TIME Magazine Unveils 2026’s Best Places in the World
TIME magazine has revealed the latest edition of its annual list, highlighting the 2026 best places globally. Among the selected locations are two cultural gems from New York City.
This year’s assortment includes 100 destinations, categorizing them by accommodations and attractions worth visiting.
In its selection process, TIME considers various factors, allowing for a range of options from hotels to museums and parks to restaurants.
Highlighting some of this year’s unique spots, the list features places like the Netflix House in Philadelphia, Disney’s Destiny Cruise Ship, Surf Abu Dhabi in the UAE—the first man-made surf park in the professional surfing world, Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando, the V&A Storehouse East in London, and Songtsam Lodge in Cizhong, China, a boutique hotel aiming to attract urban visitors.
New York City proudly claims two entries: the Studio Museum in Harlem and the Frick Collection.
The Studio Museum, which originally found its roots above a liquor store in 1968, has now relaunched at 144 West 125th Street following an extensive seven-year renovation that completed in November 2025. Under the guidance of Thelma Golden, a former intern turned director, this museum serves as a hub and archive for Black artists and culture, boasting a gallery, an art studio, a library, and even a rooftop garden.
It features works by influential figures like sculptor Elizabeth Catlett and photographer Gordon Parks, alongside rising talents nurtured through its artist-in-residence program. The new seven-story structure nearly doubles the museum’s gallery space to about 82,000 square feet and is inspired by various architectural styles found in Harlem.
The Frick Collection also made the list after reopening in April 2025, following a substantial $220 million restoration project. When it closed in 2021, TIME noted the loss was profound—New Yorkers missed out on access to an invaluable museum as well as a glimpse into a private world. Housed in the former residence of Henry Clay Frick, this museum offers a unique introduction to European art spanning from the Renaissance to the 19th century.
With its recent renovation, visitors can now explore former private living quarters and artwork, such as François Boucher’s series Art and Science, restored to its original placement in the home. The project not only transformed galleries but also enhanced accessibility and added new facilities, including a restaurant and an auditorium.
Several other California destinations rounded out the list, including Highway 1, known for its picturesque coastal views, Hotel del Coronado, and a counterculture museum in San Francisco.
Highway 1 has recently completed necessary repairs after being partially closed since January 2023, making it fully accessible again. This iconic route connects major landmarks like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Hearst Castle, and Big Sur.
The historic Hotel del Coronado, constructed in 1888 and recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1977, has just undergone an extensive seven-year restoration, costing around $550 million, focusing on both preservation and enhancing its historic essence.
Legend has it that in April 1920, the hotel hosted a ball with 1,000 guests in honor of the Prince of Wales. Over the years, it has become part of many captivating tales that shape its allure.
Meanwhile, the Counterculture Museum, set to open in June 2025, will showcase a variety of 1960s artifacts and educational materials, including significant historical pieces related to civil rights and women’s rights, which co-founder Estelle Cimino emphasizes are as relevant today as ever.
