By Jessica Colley— Of all Dublin’s renowned art genres – literature, music, theater – visual arts usually takes a back seat. Yet beyond famous theaters, bookstores, and traditional music sessions, there is also a great art scene to be found in Dublin. From the Irish masters to more contemporary galleries, art aficionados will find plenty » Read more

By Bryan Pirolli in Paris— After days exploring the halls of Paris’ biggest and – let’s face it – most exhausting museums, every visitor to the city needs a break. For an inexpensive respite, you can always head to a café or sit in a park. But why not step into one of Paris’s newest » Read more

By Nina Derham in London— Despite being a notoriously pricey city when you consider the cost of booze, transport and accommodation, London is surprisingly generous when it comes to dishing out free attractions and entertainment. To begin with, all the main museums and art galleries are free, meaning that visitors can spend days wandering between » Read more

By Spencer Spellman in San Francisco— It’s no surprise that many of San Francisco’s best attractions are outdoors. The bay area is home to some of America’s most notable landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Golden Gate Park. However, there are some moments that just call for a museum day. Whether you just » Read more

By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona— In my six years in Barcelona I’ve been to Park Güell twice. Both times when I have gone up there I’ve promised to come more often because it really is a fabulous park, but the bus ride is so long to get up there that I rarely follow through. » Read more

London has such a galaxy of galleries and such a lively arts scene that it is too easy to overlook the rich world of the arts in the capital’s hinterland. Here are two topical ideas for days out from London for art lovers. Compton: The Watts Gallery This weekend (June 18, 2011) sees the long » Read more

By Rebecca Winke in Assisi, Umbria— With the strong euro and the weak—ahem—everything else, visitors to Italy are keeping their eyes on the bottom line and trimming the fat off their travel expenses this year. But if you’re like me, nothing makes you cranky and out of sorts like feeling you are missing out on » Read more

Tucked away on a rocky ridge is a Finnish gem. You have a hint that Retretti is something special when the slow train to Savonlinna pauses there. This is a minor single track railway, and the unstaffed station at Retretti is as small as they come. On the platform stands an oversized sculpture, an apt » Read more

By Marc Justin in Florence— Last week I visited the Uffizi Gallery for the very first time. I know, I know, it’s in my backyard but walking past never-ending queues of people does something to a man’s motivation. Finally, one of my recent guests harassed me into surrender. So how did this crowd-hater survive Florence’s » Read more