• Art
• History
• Medici
• Science
• City Views
• Day Trip

1st Choice: Art Adventure in Florence 

Uffizi Galleries

The Uffizi Galleries in Florence offer one of the world’s largest collections of paintings from the fourteenth century and Renaissance period, including works by Giotto, Botticelli, Mantegna, Correggio, Leonardo, Raffaello, Michelangelo and Caravaggio. The building began with architect Giorgio Vasari (1511–1574) and was constructed between 1560 and 1581. Don’t miss The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli (1445–1510), one of the 10 must-see paintings in Europe. It was painted between 1482 and 1486 for the Medici family. The Uffizi collection also includes many impressive ancient statues and busts, including ancient Roman copies of lost Greek sculptures.

Photo by C. McCain

Or Galleria dell’Accademia

The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence houses one of the most famous statues in the world. Standing over five meters tall, Michelangelo’s David was made from a single block of marble between 1501 and 1504. This Renaissance sculpture depicts the Biblical figure of David and symbolizes strength, intelligence and beauty. The museum also features other sculptures by Michelangelo and a large collection of Italian paintings from the fourteenth through seventeenth centuries. The Galleria dell’Accademia was founded by Pietro Leopoldo, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in 1784. Now, the institution occupies a fourteenth-century hospital, St. Matthew, and a convent, St. Niccolò of Cafaggio.

Courtesy of Galleria dell’Accademia

2nd Choice: History Adventure in Florence 

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, dates back to Roman times and was the only bridge over the Arno River in Florence until 1218. The current bridge was rebuilt using three stone arches after a devastating flood in 1333. The bridge is part of the Vasari Corrido, an elevated passageway that was used by the Medici family as a private crossing between Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. The bridge is lined with little shops – once occupied by butchers and tanners – now home to jewelers and art dealers. Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in the city to avoid destruction during World War II. It is a must-see historic site for an adventure in Florence.

Photo by Ansgar Scheffold

Or Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio, or Old Palace, is a Romanesque building located in the center of Florence that reflects many centuries of history, including three distinct sites: Roman ruins, a Medieval fortress and Renaissance chambers. Construction on the solid fortress began in 1299, and the entire site sits on ancient Roman ruins that date back to the first century A.D. Palazzo Vecchio is a symbol of civil power for the city of Florence; even today, it’s the location of the Mayor’s office. Just to the side of Palazzo Vecchio, visitors can explore the Loggia dei Lanzi, also called Loggia della Signoria, an open-air museum with many great sculptures, like Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa from 1545/54.

Photo by Matt Twyman

3rd Choice: Medici-Inspired Adventure in Florence  

Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens

An adventure in Florence would not be complete within exploring the many sites attributed to the Medici family. The Pitti Palace was named after its first owner Luca Pitti (1398–1472), a Florentine banker. Work on the palace started in 1458 and was left unfinished at the time of Pitti’s death. In 1549, the palace was purchased by Eleonora of Toledo, Cosimo I de’ Medici’s wife, as a ceremonial residence. Work on the palace continued and the structure grew in size. Throughout four centuries, the palace was inhabited by three dynasties: the Medici, the Habsburg-Lorraine and the Savoy. Today, the palace is open to visitors and includes the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.

Courtesy of Pitti Palace

Boboli Gardens are situated directly behind Pitti Palace. Established by the Medici family, this beautiful outdoor space includes many impressive ancient and Renaissance statues, as well as grottos, fountains and botanical gardens. The subsequent Habsburg-Lorraine and Savoy dynasties further developed the gardens’ layout and extended the boundaries. It is considered to be one of the world’s most important “formal” gardens and has inspired royal gardens throughout Europe.

Courtesy of Pitti Palace

Or Basilica di San Lorenzo

Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence is one of the city’s oldest churches, and it was the parish church for the Medici family. Said to have been consecrated by Saint Ambrose of Milan in 393, Basilica di San Lorenzo held the title of Duomo in Florence for about 300 years, before the title was transferred to the present day Duomo. In 1419, Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici (1360–1429), founder of the dynasty, offered to finance a new church to replace the eleventh-century Romanesque structure, and the project was led by architect Filippo Brunelleschi (1377–1446). The Medici Chapels hold the funerary monuments of the Medici family. Additional sections were added, such as Michelangelo’s New Sacristy in 1520 and Nigetti’s Chapel of the Princes in the early seventeenth century.

Courtesy of Visit Florence

4th Choice: Science Adventure in Florence

Leonardo da Vinci Museum

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence offers a collection of interactive machines and displays modeled after original sketches by Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519). Divided into five sections: mechanisms, earth, water, air and fire, the museum examines Leonardo’s universal genius as an artist, scientist, inventor and designer. The museum features machines relating to civil engineering, weaponry, flight and more. Visitors of all ages can learn about Leonardo’s many achievements and his continuous pursuit to push the realm of possibility.

Courtesy of Visit Florence

Or Galileo Museum

The Galileo Museum, located in Florence’s Piazza dei Guidici, combines a noted museum featuring scientific instruments with an institute for research, documentation and dissemination of the history of science in the broadest senses. It also features the work of Galileo Galilei (1564–1642), an astronomer, physicist and engineer from Pisa. Notable items on display include Galileo’s objective lens from the telescope he used to discover the Galilean moons of Jupiter, thermometers used by members of the Accademia del Cimento and an extensive collection of terrestrial and celestial globes. The museum also has a library with troves of materials depicting Italy’s technical and scientific heritage.

Courtesy of Galileo Museum

5th Choice: City Views Adventure in Florence

Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Florence Cathedral, or Duomo di Firenze, is one of the city’s most iconic structures and features the largest brick dome ever constructed. It acts as the centerpiece of Florence and can be seen from hilltops throughout the region. The concept for the cathedral was conceived in 1293, and after a hundred years of construction, the structure was still missing its dome. In 1420, after many technical issues, architect Filippo Brunelleschi began construction on the massive octagonal dome. Today, visitors can climb up the 400+ steps to the dome’s lantern for excellent views of Florence. Piazza del Duomo also includes Giotto’s Campanile and the Baptistery of Saint John with its Gates of Paradise.

Photo by Jonathan Körner

Or San Miniato al Monte

Sunset is the perfect time to take in the views near San Miniato al Monte, a basilica situated atop one of the highest points in the city – even higher than Piazzale Michelangelo. Make time to visit the basilica, which is considered a masterpiece of Tuscan Romanesque architecture. The structure was built between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries and includes three naves, an elevated presbytery and crypt. Its marble exterior is decorated with green and white geometric patterns.

Courtesy of Visit Florence

6th Choice: Day Trip Adventure in Florence

Pisa

Pisa is located about an hour by train from Florence making it an easy day trip. Once in Pisa, head over to Pisa Cathedral for a glimpse of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The cathedral’s free-standing bell tower is known for its almost four-degree lean. Scroll around the Piazza del Duomo, also known as Piazza dei Miracoli, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The square is made up of four spectacular edifices: Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, the Campanile (Pisa Tower) and the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery). Don’t miss the Cathedral Museum, which displays original artwork from the cathedral, baptistery and bell tower.

