For the discerning traveller, culture isn’t just a backdrop – it’s the heartbeat of a city.
Whether you’re squeezing in a gallery visit between meetings or extending your stay for a festival, these five cities offer rich, resonant experiences that go far beyond the boardroom.
Paris: The Eternal Muse
Paris has long been the epicentre of artistic revolution, from the Impressionists to the avant-garde. Its cultural legacy is stitched into every arrondissement, with the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou offering world-class collections.
Must experience: Catch a ballet at Palais Garnier or explore the newly reopened Grand Palais, which now hosts immersive exhibitions that blend fashion, art, and performance. For something more offbeat, the Marais district’s indie galleries and literary cafés offer a quieter kind of inspiration.
Kyoto: Where Tradition Breathes
Once the imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto is a living museum of temples, tea houses, and centuries-old craftsmanship. It’s a city where culture is ritualised—from the seasonal kaiseki meals to the art of ikebana and Noh theatre.
Must experience: Visit during cherry blossom season for hanami in Maruyama Park, then explore the Kyoto National Museum for a deep dive into Japanese aesthetics. Don’t miss a traditional tea ceremony in Gion, where geiko culture still thrives.
Rome: Layers of Legacy
Rome is a city of layers—ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and modern street art coexisting in glorious disarray. It’s where history isn’t just preserved, it’s lived. From the Colosseum to Caravaggio, every corner tells a story.
Must experience: Wander through Trastevere for its bohemian charm, then head to MAXXI, Rome’s contemporary art museum designed by Zaha Hadid, for a fresh take on Italian creativity. Time your visit with Rome’s Estate Romana festival for open-air concerts and performances.
New York City: The Cultural Powerhouse
New York is a cultural juggernaut. From Broadway to Brooklyn, it’s a city that never stops creating. Its museums—MoMA, The Met, the Whitney—are just the beginning. The city’s energy fuels everything from jazz to experimental theatre.
Must experience: Book ahead for a performance at The Public Theatre or Lincoln Centre. For visual arts, explore Chelsea’s gallery scene or the rotating installations at The Shed in Hudson Yards. And if you’re short on time, the High Line offers a curated stroll through art, architecture, and urban greenery.
Granada: Soulful and Surprising
Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, is a city shaped by its Moorish past and poetic soul. The Alhambra is its crown jewel, but the city’s flamenco caves, literary heritage, and street art scene offer a deeper cultural resonance.
Must experience: Attend a flamenco performance in the Sacromonte caves, then visit Lorca’s former home for insight into Spain’s greatest poet. The Albaicín district, with its winding alleys and whitewashed houses, is perfect for slow, reflective exploration.
Whether you’re drawn to ancient palaces or cutting-edge performance spaces, these cities offer more than just cultural cachet – they offer connection. For business travellers, a well-chosen city break can be a reset button, a source of inspiration, or simply a moment to engage with something beautiful. So next time your itinerary allows, lean into what moves you. Culture isn’t just something you consume—it’s something you carry home.