Shibuya is famous for being a hotspot for youth culture, lifestyle, and trends. A new tea shop in the area called G-CHA & Ba-CHA is doing things a little differently. Located just two minutes from Shibuya Station, this shop prioritizes a meaningful, enjoyable workspace for its senior citizen employees. Their average age is 73, and the oldest is 80, but they’re still hip as ever. The shop’s goal is to find fun, creative new ways for senior citizens to work.

Japan, like many countries, is facing a declining birthrate, leading to a lack of people in the workforce. While more and more places in the country are switching to automated systems, G-CHA & B-CHA is instead offering a productive outlet for senior citizens to run the shop. The cafe blends tradition while embracing modernity in Shibuya, which is often at the forefront of future ideas and trends.

In addition to achieving customer satisfaction, the shop also prioritizes the wellbeing of its employees. In fact, G-CHA & B-CHA has three rules for its workers: 1. take a break when you want to, 2. speak up immediately if you’re tired, and 3. work because you enjoy it. Additionally, the cafe’s design is set up for everyone’s convenience. For example, customers order non-verbally by writing on an order sheet so staff can take their time entering it into the register and won’t need to remember complex orders. Workers also take orders while seated, which is very non-traditional but necessary to avoid strain on their bodies from standing for extended periods of time.

The shop offers a variety of teas, matcha ice cream, and wearable store merch. Their signature drinks are Grandpa’s Tea (Ginger Hojicha) and Grandma’s Tea (Jasmine Green Tea), but the real stars are the actual grandmas and grandpas serving them. The shop is take-out only, but every drink and product is packaged and served with a personal touch and “energy” transcending age. And that’s something you can’t put a price tag on.

These hip grannies and grandpas have an average age of 73.

And they all work at a tea shop in Japan called G-CHA & Ba-CHA.

They may be senior citizens, but they serve up orders with energy fueled by their passion for life and being a productive member of society.

Their signature drinks include Grandpa’s Tea (Ginger Hojicha) and Grandma’s Tea (Jasmine Green Tea).

Each order comes in a cute cup or bag with a personal touch: a sticker with your name on it.

The shop prioritizes the customer service, but also the wellbeing of its senior citizen employees.

That’s why they have three rules for employees: 1. take a break when you want to, 2. speak up immediately if you’re tired, and 3. work because you enjoy it.

G-CHA & Ba-CHA: Instagram

Source: With an average age of 73 and the oldest at 80, “G-CHA & Ba-CHA,” a tea shop run by energetic grandpas and grandmas, has opened in Shibuya!

All photos via PR Times.

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READ: This Japanese Tea Shop Is Run Entirely by Senior Citizens With an Average Age of 73

A home nestled in the California desert, near Joshua Tree National Park, is in the perfect spot for a stargazing escape. With little to no light pollution, you can see the night sky in all its glory. And this Airbnb, located 20 minutes from the park, takes it one step further. The experience of stargazing is enhanced by a private observatory with a professional telescope right on the property.

Boasting the aforementioned observatory along with gorgeous daytime views, a hot tub, and a game room, it’s no wonder that the house is a “Guest Favorite” on Airbnb. Its interior blends old West and American Futurism in a way that is sleek and modern, while also on theme with the environment. The effect creates a bit of a space-cowboy vibe.

The jewel of the Airbnb is, of course, the fully automated, guest-controlled observatory, which is the only one of its kind in the U.S. You can download an app created by the hosts that lets you operate the observatory with ease. And—weather permitting—when night falls, you’ll be able to observe the sky in an almost magical way. With the system, a click of a button is all it takes for the observatory to pinpoint any space object on its own.

This getaway is guaranteed to connect you with nature, and there is no shortage of things to see and do: relaxing by the firepit, going on an alien-themed scavenger hunt, playing yard games, and dining al fresco. But the best part may be playing dress up in the space suits, which are for all ages.

Book your visit on Airbnb.

Stay in this one-of-a-kind property where you can stargaze to your heart’s content thanks to the sophisticated but accessible observatory.

While the observatory is a big draw, there is no shortage of things to see and do.

Take a quick trip to Joshua Tree National Park, go on an alien scavenger hunt, or just relax by the fire pit.

The home also has plenty of games, and the interior decorating blends modern luxury with the old western landscape, creating a space-cowboy vibe.

Airbnb: Website

All images via Airbnb.

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READ: Get a Private Night of Stargazing When You Book This Airbnb With Its Own Observatory

When traveling, it matters where you stay. Even if you’re spending a lot of time away from the place you’ve set your suitcase, accommodations are an important respite after a long day. In San Francisco, The Jay, Autograph Collection hotel offers the best of both worlds: it’s located in the heart of the city and is a luxurious place to lay your head at night.

