Iconic monuments and famous attractions mean some destinations have perennial appeal.
But with overtourism as problematic as ever, 2026 is a great 12 months to contemplate places you may have previously ignored.
A simple solution to put these places in your radar is to look for brand new openings, attractions and happenings around Europe.
From cultural institutions to food festivals, listed below are a few of the things price travelling for in 2026.
Travel to Finland and Slovakia for the European Capitals of Culture
Two cities have been named Europe’s Capitals of Culture for 2026: Oulu in Finland and Trenčín in Slovakia.
Oulu’s opening festival will happen from 16 to 18 January, with a programme including concert events, automobile tuning, and the Finnish national sport of ice hockey.
Town’s theme for the 12 months is ‘Cultural Climate Change’, specializing in how heritage and art can reconnect individuals with their natural environment.
Trenčín’s ceremonial opening will happen from 13 to fifteen February, and can see the Slovakian city’s old town transform into an outside cultural stage for music, art and social gatherings.
The chosen theme for the 12 months is ‘Cultivating Curiosity’, aiming to make use of cultural projects to revitalise the town and bolster social cohesion.
Visit Brussels for the Belgian Pompidou Centre
A city foremost related to business and bureaucracy, Brussels is launching a cultural renaissance in 2026.
Late November will see the opening of the KANAL-Centre Pompidou inside a 90-year-old modernist constructing, which once housed the Citroën garage and automobile showroom.
The structure is being renovated to change into the Belgian capital’s first museum of up to date and modern art, the results of a partnership between the KANAL Foundation and Paris’ Centre Pompidou.
In addition to showing works from the Parisian institution together with its own collection, the KANAL-Centre Pompidou goals to be an arts and cultural hub and stage music, dance and theatre performances.
There will even be a restaurant overlooking the exhibition rooms and a rooftop bar.
Head to Helsinki for Moomin-mania
Helsinki Art Museum is giving beloved Finnish artist Tove Jansson, the creator of the Moomins, her own dedicated space this 12 months.
Spanning three exhibition halls built round her frescoes “Party within the Countryside” and “Party within the City”, the gallery positions Jansson as each a Helsinki-based and a global artist.
The inaugural exhibition (13 February 2026 – 24 January 2027) explores the artistic output of your complete Jansson family, their portrayals of each other, and their joint creations.
View latest artworks on display in Valencia
The region of Valencia has change into a pacesetter in sustainable tourism, becoming the primary in Spain to be certified by AENOR – Spain’s national standards and certification body – for its Tourism Sustainability Strategy 2024–2028.
This 12 months will even see the disclosing of two landmark cultural openings in the town of Valencia.
Espai Manolo Valdés, dedicated to the eponymous living artist born in Valencia, will open in late 2026 and showcase latest and previously unseen sculptures.
The Sorolla Museum will honour one other Valencia artist, Joaquín Sorolla, with 220 works happening display within the Palacio de las Comunicaciones.
Eat your way across the European Regions of Gastronomy
Epicurean travellers have a selection of three food-loving destinations in 2026, which have been designated European Regions of Gastronomy.
The title recognises places where diets are greater than just tasty, they’re focused on health, wellbeing and improving life quality and the environment.
Crete, the Greek island where olive oil is taken into account medicinal, will have fun by holding a week-long Cretan Food regimen festival within the Venetian-fortress-crowned town of Rethymnon in July 2026.
Gozo, sister island to Malta and one other Mediterranean culinary powerhouse, was recognised for its farm-to-fork traditions and ethical tourism model.
Enjoy speciality products like ġbejniet (traditional sheep milk cheeselets), Gozitan ftira (a sourdough pizza-like bread), fig pie, and sundried tomatoes.
Kvarner in Croatia completes the trio. The transitional region where Mediterranean and pre-Alpine climates meet sees its extensive biodiversity mirrored in a wealth of local ingredients and a diversity of seasonal dishes.
In sooner or later, you may start with the famed Kvarner langoustines and end with mountain-dwelling wild game, mushrooms and forest berries.
Walk your complete coastline of England along a latest trail
Wild and windswept, the English coastline is considered one of the world’s most sublime walking destinations.
And in 2026, an epic trail – the King Charles III Coastal Path – will (probably) finally be finished.
The route winds round your complete coastline of England; 4,303 km of cliffs, headlands, beaches, seaside towns, national parks and more.
Nearly all of sections are already open. Once complete, it’ll be the longest managed coastal trail on the planet.
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