Japan’s art-filled countryside, Malaysia’s heritage hideaways, and Australia’s coastal escapes headline the Asia-Pacific destinations worth discovering next year.
The travel calendar for 2027 is shaping up to be a celebration of culture, creativity, and discovery. Historic cities are preparing for milestone anniversaries, extraordinary art installations are transforming rural landscapes, and new attractions are opening fresh possibilities for exploration.
In its annual Best of the World 2027, published October 20, National Geographic selected 25 destinations across six continents, spotlighting places with exciting cultural developments, architectural treasures, natural wonders, and experiences worth planning an entire trip around.
Asia-Pacific takes center stage with an enticing selection of heritage hideaways, culinary capitals, countryside retreats, and coastal escapes. Here’s where to go, what to experience, and why these destinations deserve a place on your next year’s bucket list:
Asia-Pacific: Where culture, cuisine, and discovery converge
Penang, Malaysia
Penang offers an irresistible pairing of historic charm and tropical adventure. Its UNESCO-listed George Town is a treasure trove of colonial-era architecture, Chinese clan houses, colorful street art, and culinary traditions shaped by Malaysian, Chinese, and Peranakan influences.
One of the biggest developments for 2027 is the anticipated opening of the Penang Hill cable car, connecting the Penang Botanic Gardens to the summit in under 10 minutes. Travelers can look forward to sweeping rainforest views, guided ecological walks, and farm-to-table experiences amid the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.
For an intimate luxury stay, Soori Penang occupies a collection of beautifully restored heritage shophouses. Private cultural experiences, traditional teahouse visits, and elegant architectural details make it an appealing base for travelers who appreciate thoughtful design and authentic local character.
Niigata, Japan
Away from Tokyo’s neon-lit neighborhoods and Kyoto’s celebrated temples, Niigata reveals another side of Japan’s rich cultural landscape. Traditional villages, terraced rice fields, and snow-covered mountains create a picturesque setting for art, architecture, and culinary exploration.
The region will also host the 10th Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale from July to November 2027, transforming approximately 200 villages into an expansive outdoor art destination. Installations will occupy abandoned schools, rural landscapes, and mountain tunnels, with works by internationally recognized artists including Antony Gormley and Annette Messager.
Niigata also offers an exceptional culinary experience rooted in fermentation. At Hakko House in Nagaoka, chef Sho Suzuki creates seasonal tasting menus featuring foraged ingredients and regional sake. Visitors can also explore the Hakko Trip, a self-guided route connecting traditional miso makers, sake breweries, and heritage food establishments.
Chengdu, China
Chengdu may be synonymous with giant pandas and fiery Sichuan cuisine, but 2027 brings another reason to explore China’s southwestern cultural capital: the centennial of the discovery that revealed the ancient Shu civilization.
At the Sanxingdui Museum, for one, visitors can encounter extraordinary Bronze Age artifacts, including intricate gold masks and monumental bronze sculptures. The Jinsha Site Museum is also scheduled to reopen in April 2027 following renovations, offering another window into the region’s 3,000-year history.
Recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Chengdu rewards travelers with memorable dining experiences. Sample traditional mapo tofu, explore late-night hot pot restaurants, or discover inventive Sichuan flavors at contemporary establishments. Sichuan opera’s famous Bian Lian, or face-changing performances, adds theatrical flair to an evening itinerary.
Jaipur, India
In 2027, a milestone celebration awaits India’s Pink City as Jaipur marks its 300th anniversary. Renowned for its magnificent palaces, elaborate jewelry, and centuries-old craftsmanship, the Rajasthan capital offers a rich tapestry of royal heritage, architectural splendor, and cultural traditions.
The city’s renowned Jaipur Literature Festival will hold its 20th edition from January 14 to 18, 2027, as well, bringing together celebrated authors, intellectuals, and cultural figures. Literary discussions, musical performances, and artistic installations will complement Jaipur’s anniversary celebrations.
Architecture enthusiasts can explore Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, and the honeycomb-like Hawa Mahal, while shoppers can discover traditional textiles, block-printed fabrics, and exquisite kundan jewelry at local bazaars. Jaipur’s palace hotels and heritage accommodations offer another opportunity to experience Rajasthan’s royal traditions.
