This Moroccan city is one of the top 5 global destinations for 2026

Rabat is emerging as one of the major stops of the year, according to Time Out. The Moroccan capital is experiencing a true renaissance driven by the upcoming opening of the Royal Theatre, a futuristic structure designed by architect Zaha Hadid. In April 2026, the city will take an additional step by becoming the UNESCO World Book Capital. This title will be marked by a dense program including workshops, masterclasses, and public reading marathons, positioning Rabat as a serious cultural alternative to traditional tourist circuits.

The wellness sector is being renewed with large-scale projects. In the Canadian Rockies, the BASIN thermal complex now offers Nordic rituals facing the waters of Lake Louise. In Nepal, the offer is evolving towards digital detox sanctuaries and high-end eco-lodges, while New Zealand is inaugurating a 189-meter pedestrian suspension bridge in Aoraki National Park to offer unprecedented views of its glaciers.

Between digital art and movie sets

In Europe, Hamburg stands out with the opening of the UBS Digital Art Museum, which will become the largest space dedicated to digital art on the continent. For its part, the Sicilian island of Favignana is about to experience a strong influx following the filming of Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Odyssey. For travelers seeking tranquility, Brazil offers authentic refuges like the villages of Algodões or Barra dos Remédios, where the pace of life remains dictated by nature and the tides.

A quest for authenticity and proximity

This 2026 selection also highlights a growing interest in "second cities" and sustainable alternatives. Cirencester, in the English Cotswolds, is thus favored for its historic charm away from the crowds, while Gothenburg in Sweden seduces with its spirit of proximity and its expanding gastronomic scene. Whether it’s the island of Saint Helena for history buffs or central Vietnam for its discreet luxury, the 2026 traveler seems, according to Time Out magazine, to favor experiences that are meaningful and rejuvenating.

Here is the complete list of 2026 destinations selected by Time Out:

• Canadian Rockies - Canada
• Rabat - Morocco
• Algodões (Bahia) - Brazil
• Hamburg - Germany
• Aoraki / Mount Cook - New Zealand
• Mendoza - Argentina
• Cirencester - England
• Central Vietnam - Vietnam
• Nepal - Nepal
• Favignana (Sicily) - Italy
• Gothenburg - Sweden
• Oaxaca - Mexico
• Rottnest Island - Australia
• Durban - South Africa
• Saint Helena Island - United Kingdom (Overseas Territory)
• Barra dos Remédios (Ceará) - Brazil
• Prince Edward County - Canada
• Norfolk Island - Australia
• Hong Kong - China (SAR)