Shopping off the Beaten Track
There’s more to shopping in Europe than the designer brands on Champs-Élysées.
All European expeditions should include a trip to a museum or gallery. Luckily, they can be found almost everywhere in Europe. And a lot of them are free of charge. Consider this your guide to some of the best free museums and galleries in Europe so that you’re prepared to take in the art on your next trip.
Interactive Map
© kozumel
1/
Berlin Wall Memorial, Germany
Located on the historic Bernauer Strasse, the Berlin Wall Memorial provides a somber yet artistic look atthe former site of the Berlin Wall. See the final standing piece of the wall and take home a betterunderstanding of these iconic grounds.
© Visit Europe
2/
National Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark
Acting as almost a timeline of events for Danes, the Denmark National Museum in Copenhagen attempts and succeeds in capturing the culture of the land. See exactly how life has changed through the years, thanks to exhibits ranging from ancient relics to modern art.
© Bosc d'Anjou
3/
Berardo Collection Museum, Lisbon, Portugal
The Berardo Collection Museum in Lisbon is one of the newest and most buzzworthy art galleries in Europe. With many exhibits focused on modern artists, this museum offers a unique look at the currentlandscape of European art.
4/
Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain
Museo del Prado in Spain is one of the most visited museums in the world. Stroll down entire galleries dedicated to particular European movements and see some of the finest collections of European art. Just plan on spending the entire afternoon taking in all of the stunning collections.
© Matito
5/
Reykjavik Museum of Photography, Iceland
With around five million photographs lining the walls, the Reykjavik Museum of Photography is animpressive showcase of over a century of photography. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a professional, there will be plenty to appreciate here.
© Colin Tsoi
6/
Vatican Museums and The Sistine Chapel, Italy
Visit the Vatican Museums to receive free admission to The Sistine Chapel during the last Sunday of every month. You could spend hours looking up and admiring the mural done by Michelangelo. Itincludes some of the most famous artwork ever created, including The Creation of Adam as the center piece.
© David McSpadden
7/
Louvre, Paris, France
Paris is one of Europe’s artistic epicenters. And the Louvre is at the heart of it all. Home to artwork like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and many more, a trip to the Louvre is an unforgettable experience. Access to the permanent collections is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month, except during summer season.
© Paul Hudson
8/
British Museum, London, United Kingdom
With around 8 million pieces of art inside, the British Museum in London is the premier place to view artwork in the United Kingdom. Inside, you’ll find artwork from every corner of the world, making the British Museum one of the most expansive collections of art today.
© Roberto Cacho Toca
9/
Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels, Belgium
The Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels is one of the most unique museums in Europe. It’s full of some of the most prominent instruments in music history as well as some of the strangest. It’s a truly unforgettable place for any music lover. Admission is free on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month.
Galleries
10 Must-See UNESCO Sites in Europe
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that has been awarded as having cultural or environmental importance. Luckily, Europe has plenty of UNESCO sites to explore. From ancient castles to quaint seaside towns, you’ll find natural and cultural beauty everywhere you go. Consider this gallery your guide to some of the best UNESCO sites in Europe to discover on your next trip.
Cycling Routes in Europe
Europe is a very bike-friendly continent, both in the cities and out in the countryside.
12 of Europe’s Most Romantic Sites
Romance comes naturally in Europe. With so many things to see and do, it’s no coincidence that Europe is one of the top destinations in the world for romantic getaways. From popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower to lesser-known spots like waterfalls in Iceland, browse this gallery to prep for the best romantic sightseeing in Europe.
Featured Experiences
CHECK OUT OUR
LATEST GUIDE
A merry Christmas in Ireland
Your guide to the Irish holiday season…
Picturesque Romania by train
Explore railway treasures!
Coffee culture in Cyprus
Enjoy a traditional Cypriot coffee shop experience.
Austrian Wine
Austrian wine culture means much more than simply drinking good wine. Take the opportunity to visit vineyards, a lane of wine cellars, or travel along one of the picturesque wine trails.
Luxembourg winter legends
December is full of tradition, fun, and treats!