Photo by C. McCain

Or Tuscan Wine Country

Tuscany, Italy’s fifth-largest region, has been producing some of the world’s best wines for centuries. After Piedmont and Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/G quality wines. Tuscany has 41 DOC wines and 11 DOCG wines, and they are produced across the region’s ten provinces. Sangiovese grapes dominate the vineyards in Tuscany and produce notable wines, such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. For a hassle-free experience, check out all-inclusive wine tours, like Grape Tours, which offer transportation from Florence, tour guides, wine tastings and lunch.

Photo by Reisetopia

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Day One

Morning – Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge

Start your day with a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, a stunning Art Deco suspension bridge from 1937. You can rent a bicycle at Get Your Guide in Fisherman’s Wharf. The bridge cradles the 101 highway that connects San Francisco to Marin County. It’s an iconic structure that offers incredible views of a fog-covered city. The bike ride takes approximately three hours, depending on your pace. Once across the bridge, descend into the quaint town of Sausalito. Spend some time walking around before taking the ferry (with your bicycle) back to San Francisco.

Afternoon – Get a taste of the local food 

Once you’re back in San Francisco, spend some time exploring the Ferry Building, which offers gourmet goodies from several independently-owned vendors. Visitors can enjoy fresh oysters from Hog Island Oyster Company, artisan bread from Acme Bread Company and micro-roasted coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee. It’s the perfect spot for snacking your way through lunch. The building has served as the central hub for ferryboat transportation in the Bay Area since it opened in 1898. Today, ferry services take passengers to Larkspur, Sausalito, Vallejo and Alameda.

Courtesy of Hog Island Oyster Company

Evening – Explore the Mission District

The Mission District is a lively neighborhood known for its live music venues and cocktail lounges. For decades, the Mission has been the center of the Latino community in San Francisco. Visitors can walk along narrow streets with colorful street art and shop for antiques and second-hand goods. It’s also home to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, including local favorites like Delfina and Tacolicious.

Courtesy of Tacolicious

Day Two

Morning – Take a stroll in Golden Gate Park

Start your day with a stroll through Golden Gate Park, a spacious urban oasis that is 20% larger than New York’s Central Park. This green slice of heaven is bookended by the Haight Asbury to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. A visit to the park can be a peaceful way to start your second day. From rollerskating troops to Tai Chi masters, the park is filled with many interesting sights and sounds.

The de Young Museum, located towards the park’s eastern end, offers one of the best art collections west of the Mississippi River. The building, which reopened in 2005, was designed by Swiss architects Herzog and De Meuron. Its facade consists of perforated copper, which will continue to change in color as it oxidizes over time. Check out the de Young’s ninth-floor observatory to see how perfectly the structure blends in with its surroundings. This unique vantage point can be accessed for free and offers one-of-a-kind views of the park and outlying neighborhoods. Before you leave the park, take a walk through the Botanical Gardens and the Japanese Tea Gardens.

Afternoon – Ride on a cable car through Chinatown

Make your way downtown to explore Chinatown, the home of the fortune cookie. From there, hop on a cable car and end up in Fisherman’s Wharf for some world-class chocolate at Ghirardelli Square and one-of-a-kind sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery. Then, finish the day with an Irish coffee at Buena Vista.

Courtesy of Boudin Bakery

Evening – Experience the opera

San Francisco has had a love affair with opera for more than 150 years. Between 1851 and the earthquake of 1906, nearly 5,000 opera performances were given in San Francisco at 26 different theaters. San Francisco Opera, near Civic Center, offers top-notch performances and beautiful architecture. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, since many performances sell out quickly.

Courtesy of San Francisco Opera

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Incorporated in 1837, Chicago is an American boomtown. Its population of roughly 30,000 residents in 1850 grew to more than 2 million by 1910. This influx of people brought with them a diverse mix of cultures, religions and beliefs. Illinois’ largest city sits on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, one of North America’s Great Lakes. Similar to Manhattan, many of Chicago’s early skyscrapers date back to the 1890s, which gives the city a rich architectural skyline. The financial district and its looming towers can be seen from great distances when approaching the city by car. In addition to having big buildings, Chicago has been home to some of America’s biggest icons, including Oprah, Michael Jordan, Harry Caray and the Obamas, just to name a few.

Additionally, Chicago has a satisfying culinary scene. Hearty meals and strong drinks are served in generous portions. With European, Asian and African influences, Chicago’s food options are as diverse as its people. From live music to professional sporting events, there are plenty of interesting things to experience in the Windy City.

How to Visit Chicago for the First Time | Top 10 Things to Do in Chicago

Enjoy a few laughs

Courtesy of Second City

Chicago’s Second City, located in Oldtown, offers nightly performances and seasonal shows featuring some of the most talented comedians in the business. The comedy club has been operating as a theatre and improv school since 1959. Throughout the years, company alumni have included many of comedy’s greatest heroes, including Bill Murray, John Candy, Chris Farley, Amy Poehler and Aidy Bryant. After the show, grab a drink at 1959 Kitchen & Bar, the club’s on-site restaurant, or the neighboring Old Town Ale House.

Experience baseball history

City of Chicago Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Chicagoans are crazy about baseball. In a city with two Major League teams, visitors will need to pick a side. If you choose the Cubs, you will not be disappointed with a visit to the historic Wrigley Field on the North Side of Chicago. Built in 1914, the stadium is the second-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, just behind Boston’s Fenway Park (1912). Baseball memorabilia is on full view throughout the stadium, including the original scoreboard from 1937. Depending on the location of your seat, you might just get lucky with a game ball souvenir. To increase your chances of catching a game ball, sit along the first and third base lines for foul balls and in the bleachers for home-run balls. Don’t forget to try a Chicago-style hotdog, which is typically topped with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers and celery salt. Stadium tours are available during the offseason.

Cruise on the Chicago River

The architecture boat tour is a great introduction to the Chicago skyline. Many of the city’s most stunning buildings can be enjoyed from the top deck of the First Lady. The tour highlights many important architectural styles, including Chicago School, neoclassical, art deco and modern. The 90-minute excursions are expertly hosted by docents from the Chicago Architecture Center, and tours operate from mid-May to mid-October. For an unforgettable experience, check out the twilight tours, which offer beautiful sunset views from the Chicago River. The vessels can carry up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. It is advised to purchase tickets in advance.

Satisfy your pizza craving

Photo by Manvi Mathur

Pizza might not seem like a memorable holiday experience, but it can be in Chicago. For starters, “Chicago-style” typically implies that the pizza is made using thick or deep dish crust. There is also a thick layer of cheese under toppings and tomato sauce. It seems backward, but in the best possible way. Cornmeal is used to give the buttery crust a bit of a crunch. This deliciously filling style of pie can be found throughout the city. For classic versions, check out Pizano’s Pizza or Gino’s East.

