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’s Top 19 Places to Travel in 2026
By Mia Phillips
Travel
AD’s Top 19 Places to Travel in 2026
Because design lovers deserve a dedicated itinerary packed with cultural happenings and architectural finds
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As design lovers, our New Year’s resolutions usually include seeing as much beauty in the world as possible. Naturally, our list of the top places to travel in 2026 was made with this goal in mind. We considered numerous factors when putting together our selects, including major cultural happenings, new museum openings, debuting hotels, once-in-a-decade natural wonders, and more. Some locales, like Milan, are classics, but the upcoming Winter Olympics make it a particularly opportune time to visit. Others, like Nuuk, Greenland, are a bit more off the beaten path with plenty of compelling reasons that it should be on your radar. So whether planning one—or 19—trips this year, these are the places to travel in 2026.
Vienna, Austria
Eurovision Song Contest is celebrating its 70th anniversary in May 2026, and as the host city, Vienna is sprucing itself up for the occasion. While the competition will take place at Weiner Stadthalle, an indoor arena and conference center, Rathausplatz—a public square in the city’s first district—will be transformed into a massive outdoor screening area.
If planning a visit, tourists will have their pick of a handful of luxurious new hotels that have opened over the past few years. The opens this fall in a heritage-listed Art Nouveau courthouse with 138 rooms and suites, four restaurants, and a luxurious spa with an indoor pool. In late 2026, luxury hotel Anantara took over and renovated the rooms, suites, dining outlets, and spa. And if you have yet to see the , which opened in 2026, the gorgeous hotel is another feather in the city’s cap.
Nuuk, Greenland
Since its new airport terminal opened in late 2026, Greenland has been making a big push for sustainable tourism development. Getting to the remote arctic island has become easier thanks to new routes by Denmark’s flag carrier SAS and United Airlines, which this summer launched the first nonstop flights from the US to Greenland in nearly 20 years. (They plan to bring the seasonal routes back in summer 2026.) Adventure tourism is big here—think glacier cruises, hikes, and skiing—but there is also plenty of arts and culture to take in at institutions like the Greenland National Museum and Archives and the Nuuk Art Museum.
Cairo, Egypt
Partially opened in 2026, the is slated to open in its entirety this fall. The world’s largest archeology museum dedicated to a single civilization, the colossal museum spans 5.4 million square feet and holds more than 100,000 artifacts. The major showstopper set to be revealed is Tutankhamun’s tomb, where in 1922 British Egyptologist Howard Carter discovered some 5,500 pieces, including a gold mask, throne, and chariot. A trip to the massive new museum is more than enough reason to visit, but while there consider adding a Nile River cruise and tours of the ancient tombs and temples of Luxor and Aswan to your itinerary.
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Savannah, Georgia
Known as one of America’s most haunted cities, Savannah is also one of its most creative, thanks to SCAD (the Savannah College of Art and Design). Since its founding in 1978, , winning awards for historic preservation and educating students who have gone on to create incredible art throughout the city. Now, a crop of new hotels is putting a renewed focus on the Hostess City. We’re especially excited about , a member of the Leading Hotels of the World that feels like an urban resort right on Forsyth Park; and the , a new boutique hotel by the team behind renowned cocktail bar Death & Co.
Mexico City, Mexico
Architecture and design fans caught onto the charms of long ago, but in 2026 the capital will become even hotter as a host city for the FIFA World Cup. If you plan to attend the games—or perhaps to go for Design Week Mexico in October—don’t miss attractions like the (home to one of the largest contemporary art collections in Latin America), the (open daily for a limited number of visits), the in the home the artist shared with Diego Rivera, and Teotihuacán, the ancient pyramids about an hour outside the city.
Costa Brava, Spain
The allure of Costa Brava, a coastal region in northeast Spain, was once something of a well kept secret. Famous 20th century artists and writers, including Salvador Dalí and Truman Capote, found inspiration and solace throughout the small Catalonian communities. But the towns along the “wild coast” are being reinvigorated with new energy that make them more compelling than ever, especially as savvy travelers look for an alternative to overcrowded Barcelona. (It’s close enough for a day trip, though, so you can visit the , which is slated for completion in 2026 in honor of the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death.) Make —the first member of Design Hotels on the Costa Brava—your stylish perch and be sure to visit the in Portlligat.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia’s capital city saw a , and given that the rush shows no sign of slowing down, now is the time to go. Kuala Lumpur boasts an exciting mix of old and new, from the Batu Caves, known for colorful steps leading to an awe-inspiring Hindu temple, to the César Pelli–designed Petronas Towers, where you can take in the metropolis from the 86th floor. The city’s hotel scene is more than ready for the new wave of travelers. The recently opened on levels 75 to 114 of Merdeka 118, the second- and the tallest in Southeast Asia, and the and are set to open in 2026.
