10 top cities & countries with fantastic reasons to visit in 2026

Kirsten Henton

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Still deciding where to go in 2026? We've handpicked a selection of destinations with something for everyone, whether you're after an action-packed city break, chasing the solar eclipse or just desperate to feel buttery soft sand between your toes.

So, read on to find out which cities and countries are the places to be in 2026 and treat yourself to a trip to look forward to as we enter the New Year.

England

From the northern border to the southern coast, England will bubble with anniversaries and commemorations throughout 2026.

In Northumberland, Kielder Forest, where you'll find England's largest forest plantation and the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe, is marking 100 years since its first trees were planted, making it a great time to visit. Get lost in nature, go stargazing at the Kielder Observatory, hiking, biking and birdwatching, among many other pursuits.

Walkers will also no doubt want to hit the trails of King Charles III Coast Path, which will open in its entirety in spring 2026. The path is set to be the longest official coastal trail in the world.

The long-distance National Trail incorporates existing coastal paths and is broken into five regional sections, taking in all 2,674 miles of the country's coastline from Berwick to Gretna, just across the Scottish border.

Meanwhile, 14 October 2026 will see the 960th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, which, perhaps more excitingly, is set to coincide with an exhibition displaying the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum in London.

It'll be the first time the fine artwork, which tells the story of the infamous battle through needlework, will have been in England for more than 900 years. It's certainly one not to miss while it's on loan, as its home in Bayeux, Normandy, has a revamp.

Make the most of exploring England with an English Heritage membership^*, which includes unlimited free entry to countless properties and historic sites across the country.

Climate in London

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F	45	45	50	55	63	68	72	72	66	59	50	46
Hours of sunshine (daily)	2	2	4	5	6	7	6	6	5	3	2	1
Days with some rainfall	16	12	14	14	13	11	10	12	11	13	15	14

Gothenburg, Sweden

Sweden's second city of Gothenburg is renowned as one of the world's most sustainable tourist destinations, thanks in part to its array of eco-friendly hotels, green transport options, abundance of locally-grown produce and vintage second-hand shops. It's even been named as the new UN Global Sustainable Lifestyle Hub for 2026.

Situated on Sweden's west coast, it's also incredibly beautiful. While the city is striped with Dutch-style canals, all lined with cafés and bars, the Gothenburg Archipelago, comprising more than 20 islands dotted with nature reserves and remote villages, attracts people all year round.

In the city, head to the Skansen Lejonet fortress for epic city views, the Gothenburg Museum of Art for a dose of creative culture or step aboard the replica fully-rigged Götheborg of Sweden ship to learn about the country's maritime heritage, especially in relation to the Swedish East India Company.

Add its lively calendar of events, signature Scandi style and achingly pretty streets, and there are plenty of reasons to visit in 2026.

Find great value city breaks to Gothenburg with Love Holidays^*, which offers hotel-only options as well as complete holiday packages including flights and accommodation.

Climate in Gothenburg

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F	34	34	41	48	61	66	68	68	61	52	43	37
Hours of sunshine (daily)	1	2	3	5	7	8	8	7	5	3	2	1
Days with some rainfall	16	11	12	11	11	11	11	12	13	15	16	15
Sea temperature °F	37	36	36	41	52	59	63	64	59	54	46	41

Oviedo, Spain

As the demand for warm weather but lower temperatures rises, the Asturian capital of Oviedo in northwest Spain is coming into its own as a more northerly tourist destination.

While you'll find distinctly northern flavours of the country, in everything from its food to its architecture, you'll still be able to enjoy everything that makes Spain so popular with Brits, including friendly welcomes and affordability.

What's more, the city is being thrust onto the world stage in 2026 as it's pegged as one of the best places to see the total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026; weather permitting, of course.

Various places, from northeast Greenland and Reykjavik in Iceland to northern Portugal and the Balearic Islands, are likely to have the best glimpses in the Northern Hemisphere, but almost all of the north coast of Spain will be within the "path of totality" (the Earth's surface where a total eclipse is visible).

Why choose Oviedo? The second-largest city in the region after Gijón, Oviedo is rich in regal heritage and a vibrant gastronomy scene. The cathedral's Gothic-style tower marks the beginning of any exploration of the UNESCO landmarks that form the ancient capital city of Oviedo.

Here, the old town drips with statues, churches and palaces that hint at its once-mighty influence in the region. Visits to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Archaeological Museum will offer a look at Asturian art and prehistoric, Roman and Visigothic relics, respectively.

Counter ancient with modern at The Food Factory, offering indoor and outdoor dining areas and spade-loads of choice from beers and cocktails to bites from around the globe.

Browse affordable holidays to Oviedo with On the Beach^*, which offers hotel and flights together in one easy bundle.

