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December 1, 2025 — 5:00am
Top destinations for 2026: Cities and towns
From grand, long-awaited debuts to sporting spectacles, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of monumental happenings in cities and towns across the globe. Whether you’re eyeing a historical pilgrimage, or a holiday centred around picturesque nature and prime skiing (without the European price tag), we’ve curated the ultimate list of the world centres set to burst with energy and celebration.
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo’s much-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum has finally opened, meaning 2026 is the time to experience the world’s largest archaeological museum in all its shiny new glory. Housing more than 100,000 artefacts, the museum’s star attraction will be items from King Tutankhamen’s tomb, including his golden throne, nested shrines and famous gold mask. Other notable events include the city’s popular jazz festival in October and the Cairo International Art Fair in November. Once you’ve had your fill of Cairo’s historic wonders, board a Nile River cruise and explore the ancient temples between Luxor and Aswan. See visitegypt.com
Milan, Italy
Known primarily as a global fashion hub (it’s home to Prada, Versace, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana), Milan will change tack next year to focus on sporting prowess as co-host of the Winter Olympics in February. In preparation, the city has spent millions on infrastructure improvements that will serve the city beyond the Games with upgrades to both the airport and public transport. Besides fashion and sport, you’ll find numerous architectural wonders (Milan Cathedral is a Gothic stunner), bucket-list artworks (don’t miss Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie) and regional specialties, including osso buco, panettone and, of course, risotto alla milanese. See yesmilano.it
Oulu, Finland
Despite being northern Finland’s largest city, Oulu doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Located on the west coast overlooking the Gulf of Bothnia, it’s part innovative tech hub (the Oura Ring, a smart ring used to track sleep and health activity, was founded here), part festival-loving oddball (it famously hosts the Air Guitar World Championships). Visit in summer for hiking, biking and cycling under the midnight sun; visit in winter for sledding, skiing and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Next year the city is a European Capital of Culture with a year-long program of events around the theme Cultural Climate Change. See oulu.com
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is nothing if not versatile. After positioning itself as the adventure capital of the world, it’s now set the audacious target of having a carbon-zero visitor economy by 2030. To achieve this, it’ll need to develop electric-powered replacements for all those gas-guzzling buses and jet boats plus invest heavily in solar power, recycling and water management. The Electrify Queenstown conference in May 2026 will offer practical tips while other events next year include The Valley food and wine festival in Gibbston in January and the inaugural Queenstown International Football Cup in April. See queenstownnz.co.nz
Rabat, Morocco
Offering a more laid-back alternative to Marrakesh and Fes, Morocco’s capital has equally interesting historical sites but with the added allure of golden beaches and a breezy coastal setting. Must-see attractions include the Kasbah of the Udayas, a hilltop UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Chellah necropolis, a sprawling medieval necropolis and Roman archaeological site. Next year, the city has the prestigious accolade of World Book Capital, with a year-long program of workshops, readings and cultural events beginning on April 23, which is World Book and Copyright Day (who knew?). See visitmorocco.com
Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
The word is already out about Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular scenery. The Switzerland of Central Asia offers stunning hiking in the Tien Shan mountains, a buckling landscape of plunging valleys and soaring passes. In December 2026, the first instalment of a sprawling ski resort called Ala-Too will open near Karakol on the slopes above Lake Issyk-Kul, offering European-style skiing at Central Asian prices. And in September, the region will host the World Nomad Games, an international competition showcasing Central Asia’s nomadic sports, including wrestling, falconry and archery. Thanks to the recently refurbished Karakol International Airport, access is easier than ever. See visitkyrgyz.com
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Perennially overshadowed by its more glamorous neighbours Italy and Croatia, Ljubljana is one of Europe’s most picturesque, user-friendly and eco-conscious capitals. In 2016, the city was awarded the European Green Capital accolade for its sustainability initiatives, which include a car-free city centre, electric public transport and a strict recycling program. As the host for next year’s Urban Future conference, the city will implement further public infrastructure improvements, becoming a poster-child for sustainable urban development, something sure to raise its tourism profile even further. Guarded by a medieval hilltop castle, the compact capital is a delightful medley of cobblestone streets, arresting baroque architecture and alfresco riverside eateries. See visitljubljana.com
Nuuk, Greenland
Thanks to its new international airport, Greenland’s capital now has direct flights from Copenhagen, Reykjavik and New York. What will you find? A compact city with an intriguing mix of culture, adventure and natural drama. Learn about Inuit customs at the Greenland National Museum, kayak through a maze of icebergs in one of the world’s largest fjord systems and enjoy the captivating spectacle of the Northern Lights. Nuuk is a place to get out of your comfort zone – to sleep in a snow igloo, paddleboard with humpbacks and try local delicacies such as musk ox and seal. See visitgreenland.com
London, England
Next year will be a busy one for the capital, with the debut of Amazement Park, Europe’s largest immersive art experience, located inside Europe’s largest shopping centre, the cavernous Westfield London. There are high hopes that England’s first Waldorf Astoria will finally open its doors in Admiralty Arch, offering a unique vantage point between Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. Europe’s biggest country music festival, Country to Country, returns to The O2 in March, while notorious British bad-boy chef Gordon Ramsay will open the UK’s first Hell’s Kitchen restaurant in The Cumberland Hotel in the spring. See visitlondon.com
Washington DC, US
While there will be festivals and events all over the US next year to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence (a semiquincentennial, no less), Washington DC’s celebrations will be the most spectacular. From mid-June to mid-July, it’s staging a month-long festival on the National Mall, with free events, performances and an especially dramatic July 4th. New attractions next year include the National Geographic Museum of Exploration and an immersive museum beneath the Lincoln Memorial, while the cherry blossom festival in late-March will have added pop, thanks to 250 cherry trees gifted from Japan. See washington.org
Madrid, Spain
Spain’s capital and biggest city has pulled off a motorsport double-header next year, hosting the Spanish Grand Prix on the new Madring circuit in September and making its Formula E debut with a race in March. On August 12, Madrid will experience a partial solar eclipse (head to nearby Guadalajara for a total blackout). Evergreen attractions include Western Europe’s largest royal palace, the stunning Almudena Cathedral and a trifecta of world-class art museums housing an unrivalled collection of European masterpieces. Despite these big-ticket drawcards, Madrid’s centre is surprisingly compact, a maze of restaurant-lined laneways that echo with the soul-stirring sound of flamenco. See visitmadrid.es
Nagoya, Japan
Traditionally, Nagoya has been Japan’s quiet achiever, happy to let Tokyo and Kyoto take all the tourist glory. But that will change next year when it co-hosts the 2026 Asian Games and Asian Para Games in September and October. The annual cherry blossom festival is another crowd pleaser, with the city’s reconstructed Edo-era castle providing a picturesque backdrop. For more contemporary thrills, check out the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, which tells the unlikely story of its evolution from loom maker to car giant, plus the SCMaglev and Railway Park, aka train heaven for rail enthusiasts. See nagoya-info.jp
Frankfurt, Germany
Unless you’re really into banks, Frankfurt doesn’t tend to feature on many traveller’s itineraries, but 2026 will be a big year for the European financial hub thanks to its status as a World Design Capital. Exploring the theme Design for Democracy, the wide-ranging program features design-oriented exhibitions, events and public art that showcase how design can influence sustainability and quality of life. Other noteworthy happenings in 2026 include the world’s largest book fair in October, an exhibition of German artist Max Beckmann’s drawings at the Stadel Museum, and the annual flurry of Christmas markets in December. See visitfrankfurt.travel
Guadalajara, Mexico
In preparation for being one of Mexico’s three host cities for next year’s FIFA World Cup in June and July, Guadalajara is undergoing a massive infrastructure upgrade, making Mexico’s self-proclaimed cultural capital a compelling prospect for any visitor. It’s the best place to see an authentic mariachi performance (particularly during the annual Mariachi festival in August), sample some tequila from the nearby namesake region and stock up on Mexican handicrafts at numerous artisan markets. Don’t worry foodies – there’s plenty for you, too. The city’s signature dish is birria, a feisty, slow-cooked meat stew. See visitmexico.com
Taipei, Taiwan
Looking for an affordable alternative to Tokyo? Try Taipei. You’ll find a similarly intriguing collision of historical sites and modern skyscrapers, an equally vibrant street food scene and an easy-to-navigate public transport system. What differentiates Taiwan’s capital are cultural attractions such as the National Palace Museum, with its unrivalled collection of Chinese imperial artefacts, and the proximity to nature, with Elephant Mountain and Yangmingshan National Park both nearby. Notable festivals next year include the Chinese New Year in February, the Taiwan Lantern Festival in March and the month-long celebrations around the Baosheng Emperor’s birthday on May 1. See eng.taiwan.net.tw
Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia has become an increasingly bright blip on the tourist radar and for good reason. The country is an interesting blend of Persian, Soviet and Ottoman influences, with four UNESCO World Heritage sites and spectacular hiking in the Caucasus Mountains. With a dramatic setting in a plunging river valley, Tbilisi is the ideal introduction, with colourful Orthodox churches alongside brutalist Soviet-era tower blocks and arresting modern architecture. Relax in a hot spring-fed Persian bathhouse, feast on a cheese-smothered khachapuri (a leavened bread) and try a traditional amber wine from the world’s oldest wine-making culture. See georgia.travel
Williamsburg, Virginia, US