Taipei, Taiwan
The beginning of the year will be an exciting time for art, architecture, and design fans visiting Taipei. Zaha Hadid Architects’ Tamkang Bridge, which spans the Tamsui River and will be the largest single-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world, is projected to open in early 2026. For art lovers, the , “Whispers on the Horizon,” runs until March 29 at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum and showcases 72 contemporary artists, alongside pieces from the permanent collection. Design aficionados will appreciate the new hotels on the scene, including the recently opened which was designed by André Fu to feel like a modern mansion within the Taipei 101 skyscraper. Located across from Taipei 101, the Four Seasons Hotel Taipei is also scheduled to debut in 2026 in a striking RSHP-designed 31-story building.
Tasmania, Australia
Home to gorgeous landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches, Tasmania is perfect for travelers looking for a less tourist-filled alternative to Sydney or Melbourne. Over 1.5 million hectares of the region’s wilderness were designated a World Heritage Site in 1982, and they include seven national parks to explore. In addition to its natural beauty, the island state is home to an exciting culinary scene that showcases its local produce and seafood, as well as an array of vineyards that take advantage of the cool climate to produce excellent Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and sparkling wines. Northern Hemisphere tennis fans should plan to escape the cold weather and head to the Hobart International, where top players compete under the summer sun from January 12 through 17.
Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
Skip the crowds in Kyoto and travel to Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture and Japan’s third-largest city. It’s an exciting year for Nagoya, which will host the 2026 Asian Games from September 19 through October 4 and the Asian Para Games from October 18 through 24. Athletes from 45 nations will compete in 41 sports, from aquatics to esports. While athletes will stay on a cruise ship docked at Kinjo Pier, spectators have plenty of landside options, including the new . Located next to Nagoya Castle, the hotel’s design draws inspiration from the 17th-century landmark, and the interiors showcase traditional Japanese design techniques.
Namibia
With its soaring sand dunes, spectacular salt pans, and rugged canyons, Namibia is the perfect destination for travelers looking to experience natural wonders while enjoying some R&R. And these days, more tourists fit this description, as wellness safaris are . Beginning in summer 2026, the , known for transforming historic properties throughout Spain into luxury hotels and estates, will open four lodges in Namibia. The properties take advantage of the range of landscapes the country has to offer, including Sheya Shuushona, located on the edge of Etosha National Park, to Xaudum, set on a prehistoric sand dune in the northern section of Khaudum National Park. will also debut two new camps in May: Hoanib Elephant Camp in Kaokoland and Nkasa Linyanti on Nkasa Island.
Iceland
2026 is a year of natural wonders in Iceland. Because of a rare , which only occurs every 11 years, the northern lights will be at their peak this year, offering travelers their best chance to see them. For the best views, plan a trip before early April or again in August through the end of the year, when the night sky is at its darkest. For those traveling later, Iceland will be one of the best places to view the solar eclipse on August 12. The western parts of the country, including the Westfjords, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Reykjanes Peninsula, and Reykjavík, will be in the path of totality. Head to Breiðafjörður Bay to be closest to the point of maximum eclipse, which offers the longest duration of totality, two minutes and 18 seconds.
Los Angeles, California, USA
A cultural pilgrimage to Los Angeles is ripe for 2026. The MAD Architects–designed Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, one of the United States’ most anticipated museums, will finally debut on its 11-acre campus in the City of Angels next year, while LACMA’s David Geffen galleries by Peter Zumthor will open to the public () in the spring. Design aficionados shouldn’t miss the third edition of the talent-organized (2026 dates to be announced) with its open studios, installations, and creative community events; as hotel guests, they can get a history lesson at the iconic Paul R. Williams–redesigned Beverly Hills Hotel with an expert-led tour of Hollywood’s architectural gems. For sporting fans, the city will host eight FIFA World Cup soccer matches at SoFi Stadium, also a planned Olympic and Paralympic venue come summer 2028.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The ever-changing skyline in the United Arab Emirates’ capital is soon gaining a few new, lower-density architectural icons. In the cultural district on Saadiyat Island, the Mecanoo-designed Natural History Museum will open on November 22; the Zayed National Museum, designed by AD100 Hall of Fame architect Lord Norman Foster, will open on December 3; and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, by AD100 Hall of Fame architect Frank Gehry, is reported to open in 2026 (20 years after its announcement). Each design pulls inspiration from traditional Islamic decorative elements, Emirati culture, or the desert landscape. Starting in 2026, luxury hotel brand Mondrian will occupy 15 floors of a sleek downtown Abu Dhabi skyscraper, offering culture vultures a new stay among the city’s many high-end offerings.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
This past September, Philadelphia gained a new art institution with the opening of the Calder Gardens, a 1.8-acre campus where the work of late artist Alexander Calder weaves through a sweeping 18,000-square-foot building by AD100 architects Herzog & de Meuron and an ever-changing garden by AD100 landscape designer Piet Oudolf. Next year, its creative community will continue this growth with public programming at the new Village of Industry & Art by designer-developer Scout. The more-than-110,000-square-foot hub inside two historic former University of the Arts buildings will feature AIA Philadelphia and BlackStar Projects, as well as pop-up bar Frankie’s Summer Club, whose design is based on an unrealized plan by the late architect Louis Kahn.
