30 world’s best places to visit in 2026
U.S. News has released its ranking of the world’s best places to visit in 2026, drawing on expert opinions, votes from readers and current travel trends.
The ranking considers several factors, including attractions, culture, natural beauty, food, activities and the overall appeal of each destination.
According to the publication, the list is designed to help travellers plan their holiday destinations and build their travel bucket lists.
Here are the top 24 destinations on the 2026 list:
1. Rome, Italy
Rome tops the 2026 ranking, with the Italian capital offering a combination of ancient landmarks, art, history and culture.
Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, as well as St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
Travellers can also discover lesser-known museums, galleries and boutiques or head to Janiculum Hill for panoramic views of the city.
2. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo combines a fast-paced urban atmosphere with centuries of history and culture.
The Japanese capital is renowned for its neon-lit streets, diverse food scene and numerous attractions. Visitors can enjoy sushi and ramen, shop in Ginza, relax in parks such as Shinjuku Gyoen and Yoyogi Park, or explore historic temples and shrines.
3. Prague, Czechia
Prague’s Gothic architecture and historic landmarks make it a popular European destination.
The city features attractions such as St Vitus Cathedral and the Old Town Bridge Tower. Visitors can also walk along the Náplavka waterfront, explore the city’s historic streets and sample traditional Czech cuisine.
4. Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps offer dramatic mountains, picturesque towns and flower-filled meadows throughout the year.
Winter visitors can enjoy skiing in destinations such as St Moritz and Zermatt, while warmer months provide opportunities for hiking and exploring the Swiss National Park.
The Jungfrau Region, including villages such as Grindelwald and Mürren, is another major attraction.
5. Mauritius
Mauritius combines tropical beaches with opportunities for adventure and nature exploration.
The island features white-sand beaches, coral reefs and lush forests. Visitors can hike through Black River Gorges National Park, explore waterfalls or relax at Le Morne Beach beneath Le Morne Brabant mountain.
6. Iguazu Falls
Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls comprises about 275 waterfalls surrounded by rainforest.
Visitors can explore the falls through several trails or take a rainforest train. The spectacular Garganta del Diablo is among the major highlights, while the surrounding jungle is home to wildlife including toucans, howler monkeys and capybaras.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is known for its museums, canals, tulips, historic streets and boutiques.
Travellers can admire Vincent van Gogh’s works, relax in Vondelpark, explore The Nine Streets and sample Dutch specialities such as herring, fries and stroopwafels.
Cycling around the city is also a popular way to explore Amsterdam.
8. Machu Picchu, Peru
The ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu remains one of the world’s most remarkable travel destinations.
Built in the 15th century, the site contains well-preserved agricultural, residential and religious structures.
Visitors can take the challenging Inca Trail or use the PeruRail service to reach the mountain base.
9. Palawan, Philippines
Palawan offers tropical beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and a growing collection of resorts.
The Philippine island also appeals to adventure seekers, with activities including rock climbing, sea kayaking and swimming with whale sharks.
Its strong focus on ecotourism also makes it an attractive destination for travellers interested in nature conservation.
10. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is famous for its spectacular sunsets, whitewashed villages and colourful beaches.
The Greek island attracts millions of visitors annually and offers archaeological sites, wine tours and scenic hiking routes along the caldera.
11. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Despite its small size, Bora Bora is renowned for its beaches, lush vegetation and luxury resorts.
Visitors can explore Mount Otemanu, enjoy the clear waters of Matira Beach or take excursions around the island.
12. Tanzania
Tanzania remains one of Africa’s leading safari destinations, particularly for visitors hoping to see the Big Five.
The country is home to the Serengeti and numerous other national parks, as well as Mount Kilimanjaro. Travellers can also combine a safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar or Pemba.
13. Sydney, Australia
Sydney combines famous landmarks, beaches, culture and a warm climate.
Visitors can see the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, relax at Bondi or Manly beaches, and explore museums such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Australian Museum.
14. Paris, France
Paris continues to attract visitors with landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
The French capital is also known for its cafés, shopping districts, Haussmann architecture, art exhibitions and restaurants.
15. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai offers a quieter alternative to the country’s busier cities.
Visitors can explore historic temples, shop at night markets, take cooking classes and venture into the surrounding mountains, hot springs and national parks.
16. Maui, Hawaii
Maui offers beaches, volcanic landscapes, wildlife and outdoor activities.
