This Is Where Art Lovers Are Flocking to This Year for Budget-Wise Travel 

Art is everywhere around us. If you want to see the crème de la crème this year, visit some of the world’s finest museums, galleries, street art exhibitions, and connect with artists and curators from different types of artistic mediums, a little research can go a long way.

To help you manifest the best art-motivated trip, we’ve rounded up a listicle of the places visited by most art lovers this year, and impressively enough, they aren’t Barcelona or London!

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Czech Republic 

From the fascinating modernist buildings and structures that made the Czech capital a global visitor magnet to the baroque fountains and other works of art, you’ll need quite a few days to take in the local artwork in Prague. The Kingdom of Bohemia’s dominance didn’t manage to wash the spirit of Prague away despite ruling from 1526 to 1918. Yet, numerous architectural masterpieces from those periods stretch over the city and take visitors back a few centuries. 

The sublimity of the city’s architecture makes it an outdoor jewel to take in, with outstanding Czech Gothic towers that clash with the modernistic nightclubs and restaurants abounding the town. The capital’s planning is a thousand years in the making, going through the Neoclassical, Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic, and Romanesque eras, so you can today experience a large part of history in only a few days. 

Experiencing such a roller-coaster of emotions could inspire you to recreate the soul-uplifting vibrations in your own home, bringing in the finest paintings, drawings, or sculptures for sale that will wow everyone. Arch bridges loop over the longest river in the Czech Republic, Vltava, and a handful of castles, which explains why traveling the city on foot is one of the best-loved activities of locals and visitors alike. Prague is also a center for different artistic performances, gigs, and activities, with world-known venues and establishments providing unforgettable occasions to enjoy art on a budget. 

Lastly, with some early preparation, you can attend one of the most awaited arts and culture festivals of the year. 

Signal Festival – welcoming millions of art enthusiasts 

Signal Festival is a unique occasion to see the artworks of some of the country’s best lighting designers, covering four full days of activity stretching over the whole city and its historical landmarks. Held every October, this year will see the event unfolding from the 10th to the 13th, so prepare for an unmatched opportunity to explore the city’s hot spots presented in a sublime light without spending too much. According to the organizers, this festival gathered over 4.5MN spectators, delving into digital and creative culture and fusing modern tech, urban space, and visual art. From mind-bending installations to explosive projections to avant-garde video mapping, you’ll be spoilt for choice, regardless of getting a Signal VIP or Signal Plus ticket.

South Africa

South Africa is one of the culturally richest and affordable countries to visit worldwide, and fortunately, inflation didn’t impact it as it did in Buenos Aires and other once-affordable places to visit for art. Let’s skip the “melting pot” part, for South Africa’s art scene doesn’t boil down to this and only this. Instead, let’s discover the specific points, tours, and activities you should cross off your list, enjoying the country’s multiculturalism while you’re getting from point A to B.

You can join a rock tour around South Africa’s hottest points, going on open-air nature drives and hikes in the country’s best rock art settings. For instance, you’ll have Sonya’s Cave and the Rock Shelter. You can also visit Table Mountain, the country’s most visited natural landmark, or the green Eden known as Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which is acclaimed as the best African garden.  

Galleried, you’ll have KZNSA Gallery – Durban, a hub in the active Glenwood neighborhood where local artists exhibit their masterpieces and meet audiences. You’ll have digital media, textiles, prints, paintings, and other creations to explore and learn about. Make sure you take in the atmosphere at BKhz gallery in Johannesburg, too, for this place is known for always going the extra mile in contemporary and modernist art. 

And since we’re here, make a point of delving into South Africa’s most iconic visual heritage, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein. You’ll have sculptures, paintings, drawings, and installations by seasoned and new artists alike, and if you’re lucky, you may get there in time for the frequent garden exhibitions taking place there regularly.

Venice

Venice may already be on your mind thanks to its reputation among art lovers. One of the world’s top and oldest arts festivals, the Venice Biennale, establishes Venice as a city that keeps pushing boundaries when it comes to visual expressions. Dating back to 1895, some of the biggest sponsors join forces to create unforgettable memories that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

For instance, this year, the festival spans a few months and ends in November. During this time, guests will be wowed by indoor and outdoor art exhibitions, street rallies that go to Arsenale and beyond, nights filled with music, and other organized adventures. 

Here are a few exhibitions to discover if you go to Venice during this period:

• The show of Sir John Akomfrah in the British Pavilion
• Christoph Büchel – Monte di Pietà
• Peggy Guggenheim’s palazzo
• Arsenale’s Group Exhibition.

Argentina

Art and culture venues in Argentina are everywhere, offering visitors unmatched opportunities to tap into their imagination and creativity. From street-dancing tango to soccer watching to wine tasting, there are things you can do while gazing at art to improve your visit. This makes the city a must-see, especially if you’re always eager to stroll through museums. 

Some of the greatest artworks worldwide, such as those of Van Gogh, are found in Argentine museums. There are dozens of worthy museums featuring various art types, ranging from tiny and welcoming galleries to massive institutes. 

Here are some of the best things to do and see in Argentina:

• Dive into the artworks of heavyweights like Picasso, Pollack, and De la Vega in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
• Build your knowledge about the history of art within this region at the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano
• Come to know the Latin American culture at the High Mountain Archeology Museum  
• Explore top modernist artworks at Fundación PROA. 

Now that the temperatures start to drop slowly, the peak season is coming to an end, and airport traffic picks up a downward trajectory, it’s the perfect time to begin looking for accommodation, flights, amenities, and other things that make the art-oriented ideal holiday. Live it up!