Liepāja, Latvia, has been named among Europe’s ten best destinations for cultural city breaks in 2027, ranking tenth in the “Best Cultural City Breaks in Europe 2027” selection by the international tourism platform European Best Destinations. The Latvian city joins renowned European cultural destinations including Genoa, Vienna, Paris and Madrid. The selection has also been featured in the US business publication Forbes.
The selection process initially considered 98 European cities, assessing their cultural heritage, museums and galleries, performing arts, cultural events, contemporary creativity, public spaces and suitability for short cultural getaways. According to European Best Destinations, 11,671 travellers from 119 countries participated in the voting process.
Genoa, Italy, tops the list, followed by Málaga, Spain, and Vienna, Austria. The top ten also includes Paris, Zagreb, Madrid, Lausanne, Évora, Warsaw and Liepāja. Notably, both European Capitals of Culture for 2027 feature in the selection, with Évora, Portugal, ranked eighth and Liepāja, Latvia, tenth.
In its description of Liepāja, European Best Destinations highlights the city’s distinctive creative identity and vibrant cultural life. Particular attention is given to the European Capital of Culture 2027 programme, which connects artistic activities with local communities and the wider region. The platform also highlights the programme’s theme, “(un)rest”, exploring the interplay between movement and stillness and presenting Liepāja as a destination where cultural experiences and the Baltic coastal setting come together.
The selection has already attracted international media attention. On 10 November, Forbes featured all ten destinations in an article introducing Europe’s leading cultural city breaks for 2027. Its profile of Liepāja highlights the city’s musical traditions and architecture, the Great Amber Concert Hall, the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, Liepāja Theatre, Karosta’s historical heritage and the upcoming European Capital of Culture year.
“Liepāja’s growing international recognition reflects years of dedicated work to strengthen the city’s position on the global cultural and tourism map. We are seeing increasing interest in Liepāja, and international recognition like this helps us reach new audiences. Travel preferences are also evolving, with more people seeking authentic cultural experiences, discovering new destinations and choosing places with a distinctive character of their own. This creates valuable opportunities for Liepāja to expand its international reach and attract new visitors. The European Capital of Culture year will be an important milestone in this journey, helping us build new international partnerships and strengthen Liepāja’s appeal as a cultural destination for years to come,” says Inta Šoriņa, Chair of the Management Board of the Liepāja 2027 Foundation.
European Best Destinations is an international tourism platform established in 2009. It produces selections of European travel destinations across various categories, including culture, nature, city breaks and seasonal travel. Its rankings and recommendations regularly attract coverage in international travel and lifestyle media.
Liepāja will officially launch its European Capital of Culture year from 22 to 24 January 2027, with three days of celebrations and cultural events taking place in Liepāja, Kuldīga and Aizpute. The main opening celebrations in Liepāja will take place on 23 January, transforming the city into a vibrant setting for cultural performances and festivities.
Throughout 2027, more than 500 cultural events will take place across Liepāja, South Kurzeme and Kuldīga, including international art exhibitions, concerts, theatre productions, festivals and community-led initiatives.
Explore the full Top 10 ranking: www.europeanbestdestinations.com
Foundation Liepāja 2027
Head of International Relations
Elizabete Hartmane
Phone: + 371 25 99 33 99
E-mail: elizabete.hartmane@liepaja2027.lv
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