Europe is stuffed with cities and areas value visiting repeatedly. Additionally, there are locations which are at present “on the rise.” This is how the famend travel journal “Condé Nast Traveller” explains its choice of what it considers the best travel destinations in Europe for 2026. TRAVELBOOK presents the checklist–together with a probably polarizing point out from Germany.
Rome, the so-called Eternal City, is eternally lovely. Many different destinations in Europe additionally entice guests from round the world year-round. But the place is one thing taking place proper now? Which locations are at present in the worldwide highlight, maybe as a consequence of main sporting occasions, extraordinary cultural tasks, or new culinary ideas? And which cities and areas are significantly centered on sustainable tourism? Based on these standards, “Condé Nast Traveller” has chosen thrilling travel destinations in Europe for 2026. The checklist was primarily based on nations, areas, cities, and districts nominated by specialists from the travel journal’s in depth community. The editorial group then filtered out the 10 most vital spotlight places–together with a German metropolis that’s at present “at the forefront of the design world.”
More or Less Surprising Places Included
One shouldn’t anticipate hidden gems from the checklist–it doesn’t declare to supply them. There are even locations identified to be affected by overtourism, similar to the Greek island of Crete. It was lately formally named the European Gastronomy Region for 2026, which–alongside the opening of latest, thrilling resort eating places and a brand new airport–is one in all the causes for its inclusion on the checklist. Similarly, the Italian metropolis Milan hardly must be made interesting to vacationers; though connoisseurs may equally respect the much less crowded Turin. In any case, Milan will host the Winter Olympics in 2026, and in response to “Condé Nast Traveller,” varied design festivals and the typical “Dolce Vita” are arguments for visiting the city subsequent yr.
Also attention-grabbing: The Most Underrated Travel Destinations for 2026 in Europe
Among the considerably lesser-known locations from the checklist of the best travel destinations in Europe for 2026 is Oberkrain (Gorenjska). This will not be a city however one in all Slovenia’s historic landscapes. The area impresses with fairy-tale nature and charming villages that transport guests to a different world, in response to “Condé Nast Traveller.” At the similar time, Oberkrain focuses on cultural highlights and sustainability: A brand new museum for modern artwork showcases works from throughout Europe, whereas thermal spa resorts provide wellness and leisure in a surprising pure setting.
Views “like from a fairy tale,” writes “Condé Nast Traveller” about the Oberkrain area
Frankfurt am Main Only German City on the List
The German city on the checklist is Frankfurt am Main (see giant picture above). Known primarily as a banking metropolis, it goals to face out subsequent yr as the World Design Capital. “More than 200 events will further blossom the city, from the Main River to districts that have developed anew in recent years,” it says in justification. The East Harbor, for instance–”as soon as a uninteresting industrial space, now a vibrant neighborhood.”
Frankfurt am Main can be highlighted for the New Old Town, opened in 2018. There, lovingly reconstructed half-timbered homes and trendy buildings type a harmonious ensemble round the Römer and the historic Fountain of Justice. In the Westend, the Jewish Academy enhances the cityscape as a brand new middle for training, tradition, and alternate–a big venture for the deeply rooted Jewish group in Frankfurt. Visitors may keep in one in all the newly opened inns talked about by “Condé Nast Traveller,” together with the former conventional Grandhotel Hessischer Hof, which is about to reopen as a Taj Hotel by the finish of 2025.
The 10 Best Travel Destinations in Europe for 2026
The following checklist exhibits the 10 best travel destinations in Europe for 2026, together with a short description of the reasoning by “Condé Nast Traveller”:
-
Seville, Spain: new luxurious inns, inventive gastronomy, and rising cocktail bars
-
Crete, Greece: European Gastronomy Region 2026, new airport venture, luxurious resorts
-
Peloponnese, Greece: filming location for Christopher Nolan’s “Odyssey,” new mountain climbing trails, and historic cultural treasures.
-
Milan, Italy: host of the Winter Olympics 2026, new design inns, furnishings honest Salone del Mobile.
-
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France: sustainable Alpine tourism, new energy-efficient trains, opening of the Glaciorium
-
Oberkrain (Gorenjska), Slovenia: Julian Alps, Lake Bled, new artwork and wellness facilities
-
Brussels, Belgium: cultural revival, new Centre-Pompidou Museum, opening of The Standard resort.
-
Frankfurt am Main, Germany: World Design Capital 2026, new inns, Jewish Academy, vibrant meals and cultural scene.
-
Islay, Scotland: whisky island with new distilleries and the boutique resort “Ardbeg House.”
-
Oulu, Finland: European Capital of Culture 2026 with artwork and sustainability tasks and sauna festivals.
The put up This German city ranks among the best travel destinations in Europe for 2026 appeared first on TRAVELBOOK.