The hotel is situated on Battery Street, surrounded by San Francisco’s iconic walkable neighborhoods. Its location makes it easy to get to Chinatown, the Embarcadero, and Fisherman’s Wharf on foot, allowing visitors to take full advantage of the Bay Area culture. And even when it’s time to turn in, a stay at The Jay boasts stunning views of the city’s skyline and waters, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows in its rooms.

The hotel has 360 rooms that appeal to a variety of guests. Whether you’re traveling by yourself or with a friend, each room has a calming, neutral color palette, with cozy fibers and medium wood tones. Of the nine available room styles, the ultimate accommodation is The Nest Penthouse. The 1,660-square-foot apartment features a living/sitting area, dining area, and separate living room alongside one bedroom and a bathroom with a deep soaking tub.

You don’t have to venture far to dine and drink. The hotel has the Third Floor Terrace, where you can sip craft cocktails and enjoy small bites on the stylishly appointed rooftop. Within the hotel is Prelude, a restaurant giving you a taste of Southern cooking inspired by Bay Area ingredients. And if you’re looking for morning joe and pastries, there’s a coffee bar that opens at 6:30 a.m. to jumpstart your day.

“The Jay, Autograph Collection perfectly balances sophisticated design, comfort, and location,” says Eugene Kim, Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief of My Modern Met. “I especially loved waking up to views of the San Francisco Bay and ending the evening with an exquisitely prepared dinner at Prelude. The hotel’s coffee bar and happy hour lounge also became favorite parts of my stay. Beyond the property itself, The Jay is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring San Francisco’s incredible arts and culture scene, with SFMOMA, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the Asian Art Museum, and the Museum of the African Diaspora all within easy reach.”

To book your stay, visit the The Jay, Autograph Collection website.

The Jay, Autograph Collection hotel in San Francisco offers the best of both worlds: it’s located in the heart of the city and is a luxurious place to lay your head at night.

The Jay boasts 360 rooms that appeal to a variety of guests.

Whether you’re traveling by yourself or with a friend, each room has a calming, neutral color palette, with cozy fibers and medium wood tones.

Of the nine available room styles, the ultimate accommodation is The Nest Penthouse.

The 1,660-square-foot apartment features a living/sitting area, dining area, and separate living room alongside one bedroom and a bathroom with a deep soaking tub.

You don’t have to venture far to dine and drink. The hotel has the Third Floor Terrace, where you can sip craft cocktails and enjoy small bites on the stylishly appointed rooftop.

Within the hotel is Prelude, a restaurant giving you a taste of Southern cooking inspired by Bay Area ingredients.

The Jay, Autograph Collection:  Website

All images via The Jay, Autograph Collection.

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Located on the eastern edge of the Himalayas is the country of Bhutan. Its mountainous landscape and dense forests have made it historically inaccessible to the outside world. Bhutan only opened to tourists in the 1970s, and even today, tourism is intentionally limited through a high daily fee to preserve its way of life. But those who visit Bhutan experience an uncolonized culture, where traditional dress is still worn, alongside a landscape that is about 70% forests. For most people, it’s unlike anything they will ever experience. Helping facilitate this is luxury travel designer and outfitter MyBhutan, which creates unforgettable trips blending boutique service, accommodations, and authentic activities.

MyBhutan wants to help you experience Bhutan the way a family member or close friend would. The company creates Private Journeys, which are never publicized and always personal; details are shaped around your own curiosities, passions, and pursuits. You are given incredible access to places off the beaten path, which are only reserved and arranged by people MyBhutan has come to trust over many years.

The company’s Sangwa offerings epitomize its personal touch. Sangwa means “hidden” or “secret” and is a collection of ultra-private, luxury hidden camps in previously unexplored lands—some of which were settled by Bhutan’s earliest inhabitants. They are located throughout the kingdom, and the locations are only revealed upon arrival. One example of this unique experience is Haa Sangwa, which less than 2% of visitors to Bhutan see. First settled in the 8th century, the Lhop community lives in bamboo forests that are hidden deep in dense jungles. They speak their own language, which is unnamed and largely unwritten. Red pandas and snow leopards are some of the endangered wildlife there.

Sangwa invites you to stay in a traditional yak tent handmade by nomadic highlanders. You can partake in activities including sunrise yoga, gathering natural botanicals and crafting incense, witnessing sacred dances, foraging for wild mushrooms and seasonal plants, and even entering forests after dark with an expert tracker and searching for wildlife. Whatever the itinerary, you will have the chance to commune with the people who live there and understand the culture and traditions that have remained in place for centuries.

