Art Basel, Basel
As a content freelancer, social media can be a breeding ground for FOMO. There’s always something happening—press trips, brand launches, fashion weeks—but until recently, design weeks had passed me by. Even with my connections to that world, they felt distinctly “too industry.”
This year, however, Copenhagen’s 3daysofdesign began dominating my feed. I noticed influencers like New York–based Laura Reilly, founder of fashion newsletter Magasin, traveling for the festival, posting images of Louis Poulsen lamps and sculptural chairs. Suddenly, it felt too cool to ignore. “There’s a noticeable shift: those shaping the conversation are no longer exclusively industry professionals,” says Sophie Axon, PR Manager at Danish brand Ferm Living. “In 2025, we opened our brand events to a wider cross-section of lifestyle voices from abroad,” she continues. “If audiences discover design through social media, why not meet them where they already are?”
At 3daysofdesign, the best Danish design brands and companies open their showrooms and studios to visitors. (Pictured here: interior designer Louise Roe’s studio)
3daysofdesign includes installations, talks, tours, workshops—and plenty of parties. (Pictured here: furniture brand Fredericia’s showroom)
But are art and design showcases worth traveling for without an invite? Surprisingly, yes: many festivals are ticketed, with city-wide pop-ups designed for dropping in and out of. “I went to Milan’s Salone del Mobile for the first time and was amazed by how much I could access,” explains New York–based journalist Sarah Wood González. “Brands know fans want to experience their universe, and not everyone gets invited. Lines were snaking around the block for Gucci’s bamboo exhibition—it’s a chance to step briefly into that world.”
With many fairs held in Europe, they require extra planning for travelers based elsewhere, but interest in traveling specifically for design showcases is growing. “London Design Festival has become a cultural destination in its own right,” agrees Director Ben Evans. “We’ve seen significant growth in non-industry attendees inspired by what they’ve seen online, with the U.S. our top country of origin.”
Whether in London or Milan, Nairobi or New Delhi, the excitement around art and design spotlights is building—mirroring what was once reserved for fashion weeks. Except this time, you can buy a ticket to experience it first-hand, wander at your own pace, and enjoy a broader cultural program.
Design weeks are the newest cultural travel motivator. See below for 2026’s international design calendar—and start planning.
January
Maison&Objet, Paris
When: January 15 – 19
Where: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, ZAC Paris Nord 2, 93420 Villepinte
Why: Paris is always a good idea, even in January. Maison&Objet is one of the most esteemed design fairs in the business, dating back to 1995 and spanning several exhibition centers with over 2,300 brands. The theme for 2026 is ‘Past Reveals Future’, and will explore the heritage behind contemporary furniture design. There’s also cultural programming across Paris called ‘In The City’ with studios, stores, and workshops inviting guests to take a closer look.
Tickets: from $70 available here
Check out our complete Paris travel guide
London Art Fair, London
When: January 21 – 25
Where: Business Design Centre, Islington, London
Why: The London Art Fair focuses on showcasing contemporary work by British artists with an inclusive approach—whether you’re looking to buy a print, invest in an original piece, or simply learn more. Running since 1989, it has worked with artists including David Hockney and Tracey Emin. Ticket prices are deliberately kept low, welcoming art lovers at every stage of their journey.
Tickets: from $21; available here
Check out our complete London travel guide
February
India Art Fair, New Delhi
When: February 5 – 8
Where: NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla, New Delhi
Why: Founded in 2008, the India Art Fair in New Delhi is South Asia’s leading international art fair, playing a central role in bringing Indian contemporary art onto the global stage. Alongside galleries, it places growing emphasis on design, craft and architecture, reflecting the region’s deep material traditions and their influence on contemporary practice. For international visitors, it offers a rare chance to understand India’s creative landscape in one place.
Tickets: from $9; available here
NOMAD St. Moritz, Switzerland
When: February 12- 15
Where: Villa Beaulieu, Via Arona 34, 7500, St. Moritz, Switzerland
Why: NOMAD specializes in collectible design, working with a select showcase of artists, sculptors and designers, to present a boutique alternative to conventional fairs. A roving event, previous years have seen it pop up in Capri and Monaco, but in 2026 guests will enjoy snowy views from Villa Beaulieu. If this is your crowd, you’ll be interested in their VIP membership which offers tours of private homes and collections. It’s a snooper’s paradise.
