Nicosia Named Europe's Best Cultural City for 2026

Planning your next European getaway just got easier, thanks to a surprising winner that's putting an ancient Mediterranean capital back on the map.

Nicosia, the historic heart of Cyprus, has been crowned Europe's best cultural destination for 2026 by European Best Destinations. The announcement places this compact, walkable city ahead of heavy hitters like Florence, Vienna, and Oxford.

The recognition celebrates Nicosia's unique blend of ancient heritage and modern creativity. Surrounded by 16th-century Venetian walls, the Old Town has welcomed visitors since 3000 BC, making it one of the world's longest continuously inhabited cities.

What sets Nicosia apart is how accessible its cultural riches are. Travelers can easily walk between the Museum of Byzantine Art, the Leventis Museum chronicling the city's history, and Cyprus's first archaeological museum, all within the charming Old Town.

The city also earned praise for its year-round calendar of music, dance, film, and art events. From the summer Faneromeni Arts Festival to the Cyprus International Film Festival and festive Christmas village pop-ups, culture isn't just preserved here but actively celebrated every day.

The rankings combined expert evaluations with votes from over 22,000 travelers across 131 countries. Judges looked at museum density, festival calendars, visitor experience, heritage value, and contemporary creativity to determine the winners.

Florence took second place for its combination of Renaissance masterpieces and thriving contemporary art scene. Vienna claimed third with its legendary Museum Quarter and grand palaces, while Belgian city Leuven and Croatian coastal gem Šibenik rounded out the top five.

The Ripple Effect

This recognition arrives at a perfect time for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond the usual tourist hotspots. As overtourism strains popular destinations, Nicosia offers the same world-class museums and festivals without the overwhelming crowds.

The award also highlights a shift in how people travel. Instead of week-long beach vacations, more visitors are choosing short cultural city breaks focused on museums, heritage sites, and local cuisine. Nicosia delivers all three in a compact, affordable package that feels genuinely Mediterranean.

For Cyprus, the recognition shines a spotlight on a capital that often gets overlooked in favor of the island's famous beaches. Now the world knows what locals have celebrated for millennia: this ancient crossroads of civilizations remains vibrantly alive with culture today.