Every year, wanderlust seekers wait for the definitive guide that points them toward the next great adventure. In 2027, National Geographic has compiled a roster of twenty-five locations that promise fresh perspectives, iconic scenery, and cultural moments you won’t want to miss. The selection draws on a worldwide network of journalists, photographers, and travel experts who scout places that lie beyond the usual itineraries while also celebrating a few timeless classics. From the dramatic fjords of Vestland in Norway to the historic streets of Penang, Malaysia, the list blends natural marvels, culinary hotspots, and emerging tourism initiatives, giving travelers a truly eclectic palette for the coming year.
The compilation is organized around three guiding ideas: a return to beloved landmarks, the discovery of under-the-radar gems, and experiences that are truly out of the ordinary. The vestland region offers towering cliffs, turquoise waters, and cascading waterfalls that embody the phrase “big wildness awaits.” In Asia, Niigata Prefecture in Japan showcases seasonal landscapes, sake traditions, and rural art installations, while Luxor in Egypt promises a celestial spectacle—a total solar eclipse on 2 August that will bathe the ancient city in darkness. North America isn’t left out; Madison, Wisconsin’s lakes provide a serene backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts, and Baltimore, Maryland, marks the 200-year anniversary of its first commercial railroad with a $38 million renovation of its railway museum.
Highlights that set the 2027 list apart
Among the twenty-five spots, several stand out because of unique events slated for the next twelve months. Normandy in France is gearing up for “Millennium 2027: European Year of the Normans,” a series of more than a thousand concerts, medieval feasts, and street performances commemorating the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth. In Germany, Leipzig celebrates the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death with an expansive music festival that will stretch its historic 5.3-km Music Trail and add a new 7.2-km loop for classical lovers. Meanwhile, Chile’s Cape Froward national park opens its doors as a fresh wilderness destination, and Grenada’s Spicemas carnival marks its 150th edition, showcasing nutmeg, cloves, and vibrant island culture.
Other destinations emphasize improved accessibility. Mexico’s Maya Ka’an, once a remote reserve, now connects to Cancún and Tulum by train, inviting visitors to explore Mayan ruins alongside pristine mangroves. Puerto Rico, fresh from a high-profile Super Bowl halftime show, promotes its Taíno Route—a cultural corridor of ancient settlements, sacred caves, and petroglyphs—offering a deeper look at the island’s Indigenous heritage. In Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway prepares for the debut of its Dark Sky Observatory, a magnet for stargazers seeking the clear night skies of the UNESCO-designated Biosphere.
Why these places deserve a spot on your 2027 itinerary
The list isn’t just about ticking boxes; each location carries a compelling narrative. The Pacific Coast Highway in California regains its full allure after a three-year closure, inviting road-trip fans to experience the iconic Big Sur stretch alongside thriving artistic communities in Mendocino and Laguna Beach. In Peru, the ancient citadel of Kuélap opens a new trail that leads hikers to the Malcapampa ruins, allowing them to witness live archaeological work and the remarkable cliff-side sarcophagi of the Chachapoya people. In the southern United States, the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas offer a blend of rugged hiking, waterfalls, and rural charm that remains relatively uncrowded.
European selections also shine. Spain’s Santander welcomes two world-class art museums—a new branch of the Museo Reina Sofía and the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology in a $56 million facility—raising the city’s cultural profile. Poland’s Tricity area (Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia) earns recognition for its revitalized waterfronts, historic shipyard heritage, modernist architecture, and a UNESCO-listed Modernist Centre. Each of these spots demonstrates how heritage and contemporary innovation can coexist, delivering travelers both education and enjoyment.
In short, the 2027 Best of the World selection serves as a roadmap for explorers eager to blend classic sightseeing with fresh discoveries. Whether you’re drawn to a fjord paddle, a solar eclipse, a music festival, or a newly opened national park, the list offers a destination for every taste, ensuring that the upcoming year will be filled with unforgettable journeys.
