The New Year calls for a new travel manifesto. As the clock strikes midnight, 2026 inspires us to refresh our horizons and present a definitive collection of cities designed to captivate the most discerning traveller.
So, with this in mind, for 2026 I recommend journeying beyond the typical tourist path to to explore destinations that offer both bespoke luxury, world-renowned food and a variety of deep intellectual reward. Here I present an essential list of 26 cities that balances the undisputed global titans — where high culture and commerce reach their zenith — with smaller, exquisitely preserved hubs of intrigue that promise an intimate, profound sense of place and a direct connection to rich, living history.
26 must-visit cities in 2026
2026 calls for new travel plans that embrace duality. While the high-end world is captivated by those destinations undergoing a quiet renaissance — transforming themselves into modern cultural icons — we can also acknowledge the profound beauty of what remains unexplored. This is a list that celebrates both: the grand cities stepping into their new era, and the familiar favourites whose countless, sophisticated nooks and hidden corners still await discovery.
Rediscover Established Icons
Bangkok, Thailand: Ancient gilded temples sit alongside shimmering skyscrapers. In Bangkok, high end hotels offer panoramic views, while tourists navigate the canals via bespoke long-tail boat, and explore a fine dining scene that pushes the boundaries of traditional Thai cuisine.
Cairo, Egypt: Far more than its pyramids, modern Cairo offers a renaissance of high culture and luxury accommodation along the Nile. Immerse yourself in the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, explore the historic Islamic quarter, and utilise your private concierge to seamlessly navigate the city's dynamic energy.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Not just a very walkable city, Copenhagen is a hub of Nordic fashion whilst also being the global capital of New Nordic Cuisine and minimalist design. Its appeal lies in its sustainable luxury, world-leading architecture, and access to top-rated, hyper-local, and Michelin-starred gastronomy.
Melbourne, Australia: Renowned as Australia’s cultural and culinary heart, Melbourne is a maze of hidden laneways and sophisticated coffee houses. Discover its world-class museums, catch an exclusive show at the Arts Centre, and spend an afternoon exploring the bespoke boutiques and experimental fine dining that define its effortlessly chic atmosphere.
Small Cities Worth Seeing
Arequipa, Peru: Arequipa, Peru is a luminous historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is dramatically situated in a valley, framed by three magnificent volcanoes, notably the majestic El Misti. Beyond its unique aesthetic and visual drama, Arequipa is celebrated for its deep cultural history and is widely considered the gastronomic heart of Peru.
Hoi An, Vietnam: A beautifully preserved 15th-century trading port known for its yellow-hued ancient houses and intricately decorated temples, Japanese bridges, and thousands of silk lanterns that light the river at night, Hoi An is a beautiful city to discover.
Kandy, Sri Lanka: Compact and laid-back, with a significant cultural heart around its famous lake and Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka's Kandy offers visitors a sweet, smaller-town vibe amidst historical charm and beautiful natural surroundings.
Kotor, Montenegro: A dramatic, fortified medieval city nestled at the base of sheer limestone mountains on the Bay of Kotor (a fjord-like inlet). Its Venetian architecture and towering city walls climbing the cliffs are unforgettable.
Matsumoto, Japan: Home to Matsumoto Castle (the "Crow Castle"), one of Japan's most beautiful original feudal castles with its striking black exterior. It's also a great base for exploring the Japanese Alps.
Reykjavik, Iceland: The world's most northerly capital city, Reykjavik serves as a cultural hub defined by its colourful, low-rise architecture and a sophisticated design scene, acting as the essential base for exclusive helicopter tours over volcanic landscapes and the Blue Lagoon.
San Sebastián, Spain: The undisputed gastronomic capital of Spain, set beautifully on the perfect crescent beach of La Concha Bay. Its sophisticated appeal is driven by its world-class Michelin-starred restaurants and elite pintxos culture.
Under-Explored European Gems
Castelmezzano, Italy: Less city, and more village, in the heart of Basilicata, Castelmezzano is a truly unique Italian experience. A petite yet dramatic village, Castelmezzano is a breath-taking warren of homes, with some even carved into the sheer rock faces of the Lucanian Dolomites. Raw and unforgettable.
