"In the city’s Belem neighborhood, the River Tagus-set MAAT hosts exhibitions highlighting the works of contemporary architects and artists from all over the world. The striking curved complex includes a repurposed power station that dates back to the early 20th century, and a new building designed by the celebrated London-based Amanda Levete Architects."

"The Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava designed this train station for Lisbon’s World Expo in 1998. Divided into three parts, it features cylindrical glass elevators, a metal and glass roof, and a series of arches that are modern but inspired by Gothic cathedrals."

"Yes, a cruise terminal can also be a design showpiece. The Portuguese architect João Luís Carrilho da Graça conceived this structure, which is sustainable and built with concrete and cork. The building is raised from the ground, giving it the appearance that it’s floating in the air, and features a rooftop terrace with views of the river and city. A walking path around the terminal encourages visitors to explore the exterior."

"Actor Antonio Banderas, who hails from Malaga, is behind this theater, built in 1961 and originally home to the Alameda Theater-Cinema. In a bid to support the cultural boom happening in Malaga, Banderas took over and opened it in 2019. With 840 seats, the theater is known for its high-quality acoustics and features works by Malaga artist José Luis Puche."

"On the city’s port, Muelle Uno is a cultural and shopping center packed with restaurants and stores. It’s also the location for the Centre Pompidou Malaga, the first branch of the Paris museum outside of France."

"Reopened in 2016 in the old Customs Palace with a more contemporary look, this state museum is filled with art and artifacts from Andalucia’s history including the Paleolithic times and 19th and 20th centuries. It’s an impressive space that spans nearly 200,000 square feet."

"At the base of the Rialto Bridge, this structure goes back to the early 13th century and has been burned down and rebuilt more than once since then. Rem Koolhaas’s Oma led Fondaco dei Tedeschi’s current iteration as a department store that sells high-end goods and also holds cultural events. The building has numerous public spaces and paths, a courtyard piazza, and a rooftop with a steel and glass floor."

"Constitution Bridge, as it’s called in English, stretches across the Grand Canal and is almost twice as long as the famous Rialto Bridge. The Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava was tasked with the design—it resembles a whale’s backbone and is made with steel, bronze, glass, and concrete."

"The architect Giuseppe Benoni built this former customs house in the late 17th century on the Dorsoduro, at the end of a lagoon. After being abandoned for two decades, and being subjected to a renovation led by architect Tadao Ando and funded by Francois Pinault, it has a new life as a contemporary art space that hosts temporary exhibitions."

"Debuting at the end of this year, the Istanbul Modern is in a waterfront location in the city’s Karakoy district and an eye-catching long building designed by Renzo Piano. It features an outdoor café, sculpture garden, and glass-walled lobby."

"In development for several years, this much-anticipated social and culture destination is finally debuting in October and will anchor the waterfront in the Karakoy district. Design sights include the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal, museums, and a collection of restaurants and stores located in former warehouses that have been reimagined into modern spaces."

"Home to photography, design and architecture exhibitions, Benaki Museum—located at 138 Pireos Street—is in a building that’s as visit-worthy as the museum itself. Set around a large courtyard, it has soaring ceilings, an airy atrium, and a glass and brick front."

"Spanning an entire block, the glass cube-shaped Onassis Stegi is a cultural center that hosts dance, theater, and music shows by both Greek and international artists."

"Originally the headquarters of Romansto magazine, this early to mid 20th-century building in the city’s historical district is now a cultural hub for music performances and art shows."