UNESCO Creative Cities

UNESCO Creative Cities recognise places where creativity plays an important role in the cultural, social, and economic life of the city. The global network brings together cities that have left their mark on creative fields as diverse as literature, music, design, crafts and folk art, architecture, and more. 

Scotland is home to four Creative Cities, which form part of the wider Scotland UNESCO Trail connecting Scotland’s renowned cultural and natural places.  

Learn more about UNESCO Creative Cities.

Stories are written into Edinburgh’s streets. Explore the closes and wynds that inspired writers from Robert Louis Stevenson to JK Rowling, browse independent bookshops, or discover literary landmarks celebrating writers from Sir Walter Scott to Muriel Spark. 

Edinburgh became the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004, recognising a literary heritage that endures through its libraries, festivals, and storytellers.  

Things to experience: 

• The Writers’ Museum and Makars’ Court  
• Scottish Storytelling Centre  
• Scottish Poetry Library  
• Edinburgh International Book Festival  
• Literary walking tours  
• Independent bookshops
• Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Explore Edinburgh – UNESCO City of Literature 

Music is Glasgow’s heart and soul. Hear emerging bands in intimate venues, experience folk and traditional music, take your seat for a world-class orchestral concert, or join thousands of fans at one of the city’s major stages. 

Glasgow’s music scene stretches across genres, from classical and Celtic to rock, pop, and electronic music, with venues, record shops, festivals, and live performances found across the city. 

Things to experience: 

• Barrowland Ballroom  
• Glasgow Royal Concert Hall  
• King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut  
• The OVO Hydro  
• Celtic Connections  

Explore Glasgow – UNESCO City of Music 

Dundee is a city that lives and breathes design. Begin at its transformed waterfront, home to the V&A Dundee and its fascinating collections, or delve into one of many other creative stories told through textiles, comics, video games, and even street art.  

Once known for jute and shipbuilding, Dundee has transformed into a hub for design and innovation. Its creative heritage includes journalism, iconic comics such as The Beano and Dandy, and globally successful video game franchises, including Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto, which both began in the city. 

Things to experience: 

• V&A Dundee  
• Dundee Contemporary Arts  
• Dundee Design Trails 
• Open/Close Dundee – street art trails  
• Verdant Works  

Explore Dundee – UNESCO City of Design 

Discover a city shaped by making. Perth and the surrounding area have a rich tradition of craft, alongside a thriving community of contemporary makers working and innovating across a range of disciplines and mediums, keeping traditional skills alive. 

Explore museums and galleries, meet local makers, browse independent shops, or get hands-on with Scotland’s creative traditions at workshops and events. 

Things to experience: 

• Perth Museum  
• Perth Art Gallery 
• The Make Room 
• Perth Creative Exchange 
• Creative workshops  
• River Tay Public Art Trail  

Discover Perth – UNESCO City of Craft & Folk Art