Medellin, Colombia, is once again on the international tourism radar. The city has been included on National Geographic’s list of must-visit destinations for 2026, a recognition that underscores its urban, cultural, and social transformation in the eyes of the world. Medellin ranks 22 on this prestigious list, which each year highlights places with outstanding cultural, natural, and experiential value for travelers.
This recognition does not stand alone. Medellin has also been praised by other specialized outlets such as Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveller, and Culture Trip, all of which point to the city as one of the most vibrant destinations in Latin America this year.
National Geographic highlights Medellin’s cultural richness as a must-visit destination in 2026
In recent years, Medellin has undergone one of the most studied urban transformations in the world. The city has gone from being known for its troubled past to becoming an international benchmark for social innovation, sustainable mobility, and the recovery of public spaces, factors that now position it as one of the most attractive destinations in Latin America.
According to National Geographic, neighborhoods such as Comuna 13 have become symbols of this evolution. Its murals, outdoor escalators, and community projects welcome thousands of visitors each year who are drawn not only by the area’s aesthetics but also by its powerful story of resilience. What was once an epicenter of violence now represents one of the most authentic cultural expressions of the city.
This urban revival is matched by a dynamic and diverse cultural agenda, which includes music festivals, contemporary art exhibitions, and traditional celebrations. Among them stands out the Feria de las Flores, considered one of Colombia’s most important cultural events.
The magazine especially recommends August as the best month to visit Medellin, when the city fills with color, parades, “silleteros,” and activities that allow visitors to experience its Paisa identity up close.
Gastronomy has also played a key role in this international positioning. Restaurants featuring Colombian cuisine coexist with chef-driven concepts that reinterpret traditional flavors, making Medellin a must-stop for travelers seeking authentic culinary experiences.
Added to this is a lively and diverse nightlife, ranging from cultural bars and bohemian cafés to live-music venues and renowned nightclubs across the region.
In this way, National Geographic highlights Medellin not only for its urban landscapes, but for a living culture that reflects the city’s ability to reinvent itself and project to the world as a modern, creative, and deeply human destination.
List of must-visit destinations in 2026 according to National Geographic
National Geographic’s list for 2026 includes not only Medellin but also top-tier destinations around the globe. Among them are the Dolomites and Milan (Italy); Beijing (China); Dominica; Rabat (Morocco); Hull in Yorkshire (England); the Badlands of North Dakota (USA); Manila (Philippines); the Black Sea Coast (Turkey); Khiva (Uzbekistan); and Akagera National Park (Rwanda).
Canada is represented by Quebec, Vancouver, and Banff, while Asia adds Yamagata Prefecture (Japan). Iconic places also make the list, such as Route 66 in Oklahoma, Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia, Rio de Janeiro, Oulu in Finland, South Korea, Guimarães in Portugal, the Basque Country in Spain, Maui in Hawaii, Pittsburgh, the Costa Chica of Oaxaca in Mexico, and Fiji.