Tom Marchant is the co-founder of luxury travel company and trip planner, Black Tomato, which delivers luxe experiences around the world via inspiring itineraries and access to the globe’s up-and-coming, remote destinations. Marchant’s finger on the pulse of travel trends and the world’s best in hotels, restaurants, destinations and honeymoons is unique and incomparable–and he’s sharing his expertise and curated lists of where to visit, stay, eat and more with BAZAAR.com. Here, his picks for the most exclusive and in-the-know places to imbibe in New York City.

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In a world where indulging our passions has become second nature, travel has become more than just an enjoyable getaway, but a means by which to explore interests old and new. Why and where we choose to travel is a choice motivated by a number of factors, each of which varies from person to person. From history and cuisine to discovering the world’s best beaches, these are motivators that come up time and again. But recently, there has been a long overdue shift to traveling for the arts.

The arts have always held a mesmeric power in their ability to shine a spotlight onto destinations and neighborhoods that, perhaps, we would not have considered otherwise. Traveling through the lens of galleries, museums, architecture, theatre and more shows another side to these destinations, as you step away from the crowds to discover a world which gives you a true flavor for a destination, its culture and its people. Here, the top 9 cities in the world to visit–if not solely for their art hubs.

1 Mexico City, Mexico

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Mexico City is an unmissable destination on the global contemporary arts circuit. 2018’s World Design Capital has much to celebrate–from internationally renowned museums to lesser known architectural landmarks. Home to the famous Barragán Houses, named after the eponymous Mexican architect, Mexico City has become a place of art-fueled pilgrimage for many.

Wandering between his home studio at Casa Luis Barragán to Casa Gilardi, Cuadra San Cristobal and onto Casa Pedregal, the might of Barragán’s influence is inescapable–but he is not the only architect making an impression on Mexico City’s cityscape. Discover the lesser known works of contemporaries such as Mathias Goeritz, Félix Candela and Mario Pani and get a sense of the emerging talent that makes a stroll around any neighborhood here one full of architectural admiration. For real insight, head to the National Autonomous University of Mexico campus, down in the south of the city, and check out the Central Library adorned in stunning murals by the late Juan O’Gorman. A certified UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNAM is an architectural showpiece that few take the time to appreciate.

Mexico City is not all about architecture, and it would be an injustice to visit the city without stopping by some of its top museums. Whilst Kurimanzutto and OMR attract the international spotlight (and quite rightly so), José Garcia is a relative newcomer doing its part to bring works of leading Mexican artists onto the world stage. Stay at Las Alcobas and rub shoulders with Mexico City’s elite in a privileged location set amid the capital’s top bars and restaurants and it’s most fashionable boutiques.

2 Cape Town, South Africa

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Cape Town has always been ahead of the game when it comes to art and culture, but it’s been catapulted onto the world stage thanks to the recent opening of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), the largest collection of contemporary African art in the world. Located in the newly renovated Silo district, the impressive building (once a Grain Silo Complex) has been reimagined by renowned architect Thomas Heatherwick and is a totally unique space that fits into the African context.

3 Lima, Peru

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Lima is rapidly becoming a global cultural hub for arts and cuisine. The city’s museums showcase some of the country’s finest treasures, while providing insight into the region’s ancient civilizations and historic sites, which can then be explored in greater depth elsewhere in the country.

Housed in an elegant, whitewashed mansion, the Larco Museum hosts the world’s largest private collection of Pre-Columbian art including ceramics, gold and silver jewelry and an extensive selection of ceramics from the Moche culture, featuring memorable erotic pottery. In addition to the museum, the property includes a gorgeous garden and a top notch restaurant. Our favorite places to eat are Central and Maido, #4 and #8 respectively on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List. Stay in Hotel B Lima, a breezy, elegant fin de siecle spot for Lima’s well-heeled.

4 Beirut, Lebanon

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Perched along the Mediterranean, the vibrant Beirut is, at first glance, a place travelers wouldn’t make a go-to for its present tumultuous tenor, but this would be a grave mistake.

A remarkable city steeped in history and culture, many have deemed it the ‘Paris’ of the Middle East–and for good reason. Beirut exudes warmth and civility, with an extraordinary arts scene, starting with the remarkable Beirut Arts Fair, a diaspora featuring incredible galleries from the region and beyond. March Hachem gallery is a must, featuring artists like Raouf Rifai. With outposts in New York and Paris, it has become a formidable competitor to some of the more well-known gallerists.

Tajalliyat Gallery downtown features extraordinary rotating exhibits with some of the region’s most extraordinary artists, including (most recently) Boutros Al Maari. Equally marvelous are the extraordinary Lebanese designers like Timi Hayek who specializes in handmade garments; in fact, there is an entire community organized around haute fashion design called Starched downtown, a consortium of local designers. Orient 499 is a veritable luxe orient fantasy land, housing beautiful home furnishings and art. Equally impressive is Bokja, a women-run design enclave that houses exceptional, eclectic pieces you may feel compelled to return home with. The city has an entrepreneurial spirit and phenomenal infrastructure, lending itself well to setting up an art business, be it fashion, design, or studio art.

Stay at the visually stunning and intimate Hotel Albergo and dine at Em Sherif, which serves up Lebanese haute cuisine in an unparalleled setting. Makan features rotating chefs delivering a diversity of cuisines from all over the world, housed in a gorgeous old Beirut house and garden (with seriously cool art on the walls).

5 Zurich, Switzerland

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For those looking for a Euro Art fix, but veered more towards contemporary than classical works of art, Zurich has an art scene like no other European city. The birthplace of the Dada Movement and home of Le Corbusier’s final architectural masterpiece before his death in 1967, Zurich truly sits at the forefront of contemporary art.

