Nicosia is a city that seamlessly combines Byzantine heritage, contemporary art, and Mediterranean warmth.
The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, has been recognized as the best European cultural destination to visit in 2026.
How to choose the winner
The authors of the latest ranking by European Best Destinations determined the winners based on factors such as the density of museums, the variety of cultural venues, and the richness of their year-round festival calendar.
In total, cultural experts evaluated 40 cities, from major capitals to hidden gems, and selected ten finalists with the strongest cultural identity. These cities were then evaluated by over 22,000 travelers from 131 countries based on their desire to visit them in 2026, the authenticity of their cultural atmosphere, and their overall cultural appeal.
Nicosia is the best destination for culture lovers in 2026
At the top of the list is the Cypriot capital of Nicosia, which shines as a bridge between eras and influences, a city that seamlessly combines Byzantine heritage, contemporary art, and Mediterranean warmth.
“From the Leventis Museum to the open-air performances at the Nicosia International Festival, the culture here feels both timeless and alive,” the rating authors note.
In turn, the Visit Nicosia city promotion website describes it as “a city where every corner of the street tells a story.”
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Other destinations in the ranking include Florence and Vienna, where artistic excellence never fades, as well as Verona, Tomar, and Sibenik, rich in history and soul, and Leuven, Graz, Rouen, and Oxford, where innovation meets tradition.
“Together, these ten destinations offer a well-thought-out journey through Europe’s most vibrant cultural hubs, which are sophisticated, creative, and endlessly inspiring,” the authors of the selection note.Read also:
Here is the full list of the top 10 cultural cities in Europe in 2026:
- Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Florence, Italy.
- Vienna, Austria.
- Leuven, Belgium.
- Sibenik, Croatia.
- Verona, Italy.
- Tomar, Portugal.
- Rouen, France.
- Oxford, UK.
- Graz, Austria.