Tag: Art

Best Things to Do in BRUSSELS, the Capital of Europe

Posted onAuthorRenata Green83 Comments

Brussels is not only the amazingly vibrant capital of Belgium, it’s actually the historic, political, cultural, and gastronomic epicenter of Europe, for that matter. Breathtakingly beautiful historic architecture, fantastic museums, mighty street art, powerful international organizations, and last but not least beer, fries, and chocolate: This cosmopolitan city truly holds something for each and every one in store.
Therefore, it was quite a challenge to put together a list of just the very best things to do on a visit to Brussels.

Guide Capital Europe Brussels: Chocolaterie Manneken Pis
Different strokes for different folks: World’s most famous wee-er made of chocolate. Bon appetit.

If it hadn’t been for my daughter studying in Brussels, it probably wouldn’t have come to my mind to visit Belgium’s capital. Or Belgium at all, for that matter.

But Christmas came and families and loved ones were expected to get together. So I packed a couple of warm sweaters, threw in some fun presents, and hopped on the late flight to Brussels.
Just to find out that this European capital with all its old architecture and new street art, its pralines and beers, surrealist art, and political reality is not only for me but for everyone.

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Best Street Art in BRISTOL – Part II: North Street

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Since Bristol is the cradle and hotbed of ingenious murals, introducing all those incredible works in just one post was far too much.
Therefore, I’ve split my list of urban art into two parts. After introducing the Nelson Street shopping district area and the rough neighborhood of Stokes Croft in a former post on ​​the best street art in Bristol, I’ll take you down North Street in this second part. Here, the wonderful Upfest ensures that no wall stays white for long.

Best Street Art Bristol around North Street
An explosion of colors embellishes these six houses on North Street, home of the Upfest Gallery.
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Best Street Art in BRISTOL – Part I: From Nelson Street to Stokes Croft

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Guys, did you really think I would come back from Bristol and not have a zillion photos of the best street art with me? Is it even possible to visit Bristol and remain indifferent to urban art? If so, I don’t see how to do it. In any case, I’m a weak-willed victim when it comes to street art in general, so Bristol was able to easily lure me into the rabbit hole of incredible tags and murals.
As there are so many works worth featuring, I’ve split my post on the Best Street Art in Bristol into two parts, and in this first one, I’ll introduce what there is to discover from ​​the shopping district around Nelson Street all the way to the rather rough neighborhood of Stokes Croft.

Street Art Bristol Nelson Street Stokes Croft: Mural by the TATS CRU,
A tribute to the cradle of street art by the Bronx-based Tats Cru.
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BRISTOL – What to Do on the Best Weekend Break You’ll Have in a Long Time

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When it comes to extolling Bristol’s merits, I honestly don’t know where to start.
With the arguably best street art in the world? Yes, but that’s too obvious.
Or rather with the fact that the city has a vibrant music scene and some of the coolest bands come from Bristol? Sure, the relaxed and at the same time energetic flow of trip-hop perfectly reflects the city’s laid-back atmosphere, after all.
Or is it the absolutely overwhelming food culture?
Maybe the fact that Bristol was Britain’s first cycling city?
Bristol’s history? The amazing architecture? The openness and warmth of the Bristolians?
Oh man, no matter what you pick, Bristol makes it impossible not to fall in love with the city.
So come and join me in the search for the things that make Bristol the best weekend break you’ll have in a long time.

Street Art Bristol Nelson Street Stokes Croft: Mural by HazardOne with the St Mary Le Port Church in the backdrop.
Only two yet very different sides of what makes Bristol so diverse and wonderful: St Mary Le Port Church from the 15th century and some powerful mural by HazardOne. By the way, I’m introducing this artist who was named one of the Top 5 female graffiti artists in Great Britain by The Guardian in my post Best Street Art in BRISTOL – Part I: From Nelson Street to Stokes Croft.
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Best Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Milan

Posted onAuthorRenata Green49 Comments

Of all Italian cities, Milan probably deems the least what we consider Italian. No jolly groups sipping Aperol Spritz while playing boccia. Instead, executives rush from their stately apartment houses to offices in glittering business centers. Hardly a narrow cobblestone alley. Rather big cars on broad avenues. Money makes the world Milan go round.
And yet, if you visit with an open mind, Milan will by no means disappoint: Get the big picture from the roof of the Duomo, and enjoy contemporary art at various industrial sites that were transformed into humongous art galleries. Window shop at the posh Brera district or the fabulous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s Cenacolo, hence, the Last Supper. Oh, talking ’bout food: Finish a long day of sightseeing with a relaxed Milanese Aperitivo in one of the countless bars alongside the Navigli, the city’s old waterways.
Sounds like a plan? Mind you, these are only a few of the best things you should do in Milan on a long weekend!

