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Easter traditions in Europe are as diverse as the countries on the Old Continent themselves. From the classic egg hunts in England and the ornate Easter trees (Osterbaum) of Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, to the intricately coloured eggs of Central and Eastern Europe and the solemn religious processions of Spain and Italy, these customs represent a magnificent treasury of European culture.
As an art historian who has visited the majority of European museums, I (foolishly) believed I was quite familiar with Western art. So, imagine my surprise when I stepped into the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). The works of Canadian artists, particularly the Group of Seven, struck me with the explosion of raw, northern power and a fierce struggle for a unique national identity. It made me realise there is still so much to discover for me within the art world. Here is my guide to the work of Canadian artists at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto.
Toronto isn’t just Canada’s largest metropolis. It’s a living, breathing mosaic of global cultures, and a city filled with stories. Walking underneath its massive skyscrapers, Toronto felt like New York’s little brother. However, spending more time among its residents, the city’s true personality emerged: polite, comfortable, and grounded, like a sibling who had grown up in the British countryside. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Toronto, keep on reading my cultural guide to Toronto.
Tulips are the enduring symbols of the Netherlands, and the primary reason millions of travellers flock to the country each spring. From the vivid patchwork of the tulip fields and Amsterdam’s Tulip Festival to the masterworks in Dutch museums, there are endless ways to immerse yourself in these blooms. Although I live in the Netherlands, they are so beautiful, I always discover something new during about tulips each spring. To help you get the most of it, here is my guide to everything you need to know, including the best places to see tulips in the Netherlands (updated for the 2026 season).
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I’ve curated a list of the ten most beautiful artworks centred on the theme of love. Love has been a beloved topic in art history for centuries, serving as a primary muse to painters and sculptors. From the subtle electricity of a shared gaze to the passionate kiss, these works prove that love remains art’s most enduring inspiration.
Imagine standing in front of “The Night Watch” and realising it isn’t just a piece of canvas – it’s a coded message of rebellion, a love letter to Amsterdam, filled with numerous symbols we are still uncovering today. If you’re looking for the best guided Rijksmuseum tour, you have to look beyond the surface. As a guide, I don’t just show you where the artworks are; I show you why they still matter.
Living in the Netherlands makes Belgium a stone’s throw away and an easy destination to visit. And boy, am I enjoying that benefit now when I’m back there. A few weeks ago, I spent a weekend in Antwerp, which was likely my fifth or sixth visit to that beautiful city. So, I finally gathered here a guide with the best places to see during a weekend in Antwerp (including some extra tips for art lovers).
From exhibitions dedicated to the old masters to celebrating great female artists with retrospective shows and exploring the work of renowned modern artists in depth, 2026 is filled with fantastic art exhibitions. Keep on reading to learn more about them.
Planning a mobile data solution is one of the most important things for me to sort out whenever travelling abroad. Relying on your mobile provider’s roaming data could be quite pricy. While buying local sim cards after arriving at a destination comes with its own set of downsides. However, during a few of my recent trips abroad, I used eSIM. I liked it so much that it became my go-to solution for mobile data when travelling abroad.