A total solar eclipse over Egypt, celebrations marking 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror in France and a proposed national park at the southern tip of South America are among the attractions behind National Geographic's selection of the 25 best places to travel in 2027.
The magazine's annual Best of the World list, published Tuesday, features cities, natural landscapes and historic sites across six continents, combining familiar vacation destinations with lesser-known places that rarely appear on conventional travel itineraries.
Gallery
Hikers on Trolltunga cliff in Norway's Vestland region, overlooking a turquoise lake surrounded by mountains
(Photo: fokke baarssen / Shutterstock)
The selection process begins months before publication. In an interview with USA Today, National Geographic editor-in-chief Nathan Lump explained that the magazine draws on its international network of journalists, photographers, filmmakers, researchers and editors to nominate destinations they believe deserve attention. Hundreds of suggestions arrive from around the world before being reviewed and narrowed down to just 25.
Also on the list: a magical journey through Normandy and the Loire Valley
(Video: Gilad Topaz)
Lump said the final selection goes beyond a destination's attractions. Editors consider geographical diversity, different travel interests, budgets and trip lengths. Overtourism is another factor, with the magazine seeking to highlight alternatives to destinations overwhelmed by visitors.
The result is not a numerical ranking of the world's 25 greatest places, but an editorial selection of destinations offering compelling reasons to visit in the coming year.
The 2027 list reflects that approach. Alongside cities such as Melbourne, Australia, and Baltimore, Maryland, it includes Japan's Niigata Prefecture, which is preparing for a major international art festival, Norway's fjord-filled Vestland region and Kuélap, a centuries-old archaeological complex in Peru built by the Chachapoya civilization.
Here are all 25 destinations and what makes each worth considering for 2027.
Vestland, Norway
National Geographic recommends Vestland in western Norway for its spectacular fjord adventures. Home to Hardangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, the region offers dramatic mountain landscapes, waterfalls, hiking trails and electric boat cruises through some of Scandinavia's most striking scenery.
Bergen, the region's main gateway, is also worth exploring. Its historic Bryggen district, known for colorful wooden buildings once used by Hanseatic League merchants, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an active part of the city's cultural and commercial life.
The village of Byrkjelo in western Norway's Vestland region
(Photo: Joan Vadell / shutterstock)
(Norway's fjords)
Penang, Malaysia
Penang combines tropical rainforests with what National Geographic calls a "living heritage". The Malaysian state is home to George Town, a historic port city shaped by Chinese, Indian and Malay communities, whose historic center is recognized by UNESCO.
A new cable car connecting the Penang Botanic Gardens to Penang Hill is scheduled to open in 2027. The journey to the summit is expected to take less than 10 minutes, providing visitors with another way to experience the island's lush landscapes.
Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang Island, Malaysia
(Photo: shutterstock / Sergii Figurnyi)
Luxor, Egypt
Described by National Geographic as the "world's greatest open-air museum", Luxor is home to some of ancient Egypt's most celebrated monuments, including Karnak and Luxor Temples and the Valley of the Kings.
The biggest reason to visit in 2027, however, will be overhead. On August 2, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the region, plunging Luxor into darkness for more than six minutes. NASA confirms that the eclipse's path will cross Egypt, making the city one of the most attractive places to witness the astronomical event.
New hotels are also expected to open, while a new overnight tourist train service between Cairo and Aswan is planned.
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Wisconsin's capital is described as "the Midwest’s most effortless getaway". Located between lakes Mendota and Monona, the city offers cycling routes, parks and farmers' markets.
A major reason for its inclusion is Madison LakeWay, a project designed to transform the Lake Monona waterfront. According to an October 2026 municipal update, construction is expected to begin in 2027, with most work scheduled for completion by June 2028.
The Wisconsin State Capitol and Madison skyline overlooking Lake Monona at sunset
(Photo: shutterstock / Kurt Nichols)
Puerto Rico, United States
National Geographic highlights Puerto Rico's community-led traditions, particularly in Loíza, a town celebrated for its Afro-Puerto Rican heritage, bomba music and traditional festivals.
Visitors can also explore Old San Juan, where the imposing San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal fortresses reflect the island's colonial history. The fortifications are managed by the U.S. National Park Service and form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Perla neighborhood in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
(Photo: shutterstock / Sandra Foyt)
Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
‘Quiet trails and starry skies’ are among the reasons National Geographic selected this region of southwestern Scotland. A new observatory is expected to open in 2027, alongside expanded hiking and cycling opportunities.
Galloway Forest Park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, offering unusually clear views of the night sky. Scottish forestry authorities recommend locations such as Clatteringshaws Loch for stargazing.
The wider region also features castles, coastal villages and sites associated with Scottish poet Robert Burns.
The cliffs of Mull of Galloway in southwestern Scotland at sunset
(Photo: shutterstock / Conlyn McEvoy)
Niigata, Japan
National Geographic's editors highlighted Niigata Prefecture for its "peculiar art fest".
Art will take center stage in Niigata in 2027, when the 10th edition of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is scheduled to run from July 17 through November 7.
The festival transforms rural communities into an open-air art gallery, with installations displayed in villages, rice fields and abandoned buildings.
Located along the Sea of Japan, Niigata is also known for its ski resorts, sake production and traditional methods of preserving food using snow.
The Hoshitoge rice terraces in Japan's Niigata Prefecture at sunrise
(Photo: shutterstock / onemu)
Chengdu, China
National Geographic describes Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, as a place where "a 3,000-year-old kingdom comes back to life".
The year 2027 marks a century since the first discovery that led to the identification of the ancient Shu civilization. Its remarkable bronze sculptures, gold masks and other Bronze Age artifacts can be seen at the Sanxingdui and Jinsha museums.
UNESCO lists the archaeological sites on China's tentative World Heritage list, recognizing their importance in understanding the region's ancient cultures.
Pacific Coast Highway, California, United States
National Geographic recommends California's Pacific Coast Highway for the ‘artistic legacy of its coastal communities.’
California's legendary coastal highway offers dramatic cliffs, beaches and picturesque communities, including Big Sur and Laguna Beach. Major stretches of the highway have also reopened following prolonged closures caused by landslides.
Laguna Beach will celebrate the centennial of its incorporation as a city in 2027. Local authorities are planning a yearlong program beginning in January, with official celebrations scheduled for June.
Jaipur, India
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is described as a ‘300-year-old city of palaces,’ founded in 1727.
The city is home to the Amber Fort, the Palace of Winds, and the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory.
The 20th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival will also take place in 2027, one of the events that helped secure the city's place on the list. According to the festival's official website, the event will run from January 14 to 18, featuring meetings with authors, public discussions and musical performances.
Jal Mahal Palace on Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur, India
(Photo: shutterstock / Mihir Sutaria)
Grenada
National Geographic cites a 'one-of-a-kind festival' as one of the reasons for selecting Grenada, the Caribbean island nation.
Grenada is preparing for a major cultural milestone: the 150th anniversary of its Spicemas Carnival in 2027, which will feature colorful parades, music competitions and street celebrations, with major events scheduled for August, including the traditional J'ouvert procession on August 9.
Outside carnival season, Grenada is known for its nutmeg production, tropical beaches, volcanic landscapes and natural hot springs.
A street in the old town of St. George's, the capital of Grenada
(Photo: shutterstock / travelview)
Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
The magazine describes Salvador as the "biggest celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture", highlighting its famous carnival and traditional festivities honoring Yemanjá. The city, which served as Brazil's first capital, preserves strong African influences in its music, religious traditions and cuisine.
Salvador will also be one of the host cities for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Seven matches are scheduled at Arena Fonte Nova during the tournament, which takes place in June and July.
Aerial view of Salvador's historic center in Brazil at dusk
(Photo: shutterstock / Donatas Dabravolskas)
Cape Froward, Chile
Cape Froward, the southernmost point of mainland South America, is featured on the list for its proposed ‘new national park at the southern tip of South America.’ Located near the Strait of Magellan, the region is home to forests, wetlands and subantarctic landscapes.
According to conservation organization Rewilding Chile, more than 127,000 hectares of land were acquired for conservation and transferred to the Chilean state in 2025. The national park is planned for establishment by the end of 2027, although the process has not yet been completed.
The coastline of Cape Froward along the Strait of Magellan in southern Chile
(Photo: shutterstock / chrisontour84)
Santander, Spain
Santander, a coastal city in northern Spain, is experiencing what National Geographic describes as a "cultural renaissance".
The Faro Santander art center opened in September 2026 inside a historic building redesigned by architect David Chipperfield. It features works from Banco Santander's collection and rotating exhibitions.
Two more cultural attractions are expected to open in 2027: a branch of the Reina Sofía Museum and a new building for the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology.
Cabo Mayor Lighthouse on Santander's rocky coastline in northern Spain
(Photo: shutterstock / Mazur Travel)
Normandy, France
Normandy will be marking a millennium of history in 2027, celebrating 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror in 1027.
Regional authorities are organizing a cultural program called Millenium, featuring exhibitions, performances and events exploring Norman history and heritage.
Visitors can also discover some of France's most iconic attractions, including Mont Saint-Michel, the beaches of the Allied D-Day landings during World War II and Claude Monet's gardens in Giverny.
Normandy, France
(Photo: shutterstock)
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey and the town surrounding it in Normandy, France
(Photo: shutterstock / proslgn)
Southern Ozarks, United States
National Geographic recommends the southern Ozarks, spanning Arkansas and Missouri, for their ‘unexpected outdoor adventures.’ Alongside forests, cliffs and cycling trails, the region is home to Bentonville and its Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
According to the museum, a roughly 10,600-square-meter expansion opened in June 2026, increasing its size by approximately 50%. The region also features mountain biking parks and natural areas where visitors can spot bison and deer.