Climate in Oviedo

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F	54	55	57	59	63	68	72	73	72	64	59	55
Hours of sunshine (daily)	3	4	5	5	5	6	6	6	5	4	4	3
Days with some rainfall	17	17	16	16	16	12	10	11	12	15	16	18
Sea temperature °F	55	55	54	55	57	63	66	68	66	63	59	57

Travelling on a budget? See which are the cheapest cities to visit in Europe.

Toulon, France

Set your sights on the French Riviera where the historic naval port of Toulon, the third biggest city after Marseille and Nice, as well as home of the French Mediterranean Fleet, is attracting more history-curious, seafood-loving travellers than ever.

Once a great centre of shipbuilding, winemaking and fishing among other industries, Toulon is having a renaissance of sorts, with people drawn to attractions such as its Maritime Museum, which spans some 400 years of history.

Ride the cable car up Mount Falon for views along the famed coastline and to learn all about the Allied liberation of Provence in 1944.

Of course, the waters off the beautiful golden sweep of Mourillon Beach prove why it's called the Côte d'Azur. Then there are day trips to the likes of suave Aix-en-Provence and stylish Saint Tropez.

All of this is being made easier to reach than ever before, thanks to British Airways^*, which is launching new flights direct to Toulon^* from London City Airport in around two hours from summer 2026.

As well as new flights, you can also sail into Toulon with Marella Cruises^*, which has numerous western Mediterranean itineraries calling at this port city.

Climate in Toulon

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F	54	55	59	63	70	77	82	82	77	70	61	55
Hours of sunshine (daily)	5	6	7	8	10	11	12	11	8	7	5	5
Days with some rainfall	10	10	10	9	9	7	4	5	7	9	9	10
Sea temperature °F	57	55	55	57	61	66	72	73	72	68	63	59

Guadalajara, Mexico

The capital and biggest city in the western Mexican state of Jalisco, Guadalajara is set to host four matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

An energetic city, it blends oodles of history with an artsy, contemporary vibe. Explore its twin-towered cathedral and collection of colonial-era buildings before visiting the ornate Cabañas Cultural Institute, whose courtyards and gardens give way to dramatic murals across its chapel ceiling.

Food is central to life here. Sample tortas ahogadas, aka local pork sandwiches drenched in chilli sauce, or wander one of Latin America's largest indoor markets, Mercado San Juan de Dios. For a change of pace, the neighbourhoods of Colonia Americana and Chapultepec mix Art Deco houses with modern galleries, cafés and late-night bars.

Beyond the city, the temptingly-named historic town of Tequila sits among fields of blue agave, with the likes of Casa Sauza offering informative distillery tours and tastings. Meanwhile, Lake Chapala is where to go for a cooler, slower pace by the water.

Search for holidays to Guadalajara with Expedia^*, which offers breaks for all budgets.

Climate in Guadalajara

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F	75	79	84	88	90	86	81	81	81	81	79	75
Hours of sunshine (daily)	7	8	9	9	9	7	6	7	6	7	8	6
Days with some rainfall	2	1	1	1	4	14	20	18	16	10	2	3

Toronto, Canada

Canada's most populous city is getting a brand new connection to the UK, courtesy of WestJet, which is launching new direct flights from Toronto to Cardiff from 23 March 2026.

Book your seats to experience a city where skyscrapers rub along with beaches, food markets and one giant lake. Start downtown, shooting skywards in the glass lift to the top of the CN Tower before making for Kensington Market, where vintage shops, taco joints and live music are all easily found.

Head to the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario to see world-class collections, while neighbourhoods like Distillery District keep things playful with galleries and craft breweries. In summer, do as the locals do by escaping to the Toronto Islands in Lake Ontario for a base in nature to go cycling and kayaking.

Find expertly-led tours to Toronto with Newmarket Holidays^* as well as affordable fares with the national flag carrier, Air Canada^*.

Climate in Toronto

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F	28	28	39	52	64	75	81	77	70	57	45	32
Hours of sunshine (daily)	3	4	5	6	7	9	9	8	6	5	3	2
Days with some rainfall	12	10	10	11	11	10	9	10	10	11	12	13
Sea temperature °F	37	36	36	37	45	55	66	70	66	57	48	41

The USA

The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is always a big deal in the United States, but few more so than in 2026, when the country will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

The declaration, which ratified America's independence from Great Britain after the arduous, nearly nine-year-long American Revolutionary War, was technically signed later on 2 August 1776 at the Pennsylvania State House, now called Independence Hall, but the thrust of activities will take place around Independence Day.

There are countless events scheduled across the nation, from drone shows in Colorado to battle reenactments in Pennsylvania, a tall ship parade in New York, square dance conventions in Texas and an augmented reality show on the revolution in New Orleans.

Top off with firework displays, museum exhibitions, historic open houses, and so much more, and 2026 is going to be a great time to get to see a little more of its history as it celebrates America 250. Add the FIFA World Cup, and you've got every excuse to go.

