Beyond Museums: Immersive Alternative Art Experiences in 7 Iconic Cities
Iconic museums and galleries deserve a spot on your travel itinerary—their collections are expansive and exhibitions often world-class. But if you've tired of hushed halls or seek a fresh vibe on vacation, must you abandon art and culture? Not at all.
Lonely Planet Locals share insider secrets to vibrant, lesser-known artistic pursuits in their cities. From interactive workshops and performances to architectural gems and cutting-edge spaces, these experiences reignite your creative spark. Sign up for a class, board a train, or stroll to uncover seven standout alternatives.
Join Creators at 107 Projects, Sydney, Australia
A symbol of Redfern's urban revival, 107 Projects buzzes with artistic energy and community innovation. Browse the gallery, performance venue, live-music bar, or rooftop garden—or dive in with hands-on workshops like glassblowing, life drawing, acting, electronic music production, Risograph printing, writing, and even spatula carving.
This isn't a bland amateur space; it's a thriving hub for Sydney's arts scene, with artist studios, meeting rooms, and a construction workshop fostering idea exchange among pros.
Make it happen: Affordable workshops run AUD$5-35. View the full schedule, times, and bookings on the 107 Projects website.
Monique Perrin, a bushwalker, organic gardener, and aspiring songwriter, crafts art at 107. Follow her on X at @msnettlesoup.
Ride the Love Train in Philadelphia, USA
Philly's public transit gets an artistic upgrade with Mural Arts' Love Letter Train Tour on the Market-Frankford Line (the El). This weekend guided ride through West Philadelphia showcases Steve Powers' 50 vivid, text-based murals—A Love Letter For You—from 45th to 63rd St., a heartfelt ode spanning massive scale.
Make it happen: Tickets $23 (includes fare); starts at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
Philadelphia resident and journalist Michael Butler shares local insights. Follow on X at @mikeviimusic.
Throw Clay at Bkerzay Pottery Workshop, Lebanon
Navigate Lebanon's forested mountains to Bkerzay eco-hotel for therapeutic pottery. Led by Egyptian master potter Ahmad Deif and Lebanese architect Maha Nasrallah, sessions yield rustic, traditionally glazed pieces. It's the perfect zen counter to Beirut's bustle.
Make it happen: US$25 per person for 1-hour workshops; book ahead at +961 71 999 422. One hour from Beirut by car or taxi.
Beirut-based freelancer Stephanie d’Arc Taylor dreams of handmade crafts in green spaces. Follow on Instagram @zerodarctaylor.
Explore Culture in Culver City, Los Angeles, USA
Overshadowed by Hollywood and Downtown, Culver City (pop. 39,400) is a creative powerhouse. Wander Arts District galleries, design shops, and studios in the historic Helms Bakery complex—from architecture to culinary arts.
Highlights: Hayden Tract's surreal architecture, Kirk Douglas Theatre's bold plays, and the mind-bending Museum of Jurassic Technology.
Make it happen: Metro Expo Line access. Check Culver City Arts District for events and bookings.
Award-winning LA writer Andrew Bender. Follow on X at @wheresandynow.
Street Art Safari in Havana, Cuba
Beyond salsa, Havana hides vivid murals and galleries in unrestored Old Havana spots. Colorful and sepia street art adorns faded facades; spaces like Galería Taller Gorría foster community creativity in colonial ruins.
Make it happen: From Capitolio, walk O’Reilly St to El Ojo del Ciclón on Villegas, then south to Galería Taller Gorría.
Havana explorer Diana Rita Cabrera hunts hidden gems. Instagram: @dianaritac.
Live Music at Thapae East, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Besides North Gate Jazz, Thapae East on Th Tha Pae offers nightly eclectic tunes from local and expat artists—bluegrass to indie rock. Mingle at the brick bar with Thai trendsetters; pair with Mexican bites.
Make it happen: Free entry (closed Sundays). Check Facebook for lineup.
Chiang Mai local Alana Morgan blogs at Paper Planes; Instagram @paperplanesblog.
Experience TBA Festival in Portland, Oregon, USA
Portland Institute for Contemporary Art's TBA Festival (September, 10 days) blends experimental theater, dance, music, poetry, and more across venues. Global stars meet local talents in unpredictable shows—from spoken word to interactive walks.
Make it happen: Tickets $16-20 (sliding scale); passes $200-500. Book at PICA.
Portland writer/editor Becky. Instagram: @fasterbecky.
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