How to Explore Europe's Grandest Galleries

Europe's rich and layered history rewards the culturally curious traveller. While simply wandering the streets of many European cities can feel a bit like a stroll through a museum, a visit to a curated art gallery is the best way to get an up close understanding of the countless treasures that are so integral to the fabric of Europe.

Looking at and soaking in these pieces is one part of the experience. But learning about the craftsmanship, cultural relevance, and historical background behind the masterpieces will leave you with a truly enriching experience.

The guides on ToursByLocals are knowledgeable and passionate about the diversity of art that makes Europe so special, and are delighted to help you navigate galleries large and small, and share the stories behind countless beautiful works. Looking for the biggest, best, grandest art galleries in Europe? Here are the not-to-be-missed places where some of the world's most impressive collections are housed - and some excellent tours to help you explore them!

Europe’s Grandest Galleries

The Louvre, Paris, France

The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world for good reason, displaying iconic works of art such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Apollo Gallery, along with other amazing sculptures, paintings, royal jewels, and elaborately furnished rooms. The grand and expansive museum can seem overwhelming, so allow a local art historian to make your experience seamless on a privately guided Louvre tour.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Known as the museum of the Netherlands, Rijksmuseum houses world-famous works from the Dutch Golden Age that are filled with stories, techniques, and mystique. The most sought-after pieces include paintings by Vermeer and contemporaries in the Gallery of Honour; Rembrandt’s most famous painting 'The Night Watch’; Delft Blue pottery; extravagant dollhouses, and interesting marine pieces. Visit on a tour such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam tour with your own art historian, private guide (who has been teaching art history in the Netherlands since 1995).

Uffizi, Florence, Italy

Florence is a work of art in itself, so you know to expect a lot from the most visited museum in this Italian city: the Uffizi Gallery. This great space features work from medieval artists and the early renaissance collection, showcasing art masters such as Giotto, Piero della Francesca, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and more. Go with our guides for interesting local insights and anecdotes by art experts, and seize perks such as skipping the line with priority entry. Check out tours such as Florence and Uffizi Gallery half day tour or 2.5 Hours: Uffizi Gallery Private Tour.

National Gallery, London, England

London is a joy for museum lovers, and the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are not to be missed. The museums feature world-famous paintings by European artists from the 13th to the 20th century, including works by Jan Van Eyck, Botticelli, Hans Holbein, Velasquez, Van Gogh, Seurat, William Turner and Constable. Explore these masterpieces with a local expert.

Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain

One of Europe’s top galleries is the Prado Museum in Spain, which features the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings along with classical art hailing from other European nations created over the 15th to 19th centuries. Here, you can find works of art by European masters such as Fra Angelico, Hieronymus Bosch, Rogier van der Weyden, Raffaello, Tiziano, El Greco, Velázquez, Rubens and Goya. Book with ToursByLocals on tours such as the Prado Museum tour and you’ll be skipping the lines with a local art expert in no time.

Vatican Museums, Vatican City

A list of the grandest galleries in Europe wouldn’t be complete with the museum that has a country named after it — even if it is the smallest in the world, measuring only half a kilometre! Visit the Vatican Museums and immerse yourself in the artistic masterpieces that have come to life by the ancient Romans, Michelangelo and Raphael, the Popes, and the church. Crowds are unavoidable at this tourist hotspot, but your ToursByLocals guide will help share the best times to visit and how to skip the long line. Check out tours such as Half Day Tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel and Extensive Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel - skip the line tickets included!

State Hermitage, St. Petersburg, Russia

While we’re not traveling to Russia now, we can’t cancel out mentioning one of the world’s greatest collections of art. The State Hermitage Museum, featuring masterpieces of paintings, graphic works, sculptures of applied art, archeological finds, and numismatic material all housed in a palatial setting that will leave you standing in awe. With over 3 million works of art and artifacts, the immersive experience features work by cultural icons such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael, Rubens, Rembrandt, along with a separate building featuring Monet, Renoir, Matisse, and Picasso.