Top 10 places to visit in 2026

10. Philadelphia, United States of America

The United States of America (USA) will be celebrating its 250th independence in 2026, and particularly in Philadelphia, a year-long campaign will be running to celebrate this. This is because Philadelphia, often nicknamed as ‘the Birthplace of America‘, played a key part in a sequence of events that led to the USA’s independence.

So, visit the USA’s first UNESCO World Heritage City to know more about what led to the USA’s independence, and join in the year-long celebrations! Visit the Philadelphia250 website to read about their activities and celebrations in detail. And while you are in Philadelphia, make sure to visit the Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed, symbolizing American democracy.

In case you are there from mid June to mid July, why not try your hands at getting a FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket, or just join in the fan fests!

9. Kyoto, Japan

Japan is one of the prettiest and most atmospheric countries in the world, blending a mix of both modern and traditional cultures. Especially in Kyoto, where temples and shrines of many centuries still stand. And in 2026, there will be a brand new historical film theme park – the Uzumasa Kyoto Village – opening soon and in phases from 28 March 2026.

The theme park will feature an immersive experience into the Edo-period (1603-1868), characterised by an era of peace, stability and cultural growth, albeit with strict regulations.

Enjoy live shows, hands-on activities as well as ninja displays when it finally opens. And don’t forget to visit other amazing attractions in Kyoto such as Kiyumizudera Temple, Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion and Arashiyama.

Why not also hop into a shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo and visit the world’s only Pokemon theme park PokéPark Kanto – opening 5 February 2026?

8. Iceland

Iceland is one of the most naturally untouched places in the world, what’s more with just 400,000 people living in a vast land of 103,000 square km / 40,000 square miles! Waterfalls, lakes, geographical faults, volcanoes, geysers, you name them and you see them! It is as if it’s a live geography textbook! And being a geography student back in the days, I was so impressed coming face to face with them all!

Make sure to visit Blue Lagoon (a scenic geothermal spa great for skin-healing benefits), the Jökulsárlón (glacier lake with all-year-round icebergs) as well as Seljalandsfoss (where you can walk behind the waterfall).

One of few to see the total solar eclipse

So why visit in 2026? It is only one of the few places in the world where you can view the total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, others being eastern Greenland and northern Spain. That’s about it.

And it’s not viewable all across Iceland, because the shadows of the moon will only be cast in totality on the western tips of the island. That is to say, you should be in the region of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in order to catch the eclipse in entirety.

Even if you are not visiting in summer, Iceland is also a great place to view the northern lights. Particularly in the northern parts of Iceland. 2026 might be at the tail end of peak northern light activity, so try to catch it while you can!

7. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi is set to open the world’s largest Guggenheim museum in 2026 in the cultural district of Saadiyat Island. The museum will focus on global modern and contemporary art with a special emphasis on West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia, reflecting the city’s aim to serve as a cultural hub with educational facilities.

It will be located right next to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a museum opened in 2017 as a result of a French partnership.

So if you are a big fan of art and wish to visit the latest addition to the list of Guggenheim museums, make sure to pay attention to the announcement of its opening date!

6. Route 66, United States of America

Yet another feature for the USA is Route 66, a historic 2,400-mile / 3,800-km highway that connects Santa Monica and Los Angeles in the west, all the way to Chicago towards the east. The highway incredibly spans across 8 different US states and 2026 will be marking its 100th year anniversary!

And so the entire 2026 will see various different events and festivals celebrating its centennial. For this reason, it’s probably time to plan a road trip down sections of Route 66 and join in the celebrations. Especially so if you are a car-lover. That’s because car shows will be in abundance and may just be the highlights along the highway! Check out the list of centennial activities being planned for Route 66 in the Route 66 Centennial website!

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 happening in the US as well, you can also try to get tickets for matches at Dallas and Los Angeles, both cities along the Route 66.

5. Paris, France

Disneyland Paris is opening a brand new immersive experience, specifically called the “World of Frozen“! I can already see all the ‘Frozen’ fans sitting up!