Travellers can drive along the Road to Hāna, snorkel with sea turtles, explore Haleakalā National Park or relax on the island’s beaches.
17. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona combines historic architecture, beaches, art and nightlife.
Visitors can explore the Barri Gòtic, admire Antoni Gaudí’s work, visit the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, or relax at Barceloneta Beach.
18. London, England
London offers a blend of historic landmarks and modern attractions across its diverse neighbourhoods.
Popular sites include Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the British Museum, Tate Modern and Borough Market. Visitors can also explore areas such as Mayfair and Chelsea or enjoy one of the city’s many parks.
19. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and one of its most spectacular natural attractions.
It is home to hundreds of islands and thousands of marine species. Diving, snorkelling and kayaking are among the popular ways to explore the reef.
20. Cappadocia, Türkiye
Cappadocia is renowned for its distinctive rocky landscape and colourful hot-air balloons.
Visitors can explore its fairy chimneys, ancient cave settlements and rock-cut churches. Göreme is particularly popular for its open-air museum and cave hotels.
21. Petra, Jordan
Petra, the ancient Nabataean city in Jordan, dates back to the fourth century BC.
The historic site is famous for structures carved directly into sandstone, including the Treasury, Monastery, Street of Facades and Royal Tombs.
22. Istanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul offers a unique blend of European and Asian influences, with historic landmarks, bustling markets and centuries-old traditions.
Visitors can explore the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar, or take a cruise along the Bosphorus.
23. Glacier National Park, United States
Located in Montana, Glacier National Park is known for its snow-covered peaks, alpine meadows and striking lakes.
The park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails and offers activities including camping, skiing, rafting and scenic drives along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
24. Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia rounds out the top 24, offering luxury resorts, beaches, mountains and rainforest adventures.
Visitors can relax at Reduit Beach and Anse Chastanet or take on activities such as climbing Gros Piton and zip-lining through the rainforest.
Other destinations highlighted further down the ranking include Yellowstone National Park, New Zealand’s South Island, the Maldives, Quebec City, Banff and Turks & Caicos.
25. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is widely regarded as one of America’s must-visit natural attractions. The park showcases the power and beauty of nature through landmarks such as the Grand Prismatic Spring and the famous Old Faithful geyser.
Visitors can also observe bison in the Lamar and Hayden valleys, enjoy a picnic beside Yellowstone Lake or camp beneath the stars. With numerous hiking and camping opportunities, the park offers plenty of ways to experience its remarkable wilderness.
26. South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is known for its dramatic scenery, including towering mountains, spectacular fjords and impressive glaciers. Visitors can explore Fiordland National Park on foot or take a boat trip through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.
The island also offers opportunities to admire the night sky at the Mount John Observatory, experience adventure activities in Queenstown, sample sauvignon blanc in Marlborough and explore the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.
27. Maldives
Maldives is a dream destination for travellers seeking an idyllic tropical escape. Located southwest of India, the country consists of more than 1,000 islands surrounded by brilliant turquoise waters.
Its famous overwater bungalows offer direct access to the sea and a romantic setting, while visitors can spend their days relaxing on beaches, enjoying spa treatments or taking part in snorkelling and scuba-diving excursions. Travellers who want to experience local life can also visit island communities such as Fulidhoo and Rinbudhoo.
28. Quebec City
Quebec City, founded in the early 17th century, is one of Canada’s oldest cities and is admired for its historic character. Its stone buildings and cobbled streets give the city a distinctive European feel.
Visitors can go ice skating at Place D’Youville, explore locally produced goods on Île d’Orléans or venture beyond the city to attractions such as Jacques-Cartier National Park and Montmorency Falls.
29. Banff
Banff offers a combination of outdoor adventure, beautiful scenery and a lively town atmosphere. Travellers can explore its restaurants, breweries, boutiques and art galleries before heading outdoors to hike, relax in hot springs or enjoy the surrounding lakes.
Situated within the Canadian Rockies, Banff also provides easy access to Banff National Park, where visitors can admire spectacular views of the Bow Valley from the Banff Gondola or enjoy skiing at one of the area’s three resorts.
30. Turks & Caicos
Turks and Caicos Islands, located north of the Dominican Republic, consists of around 100 islands and cays and is particularly popular with honeymooners.
The destination is known for its white-sand beaches, clear waters and extensive coral reefs. Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales is a major attraction, while more adventurous visitors can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving and horse riding along the coast.