![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Best-art-cities-Miami-Wynwood-Walls-@brucebmax.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAre you an expert on all things Michelangelo? Do you know the difference between a Pollock and a Picasso? Grab your paintbrush, canvas and camera, because I think you\u2019re ready to discover the best cities for art around the world, where art fairs, galleries and creative neighbourhoods inspire both novice artists and diehard enthusiasts alike. Let\u2019s Gogh!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Wynwood Walls<\/em>,\ud83d\udcf8:@brucebmax<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n What\u2019s up Miami? This uber-eccentric beach city in Florida is home to the world-famous Art Basel<\/a> fair that originally started in Basel, Switzerland. Over 2000 artists exhibit their work every year for the nation (and the world) to see. The fair has gained a high-brow reputation and is often celeb-spotting central, but there are still lots of emerging artists to uncover before the masses do.<\/p>\n The Wynwood Arts District is a former industrial neighbourhood that\u2019s now Miami\u2019s own artistic hub, with over 70 diverse galleries and museums, plus popular breweries, bars, cafes and restaurants in between. The main attraction – Wynwood Walls \u2013 draws in photographers, Instagrammers and travellers with its colourful outdoor murals. Neighbouring contemporary galleries like the Rubell Museum<\/a> and The Robert Fontaine Gallery<\/a> have a mix of emerging and established artist\u2019s work and will help you to understand the sleek Miami art scene. During the Art Basel fair, Wynwood\u2019s galleries open their doors for the Art Walk, when it\u2019s free admission to roam free!<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/b> Generator Miami<\/a> is everything you\u2019ll need in this palm tree paradise, with a luxurious outdoor pool, sleek and social common rooms and modern dorms. The art of the city follows you into the doors of the hostel, with beautiful murals painted on the walls including one overlooking the pool.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n Time to put Lagos on your list! This African capital city is home to the new major art fair Art X Lagos<\/a>, which showcases innovative and modern African art. Lagos has 51 diverse art galleries, like the Mydrim Gallery<\/a>, Museum of Contemporary Art<\/a>, Rele Gallery<\/a> and the Red Door Gallery<\/a>. A standout – The Didi Museum<\/a> – aims to elevate emerging artists while also showcasing Nigeria\u2019s history. While it\u2019s primarily an art gallery in the traditional sense, they also host book readings, poetry and jazz nights.<\/p>\n Alongside their growing dedication to visual arts, Lagos is also home to \u2018Nollywood\u2019 \u2013 Africa\u2019s film industry (the 2nd<\/sup> largest in the world) that produces around 1,500 films annually, so it\u2019s well worth watching a local film when visiting. Lagos isn\u2019t just thriving in its art and culture scene, it\u2019s also a surfing hotspot, so catch a wave or two while you\u2019re at it!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf8:@paulinel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Sure, you\u2019ve heard of the Louvre and the Musee d\u2019Orsay<\/a>, but how well do you know the more alternative arty parts of Paris? The neighbourhood of Belleville is an emerging hipster zone, with a rich underground gallery scene and colourful street art. The Ateliers d\u2019Artistes de Belleville<\/a> is an exhibition space for local artists which also has regular workshops, while the Yvon Lambert Gallery<\/a> and the Modus Art Gallery<\/a> are smaller and lesser-known choices to see contemporary art and photography. When you\u2019re done gallery hopping, there are plenty of chic cafes where you can feast your belly on macarons and your eyes on the cool graffiti.<\/p>\n If you want to experience more of the traditional art in Paris, see what exhibitions are showing at the Grand Palais<\/a>. The Mus\u00e9e National Picasso-Paris<\/a> showcases the famous artist and Parisian resident Pablo Picasso and his own private collection, featuring artists like Gauguin, Matisse and C\u00e9zanne. There\u2019s not much doubt that Paris is one of the best art cities in the world, but why not see a different side to it when you visit?<\/p>\n Where to stay: <\/b>There are lots of hostels in Paris<\/a> that are located in Belleville and the neighbouring district of Montmartre. Les Piaules<\/a> is just as cool as the streets of Belleville, and has a bar, stylish hangout areas and a vintage photo booth \u2013 so you can make art of your own!