The world’s best cities for tourists in 2026

Where can you find the perfect travel destination today—one that offers atmosphere, comfort and unforgettable experiences? The new ranking of the best destinations for 2026 reveals some unexpected frontrunners and tried-and-tested cities that are well worth adding to your itinerary right now. Find out which cities made the list and why they’ve become such favourites with travellers

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Melbourne, Australia, has topped Time Out’s list of the world’s best cities to visit in 2026. The ranking was compiled based on a large-scale survey of local residents and experts, who assessed the cities according to key criteria: gastronomy, culture, nightlife, accessibility and overall sense of comfort.

In total, the list includes 50 major cities across the globe — from Europe and Asia to Latin America and Africa. The ranking took into account not only tourist attractions but also real life in the city — how comfortable, safe and interesting it is to be there.

How the ranking of the best cities was compiled

The main criterion for 2026 was the feeling of a ‘vibrant city’ — a place with a strong community, a rich cultural life and a variety of experiences. According to experts, modern travellers are looking not only for beautiful locations, but also for an atmosphere they want to immerse themselves in.

The top 3 best cities of 2026

1. Melbourne (Australia)

The leader of the ranking took first place for the first time, rising from fourth position. Melbourne received high marks for:

▪️ well-developed infrastructure

▪️ a large number of parks and green spaces

▪️ convenient public transport

▪️ a vibrant cultural scene

94% of residents noted the high standard of gastronomy, and 92% highlighted the variety of cultural events. The city also attracts tourists with major events, including the Australian Open and the Australian Grand Prix.

2. Shanghai (China)

Shanghai took second place thanks to its unique blend of historical heritage and ultra-modern architecture. The city stands out for:

▪️ affordable dining

▪️ well-developed infrastructure

▪️ dynamic city life

According to the survey, 88% of residents consider restaurants to be affordable, and 90% believe that entertainment remains reasonably priced.

3. Edinburgh (United Kingdom)

Edinburgh rounds off the top three. The city received high marks for:

▪️ walkability

▪️ historic architecture

▪️ a rich cultural programme

In 2026, the city will host the Edinburgh International Festival, which traditionally attracts thousands of tourists from around the world every year.

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Other cities worth visiting

The top 10 also includes:

▪️ London

▪️ New York

▪️ Cape Town

▪️ Mexico City

▪️ Bangkok

▪️ Seoul

▪️ Tokyo

Each of these cities offers a unique experience: from the futuristic metropolises of Asia to the cultural capitals of Europe and the vibrant cities of Latin America.

The full list of the world’s 50 best cities in 2026

The ranking includes cities such as Zurich, Copenhagen, Paris, Singapore, Berlin, Amsterdam, Vancouver, Athens, Vienna, San Francisco, Lisbon and many others.

It is worth noting the growing popularity of cities:

▪️ in Latin America — Buenos Aires,

Lima, Bogotá

▪️ in Asia — Hanoi, Osaka, Ho Chi Minh City

▪️ in Europe — Kraków, Porto, Madrid

Travel trends in 2026

The main conclusion of the ranking is that tourists are increasingly choosing cities where they can not only ‘see the sights’ but also experience the rhythm of life.

Key trends include:

1. growing interest in local culture and gastronomy

2. the popularity of ‘slow travel’

3. a preference for cities with well-developed infrastructure and a safe environment

4. demand for unique experiences rather than mass tourism

Medical insurance is also a crucial part of your preparation. For example, purchasing a policy through Visit Ukraine allows you to cover medical expenses abroad and avoid unexpected costs in case of force majeure.

Remember! Even in expensive tourist cities, you can travel much more cheaply if you know a few simple rules. Many travellers overpay for food, entertainment and services simply because of typical tourist mistakes. Find out more about how to save money whilst travelling and avoid unnecessary expenses.

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