Kochi Featured On Global List Of "Must-Visit Places" In 2026 - Why You Must Travel There

Booking.com has unveiled its "2026's Must-Visit Places," a data-driven list spotlighting the destinations set to define travel trends in the coming year. The round-up reflects how travellers are increasingly personalising their journeys by crafting trips around passions, memories, and self-expression rather than convention. Based on global insights and booking data, the list highlights locations that embody this spirit of individuality. Each pick captures a facet of how people are expected to travel in 2026: more experimental, more authentic, and more attuned to what inspires them. Notably, Kochi has earned a place on this global line-up, emerging as the only Indian destination to make the must-visit list for the year ahead.

Kochi. Photo Credit: Unsplash

Here's The Full List Of Must-Visit Destinations For 2026, As Per Booking.com

1. Mui Ne, Vietnam

Once a sleepy fishing village, Mui Ne has evolved into Vietnam's laidback beach capital, known for its long golden coast, dramatic sand dunes, and year-round windsurfing. Travellers can explore the otherworldly Fairy Stream, try kitesurfing on the breezy shoreline, and feast on just-caught seafood by the water.

2. Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao pairs Basque charm with world-class culture. The iconic Guggenheim Museum anchors a revitalised riverfront, while its cobbled old quarter hums with pintxo bars and artisan shops. With surf beaches and green hills nearby, it's the ideal mix of art, cuisine, and outdoor escape.

3. Barranquilla, Colombia

Colombia's lively port city bursts with colour and Caribbean rhythm. Famous for its flamboyant Carnival (one of Latin America's biggest street festivals), Barranquilla also offers riverside walks, art-filled mansions, and irresistible coastal food that captures the city's festive spirit all year round.

4. Philadelphia, USA

Philadelphia is gearing up for the U.S. semiquincentennial in 2026. Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, explore creative neighbourhoods like Fishtown, and sample everything from classic cheesesteaks to Michelin-starred fare across the city.

5. Guangzhou, China

Guangzhou is where centuries of trading heritage meet bold modern architecture. Its skyline glows over the Pearl River, yet ancient temples and tea houses still thrive below. The city's unbeatable Cantonese cuisine and lively markets make it a paradise for curious food travellers.

6. Sal, Cape Verde

With powdery white sands and turquoise seas, Sal is Cape Verde's sunniest escape. Adventure-seekers can surf or dive in clear waters, while others unwind at salt flats, colourful villages, and sunset beach bars that showcase the island's easygoing Creole charm.

7. Manaus, Brazil

Hidden in the heart of the Amazon, Manaus offers a rare mix of urban life and untamed jungle. See the breathtaking "Meeting of the Waters," cruise along rainforest rivers, and explore the world's richest biodiversity - all from this vibrant tropical city.

8. Munster, Germany

Leafy, cycle-friendly Munster is one of Germany's prettiest small cities. Its Gothic old town, cathedral squares, and bustling weekly markets make it postcard-perfect, while its young student population gives it a lively edge with great cafés and riverside beer gardens.

9. Kochi, India

Kochi is a vibrant mix of colonial history, creative energy, and culinary depth. From the iconic Chinese fishing nets to heritage streets lined with art galleries and cafes, the city is a gateway to backwaters, beaches, and spice-laden cuisine.

10. Port Douglas, Australia

Where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas promises tropical adventure and laidback luxury. Travellers can snorkel over coral gardens, wander through ancient rainforests, or simply relax by the waterfront with fresh seafood and ocean views.

Mini Guide To Kochi: Plan Your Visit For Next Year

Kochi cultural activities. Photo Credit: Unsplash

A city shaped by the sea and scented with spices, Kochi captures much of what makes Kerala special: culture, cuisine, and coastlines. Once a thriving hub for spice traders from Portugal, the Netherlands, and Arabia, it now builds on that rich legacy with a cool, contemporary rhythm.

Also Read: Kerala's Munnar Joins Elite List Of Asia's Best Rural Escapes 2025

How To Reach Kochi

Kochi is one of India's easiest southern destinations to reach. The Cochin International Airport (COK), located about 40 minutes from the city, is well-connected to major Indian metros, as well as international hubs in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

For those travelling by train, Ernakulam Junction (South) and Ernakulam Town (North) are the main railway stations, with frequent services across Kerala and India. Inter-state buses and taxis link Kochi to nearby holiday spots such as Munnar (hill stations), Alleppey (backwaters), and Kumarakom (lakeside retreats).

Best Time To Visit Kochi

The best months to visit Kochi are October to March, when the weather is pleasant with warm days, cooler nights, and golden sunsets over the Arabian Sea. The monsoon season (June to September) brings a different charm, drenching the city in lush green and filling the air with the scent of rain-soaked earth.

Kochi's relaxing atmosphere. Photo Credit: Pexels

Top Things To See And Do In Kochi

1. Fort Kochi's Heritage Charm

This coastal neighbourhood is Kochi's beating heart. Walk through winding streets where heritage bungalows meet vibrant murals, and time seems to move more slowly. The Chinese fishing nets, silhouetted against the sunset, are an unmissable icon of the city. Visit St. Francis Church, India's oldest European church, and peek into the colonial past at the Indo-Portuguese Museum.

2. Jew Town and Mattancherry

This quarter is packed with antique shops, spice markets, and crumbling yet charming warehouses. The Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, stands as a living reminder of the region's Jewish heritage. Wander through the alleys filled with cinnamon, cardamom, and clove aromas.

3. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale

If you're travelling between December 2025 and April 2026, you'll find Kochi transformed by India's biggest contemporary art festival. The Biennale turns the city into an open-air art walk, featuring installations, performances, and exhibitions by artists from around the world. Even outside Biennale months, Kochi's art scene thrives in acclaimed galleries.

4. Backwater Cruises

Kochi Backwater Cruises. Photo Credit: Unsplash

For a taste of Kerala's famous backwaters, take a half-day or overnight houseboat cruise starting from different points in and around the city. Glide past coconut groves, tiny islets, and village life along the water. It offers a serene counterpoint to Kochi's bustling streets.

5. Marine Drive & Island Hopping

Kochi's Marine Drive promenade is perfect for an evening stroll with sea views, street snacks, and boat rides. Take a ferry to nearby Willingdon Island, Vypeen, or Bolgatty Island for scenic views, colonial-era architecture, and calm picnic spots.

6. Relish Local Cuisine

Try the signature Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish baked in banana leaves), Kappa and Meen Curry (tapioca with spicy fish curry), and the comforting fish molee (a coconut-based stew). Street stalls sell banana fritters and appams, while chic cafes pair Kerala flavours with modern flair. Don't miss sampling toddy at a local shack.

Also Read: Kerala's Culinary Culture Named Among World's Best Travel Experiences For 2026

6. Enjoy Cultural Experiences

Watch a Kathakali performance, Kerala's iconic masked dance-drama, or attend a Kalaripayattu martial arts show to witness centuries-old traditions. Wander around the local galleries, museums as well as churches to learn about the city's fascinating history.

Where To Stay In Kochi

• Fort Kochi: Stay in heritage homestays, boutique hotels, or artsy guesthouses housed in restored colonial villas.
• Ernakulam City: Offers modern hotels, business-class stays, and easy access to shopping malls, metro lines, and restaurants.
• Backwaters & Islands: For a peaceful escape, try eco-resorts or houseboat stays.

With international spotlight and cultural momentum building, Kochi in 2026 will offer the best of both worlds: a tranquil coastal escape and a thriving creative hub. Whether you're drawn by its architecture, seafood, or art, this seaside city promises a layered, soulful experience that feels both timeless and new.