Further, the Fishtown neighborhood has become a buzzy hub for food, culture, and design. Local gallery Wexler’s 2026 opening is a clear marker of its evolution. If you plan to stay downtown, consider the newly renovated 120-year-old Bellevue hotel, which will be home to the first branch of outside of New York City come summer 2026.
Milan, Italy
In February and March, the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will kick off in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, a Dolomite mountain town known for its world-class ski runs. Here, Italian architect Achille Salvagni designed a new 30-room boutique hotel inside a 1920s palazzo, whimsically transformed with color, pattern, and playful ski motifs and set to open next year.
In Milan, a five-hour-drive southwest, travelers can check into the luxurious new Six Senses hotel when it opens on Via Brera in late 2026; designer Tara Bernerd tapped into Italian craftsmanship for its 69 rooms, extensive spa, multiple swimming pools, rooftop bar, and more. Alternatively, the recently opened Patricia Urquiola–designed Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, whose colorful interiors embrace its building’s 1950s Rationalist roots, is just a few doors down. While in town, head to the Triennale Milano, where topical exhibits will explore design and sport through March 2026 while the ultra-luxe Hotel Principe di Savoia (celebrating its 100th in 2027) is the perfect venue for an afternoon caffè in its newly refurbished lobby lounge.
Washington, DC, USA
While President Trump demolishes architectural history at the , the cultural institutes of the US’s capital are putting all their efforts toward preserving it as the country celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026. In time for the festivities, the National Archives Museum (the only place to see the Declaration of Independence) will complete an extensive renovation, as will the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum’s sculpture garden, the Tidal Basin at West Potomac Park, and the historic carousel on the National Mall, while the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials will both open new exhibition spaces. Out-of-town revelers might consider a stay at the St. Regis Washington, DC, which is marking a centennial of its own next year, and a flight through Dulles International Airport’s new 435,000-square-foot Concourse E by PGAL and Turner Construction, which will add 14 new gates built to LEED Silver standards.
Nice, France
As rumors swirl about this French Riviera town potentially playing host to the next season of HBO television show , savvy travelers will plan a visit before the hype hits. Along with annual culture and sporting festivals, the area’s natural beauty draws crowds. One of its most luxurious hotels—and our best bet for filming location—the Four Seasons Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat on the adjacent peninsula, now boasts a renovated outdoor spa to enjoy it all. Next summer, Saint Jean Cap-Ferrat’s beloved Paloma Beach, named for late artist Pablo Picasso’s daughter, will reopen after a yearlong revitalization of its shoreline and restaurant.
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Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas isn’t just a hub of entertainment—it’s also an unforgettable haven for imaginative design. , for instance, is one the most innovative performance spaces with its cutting-edge, spherical LED screen. Restaurants, bars, and museums similarly engage every sense. At the Wynn’s Lake of Dreams, the new seafood restaurant plunges diners into oceanic fantasy, while nearby Resort World’s offers an elegant counterpoint with panoramic views of the City of Sins.
Vegas brings out the most theatrical and camp instincts in AD100 designers too. The Bellagio’s , conceived by Martin Brudnizki, is an opulent underwater-themed supper club complete with after-hours cabaret. Brudnizki also designed the Bellagio’s new Amalfi-inspired outpost, , which opened November 7, and is the hotel’s first-ever dining experience with a Riva yacht on the famous lake. Other cultural highlights include the and . Many of Vegas’s legendary casinos also showcase fascinating exhibits, including The Shops at Crystals’ and Park MGM’s , the first-ever exhibition of Lady Gaga’s personal vault.
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