Read more: 10 Iconic American Foods & Where to Find Them

Explore an unforgettable art collection

Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s leading art museums. Centrally located in Grant Park, the Art Institute offers visitors notable works from around the world. Its permanent collection features more than 300,000 pieces, including Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (1884/86), Van Gogh’s The Bedroom (1889), Wood’s American Gothic (1930), Hopper’s Nighthawks (1942) and Motley’s Nightlife (1943), among many others. In 2009, the museum opened a modern wing designed by Renzo Piano, which features prominent artists like Jasper Johns, Takashi Murakami, Robert Rauschenberg, Cindy Sherman and Andy Warhol. Don’t miss the Thorne Miniature Rooms located on the museum’s lower level.

Read More: Top 5 Art Museums Offering Free Online Art Education

Unwind to the sound of live jazz

Abel Arciniega Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Chicago has jazz roots that date back to the 1920s when Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong were drawing large crowds. Today, music fans can visit Green Mill in Uptown for live jazz every night until 4am, except for Saturdays when it’s open until 5am. Known as one of the oldest continuously running jazz clubs in the country, Green Mill has welcomed jazz legends like Von Freeman, Franz Jackson and Wilbur Campbell. Seating is first-come, first-serve, and entrance fees vary depending on the band.

Read More: 48 Hours in New Orleans

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Given the large Irish-American population, Chicago is the best place to be for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Each year, revelers take to the streets and flood neighborhood Irish bars wearing their best green-colored outfits. For five hours, typically starting at 9am on the Saturday prior to St. Patrick’s Day in March, the Chicago River is dyed emerald green. Thousands of spectators gather along the scenic Riverwalk to see green water flowing through the city’s center. Chicago also hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, which includes a three-hour procession with colorful floats, troops of Irish step dancers, marching bands and bagpipers.

Become one with nature

City of Chicago Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Lincoln Park is a great way to spend an afternoon in Chicago, especially during the warmer summer months. This 1,200+ acre park is situated on the North Side of Chicago along Lake Michigan. Visitors can explore the Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, Theatre on the Lake, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Lincoln Park Conservatory. There is something for everyone in this urban oasis, and many activities can be enjoyed for free. After the park, take advantage of the good weather with a stroll along the neighboring beach for beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

Go to the theatre

Abel Arciniega Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Chicago’s flourishing Theatre District, located in the Loop, features more than 200 theatres, including five Tony Award-Winning companies. Visitors can choose from a selection of world-class productions. Check out the district’s three Broadway In Chicago theatres: CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre and Cadillac Palace Theatre. Also, don’t miss the Goodman Theatre, Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theatre.

Get a little tipsy

Adam Alexander Photography Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

With more than 100 breweries, Chicago is the perfect place to sample interesting craft beers. First-time visitors should check out Goose Island, a well-known Chicago-born brewery. Learn about the brewing process at Goose Island’s Fulton Street brewery and taproom, located in West Loop. Tours operate Thursday through Sunday, and advanced booking is recommended. Beer samples and a custom beer glass are included in the tour ticket price.

If you’re still thirsty, check out Lagunitas Brewing Company’s 300-seat taproom located in Douglas Park. Offering excellent beer, live music, food and tours Wednesday through Sunday, Lagunitas is the largest brewery in Illinois.

Coming Soon! 
Obama Presidential Center is located in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side near the University of Chicago. Once completed, the facilities will honor the legacy of President Barrack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The museum, and its public meeting space, library and plaza, will provide visitors with a space to reflect, engage and learn.

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Before you decide, the awe and awful of Venice are two sides of the same coin. For example, two travelers might sit down for a cappuccino at a historic café in St. Mark’s Square. One traveler might look out over the piazza and see tourists waving selfie sticks while seagulls and pigeons fight for table scraps, and the other traveler might see a breathtaking basilica – consecrated in 1094 – with treasures from Constantinople as a result of the Venetian participation in the Fourth Crusade. After breakfast, the same two travelers could take a gondola ride through the meandering canals of Venice. One traveler might think it’s an overpriced tourist trap, while the other might think about the gondolier’s technical achievement in navigating the long, narrowboat and the pride they take in carrying on this 900-year-old tradition. These experiential differences could go on and on.

Photo by C. McCain

Visiting Venice is all about accepting that there will be give and take, more so than many other previously well-heeled European cities. Sure, Venice museums can have long lines, and there are plenty of restaurants serving terrible food, but the city also has a one-of-kind atmosphere and architectural splendor that can make it seem so perfectly authentic, it doesn’t even feel real. Venice is uniquely mysterious, particularly in the evenings with its narrow passageways, dead-end paths and misty canals. Without cars, bicycles or trains, Venice exudes an eerie sort of quietness – highly unusual for a city its size.

Photo by C. McCain

There are locals around Venice, over a quarter of a million, but they’re easily missed if you don’t make a point to notice them. Find a side street café or street-side bar window serving Aperol Spritzes and cicchetti, and you’ll see Venetians chatting with friends and family while enjoying a quick lunch or pre-dinner aperitif. Even the grocery stores and pharmacies that locals surely frequent seem a bit hidden, but the beautifully specific shops that sell quality goods, such as handmade leather gloves or locally-blown glassware, can’t be missed.

So, is Venice worth visiting? The truth is there’s no guarantee that every traveler will fall in love with Venice, now or ever. It depends on your past experiences and perspectives on life. Is it a tourist trap or one of the most beautiful cities in the world? The answer is in the eye of the beholder.

Is Venice Worth Visiting? Yes!

Check out 5 Excellent Reasons to Visit Venice, Italy.

Get Out on the Water

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

Venice should be seen from the water. The city offers many options at various price points to best fit your budget. From water buses to water taxis, travelers can easily access a pick-up location from boat stands and piers throughout the city. If you’re looking for a classic Venetian experience, make a point to take a gondola ride. This traditional, flat-bottomed, single-row boat has been used in Venice for centuries. It’s an elegant way to explore the city while learning about its past from knowledgeable gondoliers.

Stay in a Grand Hotel

Courtesy of the Gritti Palace

There are more than a thousand hotels in Venice, so again, many options for many budgets. If you’re looking to splurge on your vacation, book a room at the Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel located on Campo Santa Maria del Giglio. This stunning property dates back to 1475 when the Pisani family transformed it into its current Gothic shape. In 1525 the building became the private residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti, and in the centuries that followed, it was home to other noble families and illustrious visitors. Today, guests can enjoy the beautiful terrazzo floors and the remarkable selection of artworks and antiques that adorn all private and social spaces within the hotel. Book Now

Another excellent option for a classic hotel in Venice is the Hotel Bauer located just a short walk from the Gritti Palace. This luxury hotel has 54 suites and 137 rooms that feature authentic Italian marble details, delicate fabrics and inlaid furniture. Don’t miss the recently renovated Settimo Cielo Rooftop Restaurant from chef Cristiano Tomei. Book Now

Courtesy of Hotel Bauer

Enjoy the Fine Arts

If you don’t mind crowds, your first fine art stop should be Doge’s Palace located next to St. Mark’s Basilica. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, this museum is set on its original foundation from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The wing towards the St. Mark’s Basin is the oldest, rebuilt from 1340 onwards. This cultural institution includes the Museo dell’Opera, Courtyard and the Loggias, Doge’s Apartments, Institutional Chambers, Prisons and Armoury. Don’t miss Il Paradiso by Tintoretto in the palace’s main hall. It’s one of the largest oil paintings on canvas in the world (22 x 7 meters).