<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf8:@robynnexy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n You might be surprised to see Singapore on our best art cities list, but this metropolis is an artistic hotspot. The city is filled with a variety of galleries and museums that show both Asian and international works. The Singapore Art Museum<\/a> is a major attraction with contemporary art from all over Southeast Asia. Singapore\u2019s own art festival – Singapore Art Week<\/a> – takes place in January, with experimental exhibitions and events shown around the city. If you fancy uncovering some street art, the neighbourhoods of Little India and Chinatown have an array of colourful murals (and delicious cuisine!) The colourful Haji Lane also features some eclectic murals that are a feast for every Instagrammer.<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/b> Fancy a trip into the future? There are lots of cool pod hostels in Singapore<\/a>, and Dream Lodge<\/a> is a solid pick. Not only does a modern pod bed await you, but also free breakfast!<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf8:@ckturistando<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Time to get bonkers about Brazil! The country\u2019s busiest city S\u00e3o Paulo is also one of the world\u2019s best cities for art, famed for its graffiti and alternative galleries. The city hosts two major art festivals, SP Arte<\/a> (held on the first week of April every year) and Bienal S\u00e3o Paulo<\/a> (bi-annual). The two biggest galleries are S\u00e3o Paulo Museum of Art<\/a> (MASP) and Pinacoteca de S\u00e3o Paulo<\/a>, which both house large collections of old and contemporary Brazilian art.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for somewhere that draws in the young locals, Galeria Choque Cultural<\/a> is your best bet. It\u2019s a former abandoned warehouse that\u2019s now painted in colourful murals and showcases works from the city\u2019s underground art scene, focusing on important social issues. No visit to S\u00e3o Paulo is complete without stopping by Beco de Batman (Batman\u2019s Alley), where stunning street art covers every inch of the area.<\/p>\n Where to stay: <\/strong>The hostels in S\u00e3o Paulo<\/a> reflect the city\u2019s dedication to a bohemian and creative way of living. Caf\u00e9 Hostel<\/a> is located in the cool neighbourhood of Vila Madalena and has a herb garden and friendly outdoor bar.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf8:@victor_g<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n This picture-perfect Swiss town is home to the world-famous art exhibition and fair Art Basel<\/a>, said to be the \u201cOlympics of the art world\u201d. Here the locals have always REALLY loved art, and in 1967 the city voted to purchase some Picasso paintings, but Picasso himself chose to donate 3 instead, which is when Basel\u2019s love affair with art really took shape.<\/p>\n With 40 museums in Basel, it\u2019s very unlikely that you\u2019ll run out of things to see. The gallery Fondation Beyeler<\/a> was created by famous collector Ernest Beyeler. While the gallery showcases major exhibitions from artists like Edward Hopper, Monet and Picasso, it\u2019s also a stunning exhibition space with countryside views and cute gardens. The city\u2019s must-visit museums include the Fine Arts Museum<\/a> and Museum Tinguely<\/a> (on Swiss artist Jean Tinguely). Other worthy pit stops include the Museum for Contemporary Art<\/a> and the Kunstmuseum<\/a>, which features 16th<\/sup> century art from the Netherlands and pieces from the French impressionism movement. If you want to save some coin and experience the great outdoors, during Art Basel the city has free installations in public spaces and events which are easily accessible throughout the town.<\/p>\n Where to stay: <\/b><\/p>\n YouthHostel Basel<\/a> is a Scandi-lover\u2019s dream, fit with massive windows with dreamy views of nature and light wood finishes inside. You\u2019ll fit right in this artistic hub of a city!<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf8:@susyayala<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The unofficial art capital of Asia, Hong Kong is not only the third city that hosts the Art Basel fair, it also has many international and local art galleries that have been steadily opening since the 2000s. Now with its own art festival – Art Central<\/a> \u2013 Hong Kong is cementing its ultimate art city status.<\/p>\n You could spend many days (if not weeks) exploring all of the galleries, but some standouts include 10 Chancery Lane Gallery<\/a> which focuses on contemporary Chinese art, Axel Vervoordt Gallery<\/a> which has a sister gallery in Antwerp and features art that explores the concepts of space, time and the void, while the Whitestone Gallery<\/a> (which has 2 locations) showcases modern Japanese art to Hong Kong. The newly opened and massive M+ Museum of Visual Culture<\/a> exhibits visual art, design, architecture, and moving image significant to Hong Kong\u2019s culture from the past two centuries. The museum aims at becoming one of the world\u2019s leading cultural institutions, so visit before you hear about it everywhere.<\/p>\n If you need a breather from Hong Kong\u2019s abundance of galleries, explore the lively neighbourhood of SoHo (short for South of Hollywood Road) for the trendiest bars, comedy clubs and restaurants in town.<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/b> Rainbow Lodge HK<\/a> is in the central neighbourhood of Tsim Sha Tsui and has easily accessible public transport to get you around town.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf8:@_gabi_ka<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n New York must be on your art radar, right? It\u2019s one of the best art cities in the world because of its many art galleries, art schools and emerging and established artists. When it comes to galleries, there are the big-hitters like the Guggenheim<\/a>, the Metropolitan Museum of Art<\/a> (MET) and the Museum of Modern Art<\/a> (MoMA) which are well worth the visit, but if you venture out of Manhattan it\u2019s eclectic, alternative vibes all around.<\/p>\n In north-west Brooklyn, the neighbourhood of Red Hook is seeing an influx of artists making it their base. You\u2019ll find the Red Hook Labs \u00a0<\/a>where artists can use the studio, visitors can explore the galleries and art students can learn at the school. There\u2019s also Kentler International Drawing Space<\/a>, where you can take part in art classes and visit exhibitions, as well as a space for artists to sketch. Don\u2019t forget about Brooklyn\u2019s funky neighbourhood Bushwick, where you can not only hit up the coolest warehouse raves but also visit alternative art galleries and see excellent street art. The Microscope Gallery<\/a> expresses its work through film, sound, digital and performance art. Time to get trippy!<\/p>\n Where to stay: <\/b>NY Moore Hostel<\/a> is located in the Brooklyn district of East Williamsburg, and is conveniently located to get to the coolest parts of the city.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t East Side Gallery<\/em>,\ud83d\udcf8:@suitcaseonmysleeve<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Ah Berlin, basically another way to say the word cool. The city has some of the biggest and best art galleries and museums, but also a thriving creative underground scene. For years Berlin has drawn in the world\u2019s artists – you can even get an Artist Visa<\/a> to become a resident of the city.<\/p>\n Berlin has its own neighbourhood dedicated to museums and galleries called \u2018Museum Island\u2019. When visiting this formerly divided city, seeing the East Side Gallery is a must-visit. Graffiti and murals cover over a mile of the Berlin Wall, making it the largest open-air art exhibition in the world. It\u2019s an unforgettable moment in history and a free art gallery all in one.<\/p>\n It\u2019s very hard to pick only a few museums in Berlin, so I\u2019ll just mention the most unique ones. The Sammlung Boros<\/a> collection is a contemporary art museum inside a converted war bunker, where colourful expressive paintings and sculptures contrast the harsh, rundown, concrete walls. Increasing its cool factor, the gallery is only open on weekends and by appointment. If you want something really different, me Collectors Room<\/a> features macabre and unusual art ranging from tribal pieces to real-life skulls.<\/p>\n Where to stay: <\/b>the Grand Hostel Berlin Classic<\/a> is as chic as the art in this city. Lounge in the stylish common room fit with a grand bookshelf and sleek bar.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t National Gallery of Victoria<\/em>, \ud83d\udcf8:@mitchel3uo<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n It\u2019s boho central in the best art city in Australia, where numerous cafes line the graffiti-clad laneways and the coolest boutique designers open up shop. One thing that Melbournians and travellers can always rely on is the city\u2019s dedication to the arts.<\/p>\n Melbourne\u2019s biggest gallery, the National Gallery of Victoria<\/a> (AKA the NGV International) holds some of the country\u2019s biggest exhibitions from around the world, but also has a rich permanent collection featuring Australian, Asian and indigenous art, as well as pieces from artists like Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. The gallery displays some of the best work of Australian artists Tom Roberts and Frederick McCubbin. Melbourne\u2019s other major gallery, the Ian Potter Centre<\/a> (AKA the NGV Australia), is located in the iconic Federation Square and features Australian indigenous and non-indigenous art. If you have a bit more time to explore around Victoria, head 2 hours outside of Melbourne to Bendigo Art Gallery<\/a>, which has big international exhibitions as well as local art.<\/p>\n Where to stay: <\/b>Stay in a hostel in Melbourne<\/a> that is just as cool as the city. Melbourne Hostel<\/a> has cool vibes flowing from its walls with abstract art, exposed brick and industrial-style furniture. It\u2019s in the cool neighbourhood of St Kilda, so you\u2019re seconds from the beach and close to public transport that will take you into the centre of the city.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t Louvre Abu Dhabi, <\/em>\ud83d\udcf8:@tanyasoum<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n This is one of the world\u2019s more unexpected best art cities, but over the past few years Abu Dhabi has established itself as a unique Middle Eastern art capital. The city holds its own annual art fair<\/a> in November, which features exhibitions, installations, talks and events that create conversations and buzz. Galleries from all over Abu Dhabi and neighbouring areas exhibit their work.<\/p>\n The opulent Louvre Abu Dhabi<\/a> opened its doors in 2017, featuring art from all over the world, including Egyptian artefacts and French art. The building is a masterpiece and is a very popular Instagram spot for travellers. The gallery Warehouse 421<\/a> is another stunning art exhibition space, with surrounding glass walls and greenery and natural colour schemes throughout. New York University even has a campus and an art gallery<\/a> there, with displays created by their most promising students.<\/p>\n Do you need any more convincing to visit this architectural feast of a city, with art from all over the world? Its art scene is only expected to get even bigger, with plans to open a Guggenheim<\/a> and the extraordinarily large Zayed National Museum<\/a> over the coming years.<\/p>\n Tate Britain<\/em>, \ud83d\udcf8:@kjjmurphy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n You probably figured that London would make the best cities for art list, since it was home to artists like David Hockney, William Morris and Lucian Freud, but there is even more to uncover than what\u2019s at first sight. You\u2019ll find lots of museums and galleries covering different time periods, genres and styles. While the British Museum<\/a>, V&A<\/a>, Tate Modern<\/a> and the National Gallery<\/a> are featured in every guidebook, there are lots of smaller and lesser-known museums that are worth just as much hype.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a fan of the Arts and Crafts movement and the Victorian period, Leighton House Museum<\/a>, William Morris Museum<\/a> and the Tate Britain<\/a> are all standouts. For the traditionalists, Kensington Palace<\/a> and The Wallace Collection<\/a> in Marylebone will make you feel like a royal for the day. Fashion lovers should head to the Fashion and Textile Museum<\/a>, and modern art enthusiasts should visit smaller galleries like the Whitechapel Gallery<\/a>, the Serpentine Gallery<\/a> in Hyde Park and the Chisenhale Gallery<\/a> in Bow. If you\u2019re on the hunt for street art in London, the neighbourhoods of Shoreditch and Brixton are essential, with colourful Instagram-friendly murals at every turn.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re spending a bit longer in the UK or want to tick off as many exhibitions and museums as possible, think about getting the National Art Pass<\/a>. You\u2019ll get free entry into many galleries and museums, and half-price entry for exhibitions. But you could visit all of these galleries and still not even scratch the surface of London\u2019s art scene!<\/p>\n Where to stay:\u00a0<\/b>SoHostel<\/a> is a five-minute walk from the all-important central line on the London Underground, so you can easel-y zip across the city and visit some of the best art galleries in no time. Plus, how does free breakfast and activities like free walking tours and beer pong nights sound?<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t This South African city is also a rising art capital, showcasing the country\u2019s and the wider continent\u2019s unique and culturally significant pieces. Durban Art Gallery<\/a> exhibits traditional ceramics and sculptures, as well as tribal artefacts. The contemporary gallery KZNSA<\/a> hosts emerging international and local artists and doesn\u2019t shy away from difficult subjects. Durban is a part of UNESCO\u2019s Creative Cities Network, and as well as visual art, the city also has a focus on literature and holds the Time of the Writer Literary Festival annually. If you want to buy an authentic souvenir during your travels, the African Art Centre<\/a> sells locally and ethically produced pieces like jewellery, crafts and pottery. After all that art exploring, take time to explore Durban\u2019s beautiful coastline with a walk along the beach.<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/b> The ultra-boutique hostel CURIOCITY Durban<\/a> deserves some attention. Not only is the d\u00e9cor seriously dreamy, the hostel has an outdoor cinema, spa, bar and yoga space. Plus, you can even take surfing lessons!<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf8:@oppositesidesoftheworld<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n This bohemian city has chilled creativity down to a tee and is one of the best art cities in Chile. The town has had a major boost since becoming a world heritage centre in 2003, with museums and cultural spaces popping up all over town. Even the city\u2019s former prison was transformed into a Cultural Park<\/a> which exhibits local art, theatre, music and dance.<\/p>\n In the neighbourhoods of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepci\u00f3n, you\u2019ll find colourful houses, art galleries, restaurants and bars where photographers and foodies can get lost. There are awesome museums in these areas, like Sala de Arte Wenteche<\/a> which has local Chilean and Latin American art and Galeria Bahia Utopica<\/a> which has an impressive range of contemporary local and foreign pieces. Get planning, because this Chilean city deserves some love!<\/p>\n Where to stay: <\/b>Hostal Voyage<\/a> perfectly fits in with the city\u2019s bohemian vibe, with a colourful courtyard fit with beautiful murals that rival your childhood dreams.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t Attention artists!<\/strong> Want to help change the world?<\/p>\n WaterAid<\/strong>, a global charity, is calling on artists to create pieces so powerful, that world leaders can\u2019t look away from people living without access to clean water.<\/p>\n Now<\/strong> more than ever we need to wash our hands for survival, and yet some people can\u2019t.<\/p>\n #ArtofChange<\/strong> needs artists like you, whatever your medium, to create a piece of work that evokes action!<\/p>\n Win<\/strong> this comp and you\u2019ll be well rewarded!<\/p>\n Read<\/strong> more from WaterAid, the creative brief, the winner\u2019s reward, and how to enter.<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline<\/strong> \u2013 Midday (BST) on Monday 27th July 2020.<\/p>\n Update: The comp is now closed and we’ll be announcing the 12 inspirational finalists soon.<\/strong><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f Dance till you drop: the best backpacker parties around the world<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f Hostels that give back to the community<\/a><\/p>\n2. Lagos, Nigeria<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Best-art-cities-Lagos-Nigeria-Getty-Images.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3. Paris, France<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Best-art-cities-Paris-@paulinel.jpg\")
<\/p>\n4. Singapore<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Best-art-cities-Singapore-@robynnexy.jpg\")
<\/p>\n5. S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Best-art-cities-San-Paulo-Batmans-Alley-@ckturistando-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n6. Basel, Switzerland<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Best-art-cities-Basel-Convention-Centre-@dusk_cicada.jpg\")
<\/p>\n7. Hong Kong<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Best-art-cities-Hong-Kong-@susyayala.jpg\")
<\/p>\n8. New York City, USA<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Best-travel-songs-@_gabi_ka.jpg\")
<\/p>\n9. Berlin, Germany<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/best-art-cities-Berlin-@suitcaseonmysleeve.jpg\")
<\/p>\n10. Melbourne, Australia<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Best-art-cities-Melbourne-NGV-@mitchel3uo.jpg\")
<\/p>\n11. Abu Dhabi, UAE<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/best-art-cities-Abu-Dhabi-@tanyasoum.jpg\")
<\/p>\n12. London, UK<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/best-art-cities-London-@kjjmurphy.jpg\")
<\/p>\n13. Durban, South Africa<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Best-art-cities-Getty-Images-Durban-South-Africa.jpg\")
<\/p>\n14. Valparaiso, Chile<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Best-art-cities-Valparaiso-@sarahandstevesworldadventures.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\u00a0
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/CRM-wateraid-banner-02.png\")
<\/h2>\nKeep reading:<\/h2>\n