Are you looking for the best art cities in the world? Look no further. 

From the Louvre in Paris to the Greek mythological sculptures in Rome, this list offers the best cities in the world for art lovers. Not only do these cities have some of the most famous masterpieces ever created, but the cities themselves are stunning and offer plenty of activities, indoors and outdoors.

1 Paris

Paris is home to many of the world’s most important artworks. And no trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Louvre Museum. 

Situated on Rue de Rivoli, the second most visited art gallery in the world houses treasures such as Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous Mona Lisa. 

Other famous artworks in the Louvre include Death of the Virgin by Caravaggio, Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, and the Dying Slave sculpture by Michelangelo. 

The latter was created by Michelangelo immediately after completing his work on the Sistine Chapel. Like his statue of David in Florence, this is another testament to the talent of this master sculptor. 

A visit to the Musée d'Orsay gallery is an absolute must-see, for fans of impressionist art. But if you are more enamored with modern art, fear not. The Pompidou is the place for you.

2 Rome

Rome is an outdoor art gallery. Her streets are graced by sculptures of the greatest artists that the world has ever seen. You’ll also see obelisks, arches, magnificent churches, baroque fountains, and ancient ruins.

This Italian city produced legendary painters and sculptors and artists, like Bernini and Michelangelo. And it is the birthplace of the baroque art period, and Caravaggio, who undoubtedly is one of the best painters of the baroque period. 

You don’t even have to visit a single art gallery or museum to see beautiful works of art. The San Luigi dei Francesi church boasts paintings by the great Caravaggio, and of course, let us not forget the world-famous ceiling of the Sistine chapel. 

But there’s no shortage of art galleries and museums here. The Galleria Borghese contains a wealth of masterpieces by artists like Bernini and Raphael. 

3 Barcelona

Barcelona in Spain is another city you simply have to visit if you love art.

You’ll find the Museum of Modern Art in the bohemian Montjuic district. Works of art across all eras, including the Renaissance, Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque periods, can be viewed here. But more modern works, as well as a collection of Catalan art, also await your discovery here.

Villa del Arte Gallery is one of the leading art galleries. It showcases national and international established photographers, painters, and sculptors, as well as new emerging talent.  

While you are in Barcelona, you may want to indulge yourself in another ancient art form: the art of sailing. Indeed, as a city-port of Roman foundation on the Mediterranean, Barcelona developed rapidly thanks to its intense commercial activity and its political role. This development was accompanied by great cultural and artistic advances (paintings, sculptures) as well as architecture. Arranging a boat rental  from the marina is an original way to discover the city's architectural marvels and artistic history. Sailing has inspired great artists, musicians, and authors all through the ages. 

4 Venice

Another Italian city for you art lovers to include on your itinerary, the city of Venice is an artwork in itself. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, this canal-filled marvel of Venetian Gothic Style boasts more than just awe-inspiring architecture.

But this historical city isn’t all about gondolas floating down canals and gorgeous architecture. It is also home to some beautiful works of art. There are countless museums and galleries to choose from. But two stand out from the rest.

The Palazzo Ducale houses artwork by Veronese, Bassano, and Domenico Tintoretto, to name just a few. More than 1 million visitors per year visit this treasure trove of art. 

And then there’s the Museo Fortuny situated in San Marco in central Venice. This art museum sits in the beautiful Gothic-style palace, the Palazzo Fortuny. For fans of both amazing architecture and stunning art, this is a real winner.

5 Vienna

Vienna is home to great art museums, galleries, and breathtaking architecture. 

For those with a love of architecture, make your way to the Gothic St. Stephan's Cathedral. The most iconic architectural wonder in all of Vienna, it began its life as a Romanesque cathedral. 

But its construction continued and evolved throughout the ages, and today it stands as a marriage of various influences, from Gothic to Baroque.

And if you are fortunate enough to find yourself in Vienna, you cannot let the opportunity to visit The Belvedere pass you by. One of the leading museums in the world, it includes artworks from the Middle Ages up until the present day. 

Consisting of two palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, as well as beautifully maintained gardens, this example of Baroque architecture is a contender for the bucket list of any art lover.