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Adventure, curiosity, and the joy of discovering the unexpected—travel is about more than ticking off sights; it’s about immersing yourself in the people, culture, and energy of each destination. From cities reinventing themselves with bold, new architecture and cultural hotspots, to familiar favourites unveiling one-off global events, festivals, and new cultural landmarks, 2026 offers plenty of reasons to explore. Here are 26 cities on our radar for the year ahead, in no particular order, each with its own story, energy, and compelling reason it might just make your bucket list, too. Where will you go in 2026?
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s cinematic Old Town, best known to many as King’s Landing from Game of Thrones, is continuing its makeover in 2026. Dubrovnik is undergoing a quiet transformation. In response to years of overcrowding, city authorities have introduced visitor‑management systems, cruise‑ship and rental‑permit limits, and are encouraging more sustainable tourism with the goal of preserving its heritage and lifting pressure on daily life. Boutique hotels and restored heritage stays (like the idyllic recently reopened Villa Dubrovnik) are also reshaping the local scene, offering a quieter, greener and more authentic Mediterranean experience. It’s an ideal year to explore the fortress walls, medieval lanes, and of course, tuck into Dubrovnik’s delicious caramel custard, rožata.
Inspired to visit the set of King’s Landing in 2026? Check out our tours to Croatia.
2. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is set for a cultural and travel moment in 2026, building on global attention from the Africa Cup of Nations in January. Travellers will flock to the city for soulful design, desert escapes, and high-end riad stays, including the 15th‑ and 16th‑century Riad Sa’eed. The city’s Musée Yves Saint Laurent is calling travellers with the deeply personal exhibition ‘Yves Saint Laurent and His Dogs,’ on now through September. As always, every street, spice, and sunset in Marrakech promises unforgettable travel memories in 2026.
Always a feast for the senses, discover Marrakech on a tour to Morocco in 2026.
3. Seville, Spain
In 2026, Seville isn’t just going green, it’s embracing its future as a sustainable, culturally dynamic city. As part of Europe’s mission to become climate-neutral by 2030, the capital has pledged a long‑term commitment to carbon neutrality. Expect to see more digital tools, eco-conscious mobility options and a progressive atmosphere. Culturally, the city’s art scene continues to grow with much-loved institutes like the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo and newer initiatives such as Contemporánea Sevilla helping highlight local and international talent. The Seville Music Festival, known as Icónica Fest, brings large-scale open air performances to Plaza de España throughout June and July, making 2026 an ideal year to experience Andalusian charm, innovation, and sustainability all in one.
Dance through flamenco streets and soak in the sunshine in Seville on a tour to Spain in 2026.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon will continue to lean into its youthful, creative, culinary style in 2026. The long-anticipated regeneration of the Beato Innovation District is planned to commence this year, bringing galleries, maker spaces and waterfront dining to a once-industrial stretch of the Tagus. The new metro extension from São Sebastião to Alcântara (Red Line) will make exploring the revitalised riverside even easier. Add to Lisbon’s ever-evolving music culture, burgeoning natural-wine scene (grab a glass from the experts at Black Sheep Lisboa in Plaza de las Flores), and reimagined miradouros (viewpoints) with sustainable landscaping (our pick is the less crowded but just as scenic Miradouro da Basílica da Estrela), and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the city’s most exciting years yet.
Explore hills and hidden corners of Lisbon on a tour to Portugal in 2026.
5. Fès, Morocco
Fès is stepping into 2026 with renewed cultural momentum, building on its ALECSO (Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization) recognition as a UNESCO‑type body focused on preserving and promoting Arab cultural heritage, and a long-term restoration strategy for its ancient medina. The city has invested 3 billion Moroccan dirhams (US$300 million) over the past 15 years in preserving its historic quarters, efforts that are now culminating in revitalised artisan workshops, renovated historic buildings, and stronger infrastructure. The recently reopened Batha Museum of Islamic Arts, Morocco’s first museum, offers a refreshed look at the city’s rich dynastic history, and the planned reopening of Jamai Palace (Dar Jama’i) could mark a major heritage‑stay moment. Fès embodies centuries of tradition and 2026 is the year to experience its authentic soul.
Get lost in ancient medinas and explore Fès on a tour to Morocco in 2026.
6. Athens, Greece
Move over Paris—Athens is stepping into 2026 as Europe’s new “it” city. Rooftop culture, with bars and restaurants offering sweeping views of the city (like Contemporary Space Athens, tucked beneath the Acropolis) is thriving, while new contemporary art spaces and galleries (like the recently reopened National Gallery) are giving the city a creative buzz. Food lovers will dive into Athens’s evolving dining scene at elevated tavernas re-interpreting classic Greek cuisine. This blend of ancient (and we mean, really ancient) soul and cutting‑edge creativity is set to make 2026 a perfect year to experience Athens anew.
Dive into Athens, new and old, on a tour to Greece in 2026.
7. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto enters 2026 with a renewed focus on sustainable tourism and preservation. For travellers, that means rare, limited‑time access to temples, private gardens, and heritage spaces that are typically closed to the public. Between January 9 and March 18, the annual Winter Special Openings program will allow entry to cultural gems such as Hōkō‑ji Temple (with its historic bell and rarely‑seen inside), the halls and gardens at Daigo‑ji, and the five‑story pagoda at Tō‑ji. With Japan continuing to modernise its Shinkansen fleet, high-speed links between Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto mean exploring in 2026 is effortless, efficient, and more enjoyable than ever.
Step into temples, gardens and teahouses in Kyoto. Check out our tours to Japan in 2026 and beyond.
8. Cape Town, South Africa
The Mother City continues to offer a mix of art, design and sea‑side charm. At the V&A Waterfront you can browse the artisan stalls at Watershed or spend an afternoon immersed in contemporary African art at Zeitz MOCAA, perfect for design lovers and culture seekers. Add a lively food and café scene and the city’s creative undercurrent, and Cape Town’s urban pulse feels as alive as its spectacular coastline. For those keen on nature, Cape Town’s beaches, penguin colonies at Boulders Beach remain timeless draws while Table Mountain keeps watch over the city, a constant invitation to hike or simply sit back with a crisp South African wine and enjoy the view.
Explore the colour, cuisine and culture of Cape Town on a tour of South Africa.
9. Cairo, Egypt
Few cities are stepping into the new year with as much anticipation as Cairo. The continued opening momentum of the Grand Egyptian Museum is drawing global attention, with expanded exhibition halls, immersive digital installations, and new public spaces making the ancient world feel astonishingly close. The historic heart (Downtown to Islamic/Old Cairo) is undergoing an ambitious transformation, with many restored monuments, renovated streets and revived cultural hubs re‑imagined as pedestrian‑friendly, open-air museum quarters, in particular, Al‑Muizz Street, which has been largely restored and is nearing completion. Thanks to these works, the ancient city of Cairo is set to butterfly into an unforgettable blend of old and new.
Walk among pharaohs and experience Cairo in 2026 on a tour of Egypt.
10. Amman, Jordan
Amman balances ancient history with a thriving contemporary culture. The Jordan Museum continues to present immersive exhibitions celebrating the nation’s heritage, from Petra to the Nabateans. Art enthusiasts can visit Darat al Funun for its rotating showcases of regional artists, or explore the galleries in Jabal Amman and along Rainbow Street for a taste of the city’s vibrant creative scene. History enthusiasts can wander the Amman Citadel and the Roman Theatre, iconic landmarks that reveal the city’s layered past. For a taste of local life, cafés and restaurants along Rainbow Street offer traditional and modern Jordanian flavours in a relaxed setting. In 2026, Amman continues to charm visitors with its mix of history, culture, and city energy, all within easy walking distance in the historic core.
From ruins to souks, Amman is ready to surprise in 2026 on a tour of Jordan.
11. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul blends ancient heritage and modern design like few cities can. Wander through the elegant courtyards of Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung and around the tile‑roofed houses of Bukchon Hanok Village for a taste of old Seoul. Then switch gears at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) where you’ll find sleek architecture and exhibitions, and the Leeum Museum of Art for both traditional and contemporary Korean art. Between historic palaces, craft‑filled alleys (like the charming neighbourhood of Ikseon-dong), and galleries. Seoul blends history and modernity in a way that visitors can experience seamlessly, with excellent food to be devoured along the way.
