There’s a reason why Paris is hailed as the romantic capital of the world, and it’s not just because of the wine.

Apart from the Eiffel Tower, Paris’ monument-lined boulevards, museums, and classical boutiques are enhanced by a new wave of multimedia galleries, creative wine bars, and design shops. Home to about 229 museums and galleries – including the world-famous Louvre and Musee d’Orsay – the city has been a thriving hub for artists for centuries, having been the centre of the evolution of Romanticism, Impressionism and other famous art movements. The city’s bohemian culture provides artistic freedom for all to express themselves.

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly integrates Japan’s rich cultural heritage with its love for the uber-modern. Neon lights and towering skyscrapers juxtaposed against serene shrines and zen gardens showcase a sensory feast for the eyes.

Beyond its meticulously designed architecture, Tokyo is known for headlining trends in fashion, music, art, technology and animation, and as a cultural centre for creators in Japan and beyond.

Florence’s mediaeval walls were the cradle of Western art, with the Italian Renaissance giving birth to some of the greatest artists in the 20th century – Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and more. The city’s past glory is inscribed in its lavish palace residences of the Medici dynasty, princely art galleries and lofty chapels.

In the present day, Florence remains a hub of cultural influence and innovation, giving testimony to the Florentine passion for the arts, power and luxury.

As an important centre for European film, media and nightlife, Berlin’s art scene is a combo of the glitzy and gritty, from high-end masterpieces to grimy experimental work. A notorious history and dynamic underground counterculture keep the art industry on its toes, with young artists flocking to Berlin to make a unique space for themselves.

Home to over 600 art galleries and museums within the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Museumsinsel, Berlin stands at the forefront of the contemporary art scene in Europe.

In Barcelona, the La Sagrada Familia is not to be missed for its mesmerising patterns and towering columns marrying Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture, with Catalan modernism influences. For a vibrant splash of colour, head to the Park Güell with undulating walls covered by variegated broken tile mosaics, against the scenic backdrop of the Barcelona seaside and cityline.

Melbourne, the southern jewel of Australia, is an intoxicating blend of cultures, crafts and creativity. Splashed with an ever-evolving canvas of vibrant street art, Melbourne’s eclectic personality is vividly depicted with diverse urban murals in its kaleidoscopic laneways. But it doesn’t end there.

Apart from the distinctive graffiti, Melbourne is a mecca for art lovers, with various galleries and museums such as the National Gallery of Victoria. In Melbourne, the art is not just on the walls, it’s in the air.

Melbourne’s charms are hidden in nooks and crannies, inviting you to explore the city’s depths. To save you the trouble of wandering aimlessly, head to Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane and Croft Alley for some insta-perfect pics. Drop by the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), one of the most recognisable buildings in Melbourne with its imposing red-rust structure; or the NGV International gallery hosting more than 70,000 works from all disciplines.

This article was originally published in Her World.

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