Piazza del Duomo - with the iconic cathedral.
Piazza del Duomo – with the iconic cathedral.
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How to Visit the Biennale di Arte in Venice in 2024

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The Biennale di Arte, one of the world’s most important art events, takes place every two years. Although Venice is certainly a place worth visiting even when nothing special is on, my post on how to visit the city during the Biennale 2024 will make your trip even more memorable.

Facade of the central pavilion at the Giardini during the 60th edition of the Biennale di Venezia in Venice in 2024.
The Huni Kuin Artists Movement, or MAHKU in short, was founded in the Brazilian Kaxinawá Huni Kuin Indigenous Territory in 2013. MAHKU designed the facade of the central pavilion of the Giardini venue with the legend of the Kapewë Pukeni alligator bridge.
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Two Days in MARSEILLE – What Not to Miss in the Belly of France

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Marseille is a port city that has been around for a while. In fact, it is the oldest city in France and has always been a major hub for immigration and sea trade. Consequently, its heart is the Vieux-Port where fishmongers sell their catch fresh off the boat to this date.
For me, Marseille has always been a myth, a place of longing. Marseille awakens wanderlust, yet at the same time, it makes you homesick.
Marseille is a city full of contrasts and contradictions.
In this post, I show you what not to miss in two days in Marseille.

Old Harbour of Marseille
My heart will go on: View of Marseille’s old harbor.
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Best Things to Do in AIX-EN-PROVENCE in One Day

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Thou shalt have no other gods before me – Paris takes this commandment very seriously: Because of French centralism, hardly any other city in France has the chance to shine, let alone achieve world fame. And Aix-en-Provence is hit with a double whammy, because it is also in the immediate vicinity and therefore in the shadow of the second largest city, Marseille.
Well, this way, only the real connoisseurs will discover this gem in the heart of Provence. Everyone else misses out on the breathtaking architecture and 250 fountains, hot springs, and thermal baths as well as 300 days of sunshine a year. They won’t enjoy either the iconic bouillabaisse and ratatouille or delicious local wine.
What’s that? You don’t want to miss out on all this?
Then you’ve come to the right place: In this post, I’ll show you the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence, one of France’s most exquisite cities.

Woman riding a bike in Aix-en-Provence
Riding a bike is a great way to explore the streets of Aix-en-Provence.
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One Day in NÎMES – What Not to Miss in the Most Roman City of France

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Nîmes is said to be the most Roman city outside Italy. In fact, the city’s rich history dates back to the Roman Empire. It still boasts amazing antique monuments such as the Amphitheater of Nîmes and the so-called Maison Carrée.
Yet, on the outskirts of the historic center, you also find some truly remarkable urban art. In addition, you absolutely need to try some of Nîmes’ culinary gems like Brandade, a popular cod gratin, and my personal favorite, the Pâté Nîmois, stuffed puff pastry.
Do you want a glass of regional wine with it?
You know what, let me just quickly put into writing for you what absolutely not to miss when in Nîmes, even if you’re in town for just one day.

One Day Nîmes Not Miss: Roman Amphitheatre in Nimes
The people of Nimes really take good care of things: The city’s Roman Amphitheatre is the best-preserved one worldwide!
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NordArt 2024: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit

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Last Saturday, the moment had come: NordArt 2024 opened its gates and is once again delivering a wealth of inspiring art to its visitors.
In this post I’ll tell you everything you need to know for your visit to the NordArt 2024 – but first, I reveal the secret of where the fun-sounding venue Büdelsdorf is actually located.

Eva by MojDa David Moješčik at the NordArt 2024
Eva by MojDa aka David Moješčik in the center of the humongous former production hall.
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