Bali, New York, and Madeira Lead the List

TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards highlight Bali as the world’s top destination, New York City as the leading U.S. city, and Madeira, Portugal, as the fastest-trending global location, based on millions of traveler reviews and ratings.

Tripadvisor has announced its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards for Best of the Best Destinations, recognizing locations most favored by travelers worldwide. The awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings submitted between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. Categories include Top Destinations, Trending Destinations, Culture Destinations, Food Destinations, Honeymoon Destinations, and Solo Travel Destinations.

Top Global and U.S. Destinations

Bali, Indonesia, has been named the world’s top destination for 2026. The island is recognized for its natural landscapes, beaches, and hospitality. Popular activities include Mount Batur Jeep Adventures and snorkeling tours around Nusa Penida.

Other leading global destinations are London, Dubai, Hanoi, Paris, Rome, Marrakech, Bangkok, Crete, and New York City. These cities are noted for their blend of cultural attractions, historical sites, and leisure opportunities.

In the United States, New York City remains the top destination, renowned for its food, culture, entertainment, and arts. Other U.S. destinations in the top ten include Las Vegas, Oahu, Nashville, New Orleans, Chicago, Charleston, Key West, Washington, D.C., and Boston.

Trending Destinations for 2026

Madeira, Portugal, is identified as the number one trending destination for 2026. The island is known for its natural scenery and relaxed atmosphere, offering activities such as canyoning and ecological tours.

Tbilisi, Georgia, ranks second, recognized for its architecture, arts scene, and cityscape. Other trending destinations in the top ten include Chicago (U.S.), Quy Nhon (Vietnam), Puerto Escondido (Mexico), Milan (Italy), Glasgow (U.K.), Abu Dhabi (U.A.E.), Recife (Brazil), and San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina).

Solo Travel Destinations

Dublin, Ireland, is named the best destination for solo travelers, offering accessible historical sites, a variety of dining options, and walkable neighborhoods. The city’s attractions include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and local distilleries.

The top ten solo travel destinations also feature Berlin, London, Santiago, Edinburgh, New York City, Hanoi, Madrid, Bali, and Cape Town Central.

Food Destinations

London, U.K., is ranked the top food destination globally, known for its diverse restaurant scene and food markets. Dubai ranks second, with a diverse culinary scene.

Other global food destinations in the top ten are Rome, Hong Kong, Paris, Majorca, Doha, Crete, Bangkok, and Marrakech. In the United States, New York City leads, followed by Las Vegas, Maui, Orlando, Miami, Chicago, Oahu, Boston, San Francisco, and Nashville.

Culture Destinations

Singapore is recognized as the leading cultural destination for 2026, moving up from last year’s rankings. The city is followed by London and Krakow, Poland. These destinations are highlighted for their arts, historical landmarks, and vibrant local traditions. The top ten also include Paris, Rome, Edinburgh, Hanoi, Budapest, Kyoto, and Bali.

Honeymoon Destinations

Bali is also recognized as a top honeymoon destination, offering a range of romantic experiences and scenic settings. Other destinations in this category are Mauritius, the Maldives, St. Lucia, Galle (Sri Lanka), Hue (Vietnam), Napa (U.S.), Positano (Italy), Watamu (Kenya), and Antigua.

Methodology

The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations are determined by analyzing the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings across accommodations, restaurants, and activities on Tripadvisor. The data is gathered from users worldwide, covering the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Each award subcategory reflects the preferences and experiences of the Tripadvisor community.