Every traveler searches for the next place that will move, inspire, or surprise them. For 2026, National Geographic has unveiled its annual Best of the World list, revealing 26 destinations that promise unforgettable journeys—from quiet wilderness escapes to cities rewriting their futures.
The 2026 collection celebrates destinations that merge nature, innovation, and cultural renewal. “This year’s list honors places that invite travelers to experience the planet with fresh eyes,” editors said in the announcement. Here’s where the world will be traveling next year.
Europe
Dolomites, Italy
Crowned as the top pick for 2026, the Dolomites will host the Winter Olympic Games, showcasing spectacular alpine scenery and world-class slopes. Beyond skiing, travelers can enjoy Michelin-starred mountain dining and sustainable luxury lodges surrounded by UNESCO-protected peaks.
Hull, England
Once a gritty port city, Hull is celebrating 800 years of maritime history with a new creative spirit. Revitalized museums, waterfront art trails, and independent galleries make it a rising destination on England’s northeast coast.
Oulu, Finland
Positioned on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Oulu blends technology and wilderness. Visitors can kayak under the midnight sun, chase the Northern Lights, and discover a growing culinary scene powered by local innovation.
Guimarães, Portugal
Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães combines medieval charm with a sustainable vision—cycle paths, green plazas, and markets celebrating regional cuisine make it a model for eco-conscious travel.
Basque Country, Spain
Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Vitoria-Gasteiz will be in the spotlight during a rare total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. Between pintxos bars, modern architecture, and dramatic coastal views, the Basque Country blends science, art, and gastronomy into one unforgettable trip.
Asia
Beijing, China
Beijing’s Central Axis—linking the Temple of Heaven to the Forbidden City—has joined UNESCO’s World Heritage list, giving travelers a new reason to explore the capital’s living history. The reopening of the Ming Tombs and Great Wall night tours make 2026 an ideal year to visit.
Manila, Philippines
As the Philippines joins the Michelin Guide for the first time, Manila takes center stage with vibrant food markets and cutting-edge restaurants redefining Asian cuisine. The capital’s dynamic blend of flavors tells the story of a city rediscovering its cultural identity.
Yamagata, Japan
In northern Japan, Yamagata invites travelers to slow down. With its sacred mountains, hot springs, and the Hanagasa summer festival, it offers an authentic look at Japan’s spiritual and seasonal rhythms.
South Korea
The new 845-kilometer Dongseo Trail is South Korea’s next adventure frontier. Passing through coastal villages and forested peaks, it introduces travelers to the country’s quieter, more natural side.
Khiva, Uzbekistan
A new high-speed rail link now connects Tashkent to the Silk Road gem of Khiva. With turquoise-tiled mosques and spice-scented bazaars, this ancient city feels like stepping into a living museum.
Black Sea Coast, Türkiye
Türkiye’s northern coast surprises with diversity—tea plantations, Byzantine monasteries, surf beaches, and ski slopes all in one journey. Highlights include the Sümela Monastery and the seaside city of Trabzon.
Africa
Rabat, Morocco
Morocco’s capital is reinventing itself as a modern cultural hub. With Zaha Hadid’s Royal Theatre, the Mohammed VI Tower, and its recognition as World Book Capital 2026, Rabat merges tradition and architectural ambition.
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
A triumph of conservation, Akagera National Park has seen the return of lions, rhinos, and elephants. Its rewilding success makes it a top choice for responsible safaris that support local communities.
North America
Quebec, Canada
Nibiischii Park, managed by the Cree Nation, invites travelers to explore 10,000 square kilometers of untouched wilderness. Guided canoe trips and stargazing nights immerse visitors in Indigenous culture and Canada’s natural grandeur.
Banff, Canada
One of Canada’s most iconic parks, Banff continues to captivate with glacier-fed lakes, hot springs, and wildlife-rich trails. It remains a timeless escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
Vancouver, Canada
Set to host part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Vancouver blends cosmopolitan life with rugged landscapes—from urban beaches to redwood forests and Indigenous-led canoe tours.
North Dakota Badlands, United States
The future Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will open here, honoring the naturalist president. Bison, canyons, and endless plains make it a journey through authentic Americana.
Route 66, Oklahoma, United States
Tulsa, capital of Route 66, and neighboring towns revive the legend of America’s Mother Road with restored diners, neon lights, and museums dedicated to mid-century travel nostalgia.
Maui, Hawaii, United States
Recovering from the 2023 wildfires, Maui encourages regenerative tourism. Visitors can volunteer through programs like Mālama Hawai‘i while enjoying the island’s beaches and resorts.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Once known for steel, Pittsburgh now shines with creativity. Its art museums, riverfront markets, and skyline views reveal a city confidently redefining itself.
Latin America & the Caribbean
Costa Chica, Oaxaca, Mexico
This stretch of Oaxaca’s coast offers a quieter alternative to Mexico’s resort zones. Surfing beaches, artist collectives, and new flight routes make it one of the country’s most exciting emerging destinations.
Dominica
The Caribbean’s “Nature Island” will soon host the world’s first sperm whale sanctuary. Volcanoes, rainforests, and eco-lodges create a paradise for wildlife lovers and conservation-minded travelers.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From the renovated Copacabana Palace to open-air hiking trails with sweeping bay views, Rio’s energy feels reborn—vibrant, musical, and timelessly beautiful.
Medellín, Colombia
Once a symbol of hardship, Medellín now thrives as a beacon of creativity. Its murals, gardens, and festivals celebrate transformation through art and community.
Oceania
Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Australia
Starting in April 2026, travelers can join five-day treks led by Anangu Traditional Owners. These guided journeys through desert landscapes blend adventure with Indigenous storytelling and stargazing.
Fiji
Sustainability defines travel in Fiji, where resorts promote coral restoration and community-led conservation. It’s a chance to experience island luxury with a conscience.
National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026 list reflects a shared desire for meaningful journeys—ones that connect travelers to culture, community, and the planet itself.
Top Photo Credit: alfernec / Shutterstock.com
