Pittsburgh Named One of National Geographic’s Best of the World: Where to Go in 2026

For the second year running, Pittsburgh has earned a spot on an elite international travel list—this time, National Geographic’s prestigious Best of the World, spotlighting the city among the year’s most compelling global destinations.

National Geographic’s annual list highlights the 25 most awe-inspiring, meaningful and immersive travel experiences for the upcoming year. From Rwandan safaris to Pittsburgh museums, this year’s edition of Best of the World encourages readers to rethink how they travel, embracing deeper connections with nature, culture and communities.

Following a robust nomination, researching and reporting process, Pittsburgh was selected as one of the Best of the World for 2026 by National Geographic’s team of travel experts and Nat Geo Traveller‘s international editorial teams, which serve millions of readers through their magazines and websites around the world.

“It’s an incredible honor for Pittsburgh to be included among National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026,” said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “This designation is a testament to our ongoing efforts to tell the story of Pittsburgh and reach travelers worldwide. It’s a reflection of our region’s continuing evolution—from industrial town to cultural innovator—and how that story resonates on a global scale.”

“National Geographic's recognition of Pittsburgh as a Best of the World destination is a game-changer for Pennsylvania tourism,” said Anne Ryan, Deputy Secretary of Tourism for Pennsylvania. “When one of the world's most trusted travel authorities puts Pittsburgh on the same list as the planet's most extraordinary destinations, travelers take notice. This is the kind of global spotlight that turns curiosity into bookings—and we're ready to welcome the world to experience Pittsburgh.”

Designed as a curated selection of options to inspire travelers, Best of the World 2026 includes something for everyone — families, foodies, animal lovers, adventurers and more. This year’s list stands apart by featuring destinations that celebrate distinctive cultural moments, one-of-a-kind events and experiences, awe-inspiring natural wonders and sustainable travel. Whether exploring the Badlands or touring the “snow monsters” of the Zao mountains in Japan, this year’s selections offer a diverse range of options that cater to both seasoned explorers and first-time adventurers.

“At Nat Geo, we know that travel has the power to inspire and transform us," said Nathan Lump, editor in chief of National Geographic. "In this year's Best of the World, we especially wanted to highlight unexpected destinations that the algorithms are probably not serving you — for instance, Uzbekistan's Khiva or Rwanda's Akagera National Park. Of course, we know that not every trip can be an off-the-beaten-path adventure, so we were mindful to include some surprisingly compelling places that are also more easily accessible. Whatever kind of traveler you are, our goal is to ensure we're sharing fresh ideas that help you connect with that feeling of discovery and joy that comes from a great travel experience."

Why Pittsburgh Stands Out This Year

• Transformative Investments: Major new projects are reshaping Pittsburgh, from a reimagined, world-class airport to expanded public spaces and new cultural attractions.
• A Growing Cultural Scene: Pittsburgh continues to build on its reputation as a hub for arts, innovation, and creativity, with expanded museums, public art, and live performances.
• Authentic Neighborhoods: Iconic bridges and walkable districts connect visitors to the city’s distinctive communities and local flavor.

“We’ve seen incredible momentum for our city and the region over the past few years—but we’re really just getting started,” said Bachar. “Pittsburgh is continuing to grow in ways that will surprise and inspire visitors for years to come, and we’re excited to share what’s next.”

To keep up with the latest news and announcements or to start planning your trip, visit VisitPITTSBURGH.com or follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.

BEST OF THE WORLD 2026 can be found online now at NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorld, where readers can be transported to each destination through striking photography and immersive reporting.

Visuals are available here. To follow the conversation on social, use #BestoftheWorld.

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About National Geographic Content
Representing the largest brand on social media with over 780 million followers and 1.1 billion impressions each month, National Geographic Content's award-winning and critically acclaimed storytelling inspires fans of all ages to connect with, explore and care about the world through factual storytelling. National Geographic Content, part of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, reaches over 532 million people worldwide in 172 countries and 33 languages as a digital, social and print publisher and across the global National Geographic channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO), National Geographic Documentary Films, and direct-to-consumer platforms Disney+ and Hulu. Its diverse content includes Oscar®- and BAFTA award-winning film Free Solo, Oscar-nominated films Sugarcane, Fire of Love and Bobi Wine: The People's President, Emmy® Award-winning franchise 9/11: One Day in America and JFK: One Day in America, Emmy® Award-winning series Animals Up Close, series Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller, Life Below Zero and Secrets of the Whales, in addition to multiple National Magazine Awards, Pulitzer Prize Finalists and Webby wins. Visit nationalgeographic.com and natgeotv.com or explore Instagram, Threads, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok and Reddit.

About VisitPITTSBURGH
VisitPITTSBURGH is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. The organization is dedicated to generating business events, sports events, and leisure travel for Allegheny County.