Book direct flights to destinations across the US with Virgin Atlantic^* or browse the latest deals on holidays^* to possibly save on your travels.

Climate in Washington D.C.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F	41	45	55	66	75	84	88	86	79	68	57	46
Hours of sunshine (daily)	5	6	7	8	8	9	9	8	7	7	5	4
Days with some rainfall	10	10	10	10	11	10	10	9	7	7	9	9

Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

Once upon a time, Sharm el Sheikh, located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, depended on fishing, but these days it's all about tourism. Arguably Egypt's leading Red Sea resort, Sharm, as it's lovingly known, has every amenity to make a beach holiday here a hit.

From boat trips, snorkelling and diving to quad biking and camel rides in the desert, there's no shortage of ways to throw yourself into the vast array of North African nature. For some, time is best spent in the Ras Muhammad National Park, which is fast becoming a hotbed of eco-tourism projects, where turtles lay their eggs, more than a thousand species of fish live offshore, and mangroves thrive.

For others, Sharm is about the sun, sea and sand, especially found in Naama Bay, the great, well-stocked stretch of coast that offers watersports, loungers, cafés the lot.

Whichever Sharm takes your fancy, those travelling from Scotland have the added benefit of new direct flights with easyJet from Glasgow from 1 August 2026, with full package deals available through easyJet holidays^*. If you're looking even further ahead, Jet2holidays^* is also set to offer affordable breaks to Sharm from 2027.

See the latest online offers on holidays to Sharm el Sheikh^* and other destinations across Egypt with TUI^*.

Climate in Sharm el Sheikh

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F	70	72	77	84	91	97	99	99	95	88	81	73
Hours of sunshine (daily)	8	9	10	10	11	13	13	12	11	10	9	8
Days with some rainfall	1	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	1
Sea temperature °F	73	72	72	73	77	79	82	82	81	81	79	77

Kyrgyzstan

The World Nomad Games are set to return to their birthplace in Kyrgyzstan in their sixth year, after being held in Turkey and Kazakhstan more recently.

The bi-annual event is due to take place in the country's capital Bishkek and lakeside Issyk-Kul, between 31 August and 6 September.

This mammoth international sporting event, which sees competitors from more than 100 countries battle it out across multiple games, aims to celebrate and conserve traditional games practised across Central Asia.

Events typically include varieties of wrestling, horse racing, mounted archery, hunting on horseback with eagles, bone-throwing, and so much more. One of the most memorable, however, has to be Kok boru, a UNESCO-recognised game of cultural importance in which teams of players on horseback compete over a goat's carcass (although today this is often replaced with a synthetic version!).

Alongside the competitive sports, you're guaranteed a warm welcome, local food and drinks and a flurry of festivities including song and dance.

Search tours to Kyrgyzstan with Explore!^*, which offers a variety of different trips and itineraries to Central Asia.

Climate in Bishkek

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F	36	37	50	64	73	82	88	86	77	63	50	41
Hours of sunshine (daily)	4	5	5	7	9	11	11	10	9	6	5	4
Days with some rainfall	9	9	12	12	11	9	6	5	4	8	9	9

Seoul, South Korea

Find everything from neon lights and skyscrapers to medieval tiled palaces and a city with a strong identity all of its own in the capital of South Korea, Seoul.

Here, the nation's complex past is exhibited through no fewer than five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and around Seoul, including fortresses and royal tombs, while the old city is wrapped in 14th-century fortified walls.

But it's not all treasures of the past in this vibrant city, where K-pop blasts from shops, the Banpodaegyo Bridge puts on a dazzling lightshow throughout the evenings from spring to autumn, and the 236.7-metre-tall Namsan Seoul Tower, built in 1969, serves up city-wide views from its famous cafés and restaurants.

Go for both traditional and contemporary works at the Leeum Art Museum, to gain cultural understanding at The National Museum of Korea and to see manicured gardens popping with cherry blossom in spring.

All of this and more will soon be super accessible, courtesy of Virgin Atlantic's new direct daily flights^*, launching from London Heathrow on 29 March 2026.

Book your dream trip to Seoul with Wendy Wu Tours^*, the expert in holidays to the Far East.

Climate in Seoul

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F	34	37	50	63	73	79	82	84	77	68	52	39
Hours of sunshine (daily)	6	6	7	8	8	7	6	6	7	7	5	5
Days with some rainfall	7	6	7	8	8	10	16	13	9	6	10	7

Ready to book your 2026 adventure? Browse our complete collection of travel deals and discounts to get away for less.

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton is Weather2Travel.com's editor. Kirsten writes, commissions and edits our travel features, liaising with our contributors and ensuring copy is spick-and-span. A member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, Kirsten also freelances writing articles on travel, history and the outdoors for titles such as Scotland Magazine and BBC Travel.

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