Top 9 destinations to see the art of Europe

Ornate church ceiling painted in a Renaissance style

If you are an art lover, then Europe holds some truly unmissable gems. From European Renaissance art, medieval art and modern European art, to the very best of street art, there are endless places to go and artwork to behold.

But when you want to take a trip to a continent whose art history extends back hundreds upon hundred of years, and boasts countless iconic artists and artwork, how do you know where to look first? How do you work out the best places to go to truly explore and indulge in incredible artwork? And what are the best cities for art in Europe?

This handy guide is your best friend when it comes to the top destinations to see the art of Europe, complete with the best galleries and where to see iconic pieces, as well as some of the more unusual, yet completely unmissable types of art, such as street art, that should be on every art lover’s list to explore. Read on to discover all you need to know about the best art of Europe.

Paris

aerial view of Paris

Paris is one of the most romantic cities on Earth, with idyllic streets teeming with quaint, pearl-white buildings, cobblestone streets, charming cafes and the winding Seine. No matter where you look in Paris, you will be greeted with evidence of a rich cultural appreciation spanning back since Paris was first populated, so it’s no wonder that artists today still flock here. Paris offers plenty of incredible galleries for you to explore, with some of the biggest and most recognizable names in art.

Paris art museums

Musee du Louvre

The Louvre is at the top of everybody’s lists in Paris, even for those who aren’t ecstatic about art. You don’t need to be an expert to experience the excitement that comes with viewing some of the most famous art works in the world, with the most famous here of course being the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, quickly followed by the Venus de Milo by Exploring the art of human experience through thousands upon thousands of years (11,000 to be exact!), you could easily spend a whole day wandering the Louvre’s glistening halls.

Book your tickets here.

Musée d’Orsay 

If you want to experience some of the very best of French artwork that this stunning country has to offer, then the Musée d’Orsay is the place to go. Housing both paintings as well as sculptures and even photography, this museum showcases some of the best artwork dating predominantly from 1848 to 1914. The Musée d’Orsay is also in a very unique location, as it is situated in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, which means the architecture of the museum is often as fascinating as the pieces contained within. 

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The Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou houses an extensive collection of modern art, renowned globally for it’s 20th and 21st century pieces. The exterior of the museum itself is well-recognized, with interesting architectural choices such as exterior lifts and industrial style tubing. The gallery is set over a whopping six storeys, which makes it yet another gem of Paris where you could easily lose a day. At the Centre Pompidou, you can view famous works such as the Carousel of Pigs by Robert Delaunau, and the Precious Liquids sculpture by Louise Bourgeois.

Get your tickets here.

Musée National Picasso-Paris

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Musée National Picasso-Paris. Arguably one of the most famous artists in the world, Picasso spent a lot of his adult life living and working in France, hence this incredible homage to his work here in Paris, along with artists who are claimed to be linked to him, and inspired by him. Showcasing an incredible 5000 pieces including the “Deux femmes courant sur la plage” painting, this is the place to go to truly appreciate all this incredible artist has contributed to modern culture.

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Musée Marmottan Monet

Monet is potentially one of the most famous French painters, creating around 2,500 paintings and drawings throughout his lifetime. Producing delicate impressionist style pieces, renowned for their softness and for showcasing the beauty of the world around us, and for using the light of natural settings to truly bring his work to life. The Musée Marmottan Monet is set in a stunning Parisian townhouse, which provides the perfect setting to engage with the artist’s work in elegant surroundings.  

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Street art Paris

As well as boasting plenty of stunning art galleries, the romantic city of Paris is also renowned for its fascinating street art culture. Combining the romanticism of years gone by as well as a modern vibe thanks to the frequent art installations across Paris, it truly is a city where you can experience the very best of art through the ages.

Head to Belleville park, which boasts street art around every corner, and a neighborhood that is ripe for exploration if you want to find any hidden street art gems. The SNCF bridge in La Viletta also offers a range of stunning murals, including the famous UNA VIDA, which stands out proudly in its bright orange and yellow hues against the pearlescent tones of Paris. We also highly recommend an hour or so wandering the Oberkampf neighborhood, which offers a wall where the art installation changes regularly, with artists making their way here from all over the world to contribute to the culture of street art – who knows what you will get to see while you’re there!

Near Paris – Giverny and Versailles

monet's bridge and lily pond, giverny

Though these two popular locations are not technically within Paris, they certainly get an honorable mention and cannot be missed from this list.

