The recently concluded World Travel Market (WTM 2025) noted a number of updates from the tourism industry. It is one of the most influential travel and tourism events globally, just like the meticulously organised Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in the Middle East. This year’s WTM London noted the launch of a detailed World’s Best Cities 2026 report, bringing into focus dozens of cities recognised for their Liveability, Lovability and Prosperity.
Presented by Resonance and Ipsos, the World’s Best Cities 2026 list has a number of top contenders. The report scored global cities on the basis of a number of parameters, such as access to green spaces, clean air and public transport for Liveability, culture, nightlife and social media engagement for Lovability and economic strength, education and air connectivity for Prosperity. This is one of the most detailed city rankings, so you need to check it out.
Only one city from the entire Middle East region has scored a place on the list. This place is recognised for its futuristic projects, yet the city holds on tight to its culture and traditions.
There is no doubt that the top ten cities to be listed in some time are seeing a good number of international tourists. In fact, there is a recent boom, mainly credited to a recovery in business travel, more interest in cultural tourism and events, and better connectivity. Therefore, these need to be on your international trip bucket list at all costs. You are not going to lose in any matter as these places support tourism, hold great infrastructure, are quite scenic and serene, and feature a great history that holds on tight to good food and cultural scenes.
So, let’s not diddle-daddle anymore. Take a look at the World’s Best Cities 2026 and see if your place could secure a place on the list. Let’s get started, then?
Top 10 World’s Best Cities 2026 List
Don’t fret, I’m not going to spill the beans here itself. But it must be noted that the US had the most cities in the 2026 top 100 at 19 spots, Germany came second at 8 spots and China in the third position at 7 spots. Cities like Dubai and Bangkok are particularly highlighted by the report as both the places are expected to see a substantial rise in tourist numbers in the near future. Europe contributes six cities to the best ten list, including the top position.
10. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona rightfully occupies a spot on the World’s Best Cities 2026. Long recognised for its Mediterranean climate and food plus the hub of a giant football club, this Spanish city is also finally approaching the end of one of its most famous tourist attractions – Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Família, expected to finish completion next year. Barcelona’s 12 million annual visitors (double its metro population) adore the place for a number of reasons. Food and nightlife are definitely a big part of many tourists’ itineraries, and so is architecture. The city also ranks Top 3 in the Public Transit subcategory, highlighting the importance of public transport systems in making a place more accessible and incredible for tourists.
9. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is not just one of the best places in Germany but all of Europe. There are a lot of interesting things to do in Berlin all year round. You can find a lot of prominent museums here, in addition to incredible architectural masterpieces. Berlin is also protecting its Number 7 Prosperity ranking on the World’s Best Cities 2026, highlighted by its Number 14-ranked Business Ecosystem. The city ranks high for bikes. This means you can easily get a bike and go around Berlin on a surreal trip. In fact, bike rides are extremely popular across Europe.
8. Dubai, UAE
The only Middle Eastern city on this list, Dubai is definitely one of the most happening places today. You can find a lot of thrilling and memorable things to do in Dubai all year round (including the sizzling summer season). There is the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. One of the biggest shopping malls globally, The Dubai Mall, is just adjacent to it and so is the beautiful Dubai Fountain. From luxury to budget, there are a number of beautiful hotels in Dubai. You can find plenty of Michelin star restaurants in Dubai, in addition to other great options in different price ranges. Dubai holds on tight to its cultural attractions, such as Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the souks. The tax regime is incredible and it hardly takes 15 minutes to start a business in Dubai. Isn’t it incredible? Dubai is a true melting pot of cultures.
7. Rome, Italy
The Eternal City needs to be part of your itinerary. Rome is one of the World’s Best Cities 2026, recognised for its history, landmarks and attractions, food and the Vatican. Rome has some of the best restaurants for pizzas, is flocked to by millions of tourists from different parts of the globe all year round, and ranks high for its Liveability and Lovability indices. The hospitality surge that started a handful of years ago had only accelerated. There are a number of branded luxury hotels in Rome, including from the likes of Bvlgari Roma, Six Senses Rome and the upcoming Thompson Rome. There is not a single boring day in Rome.
