January is right around the corner, so it’s likely that you’re beginning to think about your travel plans for 2026. Handily, Time Out has got just the list to help you narrow down your options.
Our roundup of all the best new things happening in the world in 2026 landed last week, and it includes seven different openings and launches in Europe. In fact, the best thing to do in the entire world next year is taking place in Paris next summer.
That’s right – from June 6 to 28, the French capital’s oldest bridge will play host to a striking new immersive art installation, inspired by the landmark work of Christie and Jean-Claude, Pont Neuf Wrapped, back in 1985.
With a nod to the quarries from which the original rocks were extracted, the project by street artist and photographer JR will see the bridge encased in a huge, jagged rock formation, and the best part is it will be completely free to visitors.
Speaking of art, ‘master of light’ James Turrell’s ‘largest and most ambitious’ Skyspace installation will be opening in a brand-new domed space next to ARoS Aarhus Art Museum on June 29, and there’s also set to be an enormous new dedication to immersive art in Hamburg, courtesy of teamLab art collective.
Partying under celestial phenomena in rugged and remote landscapes more your kinda thing? Head to Iceland Eclipse, a music festival taking place in the country’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula from August 12-15. The event will be curated around those two mystical minutes of darkness, and feature a shedload of DJs, science-based activities and art.
However, there’s plenty more where that came from – below are all seven of the best new things to do in Europe in the new year.
These are the best new things to do in Europe in 2026
- Walk through a cavernous artwork in the centre of Paris, France
- Worship the celestial at a four-day solar eclipse party, Iceland
- Loop the English coast on a long-awaited walking trail, UK
- Study the sky at the world’s ‘largest and most ambitious’ Skyspace installation, Denmark
- Unearth brand-new cultural and archaeological hubs at two working train stations, Türkiye
- Lose yourself in the largest dedication to immersive art in Europe, Germany
- Eat, drink and dance at this new queer spot House of Q, Sweden
Read the entire list of the 26 best new things to do in the world in 2026.
Did you see that this popular European city break has banned self check-in key boxes for short-term rentals?
Plus: This European capital has once again topped a list of the world’s 100 best cities.
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