Best of the World 2026: Why Beijing, Rio, Pittsburgh (and More) Made the List
Summer has slipped away and the trees are changing color, which makes it the perfect moment to daydream about your next trip. National Geographic just revealed its Best of the World lineup for 2026, a curated list of 25 places chosen by its global team of editors and explorers. CNN spoke with editor in chief Nathan Lump about what stood out this year. From creative cities and under-the-radar regions to wildlife hot spots and destinations focused on sustainability, here is what made the cut and why it matters for travelers planning 2026.
Standout Cities
Pittsburgh, United States
Pittsburgh shines as an easy long weekend with serious culture. The postindustrial Pennsylvania city pulses with a young, creative crowd thanks to its universities. Spend your days hopping between excellent museums, then wander lively neighborhoods filled with independent shops and unexpected finds. According to Lump, it is an American favorite for art, design, and accessible fun.
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is one of South America’s best comeback stories. Art and music spill into parks and plazas, gardens soften the urban landscape, and the city feels electric from morning into late night. Travelers will find a thriving cultural scene, modern transit, and welcoming neighborhoods that make it a vibrant base for exploring Colombia.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio looks ahead to a big year. New museum openings are on the horizon, and a freshly unveiled hiking route lets visitors trek to the Christ the Redeemer statue for a more outdoorsy take on a classic icon. Pair beach time with hilltop views, then dive into Rio’s creative energy across galleries, music venues, and renewed public spaces.
Oulu, Finland
Oulu steps into the spotlight as a 2026 European Capital of Culture. The northern Finnish city blends innovation with playful civic spirit, including quirky events like the Air Guitar World Championship. Expect a packed calendar of performances, installations, and community-driven art that bring long summer days and crisp winter nights to life.
Guimarães, Portugal
Guimarães carries the European Green Capital title for the year ahead, and it shows in the city’s thoughtful approach to parks, mobility, and heritage. Medieval lanes and plazas feel fresh thanks to sustainability projects and cultural programming. It is a compact, walkable base for exploring northern Portugal.
Hull, England
Hull is ready for a reappraisal. Long underestimated at home, the maritime city rewards curious travelers with a serious seafaring history and a standout aquarium. Give yourself time to explore the waterfront, visit niche museums, and discover a destination that is more interesting than its reputation suggests.
Rabat, Morocco
Rabat blends Atlantic breezes with a calm, cultured rhythm. Elegant boulevards meet coastal viewpoints and historic sites, creating a capital that balances modern life with deep roots. It is a smart pick for travelers who want Morocco’s artistry and cuisine without the crush of bigger tourist hubs.
Beijing, China
Beijing anchors any 2026 Asia itinerary, from the Great Wall’s Mutianyu section to imperial landmarks and contemporary art districts. The city layers ancient history with cutting-edge design, superb food, and fast connections to nature. Plan extra time for day trips and gallery hopping between courtyard hutongs.
Manila, Philippines
Manila’s momentum continues across dining, design, and neighborhoods that mix heritage architecture with new creative projects. It is the natural gateway to the country’s islands, but the capital now stands on its own as a destination for contemporary Filipino culture.
The Path Less Traveled
Türkiye’s Black Sea Coast
Go beyond Türkiye’s Aegean and Mediterranean favorites to the quieter Black Sea shore in the northeast. The climate is milder, the mountains dramatic, and the tea-green valleys dotted with wooden architecture and historic sites. You will find adventure options and cultural experiences without the coastal crowds.
Khiva, Uzbekistan
Khiva remains a living open-air museum, and it is about to get easier to reach. A new high-speed train from Tashkent brings the Silk Road legend closer than ever. Visit now to wander sand-colored walls, tiled minarets, and quiet courtyards before the secret is fully out.
Dongseo Trail, South Korea
Hiking is taking off in South Korea, and the Dongseo Trail will be the headline act in 2026. Large sections of this 527-mile route, inspired by Spain’s Camino de Santiago, are set to open with thoughtful staging so each segment makes a perfect day’s walk. Expect well-marked paths, village stops, and mountain views.
Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
About 200 miles north of Tokyo, Yamagata offers the onsens, temples, and seasonal cooking travelers love, minus the crush of Japan’s busiest places. Forested hills, calm towns, and slow travel moments make it a tonic for anyone seeking space and authenticity.
Coastal Oaxaca, Mexico
The coast of Oaxaca pairs rugged beaches and surf breaks with low-key towns and a creative culinary scene. Travelers can balance lazy days by the sea with mezcal tastings, coastal hikes, and wildlife encounters, all at a more relaxed pace than larger resort zones.
Wildlife and Wonder
Dominica’s Sperm Whale Reserve
Dominica stands on the brink of a world first: a protected reserve for resident sperm whales. Around 200 of these deep-diving giants frequent the island’s Caribbean waters year-round, promising life-changing marine encounters and a model for ocean conservation.
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Akagera offers the classic safari “big five” experience with fewer people at the lookout. Lakes, savanna, and wetlands support lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo, while conservation work continues to strengthen the park’s wildlife comeback story.
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, North Dakota, United States
North Dakota’s Badlands gain a striking new landmark in July 2026 when the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opens. Designed by acclaimed Norwegian firm Snøhetta, the project invites visitors deeper into the “haunting, spare” landscape that shaped America’s conservation president.
Basque Country, Spain
Set your sights on the sky. The Basque Country is one of the rare spots on land expected to deliver prime viewing of the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. Combine celestial drama with pintxos, modern architecture, and coastal scenery for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
Beginning in April, visitors can stay overnight within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for the first time. Picture stargazing by a campfire in view of the world’s largest monolith, then waking up for sunrise colors that ripple across the desert.
Vancouver, Canada, and the Dolomites, Italy
Sports fans have two big reasons to travel. Vancouver steps into hosting duties for FIFA World Cup action, while Italy’s Dolomites welcome the Winter Olympics. Both destinations pair headline events with great outdoor access and strong local culture.
Québec, Canada
Québec rounds out the year’s wonder list with European-style streets, robust food traditions, and four-season appeal. From winter festivals to summer riverfront strolls, the province rewards repeat visits.
Regeneration and Responsible Travel
Maui, Hawaiʻi, United States
Maui is recovering after the 2023 wildfires, and the island is welcoming travelers back. Fewer crowds mean a gentler experience on beaches and trails, while top resorts and local operators have introduced new programming. Visiting with care supports the community as it rebuilds.
Fiji, South Pacific
Fiji’s 300-plus islands are doubling down on sustainable tourism. Voluntourism opportunities make it easy to give back during your stay, then unwind with reef swims and end-of-day sunsets. It is paradise with a purpose.
Oklahoma, United States
Oklahoma is polishing its stretch of Route 66 for the road’s centennial. With more than 400 miles of the Mother Road in state, expect relit neon, refreshed motor courts, and classic roadside attractions. The state has invested more than $82 million to bring the celebration to life, making 2026 the year for an Americana road trip.
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This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance
