Whether you’re a designer chasing a deadline or a writer on the hunt for the perfect phrase, every creative hits a wall. But could your environment be holding you back? According to new research from Adobe Express, a change of scenery might be just what your imagination needs.

To find out which places are best for reigniting creative spark, the Adobe Express team analysed 25 UK cities and 40 international locations, ranking them based on five key factors: cost of living, and the number of museums, art galleries, libraries, and parks per 100,000 people. Once gathered, the data was normalised, scored, and tallied to reveal which cities are most likely to help you escape creative block and get back into flow.

The Top UK Locations for Creative Block

From historic capitals to affordable coastal gems, here are the top five UK cities where creatives can reset, refocus, and get inspired:

1. Edinburgh – Score: 59.42

Steeped in literary legacy and cultural richness, Edinburgh takes the top spot. With a staggering 9.9 museums and 16.4 art galleries per 100,000 people, Scotland’s capital offers endless inspiration for artists and history lovers alike. Its 3.6 green spaces and winding cobblestone streets also make it ideal for contemplative walks.

Though the cost of living is high (70.5), many creatives are willing to pay for the privilege of being surrounded by centuries of creativity. Whether you’re sketching by the castle or writing in a café on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh is a natural muse.

2. Belfast – Score: 57.92

Belfast blends rich cultural heritage with a modern creative energy. With 4.4 libraries per 100,000 people—the most in the UK ranking—it’s a haven for writers and researchers. The city also features 8 art galleries and 4.2 museums, offering no shortage of inspiration.

With a moderate cost of living score (62.6), Belfast strikes the perfect balance between affordability and opportunity, especially for creatives seeking quieter, more affordable surroundings to focus and create.

3. Nottingham – Score: 50.66

Nottingham offers a green escape with 7.7 parks per 100,000—the highest in our top five—making it an ideal retreat for creatives who find their spark outdoors. The city’s 5.3 museums and 7.7 art galleries create a well-rounded cultural scene.

Although the number of libraries is lower (0.3 per 100,000), visual artists and nature lovers will find themselves right at home in this East Midlands city, where inspiration often begins with a walk among the trees.

4. Glasgow – Score: 49.45

Famed for its vibrant music and arts scene, Glasgow is a creative powerhouse. With 9 art galleries, 6 museums, and 5.9 parks per 100,000 people, it provides rich resources for any creative discipline. The city also features 1.1 libraries, offering peaceful spaces for thought and study.

Glasgow’s raw energy and thriving underground art scene make it especially attractive to emerging creatives. Whether you’re attending a live gig or sketching by the River Clyde, ideas come easily here.

5. Kingston-Upon-Hull – Score: 42.66

Often overlooked, Kingston-Upon-Hull rounds out the UK top five thanks to its affordability and cultural variety. It boasts the lowest cost of living score (55.3) in the top rankings, making it a practical choice for creatives starting out.

With 5.2 museums, 2.6 art galleries, and 2.6 parks per 100,000 people, Hull provides a surprisingly rich array of venues to explore and recharge. Its growing creative community makes it a hidden gem for those willing to look beyond the usual suspects.

The Top Worldwide Locations for Creative Block

From the bohemian streets of Europe to the high-tech cities of Asia, these five global destinations are best for shaking off creative stagnation:

1. Paris, France – Score: 67.45

It’s no surprise that the City of Light tops the global list. With 54.6 art galleries per million and 4.8 libraries, Paris is paradise for creatives in search of aesthetic stimulation. The city’s 19 parks per million offer tranquil outdoor retreats, while world-renowned institutions like the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou ensure no shortage of cultural fuel.

While living costs are on the higher side, the creative atmosphere is unmatched, making Paris an enduring favourite for artists, writers, and thinkers.

2. Barcelona, Spain – Score: 65.25

Barcelona offers a perfect blend of culture, architecture, and nature. It ranks first globally for libraries (5.8 per million) and is home to 26.2 art galleries, ensuring there’s something for every creative mind.

The city’s 21.8 museums and 17.3 parks add to its well-rounded appeal. With a relatively low cost of living score (57), Barcelona offers a high-quality, inspiration-rich lifestyle without the price tag of larger capitals.

3. Toronto, Canada – Score: 53.95

With its diverse cultural scene and abundant green spaces, Toronto secures the third spot. The city has 31.7 art galleries and a striking 39.8 parks per million, making it ideal for both urban explorers and nature-loving creatives.

While its cost of living is on the higher end (63.8), the cultural depth of Toronto continues to attract creatives from around the globe looking for a balance of city life and natural beauty.

4. Madrid, Spain – Score: 42.88

Madrid’s 19.1 museums and 19.2 galleries per million reflect its position as a cornerstone of European art and culture. With a low cost of living score (55.8) and 10.9 parks, it’s a great destination for creatives looking to stretch their budget while immersing in inspiration.

From classic to contemporary, Madrid’s artistic diversity and friendly vibe make it one of the most underrated creative hubs in Europe.

5. Seoul, South Korea – Score: 40.97

Blending futuristic tech with ancient traditions, Seoul is a unique city for modern creatives. It ranks highest for museums (26.5 per million) and offers 14.2 galleries, making it an exciting destination for artists and designers.

Though it offers slightly fewer green spaces (8.7 parks), the city makes up for it with its electrifying culture, trend-setting fashion, and global art scene.

Tips to Break Through Creative Block – Anytime, Anywhere

While changing location can spark creativity, there are plenty of ways to find your flow wherever you are. Here are Adobe Express’s top tips:

• Change Your View: If you’ve been staring at the same screen or notebook for hours, step away. A walk, a coffee in a new location, or even a different seat in your house can change your mindset.
• Use Visual Tools: Sometimes all you need is a creative nudge. Adobe Express’s AI art generator (Firefly) turns text into images in seconds—perfect for visualising ideas and getting inspired.
• Break It Down: Big projects can be overwhelming. Try working on a small component—like a sentence, sketch, or colour palette. Once momentum builds, creativity often follows.
• Collaborate: Fresh input = fresh ideas. Teaming up with others can challenge your thinking, introduce new perspectives, and lead to unexpected inspiration.

For more information on the locations to visit when facing creative block, visit Adobe Express’s blog here: 

https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/learn/blog/best-places-for-creative-block