Home
Blog
Market News
Forbes’ Official List of Must-Visit Destinations for 2026

Forbes’ Official List of Must-Visit Destinations for 2026

Created06.01.2026, 16.34

Updated06.01.2026, 18.29

Forbes List of Must-Visit Destinations for 2026 Forbes has released its highly anticipated list of the best places to visit in 2026. Moving beyond the usual hotspots, the Forbes top destinations 2026 puts the spotlight on areas that offer authentic experiences combined with world-class hospitality. From the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to the futuristic skylines of the Middle East, these places offer an unforgettable holiday.

Key Takeaways: The Must-Visit Destinations 2026

This year, Forbes focuses on places with authentic charm, including Antarctica for its icy frontiers and Zanzibar for its untouched beaches. Three specific locations in the Mediterranean and the Middle East stand out with their unique blend of luxury, culture, and nature.

Abu Dhabi tops the list with its rich cultural heritage and newly opened mega museums. Antalya follows with regions such as Kemer and Belek, offering an ultra-luxury vacation experience intertwined with pine forests and beautiful beaches. Meanwhile, Lefkoşa is selected as “Europe's Best Cultural Destination,” offering a deep-rooted heritage and authentic routes.

This page offers an international travel guide for 2026, inspired by Forbes' selections for the year.

1. Abu Dhabi, UAE: Where Tradition Meets Future

Dubai may be the Middle East's luxury capital with its magnificent skyscrapers and world-class amenities, but Abu Dhabi captures the true essence of the United Arab Emirates.

In 2026, Abu Dhabi is not only a rival to Dubai but also a smart alternative with a cultural depth and refined sense of luxury. For travelers looking for a blend of modern luxury and rich heritage, Abu Dhabi is one of the top vacation spots for 2026.

Why Forbes Highlights Abu Dhabi?

2026 marks a monumental year for Abu Dhabi, particularly with the new museums in and around Saadiyat Island.

First of all, the long-anticipated Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is planned to open its doors in 2026. Furthermore, Zayed National Museum (ZNM), the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and TeamLab Phenomena (all of which opened in 2025) are expected to boost the area's tourism statistics this year. Combined with many other upcoming projects, these investments have a focus on highlighting the cultural heritage of the emirates.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, highlighted that these projects aim to take us “from the earliest human interaction with the land all the way to who we are in our present and where we're going to go in our future.”

The appeal of Abu Dhabi goes beyond its galleries and museums. As noted by Forbes, Saadiyat Island offers five-star hospitality with hotels like The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Consequently, the island is becoming a culture-focused area with a luxury holiday landscape.

As of 2026, Saadiyat Island is more than just a bucket list trip 2026; it is also a smart destination for purchasing holiday homes in Abu Dhabi. With the rising number of investors and expats, the area is expected to hold its strong global position throughout the coming years.

2. Antalya, Türkiye: The Jewel of the Turkish Riviera

Forbes highlights Antalya not just for its sun and sea, but for its natural beauty and high-end, all-inclusive holiday experience, and draws special attention to pine forests and long Mediterranean beaches.

Why Forbes Highlights Antalya?

Antalya, the most popular place to visit in Turkey, is also one of the Forbes top travel destinations for 2026. The guide highlights Antalya not just for its sun and sea, but for its natural beauty and high-end, all-inclusive holiday experience. It draws special attention to the region's lush pine forests and long Mediterranean beaches.

The report highlights iconic hotels like Maxx Royal Kemer and Regnum Carya as perfect examples of Antalya's luxury holiday ambiance.

Take a look at our Antalya travel guide to explore the top historic and natural attractions in the area.

3. Lefkoşa, Cyprus: Europe's Best Holiday Hotspot for 2026

Recently, Lefkoşa (Nicosia) was selected by European Best Destinations as the best place to visit in 2026, and it also caught the attention of Forbes. According to an article published recently, Lefkoşa offers visitors a unique cultural blend with its rich heritage and welcoming locals, placing it at the top of the hidden travel gems for 2026 to explore.

Why Does Forbes Highlight Lefkoşa?

According to European Best Destinations, Lefkoşa scored 18.6 out of 20, surpassing Europe's most popular cities.

As the shared capital of North and South Cyprus, Lefkoşa's true charm lies in its unique cultural blend, offering both Gothic cathedrals and Ottoman architecture. Forbes emphasizes that both the Northern and Southern sides of the area must be added to your bucket list for a complete experience.

Lefkoşa is also among the top affordable travel destinations for 2026, hinting at a future popularity increase. This popularity is more than tourism: hidden gems like Girne and Karpaz are likely to gain more attention from international investors, travelers, and expats in the upcoming years.

You can visit our North Cyprus travel guide to discover all the historical, natural, and gastronomic experiences of the region.

Conclusion: Investment and Lifestyle Opportunities Beyond Vacation

Abu Dhabi, Antalya, and Lefkoşa’s ranking on the Forbes list signals a major shift in global travel trends. These cities offer more than just a unique holiday. They stand out for their easy accessibility, world-class infrastructure, and safe living environments, and the global attention is can boost not only tourism but also real estate and investment values in the coming years.