6. Singapore
Singapore should be a part of your list. This city-state has quickly emerged as one of the most modern, beautifully organised and friendly urban tourist destinations in Asia. Singapore is topping the Standard of Living subcategory, but this place is so much more than this. You can find a number of sumptuous meals to try out here, helping it get the Number 14 Restaurants ranking. From the iconic Marina Bay Sands to the city’s push for green spaces and technology is fascinating. High-profile hotel and restaurant operators from different parts of the globe are also choosing Singapore as their destination. The sensational Original Dubai Chocolate has also recently been started to be sold at the Changi Airport.
5. Madrid, Spain
Nearly 7 million people call Madrid their home. The capital of Spain sees tourist numbers in millions each year, all fascinated by its nightlife and theatres & concerts. But that’s not all. Temperatures in Spain are starting to get really high during the summers these days. But thanks to Madrid’s ongoing green transformation, tourists and residents get to travel and commute at ease. The Bosque Metropolitano is the place’s ambitious attempt at creating the largest metropolitan forest in Europe. Madrid also has a beautiful history and features delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes across the city.
4. Tokyo, Japan
The Japanese currency, yen, is not seeing its best days, currently. Therefore, tourists from different parts of the globe are travelling to Japan in large numbers to understand the culture, navigate the busy urban streets and indulge in delicacies. You can find a number of incredible things to do in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. From shopping to dining, this place is extremely beautiful. Take the public transportation to all places for ease and affordability. Do not forget to click pictures of the attractions, your Instagram community is going to thank you. Make sure to splurge on the unique things you can shop in Tokyo to bring back home as souvenirs. One of the top factors behind Tokyo getting a spot on the World’s Best Cities 2026 is its amiable people.
3. Paris, France
One of the most romantic cities globally, Paris is rightfully a part of the World’s Best Cities 2026. It’s not just the Eiffel Tower that makes Paris famous. From globetrotters and bucket-listers to tastemakers and entrepreneurs, Paris is a paradise for all. Yes, it could get really chaotic during the peak travel periods. But the rush also adds a bit of charm to the French capital. From French delicacies to perfumes, the list of things you can shop here is endless. The 2024 Paris Olympics revealed not just athletic excellence, but an urban city that has remade itself to ensure calm for biking, lush for breathing and resilient for learning. Your experience in Paris, both as a tourist and a resident, is going to be more magical than you expect it to be.
2. New York, US
The city that never sleeps, let’s make some noise for New York. You can find a long list of key attractions here, great places to eat at and top corners murmuring about their historical significance. Of course, let’s not forget that tourism has returned to a ‘full, throaty roar’ here as New York noted nearly 65 million visitors in 2024. The city could be getting much higher tourist numbers in 2025. Expect a fresh spike in 2026 as MetLife Stadium hosts the FIFA World Cup Final and the airports’ get to bigger capacities. Let’s not forget that New York is also home to a long list of amazing companies, adding to the rising allure among people from other nations.
1. London, UK
The ‘Capital of Capitals’, London occupies the top spot on this list of World’s Best Cities 2026. In fact, the capital of the UK has been occupying this spot for the last 11 years in a series. London ranks Number 1 in Prosperity index, Number 2 in Lovability and Number 3 in Liveability. Benefiting from the softer Pound, London has remained a compelling bucket-list destination for people from different parts of the globe, and not just from Europe. The city’s airports also rank Number 1 in the Top 100 cities list, underscoring the importance of balancing infrastructure and tourist numbers. From the Thames to the indulgent Borough Market, there are tonnes of things to do in London. You are not going to be disappointed, for sure.
Hope this list of the World’s Best Cities 2026 helps you plan your international trip bucket list better. Nonetheless, it is not just the tourism appeal of these cities that adds them to the list. These places rank high for their Liveability, Lovability and Prosperity. You can expect a lot more appealing things to be introduced at these places in the near future. Places like Dubai are going to do great as they focus on balancing infrastructure and tourist numbers in full force. Traditional champions like Paris, London and Barcelona are also expected to maintain their coveted positions in the upcoming editions, too.
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