Giverny is an easy day trip from Paris, with a journey time of just over an hour and a half by car. If you do have the time to spare whilst visiting, Giverny is an absolute must see thanks to the unmissable Claude Monet garden. 

The famous French artist lived in Giverny for decades, and many of his paintings took much inspiration from the serene and peaceful setting of his home. Complete with elaborate gardens where you can find the bridge that inspired Monet’s famous “Over a pond of water lilies”, as well as the shimmering, trickling waters filled to bursting with greenery that inspired “The Water-lily Pond”, Giverny is a fantastic place to go if you want to really bring art to life. 

We also recommend a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, which is located very close to the city a quick 45 minute drive away. The palace itself is one of the most stunning buildings in Europe, with one of the most grand facades you could ever imagine. Once the royal residence of Louis XIII, it is now home to a stunning collection of over 60,000 pieces of art, showcasing five centuries of the incredible history of this nation.

Get your tickets here.

Rome

colosseum in rome at sunset

It is said that all roads lead to Rome, so all art lovers should hit their closest road and make sure this incredible city is top of their destination list. Not only is the city itself an architectural marvel, both in its ancient ruins and more modern structures, Rome is home to a collection of stunning art museums, and nestled amongst its streets you will find the Vatican, which is home to one of the most famous and recognizable paintings in history. Find out where you can find the most famous Roman art.

Art museums Rome

The Capitoline Museums

Located on the top of Capitoline Hill, you will find the Piazza del Campidoglio, home to a range of museums housing both art and archaeological museums under one name: The Capitoline Museums. This should be your first stop when exploring the arts of Rome, due to its extensive history and incredible collection. It’s creation has been traced all the way back to the 15th century, and houses art that is in some way linked to Rome, from time periods extending back thousands of years. Here, you can view the famous “Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius”, and the “Capitoline She-wolf” which depicts the origin myth of the city.

Borghese Gallery and Museum

The Borghese Gallery and Museum is housed in the stunning former Villa Borghese Pinciana, once belonging to the noble Borghese family. Set amongst stunning gardens, this museum and gallery boasts iconic masterpieces from the Baroque, Roman and Renaissance periods. Here, you can view works from prestigious artists such as Raphael and his famous “Young Woman with a Unicorn”, and Canova’s “Pauline Borghese”.

Get your tickets here.

National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art

Rome is an amazing place to go to find the very best of European Renaissance art, as well as sculptures and architectural masterpieces dating back to ancient Roman times. However, if you’re ready to view something a bit more modern in Rome, then head to the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary art. On the ground floor, explore pieces from famous names such as Paul Cezanne and Claude Monet, showcased amongst large, airy halls. Head up to the top floor for the 20th century art, including that of the cubist and abstract movements. All in all, this gallery and museum boasts over 5000 pieces, so you’re sure to spend plenty of time here. 

National Gallery of Ancient Art in Barberini Palace

Let’s go back to the incredible ancient art of Rome! The “Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica”, or the National Gallery of Ancient Art, is housed in the stunning 17th century Barberini Palace. If you can tear yourself away from gazing at the building, inside you will find an incredible collection of extraordinarily old paintings from the city. Considered to offer the main collection in Rome of older paintings, all the works here date pre-1800s. Here you can find ceiling art that was installed at the Palace’s construction, Pietro da Cortona’s “Allegory of Divine Providence”, as well as the famous “Portrait of Henry VIII” by Hans Holbein the Younger. 

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Castel Sant’Angelo

For those who love both history and art, the Castel Sant’Angelo is the place to go. Once commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum, the Castel Sant’Angelo has also experienced life as a fortress, castle, and is now a fascinating museum. Once you are finished exploring the grounds of the castle and soaking in the incredible ancient Roman architecture, it’s time to head inside to view the stunning art collections on display, including ceramics, paintings and sculptures. 

Get your tickets here.

Near Rome – The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City

If you are paying a visit to Rome, make sure you do not leave without going to the Sistine Chapel. Although it is technically located within Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, the Vatican is itself located inside Rome, so we’re counting it! Head to the Vatican Palace for a tour of the incredible building, with a visit to the Sistine Chapel at the end. Here, look up, and you will see Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgement”, which is indisputably one of the most iconic pieces of art you will ever see. Make sure you book tickets for this attraction well in advance, as it is extremely popular, and you may be disappointed if you wait until the day you want to visit.

