Being creative isn’t just a hobby for some people; it’s a way to make a living! While many people find comfort and security in the routine of a 9-5 desk job, other free spirits crave the freedom of a flexible schedule and an ever-changing location. To keep the inspiration and motivation flowing, artists and writers can benefit from a change of scenery to stir up new ideas.
Amazing new material rarely flows from being stuck in a rut, so step away and experience a new place for the first time. Travel to faraway destinations or just the next town over to renew your spirit and revive your passion for the craft. These are some of the best places to visit for artists and writers to find inspiration.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland is rich with literary history, making it one of the most inspiring places to finish that novel or launch a writing career for the first time. The capital city of Edinburgh is home to the Writer’s Museum, which allows budding authors to dive into the lives of writing greats from years gone by. The Surgeon’s Hall Museum is here too, in case you’re writing something with a medical spin. Here you can walk in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, Arthur Conan Doyle, and JK Rowling. For more peace and quiet to think and create in Scotland, check out the Scottish Highlands and Glen Coe.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is full of vibrancy and life, and it’s felt as soon as you arrive in this buzzing Argentinian city. Local writers hang out in Buenos Aires’ café and the sounds of street musicians fill the streets to provide the soundtrack. One recommended coffeehouse to check out is Cafe Tortoni in the city center. Get into the vibe by sampling some authentic cuisine and wine and going out for a night of tango dancing. Palmero’s Garden of Poets is a great quiet place to reflect and appreciate artists who walked these steps before you.
Paris, France
It’s impossible to think of creative cities without mentioning Paris, France. Paris is one of the top art meccas of the world, with an overwhelming number of museums and galleries to check out. To name just a few, you can view some of the best works of Monet, Matisse, Picasso, and Van Gogh here. So many artists and writers have been inspired to create films, books, and works of art while walking the streets of Paris and observing the locals and tourists passing by while relaxing at cafes.
Mumbai, India
Best known for its Bollywood movie scene, Mumbai is full of creative talent and inspiration everywhere you look. This busy and lively city embraces are of many forms. You can visit the Literary Society of Bombay in the Town Hall and the art galleries in the Fort and Colaba District to see what’s new on the Indian art scene.
Clovelly, Devon, England
Clovelly is a historical fishing village that inspired Charles Kingsley to write Water Babies and is intentionally stuck in the mid-19th century. Motor vehicles aren’t’ allowed in the town, so you must navigate the steep cobblestone streets on foot or by donkey. It’s a privately owned city that has been run by just three families since the mid-13th century. Enjoy coastal views of the Bristol Channel, quaint shops, a waterfall, and plenty of quiet time as you create your art.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts, USA
For artists and writers looking to capture pure Americana, look no further than the Berkshires, Massachusetts. This is the type of place that inspires Norman Rockwell paintings, and actually the Norman Rockwell Museum is located here! This is a picturesque northeastern region that is ideal for sketching, painting, and clearing the mind. Authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville are also linked to this beautiful region.
Kyoto, Japan
Japan is home to lots of inspiring places, from the unique culture to the food, natural landscapes, and Buddhist traditions. However one of the best places for artists and writers to visit is Kyoto. Visit some of the many temples here to draw upon the spirit of the region and release all of your fears and doubts about your abilities and limitations. This is a place to reconnect with nature and yourself and allow the creativity to flow in an entirely new way.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan was a favorite inspiration spot for Hunter S. Thompson, and the city is a great home base for artists wanting to soak in some color, flavor, and culture. As a U.S. territory and an island, Puerto Rico enjoys a unique cultural situation that is unlike anywhere else. There’s a nice mix of city life and nature nearby to give you a well-rounded workplace or a much-needed vacation.
Sedona, Arizona, USA
The American Southwest is nothing short of inspiring at every turn you make. Vladimir Nabokov wrote Lolita based on a road trip through this region. One of the best places to visit in this area is Sedona, Arizona, known for its energy vortexes and new age vibe. The colorful mountain terrain provides a perfect subject for painting and sketching, and the mountain air and scenery can clear your mind of all that clutter to release the prolific words harbored within.
Zanzibar, East Africa
For many travelers, Zanzibar conjures up images a romantic faraway place full of history and exotic experiences. This nation is located along Africa’s eastern coast and has come a long way in terms of tourism and commercialism in recent decades. However, it still offers a truly unique opportunity to step away from your creativity routine. You might feel like you’re in the middle of an Indiana Jones movie, so get ready for an epic adventure with beach time and festivals.
Pokhara, Nepal
The Himalayan mountain range has been the spiritual center for many groups for thousands of years, and their massive grandeur has the power to inspire even the most disgruntled and listless of artists. Although flight and transportation prices can be intimidating to reach the remote areas of Nepal, the cost of living here is very affordable. So once you arrive, plan to stay awhile to work on your next masterpiece. It’s impossible to not feel connected to the world and its people when you spend your days in this amazing destination.
St. Petersburg, Russia
Russia might make you think of cold weather and Communism, but the city of St. Petersburg is a haven for artists and writers from around the world. The city has an exotic feel with historic architecture, bright colors, and majestic palaces. Authors like Gogol, Dostoevsky, and Turgenev all called this place home, and there are several literary museums worth visiting to learn more about their work. This is a great place to visit if you’re feeling stuck and need a new perspective to complete your work.