From traditional hanok to quirky galleries, explore Seoul in 2026 on a tour of South Korea.
12. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo enters 2026 with a wave of cultural additions and refreshed neighbourhoods. Shibuya continues its multi-year transformation, with ongoing station upgrades, rooftop viewpoints like Shibuya Sky, and new pedestrian walkways linking its landmark towers. In Roppongi, the Mori Art Museum marks its 20th anniversary with a new program of exhibitions, while the Tokyo Station and Yaesu district offers sleek new food halls and restaurants. Over at Azabudai Hills, Tokyo’s newest art-and-design hub, teamLab Borderless continues to unveil new digital artworks and seasonal installations.
From sushi, skyscrapers, and neon streets, explore Tokyo on an exciting tour of Japan.
13. Milan, Italy
Milan is a city where history, design, and culture shine and this year it shares the global spotlight with the Milano‑Cortina Winter Olympics. The Opening Ceremony will take place at San Siro Stadium on February 6, while ice hockey, figure skating, and speed skating competitions bring an Olympic energy to the city. Beyond sport, Milan’s timeless landmarks remain a must-see. The Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are as spectacular as ever, and art and design lovers can immerse themselves in the Triennale di Milano, one of Italy’s leading design museums, and the Fondazione Prada, where a major work by Lebanese-Palestinian visual artist Mona Hatoum will run from January to September. With culture and elegance—not to mention the rare chance to witness some of the 25th Winter Olympic Games, 2026 promises an unforgettable Milan experience.
Fashion, art and Olympic buzz. Experience Milan on a tour to Italy in 2026.
14. Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor’s dramatic fjord-like bay and medieval Old Town make it one of the Adriatic’s most captivating (and low-key) destinations. Throughout summer, the KotorArt International Festival brings music and theatre performances to venues across the old town and Boka Bay area. Come November, the Kotor Winter Fest, featuring concerts, live music and festive cheer charms locals and visitors alike. With its blend of heritage, scenery and a lively culture and arts scene throughout the year, Kotor is the surprising escape of 2026.
Wander Kotor’s winding streets and fortress walls in 2026. Check out our Montenegro tours.
15. Fukuoka, Japan
Fukuoka, Kyūshū’s dynamic gateway city blends modern city energy with ancient tradition. If you’re visiting in 2026, don’t miss Art Fair Asia Fukuoka in October for cutting-edge contemporary art, the Toka Ebisu Festival in January for colourful local celebrations, or the city’s winter illuminations around Canal City and Hakata Station. Food is central to Kyūshū’s charm: wander the bustling yatai street-food stalls offering Hakata ramen (creamy pork broth with ultra thin noodles), and other regional specialties. Thanks to its strategic position, Fukuoka makes a perfect base for exploring Kyūshū’s beaches, volcanic landscapes and onsen towns, before or after your tour.
Experience the flavours and history of Fukuoka in 2026 with a Japan tour.
16. Belgrade, Serbia
Once scarred by wars and political upheaval, Belgrade now pulses with life, reinvention and resilience - and it’s a city that rewards the curious traveller. With its centuries‑old ruins, river views, and leafy paths, the Belgrade Fortress is a must‑see open‑air museum and perfect spot to become acquainted with this storied capital city. The city is actively expanding its museums under the Belgrade Waterfront redevelopment, which includes a new home for the Nikola Tesla Museum, planned for completion by the end of 2026. Creative neighbourhoods, from the industrial‑chic Savamala, waterfront bars of Beton Hala and art lanes of Dorćol, are evolving into hot destinations for food, music, and local street‑life.
Open-air museums and waterfront bars await in Belgrade in 2026 on a tour of Serbia.
17. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is the perfect combination of fairy-tale romance and modern revival, and in 2026 there are even more reasons to add this Estonian gem to your travel list. The newly completed Tallinn City Theatre complex on Lai Street is slated to open in late 2025, making 2026 the first full season where you can catch cutting-edge productions and contemporary Estonian theatre in the heart of the Old Town before or after your tour. Estonian cuisine might not yet be on your radar, but the city’s rising culinary scene gives you plenty to explore. From inventive New Nordic openings like Barbarea, with seasonal menus and biodynamic wines, to chic bistros and quirky bars (we like Botaanik Cocktail Bar where artisan cocktails are crafted with foraged herbs, berries and local ingredients), Tallinn offers a creative food and drink scene that’s as forward-looking as the rest of the city.
Ready for a Baltic adventure in 2026? Explore Estonia in 2026.
18. Santiago, Chile
Framed by the Andes, creative neighbourhoods and a fresh cultural pulse, Santiago is stepping into 2026 as one of the most exciting capitals to visit. Music lovers should mark their calendars as Lollapalooza Chile returns to central Santiago, taking over Parque O'Higgins from 13–15 March. Culture and street‑life meet in the bohemian Barrio Bellavista neighbourhood: colourful murals, live music, quirky cafés and bars, as well as historic homes (like Pablo Neruda’s 1953 museum-home, La Chascona), make it an essential stop. The grand Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes continues to showcase Chilean and Latin‑American masterpieces, a must for art lovers any time of year, and the upcoming Teleférico Pío Nono (scheduled to debut in early 2026) will offer a new way to ascend Cerro San Cristóbal in minutes, offering city‑and‑Andes views, and for the first time, linking Bellavista to Cerro San Cristóbal.
Discover Santiago’s charm and culture with a tour to Chile in 2026.
19. Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent is a city where Silk Road heritage, Islamic artistry and Soviet-era design sit side by side, and 2026 might be the year you see it all. Inspiring Vacations launched multiple tours to the Five Stans in 2025 and Uzbekistan, alongside its neighbours, has proved to be a standout favourite. This year also brings a cultural milestone: the long-anticipated Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent (CCA) is expected to debut in early 2026, transforming a 1912 tram-depot into a major new art hub alongside the city’s historical sites. Its inaugural programme will spotlight both Uzbek talent and international artists, signalling a new chapter for Central Asia’s contemporary-art scene. Tashkent is a blend of innovation, tradition and warm Uzbek hospitality, a destination ready to surprise even seasoned travellers.
Inspired to visit Uzbekistan in 2026? Explore Tashkent with us.
20. Almaty, Kazakhstan
Framed by the snow-capped Tian Shan, Almaty is one of Central Asia’s most dynamic cities. The city blends leafy boulevards, lively cafés, and a rising arts scene, making it perfect for travellers seeking culture and creativity. In March, the Almaty International Jazz Festival returns to its downtown venues, bringing international and local musicians together for a three-day celebration. Districts around Panfilov Street and Dostyk Avenue are now known as ‘cultural corridors’, where galleries, boutiques, and design studios occupy repurposed Soviet-era buildings. If you need a spot to try local food nearby, we love Navat on Dostyk Avenue, where you can feast on authentic Kazakh cuisine). Beyond the city, adventure is minutes away: ski Shymbulak, or hike to Big Almaty Lake, all framed by soaring mountains.
Mountains and adventure await in Almaty. Plan your tour to Kazakhstan in 2026.
21. Buenos Aires, Argentina
With European-style boulevards and fun Latin flair, Buenos Aires is stepping into 2026 with rhythm, colour, and culture. Tango pulses through the city, and music lovers touring in February should mark their calendars for the Electrotango Buenos Aires Festival (first weekend of the month), where DJs, live performers, and dance workshops reinvent this traditional form for the modern age. For a taste of local life, there is nowhere better to visit than a market. The Feria de San Telmo features antiques and crafts, as well as street performers and plenty of cafés to sit and soak up the city’s charm every Sunday. Buenos Aires blends tradition and modernity, from its tango beats to inventive cuisine and thriving café culture. Slip into any bar notable and make like the porteños (locals): order a cortado (espresso “cut” with a splash of steamed milk), a classic café con leche, or mate cocido, a brewed yerba mate tea, a city staple.
From tango to tasty cuisine, discover Buenos Aires on an Argentina tour in 2026.
22. Bucharest, Romania
Often overlooked in favour of Europe’s more famous capitals (we’re looking at you, Paris), Bucharest is finally having its moment in 2026. The city’s historic streets of Lipscani and Old Town architecture sit alongside bold new landmarks, including the ongoing renewal of Dacia Romania Palace (set to become Bucharest Pinacoteca, a new cultural venue in 2026), and the newly opened People’s Salvation Cathedral, now the world’s largest Orthodox church. Restoration projects in Herăstrău Park and other green spaces bring a fresh vibe, while a dynamic cultural calendar (thanks to the launch of Bucharest’s first centralised map of over 60 museums and memorial houses, making discoveries beyond the tourist trail easier), showcases the city’s creative ambitions.
Bucharest is having its moment in 2026. See it for yourself with our curated Romania tours.
23. Kathmandu, Nepal
With the Himalayas as its backdrop and the heart of Nepal’s spiritual and cultural heritage, Kathmandu is a city that never loses its magic, and 2026 offers renewed reasons to visit. A highlight of the year is the Kathmandu Triennale (February–April). With more than 100 works on display across museums, heritage sites, and modern spaces, and an exciting calendar of workshops, the city’s creativity will come to life and visitors will have plenty of ways to engage with Nepali art and the creators. Traditional festivals will of course shape the city’s calendar, including colourful Holi (March 2), to Nepal’s oldest Hindu festival, Dashain (October 11-25), a celebration of good over evil. Vijaya Dashami (October 21) is a key day when elders put tika (red paste) on foreheads and blessings are exchanged in temples and public squares all over the city. If you’re in town, Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) are both accessible to visitors for blessings on this special day.
Experience the magic of Kathmandu in 2026. Explore our tours to Nepal and the Himalayas.
24. Oslo, Norway
If you thought Norway was all fjords and reindeer, Oslo in 2026 will offer some refreshing reasons to visit. Art lovers can immerse themselves in the Munch Museum’s packed exhibition calendar and see a version of The Scream (there are three on rotation). Oslo’s signature Nordic cool vibe brings a mix of festivals and events to life throughout the year. Oslo Spektrum is due to reopen in autumn with concerts and events, and still on the horizon, the long‑awaited Museum of the Viking Age, where the best-preserved ships and objects from the Viking age are homed, is slated to open imminently. The ships Oseberg and Gokstad are among some of the treasures to be on display in a new hall, a highlight of Nordic heritage.
Fjords, festivals and famous Viking ships await. Discover Oslo on a tour to Norway in 2026.
25. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital, is a city on the rise, where urban life meets the towering peaks of the Tian Shan mountains. The mix of tree-lined boulevards, markets such as Osh Bazaar, and a growing cafe culture gives a sense of a city embracing tradition and modernity, ready and eager to welcome visitors. The Azattyk National Stadium, set to open in August, will host sports and cultural events, adding a fresh buzz to the city. Just outside the city, Ala Archa National Park provides easy access to hiking and mountain adventures in the Tian Shan range. Visiting in 2026 offers the chance to explore Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty and urban gems before the region becomes more widely discovered.
Discover Bishkek’s culture, cuisine and natural beauty on a tour to Kyrgyzstan in 2026.
26. Helsinki, Finland
Finland’s coastal capital, Helsinki, is known for its striking beauty, maritime setting, and distinctive Nordic architecture, and the cultural calendar brings even more reasons to visit in 2026. Helsinki Music Week in May adds a lively mix of concerts and contemporary music events across venues such as G Livelab, known for its cutting-edge acoustic design and Nordic craftsmanship. Beyond the festivals, Helsinki’s everyday charm shines: Wander the historic streets around Senate Square, explore contemporary art at Amos Rex, relax in a seaside sauna, or take a short ferry to the nearby islands of the archipelago. The Helsinki Festival (20 August–6 September), the largest multi-arts festival in the Nordics, will fill the city with music, theatre, visual arts, and open-air performances. With a blend of history, design, and year-round cultural events, Helsinki offers plenty to explore, from museums and music to the chance of spotting the Northern Lights and Santa. How can one city be so magical?
Want to chase the Northern Lights? Explore our exciting Finland itineraries.