Learn more about the adventures that await on MyBhutan’s website.

Located on the eastern edge of the Himalayas is the country of Bhutan, a place that has been historically inaccessible to the outside world. In fact, it only opened to tourists in the 1970s.

Luxury travel designer and outfitter MyBhutan creates unforgettable trips blending boutique service, accommodations, and authentic activities.

MyBhutan wants to help you experience Bhutan the way a family member or close friend would.

The company’s Sangwa offerings epitomize its personal touch. Sangwa means “hidden” or “secret” and is a collection of ultra-private, luxury hidden camps in previously unexplored lands—some of which were settled by Bhutan’s earliest inhabitants.

They are located throughout the kingdom, and the locations are only revealed upon arrival.

Sangwa invites you to stay in a traditional yak tent handmade by nomadic highlanders.

Photo: Kuenga Lhendup

You can partake in activities including sunrise yoga, witnessing sacred dances, and trekking with a guide to see wildlife.

Whatever the itinerary, you will have the chance to commune with the people who live there and understand the culture and traditions that have remained in place for centuries.

MyBhutan: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by MyBhutan.

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On December 21, 2012, many people around the world were on edge. A misinterpretation surrounding the Mayan calendar seemed to predict the end of the world on this day. (In the end, it was simply the beginning of a new time period.) Inspired by both the apocalyptic ruckus and the feeling of rebirth accompanying the date, DJ Damian Lazarus threw a reverie in the very Mayan jungle where the prophecy had come from. With this, Day Zero Festival was born.

Now, nearly 14 years later, Day Zero has become one of the most exciting electronic music festivals in the world. While many of its peers rose to fame because of the acts in their lineup, this is not what carries the entire weight of the experience at Day Zero. For them, it’s all about offering world-class raving that puts sustainability, art, and cultural exchange at the forefront.

“The Day Zero experience hangs on the pillars of immersion and cultural connectivity, sharing space between the ancient world and modern mankind,” says the festival on its website. “From sunset to sunrise, each moment is woven within the fabric of the venue’s energy. This connection with surroundings and self is what has helped create the ideal environment for experiencing the world’s best electronic music.”

For starters, it has three lush locations around the world: Tulum, Mexico; Bali, Indonesia; and Milagres, Brazil. Committed to leaving the area cleaner than they found it, the festival enlists industry professionals to restore the green areas afterwards, something most music festivals around the world don’t even look into. Even so, they are aware of the challenges in rallying the party goers to follow suit and take care of the environment.

Among the initiatives to preserve the areas the festival takes place in are waste control and minimization, as well as onsite recycling and  a tracking system of the full recycling process and post-production restoration. In the case of Tulum, they’ve collaborated with local conservation groups, and since 2022 they’ve teamed up with Petgas to transform plastic into fuel, which they will start to use for the festival generators.

“All of us have seen the devastating impact of human action on this planet. As an event industry we have reached the point of no return,” Day Zero adds. “We are creating an imminent effect on this planet with any event we organize. It is time to do the necessary. It is time to avoid our experience having a negative impact. We must take an active stand to inform and inspire our crowd.”

While Day Zero 2026 has come to an end, you can still be part of the experience in 2027.  To stay up to date with the festival, you can follow Day Zero on Instagram.

Since its inception in 2012, Day Zero has grown into one the one of the most exciting electronic music festivals in the world.

The festival offers world-class raving that puts sustainability, art, and cultural exchange at the forefront.

It boasts three lush enviable locations around the world; Tulum, Mexico; Bali, Indonesia, and Milagres, Brazil.

“The Day Zero experience hangs on the pillars of immersion and cultural connectivity, sharing space between the ancient world and modern mankind.”

“From sunset to sunrise, each moment is woven within the fabric of the venue’s energy.”

“This connection with surroundings and self is what has helped create the ideal environment for experiencing the world’s best electronic music.”

Committed to be leaving the area cleaner than they found it, the festival enlists industry professionals to restores the green areas afterwards.

“We are creating an imminent effect on this planet with any event we organize. We must take an active stand to inform and inspire our crowd.”

While Day Zero 2026 has come to an end, you can still be part of the experience in 2027.

Day Zero Festival: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Day Zero Festival.

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READ: Day Zero Festival Brings Music and Art to the Mayan Jungle

Japan is one of the most spectacular places to be during spring. People travel from all over the world to catch the sakura (cherry blossom) trees in full bloom, but there’s another seasonal event that’s just as breathtaking. The Fuji Shibazakura Festival, held at the Fuji Motosuko Resort, transforms the landscape into a vibrant sea of pink at the foot of Mount Fuji.

