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It’s been a big year for Melbourne on the international accolades front. Earlier this year, Melbs was crowned the very best city in the world by Time Out’s team of global editors, and now the Victorian capital has another trophy to add to its collection. National Geographic’s Best of the World list for 2027 has just dropped, and Melbourne was the only place in Australia to make the list. The annual guide highlights 25 destinations across six continents that are worth travelling to in the year ahead, with Melbourne recognised for its buzzy neighbourhoods, diverse dining scene and growing collection of green spaces.
So what was it about Melbourne that caught the attention of the Nat Geo team? While Sydney has traditionally attracted more international visitors, National Geographic says Melbourne is increasingly stepping into the spotlight – and we have to agree. With the city’s stacked sporting calendar and amazing new nature experiences in the works, there are a heap of reasons to put Melbs on your travel wishlist if you don’t already call the city home.
First up, of course, there's the food. Melbourne's culinary identity has been shaped by successive waves of migration since the 1800s, creating a dining scene where you can eat your way around the world without leaving the city. National Geographic singles out Smith Street as one place to experience this diversity, with everything from Korean barbecue and Ethiopian stews to Filipino noodles and Italian cannoli all within striking distance. Then there's Queen Victoria Market – the historic foodie institution that's been feeding Melburnians since 1878. Home to more than 600 vendors, the market is a destination in its own right, and it's set for a pretty impressive upgrade: with the QVM car park due to be transformed into a sprawling public garden in 2027 (part of a multi million dollar plan to make Melbourne greener).
For sports fans, 2027 is shaping up to be a particularly big year. Melbourne's Docklands waterfront district will host eight matches during the Rugby World Cup next October, bringing an international spotlight to the city's already well-established sporting culture. Nat Geo also points to the expansion of the Great Victorian Bathing Trail, a 560-mile coastal road trip connecting hot springs and sea baths across Victoria. Two new stops, Apostles and Phillip Island, are expected to join the trail in 2027.
The publication also pointed to a revival of roadside accommodation along the iconic coastal route, with former motels (including Torquay’s Surf Hotel) being reimagined as exceptionally well-styled stays.
Melbourne features alongside 24 other destinations in National Geographic's 2027 selection – including Penang in Malaysia, Normandy in France and Niigata in Japan. Each has been chosen for its cultural attractions, new developments or fresh reasons to visit.
For Melbourne, the recognition is a reminder that this city’s appeal extends well beyond its on-point coffee culture. You can check out the full list and plan your 2027 accordingly over here.
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