20Views 0Comments
Best Places to Go in Asia in 2026
This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2026
From soaring skyscrapers to cobblestone alleyways, starry chef-led dining to hilltop homestay banquets, Asia contains a multitude of contrasts – and our best places to go in Asia in 2026, compiled by our writers’ network from across the continent, reflects this extraordinary variety.
You may be looking for new reasons to reacquaint yourself with big-hitters, such as Udaipur in India’s Rajasthan region, where a series of hotel openings – aesthetically poles apart – is driving an exciting sense of renewal. Or perhaps 2026 is the year for seeking out the unknown? The capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, Erbil, known for its 6,000-year-old Citadel, is safeguarding its rich history while determinedly building a peaceful future.
Culture continues to draw travellers across the continent. Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District promises to add to its breathtaking tally of museums with the opening of the Natural History Museum and completion of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. A slew of arts-based projects are in the pipeline in Tashkent as the Silk Road city seeks to make its mark and opens the long-awaited Centre for Contemporary Art, a catalyst for new creative spaces across the city. And two great glittering Asian cities, Seoul and Hong Kong, are about to cut the ribbon on significant arts venues, too. Whatever motivates your travel plans, head east on an Asian adventure in 2026. Clare Dight
Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan
Go for: Bragging rights and a real sense of adventure
A calm spot in a volatile region, Erbil is the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a place rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, with an ethnically diverse population proud of its Kurdish identity. There’s a strong desire to overturn past headlines, and the 2025 establishment of Visit Kurdistan, a private sector initiative with government backing, is a major first step in welcoming visitors, with the goal of attracting 20 million tourists to the region by 2030.
Today, cranes dot the skyline as Erbil modernises, with new developments such as Erbil Avenue, a residential project home to international brands such as Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger, EL&N London, CZN Burak and Entrecote Cafe de Paris. The United States is preparing to open its largest consulate in the world in an Erbil suburb, and a Real Madrid youth football academy is reportedly on the way.