Running from mid-April through late May, the annual festival showcases around 500,000 blooming shibazakura—also known as moss phlox—spreading across the ground in vivid shades of pink, purple, and white. Unlike cherry blossoms, which bloom briefly on trees, shibazakura grows on the ground, creating a dense carpet of color that lasts for weeks.

The carefully arranged flower fields stretch across roughly 15,000 square meters (almost 18,000 square yards), allowing visitors to immerse themselves in “a symphony of pink.” But beyond the flowers, the festival is also home to art installations like the reflective Sparkling Flower Drop Mirror and the Door to Happiness viewing point that perfectly frames Mount Fuji. The festival also includes a Peter Rabbit English Garden, where visitors can take a stroll through a British-style oasis with Mount Fuji in the background.

When you’re done exploring and fancy a snack, the festival stalls serve regional specialties such as Fujinomiya yakisoba and Yoshida udon. And there’s even Sakura Churros, shaped like the Japanese character for “cherry blossom.”

If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan for cherry blossom season, you can get to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival in under two hours from Tokyo. The festival remains open daily until May 24, 2026. Find out more about colorful event on the Fuji Shibazakura Festival website.

Running from mid-April through late May, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, in Japan transforms the landscape into a vibrant sea of pink at the foot of Mount Fuji.

The annual festival showcases around 500,000 blooming shibazakura in vivid shades of pink, purple, and white.

The carefully arranged flower fields stretch across roughly 15,000 square meters, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in “a symphony of pink.”

Fuji Motosuko Resort: Website | Instagram

All images via Fuji Shibazakura Festival.

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READ: 500,000 Pink Flowers Are in Bloom Beneath Mount Fuji Right Now for Japan’s Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Photo: ©Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera

Barcelona was architect Antoni Gaudí’s creative playground. From the ornate narrative elements of Sagrada Familia to the playful underwater theme of Casa Batlló, he expressed his unique vision as one with a deep admiration for nature and geometry. However, no building showcases his way of thinking like Casa Milà, best known around the world as La Pedrera. This residential complex doubles as a museum of the legacy of Gaudí and how his work shaped the face of the city.

Casa Milà was built between 1906 and 1912, becoming the last private residence designed by Gaudí. It was commissioned by Pedro Milá y Camps and Rosario Segimon, a wealthy couple who planned to live on the main floor and rent out the rest of the apartments. While today it is a landmark of Barcelona and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was looked down upon by neighbors upon its construction, as they thought the odd-looking building would lower the value of their properties.

This modernist icon is known around the world for its undulating stone facade, rounded out by the wrought iron balconies with organic motifs. Its nickname, La Pedrera, means “The Quarry” in Catalan, given for its unique appearance. Made up of two buildings, it overlooks the Passeig de Gràcia, often regarded as the most exclusive street in Barcelona. Its nine stories feature a basement, ground floor, mezzanine, main floor, four upper floors, and an attic.

For all its innovative elements, the most breathtaking part of Casa Milà is the terrace. This area is crowned by the “Garden of Warriors.” These towering sculptures are actually functional features; there are 29 chimneys, six stairwell exits or badalots, and two ventilation towers. Some are covered in trencadis, a technique often used by  Gaudí in which he made colorful mosaics out of mismatched broken tiles.

“In Gaudí’s own words: ‘Buildings need to have a double roof, just like people have a hat and a parasol.’ This was Gaudí’s understanding of the protective function of the attic and the dignification and personalization of the roof,” explains Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera, the non-profit that safeguards the building today. “Every part of the roof is designed to serve a purpose. The roof terrace is characterized by order, aesthetic quality, and highly functional construction elements.”

While the terrace alone is worth the visit, Casa Milà also features the Espai Gaudí, a cultural center that explores Gaudí’s life and work through models, photographs, and videos. Meanwhile, the Pis d’Epoca restores the top-floor apartment to its former glory, showing visitors how it would have looked as the upscale home of a rich family during the first decades of the 20th century.

If you’re ever in Barcelona and want to check out this historic building, visit the Casa Milà website to get your tickets. To learn even more and take a peek inside, scroll down to watch a video by My Modern Met’s Editor-in-Chief Eugene Kim at Casa Milà.

In Barcelona, Casa Milà doubles as a museum of the legacy of architect Antoni Gaudí, showing how his work shaped the face of the city.

Photo: ©Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera

For all its innovative elements, the most breathtaking part of Casa Milà is the terrace.

Photo: ©Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera

This area is crowned by the “Garden of Warriors.”

Photo: ©Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera

These towering sculptures are actually functional features; there are 29 chimneys, six stairwell exits or badalots, and two ventilation towers.