Hawksbill Crag in Ozark National Forest, Arkansas, United States
(Photo: shutterstock / elisolidum)
Halifax, Canada
The port city of Halifax in eastern Canada was chosen for "Atlantic Canada’s heritage revival".
A new community and cultural center dedicated to the Mi'kmaq, the Indigenous people of the region, is planned for the city. The project is intended to support educational, cultural and community activities.
Halifax is also home to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Africville Museum, which preserves the history of the city's Black community.
The Halifax Public Gardens in Nova Scotia, Canada
(Photo: shutterstock / Nicola Pulham)
Transcaucasian Trail, Armenia
National Geographic highlights the Transcaucasian Trail as offering ‘new ways to explore Armenia.’ The route winds through mountains, villages and ancient monasteries, with sections restored by volunteers in recent years.
According to the organization behind the project, the Armenian section stretches approximately 819 kilometers, with digital maps and trail guides available to hikers. Parts of the trail also pass near Tatev Monastery and Dilijan National Park.
The ninth-century Tatev Monastery in southern Armenia
(Photo: shutterstock / Madrugada Verde)
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is described as a 'livable city' with National Geographic highlighting its cultural diversity, markets, restaurants and sporting events.
The city will host eight matches during the men's Rugby World Cup in October 2027, including two round-of-16 fixtures. The dates and venue have been confirmed on the official tourism website of the state of Victoria.
Meanwhile, Melbourne is also planning to expand its green spaces and open new waterfront entertainment venues.
Melbourne, Australia
(Photo: FiledIMAGE / shutterstock)
Leipzig, Germany
Leipzig was selected as a destination for a ‘musical getaway,’ thanks to its historic ties to composers Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn and Richard Wagner.
The year 2027 marks the 300th anniversary of the first performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion. According to the local tourism board, the annual Bach Festival will take place from June 10 to 20 and will be dedicated to the work.
Visitors can also explore St. Thomas Church and museums celebrating the city's musical heritage.
Panoramic view of Leipzig, Germany, at sunset
(Photo: shutterstock / Igor Link)
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
National Geographic describes Baltimore as the ‘birthplace of American railroads,’ where the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was founded in 1827. In 2027, the city will mark the company's 200th anniversary.
The National Museum of Railroad History and Innovation, renamed in 2026, is preparing special exhibitions, cultural events and an expansion of its facilities.
Other attractions include the city's Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium and historic Lexington Market.
Baltimore's Inner Harbor in Maryland
(Photo: shutterstock / Sean Pavone)
Malawi
For travelers seeking "African wildlife without the crowds" found at some of the continent's more famous safari destinations, National Geographic recommends Malawi.
The country is home to Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve, where conservation programs have helped restore wildlife populations.
Lake Malawi is another major attraction, offering boating, diving and visits to fishing villages. According to UNESCO, the national park along the lake's southern shores supports hundreds of fish species, most of them found nowhere else.
Green hills and valleys in Malawi, southeastern Africa
(Photo: shutterstock / Kamran Ali)
Maya Ka'an, Mexico
One reason Maya Ka'an made the list is its ‘community-led adventures.’ Located on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, the region is home to Maya villages, forests and nature reserves, including Sian Ka'an.
In March 2026, the Mexican government designated Maya Ka'an as one of the first destinations in a national initiative to promote community-based tourism. The program includes planned investments in infrastructure and training for local residents, aimed at strengthening tourism experiences managed directly by the communities themselves.
Aerial view of the Sian Ka'an nature reserve in Quintana Roo, Mexico
(Photo: shutterstock / zstock)
Tricity, Poland
National Geographic highlights the ‘revitalized coastal cities’ of Poland's Tricity region on the Baltic Sea, comprising Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia. The three cities offer a mix of maritime history, beaches and cultural attractions.
In July 2026, Gdynia's modernist city center was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List. Gdynia is also set to host the 2027 Sailing World Championships, drawing athletes and visitors from around the world.
Historic buildings in Gdańsk's Old Town along the Motława River at dusk
(Photo: shutterstock / kavalenkava)
Kuélap, Peru
National Geographic describes Kuélap as the ‘Machu Picchu of the north,’ an archaeological site built by the Chachapoya civilization in northern Peru. The complex features centuries-old stone structures and walls. After part of its southern wall collapsed in 2022, extensive restoration work was completed.
According to Peru's Ministry of Culture, a new visitor route along the restored wall opened in June 2026. Conservation efforts and archaeological research at the site are ongoing.
Ruins of the Kuélap archaeological site in the Amazonas region of northern Peru
(Photo: shutterstock / Christian Declercq)