Tickets: Depending on application; available here
Art Basel Hong Kong is the youngest of the three events and unique for bridging Eastern and Western art scenes.
Art Basel Hong Kong
March
FORMA Design Fair, Madrid
When: March 4 – 8
Where: Matadero Madrid, Pl. de Legazpi, 8, Arganzuela, 28045 Madrid
Why: Madrid’s design showcase is part of a larger, special project called FORMA, in partnership with the Department of Culture, Tourism and Sport of the Madrid City Council. It brings together studios, galleries, brands and designers at Matadero Madrid, one of the country’s most influential contemporary art centers.
Tickets: from $25; available here
Check out our complete Madrid travel guide
Nairobi Design Week, Nairobi, Kenya
When: March 7 – 15
Where: Multiple locations
Why: Opening in 2015, Nairobi Design Week just celebrated its 10-year anniversary and is back in 2026 with its most interesting theme yet: ‘Let’s Be Human’. The nine-day festival will look at how design can be used to bridge empathy and what it means to tap into the collective ‘human’ experience through creativity. In the meantime, listen to the event’s podcast: AFRIKA DESIGN.
Tickets: TBC; details here
Art Basel Hong Kong
When: March 27 – 29
Where: Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Why: If design is your thing, you’re probably already familiar with Art Basel, the 55-year-old international art fair that started in Switzerland before expanding to Hong Kong and Miami. Hong Kong is the youngest of the three events, established in 2013 and unique for bridging Eastern and Western art scenes, offering a completely distinctive feel from the European and US versions.
Tickets: from $127; available here
Check out our complete Hong Kong travel guide
April
Salone del Mobile, Milan
When: April 21 – 26
Where: Fiera Milano, Strada Statale Sempione, 28, 20017 Rho MI
Why: Milan is abuzz during Salone del Mobile, with iconic venues like Bar Basso hosting events and design installations across the city from brands like Aesop and Loewe. Often thought of as the star of the design calendar, it has one of the longest histories in the business, established in 1961.
Tickets: Prices TBC; details here
May
La Biennale di Venezia, Venice
When: May 9 – November 22
Where: Multiple locations
Why: The world’s biggest, oldest and most influential art exhibition, the Biennale is the gold standard of creative-led experiences. Across over half a year, countries present their standout artists in historic pavilions across Venice, sharing a diverse mix of media. Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, cinema, dance, music or theatre, there’s something here for you.
Tickets: Prices TBC; details here
Check out our complete Venice travel guide
DesignMarch Reykjavík, Iceland
When: May 6 – 10
Where: Miðstöð hönnunar og arkitektúrs, Gróska, Bjargargata 1, 102, Reykjavik
Why: If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Iceland, May is a great time to do it, and you could connect with some of the country’s most exciting creatives while you’re at it. ‘Connection’ is actually the theme of this year’s show, questioning how in a digital age of hyper-connectivity we really stay close to ourselves, peers, and loved ones. Highlights include fashion programming by Anna Clausen, a fashion editor and contributor to Dazed & Confused and Vogue.
Tickets: Prices TBC; details here
NYCxDESIGN Festival, New York
When: May 14 – 20
Where: Multiple locations
Why: Touted as NYC’s “official celebration of design,” this isn’t one to sleep on. Last year, the team pulled off over 255 events across the city, welcoming over 160,000 attendees, 37% of which were international. In the works already is the debut of a powerful (pun intended) installation which will be unveiled in Battery Park, tracing the origins of the universe’s first light, 13.77 billion years ago.
Tickets: Prices TBC; details here
Check out our complete New York City travel guide
The flagship Art Basel fair is the apex of the global contemporary art calendar—and a bucket-list visit for art enthusiasts
Art Basel, Basel
June
3daysofdesign, Copenhagen
When: June 10 – 12
Where: Multiple locations
Why: 3daysofdesign is city-wide celebration, hosted in studios, galleries, and stores with all of your favorite Danish brands participating—think HAY, Louis Poulsen, Tekla, Ferm Living. On the cards are meet-and-greets with designers, events and parties, talks, and public installations.