Photo: ©Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera

Some are covered in trencadis, a technique often used by  Gaudí in which he made colorful mosaics from mismatched broken tiles.

Photo: ©Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera

“In Gaudí’s own words: ‘Buildings need to have a double roof, just like people have a hat and a parasol.’” explains Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera.

Photo: ©Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera

“Every part of the roof is designed to serve a purpose. The roof terrace is characterized by order, aesthetic quality, and highly functional construction elements.”

Photo: ©Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera

Meanwhile, the Pis d’Epoca restores the top-floor apartment to its former glory, showing visitors how it would have looked as an upscale apartment during the first decades of the 20th century.

Photo: ©Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera

Another area, the Espai Gaudí, explores Gaudí’s life and work through models, photographs, and videos.

Photo: ©Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera

Take a peek inside with this video by My Modern Met’s Editor-in-Chief Eugene Kim at Casa Milà.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por My Modern Met (@mymodernmet)

Casa Milà: Website

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera.

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READ: Casa Milà: Antoni Gaudí’s Residential Building in Barcelona That Became a Modernist Masterpiece

Metropolitan Museum of Art (Photo: ubeyonroad via Unsplash)

The latest rankings of the world’s most visited museums in 2025 show a clear shift in global cultural influence. While the Louvre Museum in Paris remains firmly in the top spot, institutions across Asia are rapidly rising, new museums are drawing massive crowds, and audience expectations are reshaping what a museum visit looks like today.

In an annual visitor-numbers survey compiled by The Art Newspaper, the figures show that the Louvre continues to lead with around 9 million visitors, reinforcing its status as a cultural landmark. Coming in second place with 6.9 million visitors is the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. But beyond these familiar frontrunners, the data reveals an evolving museum landscape.

The Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City, for instance, had 5 million visitors in 2025—a 36% increase over its 2024 patronage. A larger trend that can be gleaned from this data is that museums across Asia are climbing the rankings, reshaping the geography of global culture. Leading this shift is the National Museum of Korea in Seoul, which is third overall with 6.5 million visitors in 2025. This is a more than 70% increase from 2024, when the museum had about 3.8 million visitors. The Art Newspaper points out that other branches of the National Museum throughout Korea have also experienced a significant increase in attendance. They theorize that worldwide interest in Korean culture may be a contributing factor.

Another Asian museum within the top 10 and doing better than the prior year is the Shanghai Museum East. It debuted in 2024 with 4.2 million visitors but has gained more foot traffic in 2025 with about 4.5 million visitors. Other major state-funded institutions also continue to expand their reach through large-scale exhibitions and free admission policies. Japan is seeing similar momentum. The Tokyo National Museum (2.58 million visitors) and new contemporary spaces like teamLab Planets TOKYO (2.52 million visitors) are benefiting from both domestic tourism and international interest.

Even as Asia rises, major Western institutions remain deeply influential. The British Museum (6.4 million visitors) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (5.9 million visitors) continue to rank among the most visited globally, drawing millions with their encyclopedic collections and blockbuster exhibitions.

The 2025 rankings point to a broader expansion of the global museum landscape. Institutions are no longer defined solely by their collections, but by how effectively they engage increasingly diverse and mobile audiences. As museums continue to evolve the distinction between destination, experience, and cultural institution, it becomes less fixed. The world’s most visited museums are not just preserving history—they are actively shaping how it is encountered.

You can see the full list of the world’s 100 most visited museums compiled on Airtable.

A list of the world’s 100 most visited museums in 2025 was unveiled and the Louvre came in first with around 9 million visitors.

Louvre Museum (Photo: Courtney Cook via Unsplash)

The Vatican Museums came in second, welcoming 6.9 million visitors.

Crowd of tourists walking through the Vatican Museums (Photo: IgorVetushko/Depositphotos)

The National Museum of Korea in Seoul came in third with 6.5 million visitors, up by more than 70% from the previous year.

National Museum of Korea (Photo: thommccomb@gmail.com/Depositphotos)

The British Museum was close behind with 6.4 million visitors.

The British Museum (Photo: Rabih Ramadan via Unsplash)

And the Metropolitan Museum of Art rounded out the top 5 with about 5.9 million visitors.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Photo: bloodua/Depositphotos)

Sources: Exclusive | The world's 100 most visited art museums in 2025: new venues a big hit with visitors

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Photo: doleesi/Depositphotos

Some travelers enjoy relaxing by the beach, while others go on day-long hikes. Many, however, favor immersing themselves in art and culture. They explore museums and learn everything they can while away from home. With this type of traveler in mind, Tourline, a Berlin-based online travel platform, set out to find the top cultural capitals in the world using a quantitative approach. While ranking the world’s best cities for art and museums, they found that the number one metropolis is neither in Europe nor the U.S.

