For Love of the Arts

As if London's summer hasn't been exciting enough with the Olympics and Queen's Jubilee, this year also sees the 50th anniversary celebration of the Beatles rise to super-stardom. In honor of this anniversary, the West End will welcome Let It Be, a theatrical event featuring more than 20 of the band's hits. The musical, at the venerable Prince of Wales Theatre, features live performances, film sequences and-no doubt-audiences dancing in the aisles. Beatlemaniacs should stay close to the heart of the West End at the grand Langham Hotel , another building associated with a former Prince of Wales (Edward VII founded the hotel) that has proudly hosted one of England's most revered literary figures: Oscar Wilde. The great author-and noted party-animal-undoubtedly enjoyed many a cocktail in the hotel's elegant bar, Artesian, which still serves guests today.

The Abbey Theatre, Dublin's most venerable dramatic venue, is reprising the classic Irish story about love, family and devotion to country with The Plough and the Stars. Visitors can enjoy more Irish tradition at the Georgian mansions comprising The Merrion hotel, within walking distance to the theater as well as two of Dublin's most esteemed museums: the National Gallery and National History Museum. The Westbury , also situated conveniently in the center of the city, serves daily afternoon tea, a beloved Irish institution.

New York City's Broadway will see the opening of the biopic musical featuring one of film's greatest icons: Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin comes from the same talents behind such Broadway hits as The Producers and Annie and is sure to delight fans young and old. Hip travelers should check into the downtown Greenwich Hotel , owned by Robert De Niro. The hotel features works by the actor's father, Robert De Niro, Sr., a much-lauded Expressionist painter, which accent the beautifully designed interiors with antique Tibetan furniture and repurposed hardwood floors. Chaplin himself would doubtless have appreciated the property's old-New York serenity.

The Philharmonie Baden Baden has roots from 1460, when court musicians joined together to form an ensemble. Since then, it has showcased classical composers and musicians from its own city, other parts of Germany and around the world. During warmer months, performances take place in outdoor venues scattered around the lush city. Also known for its focus on healthy living, Baden Baden offers visitors a chance to sample the luxurious spas of Brenner's Park Hotel, a magnificent 19th-century property set in a peaceful garden.

The 128-member Berlin Philharmonic, was founded in 1882 and its first performances took place in a converted roller-skating arena. Having survived two world wars, the Philharmonic reigns supreme today, at home in a magnificent hall near the Sony Center with seating for over 3,500. Berlin's Hotel de Rome, which is within walking distance, encourages parents to ease their children into the myriad delights of the artistic city, offering kid-friendly amenities such as complimentary meals, pool time, an invitation to bake cookies in the hotel kitchen, and even their own free adjoining room.

In Cologne, meanwhile, classical music fans eagerly look forward to guest artists performing with the Kölner Philharmonie. Prior to attending the concerts, guests should take in the glorious 'city of churches.' By staying at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, which boasts divine placement directly across from the Cologne Cathedral, guests can marvel at the church's spires that took over 600 years to erect. Gerhard Richter's controversial stained-glass window, also in the Cathedral, is not to be missed.