Estepona, Spain: Often overlooked in favour of nearby Marbella, Estepona is haven of Andalusian authenticity on the sunny Costa del Sol. It captivates with its meticulously preserved Old Town — a labyrinth of flower-filled white streets — while providing immediate access to elite amenities like the area’s most exclusive resort hotels and world-class yachting along its stylish marina.
Evian-les-Baines, France: On the French side of Lake Geneva, this sophisticated spa spot is the ultimate wellness escape. Beyond the world-famous mineral water source, Evian-les-Bains is cherished for its Belle Époque architecture, and its pristine mountain backdrop.
Porto, Portugal: While Lisbon is well known, just down the coast, Porto offers visitors a grittier, yet equally elegant, charm with its historic Ribeira district, cutting-edge contemporary art scene and some of the country's most highly rated Portuguese tarts.
Tromsø, Norway: Deep in the Arctic Circle, this "Gateway to the Arctic" offers visitors perfect positioning to capture a glimpse of the Northern Lights, complete with sleek modern architecture, and its unique Sámi culture, Tromsø appeals to the both the adventurous and the luxury seeker.
Valletta, Malta: A capital city built entirely in golden-hued limestone on a peninsula, defined by massive fortifications, Baroque churches, and a stunning harbour setting, giving this Maltese destination an unparalleled cinematic grandeur.
Architectural Beauties
Alberobello, Italy: On the heel of Italy's famous boot, Alberobello is one of the nation's most famously unique small cities. Known best for its Trulli architecture, small, whitewashed, dry-stone houses with distinctive conical slate roofs, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, this is a special visit.
Chefchaouen, Morocco: The "Blue Pearl." Nestled in the Rif Mountains, its unique, narrow streets are painted entirely in various shades of vivid blue, creating a mesmerising and dreamlike atmosphere.
Gyeongju, Korea: Known as Korea's "Museum Without Walls," Gyeongju's unique aesthetic comes from its vast historical landscape. Its most defining features are the dozens of enormous, grass-covered royal burial mounds (tumuli) that rise organically from the city centre, blending ancient royal history directly into the modern urban fabric.
Palmanova, Italy: An exceptionally rare example of a Renaissance-era planned city, built in 1593. It's a perfect, nine-pointed star fortress, where every street and bastion was meticulously designed according to a geometric, utopian ideal. The architecture is military, precise, and stunningly symmetrical.
Pingyao, China: The best-preserved ancient walled city in China and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike other "old towns," Pingyao is an entire city dating back to the Ming Dynasty (14th century), complete with perfectly preserved city walls, financial buildings, and temples. It feels like stepping into the imperial past.
Red Sea, Saudi Arabia: A modern architectural marvel, the Red Sea has become a regenerative luxury and architectural innovation. From Bedouin-inspired tented luxury camps, to fully-chrome, floating space-like orb villas and beach-side bungalows that rival those of the Maldives. The design philosophy dictates that the structures harmonise with, rather than dominate, the pristine environment
Cities With A Lot To Give
Cape Town, South Africa: Framed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic, Cape Town offers world-class vineyards, art, and design districts. It is the perfect blend of natural beauty and mind-blowing views, sophisticated hospitality, and more incredible meals than you can possibly count.
Havana, Cuba: Defined by its captivating, time-capsule atmosphere and stunning Spanish colonial architecture, Havana offers unparalleled photographic and cultural immersion. Despite current local economic challenges, the city's enduring appeal lies in the elegance of its beautifully aging baroque facades, the vibrant art and jazz scenes, and the unmistakable, allure of its classic car culture.
Stone Town (Zanzibar City), Tanzania: The cultural heart of the "Spice Island." Stone Town's UNESCO-listed core is a labyrinth of winding alleys, carved wooden doors, and ancient coral-stone buildings, reflecting centuries of Swahili, Arab, and Portuguese history.
