The Ultimate Guide to Top Art Galleries and Fairs You Need to Visit in Your Lifetime

Art and travel have plenty in common – not at least their dual ability to inspire, provoke and transform. So, for your next big adventure, why not combine the two and head to one of the world’s many must-visit art destinations that will satisfy everyone from art aficionados to curious travellers? Be it the ornate halls of the Vatican Museums or the contemporary vibrance of Art Basel, these cultural hotspots showcase masterpieces and innovative works that reflect our collective history and creativity, and we highly recommend you add them to your bucket list stat.

The World’s Best Art Galleries

Housing one of the largest and most important art collections in the world, the Vatican comprises a whopping 54 museums in total, making it hard to fit them all in or to choose which to visit. If you’re short on time, Michelangelo's awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel frescoes and Raphael's ancient sculptures should be a priority, but each and every museum is a labyrinth of wonder filled with centuries of art and history. Don’t miss the Vatican Gardens either, which are adorned with fountains, lush greenery and a replica of the Grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes while, if you have time, book tickets in advance descend into the Vatican Necropolis, located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Louvre, Paris

You may have heard of this one. Nestled in the heart of Paris, it is the crème de la crème of art museums after all. Home to the enigmatic Mona Lisa and the stunning Venus de Milo, this former royal palace oozes history and grandeur, home to over 380,000 objects spanning centuries and continents. Even a quick wander through its elegant halls will make you feel like you've stepped into a different era – it’s a true architectural masterpiece.

The Big Apple’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is an absolute gem. Boasting a staggering collection that spans 5,000 years of art, it’s like taking a whirlwind tour through history without leaving Central Park, where everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to contemporary masterpieces come together under one roof. Opened in 1872, The Met still manages to stake its claim as one of the most popular museums globally, hosts a vast collection of artefacts including work from big names like Picasso, Matisse and Van Gogh.

Tate Modern, London

Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in the year 2000, the Tate Modern may be one of the world’s younger art galleries, but that certainly doesn’t make it any less impressive. Britain’s national gallery of modern art complete with a wide selection of themed departments, it comes housed in a former power station on London’s Southbank, which houses a vast permanent collection and blockbuster exhibitions that pull in the crowds. Turbine Hall always holds one of the best exhibitions - previous artists have included Ai Weiwei and Marina Abramović – so be sure to head there first.

Spain's national art museum, welcoming over 3 million visitors annually, the Museo Nacional del Prado is one of the oldest national museums, having opened its doors in 1819. Today it houses Spanish paintings from the 11th-18th centuries, as well as numerous masterpieces from other European artists such as Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Velázquez, Goya and El Greco.Grab one of the free maps by the entrance to plan your route (be sure to visit the Velásquez and Hieronymus Bosch rooms), and it’s worth keeping in mind that there are a few time slots each day that allow you to visit for free.

Must-Visit Art Fairs Around the World

ArtRio, Rio de Janeiro

When: September

So much more than just an art fair, this vibrant celebration of contemporary art mirrors the Brazilian capital’s infectious energy, bringing together a dynamic mix of local and international artists, galleries, and collectors. Think cutting-edge installations and thought-provoking performances, 2024’s edition, which takes places from September 25-29, is set to embrace the global discussions on and attitudes towards sustainability and awareness while working on a myriad of actions to reduce its wasteful impact. Its stunning seaside setting is the icing on the cake.

Art Basel, Basel

When: June

Art Basel’s flagship art fair has steadily maintained its reputation as arguably the most important event of the art market calendar since its launch in 1970, and each year over 250 top contemporary art galleries descend on the elegant Swiss city accompanied by a global ensemble of art world luminaries. Other art fairs such as Design Miami, Liste, Basel Social Club, June Art Fair and Photo Basel take place at the same time, which are all worth checking out at least once.

Frieze Art Fair, London

When: October

Arguably the British capital’s most-hyped art fair, Frieze London, which exhibits only contemporary art and living artists, and Frieze Masters, whose focus is on historical art, take over Regent’s Park each October, alongside Frieze Sculpture. Providing high-quality presentations, curated sections, talks and performances from distinct galleries around the world, the event also has outposts in New York, Los Angeles and Seoul – not bad considering Frieze began as an art magazine in 1991.

Venice Biennale, Venice

When: every two years during the summer

Established in 1895, Venice Biennale is one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural events in the world, with countries from all over the world gathering to showcase contemporary artists. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024, it shows no sign of slowing down, and each season guests can expect a central exhibition in which the world’s best curators give their take on the most prescient art being made today, national pavilions and collateral events scattered across the city's historic sites. Beautiful art in an equally beautiful setting – what more could you ask for?