London

aerial view of london

London is teeming with galleries. With a far-reaching history all the way back to Roman times, the face of London has always been ever-changing and developing, providing a perfect home for those who create, and an atmosphere of exploration and discovery that has given plenty of room for the fantastic galleries and museums to bloom here. In London, you will find both classical pieces and works that truly push the boundaries of what we consider as art. Here are some of our favorite places to visit in London to get a taste for its artistic history and culture.

Art galleries London

The National Gallery

The National Gallery is an iconic location for art lovers to spend hours. With endless, stunning halls with its edges teeming with incredible artwork, it should be your first stop if you’re exploring the art of London. With a focus on European art spanning from the mid 13th century to the beginning of the 20th century, here you can browse a collection of over 2,300 paintings spanning several artistic movements. In one room you will face some incredible Renaissance work, and in the next you might come face to face with a famous impressionist painting, such as Claude Monet’s “the Thames below Westminster”. Here, at the National Gallery in London, you can also view the very famous “Whistlejacket” by George Stubbs. 

Tate Modern

Do you remember where we mentioned artwork in London pushing the boundaries? If this is a thought that excites you and gets your creative mine whirring, then head to the Tate Modern in London, located on the South Bank. As you wander through the Tate, you will find that no two rooms are the same, and not only will you come face to face with some incredible, aesthetically pleasing pieces, but you’ll also be challenged to think outside the box and view everyday items in new and extraordinary ways. Some of the installations and exhibitions change regularly too, so there will always be something new for you to discover at the Tate Modern.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Described as “The World’s Leading Museum of Art & Design”, the Victoria and Albert Museum, also known as the V&A, is a fantastic place to go if you love to see art beyond just paintings (although you will plenty of those here too.) The focus at the V&A is on applied and decorative arts, as well as design, so here you will find art installations and fascinating objects abound. In fact, the V&A houses a whopping 2.27 million objects that covers around five thousand years of human history and culture, so you’re certain to find endless things you’ll want to view here. You will find the famous “Madame de Pompadour” by François Boucher, and the “The Three Graces” by Antoni Canova amongst the famous pieces here.

The British Museum

At the British Museum, you can explore two million years worth of human culture in hours. In fact, you’re in good hands here; the British Museum has a collection comprising of over 8 million pieces, which makes it one of the largest museums dedicated to history and art currently in existence. Amongst the artifacts and objects, which contain their own artistic flair in their own right, you will also find paintings such as “A Cornfield by Moonlight with the Evening Star” by Samuel Palmer, and “Stonehenge from the West-South-West” by Richard Tongue.

Amsterdam art

amsterdam canal at sunset with bikes in foreground

When you first think of Amsterdam, you may instead think of the pretty bridges, whispering canals and stunning springtime blooms that frame streets teeming with bicycles. But on second look, you will notice that Amsterdam also offers some fantastic galleries where you could spend hours browsing the stunning works. Here are a few of our favorites. 

Amsterdam art museums

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is easily the most renowned gallery in Amsterdam. As the National gallery of the Netherlands, this is the place to go to celebrate hundreds upon hundreds of years of Dutch culture and talent. It offers around 8000 pieces for you to explore, including some incredible artwork spanning the entirety of the career of the famed Rembrandt, including one of his early works, “Self-Portrait as a Young Man”.

Get your tickets here.

Van Gogh Museum

No exploration of Amsterdam’s artistic offerings is complete without a visit to the Van Gogh museum. It is located very close to the Rijksmuseum, so you can pay a visit to both on the same day very easily. Stop here to browse some of the most famous of this Dutch painter, including his “Sunflowers” and his “Almond Blossom”, both of which are recognizable instantly, such is Van Gogh’s impact on culture today. As well as Van Gogh’s work, here, you will also find pieces by those who were inspired by this incredible artist, or active at a similar time.

Get your tickets here.

Rembrandt House Museum

If you didn’t get enough of Rembrandt as you explored the halls of the Rijksmuseum, then head over to the Rembrandt House Museum. Named so as this property once belonged to the famed artist, you can both enjoy his work, and soak in the ambience of the spot where an incredibly artistic mind once ran wild. Though the interior has been reconstructed to represent what it would have looked like when Rembrandt himself lived there, the impact and atmosphere of the museum is no less awe-inspiring.

