This European capital was named the best creative city for 2026

Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana has been named the best creative city destination in Europe for 2026.

Unveiled at the 13th Creative Tourism Awards, Ljubljana took home the top prize for “integrating creativity into its identity, tourism strategy, and long-term urban development”.

The city was also praised for its creative events and for working with local creators.

Sharing the news on its website, Visit Ljubljana highlighted Center Rog, a creative hub that hosts workshops in a former bike factory, as one of the best creative things to do while visiting.

The tourism board also suggested visitors should see the output of the capital’s creative industry at the annual LUV Fest, which features concerts, opera performances, dance, exhibitions, workshops and more.

Ljubljana is known for having several specific cultural quarters, including Soteska, which hosts the Open Resilience Festival each summer with music, theatre and exhibitions, and Šiška, which is home to numerous ateliers, galleries and museums.

What are the Creative Tourism Awards?

The Creative Tourism Awards were created by the Creative Tourism Network, which was founded in 2010.

The non-profit organisation aims to promote creative tourism by increasing its visibility, and works to connect destinations, tourism professionals, cultural institutions and creative industries.

This year, 223 candidates from 28 countries were nominated for the title of Europe’s Best Creative City Destination 2026. The winner was decided by an international jury.

Other categories in the Creative Tourism Awards include best creative experience, best creative accommodation and best creative travel planner.

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