Nine best places to visit in Asia in 2026

Asia is set to welcome a new wave of travellers in 2026, with destinations across the continent blending heritage, art, and modern reinvention. From soaring skyscrapers to historic citadels, the region’s contrasts are more captivating than ever.

In India, Udaipur is experiencing a renaissance as a string of new, distinctive hotels redefine the city’s luxury scene. Meanwhile, Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, invites adventurous travellers to explore its 6,000-year-old Citadel and witness a city balancing preservation and progress.

Cultural landmarks are also taking centre stage. Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District will unveil the Natural History Museum and the long-awaited Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. In Central Asia, Tashkent is positioning itself as a new creative hub with the opening of its Centre for Contemporary Art. With Seoul and Hong Kong debuting major arts venues, 2026 promises a dynamic new era for Asian travel.

According to CNTraveller, here are nine best places to visit in Asia in 2026

1. Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is positioning itself as a gateway for travellers seeking heritage and renewal. The launch of Visit Kurdistan in 2025, backed by the private sector and government, aims to attract 20 million tourists by 2030.

Restoration work continues at the UNESCO-listed Citadel of Erbil, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited sites. Within its walls are the Kurdish Textile Museum and the Cihan Cultural House, which showcase local art, crafts and food. The 37-metre-high Choli Minaret is also undergoing preservation.

Modern developments are reshaping the city skyline, including Erbil Avenue, home to international brands such as Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger and EL&N London. The United States is building its largest consulate here, while Real Madrid is planning a youth academy.

Erbil combines old and new – tea under ancient ramparts, music in Ankawa’s bars, and warm hospitality that defines Kurdish identity.

2. Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong’s cultural and infrastructure upgrades continue into 2026. The WestK Performing Arts Centre will open in the West Kowloon Cultural District, offering three new performance stages for 2,300 guests. In Central, chef Daniel Boulud’s Terrace Boulud will debut as part of the $100 million renovation of the Mandarin Oriental, which includes new long-stay apartments.

Hong Kong International Airport’s $18 billion expansion will improve facilities ahead of a 2027 completion, with upgrades to Terminal 2 and new self-service check-in points.

For outdoor exploration, enhanced trail facilities across The Peak, Lantau Peak, Tai Mo Shan and Sai Kung Hoi will guide hikers more easily. The sky100 Observation Deck reopens mid-year with new city viewing experiences.

3. Naoshima, Japan

Naoshima, an island in Japan’s Setouchi region, has evolved into a destination for contemporary art. The Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by architect Tadao Ando, opened in 2025. It features works by Takashi Murakami and Cai Guo-Qiang exploring Asian futurism.

Luxury travel companies are expanding routes to include Naoshima. Tauck’s Seoul to Tokyo small-ship itinerary in 2026 includes guided tours of the island’s art sites. Mandarin Oriental will also open a ryokan-style property on Naoshima as part of its Setouchi expansion from 2027.

Visitors can explore art museums, converted schools, and coastal trails filled with installations that reflect Japan’s rural regeneration.

4. Patan, Nepal

Patan, part of the Kathmandu Valley, is attracting new attention amid political and cultural renewal in Nepal. Artist-led spaces such as Gallery Mcube and Space A will host residencies in 2026, while local artisans continue traditional copper work.

The city’s first appearance on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list came with BARC, which is now expanding with a 12-seater bar, Swotha, dedicated to Nepal’s rice spirit, aylā. Michelin-starred Old Nepal Tokyo is relocating to Patan, bringing contemporary Nepali cuisine home.

Visitors can explore the Rato Machindranath Jatra festival in spring and enjoy local dishes such as black dal pancakes at Honacha and spicy noodles at Binu’s. Nepal also plans to introduce a five-year digital nomad visa in 2026.

5. Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is strengthening its global cultural standing through developments on Saadiyat Island. The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum are opening in late 2025, followed by the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in 2026.

Together with the existing Louvre Abu Dhabi, these institutions will anchor the Saadiyat Cultural District. The area will also include teamLab Phenomena and the Abrahamic Family House, an interfaith complex promoting cultural dialogue.

The island’s nearby resorts along Saadiyat Beach continue to attract visitors seeking both culture and leisure in one destination.

6. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul’s transport and creative infrastructure are expanding. The Seohae Line extension (2026) and Dongbuk Line (2027) will open new access to local districts such as Jegi-dong and Gongneung-dong.

The city is developing 12 new observatories by the end of 2026, offering panoramic skyline views. On the cultural side, Frieze House Seoul in Yaksu-dong now serves as a year-round gallery and event hub. The Photo SeMA in Chang-dong and Seo-Seoul Museum of Art in Geumcheon focus on photography and digital media.

Meanwhile, the Park Seo-bo Museum Seoul honours one of Korea’s most influential artists, marking Seoul’s continuing rise as a global art capital.

7. Shenzhen, China

Shenzhen, now a hub for innovation and design, continues to expand its cultural calendar. The Verbier Festival will hold its first edition outside Switzerland in early 2026, hosted at the Shenzhen Longgang International Art Centre, which opens in late 2025.

Luxury hotels including Rosewood and Mirage by MGM will debut in 2026, joining recent openings from St Regis and Shangri-La. Shenzhen Design Week and Art Shenzhen will also return, spotlighting the city’s global influence in design and consumer technology.

These developments underline Shenzhen’s evolution from a manufacturing centre into a global cultural and creative destination.

8. Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Central Asia’s largest city, is expanding its cultural reach. The Centre for Islamic Civilisation opened in late 2025, and the Centre for Contemporary Art will debut in March 2026 in a renovated 1912 diesel station designed by Paris-based studio KO.

In nearby historic mahallas such as Namuna and Khast Imom, artist residencies are blending traditional craftsmanship with modern expression, reinforcing Tashkent’s role as a creative hub beyond its Silk Road legacy.

9. Udaipur, India

Udaipur, the “lake city” of Rajasthan, is entering a new era of hospitality. Recent openings include Fairmont Udaipur Palace near the Monsoon Palace and a new Marriott overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake. The Leela Palace Udaipur has introduced Arq at Pichola, offering private villas with personal service.

Indian boutique brand Minimalist Hotels and the Hilton are also set to open in 2026. From 20 to 22 February 2026, The Oberoi Concourse d’Elegance will return, displaying vintage cars from India and abroad, with global motoring icons as judges.

Udaipur continues to blend royal heritage with renewed contemporary appeal, creating a balance between preservation and progress.

Chisom Michael

Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.