Ljubljana Named Europe's Best Creative City Destination 2026
24 Feb 2026
Ljubljana has been awarded the title of Europe's Best Creative City Destination 2026 at the 13th Creative Tourism Awards. A total of 223 candidates from 28 countries competed for the awards presented by the Creative Tourism Network this year. In its justification, the international jury highlighted that Ljubljana systematically integrates creativity into its identity, tourism strategy, and long-term urban development. The city builds its tourism offer on rich cultural heritage in cooperation with local creators, supports a diverse range of events in public spaces, and fosters the development of cultural districts. Through these efforts, it disperses visitor flows, enables authentic experiences for residents and visitors, and contributes to the balanced development of tourism in the city.
© Primož Lukežič
Creative Ljubljana
In their Tourism Development Strategy, Ljubljana Tourism defined a vision for Ljubljana to become by 2027 the world’s leading and most creative city destination for a sustainable lifestyle. Creative atmosphere has been identified as one of the city’s unique selling points, distinguishing Ljubljana from other destinations. A rich cultural offer, a vibrant creative sector, and an artistic community -including artists, designers, architects, musicians, filmmakers, digital innovators, and craftspeople - significantly contribute to the city’s identity and to the quality of life for both residents and visitors.
Creativity in the capital is also reflected in innovative experiential tourism products, such as creative handicraft workshops with masters of traditional crafts, hands-on creation at Center Rog, and immersive experiences in the studios and ateliers of contemporary creators. Creativity is further embodied in LUV Fest, the festival of love, art, and wandering, which features a rich programme of concerts, theatre and opera performances, dance, themed city tours, exhibitions, workshops, and social events. The programme is co-created by a wide range of partners, from cultural institutions, craftspeople, NGOs, and artists to retailers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and youth. Through artistic installations and other urban interventions, the festival also promotes the creative use of public space.
Ljubljana strengthens creativity through annual co-financing of events held in public spaces of the Municipality of Ljubljana, supporting both well-established festivals and smaller community events. This ensures vibrant cultural activity throughout the year and across all parts of the city. The city further reinforces its creative identity by developing cultural quarters outside the city centre, which are becoming increasingly recognisable micro-destinations with their own character and offering visitors authentic experiences beyond established tourist routes.
Creative Tourism Awards
This year, 223 candidates from 28 countries competed for the Creative Tourism Awards. An international jury composed of experts in tourism marketing and the creative economy evaluated candidates based on the originality of experiences, collaboration with local creators, and integration of sustainability principles. Since 2014, the awards have been presented by the Creative Tourism Network and are considered among the more prestigious international recognitions in the field of creative tourism. They are intended for destinations, projects, and companies that place creativity at the heart of their tourism strategies. The mission of the awards is to highlight initiatives that promote authentic, participatory experiences and contribute to improving the local environment and community.
Creative Tourism Network
The Creative Tourism Network is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the development of creative tourism worldwide. It was founded in 2010 with the support of the European Union. The network connects destinations, tourism professionals, cultural institutions, and creative industries, fostering the development and promotion of creative tourism globally. It aims to increase the visibility and sustainability of creative tourism while encouraging the creation of culturally rich experiences for visitors and generating regenerative value for local communities worldwide.