A recent study has unveiled the top 20 European capital cities for art aficionados – and Italy hasn’t even made the first five.
When planning a city break, the modern traveler may consider a number of factors. Are the hotels top-notch? Will there be any sunshine? Are there good places to grab a delicious bite? And importantly, what is there to do around town?
Art, style, and architecture massively affect our decisions on where we go; hence why new museums, galleries, and exhibitions are constantly vying for visitors in Europe’s major cities. In fact, cultural tourism constitutes around 40% of all European tourism.
But have you ever wondered which city tops the list for art aficionados seeking to satisfy their cultural cravings? What is Europe’s arty capital?
Well, wonder no more! Ubuy France, a global e-commerce platform, has conducted a new study to uncover just that. It’s compiled a list of the 20 European capital cities that offer the most for art enthusiasts.
The chart is based on the number of art galleries, galleries with free entry, statues and monuments, and works of street art. Some results are obvious, while others may surprise you!
Without further ado, here are the findings:
In second place, Prague shines brightly with a score of 155.
“The enchanting city, with its cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture, is home to The National Gallery Prague, Europe’s second oldest art gallery. It’s a treasure trove spread across seven historic buildings. And the best part? Several times a year, entry is free for all,” states the website.
Tied for first place are London and Paris, each scoring 166 points according to Ubuy’s metrics. London impresses with its staggering 259 galleries, 29 of which offer free entry.
From the classic masterpieces of the National Gallery to the avant-garde exhibitions of the Tate Modern, London’s art scene is as diverse as it is vibrant. The city also hosts numerous festivals such as Digital Art Week and London Craft Week, making for a jam-packed calendar year-round.
Meanwhile, Paris, the City of Light, boasts 796 monuments and statues. And at the heart of it all, the Louvre reigns supreme, housing treasures like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, making it the world’s most-visited art gallery.