Get your tickets here.

Venice art

square in venice at sunset

Ahh the city of Venice. This destination itself could be considered a work of art. Picture boats bobbing gently in the picturesque canals, the gleaming facade of stunning Renaissance architecture no matter where you look. Venice truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world, the muse for several artists throughout the decades. But what about the artwork housed in Venice? Does the city on the water have any galleries that are enough to tear you away from the beauty of the streets? 

Venice art museums

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

For the best of modern pieces, head to the Peggy Guggenheim collection, located on Venice’s famous Grand Canal. Peggy Guggenheim is a famous Italian collector, who was a lover of the artistic movements of surrealism, cubism and abstraction. Amongst the balmy, whispering atmosphere of the canals, you can explore her collection here, with pieces from esteemed artists such as Rudolph B Schulhof, and find out why it is that the Guggenheim collection is so revered to the point where this museum has become one of the most visited sites in Venice. 

Get your tickets here.

Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art

Continuing the trend of Venice’s appreciation for modern art, is the Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, which houses both paintings and sculptures from between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This museum offers one of the most stunning buildings in which to house such beautiful artwork; a marble palace also situated on the banks of the Grand Canal, perfect for some wistful wandering through the airy aisles of this stunning Venice gallery. 

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Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace is an iconic site in Venice, where everyone, art-lovers, architecture buffs and history enthusiasts alike can find something that gets their pulse leaping. This quintessential Venetian palace was first built in the 14th century, with extensions adding to the majesty of the building over the years. Once the residence of the Doge of Venice (or chief magistrate), now the Doge’s Palace showcases incredible walls of artwork amongst opulent and sumptuous surroundings. Whether you want to pick out every detail and brush stroke, or simply wander the halls and feel like royalty, the Doge’s Palace is unmissable on any trip to Venice.

Get your tickets here.

Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro

Another gallery situated on the glorious Grand Canal of Venice, housed in one of the oldest palaces in Venice built in the classic Venetian gothic style. Another incredibly picturesque historic site for you to wile away an afternoon, you can wander the three floors of incredible art collected by the baron Giorgio Franchetti. When you have taken in the wide-ranging collection of artwork, why not pay a visit to one of the palace’s balconies, offering incredible views of the Grand Canal?

Get your tickets here.

Bilbao

aerial view of bilbao

The town of Bilbao is a slightly lesser-known gem amongst our list of destinations. Located in Northern Spain, the streets are haloed by soaring green mountains and cut through with large waterways that link the city to the Bay of Biscay. If you’re hunting down ways to enjoy Bilbao’s stunning culture when you’re ready to get off the lively, vibrant streets, then use this handy guide to the very best of art in Bilbao.

Bilbao art museums

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The Guggenheim is notably one of the most renowned sites to visit at this destination, offering a contemporary art museum located in Abando, Bilbao. The building itself is a masterpiece, often noted as one of the most important works of architecture for three decades in the World Architecture Survey. Inside the museum, you will find around 250 contemporary works of art for you to explore, including the iconic spider sculpture, “Maman” by Louise Bourgeois and “The Renowned Orders of the Night” by Anselm Kiefer. 

Get your tickets here.

Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao

When you approach the elegant entrance to the Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, you’ll know you’re in for a treat if what it contains inside is half as stunning as the museum’s exterior. Located within the Doña Casilda Iturrizar park, peaceful, sculpted gardens in which you can enjoy a wander before heading in to the gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts showcases one of the most comprehensive and eclectic collections of European art from the Middle Ages, all the way up to modern periods. With an extensive collection of over 600 pieces available for viewing, including masterpieces from greats such as El Greco and Bellotto, you do not want to miss out on the Bilbao fine arts museum.

Get your tickets here.

Bilbao street art

A badly-kept secret about Bilbao is its thriving urban culture, complete with stunning street art in locations across the city. Though they certainly do seem to put emphasis on fine art in the galleries, out on the streets, you will be introduced to a whole new level of artistic endeavors, in a way that links expression with the immediate culture and human experience surrounding you amongst the charming streets. Soak in the colorful, geometric pieces by famed street artist  Erb Mon on the corner of Aretxaga street, or head to the districts of Ribera de Deusto or Zorrotzo, for both urban, gritty pieces and more classic murals. 

The best way to experience the street art of Bilbao is to simply wander the streets, keeping your eyes up from the ground and soaking in the colorful character and artful pieces as you go.

