The 100 Best Cities In The World To Visit In 2026, According To A New Report

Something has been happening in the world of tourism in recent years – and it’s no longer a story of one city or one continent. In the ranking of the 100 best cities in the world for 2025, Paris is once again comfortably sitting on the throne, but behind it is a real drama: London, which for years was considered the favorite of tourists, continues to lose its luster. In its place, Asia is gaining momentum, and one city in America – not New York – manages to surprise the experts.

Paris: Not only beautiful – also a serial winner

Streets of Paris

Paris already has experience – it has been crowned the best city in the world for the fifth year in a row. But this year the victory feels even more natural:
the reopening of the rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral has given the city back some of its soul, a historic win by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League has attracted tens of thousands of fans, and a well-thought-out tourism policy keeps the city relevant, organized and inviting.

While Paris leads, Europe continues to prove itself: Madrid, Rome, Milan, Amsterdam and Barcelona all enter the top ten. But precisely where there should be glamour – that’s where the collapse comes. London, which for years was one of the great symbols of global tourism, continues to decline. After leaving the top ten for the first time last year, this year’s ranking pushes it to only 18th place. It has the infrastructure – but the policies, safety and sustainability simply can’t keep up.

Christmas in London

Asia is no longer “the future” – it is the present

If you’re looking for the big immigration story of the year, it’s happening in the East. Tokyo is in third place, Singapore in ninth, Seoul in tenth – and each of them is investing huge sums to attract the next tourist. Tokyo, for example, is pushing ahead with an expansion that will double the capacity of its airport. Plans include a third runway and an expansion of the second, which is expected to double passenger capacity by 2039.

A view of Bangkok, Thailand – the most visited city in the world

Bangkok – the city that can’t be stopped

Bangkok is once again the top city in the ranking and will be the world’s number one destination for international arrivals in 2025. Estimates speak of 30 million international visitors last year. Bangkok actually continues to prove that it is not only popular – it is addictive. After Bangkok are Hong Kong, London (at least in this dimension it is at the top), Macau and Istanbul.

What emerges from the rankings is a clear picture: Cities are no longer competing on quantity but on quality. Fewer casual tourists, more visitors who spend money and stay longer. Less congestion, more experiences.

The system is becoming more complex – with entrance fees, electronic travel permits and rising costs – and cities are trying to create a new model of responsible tourism.

International’s Top 10 City Destinations for 2026

1. Paris
2. Madrid
3. Tokyo
4. Rome
5. Milan
6. New York
7. Amsterdam
8. Barcelona
9. Singapore
10. Seoul

New York, again at No. 6, is the only American city in the top 10. Los Angeles, which climbed five spots to No. 13, is next on the list. Orlando, Florida, leads the way in tourism performance, highlighted by the opening of the Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort in May 2025, as well as major upgrades at Sea World and Disney World. Orlando also hosted six FIFA Club World Cup matches this year, all of which made it the top of the rankings.

Top ten cities for international arrivals in 2025:

1. Bangkok (30.3 million)
2. Hong Kong (23.2 million)
3. London (22.7 million)
4. Macau (20.4 million)
5. Istanbul (19.7 million)
6. Dubai (19.5 million)
7. Mecca (18.7 million)
8. Antalya (18.6 million)
9. Paris (18.3 million)
10. Kuala Lumpur (17.3 million)

Travel Smart – Protect Your Trip with CarInsuRent

Even if a destination isn’t on your must-visit list for 2026, that doesn’t mean your travel plans will be stress-free. One of the most overlooked parts of any trip is car rental insurance – especially in countries where rental companies charge high excess fees or use automated damage detection systems.

Whether you’re navigating narrow streets in a historic town or simply picking up a car for a day trip, unexpected charges for dents, scratches, or inflated damage claims can quickly turn a disappointing destination into a costly memory.

That’s where CarInsuRent can help. With affordable rental car excess insurance (available as single-trip or annual coverage), you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re protected against high damage fees – including third-party administrative costs –  that are not always covered by the rental company’s own insurance. Not sure if annual coverage is right for you? Compare daily vs annual car hire excess insurance costs to find the best option for your travel need

Why many travelers choose CarInsuRent:

• Covers excess charges from rental car companies worldwide
• Often much cheaper than buying insurance at the rental desk
• Works with all major rental brands, including airport pickups
• Annual plans protect multiple trips in a year

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a trip for 2026, we recommend that you read our guide for 8 Tourist Destinations That are Definitely Not Worth Visiting in 2026. It’s worth considering whether these challenges will impact your travel experience – and whether a trip to these iconic places is really worth it in the face of these increasing pressures.

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