Immerse yourself in creativity: 7 artsy destinations that will leave you inspired and in awe

Paris, France

Credit: Louvre

1/14

There’s a reason why Paris is hailed as the romantic capital of the world, and it’s not just because of the wine.

Apart from the Eiffel Tower, Paris' monument-lined boulevards, museums, and classical boutiques are enhanced by a new wave of multimedia galleries, creative wine bars, and design shops. Home to about 229 museums and galleries – including the world-famous Louvre and Musee d’Orsay – the city has been a thriving hub for artists for centuries, having been the centre of the evolution of Romanticism, Impressionism and other famous art movements. The city's bohemian culture provides artistic freedom for all to express themselves.

Credit: Paris Tourist Office

2/14

Visit eminent museums like the Louvre for a glimpse of the famous Mona Lisa, the Centre-Pompidou, and the Musee d’Orsay. Channel your inner Emily in Paris, and enjoy a Parisian brunch against the backdrop of the stunning landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe or the Palace of Versailles.

New York City, United States

Credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

3/14

The Big Apple is undeniably the global trendsetter, an epicentre of the arts, one of the world’s fashion capitals and an architectural darling. With an unparalleled concentration of galleries, museums and cultural institutions, an eclectic mix of cultures makes New York City a cultural melting pot for a diverse arts scene. The creative energy and openness to new ideas characteristic of New Yorkers make this an ideal place for artists to experiment and go crazy. No matter what, you’ll be able to find your audience here.

Credit: Sotheby's

4/14

Strut down the hallways of the Metropolitan Museum of Art as celebrities did recently at the Met Ball, or visit similar celebrated museums such as the Guggenheim Museum and MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). New York also dominates the art auction scene, with premier auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s selling the world’s most expensive artworks from artists such as Andy Warhol, Banksy and Pablo Picasso.

Tokyo, Japan

Credit: mystays.com

5/14

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly integrates Japan’s rich cultural heritage with its love for the uber-modern. Neon lights and towering skyscrapers juxtaposed against serene shrines and zen gardens showcase a sensory feast for the eyes.

Beyond its meticulously designed architecture, Tokyo is known for headlining trends in fashion, music, art, technology and animation, and as a cultural centre for creators in Japan and beyond.

Credit: Timeout

6/14

Get a taste of Japan’s rich and unique culture by visiting famous shrines such as the Sensō-ji, Meiji-jingū and the Imperial Palace. Jump back into modern Tokyo by learning more about Japan’s influential art legacy in numerous iconic museums such as the Ghibli Museum, Tokyo National Museum, Yayoi Kusama Museum and more.

Florence, Italy

Credit: Connolly Cove

7/14

Florence’s mediaeval walls were the cradle of Western art, with the Italian Renaissance giving birth to some of the greatest artists in the 20th century – Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and more. The city’s past glory is inscribed in its lavish palace residences of the Medici dynasty, princely art galleries and lofty chapels.

In the present day, Florence remains a hub of cultural influence and innovation, giving testimony to the Florentine passion for the arts, power and luxury.

Credit: Visit-Florence-Italy

8/14

Be transported back to the Italian Renaissance, with the glorious Galleria degli Uffizi full of Italy’s best-known masterpieces. At the Palazzo Vecchio, revel in the magnificent Salone dei Cinquecento, a painted hall featuring Michelangelo's Genio della Vittoria (Spirit of Victory) sculpture. For a comprehensive tutorial into the Italian Renaissance, visit museums such as the Museo di San Marco and Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and be amazed at the legacies of influential Italian sculptors, painters and more.

Berlin, Germany

Credit: Viator

9/14

As an important centre for European film, media and nightlife, Berlin’s art scene is a combo of the glitzy and gritty, from high-end masterpieces to grimy experimental work. A notorious history and dynamic underground counterculture keep the art industry on its toes, with young artists flocking to Berlin to make a unique space for themselves.

Home to over 600 art galleries and museums within the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Museumsinsel, Berlin stands at the forefront of the contemporary art scene in Europe.

Credit: 123rf

10/14

Explore the German art scene with the plethora of museums and galleries, including the Museumsinsel, Neues Museum and street art at the East Side Gallery (the longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall).

Berlin’s architecture is similarly sublime, with notable landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag and world-famous boulevard Unter den Linden. It’s no wonder Berlin has been recognized as a UNESCO City of Design.

Barcelona, Spain

Credit: Barcelona Tickets by Headout

11/14

Architecture aficionados, brace yourselves for a feast for the eyes. This Catalan capital boasts an impressive index of architectural marvels such as the fabled La Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic basilica designed by famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, with stunningly intricate carvings depicting biblical scripture and multi-coloured stained glass windows. With a history rooted in Roman conquest, Barcelona is the culmination of fragments of tradition and modernism showcased in its culture, architecture and artistry.

Credit: Barcelo Experiences

12/14

In Barcelona, the La Sagrada Familia is not to be missed for its mesmerising patterns and towering columns marrying Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture, with Catalan modernism influences. For a vibrant splash of colour, head to the Park Güell with undulating walls covered by variegated broken tile mosaics, against the scenic backdrop of the Barcelona seaside and cityline.

Melbourne, Australia

Credit: 123rf

13/14

Melbourne, the southern jewel of Australia, is an intoxicating blend of cultures, crafts and creativity. Splashed with an ever-evolving canvas of vibrant street art, Melbourne’s eclectic personality is vividly depicted with diverse urban murals in its kaleidoscopic laneways. But it doesn’t end there.

Apart from the distinctive graffiti, Melbourne is a mecca for art lovers, with various galleries and museums such as the National Gallery of Victoria. In Melbourne, the art is not just on the walls, it's in the air.

Credit: Visit Melbourne

14/14

Melbourne’s charms are hidden in nooks and crannies, inviting you to explore the city’s depths. To save you the trouble of wandering aimlessly, head to Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane and Croft Alley for some insta-perfect pics. Drop by the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), one of the most recognisable buildings in Melbourne with its imposing red-rust structure; or the NGV International gallery hosting more than 70,000 works from all disciplines.