National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027 list features six European destinations, highlighting places where travellers can experience dramatic natural landscapes, historic cities, cultural events and distinctive local traditions. Among the selections are Poland’s Tricity region, Norway’s Vestland, Leipzig in Germany, Normandy in France, Santander in Spain, and Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland.
The annual selection, first launched in 2012, identifies destinations that National Geographic believes deserve a place on travellers’ future itineraries. Its 2027 list includes 25 places worldwide, from established cultural centres to regions offering wildlife encounters, coastal exploration and outdoor adventures.
For Europe, the selection highlights a range of experiences beyond the continent’s most familiar tourist destinations. Norway offers fjord landscapes and nature-focused travel, while Poland’s Baltic coast combines historic port cities, contemporary culture and seaside attractions. Germany, France, Spain and Scotland each bring a different reason to visit.
In Norway, Vestland stands out for its vast natural scenery. The region is known for towering cliffs, deep fjords, turquoise waters and waterfalls, making it a strong choice for travellers interested in hiking, outdoor activities and wellness experiences. National Geographic’s selection draws attention to the scale of its landscapes and the opportunities to explore nature across the region.
Poland’s Tricity area, made up of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot, offers a different kind of trip. The three neighbouring cities sit along the Baltic coast, combining beaches and waterfronts with maritime history, architecture, museums and a growing food scene. Their inclusion also places greater international attention on a part of Poland that is often associated with summer seaside holidays but offers attractions throughout the year.
Gdańsk is the region’s historic centre, with landmarks including Long Market, the medieval Crane, the Museum of the Second World War and the European Solidarity Centre. The former shipyard area adds another dimension to the city, as industrial buildings and spaces have found new uses as cultural venues, meeting places and locations for restaurants and creative businesses.
Gdynia tells a different story through its modernist architecture and maritime heritage. Its rapid development during the interwar period reflected Poland’s ambitions as a maritime nation. In 2026, the city’s Modernist Centre was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, according to the supplied source, giving visitors another reason to explore its architectural history.
For Gdynia, the National Geographic recognition also coincides with the centenary of the city being granted city status. Mayor Aleksandra Kosiorek said the distinction was particularly meaningful in that anniversary year, describing Gdynia as a city whose history and present-day character reflect openness, ambition and change.
Sopot, the third part of the Tricity, is known for its seaside atmosphere and spa traditions. Visitors can walk along the beach, explore the town’s resort heritage or venture into Tricity Landscape Park. Its attractions are not limited to the summer season, making it a possible base for travellers seeking a quieter Baltic coast visit outside the busiest months.
The region’s appeal also extends to food and cultural events. Restaurants across the Tricity draw on Baltic fish, regional produce and Kashubian culinary traditions, while giving familiar dishes a contemporary interpretation. Gdańsk hosts events including St Dominic’s Fair and the Shakespeare Festival, and Sopot has its own literary festival.
Gdynia is also due to host major sailing competitions in 2027 as part of the Sailing World Championships. The city is additionally associated with Kolosy, a national gathering for travellers, sailors and mountaineers. The three cities are connected by public transport, allowing visitors to combine historic sightseeing, beach time and architectural exploration without relying on a car.
Leipzig, in eastern Germany, is another European destination on the list, with music at the heart of its appeal. The city has a long musical tradition reflected in its opera house, orchestral venues and jazz clubs. Plans to expand its existing 5.3-kilometre Music Trail with a second loop measuring 7.2 kilometres are expected to give visitors more opportunities to explore sites connected to its musical heritage.
In France, Normandy is preparing for a year of events marking the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth. The programme, titled “Millenium 2027: European Year of the Normans”, is expected to include more than 1,000 events throughout 2027, ranging from concerts and medieval feasts to theatrical performances in public spaces. The anniversary gives travellers a specific reason to explore the region’s history and cultural attractions.
Spain’s northern coast is represented by Santander, the capital of Cantabria. The city is expected to receive two significant cultural developments in 2027: an outpost of the Museo Reina Sofia will open, and the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology will move to a new location. National Geographic has drawn attention to Cantabria as a region that receives less international attention than some of Spain’s better-known destinations, despite its cultural and coastal attractions.
In Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway appeals to visitors looking for quieter countryside, walking routes and opportunities to observe the night sky. The region’s rolling hills and protected landscapes offer an alternative to Scotland’s busier tourist centres. The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is scheduled to open next summer, adding another attraction for stargazers and travellers interested in astronomy.
Beyond Europe, National Geographic’s 2027 selection spans destinations across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Salvador, Brazil, is recognised for its Afro-Brazilian culture and religious traditions. The city is set to host its Salvador Carnival immediately after the Festa de Iemanja, a major celebration associated with the Candomble religion.
Malawi is included for its wildlife and opportunities to experience safaris away from some of Africa’s more established tourist routes. Conservation work and government initiatives have helped support wildlife experiences in areas including Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve, where visitors may encounter the continent’s iconic large mammals.
Other destinations on the 25-place list include Luxor in Egypt, Chengdu in China, Maya Ka’an in Mexico, the Pacific Coast Highway in California, and Kuélap in Peru. The selection also features Penang in Malaysia, Jaipur in India, Niigata Prefecture in Japan, Armenia, Melbourne in Australia, and several destinations in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and South America.
For Poland, the inclusion of the Tricity region adds to earlier National Geographic recognition of the country, including Bialowieza Forest in 2019 and Lodz in 2022. The latest selection highlights the variety of experiences available along the Baltic coast, where history, contemporary culture, food and seaside recreation sit within easy reach of one another.
The Tricity’s strength lies in the contrast between its three cities. Gdańsk offers centuries of port history and important sites connected to modern European history. Gdynia provides a distinct architectural identity shaped by its development as a maritime city, while Sopot brings together beaches, resort traditions and access to green spaces. Together, they offer travellers several different experiences within one regional trip.
National Geographic’s selection is a guide to destinations worth considering rather than a guarantee of a particular travel experience. Some of the places featured are recognised for their established attractions, while others are drawing attention to new museums, cultural anniversaries or planned developments. For travellers considering a European trip in 2027, the six selections provide a varied set of options, from Norway’s fjords and Scotland’s dark skies to Poland’s Baltic cities and Normandy’s year of historical celebrations.
