Copied to Clipboard
Breaking news: Media organizations across the country and globe think Philadelphia is the place to visit in 2026.
And we couldn’t agree more.
Read on to see which national and international publications think Philadelphia is worth a visit in 2026 — and why. (Hint: It’s our stellar 2026 events lineup, amazing restaurant scene, immersive history, iconic art, stunning sporting events and so, so much more.)
The editors at Travel + Leisure have named Philly as one of only two U.S. cities (we see you, Carlsbad, CA!) on their list of 50 must-visit culinary destinations in 2026, relaying what we’ve always known — that Philadelphia’s food scene makes our beloved city one of the best in the world to visit.
Calling the Philly food scene “electric,” Travel & Leisure gave a nod to “the innovative, award-winning chefs from around the globe who are making the city a must-experience food destination.”
The publication gave a specific shout-out to chef Phila Lorn of Mawn, who took home the 2025 James Beard Award for Emerging Chef and was named 2025’s Best New Chef by Food & Wine. Other mentions included: La Jefa, Vetri Cucina, EMei, Osteria and Ocean Harbor.
Mawn — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
The United Kingdom’s public media outlet, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), has also named Philadelphia as one of the best places to visit in 2026, noting that “travellers will find a city brimming with history, creativity and pride.”
Highlighted in the piece: the year-long 52 Weeks of Firsts program, which celebrates a Philly “first” through a “Saturday First-ival” every week; The Franklin Institute’s upcoming Universal Theme Parks exhibition; Mural Arts Printmaking by the People programs; and the amazing lineup of sporting events.
We’re glad there’s no grudge (after all, in 2026, we are celebrating our declaration of independence from Britain).
Only one other spot in the U.S. — Oregon’s coastline — made the BBC list.
National Geographic magazine named Pennsylvania’s forthcoming 2026 celebration, particularly in Philadelphia, as one of the top nine places to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Saying “Philadelphia will be the liberty belle of the ball,” the magazine also pointed out that we’ll be hosting several FIFA World Cup 26 matches — including one on Independence Day 2026 — as well as the MLB All-Star Game.
Citizens Bank Park — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
FIFA World Cup 26 comes to North America next year, bringing 104 games to three countries and 16 cities. Lonely Planet put together a guide to traveling to see the matches, saying Philadelphia “has quietly become one of [America’s] great cities.”
— Photo courtesy FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia
Pointing out that Philly is super easy to navigate, Lonely Planet also called out Sosuite at The Loxley in Old City as a great place to stay and South Street sports bar Founding Fathers as a perfect spot to watch a game.
Philly hosts six matchups during the FIFA World Cup 26 between June 14 and July 4, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field.
Global travel magazine Afar has given Philly shout-outs in two recent articles, one highlighting our world-class art and the other on a Philly food staple.
In an article detailing semiquincentennial celebrations in the Northeast, the magazine called out A Nation of Artists, “the landmark dual-venue exhibition celebrating 250 years of American creativity” between the Philadelphia Art Museum (PhAM) and the historic Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA).
The joint exhibit — which includes more than 1,000 works of fine art — opens at PhAM from April 12, 2026 to July 5, 2027, and at PAFA from May 2026 through September 2027.
In another article, “The One Food You Should Travel for in Each State,” Afar chose scrapple for Pennsylvania, a food with an almost cult-like following. Where can you try this regional delicacy? The magazine noted Philly Fishtown restaurants Elwood and Sulimay’s, Center City’s Double Knot, and West Philly’s Out West.
The architecture and design magazine Architectural Digest (AD) has included Philadelphia on its list of the top 19 places to visit in 2026 in the world. Only two other U.S. destinations made the list: Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
Sharing space on the list with iconic global destinations such as Cairo, Iceland and Abu Dhabi, Philly’s inclusion namechecked Philly’s newest attraction — the stunning Calder Gardens — that opened in September on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The magazine gave a special nod to designers Herzog & de Meuron and Piet Oudolf.
More geometric wonderland than museum, Calder Gardens showcases the innovative and contemporary artworks by acclaimed Philadelphia sculptor and inventor Alexander Calder.
Calder Gardens — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
The AD mention also noted more reasons to visit Philly, including the transformation of two former University of the Arts buildings into the Village of Industry & Art, Fishtown’s Wexler 2023 gallery and the stunning makeover of The Bellevue Hotel.
The editors at popular travel website and email newsletter Daily Passport recently included Philadelphia on their 10-best destination list for 2026, saying “Philly is gritty in all the best ways.”
Only two other spots in the U.S. (hat tip to New Orleans and Chattanooga) made the list, which also includes travel destinations like Adelaide, Australia and Hong Kong.
The article namedropped:
And, as the article pointed out, no visit to Philadelphia would be complete without tasting a beloved cheesesteak.
Independence Hall — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
For more about Greater Philadelphia’s borderline-unreal 2026 events, check out our comprehensive guide by clicking the button below.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and priceless peace of mind.
EN 
ES 
FR 
PT 
ES_EC 
FR_FR 
NL