Photo by Denys Barabanov

Other great places to see art in Venice include the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. In the evenings, La Fenice Opera House provides seasonal performances by world-class opera singers and musicians. In the nineteenth century, La Fenice became the site of many famous operatic premieres including works by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi. The building alone is worth a tour given its lavish Rococo-style interiors.

Courtesy of Teatro La Fenice

Eat Like a Local

Is Venice worth visiting? Yes, its food alone is worth a trip. Similar to Spanish tapas, cicchetti are small snacks, such as sandwiches, meats, cheeses and olives, served at lunch or before dinner at small bars located in every Venetian neighborhood. They are typically enjoyed while standing with an Aperol Spritz (garnished with an orange slice and a single fresh green olive) or a glass of Italian wine. Traditional cicchetti recipes include slices of bread topped with creamed codfish on polenta and boiled egg on marinated anchovies. For classic cicchetti bars in Venice, check out Bar All’Arco (lunch only) and Enoteca Schiavi.

Photos by C. McCain

Buy Quality Souvenirs

For quality souvenirs in Venice, take a short ferry ride to Murano, a collection of seven individual islands linked together by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon. There, you’ll find some of the finest glass shops and glass-making demonstrations in Italy. Murano glass is known throughout the world for its history, quality, colorfulness and craftsmanship. Don’t miss Museo del Vetro, which explores the art of glass-making through the centuries.

Photo By Dan Hadar

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How to Travel Around Kyoto

In addition to buses, taxis and bicycles, Kyoto has many train lines that will help you get from one place to another with minimal hassle. In addition to the Kyoto subway, the Japan Railway (JR) and other privately owned railways allow passengers to move between central Kyoto and its surrounding areas. Click here for a map of Kyoto’s train network.

72 Hours in Kyoto

Day 1 – Morning at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Photo by Jeremy Goldberg

The Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto kami of rice, sake and agriculture, among other things. The site is well-known for having thousands of brightly colored, orange torii gates. Its trail stretches over 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) up a mountain, which takes approximately 2 hours to walk depending on the pace. The Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine acts as a centerpiece for the other 30,000+ Inari shrines located throughout Japan.
How to Travel Around Kyoto – Fushimi Inari-taisha: Walk three minutes from the JR Inari Station on the JR Nara Line or walk five minutes from the Keihan Railway Fushimiinari Station

Afternoon – Kyoto National Museum

Courtesy of Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau

In the afternoon, head over to the Kyoto National Museum located between the Kamo River and the hills of the Higashiyama (Eastern Mountain) district. Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive collections, spanning over 12,000 years, featuring some of Japan’s most prized artworks, including one-of-a-kind treasures from temples, shrines and private collections. The artwork is divided into three sections: fine arts, artifacts and archaeology. The museum focuses on pre-modern Japanese works, and it has one of the largest collections of Heian Period (794-1185) artifacts currently on view. The Kyoto National Museum reflects the city’s rich history and many traditions – ideal for travelers looking to get familiar with the local culture.
How to Travel Around Kyoto – Kyoto National Museum: Walk seven minutes from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Railway or walk one minute from Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendomae bus stop

Evening – Fushimi Sake District

Photo by Xtra, Inc.

Sake tasting is a great way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Kyoto is the second-largest producer of sake (by volume) in Japan making this fermented rice wine a celebrated drink among locals. Head over to the Fushimi Sake District, which is the center of Kyoto’s sake production, and stop by Fushimi Sakagura Kōji, a bar and restaurant that offers a wide selection of drinks from local breweries, as well as tasty Japanese food pairings.
How to Travel Around Kyoto – Fushimi Sake District: Walk four minutes from the Fushimi Momoyama Station on the Keihan Main Line

Day 2 – Morning at Ryōan-Ji Temple

Photo by Gor Badoyan

Get a Zen-inspired start to your second day with a visit to Kyoto’s Ryōan-ji Temple featuring one of Japan’s most well-known flat, or hira niwa, gardens. It’s a mysterious place with fifteen carefully placed rocks that sit in an enclosed garden of raked white gravel. Visitors can access a platform with unimpeded views directly above the garden; however, no matter which angle you view the garden, you can never see all fifteen stones. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also includes a large garden with trees and the Kyoyochi pond.
How to Travel Around Kyoto – Ryōan-ji Temple: Walk seven minutes from the Ritsumeikandaigaku-mae bus stop (from JR Kyoto Station/Hankyu Oomiya Station), walk one minute from the Ryoan-ji-Mae bus stop (from Keihan Sanjo Station) or walk seven minutes from the Railway Ryoan-ji Station on the Keifuku Kitano Line

Afternoon – Kinkaku-ji Temple

Photo by Ibolat Caesar

Kinkaku-ji Temple, or Golden Pavilion, is one of Japan’s most widely recognized sites given that it’s richly adorned with gold leaf. The structure was originally built as a residence for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408) and converted into a Zen temple shortly after his death. In 1950, a monk named Hayashi Yoken burned the temple down during a suicide attempt. The site was rebuilt in 1955 and continues to operate today. While visiting, take a moment to rest your feet at the temple’s teahouse.
How to Travel Around Kyoto – Kinkaku-ji Temple: Walk from the Kinkakuji-Michi (Kinkaku-ji Temple) bus stop

Evening – Gion Corner

Courtesy of Gion Corner

Gion Corner is a cultural theater located near Shijo Avenue between the Yasaka Shrine and the Kamo River. In just one hour, audiences can experience seven of Kyoto’s performing arts, including Kyogen classical comedy, Kyomai dance, Gagaku music of the imperial courts, koto harp and Bunraku puppet theater, as well as a tea ceremony and flower arrangement. The performances are explained in English making it accessible for visitors from all over the world.
How to Travel Around Kyoto – Gion Corner: Walk five minutes from the Gion Shijō Station on the Keihan Main Line

Day 3 – Morning at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Photo by Walter Mario Stein

To avoid the afternoon crowds, start your third day with a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove located near Kyoto’s Togetsukyo Bridge. Visitors can walk or bike through a network of paths that cut through soaring bamboo stalks. Additionally, this area includes the Nonomiya-jinja Shrine and the Tenryu-ji Temple.
How to Travel Around Kyoto – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk 10 minutes from the Saga Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line or walk 15 minutes from the Arashiyama Station on the Henkyu Railway

Afternoon – Nishiki Market

Courtesy of Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau

Known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, Nishiki Market offers a wide variety of local foods making it an ideal place to stop for lunch. Over a hundred shopkeepers sell goods, such as vegetables, fish and desserts, from a 400-meter path located between Teramachi Street and Takakura Street. From noodles to sushi, Nishiki Market is a one-stop-shop for experiencing Kyoto’s lively street food scene.
How to Travel Around Kyoto – Nishiki Market: Walk five minutes from the Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Railway Line, walk five minutes from Shijokawaramachi/Shijotakakura bus stop or walk seven minutes from the Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line

