MSN has posted a pretty good list of the world’s top cultural destinations for 2026. There’s always room to quibble with most “best of” lists, as they’re generally based on someone’s personal experience or preferences. I’m sure people look at some of mine and think, ‘Dude, WHAT are you thinking?” Anyhow, this latest MSN cultural list seems pretty good to me. Here are their top 10 choices for this year, with a short excerpt from their comments, And, for places I’ve visited, some of my own thoughts.
SINGAPORE
“Modern yet deeply rooted in tradition, Singapore offers a mix of cultures in one compact city.”
I agree. People talk about great shopping and luxury hotels, and Singapore has both. But so do many cities. What I find most interesting about Singapore is the mix of Malaysian, Chinese and Indian cultures, and the fabulous, cheap food stalls. One super popular area to visit is Kampong Glam, a Muslim area with superb boutiques, independent restaurants and a splendid mosque. Here’s a story about the city and my Air Canada experience from my last visit.
The Sultan Mosque in Singapore. Jim Byers Photo
LONDON
“From the edgy streets of Shoreditch to the vintage charm of Portobello Road, every neighbourhood has its own vibe.”
That feels pretty accurate to me. I’ve only been six or seven times, and never for more than a couple days per visit. But it’s a city I’ve always loved exploring. The walk along the south shore of the Thames from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge and Borough Market is one of top urban walks on the planet. I also love the neighborhood around the street called The Cut, and had a great visit to the canals of Little Venice a few years ago.
London’s “Little Venice” neighbourhood. JIM BYERS PHOTO
KRAKOW
“With places like Wawel Castle and the Main Square, the city is rich in heritage and architecture.’
Sadly, I’ve never been. But good friends visited recently and said they thought it was a terrific city.
PARIS
“First-time visitors often head straight to landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but the real charm lies in its streets.”
I say yes. And somewhat no. You don’t want to miss landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, as they’re international icons. Ditto for the Musee D’Orsay. But it’s also true that simply roaming can provide exquisite discoveries. Take a stroll along the Seine. Check out the shops and the colourful market on busy Rue Mouffetard. Sip a coffee or a cocktail in Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Just soak it all in.
A lovely bridge in Paris. Leonard Cotte/Unsplash Photo
KYOTO
“Kyoto is all about tradition and quiet beauty. From its temples and shrines to geisha performances and riverside dining, the city offers a slower, more peaceful travel experience.”
That sums it up pretty nicely. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit back in 2011, which included several beautiful temples and a fine stay at Hoshinoya ryokan, near the village of Arashiyama. Here’s my Toronto Star story from that visit.
ROME
“Rome blends the old with the everyday like no other place. Ancient ruins, historic fountains, and lively cafés exist side by side.”
Very much the case. You’ll want to see the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps, not to mention the magnificent Pantheon and the nearby Piazza Navona. But don’t miss a chance to find your own little heavenly corner. My wife and I two years ago stayed at a wonderful Vrbo unit on Via Del Moro, steps from Piazza Trilussa, and had a fabulous time wandering this part of the Trastevere neighborhood.
The Eternal City of Rome. JIM BYERS PHOTO
EDINBURGH
“Walk through the Old Town and New Town, both UNESCO-listed, and you’ll find museums, galleries, and historic buildings at every turn.”
Can’t argue with that. I loved walking the Royal Mile when we visited a couple years ago, but also enjoyed Victoria Street and the shops in Leith, a neighborhood that’s geared more to locals than visitors. If you can, treat yourself to a night at The Balmoral, an historic and exquisite hotel just off the Royal Mile. Here’s a post I wrote about five fun tours to take in the city.
The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland. JIM BYERS PHOTO
HANOI
“Hanoi balances history and modern life beautifully. Its Old Quarter, colonial buildings, and cultural landmarks tell stories of the past, while busy streets show its present energy.”
Again, that sums it up quite nicely. I loved the bustle of the street markets, but also the relative quiet of Hoan Kiem Lake. Here’s a link to a Toronto Star story I wrote about the city.
