If you know me, you know two things are non‑negotiables in life: great design and beautiful travel. In 2025, I found myself increasingly intrigued by how design and cultural experiences are driving travel decisions — not just sightseeing, but shaping entire journeys. In 2026, the world’s best art fairs and design weeks are more than events — they are destinations unto themselves.
Art Basel, Basel
Whether you live in New York, London, Cape Town, Tokyo, or anywhere in between, these fairs represent the best opportunities to witness cutting‑edge creativity, connect with visionary artists and designers, and immerse yourself in cultural programming that reflects global trends. Many of these require extra planning, especially those in Europe and Asia, but trust me — they’re worth every mile.
So pack a sketchbook, book the flight, and prepare to be inspired: here are the Art Fairs & Design Weeks Worth Traveling For in 2026.
Maison&Objet — Paris
Maison&Objet: Two Shows, One Vision
When: January 15–19
Where: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, France
Paris in January? Always a yes. Maison&Objet is the design fair — a global benchmark for interiors, furniture, lighting, and lifestyle trends. With over 2,300 brands and a theme for 2026 that explores how Past Reveals Future, this fair connects heritage craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. And with “In The City” cultural programming popping up across Paris, every corner feels like a discovery.
Why go: Experience Paris in its quiet elegance while absorbing the future of design.
London Art Fair — London
London Art Fair — London
When: January 21–25
Where: Business Design Centre, Islington, UK
One of the most accessible art fairs in the world, London Art Fair champions contemporary British artists with an inclusive vibe — whether you’re buying your first original piece or simply soaking in the energy of the gallery scene. It’s been a staple since 1989 and remains one of the most welcoming introductions to collecting.
Why go: A perfect blend of established names and emerging voices in contemporary art.
NOMAD — St. Moritz, Switzerland
Maison Jaune Studio. Photo: Courtesy of Maison Jaune Studio.
When: February 12–15
Where: Villa Beaulieu, St. Moritz
NOMAD is not just another fair — it’s an elegant boutique experience for collectors and design lovers. Set against snowy alpine views, this intimate event showcases curated design pieces and offers VIP experiences including private collections and behind‑the‑scenes tours. It’s a true snooper’s paradise.
Why go: Boutique curation in stunning winter scenery — a dream combo.
FORMA Design Fair — Madrid
Image credit: Courtesy Alvaro Catalán de Ocón Studio
When: March 4–8
Where: Matadero Madrid, Spain
Madrid is one of Europe’s most vibrant design capitals, and FORMA brings that to life. With support from the city’s culture and tourism council, this fair showcases galleries, studios, and brands at Matadero — a contemporary art hub that feels like a creative playground.
Why go: Bold design in a bold city — ideal for those who love art with attitude.
Art Basel Hong Kong — Hong Kong
Image credit: Artist Kimsooja
When: March 27–29
Where: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
Art Basel is iconic, and its Hong Kong edition is uniquely positioned at the intersection of East and West. It’s younger than its Basel and Miami siblings but stands out for its dynamic energy, cross‑cultural programming, and deep dive into Asian contemporary art.
Why go: A vibrant fusion of global art scenes under one dazzled roof.
Salone del Mobile — Milan
Salone del Mobile.Milano 2024 – Ph. Stefan Giftthaler
When: April 21–26
Where: Fiera Milano, Italy
Milan becomes the design capital every April during Salone del Mobile. From furniture premieres to citywide installations and brand showcases (think Aesop, Loewe, and more), this is where the design world gathers, debates, and defines the year ahead.
Why go: It’s not just a fair — it’s the pulse of international design.
La Biennale di Venezia — Venice
Image Credit: Robert Battersby
When: May 9–November 22
Where: Multiple locations, Italy
The gold standard of art exhibitions, Venice Biennale runs for months because there’s that much to see — from national pavilions to architectural salons, cinema, and performance pieces. It’s one of those cultural experiences that feels like a grand tour of global creativity.
Why go: A once‑in‑a‑lifetime immersion in the world’s most influential art presentation.
NYCxDESIGN Festival — New York
image Credit: NYCxDESIGN New York
When: May 14–20
Where: Multiple NYC locations
This is our design moment — a citywide celebration of creativity, installations, exhibitions, and talks that reflect New York’s design spirit. With hundreds of events and rising international interest, it’s becoming a must‑see for global tastemakers.
Why go: Design that feels alive, integrated into the city’s everyday rhythm.
Art Basel — Basel, Switzerland
Image Credit: Basel Messeplatz Project
When: June 18–21
Where: Messe Basel, Switzerland
The apex of contemporary art fairs — Art Basel in Switzerland is where collectors, curators, and artists converge to set the tone for the global art year. Galleries from across five continents bring their strongest works, and Basel itself — with its 30+ art institutions — is a cultural treasure.
Why go: The definitive art fair in the heart of Europe.
London Design Festival — London
Image Credit: Melek Zeynep and London Design Festival
When: September 13–21
Where: Across London
This vibrant festival partners with cultural institutions — the V&A, Southbank Centre, and Design Museum — to create installations and discussions unmatched anywhere else. From late‑night talks to street interventions, it’s a deep dive into creative thinking and public engagement.
Why go: London in design mode is an exhilarating experience for the curious and creative.
Vienna Design Week — Vienna
Think About the Box, by Jutta Gössls at the Palmenhaus (c) VIENNA DESIGN WEEK / Karo Pernegger / Kollektiv Fischka
When: September 25–October 4
Where: Across Vienna
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, Vienna Design Week explores the impact of design on civic life. With over 200 events and 40,000 visitors annually, it’s a festival that marries architectural beauty with independent and experimental creativity.
Why go: A festival that asks bigger questions about design’s role in society.
Downtown Design — Dubai
Image Credit: Downtown Design — Dubai
When: November 5–9
Where: d3 Waterfront Terrace, Dubai, UAE
As the leading contemporary design fair in the Middle East, Downtown Design showcases both regional talent and global innovation. Dubai’s own architectural backdrop adds extra allure, making this a compelling destination for design travelers looking to explore the region’s cultural evolution.
Why go: Design with desert skyline drama.
Art Basel Miami Beach — Miami Beach
Image Credit: Ocula
When: December 4–6
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, USA
A high‑energy highlight of the art world calendar, Art Basel Miami Beach blends art, fashion, nightlife, and design in one memorable week. Its cross‑disciplinary energy is unlike any other Basel edition — making it a must‑travel cultural pilgrimage.
Why go: Art, culture, energy — all wrapped in palm trees and ocean breeze.
Why Travel For These Experiences?
These fairs and design weeks go beyond things to see — they are reasons to journey. They sit at the intersection of culture, commerce, and community, offering unparalleled opportunities to discover new artists, connect with international creatives, and experience cities through the lens of design innovation.
In 2026, I’m eager to explore many of these myself, and I hope they inspire your own travel calendar — whether you’re a collector, creative, or curious traveler.
