5 cities to visit for a mix of culture and sports

Travel is increasingly decided by events and experiences. We list five cities that are set to host unique celebrations this year

- Teja Lele

(clockwise from left) Philadelphia Independence Hall; the Dolomites take on a reddish colour at dawn and dusk; La Sagrada Família will be finally completed after 144 years.

This year, major anniversaries, sporting events and cultural landmarks will turn cities around the world into open-airstages, with exhibitions, concerts and other celebrations. Travellers too, especially those from India, are redefining what journeys mean to them and are picking events, celebrations and experiences over just destinations with a sightseeing list.

"Travel has always been deeply personal, but in 2026 we will see it evolve into something more expressive and individual," says Santosh Kumar, regional manager, South Asia, at Booking.com.

Against this backdrop of seeking out events, experiences and unique adventures, here are five cities that will mark their own milestones and host unusual gatherings in 2026, making them stand out as essential journeys for the year.

Philadelphia is gearing up for a landmark year. Three big moments—US's 250th birthday, the 50th anniversary of the film Rocky, and the FIFA World Cup—will combine to turn the city into a huge celebration of history, sport, film, food and culture through the year.

"Philadelphia in 2026 offers something truly special," says Svetlana Yazovskikh, vice-president, global tourism, at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. "As the US marks its 250th anniversary, the entire city becomes a yearlong celebration, with exhibitions, outdoor popups, bold public art and a Michelin-recognised dining scene—all alongside a powerhouse summer of global sporting events." This is the city where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted.

Travellers are already paying attention. "Philadelphia has emerged among the top 10 trending destinations for 2026," Kumar points out.