Evening – Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Photo by Nuno Antunes

For some of the best views in Kyoto, head over to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple – one of the most popular places in the city given its mountainside veranda. The temple was founded in 778 and features the statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, as well as the Jishu-jinja Shrine, a popular spot for those looking to pray for a good love match. The sunset views from the temple’s veranda should not be missed while visiting Kyoto.
How to Travel Around Kyoto – Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Walk ten minutes from the Gojozaka bus stop (from Keihan Gion Shichijo Station and JR Kyoto Station), walk ten minutes from the Kiyomizu-michi bus stop (from Keihan Gion Shijo Station/Hankyu Kawaramachi Station), walk 25 minutes from the Keihan Kiyomizu Gojo Station or walk ten minutes from the Higashiyama-Gojo bus stop

How to Travel to Kyoto from Tokyo

Photo by Fikri Rasyid

The quickest and most convenient way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto is taking the Shinkansen Nozomi bullet train, which travels from Tokyo Station directly to Kyoto Station in approximately 140 minutes. Reserved and non-reserved seats are not included with the JR Pass. This is one of the fastest trains in Japan with speeds of up to 185 mph (300 km/h).

If you enjoyed How to Travel Around Kyoto | 72 Hours in Kyoto, check out other travel articles about Asia.

Are you looking for luxury ryokan? Click here for a review of Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone.

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Yes! The Netherlands is known for its beauty, culture and history. Amsterdam, the nation’s capital, is one of the most international cities in Europe with a population that reflects more than 170 different nationalities. Holland, which includes the provinces of Noord Holland and Zuid Holland, is home to nearly 35% of the county’s total population and includes the three largest Dutch cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. This region offers nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 400+ museums and historical sites, delicious food and breathtaking landscapes. It’s the perfect place to start an amazing travel adventure in the Netherlands. So, is Holland worth visiting? Check out five excellent reasons to visit the Netherlands.

Experience World-Class Museums

Photo by Frans Ruiter

The Netherlands is a world leader when it comes to arts and culture. With more than 400 museums located throughout the country, visitors can enjoy an impressive variety of classical and contemporary art at the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, Bonnefantenmuseum Maastricht and Kunsthal Rotterdam. Visitors can also learn about Dutch history and culture at the Anne Frank House, Jewish Historical Museum, Royal Delft and Amsterdam Museum. For family-friendly museums, check out the Nijntje Museum, Maritime Museum and Space Expo.

Take in the Canals

Photo by C. McCain

Built during the Golden Age of the seventeenth century, Amsterdam’s Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) is made up of intersecting waterways developed through the drainage and reclamation of land for new development. In addition to being practical, the Canal Ring has evolved into one of the city’s most iconic sites, particularly the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Singel canals. In 2010, the Amsterdam Canal Ring was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. And, in 2013, it celebrated its 400th birthday. To learn more, check out the Museum of the Canals (Het Grachtenhuis) in Amsterdam and experience historical artifacts and multi-media exhibits.

Stop and Smell the…Tulips

Courtesy of Visit Holland. Photo by Claire Droppert.

When talking about 5 reasons to visit Holland, it’s important to mention the flowers. From mid-March to mid-May, sections of Holland are in full bloom with some of the most beautiful flower fields in the world. Crocuses first appear in March, then daffodils and hyacinths soon follow. From mid-April through the first week of May, tulips take center stage with spectacular scenes of vast fields and vivid colors. One of the best tulip routes in Holland can be found in the Noordoostpolder region of the Flevoland province, which ranges in distance from 10 to 70 km. Don’t miss the annual Flower Parade, from Noordwijk to Haarlem, which features colorful floats decorated with incredible, custom-made floral arrangements.

Say Cheese, Please

Courtesy of Visit Holland

The Dutch produce more than 650 million kilos of cheese every year. Two third of it is exported, which makes Holland one of the largest cheese exporters in the world. The most popular cheeses from Holland come from Gouda and Edam, and for more than 600 years, cheese producers from this region have been honing their craft from one generation to the next. Today, visitors can taste a wide variety of local cheeses at the cheese markets in Gouda, Edam and Alkmaar. While in Alkmaar, check out the Cheese Museum to learn more about the history and artistry of Dutch cheesemaking.

Celebrate the Royal Family

Courtesy of Visit Holland

Is Holland worth visiting? Yes, particularly during King’s Day. In 1885, a royal tradition was born with a celebration in honor of the birth of Queen Wilhelmina, which marked the start of Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) in the Netherlands. In 2014, Queen’s Day was changed to King’s Day (Koningsdag) after the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander. Each year on April 27, the Dutch celebrate the King’s birthday with music, street parties, flea markets and fairs. Revelers wear the color orange from head to toe as a show of pride for the Dutch Royal Family, the House of Orange-Nassau.

Need a place to stay in Amsterdam? Check out a hotel review for De L’Europe.

Courtesy of De L’Europe

 

What is the difference between the Netherlands and Holland?

–

If you enjoyed Is Holland Worth Visiting, check out other Europe-inspired articles.

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Philadelphia sits about 100 miles southwest of New York City and about 140 miles northeast of Washington D.C. at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. Founded in 1682, Philadelphia is one of the oldest municipalities in the United States. The city played a key role in the American Revolution and is the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Today, Philadelphia is a city made up of many neighborhoods – each one with its own distinct culture and heritage.

From Independence Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, check out the top four things to do in Philadelphia.

1. Visit Museums

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Photo by Graydon Wood

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a legacy of the nation’s great Centennial Exhibition of 1876. In 1877, the museum opened to the public in Fairmount Park in what had served as the Centennial’s Fine Arts Pavilion, now known as Memorial Hall. In 1917, when the Benjamin Franklin Parkway was nearing its completion, the city approved the final design for a new facility and the museum’s main building opened its doors at its present location in 1928. Today, it has over 240,000 works, encompassing the departments of American art, contemporary art, costume and textiles, east and south Asian art, European decorative arts, European painting, the John G. Johnson Collection, the Rodin Museum, prints, drawings and photographs. Collection highlights include Thomas Eakins’ Portrait of Dr. Samuel D. Gross, Henry Ossawa’s The Annunciation, Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Paul Cézanne’s The Large Bathers, Pablo Picasso’s Three Musicians and Grace Kelly’s Wedding Dress.

Barnes Foundation

© Tom Crane & Benjamin Riley

The Barnes Foundation is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution founded by Dr. Albert C. Barnes. It is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of modern European paintings. It also features African art, Native American ceramics, Pennsylvania German furniture, old master paintings, antiquities and decorative ironwork. Dr. Barnes arranged his collection in “ensembles,” creating unusual mixed-media groupings of objects from different cultures and time periods. Collection highlights include 181 works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (the largest single group of the artist’s paintings in the world), 69 works by Paul Cézanne (the largest single group of the artist’s paintings in the world), 59 works by Henri Matisse, 46 works by Pablo Picasso and 16 works by Amedeo Modigliani. The collection also features works by Henri Rousseau, Georges Seurat, Vincent van Gogh, Peter Paul Rubens, Titian and Paolo Veronese.