World of Frozen will certainly be bringing the Kingdom of Arandelle to life when it opens on 29 March 2026! You can roam around the Arandelle Village, see the majestic Arandelle Castle, and then take a boat ride down to Elsa’s Ice Palace! Make sure to also make friends with the AI-powered Olaf roaming around the village.

Meanwhile, you can catch a glimpse of what to come and expect at the World of Frozen:

And while you are in Paris, you should also not miss the other Parisian sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe!

4. Dominica

Dominica is an independent island country in the Caribbean, measuring only 750 square km / 290 square miles. It should however not be confused with the Dominican Republic, which is another country of a similar name. Dominica has only fairly recently obtained independence from Britain in 1978, so English is a fairly common language.

What’s special about Dominica in 2026 then? Dominica will be opening the world’s first sperm whale reserve! While the objective of the reserve is to protect the 200 sperm whales and manage marine resources, it is also of the idea to integrate regulated and sustainable tourism. Therefore, visitors can engage with the whales through activities such as whale watching and swimming with the whales.

What’s more, the whale reserve is expected to cover 800 square km, which is larger than the land area of the country itself!

The opening dates as well as the operational details of this sperm whale reserve are expected to be announced early 2026.

And when at Dominica, make sure to also visit Boiling Lake, the world’s second largest hot spring lake characterised by its boiling blue waters. You can reach the lake either by a cable car ride or a challenging hike.

3. Dolomites, Italy

It’s all eyes on Milan and Cortina in less than 2 months’ time, when the Winter Olympics of 2026 will take place! If you are a fan of winter sports, by all means head there to witness the games. Especially if you live in the European region.

But what I’m recommending the Dolomites for, is the summer hiking. Take advantage of all the much improved infrastructure – wider roads, revamped hotels, new luxury stays, more public transport links and better tourist facilities – before they get worn and overused.

In my opinion, the Dolomites is one of the best hiking places around. That’s because of its incredible beauty and its numerous hiking trails catering to a huge spectrum of experience and fitness levels. So delay no more, get to see the Dolomites with its newly renovated and revamped infrastructure.

2. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is the largest monolith in the world. It is a large rock made of arkose sandstone, an iron-bearing mineral which oxidises and then gives it a red colour. The rock looks particularly impressive under the rays of sunrise or sunset, as it changes colours between red, orange and brown. Located in the Northern Territory state and near the centre of Australia, the rock was formed over 500 million years and have been considered a sacred rock to the indigenous Australians called Anangu.

Out of respect of the Anangu people, climbs up the rock have been banned since October 2019. However, opening from April 2026 is a 5-day guided hike by the Tasmanian Walking Company. And that is to say, visitors can now stay overnight in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for the very first time! Hikers can expect to be able to stay in new lodges when on the hike. Even if you are not keen on long hikes, Ayers Rock alone is mesmerising to see.

Furthermore, you can get to learn more about the Anangu traditions told through a Wintjiri-Wiru lights, laser and drone show. So visit it and enjoy the Australian outback before it gets overly touristy!

1. Barcelona, Spain

Finally, after more than 140 years of construction, the La Sagrada Familia is expected to complete in 2026! This also coincides with the 100 year anniversary of the death of its architect Antoni Gaudi.

The city, as well as the various buildings designed by Gaudi, will be marking this with a year-long program of events in what they call the Gaudi Year 2026. The aim of this program is to promote the legacy left behind by Gaudi and increase awareness and interest from the special tributes. Expect to see numerous special exhibitions, a commemorative mass on his death date June 10th as well as the unveiling of the Jesus Christ Tower which will make La Sagrada Familia the tallest church in the world!

In addition to La Sagrada Familia, other Gaudi attractions such as Park Güell, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló will be hosting special activities and events to commemorate Gaudi as well.

If you are visiting, make sure to check their official websites to find out more about these special programs.

While you are in Barcelona, make sure to also enjoy the tapas and shop along La Rambla. You can also visit the nearby beaches, the Barcelona 1992 Olympics or FC Barcelona football stadiums.