After browsing art, history, and science museums, as well as galleries in 50 cities that have built their reputations on culture, a clear winner emerged: Mexico City, Mexico. With 44 art museums, 19 history museums, 14 science museums, and 110 galleries, the Mexican capital seems to be the place to be for art lovers. Even better: some, such as the Soumaya Museum, are free every single day, while others have free admission on certain occasions, such as the Noche de Museos (Museum Nights) on the last Wednesday evening of every month.

“In 2026, Mexico City is unmissable for museum-goers,” says Tourline. “The city balances remarkable institutions, household names, and a restless contemporary scene quite like no other city. At the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Diego Rivera’s monumental murals tell the story of modern Mexico while at Casa Azul, the former home of Frida Kahlo, the artist’s life and work come into close focus. The modern Museo Soumaya gathers European masters from Rodin to Dalí, while MUAC and Museo Tamayo push tourists firmly into the present—spotlighting experimental voices and new media that feel unmistakably of today’s Mexico.”

Coming in second place is London, England, with 72 art museums, 73 history museums, and 22 science museums. Of them, 39 boast free admission, as well as 591 galleries. Tourline spotlights the presence of world-class icons in its cultural institutions, from Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Monet’s Water Lily Pond to Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa. “In short, the city offers a rare chance to see masterpieces spanning centuries in their original form—all within walking distance, and often, free of charge,” the company shares.

Rounding out the top three is Basel, Switzerland, with six art museums, including the world-famous Fondation Beyeler, in addition to 11 galleries, six history museums, and two science museums. Here, it’s less about numbers and more about its key role in contemporary art and trends. “Long established as a cornerstone of the global art scene thanks to the Art Basel fair, this Swiss city still feels like a well-kept secret,” the company explains.

By contrast, the best-ranked U.S. cities are Washington D.C., in 27th place, and New York City, in 29th, each with 25 and 70 art museums, respectively.

“If you really want to understand a city, step inside its museums,” says Tourline. “That’s where its past and present meet, where ancient sculptures share space with Renaissance icons and bold contemporary installations. Art is able to tell a city’s story. It shapes identities, sparks curiosity, and connects people from every corner of the world.”

To check out the rest of the list, visit Tourline’s website.

Tourline, an online travel platform, set out to find the top cultural capitals in the world using a quantitative approach.

Photo: ibrester/Depositphotos

After browsing art, history, and science museums, as well as galleries in 50 cities that have built their reputations on culture, a clear winner emerged: Mexico City, Mexico.

Photo: vincentstthomas/Depositphotos

In second place is London, England, with 72 art museums, many of which house art history icons.

Photo: rostudio/Depositphotos

Rounding out the top three is Basel, Switzerland, with six art museums, including the world-famous Fondation Beyeler.

Photo: vverve/Depositphotos

Sources: The World’s Best Cities for Art and Museums

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READ: This Is the Best City for Art and History Museums in the World (And It’s Not in Europe or the U.S.)

Photo: Tourism Ireland by Nuria Puentes

If you’re looking for a metropolis lover’s dream, Dublin may be the city you’re meant to visit. Situated on Ireland’s east coast, Dublin is the capital of the country, boasting centuries-old buildings, great green space, and plenty of contemporary additions to keep things interesting.

My Modern Met has created a guide that will help you make the most of your trip to Dublin. We’ve got recommendations on where to stay, places to eat, and sites that epitomize the heart and soul of the city. Our suggestions include plenty of indoor activities because the weather in Ireland can be characteristically overcast, which happens about half the year. It also tends to be misty in the winter. But don’t let the weather intimidate you—embrace it, and you’ll see why Dublin is so special.

Scroll down to see our art and culture guide to Dublin. Make sure you make room in your suitcase for a commemorative Guinness pint glass!

Where to Stay in Dublin

The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

Photo: The Autograph Collection)

The Shelbourne Hotel is a luxury hotel contained in a building that has over 200 years of history, including helping the country gain its independence. Location-wise, the structure is at the center of the city and overlooks St. Stephen’s Green. Enjoy comfort and style in its guest rooms, which are available in a variety of sizes to fit any traveler’s needs. Read more about staying at The Shelbourne Hotel.

The Merrion

Photo: The Merrion

Located in the heart of Dublin, The Merrion is a 142-bedroom hotel. It’s chock-full of history, comprising four Georgian townhouses, but it pairs that with contemporary comfort. The amenities include a spa and gym, along with a two-star Michelin restaurant named Patrick Guilbaud.

The Westbury

Photo: The Westbury

Voted the top hotel in Ireland, The Westbury boasts gorgeous rooms and suites with clean lines and comfort to match. While you’ll want to relax in the rooms, be sure to take advantage of the hotel’s central location and various restaurants and bars. Enjoy afternoon tea, for instance, and dine alfresco at the verdant WILDE restaurant.

Museums, Libraries, and Cultural Institutions to Visit in Dublin

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin has, among it, two historical treasures. One is The Old Library, an 18th-century building just beyond the cobblestone walkways. Inside The Old Library is the Book of Kells, a famous 9th-century illuminated manuscript. Visiting the two is a unique experience, which you can read about here.

Chester Beatty

Photo: Tourism Ireland by Nuria Puentes

Within the historic grounds of the Dublin Castle is Chester Beatty, a museum and library. The institution is named after the mining magnate Sir Alfred Chester Beatty. It was originally established in 1953 to hold his collections and opened in its current form in 2000. The museum is known for its sources that are used for scholarship in both the Old and New Testaments, in addition to other significant historical artifacts and manuscripts from around the world.

Kilmainham Gaol

Photo: ©Tourism Ireland

Take a journey through Irish history when you visit the Kilmainham Gaol Museum. For over 100 years, the place held thousands of men, women, and children ranging from minor infractions to “the most momentous events” in the country’s history. Discover their stories, including those who fought for Ireland’s independence.

National Gallery of Ireland

Photo: Courtesy National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland is an art museum housing the National Collection of Irish and European art. Like other institutions, the museum has rotating exhibitions alongside permanent parts of its collection. Some of the collection highlights include works by Picasso, Monet, and Vermeer—but there’s much more to see out of the 14,000 objects in the National Gallery’s possession.

Irish Museum of Modern Art

 

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The Irish Museum of Art (IMMA) holds Ireland’s National Collection of modern and contemporary art. Its trove contains over 4,500 artworks by Irish and international artists, with new works—firmly rooted from the 1940s to the present—being added each year. Visit the IMMA at the historical site of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. While there, attend its events or pick up a fun gift from its shop.

Where to Eat in Dublin

The Saddle Room

Photo: The Saddle Room

Located in The Shelbourne, The Saddle Room straddles a line between formal and relaxed. It has an old-world charm with a lavish menu inspired by the classics, with ingredients sourced from local purveyors. Available for both lunch and dinner, you’ll want to carve a spot for Sunday when the restaurant serves its Sunday Roast—prime beef carved tableside.

Chapter One

Photo: Chapter One Restaurant

Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Mickael Viljanen, Chapter One aims to “create one of the most unique dining experiences in Ireland.” The restaurant’s stylish decor is a complement to Viljanen’s creative menu with a focus on prime ingredients. Dining features a four-course menu, but if you want the full experience, opt for a tasting menu with a sommelier’s selection.

Liath

Photo: Liath Restaurant

Liath is a restaurant best experienced as a tasting menu. There, its seasonal flavors unfold as a progression of dishes. Dining is communal; guests arrive at 7:30 p.m., and everyone begins eating at the same time. This approach epitomizes the core of the restaurant, where the vision is expressed through the work of a small team that prizes flavor and hospitality. As the restaurant’s website explains: “Liath only becomes complete,when the room fills.”

Bastible

 

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Established in 2015, Bastible is a standard of modern dining in the city. The Michelin-starred restaurant has a stellar menu with relaxed, professional service intended to let the food shine.

Etto

Photo: Etto

The name Etto means “little,” and that describes the size of this compact restaurant on Merrion Row, a few blocks away from St. Stephen’s Green. It seats about 20, and those at the tables and counter will enjoy a modern menu with dishes inspired by France and Italy.

Pubs and Cocktail Bars

The Horseshoe Bar

Photo: Horseshoe Bar

Whether you’re looking for a shot of whiskey or to sip a gin martini, The Horsehoe Bar in The Shelbourne is the place to do it. Bars are about vibes as much as they are drinks, and this locale has a rich interior with leather-tufted seating and deep-red walls. It offers a relaxing yet elegant atmosphere.

No. 27 

Photo: No. 27

The Shelbourne has multiple bars. If you’re looking for something a little brighter, visit No. 27. This place is the “beating heart of the hotel,” with sparkling cocktails that feel perfectly at home with its impressive chandeliers, mirrored walls, and large windows.

Vintage Cocktail Club

Photo: Press Up Hospitality Group

Within Dublin’s Temple Bar is the Vintage Cocktail Club, a place inspired by 1920s speakeasies and silent movie starlets. To enter, ring the doorbell and enjoy award-winning cocktails and tasty bites.