2. Eat the Local Food

Cheesesteaks

Tony Luke’s, Photo by J. Varney for GPTMC

The Philly cheesesteak is one of the city’s most celebrated dishes. This indulgent sandwich is made using a long, crusty roll, or hoagie, filled with thinly sliced, sautéed beef, typically ribeye, with melted cheese. When ordering, there is a choice of cheese (provolone, American or Cheez Whiz®) and a choice of toppings (sautéed onions, cooked mushrooms, ketchup and sweet/hot peppers). Check out local favorites like Pat’s King of Steaks, Geno’s Steaks and Tony Luke’s.

Reading Terminal Market

Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia®

Reading Terminal Market opened in 1893 making it one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the United States. Located in a former railroad terminal in Center City, the market has been selling local produce, seafood, meats and cheeses for more than a century. The market also houses dozens of family-owned restaurants serving up a wide range of culinary treats with plenty of seating areas and takeaway options. In addition to fresh food, the food bazaar area features handmade crafts and locally-sourced goods. Don’t miss the roast pork sandwich at DiNic’s, doughnuts from Beiler’s and soft pretzels from Miller’s Twist.

3. See the Historical Sites

Independence Hall

Photo by J.S. Ruth for Visit Philadelphia®

In 1776, the Founding Fathers gathered at Independence Hall to sign the Declaration of Independence inside the Assembly Room. 11 years later, representatives from 12 states returned to lay the framework for the United States Constitution. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors from around the world. A tour of the building takes visitors through the first-floor courtroom, the Assembly Room featuring George Washington’s “rising sun” chair and the West Wing featuring the actual inkstand used to sign the Declaration of Independence and an original draft of the Constitution. Independence Hall is part of Independence National Historic Park, which also includes the Liberty Bell Center, the President’s House, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, the National Constitution Center and more.

Museum of the American Revolution

Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia®

The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers the compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality and self-government. Through the museum’s collection, galleries, theater experiences and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how the United States came to be. Encompassing 118,000 square feet, the space holds an expansive collection of art, manuscripts and printed works from the nation’s Revolutionary Period. It also displays a range of objects gathered from and pertaining to the Revolutionary War, including British, French and American weapons used in battle and personal diaries written in camps.

4. Take in the River Views

Cherry Street Pier

Courtesy Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Located on the Delaware River, Cherry Street Pier is a public area with a marketplace, art space, alfresco bar and café. This historic pier is located just south of Race Street Pier and offers excellent views of the river and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The indoor-outdoor space is open year-round. The space features artist studios housed in repurposed cargo shipping containers, and visitors can meet with the artists and view art-making demonstrations.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia®

Open during the summer, Spruce Street Harbor Park is a waterfront space with lots of colorful hammocks – perfect for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing. Food is served from converted shipping containers that line the boardwalk, and craft beer is served in a garden area. The park offers plenty of games and activities, such as bocce, shuffleboard and giant Jenga, as well as kayak and swan boat rentals. Once the sun sets, the park lights up with hundreds of multi-colored LED lights hanging down from the trees. Its summer event calendar features pop-up art markets, outdoor movie screenings and musical performances.

If you enjoyed Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting, check out other destination guides.

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10 of the Most Famous Paintings in Europe

The Raft of Medusa by Théodore Géricault, 1819
Louvre Museum in Paris, France

Raft of Medusa by Théodore Géricault, 1819

The Raft of Medusa by Théodore Géricault (1791–1824) is known for bridging two district artist movements: Classicism and Romanticism. The painting depicts the wreck of a French frigate, La Méduse, and its passengers who were left to perish off the coast of Senegal in 1816. The painting’s powerful and emotive scene still seems to transcend the canvas – more than 200 years after it was created. The Raft of Medusa hangs in the Louvre Museum, one of the most visited fine art institutions in the world. The museum offers eight departments including Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, as well as modern collections featuring paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, prints and drawings, among others. There are more than 35,000 pieces of art on display at the Louvre Museum, including Winged Victory of Samothrace, Seated Scribe, Mona Lisa, Rebellious Slave and Napoleon III Apartments.

The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, 1482/86
Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy

The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, 1482/86

The Birth of Venus by Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi (1445–1510), known as Sandro Botticelli, is one of the most revered paintings in the world. The painting depicts Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, emerging from the sea in a shell. She is being blown by the wind to the shores of Cyprus. The Hora of Spring is there to receive Venus in a floral cloak. Venus stands in the contrapposto pose, and her nude appearance was something of a shock for the times. The Birth of Venus is located in the Uffizi Palace and Gallery, a museum offering one of the world’s largest collection of paintings from the fourteenth century and Renaissance period, including works by Giotto, Botticelli, Mantegna, Correggio, Leonardo, Raffaello, Michelangelo and Caravaggio, among others. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of ancient statues and busts from the Medici family collection.

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt, 1907/1908
The Belvedere in Vienna, Austria

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt, 1907/1908

The Kiss, also known as Lovers, by Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) is considered to be one of Austria’s most celebrated paintings. Klimt, a Symbolist painter and member of the Vienna Secession Movement, completed the painting at the height of his “Golden Period.” The Kiss is said to explore the connection between the human existence and feelings of love. The painting has been in the Belvedere’s collection since 1908. The museum resides in an historic building complex that consists of two Baroque palaces (the Upper and Lower Belvedere), the Orangery and the Palace Stables. Including the Kiss, the museum has more than 20 of Klimt’s paintings in its collection. Other museum highlights include notable works from the Middle-Ages, Baroque and Classicism periods.

Guernica by Pablo Picasso, 1937
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid, Spain

Guernica by Pablo Picasso, 1937

Guernica by Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) is a powerful piece of artwork – one that sticks with people long after viewing it. The large painting is Picasso’s response to the atrocities of war, particularly the 1937 bombing of Guernica, a Basque Country town in northern Spain. Guernica is done in Cubist style using narrative symbolism. The painting is located in the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, or Museo Reina Sofía, in Madrid. The museum’s collection features Spanish artists from the twentieth century, among other international artists. In addition to Picasso, the collection includes work by Dalí, Miro, Gris, Chillida and more.

The Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo, 1508/12
Vatican Museums in Vatican City, Italy

The Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo, 1508/12

The Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475–1564) is considered to be one of the best examples of Renaissance art in the world. The ceiling fresco of the Sistine Chapel was commissioned by Pope Julius II, the head of the Catholic Church from 1503 to 1513. Michelangelo’s skills as a sculptor influenced the poses of the figures, which pay tribute to classical Roman and Greek sculpture. The artwork depicts nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the Creation of Adam. Ten medallions portraying scenes from the Old Testament complement the main panels. The ceiling is part of the Vatican Museums, which features works from the collection of the Catholic Church and the papacy throughout the centuries. With more than 20,000 works on display, the museums offer exceptional examples of Roman sculptures and Renaissance paintings. Collection highlights feature artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Bellini, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and Veronese, among others.

