Five of the best art galleries in Europe

The Louvre tops the list of great European art galleries. Photo / 123RF

Check out these arty destinations on your next European holiday

The Louvre, Paris, France

Europe is home to some of the most famous art galleries in the world, but the Louvre has to be at the top of the list. You just can't miss a visit to the home of the Mona Lisa when you're visiting Paris — although you might have to fight the crowds. Even the building itself is a work of art worth admiring.

The Louvre is home to the Mona Lisa. Photo / 123RF

Tate Britain and Tate Modern, London, England

London's Tate Modern hall. Photo / 123RF

Home to a collection of British art spanning from 1500 to today, these galleries are a must-visit on a trip to London. The Tate Modern opened in 2000, showcasing Britain's collection of international modern art. Housed in a converted power station, it has hosted the work of artists from Monet to Andy Warhol.

The National Gallery, Prague, Czech Republic

The National Gallery, Prague. Photo / 123RF

Containing the largest collection of art in the Czech Republic, works at the National Gallery are displayed in eight unique locations, including renovated palaces and convents. Works are a mix of Czech artwork, Baroque work and Cubism, dating from medieval times to the 21st century.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The Van Gogh Museum. Photo / 123RF

Van Gogh is a Dutch icon and you can expect his namesake museum to be suitably crowded — it's recommended you buy tickets in advance to skip the entrance queue. The museum holds the largest collection of van Gogh's work — including paintings, drawings and letters — as well as works by his contemporaries.

East Side Gallery, Berlin, Germany

Berlin' East Side Gallery. Photo / 123RF

Once part of the Berlin Wall, this 1.3km stretch is now the longest open-air gallery in the world. The East Side Gallery consists of over 100 paintings on what was the east side of the wall, exploring the political events of 1989-1990. Take a walk or bike ride past this unique gallery and soak in the history.