Florence art

aerial view of florence

Florence is considered to be one of the most romantic destinations in the world. The streets are filled with charm and wonder, and you can almost feel the history and collective human experience over the centuries thrumming through the atmosphere. The whole city is akin to a great piece of art, with incredible Renaissance architecture and a stunning cathedral that was once so carefully and thoughtfully designed to become one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Florence is a fantastic place to indulge in culture and art, with plenty of stunning collections ready for you to explore.

Florence art museums

Riccardi Medici Palace

Also known as the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, this incredible building was once the opulent residence for a prominent family in Florence, and built all the way back in the late 1500’s for Cosimo di Giovanni de’ Medici. It is quintessential of the stunning Renaissance architecture you can see all over Florence, with the inside offering unparalleled decor and art collections that typically explore both the Renaissance and Baroque time periods, in keeping with the tone of the site they are housed within. Here, you can view famous works such as the “Magi Chapel” by Benozzo Gozzoli, and the awe-inspiring Gallery Luca Giordano. 

Get your tickets here.

Leonardo Da Vinci Museum

When you think of the most famous residents of Florence, you’ll probably think of Leonardo da Vinci. At the height of the Renaissance, da Vinci was many things; a sculptor, architect and painter amongst them. Here, at the Leonarda da Vinci museum in Florence, you can view the works this incredible master created throughout his lifetime, from around the world. Here, also, you will find one of the largest collections of models that have been built on the bases of da Vinci’s drawings. This interactive exhibit about one of the greatest minds the world has ever known, is unmissable.

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Bargello National Museum

For something a little different from the opulent palaces and stunning Renaissance buildings our other favorite art galleries in Florence are housed, head to the Bargello National Museum. Located within a building that was once a prison and barracks, it opened as an art gallery back in 1865. The exterior of this museum may look imposing, but head inside and you will find both impressive internal architecture, as well as an astonishing collection of sculptures and artifacts. Amongst the most impressive of offerings from the Bargello National Museum, 

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Pitti Palace

Heading back to the incredible, second-to-none architecture of Florence, we have the Pitti Palace. Pitti Palace is an extraordinarily beautiful building, mainly constructed in the Renaissance period, located to the South of the river Arno and with a sprawling design coupled with an unbelievably opulent interior. Amongst it’s glittering, sumptuous halls decked out in all its finery, you will find an extensive collection of incredible and famous European artwork, such as Raphael’s “Woman with a Veil”, and “Christ in Glory with Saints and Odoardo Farnese” by Annibale Carracci.

Get your tickets here.

Art in Berlin

aerial view of berlin

Berlin is slightly different in terms of charm and personality compared to some of the other destinations on our list. Nestled amongst the streets of this industrial capital, are plenty of hidden gems and art museum treasures. Beyond the galleries and museums, though, Berlin is renowned for its street art, with artistic neighborhoods and street art-filled districts, there is no end of expression and culture to soak up in Berlin.

Berlin art museums

Pergamonmuseum

Within the city of Berlin, there is a district called Museum Island, where you will find an incredible range of galleries and museums boasting art and artifacts from around the world. One of our favorites of this area is the Pergamonmuseum, a stripped classicism style building that truly is of an imposing nature, built in the early 20th century. Now a listed building, the Pergamonmuseum is filled to the brim with artful delights, providing an easy way to lose hours browsing incredible pieces from across a broad palette of human experience and talent, from all over the world. Notable pieces here include a range of ancient Greek and Roman art such as sculptures and mosaics, as well as an in awe-inspiring dedication to Islamic art. 

Get your tickets here.

Neues Museum

Also located on the popular area known as Museum Island, we have the beautiful Neues Museum. Built between 1843 and 1855 in both Neoclassical and RenaissanceRevival architecture styles, the Neues Museum looks like the epitome of where you would expect a stunning collection to be housed. With pieces spanning thousands of years of human culture from around the world, visitors will be treated to incredible works such as the wall of 19th century Nordic mythology paintings, with art exhibits that go back as far as the stone age (yes, really!) There are seemingly endless artifacts and artworks to explore here at the Neues Museum – you could easily spend an entire day.

Get your tickets here.

