Published on
October 20, 2025
In a significant achievement for Adelaide, the South Australian capital has been named the #1 Best Place to Travel in 2026 by Yahoo! Creators, surpassing world-renowned destinations like Kyoto in Japan, the Dolomites in Italy, Sacramento in California, and Mongolia. This prestigious recognition highlights Adelaide’s rapid growth and its rising prominence as a global tourism hub.
Adelaide’s Growing Appeal on the Global Stage
The announcement, which came from Yahoo! Creators and travel expert Meagan Drillinger, paints a picture of Adelaide as a city on the rise. According to Ms. Drillinger, the South Australian capital is poised to experience a landmark year in 2026, thanks to major investments in global connectivity, innovative developments, and a vibrant food and wine scene.
Adelaide’s rising profile in global tourism is the result of a series of exciting changes, both in infrastructure and the cultural landscape. These developments are expected to transform the city into one of the most exciting destinations for travelers.
Key Developments Contributing to Adelaide’s Rise
One of the standout developments in Adelaide’s tourism sector is the launch of United Airlines’ first-ever non-stop flight from the United States. Scheduled to begin in December 2025, this direct flight is set to make Adelaide more accessible to international travelers, particularly from North America. This marks a significant step in the city’s efforts to increase global connectivity, making it easier for visitors from all corners of the world to explore Adelaide’s offerings.
In addition to this, the city is undergoing a $400 million transformation of the Adelaide Central Market, one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks. This transformation will further solidify the market’s place as a world-class destination for food lovers. Adelaide’s food scene is already renowned for its high-quality produce, and this multi-million-dollar investment is expected to elevate its status even further, attracting visitors looking to indulge in some of the best culinary experiences Australia has to offer.
Further adding to the excitement is the much-anticipated opening of Restaurant Aptos. This new dining establishment is set to become one of Adelaide’s premier culinary destinations, offering innovative dishes that showcase the region’s vibrant food culture.
What Makes Adelaide Stand Out
As Ms. Drillinger highlights, Adelaide is unique in that it offers a blend of city life and natural beauty, with bustling laneways, an active arts scene, and proximity to some of the world’s best wine regions. The city is a perfect mix of modern urban attractions and easy access to scenic landscapes and vineyards, making it an ideal destination for both city explorers and nature lovers.
Beyond its food and wine scene, Adelaide is becoming known for its commitment to the arts, with a growing number of galleries, theaters, and cultural festivals that draw visitors year-round. The city’s thriving arts community has earned Adelaide a place on the global stage, setting the city apart from other tourism hubs around the world.
The Recognition of Adelaide’s Transformation
The recognition of Adelaide as the top travel destination for 2026 also follows the recent announcement that South Australia was named the Best Events State. This accolade highlights the ongoing investments in the region’s tourism and event infrastructure, further proving Adelaide’s commitment to becoming a world-class destination.
In response to the city’s achievement, Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison, expressed her pride in the recognition. Minister Bettison acknowledged that Adelaide is cementing its place as one of Australia’s most exciting destinations. She pointed to the significant investments being made to transform the city into a tourism powerhouse, and emphasized that the combination of world-class experiences and major infrastructure investments has created a perfect environment for growth.
What This Means for Adelaide’s Future
Minister Bettison also reflected on the importance of Adelaide’s recognition, saying that it is not only a great honor but also an endorsement of everything Adelaide and South Australia have to offer. She emphasized that the city’s incredible food and wine, unique culture, and natural beauty are all part of what makes Adelaide such an attractive destination.
The Minister noted that the recognition reinforces the idea that Adelaide is one of the most liveable, vibrant, and welcoming cities in the world, with a unique charm that continues to attract visitors from all over. She also pointed out that Adelaide’s position as a top travel destination is well-timed, with major investments in tourism infrastructure, new international access routes, and the ongoing transformation of key cultural spaces.
Invitation to Explore Adelaide
With Adelaide being recognized as the best place to visit in 2026, Minister Bettison extended an invitation to travelers around the world to experience the beauty of the city and the surrounding South Australian regions. She encouraged visitors to explore the many attractions, from the city’s world-renowned wine regions to the vibrant laneways and art scenes, and to enjoy the warm hospitality that makes the state so unique.
Adelaide’s recognition as the top travel destination for 2026 is just the beginning. With continued investment and an ever-growing appeal, the city is set to shine as one of the world’s most sought-after locations for travelers looking for unique, enriching experiences.
Conclusion
Adelaide’s recognition as the #1 Best Place to Travel in 2026 is a testament to the city’s rapid growth and transformation. With increased global connectivity, visionary developments, and world-class food, wine, and cultural offerings, Adelaide is well-positioned to become one of the most visited cities in the world in the years to come. This recognition not only celebrates the city’s past achievements but also paves the way for a future filled with even more exciting developments, attracting travelers from across the globe.
[Image Credit: South Australia Tourism Commission]