Armenia
Armenia offers a captivating combination of rugged mountains, medieval monasteries, and villages steeped in Silk Road history. Its dramatic landscapes are attracting attention as a destination for immersive outdoor adventures.
The country’s expanding Transcaucasian Trail is opening new possibilities for hikers, too, along with improved signage, camping facilities, and routes connecting remote communities. Travelers can explore the volcanic peaks of the Gegham Mountains, discover the wine-producing region of Vayots Dzor, or trek through the spectacular river gorges of Lori.
Armenia’s developing National Trail adds another dimension, connecting rural settlements through scenic walking routes. Guided itineraries, local homestays, and traditional cooking experiences offer opportunities to experience Armenian hospitality while exploring the country’s natural heritage.
Melbourne, Australia
A vibrant blend of cosmopolitan culture, culinary creativity, and contemporary attractions makes Melbourne one of Australia’s most exciting cities to explore. Its multicultural neighborhoods boast an eclectic dining scene, while the historic Queen Victoria Market remains a favorite destination for fresh produce, specialty food, and artisanal finds.
The city will welcome eight matches during the 2027 Rugby World Cup, making it an exciting destination for sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, new urban gardens and green spaces are planned across Melbourne, including a major transformation of the former Queen Victoria Market car park into a landscaped public park.
Victoria’s Great Victorian Bathing Trail will also expand with new destinations. The anticipated 12 Apostles Hot Springs and Resort promises a restorative retreat near the Great Ocean Road’s limestone formations, while Phillip Island offers seaside bathing experiences and opportunities to witness its famous little penguins.
Where else is the world traveling to in 2027?
National Geographic’s remaining selections span Europe, Africa, North America, South America, and the Caribbean, with each destination offering a distinctive reason to visit.
Europe: Cultural capitals and countryside discoveries
Europe’s selections include Vestland, Norway, celebrated for its magnificent fjords and Nordic culinary experiences; Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, where a new dark-sky observatory and historic castles invite exploration; and Santander, Spain, which is preparing to welcome new cultural institutions and art collections. Normandy, France, will commemorate the millennium of William the Conqueror’s birth, while Leipzig, Germany, is planning musical milestones honoring its classical heritage. Poland’s Tricity region—Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia— completes the European selection with maritime history, Baltic gastronomy, and the 2027 World Sailing Championships.
Africa: Ancient wonders and wilderness adventures
In Africa, Luxor, Egypt, promises one of 2027’s most extraordinary spectacles: a total solar eclipse on August 2, accompanied by renewed luxury hospitality and heritage experiences along the Nile. Malawi, meanwhile, offers wildlife safaris in Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve, alongside tranquil lake retreats and hiking adventures around Mount Mulanje.
North America and the Caribbean: Cultural celebrations and scenic escapes
North America’s selections include Madison, Wisconsin, known for its lakeside lifestyle and food scene; California’s Pacific Coast Highway, where artistic communities and restored coastal routes invite road trips; and the Ozarks, United States, with mountain biking, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions. Halifax, Canada, is preparing to open a new Mi’kmaw cultural center, while Baltimore, Maryland, will commemorate 200 years of American railroading. In Mexico, Maya Ka’an offers Indigenous-led cultural experiences and conservation-focused adventures. The Caribbean contributes Puerto Rico, with its vibrant Afro-Caribbean traditions, and Grenada, whose Spicemas carnival celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2027.
South America: Ancient civilizations and spectacular celebrations
South America’s selections include Salvador, Brazil, where Carnival and Festa de Iemanjá promise a spectacular showcase of Afro-Brazilian culture; Cape Froward, Chile, where a new national park is planned in Patagonia’s remote southern wilderness; and Kuélap, Peru, where restored archaeological sites and new visitor trails will offer fresh perspectives on the ancient Chachapoya civilization.
Whether the appeal lies in contemporary art, exceptional cuisine, architectural treasures, or remote wilderness, National Geographic’s 2027 selections offer an invitation to travel with curiosity and intention.
Who knows? Your next great adventure might take you somewhere you’ve never thought to explore.
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