Berlin Cathedral and Brandenburg Gate offer a dose of historical grandeur.
Vienna, Austria: Classical Elegance
The old-world charm of Vienna is simply unbeatable. One of the highlights of the city has to be the renowned Kunsthistorisches Museum, housing masterpieces by the likes of Titian, Rembrandt, and other big names. Equally charming will be found in Belvedere Palace and the vast range of art contained therein, from medieval pieces to contemporary works.
Equally constituting part of Vienna’s cultural heritage are the coffee houses and other museums. You know I’m going to visit ALL the historic cafes that have survived the test of time, witnessing meetings by writers, artists, and thinkers for several centuries. If you love classical music, then Vienna State Opera will be the place where you will get the finest performances there are.
My friend Abby tells me that the best way to see Vienna is to head straight down to city center. There you can see Stephan’s Dom (St Stephen’s Cathedral and the tallest in Austria). Then, head through Graben (the high-end shopping district), and go to the Hofburg Palace where you can tour Empress Elisabeth’s (Sisi) apartments and see the famous Lipizzaner Stallions. From there, you pass the Stadtbibliothek (where Adolph Hitler saluted his troops from as they annexed Austria), and go toward the museum quarter. There is also Karlskirche (which was built as a monument of thanks for the end of the great plague and never used as a church). The Schönbrunn Palace, which is the summer residence of the royals, has the most amazing gardens that are free to the public and the oldest zoo in the world is also there.
Linz, Austria: Contemporary Art and Christmas Market on Main
If I’m going to be in Austria, I’m going to Linz. The primary reason is that my friends, Matt and Abby, are in Linz. But also, there is some amazing things to see in Linz. Like the contemporary art at Lentos Art Museum, the Provincial Gallery Linz and its collection, and the Offene Kulturhaus Oberösterreich (OK), also known as the OK, which features mostly younger, internationally active artists, as well as performance art. But if I’m being honest, if I’m going to Linz, I want to go at Christmastime. I’ve seen their photos and the Christmas Market on the Main Square in Linz is ah-maz-ing. I could wonder around with a mug of cocoa and get frostbitten a thousand times over and not care.
While in Linz, Abby would most certainly make sure I see the Mariendom (Marions Cathedral) the second tallest in Austria (it used to be the tallest until Vienna became the capital and they insisted its spire be one meter taller), the Pöstlingberg which has spectacular views of the city), the old castle/ fortress that was used as a hospital during WW2, and Martinskirche (St Martins Church), which was commissioned by Charlemagne in the 400’s and is the oldest church in Austria.
I’m sure she’d also take me to a bunch of places that wouldn’t rank on any tourist list that I would totally fall in love with, too.
Barcelona, Spain: A Fusion of Modernism and Tradition
Barcelona is where Antoni Gaudí’s imagination ran wild. He is quoted as once saying, “Nothing is invented, for it’s written in nature first.” His magnum opus, the Sagrada Familia, is a sight to behold with its minute details and towering spires. The Picasso Museum contains the vast artwork of the artist, while Park Güell offers a riot of color for entering the fantastical world of Gaudí.
The Gothic Quarter is ideal for exploring medieval architecture steeped in local history. And one should not leave the city without watching a flamenco show: the traditional Spanish dances and music express its cultural spirit.
Prague, Czech Republic: Historic Charm and Artistic Beauty
I want to visit the Czech Republic because it’s rumored that my Great Grandpa Thony immigrated from the border between Poland and what is now the Czech Republic. I want to visit Prague, because it has this fairy tale feel to it. I’ve always wanted to see the stunning views available at the top of Prague Castle because it is said that they give a glimpse into the history of the Czechs.
The National Gallery is comprehensive in that it covers from Gothic to modern art. The Old Town Square is an absolute delight for the eyes due to its charming architecture, smelling of historic overtones. If you’re fascinated by classical music, then catch up with a concert at Municipal House, which is effectively a reflection of the artistic heritage of Prague.
Warsaw, Poland: Palaces, Sculptures, and More
Warsaw, Poland is on my list for the same reason that the Czech Republic is. As an added bonus, I have friends in Poland, too. So, while visiting the many sculptures, statues, and palaces in Warsaw I could visit with Jan and her husband. The museum in Palace on the Isle in Warsaw is a must see. The palace tour is estimated to take only 45 minutes, but would make the trip worth it by itself.
Europe is a canvas of arts and culture, to which each city provides its stroke. From Paris down to Prague, each destination is a value-added palette of experiences that will fire your imagination and heighten your appreciation for the arts. Pack your bags, bring along your journal, sketchbook, and camera. Whether you prefer to travel alone or with a friend or loved one, if you’re heading to Europe for the art and culture, get ready for the journey of your lifetime through the heartlands of Europe’s artistic expression.
When traveling, I recommend that you keep your wallet on your person and keep it in front of you, not in a rear pocket which makes you susceptible to pickpockets. If you do happen to lose your wallet don’t panic, here are 5 steps to take if you lose your wallet abroad.