Nicosia starts 2026 with a bright future as the Best Cultural Destination in Europe.
This honor comes from the international group European Best Destinations (EBD). Over 22,000 travelers from 131 countries rated Europe’s top cultural cities. Nicosia shined with a score of 18.6/20, taking the 1st place.
The city is known for its unique mix of rich history and modern art, its genuine cultural vibe, and its lively, changing cultural scene. It’s also noted for being the last divided capital in Europe, with a Mediterranean feel and friendly locals.
The Municipality of Nicosia says this award shows its plan for a modern, sustainable, and welcoming cultural destination. It respects the past while investing in the future. The top ten list of European cultural cities for 2026 also includes Florence, Vienna, Leuven, Šibenik, Verona, Tomar, Rouen, Oxford, and Graz. This list highlights Nicosia’s strong place among Europe’s key cultural capitals.