Impression, Sunrise by Claude Monet, 1872
Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, France

Impression, Sunrise by Claude Monet, 1872

Impression, Sunrise by Claude Monet (1840–1926) is thought to have inspired the name of the Impressionist art movement of the nineteenth century. The painting was first shown in Paris at an independent exhibition in 1874 alongside other works by Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The painting depicts a scene from a window overlooking the harbor in the city of Le Havre. Monet used visible brushstrokes, an open composition and an emphasis on depicting light – elements that became synonymous with the Impressionist Movement. Impression, Sunrise is located in the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris. The museum offers one of the world’s leading collections of works by Claude Monet, as well as important works by Morisot, Degas, Manet, Pissarro and Renoir, among others.

The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn, 1642 
Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn, 1642

The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606–1669) is one of the most well-known paintings from the Dutch Golden Age of the seventeenth century. Known for its large size, the Night Watch was painted at the height of Rembrandt’s career. The painting depicts a captain of the guard with his lieutenants, as well as symbolic figures. The painting is regarded for its use of light and shadow to call attention to particular elements, such as the captain’s gesturing hand and the young girl. The Night Watch attracts visitors from all over the world to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The museum’s collection celebrates the history of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the present. Other notable works in the museum’s collection include works by Vermeer, Asselijn, Hals and Codde, among others. Don’t miss the museum’s collection of Delft Blue pottery, as well as the Cuypers Library, the oldest art history library in Holland.

Wheatfield with Crows by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Wheatfield with Crows by Vincent van Gogh, 1890

Wheatfield with Crows by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) is one of the artist’s final paintings. It was painted in Auvers-sur-Oise within weeks of the Van Gogh’s suicide. The painting depicts a landscape with dark storm clouds, menacing crows and a dead-end path. In a letter to his brother and sister-in-law, Van Gogh referenced the scene and wrote, “…I didn’t have to put myself out very much in order to try and express sadness and extreme loneliness. I hope you’ll be seeing them shortly since I’d like to bring them to you in Paris as soon as possible.” Wheatfield with Crows is located in the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of artworks by Van Gogh. The museum’s collection is made up of more than 200 paintings and 500 drawings, including famous works like Sunflowers, Almond Blossom and the Potato Eaters.

Ophelia by Sir John Everett Millais, 1851/1852
Tate Britain in London, United Kingdom

Ophelia by John Everett Millais, 1851/1852

Ophelia by Sir John Everett Millais (1829–1896) is one of the most iconic works of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of English painters, poets and art critics. The painting depicts the death of Ophelia from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Ophelia includes an array of detailed symbolic associations, particularly with regards to the flowers and foliage. It is said that Elizabeth Siddall, English artist, poet and artists’ model, used the bathtub in Millais’ studio to pose for the painting. Ophelia is part of Tate Britain’s collection. The museum holds the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day, as well as international modern and contemporary artworks. Other collection highlights include works by Rossetti, Bacon, Blake and Turner, among others.

The Scream by Edvard Munch, 1893
The National Gallery in Oslo, Norway

The Scream, Edvard Munch, 1893

The Scream by Edvard Munch (1863–1944) is one of the most famous paintings in all of modern art. The painting depicts the essence of human fear and anxiety. Munch used bold colors and undulating lines to express intense emotions. It is said that the painting was inspired by a panic attack that Munch suffered from in 1892. The Scream is located in the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design is Oslo, which is scheduled to reopen in 2021 with a new building. At that time, the museum will be the largest in the Nordics. Its collection contains 400,000 objects ranging from antiquity to the present day and includes paintings, sculpture, drawings, textiles, furniture and architectural models.

If you enjoyed 10 of the Most Famous Paintings in Europe, check out other art-inspired articles.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art 

www.metmuseum.org

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), located in New York City, offers an extensive collection of free online resources. Start your virtual visit with the Artist Project, a video series featuring 120 artists as they share what they see when they look at the Met. Then, explore the Museum’s online collection featuring more than 5,000 years of art history, including the Met 360 Degrees Project, a look at the Museum’s most iconic spaces in an immersive video, and the Timeline of Art History, a gathering of hundreds of artist essays from the last 20 years.

Online content also includes artist talks and performances, museum blog, audio guides and digital exhibition publications. Each week, online visitors can check out a new film from the Met’s archives. Families should visit #MetKids, which features art activities and creative projects using videos and a virtual time machine.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

www.sfmoma.org

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) offers an interesting mix of online learning materials, including images, videos, recordings, screenings and articles. SFOMA’s online content changes weekly and features new information, such as artist and staff profiles, as well as recently uncovered artworks from the museum’s archives. Take a deeper dive into the permanent collection with interviews from artists, such as Judy Chicago, Dawoud Bey and Ansel Adams, as they work through contemporary art issues. Online visitors can also listen to SFMOMA’s arts and culture podcast, Raw Material. Programs are created by podcasters who explore modern art and its continuous evolution.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

www.youtube.com/lacmavideo

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) offers plenty of free art education tools and resources through its website. Virtual visitors can browse images of the collection, watch short films, explore special exhibitions and screen rare documentaries. Online courses, lectures and teaching resources are available for those who’d like to give their learning experience more structure. LACMA’s website also features interactive content from museum educators, curators and other staff as they act as a personal guides. Get the inside scoop with audio soundtracks, live recordings, exclusive artist interviews and exhibition catalogues.

Tune in weekly for free online art classes through the museum’s Make Art at Home program with LACMA’s Teaching Artists. From painting to collage, projects include hands-on activities for people of all ages and skill levels. Check out how to build a three dimensional paper city, a project inspired by Chris Burden’s representation of a busy and bustling city in his installation Metropolis II (2011).

Museum of Modern Art

www.moma.org

The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), located in New York City, offers virtual visitors access to free art education through images of temporary exhibitions, digital art publications and art-making ideas. Many resources are available in English and Spanish. MOMA’s website also offers online courses that cover a wide range of topics, including Fashion as Design, Postwar Abstract Painting, Contemporary Art, Art & Ideas, Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom, Seeing Through Photographs, Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art and Modern Art & Ideas. Once enrolled, participants gain access to videos, quizzes and programming assignments (if applicable). If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit many of the courses for free. Click here to access instructor details, syllabuses, reviews and enrollment options.

Art Institute of Chicago

www.artic.edu

Online visitors can easily explore many works from the Art Institute of Chicago’s permanent collection. In addition to searching the image library by artist name, it can also be browsed by theme, style, medium and color. In addition to viewing the artwork, caption information offers critical context for understanding the piece’s origin, inspiration, creation and acquisition. Get a glimpse at rotating special exhibitions, like El Greco: Ambition and Defiance with videos, audio tours, interactive features, blog posts and more. Digital publications, zoomable images and scholarly research is all just a click away.