BUDAPEST
“Known as the “City of Spas,” Budapest offers something unique with its thermal baths and historic architecture.”
When I visited a few years ago I loved the bustling markets between the Danube River and St. Stephen’s Basilica, which is truly magnificent.
Budapest at night, as seen from the Avalon Waterways View cruise ship. JIM BYERS PHOTO
BALI
“Bali is more than just beaches. Beyond its scenic coastline, you’ll find temples, local crafts, and cultural performances, especially in Ubud.”
Alas, I have never been, so I’ll have to take MSN’s word on this one. I will say the photos I’ve seen are quite striking.
JIM’S BONUS PICKS
Barcelona
A great mix of cultural attractions, amazing neighbourhoods, and iconic sites such as the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. Don’t miss a stroll around the Gothic Quarter.
The Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona, Spain. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Mexico City
Truly magnificent music and entertainment facilities and wonderful museums. Not to mention some of the world’s best restaurants. Take in a show at the exquisite Palacio de Bellas Artes, explore the Frida Kahlo Museum, and take a trip outside of town to visit Teotihuacán pyramids.
New York City
You simply can’t talk about cultural meccas without putting The Big Apple on your list. Perhaps the greatest entertainment venues in the world, world-class architecture, fabulous (and walkable) neighborhoods, and one of the most diverse food scenes on the planet. Be sure to get out of Manhattan and explore Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx (I love Wave Hill Gardens and City Island) and Staten Island.
Wave Hill Gardens, The Bronx, New York City. Photo Courtesy NYC Tourism
Honolulu
It’s not New York or Paris, but if you’re a fan of Pacific Island culture it’s a magnificent city to explore. The Bishop Museum has fabulous displays on Hawaiian and South Pacific culture. Chinatown is a living, breathing cultural exhibit. The oceanfront Duke Estate is home to a dazzling array of Islamic art. Need more? Iolani Palace is the only former royal palace on U.S. soil.
CRUISE NEWS AND VIEWS
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT HAMPERS CRUISE BIZ
Cruise companies are continuing to juggle their itineraries, cancelling Middle East voyages due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Fox News reports Celestyal Cruises — an Athens-based company that offers voyages through the Greek Islands, as well as the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea — canceled all its April sailings, as two of its ships remain out of service. All departures scheduled for April 2026 have been canceled. Celestyal Discovery remains in Dubai and Celestyal Journey in Doha, both unable to depart the region due to restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz. The cruise line is targeting an early May return to service.
Explora II will no longer sail in the Middle East for winter 2026–2027 and will instead operate in the Mediterranean.
HOLLAND AMERICA SALE
Margerie Glacier, Alaska on our Holland America Line cruise. JIM BYERS PHOTO
For 153 years, Holland America Line has perfected the art of leisurely travel, inviting guests to connect to the world and each other. This April, the brand celebrates with a month-long Anniversary Sale featuring fare discounts, onboard credits, reduced deposits, and free fares for kids. Running from now until April 30, 2026, the Anniversary Sale includes departures from April 2026 through spring 2027, with cruises ranging from four to 69 days. The promotion features up to 30% off cruise-only fares, onboard credits up to $400 per stateroom, 50% reduced deposits, and free third and fourth kids when traveling in the same stateroom—making it the perfect time to book a cruise vacation. I had an excellent Alaska cruise with Holland America a couple years ago.
CRUISE BIZ BOOMS
Cruise lines will spend roughly $80 billion on new cruise ships over the next decade, according to the latest update of Cruise Industry News’ global cruise ship orderbook.
Following recent orders, 79 newbuilds are set to be delivered by 2037, adding nearly 205,000 berths to the market, Cruise Industry News reports. The new vessels have an average capacity of 2,586 passengers and an average cost of approximately $1 billion.
Thirteen new cruise ships are entering service in 2026, including the Norwegian Luna, Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas. Viking is welcoming two vessels, Viking Mira and the Viking Libra.
