National Geographic has unveiled its list of the 25 destinations around the world that travellers should add to their 2027 itineraries, with six being in Europe.
First launched in 2012, its “Best of the World” selection has showcased where to go if you have “a sense of adventure, a fascination with the past”, or seeking the “simple pleasure of wandering unfamiliar city streets”.
Vestland in Norway was among the European destinations to make the cut. Here, travellers will find “epic fjord adventures and wellness-led travel” in one of Europe’s “most breathtaking landscapes”, the magazine said.
Vestland’s sheer scale of natural wonder was also highlighted. “Wherever you go, big wildness awaits”, including sky-high cliffs, turquoise waters and cascading waterfalls.
Poland’s Tricity area, which combines three adjacent cities – Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot – also made the list along with German city Leipzig.
For a musical getaway, Leipzig is recommended for its grand opera, orchestral halls and jazz clubs. The city is set to expand its existing 5.3km-long Music Trail, a route that takes visitors to numerous key historical sites, with a second 7.2km loop.
Also making the list is Normandy in France, especially as the region is set to host "Millenium 2027: European Year of the Normans". The celebration marks the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth. Throughout 2027, more than 1,000 events will take place, including concerts, medieval feasts and theatrical street performances.
Along Spain’s northern coast, Santander will welcome the opening of two world-class art museums in 2027. The region of Cantabria is “often overlooked”, the magazine said, but its capital city is “poised to change that”. Next year an outpost of the Museo Reina Sofia will open in the city and the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology will move to a new home.
For quiet trails and dark night skies, Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland is a must-visit – especially for stargazers. Next summer, the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is set to open amid the “rippling hills” of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.
Best of the world beyond Europe
Globally, National Geographic called on travellers to “join the biggest celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture in one of South America’s most historic cities”. For the first time in decades, Salvador in Brazil will host the Salvador Carnival immediately after the Festa de Iemanjá – which is the biggest festival of the Candomblé religion.
In Africa, Malawi is described as the continent’s “best-kept secret” that offers “thrilling nature experiences without the crowds”, especially as the classic safari circuit continues to grow in popularity. Thanks to government initiatives and work by conservation organisations, travellers can see the “big five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and African buffalo – in Malawi’s top wildlife regions, including Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve.
Other destinations to make the selection include Luxor in Egypt, Chengdu in China, Maya Ka’an in Mexico, and the Pacific Coast Highway in California, United States.
National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World’ list for 2027
- Vestland, Norway
- Penang, Malaysia
- Luxor, Egypt
- Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Puerto Rico
- Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, UK
- Niigata Prefecture, Japan
- Chengdu, China
- Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
- Jaipur, India
- Grenada
- Salvador, Brazil
- Cape Froward National Park, Chile
- Santander, Spain
- Normandy, France
- The Ozarks, USA
- Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Armenia
- Melbourne, Australia
- Leipzig, Germany
- Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Malawi
- Maya Ka’an, Mexico
- Tricity (Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia), Poland
- Kuélap, Peru
Poland on the international tourism map
The tricity area of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot were included on the National Geographic list. It joins the group of Polish destinations previously distinguished by the magazine: Białowieża Forest in 2019 and Łódź in 2022.
Crucially, the accolade underlines that Poland's Baltic coast has far more to offer than sandy beaches and a traditional summer holiday.
Together the three cities form a region where coastal landscapes blend with historical heritage, culture and a modern way of life.
The authors of the list encourage people to explore the region with the invitation: "Discover revitalised waterfronts and bold Baltic flavours in three seaside cities that are coming into their own."
Three cities, three different stories
Gdańsk draws visitors with its landmarks and centuries-old port history. Among the most important sights are Long Market (Długi Targ), the medieval Crane, the Museum of the Second World War and the European Solidarity Centre. The former Gdańsk Shipyard grounds also attract particular attention.
Significantly, the industrial spaces are being given new functions and are becoming venues for meetings, artistic events and a vibrant food scene.
Gdańsk's mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz stressed the importance of the distinction for the local community at the press conference.
"Gdańsk is a city of freedom, solidarity and openness,” she said. “A place where history meets modernity and everyone can find something for themselves. This accolade belongs to the residents of Gdańsk, who every day create the unique atmosphere of our city.”
Sopot stands above all for its spa traditions, seaside atmosphere and closeness to nature.
The city invites visitors to stroll along the beach and hike through the Tricity Landscape Park. Its attractions can be discovered outside the peak summer season as well.
Sopot's mayor Magdalena Czarzyńska-Jachim noted at the press conference: "Experts from all over the world have recognised the resort's exceptional atmosphere and the quality of our tourist offer, which Sopot's entrepreneurs work on every day in cooperation with the Sopot Tourism Organisation."
Gdynia, meanwhile, is distinguished by its modernist architecture and a history linked to the development of Poland's maritime economy.
The city, whose dynamic expansion began in the interwar period, became a symbol of Poland's renewed ambitions on the Baltic.
It is worth emphasising that in 2026 Gdynia's Modernist Centre was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Gdynia's mayor Aleksandra Kosiorek drew attention to the special timing of the accolade.
"This distinction has particular significance for us in the year of the centenary of Gdynia being granted city status,” she said. “A hundred years ago Gdynia was a symbol of a bold look to the future and today it once again shows that it is an open, dynamic and inspiring city. We are pleased that its history and present day have been recognised by one of the world's most recognisable travel publications.”
Gastronomy and events all year round
Local cuisine also plays an important role in the National Geographic recommendation. Tricity chefs use regional products, draw inspiration from Kashubian traditions and give classic dishes a contemporary twist.
Fish from the Baltic are another key element of the offer.
The region also attracts visitors with its cultural and sporting events. Gdańsk hosts St Dominic's Fair and the Shakespeare Festival, while Sopot organises a literary festival.
In turn, in 2027 Gdynia will host the main multi-class regattas as part of the Sailing World Championships. Kolosy, the National Meeting of Travellers, Sailors and Mountaineers, is also planned there.
An additional advantage is the ability to travel conveniently between the three cities without a car. Thanks to this, a single trip can combine sightseeing historic monuments, relaxing by the sea and exploring modernist architecture.