Overview
Omio empowers travellers to go on journeys that move them. For many, passion drives the desire to explore the world and seek out cultural experiences. In collaboration with Artists Pages, we are proud to present Art Mapped, an episodic series that investigates art around Europe.
Each episode follows an artist as they travel by train across the continent to chase a creative passion. From hunting pixelated street art in the UK, to wandering the floors of Europe's largest stationery store in Barcelona, to uncovering the magical art of the fairground in Paris — these are journeys that turn curiosity into adventure. Book a train, bus, flight or ferry with Omio, and start chasing your own.
The Episodes
Episode 1: Finding Invader Art Across the UK
For our first episode, curator Imi Read of Artists Pages travelled across the UK to find artworks by Invader, the mysterious French street artist best known for his pixelated mosaics scattered across 80 cities, with more than 4,000 Invaders worldwide.
- The journey: Imi began with a train to London, touring two hotspots for finding Invaders: Soho and Shoreditch. But she wanted to find more, so she travelled north to Manchester to continue the hunt.
- What you'll see: In the video, watch Imi find over 50 Invader artworks and explore places she had never been before.
- The route: London → Manchester by train.
Episode 2: Illustrator Alice Williams Explores Europe's Largest Stationery Store
In Episode 2, we sent artist and illustrator Alice Williams to Europe's largest stationery store in Barcelona. Alice visited Raima, the six-floor stationery store filled to the brim with a global collection of quality products — and a unique atmosphere rooted in supporting and empowering creativity and craftsmanship.
- Why it matters: As an illustrator, trips like this — surrounded by notebooks, pens, and other cultures' passion for art — fuel inspiration and deepen an artist's craft.
- What you'll see: Six floors of materials, ideas, and the kind of creative energy that makes you want to start a new sketchbook the moment you walk out.
- The route: London → Barcelona by train.
Episode 3: Morvern Graham Investigates the Magical Art of the Fairground
In Episode 3, multidisciplinary artist Morvern Graham took a trip with Omio from Scotland to Paris to discover the hidden beauty and mysteries of fairground art.
- The destination: Using the Omio app, Morvern travelled to the Musée des Arts Forains to explore the stories, history, and craftsmanship behind fairground art. The exhibitions highlight the heritage of the art form and the shift that saw the craftsmen behind the work become recognised as artists in their own right.
- Why it matters: The opportunity to be immersed in such a rich creative history is a perfect example of how travel can inspire artists. Omio champions exploring the world to drive your passions, through a global booking platform where you can book trains, buses, flights and ferries in one app, in your own language.
- The route: Edinburgh → Paris by train.
Creative Cities Worth the Journey
London
Few cities pack as much art into so many neighbourhoods. From the Tate Modern on the South Bank to the gallery clusters of Mayfair, London rewards wandering. Street-art hotspots like Shoreditch and Brick Lane are where Invader's mosaics hide in plain sight — bring a camera and look up.
- Don't miss: Tate Modern, the National Gallery, Frameless, and the rotating murals of Shoreditch.
- How to get there: London is well connected by train from across the UK and Europe.
Manchester
Manchester's art scene is independent, industrial, and unmistakably northern. The Northern Quarter is the city's creative heart, with murals on nearly every corner and galleries tucked between record shops and coffee bars. It's also where Episode 1 of Art Mapped goes hunting for Invaders.
- Don't miss: The Whitworth, Manchester Art Gallery, and the street art of the Northern Quarter.
- How to get there: Direct trains from London take just over two hours.
Explore Manchester with Omio →
Barcelona
Barcelona breathes creativity. From Gaudí's architecture to the contemporary galleries of El Born, the city is a constant conversation between old and new. And in Raima, it has Europe's largest stationery store — six floors of pure creative fuel.
- Don't miss: MACBA, the Picasso Museum, Park Güell, and of course Raima.
- How to get there: Direct trains connect Barcelona with Paris, Madrid, and beyond.
Paris
Paris is a city built for artists. Beyond the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée des Arts Forains offers something rarer — a private collection dedicated to fairground and carnival history, dimly lit and cinematic, with restored carousels and ornate props from the 19th century.
- Don't miss: Musée des Arts Forains (by appointment), Centre Pompidou, the Marais galleries.
- How to get there: High-speed trains link Paris with London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and direct routes from across France and beyond.
Street Art Across the UK
Museums Worth the Train Ride
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see Invader's street art in London?
Invader's pixelated mosaics are scattered across central and east London, with the highest concentrations in Shoreditch and Soho. Walk down Brick Lane, Redchurch Street, or the alleys around Old Street and look up — most of his works sit on building corners or above shopfronts. There are estimated to be hundreds of Invaders across the city, with new ones added on his return visits.
How do I travel from London to Manchester by train?
Direct trains run between London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly in just over two hours, with multiple departures per hour. Book in advance for the best fares.
How do I travel from London to Barcelona by train?
The fastest route involves a Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, then a high-speed TGV onward to Barcelona Sants. Total journey time is around 10 hours, including the connection in Paris.
How do I travel from Edinburgh to Paris by train?
Take a direct train from Edinburgh Waverley to London Kings Cross, then walk to London St Pancras for the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. Total journey time is around 9 hours.
What is the Musée des Arts Forains and how do I visit?
The Musée des Arts Forains is a private museum in Paris dedicated to fairground and carnival history. Located in the Bercy district in former wine warehouses, it houses restored 19th and early 20th century carousels, vintage games, theatrical sets, and ornate props. Visits are by guided tour and appointment only — book ahead through the museum's official website.
What is Raima and where is it in Barcelona?
Raima is Europe's largest stationery store, spread across six floors in the centre of Barcelona. It stocks an extensive collection of papers, paints, pens, notebooks, and craft materials from around the world. It's free to enter and a favourite among illustrators, designers, and anyone with a soft spot for beautiful materials.