The Art Institute’s YouTube Channel offers an extensive array of artist videos, recorded art history lectures and behind-the-scenes footage of museum operations. Free art education also includes audio guides that can be downloaded using the Museum’s mobile app. And, family art-making projects and creative writing activities are available on the Art Institute’s website. The Museum’s online JourneyMaker program encourages young people to build a custom art adventure at home.

If you enjoyed the Top 5 Museums Offering Free Online Art Education, check out other art-inspired articles.

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The Ultimate Arts & Culture Guide for Vienna

• Fine Art
• Dance
• Museums
• Music
• Royal Palaces

Fine Art

Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna’s Art History Museum, offers an extensive collection of art from the imperial family’s collection. Built in 1891, the museum offers visitors the largest Bruegel collection in the world, as well as notable works from Europe, Egypt and the Near East. The museum’s expansive permanent collection offers works by Raphael, Vermeer, Velazquez, Rembrandt, Titian and Tintoretto, among others. Don’t miss the Kunstkammer, the cabinet of curiosities, which is a museum within a museum. Opened in 2013, this collection from the Habsburgs includes artworks and unique objects from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Once finished with the Kunsthistorisches Museum, head across the Maria Theresien Platz to the Museum of Natural History, a near identical building. While there, don’t miss the chance to marvel at an artifact that is thought to be almost 30,000 years old – a figure titled Venus of Willendorf.

Gustav Klimt, The Kiss 1907/08, Belvedere Museum

Dance

Vienna Opera Ball@ WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud

Dance is just one of the reasons that Vienna is the best European city for art lovers. The Viennese waltz, a style of dance that was recently added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, is a cherished piece of Austria’s heritage. Considered to be the original waltz, this ballroom classic can be experienced at venues throughout the city, especially during Viennese ball season, which runs from November through Carnival season until February. With more than 400 balls hosted each year, these events transport guests back in time to when Austrian composer Johann Strauss Jr. (1825-1899) premiered the Blue Danube Waltz in 1867. From the Vienna Opera Ball to the Ball of the Viennese Chimney Sweeps, guests wear formal attire of gowns and tuxedos, while drinking local wine and dancing to that iconic three-four time step.

Opera: Wiener Staatsballett,
principal dancer, Olga Esina © WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud

The Vienna State Ballet, or Wiener Staatsballett, is a first-rate dance company with four premieres, one gala and ten repertoire works scheduled at the Vienna State Opera and Volksoper for the 2019/20 season. This will be the last season for director, Manuel Legris, a former Danseur Etoile of the Paris Opera Ballet. Season highlights include Jewels by George Balanchine and set to music by Fauré, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky, as well as an evening with three pieces titled Movements to Stravinsky, Between Dogs and Wolves (world premiere). The annual Nureyev Gala will end the season on June 25, 2020.

Museums

Queue the “Harry Lime” zither music, please. “I never knew the old Vienna before the war with its Strauss music, its glamour and easy charm.” This is the opening line to one of the best films ever made, The Third Man. Made in 1948, this film noir was directed by Carol Reed and starred Joseph Cotton and Orson Wells. Film fans can get a closer look at this black and white classic at the Third Man Museum, located near Vienna’s Naschmarkt (only open on Saturdays from 2 to 6 pm). With more than 2,000 artifacts and original documents, the exhibition showcases behind-the-scene memorabilia, as well as information about Vienna’s occupation period between 1945–1955, which provides the film its context. Highlights include the original screenplays, cameras used on set, little Hansel’s cap and a functioning cinema projector from 1936. The Third Man Tours are also available, so visitors can experience famous locations around Vienna that were featured in the film, such as the Prater Ferris Wheel, Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery) and the older parts of Vienna’s sewer system. If that wasn’t enough, the Burg Kino cinema screens the film at least three times a week; check their website for showtimes.

Mozarthaus Vienna was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s (1756–1791) residence from 1748 until 1787. It is the only surviving apartment in which the famous Austrian composer lived while in Vienna. Located at Domgrasse number 5, the first floor, Mozart’s apartment, features four large rooms and a kitchen. According to Visit Vienna, Mozart penned his best compositions in this residence, including The Marriage of Figaro and three of the six Haydn Quartets. With six levels, there is plenty to see at the Mozarthaus, which opened on the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth, on January 27, 2006. Curated by the Wien Museum, the exhibition features photos and documents that tell the story of one of the world’s most famous composers.

Music

Opera: Vienna State Opera at night © WienTourismus/MAXUM

The Vienna State Opera, or Wiener Staatsoper, is considered to be one of the most important opera houses in the world. Under the direction of Dominique Meyer, the opera presents roughly 50 performances each year with the program changing daily. Located just off the city’s Ringstraße, the Vienna State Opera is a cornerstone of Viennese culture and a point of pride for city dwellers since its opening in 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s Don Juan. The opera has been led by many notable directors, including Johann von Herbeck, Gustav Mahler and Karl Böhm.

Wiener Symphoniker’s orchestra concert in the Wiener Konzerthaus

Founded in 1842 by Otto Nicolai, the Vienna Philharmonic is considered to be one of the best orchestras in the world. From Mahler to Strauss, the orchestra performs Viennese classics for audiences from around the world. The New Year’s Concert is one of the hottest tickets in the city, which is televised live from the Grand Hall of the Muskiverein. For those looking to attend this annual concert in person, it will take a bit of luck considering tickets are drawn through the Philharmonic’s website. If you’re looking to visit Vienna in the summer, check out the Summer Night Concert held annually in June. This open-air concert is performed in front of Schönbrunn Palace and it is free to the public.

Royal Palaces

Hofburg Vienna, The large Salon of Emperor Franz Joseph (Vienna Hofburg, Imperial Apartments) © Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H., Photo: Alexander Eugen Koller

The Hofburg, Vienna’s Imperial Palace, should be worked into your Vienna travel bucket list. With sections of the palace dating back to the 13th century, this expansive property was the residence and seat of government of the Habsburg emperors until 1918. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring this royal palace and its surrounding grounds and museums. Start with the Imperial Apartments and see how Empress Elisabeth “Sisi” (1837–1898) and Emperor Franz Joseph (1830–1916) lived during their reign. The Sisi Museum provides a closer look at the life of one of Europe’s most famous monarchs known for her beauty and petite figure. Don’t miss the Imperial Treasury and the Spanish Riding School.

Schönbrunn Palace © Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H., Photo: Alexander Eugen Koller

The park at Schönbrunn Palace is the perfect place to spend the day during the warmer summer months. Opened to the public in 1780, the gardens and park surrounding the Baroque palace offer roughly one square kilometer of beautifully kept outdoor space. This massive property formerly served as the summer residence of the Habsburgs since 1569. The park, along with the palace and its Rococo interiors, has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1996. The surrounding park also includes the Imperial Carriage Museum, Crown Prince Garden, Orangery Garden, Maze & Labyrinth, Zoo, Palm House and Desert Experience House.

The post The Ultimate Arts & Culture Guide for Vienna first appeared on Travel Observed.

The post The Ultimate Arts & Culture Guide for Vienna appeared first on Travel Observed.