Alte Nationalgalerie

The Alte Nationalgalerie deserves a spot on our list of the best places to find art in Europe simply for its stunning exterior, let alone before we even think about the incredible collections within its walls. Located on, you guessed it… Museum Island, the Alte Nationalgalerie houses arguably one of the best collections of artwork in Germany, with two thousand pieces spanning from the French Revolution, right up to World War I. Here, you can find famous European artwork such as “Moonrise at the Ocean” by Caspar David Friedrich, and “Cromwell in Battle of Naseby” by Charles Landseer.

Get your tickets here.

Berlin street art

Once you have had your fill of the stunning collections housed in the beautiful listed buildings of Museum Island, it’s time to head outdoors. The history and art of Berlin, in our opinion, is best experienced on the streets of the city. Not only can you find pieces of the original Berlin Wall, complete with art from an extremely turbulent period in in the city’s history, but Berlin also offers plenty of neighborhoods and districts where the imagination has been allowed to run rife, and the inspiration of artistic minds coming together seems to give parts of Berlin its own heartbeat. 

Our favorite locations to find the very best of Berlin street art is the Haus Schwarzenberg street art gallery, complete with bunting and walls where every inch of space is covered in color and incredible talent. We also highly recommend a visit to the East Side Gallery, the most famous Berlin art wall, where you can view some incredibly famous pieces, such as “The Kiss” and “The Wall Jumper.” This truly is some of the best street art in Europe.

Lisbon art

yellow tram on colorful lisbon street

Lisbon, perhaps like Bilbao, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of destinations for art in Europe, but it is unmissable nonetheless. Not only does it have some fantastic museums dotted around this hilly, sun-baked city, but the culture of street art here is utterly thriving. In fact, we would go as far to say that the city of Lisbon is in itself its own gallery. So, what are the best art museums in Lisbon?

Lisbon art museums

The National Museum of Contemporary Art

Housed within a beautiful Neomodern building, complete with a gentle pastel-blue facade that blends seamlessly with the pretty neighborhood it is located within, the National Museum of Contemporary Art should be your first stop as you explore the art of Lisbon. This gallery offers a beautiful collection of Portuguese artwork spanning from the 1850’s up until the modern day, and encompassing all of the major artistic movements that took place within Portugal during that time period, such as romanticism and naturalism. Famous pieces here include Cupid and Psyche by Veloso Salgado, and Liberté by Joaquim Rodrigo.

Museu Nacional do Azulejo

When you have spent five minutes exploring the alluring city of Lisbon, you will notice the city’s love for beautiful tilework, patterns, and mosaics. Frequently, no matter where you are in the city, one look skywards at the beautiful facades of the surrounding buildings, you will notice the gleaming tiles that decorate their exteriors, showcasing every color imaginable around the city. At the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, you can explore the meaning of this unique architectural aspect of the city, as well as view some of the most renowned and meaningful tiles that have been used in the city throughout history. It is a truly fascinating museum that marries both the artistic form and expression of the tile usage, as well as their place within the city’s history and culture.

Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

Next up, we have chosen a fascinating private art collection, offering you the chance to gaze upon works spanning from Ancient Egypt up to the present day in a purpose-built building surrounded by woodlands and wetlands ripe for exploration. A visit to the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian will truly take you on a journey around the world, and it’s extensive history, as you explore beautiful pieces from several time periods, cultures, and destinations. Some of the most famous works housed here include the “Boy Blowing Bubbles” by Édouard Manet, and “The Mirror of Venus” by Sir Edward Burne-Jones.

Get your tickets here.

Lisbon street art

Lisbon is another incredible destination where art and the streets blend seamlessly to become one, until the artwork is as much a part of the city as the roads and tram tracks. As it is in many places where the urban art thrives so well, the best way to experience this element of the city is organically – by strolling the streets and keeping an eye out for any murals or iconic designs. This is the best way to experience such a major part of Lisbon’s culture. However, if you’re short on time and want to make sure you see the most famed spots for street art, the most unmissable place to go is the Avenida Conselheiro Fernando de Sousa, which offers up an incredible stretch of wall where an endless amount of artists have contributed in one way or another.

We hope you have enjoyed our guide to the top destinations to see the art of Europe. If you’re looking forward to planning your trip, then make sure you view our guide on how to plan a trip to Europe. 

If you are staying in one of Top Villas’ stunning vacation homes as you explore the incredible art of this continent, then be sure to get in touch with a member of our guest experience team, who can help you arrange all the tickets you need for your vacation and ensure you make the most of your time away.