If you’re already dreaming about where to go in 2026, CN Traveller’s newly released list of next year’s must-see destinations offers plenty of inspiration. From a European capital stepping into the global arts scene to a cinematic lakeside city in India, these are the places set to make headlines in the travel world.

Brussels steps into the spotlight.

Long overlooked in favor of Belgium’s more postcard-famous cities like Bruges and Antwerp, Brussels is gearing up for a significant cultural moment. In 2026, the city will debut the long-awaited Kanal–Centre Pompidou, a vast industrial building being reimagined as a contemporary arts hub. Expect everything from avant-garde exhibitions to live performances, film events, and hands-on creative sessions. It’s a significant shift for a city often dismissed as merely the EU’s administrative capital or a quick Eurostar stop.

Udaipur’s elegant revival

In India, the romantic city of Udaipur—often dubbed the “Venice of the East” thanks to its serene lakes and graceful bridges—is experiencing a fresh burst of energy. Known to film lovers as a key location in the 1983 Bond movie Octopussy, Udaipur is welcoming an influx of new luxury stays, adding a modern sheen to its historical charm. Travelers can drift between lakeside viewpoints, browse traditional crafts, and savor Rajasthani dishes atop the city’s refined rooftop restaurants.

Medellín’s endless reinvention

Colombia’s Medellín, surrounded by the dramatic folds of the Andes, continues to evolve at a remarkable pace. Its lively mix of parks, cable cars, and restaurants draws visitors by day, while a thriving nightlife scene—so strong it landed the city on Time Out’s list of best nightlife destinations for 2025—keeps the energy going well into the night.

Photo: unsplash.com/@flickch

More standout places for 2026

The 2026 list spans the globe, featuring natural wonders, cultural capitals, and emerging hotspots. Highlights include Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the historic city of Fès in Morocco, the dynamic skyline of Hong Kong, and Canada’s charming Prince Edward County.

Here’s the complete lineup of CN Traveller’s recommended destinations for 2026:

Arusha, Tanzania

East Coast, Barbados

Brussels, Belgium

Chiriquí Province, Panama

Deer Valley, Utah

Fès, Morocco

Gabon

Upper Carniola (Gorenjska), Slovenia

Guadalajara, Mexico

Hong Kong

Margaret River, Australia

Medellín, Colombia

Minas Gerais, Brazil

Naoshima, Japan

Northern Chilean Patagonia

Northern Namibia

Oulu, Finland

The Peloponnese, Greece

Potosí, Bolivia

Prince Edward County, Canada

Route 66, USA

Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France

Udaipur, India

Uluru, Australia

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe