Every year, travellers around the world wait for the publication of the prestigious ‘52 Places to Go’ list by The New York Times.
It’s a selection widely regarded as one of the most influential barometers of global travel trends.
The 2026 edition is no exception. From panoramic train journeys through Canada’s Rocky Mountains to near-untouched beaches in Costa Rica, the list blends cultural capitals, high-value natural landscapes and destinations redefining how we travel.
This year, two Spanish entries have secured a coveted place: Poblenou in Barcelona and ‘La España de Sorolla’, a cultural journey celebrating one of Spain’s most luminous artists.
Poblenou: Barcelona’s creative reinvention
Once defined by factories and smoking chimneys, Poblenou has transformed into one of the most compelling examples of urban reinvention in Spain.
The New York Times highlights the neighbourhood’s ability to evolve without losing its industrial soul.
Today, former warehouses house galleries, design studios and hybrid cultural spaces, while independent cafés and restaurants give the area a distinctly local energy.
Barcelona’s designation as World Capital of Architecture in 2026 adds further momentum, with growing interest in districts that sit beyond the traditional tourist circuit.
Poblenou fits squarely into this shift toward more neighbourhood-led, sustainable exploration.
Why visit in 2026?
A dynamic mix of history and innovation; cultural landmarks such as the Museu Can Framis; the revitalised Plaça de les Glories, now a major green lung for the city; a thriving food scene blending creativity with Catalan tradition.
Poblenou feels lived-in rather than staged, the report says, a place where Barcelona’s future is being shaped street by street.
Joaquin Sorolla’s Spain: Following the light
The second Spanish recommendation isn’t a single city but a cultural route: La España de Sorolla. It’s a journey through the life and legacy of Spain’s master of Mediterranean light.
In 2026, both Madrid and Valencia will play key roles in reintroducing the painter to international audiences.
In Madrid, the reopening of the Museo Sorolla after extensive renovation will restore public access to the artist’s former home and studio – one of the capital’s most intimate and atmospheric museums.
Expanded exhibition space promises a deeper immersion into his world of sun-drenched gardens and shimmering seascapes.
Visitors can also explore related collections at the Museo del Prado and the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.
Meanwhile, Valencia (Sorolla’s birthplace) is preparing to host the European headquarters of the Hispanic Society of America, bringing more than 200 works to the Mediterranean city.
The move reinforces the powerful connection between Sorolla’s art and the light of Spain’s eastern coast.
Spain’s inclusion at positions 10 and 21 on the list reinforces its status as a world-class destination.