BAR 1661

Photo: Bar 1661

Winner of Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2025, BAR 1661 has an immersive experience you won’t want to miss. You’ll journey through its world-renowned 28-drink cocktail menu led by the team over the course of three hours. The experience highlights the creative process behind BAR 1661’s approach to modern Irish cocktails, from innovation to inspiration.

The Stags Head

Photo: Tourism Ireland

Enjoy a pint of Guinness at The Stag’s Head, a bar that has existed since the 1870s—although a tavern had been on site about a century before that. It’s located off a narrow passageway off Dame Street, and when you enter, you’ll have a sense of its old-world ways; everything there is of authentic Victorian origin. For history buffs who like to imbibe, there’s no place better.

The Cobblestone

Photo: ©Tourism Ireland

Touted as a “drinking pub with a music problem,” The Cobblestone has been a hub for Irish music over the past 35 years. It is a place where people can engage with the traditional tunes of the country, and it’s dedicated to preserving its history while being an inclusive and unifying space. It’s gained a reputation among creatives as the place to come to for Ireland’s folk revival.

Iconic Cultural Experiences

Guinness Storehouse

Photo: 2015 by Enda Cavanagh Photography

Ireland is synonymous with Guinness, a famous dark Irish dry stout originally brewed in 1759. The Guinness Storehouse is a playground for fans of the beer, where you can learn to pour a pint, meet with a connoisseur, and get a tour of the working brewery that has been around for the last three centuries. While there, be sure to take advantage of the best view in Dublin and sip at the 360-degree Gravity Bar.

Temple Bar

Photo: ©Tourism Ireland

The Temple Bar has a lot going for it. It’s a legendary Dublin venue with the country’s largest whiskey collection and an impressive selection of Irish beers. Founded in 1840, it’s known for its live music and, because it’s at the center of town, its boisterous crowds that make for a vibrant atmosphere.

Grafton Street

Photo: ©Tourism Ireland

If you love to shop, Grafton Street is where you’ll want to be. There are a variety of stores, bars, and restaurants along the street. But if you find yourself getting tired of the commerce, enjoy one of the local buskers and nearby attractions.

Dublin Castle

Photo: ©Tourism Ireland

The Dublin Castle was first constructed in the early 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement. For hundreds of years, the Medieval structure was the headquarters of the English (later British) administration in Ireland until 1922, when the country gained its independence. Now, it’s a place for history lovers and those wanting to live out their castle dreams. Take the 70-minute guided tour and walk the well-preserved estate while getting a peek into how previous generations lived.

National Concert Hall

Photo: Courtesy Paola Floris

The National Concert Hall is Ireland’s National Cultural Institute for music. It’s located just off St. Stephen’s Green, and the hall sits in an old Georgian center. See the National Concert Hall’s event listings to see what will be on stage next.

Outdoor Spaces and Nature

St. Stephen’s Green

Photo: Fáilte Ireland

Near Grafton Street is St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin’s most popular public park. Originally opened in 1880, the sprawling green space has its original Victorian layout that includes extensive flora that blooms in vibrant colors from spring to fall. Take in the park in all its beauty by walking over 2 miles of accessible pathways and enjoying the sculptures dotting the green.

Phoenix Park

Photo: Tourism Ireland

Phoenix Park has the distinction of being one of the largest enclosed public parks in any capital city in Europe. Originally a hunting park centuries ago, the property features gardens, cafes, castles, and monuments. There’s a lot to see and do for all types of visitors. And, best of all, entering the enclosed space is free thanks to its Green Flag Award.

Day Trips from Dublin

Howth

Photo: Brian Morrison

Take a train for 25 minutes from Dublin city center, and you’ll arrive in Howth, a village known for its scenic harbor, beaches, and sea cliffs. It’s a perfect day trip, with plenty to see indoors and out. If you want to stay outside, walk along the Dublin Coastal Trail, where you can see a lighthouse at the end of its stretch in Howth.

Cliffs of Moher (via Marriott Bonvoy Tours and Activities)

Photo: David Rocaberti and Tourism Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher aren’t near Dublin; they are about three hours away. But if you’re spending your time in Dublin, it’s possible to do a day trip to this scenic sight. Through Marriott Bonvoy Tours and Activities, you’ll get to experience the Cliffs of Moher via luxury transportation. Sign up through Marriott Bonvoy, and you’ll arrive in style in a Mercedes car based on a tailor-made itinerary. Depending on the schedules, you might get to see famous landmarks en route to the cliffs. While at the destination, you’ll glide by the Cliffs of Moher by boat—along with ancient castles and breathtaking vistas you’ll remember for a lifetime.

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READ: My Modern Met’s Art + Culture Guide to Dublin