The bohemian lifestyle has many meanings. It has been used to refer to artists who spent their days in unconventional ways. Bohemians do not believe in mass culture, they have a rebellious personality, but at the same time they have a sentimental and romantic spirit. In El Viajero Feliz we bring a selection of the 10 most bohemian cities in the world. These are some of the cities that exalt that combination of originality, freedom and art.
The 10 most bohemian cities in the world
1. Stockholm, Sweden
Specifically we talk about the Sodermalm Island (also known as Soder). She is compared to Brooklyn and Born. Before it was just an industrial town, but today it is one of the most bohemian cities in the world because it is full of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops vintage and art galleries.
Its colorful streets and mix of influences give it the title of «the coolest island in Stockholm». Its hub of trendy bars is known as SoFo and has attracted a wide variety of artists and celebrities. Regarding nightlife, it has places set in the 70s and 80s. Without a doubt, it is one of the places you must visit in Stockholm.
2. Leipzig, Germany
Goethe defined it as “a little Paris”. It is a beautiful urban valley of 520,000 inhabitants. People like Nietzsche attended his university, but Leipzig is the cradle of musicians, Bach, Schumann, Mendelssohn and Telemann were born there, so there is a wide variety of museums and open houses in honor of these characters.
In addition, 30 minutes by tram is Plagwitzwhere you can visit the Spinnerei art complex, which since 2005 has gone from being a cotton-making citadel to an alternative art center with a variety of exhibition galleries and residencies for plastic artists from all over the world.
3. Colonia de Sacramento, Uruguay
This charming city was founded by the Portuguese conquistadors in 1680 and has remained intact ever since. The city grew, but its urban landscape, intimate and solemn, It is the perfect example of fusion between the Spanish, Portuguese and post-colonial architectural style. It is a city that has the charm of those frozen in time and, also, one of the most bohemian cities in the world.
Be sure to visit this city if you plan to visit essential sites in Uruguay. And, of course, we also recommend it as one of the essential cities in Uruguay on your trip to this country.
4. Valparaiso, Chile
Picturesque places in the bohemian style, with a story behind each street. With great cultural activity, especially in urban art, its streets are full of artists. The entire city is a huge and colorful picture capable of astonishing any tourist. Are you going to miss it? Write down all the places to see in Valparaíso and fall in love with one of the most recommended Chilean cities to visit.
5. Paris, France
When talking about bohemian and artistic cities, it is impossible not to mention it. World-renowned for its architecture, its monuments, its museums and its festivals, it is the perfect place for bohemian souls. If French culture is your thing, you can’t miss visiting places like Montmartre, Moulin Rouge and the Center Pompidou, one of the best contemporary art museums in the world.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of the most bohemian cities in the world. It has a rich life and artistic places to visit. More than 10 internationally famous museums, dozens of classic cinemas, art galleries and theaters. Among the essential places in Prague, the National Museum of Prague, the Jewish Museum, the Black Theater, the National Theater and the National Ballet Theater stand out. Put it on your list!
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
“The Bohemian of Latin America” with streets full of artists, popular markets, antiques, crafts and music. Among the most popular places to see in Buenos Aires are the Gran Café Tortoni, which housed poets such as Borges and Alfonsina Storni; the San Telmo Market; the Museum of Fine Arts with works by artists such as Monet, Renoir and Picasso. Also, don’t leave without visiting Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, full of bars, boutiques and food trucks.
8.Melbourne, Australia
A mix of artistic, alternative and modern elements, that’s Melbourne. It is one of the most bohemian cities in the world for being a place full of vintage shops, boutiques, galleries, cafes, urban art and famous clubs like Yah Yah’s. Also among the places to see in Melbourne, you cannot miss the great Center for Contemporary Photography and the Rose Street Artists’ Market.
9. Cartagena, Columbia
Cartagena, one of the most important cities in Colombia, combines pre-Columbian, colonial and modern architecture. Its charm is such that it belongs to the World Heritage. It has a hot and sunny climate that gives a special air to its streets. The architecture of its streets transports its visitors to the past and evokes the artistic spirit of its bohemians. What to see in Cartagena de Indias? Endless places that will make you fall in love.
10. New York, United States
In New York there is a mixture of cultures that makes room for everything and everyone. Get to know your bohemian side in places like Williamsburg or Brooklyn but especially in Greenwich Village ancient refuge of poets and artists with numerous cafes and bars.
Though now mostly residential, in the mid-19th century it was famous as the East Coast birthplace of the Beat movement. Whether you’re shopping at an eclectic store, seeing artists, hitting up an independent bookstore, visiting the famous White House Tavern, or exploring New York’s must-sees, you’ll always find somewhere with a bohemian vibe here.
And after knowing the most bohemian cities in the world, tell us your opinions in the comments. Have you visited any? Do you think we missed any other bohemian city to mention? We read in the comments, traveling friend.