The Best Cities in the World for Creative Inspiration

Creativity is all around us, whether on the walls of art galleries, the stage in theatres, or even the wall murals we pass by on our daily commute. Countless everyday things can inspire creativity but in a world full of creative people and institutions, which city around the globe offers the best environment for creative inspiration? 

To find out, here at Printful, we analyzed the number of art galleries, museums, theatres, creative university courses, and street art pieces in 30 of the world’s most visited cities. We also looked at US cities specifically and shared expert advice for utilizing creativity. 

The best global cities for creative inspiration 

1. New York City 

Our research found that New York is the best city in the world for creative inspiration. Famous for its arts scene, New York City draws in artists, creatives, and visionaries from all over the world. 

Art galleries are a vital aspect of expressing creativity, and New York leads with 638 galleries, the highest number among all cities in our study. Whether you’re viewing the contemporary works at the Gagosian Gallery or exploring avant-garde installations at David Zwirner exhibitions, there’s an endless bank of inspiration for budding creatives. 

Museums are another cornerstone of New York’s creative reputation. The city is home to 263 museums, including highly acclaimed institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, featuring everything from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary pieces. 

But New York’s artistic institutions don’t stop at visual arts. The city’s performing arts scene is equally impressive, with 215 theatres hosting everything from experimental performances to blockbuster Broadway hits. 

Source: Pexels

2. Tokyo 

Tokyo takes a well-deserved second place in our study, scoring high across all metrics for creativity. 

Japan’s capital boasts an impressive 1,139 museums, more than any other city in our analysis. These museums range from the expansive Tokyo National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of traditional Japanese art and artifacts, to the quirky Cup Noodles Museum, which celebrates the history of one of Japan’s food inventions. 

When it comes to art galleries, Tokyo ranks just behind New York, with 504 across the city. From the contemporary exhibits at the Mori Art Museum to the eclectic works displayed in the smaller, independent galleries of the Ginza and Roppongi districts, Tokyo’s art scene is as vibrant as it’s diverse. 

Source: Unsplash

3. London

London stands out mainly for its vibrant theatre culture. Of all the cities we studied, it has the highest number of theaters (229 in total). 

The West End, London’s answer to Broadway, is a world-famous hotspot for theatre performances, offering everything from classic Shakespearean plays at the Globe Theatre to performances at venues like the National Theatre. 

Source: Unsplash

The best US cities for creative inspiration 

1. New York 

Naturally, as the best city in the world for creativity, New York also tops the list of the best cities for creative inspiration in the US. 

With the highest number of theaters in all US cities, the most art galleries (638), and a staggering 1,098 pieces of street art, New York takes a well-deserved place at the top of our list. 

Source: Unsplash

2. Los Angeles 

Los Angeles takes the runner-up position. Home to 81 theatres, Los Angeles offers a diverse range of performances, from intimate plays in small venues to big productions in theatres like the Pantages and the Orpheum. 

LA is also a hotspot for visual arts, boasting 84 art galleries and 147 museums, and is known for institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and The Getty Center museum. 

Education and creativity go hand in hand in Los Angeles, which offers 127 creative college courses. However, what truly sets Los Angeles apart is its astounding 2,334 pieces of street art, the most in the US and our worldwide ranking. The city’s walls are covered with murals and thought-provoking paintings. Notable pieces include To Ukraine, With Love painting in the Arts District, and the captivating Blue for You in Beverly Hills. 

Source: Pexels

3. Chicago 

Chicago impresses with the second-highest number of theatres, totaling 100. From the historic Chicago Theatre to the avant-garde Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the city offers diverse performances that cater to all tastes and preferences. 

Chicago also ranks second for the number of art galleries, with 222 spaces dedicated to showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions. In addition to its theatres and galleries, Chicago boasts 84 museums that span vastly different disciplines and interests. 

Education plays a significant role in Chicago’s creative ecosystem, with 184 creative college courses offered by prestigious institutions like the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Columbia College Chicago. These courses nurture the talents of aspiring artists, designers, and performers, ensuring a continuous flow of creativity in the city.

Chicago’s cultural vibrancy is further highlighted by its impressive 203 events, ranging from music festivals like Lollapalooza to the Chicago Humanities Festival. 

Source: Pexels

How to use creativity to your advantage 

Exploring creative institutions can be a great way to inspire creative thinking. But how can you unlock your full creative potential in your own area or in cities you travel to? 

Agnese Bite, Head of Design at Printful, says, “Breaking into the creative industry isn’t always easy. So many creatives are out there looking to immerse themselves in a culture full of artistic opportunity. 

“To truly take advantage of your creativity, engage with your surroundings: attend workshops and classes if you can, collaborate with local artists, and participate in community art projects. Regularly visit galleries and exhibitions to stay inspired by the latest trends and diverse artistic expressions. Exploring different neighborhoods can also expose you to unique cultural influences and street art. By fully immersing yourself in these experiences, you can nurture your creativity and grow as an artist.

“You can even use online platforms to expand and share your creativity. For instance, at Printful, you can create your own designs, share them with others, and even monetize them with print-on-demand to help you get started in the industry.” 

Methodology 

To find out the best cities for creative inspiration, we created a list of 30 global cities. Each city was then ranked according to the following metrics: 

• The number of theatres (TripAdvisor)

• The number of art galleries (TripAdvisor)

• The number of museums (whichmuseum)

• The number of creative courses (bachelorsportal)

• The number of street art pieces (streetartcities)

• The number of events (getyourguide)

Using all metrics, we then ranked each city from highest to lowest to reveal the best cities for creatives worldwide.