6 Beijing, Hong Kong

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A decommissioned military factory on the outskirts of Beijing where whitewashed turbine halls and generator rooms now house artwork over weapons, the 798 Art Zone is one of Beijing’s buzziest hangouts. An atmospheric space sprawled across the neighborhood of Dashanzi in a flurry of modern art, 798 is the ideal place to discover contemporary Chinese art and culture. A must visit for any culture vulture, 798 draws you in with a fascinating combination of the politics, society and culture of China.

Head to Originality Square to admire striking Bauhaus architecture, the mystical Cholima statue and some of the best exhibits through galleries filled with innovative paintings, photography, sculptures and the occasional multimedia outlet.

To sleep? That’s easy–stay at The Peninsula. The hotel boasts an inspiring gallery, The Peninsula Art Journey, showcasing pieces by renowned artist Zhao Ying Chao; it’s the perfect complement to a culture-packed visit to the Chinese capital. For a bite in 798, head to Fodder Factory, a little-known restaurant balancing kitsch with industrial-chic, which will blow you away with its spicy Hunan dishes. Expert tip: be sure to bring a local with you to translate the menu.

7 Seville, Spain

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Whilst a traditional landscape used to reign supreme across Seville, recent years have see a younger, more contemporary side emerge. Specializing in local, boutique galleries rather than the big names of Madrid and Barcelona, Seville is the place to discover hidden gems. From Fine Arts to Art Nouveau, the galleries of Seville reflect the evolution of the city. Check out distinguished works by Velazquez at the Museo de Bellas Artes, contemporary Andalusian art at Museo de Arte Andaluz Contemporaneo and surrealist and abstract works over at La Caja China. For something completely different, head to Delimbo, a former banana warehouse now showcasing urban art from across Europe and the United States; it’ll open your eyes onto a whole other side to Seville.

Stay at The Mercer Hotel, a modern boutique hotel in the heart of Seville’s historic centre that effortlessly blends cutting-edge design with historical surroundings and makes for a luxe base. No matter how much Seville changes, go for its unbeatable tapas scene. Whether you’re dining in Bodega in Santa Cruz, El Rinconcillo in the Old Town, Sol Y Sombra in Triana (we could go on), dining in Seville never disappoints.

8 Helsinki, Finland

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Helsinki has changed a lot over the last few years, making it one of the most exciting cities to visit in Scandinavia right now. Much of this growth surrounds the arts, and leading the pack has been cultural festivals, such as the ever-popular Midnight Sun Film Festival. However, contemporary galleries and exhibitions have been on the up and up too–they’ve just gone about it in a subtle way, so much so that you may have missed this art scene altogether. In a world full of mind-blowing contemporary art, Helsinki is geared towards the home-grown and the local.

To catch a glimpse of what’s up-and-coming in Finnish contemporary art, head to Myymälä2, a non-profit artist-run space, and Galleria Heino with its focus on emerging Finnish talent, before checking out more internationally-known spaces such as Galerie Anhava and Helsinki Contemporary. The combination of breathtaking architecture and stunning artworks on show at Ateneum and Kiasma really can’t be beaten, so spend an afternoon in either and watch as the hours fly by.

For sleep, stay at Klaus K, an irresistible hideaway inspired from a traditional Finnish tale, The Kalevala. This spot masterfully combines literary heritage with innovative design in the heart of the city. For dining, whilst Finnish staples herring, perch and vendace remain favorites, recent months have seen a flurry of new openings in the capital. The hottest seat in town right now is Chapter, whose innovative pairings of classics with the contemporary have got everyone talking. Can’t get a table? You can’t go far wrong with the kitchen-facing tables of Ora or the open-fire grill of Werner either.

9 New Orleans, Louisiana

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While New Orleans may take acclaim for its famed drinking culture, a burgeoning arts scene has been putting this Southern city on the map. An inherent vibrancy and passion can be found in many mediums, including a remarkable exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art taking the national stage with the opening of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, an exhibit that began at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and has made its way around the globe.

The National World War II Museum, a lesser known but impressively concise haunt, is worth exploring. New Orleans breeds art and creative thinkers, embracing poets, chefs, musicians, sculptors, and writers from all walks of life. One of of New Orleans most inspiring galleries and personalities is Ashley Longshore Art, whose witty namesake sits at the helm of what has become a divine shrine to pop art and irreverent social commentary. The 5,000 square foot space (not including the chicken coop, as Ashley herself points out) includes an array of art that will leave you mesmerized. Stepping into her gallery is to enter an outrageous microcosm and a wonderland world. For those in NYC, Ashley recently curated the entire 5th Avenue window space of Bergdorf Goodman, with the 7th Floor dedicated to her pieces in many mediums.

New Orleans is a foodie haven, with many young chefs taking center stage, including Kelly Fields at Willa Jean, all typified by southern hospitality and where the door is always open. Turkey & The Wolf has gained national attention and with good reason: the gumbo made with stellar Charlie Sausage and collard green melt is out of this world. Stay at the recently opened Ace Hotel which coincidentally has expertly crafted cocktails (as this is a central element to NOLA).

From: Harper’s BAZAAR US

The Art-Lover’s Guide to Traveling the World

1 Mexico City, Mexico

2 Cape Town, South Africa

3 Lima, Peru

4 Beirut, Lebanon

5 Zurich, Switzerland

6 Beijing, Hong Kong

7 Seville, Spain

8 Helsinki, Finland

9 New Orleans, Louisiana

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