Tickets: not required, but download the app to get around the city
Check out our complete Copenhagen travel guide
Art Basel, Switzerland
When: June 18 – 21
Where: Messe Basel, Messeplatz 10, 4058 Basel
Why: The flagship Basel fair is the apex of the contemporary art calendar with galleries, institutions and serious collectors in attendance. Here, you’ll see the highest standard of artworks from over 200 leading galleries across five continents. While visiting, check out Basel’s 37 art museums and galleries—a famously high number for a city of its size.
Tickets: Prices TBC; details here
July
Seattle Art Fair
When: July 23 – 26
Where: Lumen Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA
Why: Back for its tenth year, the Seattle Art Fair draws those with an interest in modern and contemporary artworks from across the Pacific Northwest, and beyond, for a vibrant four-day fair within the Lumen Field Event Center. There’ll also be ‘around town’ events, workshops and talks.
Tickets: from $50; available here
Check out our complete Seattle travel guide
August
Helsinki Design Week
When: August 28 – September 6
Where: Suomitalo, Lönnrotinkatu 5, 00120 Helsinki,
Why: Unlike many of its kind, Helsinki Design Week isn’t geared around professionals; its program is created with the public in mind, too. There’s events across a variety of topics, from fashion and graphics to publishing and architecture, with a whole calendar dedicated to children’s activities, too, making this a family-friendly choice.
Tickets: Prices TBC; details here
London Design Festival brings together designers, artists, and brands to showcase a diverse and accessible set of exhibitions across the city.
London Design Festival
September
London Design Festival
When: September 13 – 21
Where: Multiple locations
Why: Partnering with institutions like the Victoria & Albert Museum, Southbank Centre and Design Museum, the London Design Festival is a cheat-sheet to seeing the best of the city’s exhibitions. There are unexpected installations and late-night museum talks; just check out the ever-growing program to plan your time.
Tickets: depend on event selected; details here
Check out our complete London travel guide
Vienna Design Week
When: September 25 – October 4 October
Where: Multiple locations
Why: Vienna Design Week was conceived in 2007 to explore a particular question: What impact do designers have on coexistence in their city? Since then, the festival has evolved to over 200 events and 40,000 visitors, highlighting the city’s architectural beauty and independent businesses. Plus, as 2026 will make it the 20th anniversary, it’s an extra-special year to visit.
Tickets: depend on event selected; details here
October
Dutch Design Week, Eindhoven, Netherlands
When: 17 – 25
Where: Multiple locations
Why: This isn’t just another design week; Eindhoven’s festival looks firmly to the future, inviting artists who truly innovate, push boundaries, and think about what’s next. This attitude goes hand in hand with what’s next for our planet and organizers prioritize installations and workshops rooted in sustainability.
Tickets: Prices TBC; details here
Dubai Downtown Design is the leading design fair in the Middle East and a catalyst for growth in the region’s art and creative scene.
Dubai Downtown Design
November
Affordable Art Fair, Hamburg, Germany
When: November 5 – 8
Where: Hamburg Messe und Congress, Messepl. 1, 20357 Hamburg
Why: If you’re in the buying mood, head to Hamburg’s Messe und Congress for a weekend of browsing artworks varying in price from just $100 to $11,000. Curated from local and international galleries, this fair aims to democratize the art world and encourage everyone to take an interest, whether investing in your first piece or a seasoned collector. A day here should do it, so you can spend the rest of the time exploring the city.
Tickets: Prices TBC; details here
Downtown Design, Dubai
When: November 5 – 9
Where: d3 Waterfront Terrace, Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai
Why: Downtown Design is touted as the leading fair for contemporary design in the Middle East with two annual activations in both Riyadh and Dubai. Dubai is seen as the anchor event, showcasing new collections from brands, designers, and studios from around the world, but with a special focus on the region.
Tickets: Prices TBC; details here
Check out our complete Dubai travel guide
December
Art Basel Miami Beach
When: December 4 – 6
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach
Why: Art Basel Miami Beach stands out for its high-energy cultural programming, creating an atmosphere that feels far looser, louder, and more cross-disciplinary than its Swiss counterpart. Its location in Miami turns the week into a mix of contemporary art, design, fashion, and nightlife, attracting a broader creative crowd than almost any other fair.
Tickets: Prices TBC; details here
Check out our complete Miami travel guide
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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