Not so much a town as a 121-hectare open-air museum, Colonial Williamsburg (a 2.5-hour drive south of Washington DC) takes visitors back in time in the most immersive way possible. Many cities and towns, including the national capital, are touting anniversary of independence events in 2026, but no place is quite like Colonial Williamsburg. Among its fun experiences is dining at the King’s Arms Tavern, which gives diners a “taste” of 18th-century hospitality with dishes such as “peanut soupe” and “onion pye”, washed down with mugs of ale. Although you can see a lot in a day, a three-day multi-day ticket makes more sense. See colonialwilliamsburg.org
Torquay, England
Next year marks 50 years since the death of Dame Agatha Christie, the queen of crime. Born in Torquay, Devon, this seaside “English Riviera” town will once again honour its favourite mystery author with its annual celebration. The International Agatha Christie Festival, running from September 12 to 20, is split into a fringe festival that embraces fun events in unusual locations and a more serious literary festival. London’s British Library will also honour the novelist with a major exhibition from October 30. See iacf-uk.org, bl.uk
Albany, Western Australia
Albany, on Western Australia’s south coast, is going big – really big – in order to mark its bicentennial next year. Across three weekends (March 13-15, 20-22, 27-29), see Finnish light artist Kari Kola’s Lighting the Sound – a work anticipated to be the world’s largest ever light installation (Kola’s CV includes large-scale light treatments of Ireland’s Connemara Mountains and England’s Stonehenge). For this work, he will light landforms in and around King George Sound. While visiting Albany earlier this year, Kola found inspiration in the Menang (bloodroot plant) for which the region’s First Nations people are named, developing a “roots of the sky” concept as inspiration for his monumental landscape artwork. See albany2026.com.au
Keflavik and Borgones, Iceland
Still kicking yourself for missing the surreal total solar eclipse that mesmerised the Ningaloo, West Australia, region in 2023? Grab a pair of eclipse glasses and start planning for next year’s major celestial event. On August 12, day will briefly turn to night, when the moon completely blocks the sun in parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain. A partial eclipse will be visible as far away as Canada, Scandinavia and Morocco. An easy way to place yourself in the path of totality is with Adventure World’s six-day Solar Eclipse Adventure – a customable self-drive tour of Iceland (departing August 10). Eclipse geeks can base themselves in western Iceland towns such as Keflavik or Borgones for best viewing of the big event. See adventureworld.com
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Perhaps Cortina d’Ampezzo doesn’t ring bells right now, but wait until February 6 when the Winter Olympics takes off. The alpine resort town, nicknamed the Queen of the Dolomites, shares hosting honours with Milan (see above), a five-hour drive or 90-minute helicopter ride to the south-west. Glamorous Cortina, near the Austrian border, has been used as a location for films such as 1963’s The Pink Panther and the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. Next year, all eyes will be on Cortina’s world-class slopes as they host Winter Olympic events including women’s alpine skiing, curling, and sliding sports (bobsleigh, luge and skeleton). See cortinadampezzo.it
Chelmsford, England
In 2020 a metal detectorist – prospecting on private land without permission – unearthed an extraordinary treasure near Chelmsford in Essex. His find, now christened the Great Baddow Hoard, comprised 933 Iron Age gold coins that are linked to Julius Caesar. While the finder ended up being convicted of attempted theft of 23 of the coins, there’s a happier ending for the cache that’s more than 2000 years old. It will be displayed for the first time at the Museum of Chelmsford, an hour’s drive north-east of London, during the 2026 northern summer. Following this temporary exhibition, the find will be permanently displayed at the museum from the 2027 northern spring onwards. See chelmsford.gov.uk
Paris Junction, Missouri, US
Travelling the Mother Road is all about stopping for a chinwag with those working and living alongside the historic Route 66, which turns 100 in 2026. One of the most colourful characters you can meet is George Bowick at Gay Parita – a replica gas station turned highway landmark at Paris Junction, Missouri. This rural spot, fronting an original alignment of the route, is quiet enough that you can snap selfies with the oversized Route 66 badge painted onto the road outside. Next year’s centennial calendar is filled with car-centric events such as January’s nine-day north-eastward The Drive Home and June’s The Great Race, a nine-day vintage car rally that will traverse Illinois to California. See route66-centennial.com
Assisi, Italy
The tomb of St Francis, Italy’s patron saint who founded the Franciscan order, will be unsealed next year for the first time since he died 800 years ago. His remains will be moved from the crypt to the foot of the papal altar in the lower church of the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi. The display, from February 22 to March 22, is part of a ritual of veneration that encourages reflection on St Francis’s life and teachings. See sanfrancescovive.org
Willunga, South Australia
The Santos Tour Down Under, a road-cycling race that forms the opening event of the international UCI WorldTour calendar, pedals back into South Australia from January 16 to 25. The 2026 event heralds the longest-ever women’s race – at 394.6 kilometres – with their stage-one action on January 17 starting and finishing in Willunga, south of Adelaide. Spectators can also head to the Esplanade at Aldinga Beach to witness the women whizzing past in sprint mode. Blink and you’ll miss them. See tourdownunder.com.au
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