Europe is a treasure trove of grand architecture, fabulous paintings, and timeless sculptures, and many of its biggest cities are brimming with amazing art museums. Paris, London, Amsterdam, Florence, Vienna, and Rome are regarded as the best European cities to visit for art enthusiasts. Everyone dreams of admiring the masterpieces in the Louvre, van Gogh’s famous Starry Night, and the beautifully painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
But beyond these renowned destinations, there are several lesser-known cities that also serve as splendid showcases of Europe’s rich artistic heritage. Our experts have curated some of their favorite offbeat places that every art enthusiast should explore on their Europe vacation.
1. Milan, Italy
Must visit: Pinacoteca di Brera, La Triennale
Milan may be famous for its fashion labels, but it’s a thriving historic and contemporary art hub as well. Architectural marvels aside, its most celebrated museum is the Pinacoteca di Brera, where among other masterpieces, you can find Mantegna’s Lamentation.
This city has no dearth of beautiful works of art, from Michelangelo’s Rondanini Pieta in Sforza Castle to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at the former convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Milan’s museums and galleries are also known for their excellent modern art, and La Triennale is one of our top recommendations.
2. Athens, Greece
Must visit: Museum of Cycladic Art, Benaki Museum
The Greek capital, is packed with iconic ancient monuments and stunning artifacts, but it also boasts lesser-known artistic treasures that are equally captivating. You can admire an extraordinary collection of early Bronze Age statues and ceramics at the Museum of Cycladic Art.
Step into the Benaki Museum for Byzantine and Islamic art exhibitions, and Kantakouzenos Museum to browse a very interesting collection of paintings, including works by Chagall and Picasso. Street art is integral to Athenian life, and you can see some marvelous masterpieces in the Psirri and Exarcheia neighborhoods.
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3. Bilbao, Spain
Must visit: Museum of Fine Arts, Guggenheim Bilbao
Though the Guggenheim Bilbao will understandably top your list of places to visit for art, this Basque city is also home to several acclaimed arts institutions. The historic Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao and the vibrant Bilbao La Vieja area are central to the city’s cultural scene.
We also recommend exploring the Azkuna Zentroa, a striking arts hub designed by Philippe Starck that was once a wine warehouse, and Sala Rekalde, a converted garage that has become a prominent avant-garde space for contemporary art.
4. Munich, Germany
Must visit: Residence Museum, Alte Pinakothek
Munich, a historic center of Germany’s art and culture, has more than 80 museums. Many of them are located in the famed Kunstareal art district, and there is something for everyone! We recommend starting at the Munich Residence, which houses the grand Residence Museum.
Alte Pinakothek has an excellent collection of artwork from the 14th-18th centuries, while Neue Pinakothek showcases artistic masterpieces from the 19th-century. You should also visit Pinakothek der Moderne, Germany’s largest modern art museum, and the Haus der Kunst, which explores the fascinating history of contemporary art.
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5. Dublin, Ireland
Must visit: National Gallery of Ireland, Hugh Lane Gallery
The Irish Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Ireland, with their impressive collections, are excellent starting points for exploring the Irish capital’s vibrant arts scene. At Hugh Lane Gallery, you can see Francis Bacon’s London studio, preserved in its raw, chaotic state.
Dublin Castle also houses a number of interesting museums like the Chester Beatty Library and the Garda Museum. While enjoying traditional art, we also recommend exploring Dublin’s evocative street art. The eye-catching exterior of Blooms Hotel in the Temple Bar neighborhood, and Drury Street and Grafton Street are hotbeds of local artistic creativity.
Image Credits
Pinacoteca di Brera – Dimitris Vetsikas
Benaki museum – Genny Dimitrakopoulou
National Gallery of Ireland – Juliet Furst
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