Top 10 places to visit in Q1 2026

As global travel activity returns to steady patterns, early 2026 is shaping up to be a period for people seeking calm movement, cultural depth, and seasonal transitions.

From East Asia to Europe, Africa, and South America, the first quarter of the year offers cities where visitors can move at a steady pace before later-season demand rises.

According to Outlook Traveller, here are 10 destinations for travellers planning trips between January and March.

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Early March in Tokyo marks the first signs of cherry blossoms. The period offers room for quiet handling strolls, local events, and city exploration before peak spring tourism sets in. Travellers can visit parks, neighbourhood shrines, and cultural festivals while the city remains in a slower rhythm.

Amsterdam’s canals and inner districts see lighter movement from January to March. Prices are lower, and early spring bulbs begin to appear. City gardens and areas leading towards the Keukenhof fields start to show colour by March. The months offer calm sightseeing for people who prefer a measured pace.

Read also: Top 8 car-free international destinations to visit

Vienna’s cafés, galleries, and historic spaces experience a winter calm in the first quarter of the year. The season supports visits to palaces, museums, and cultural events without peak pressure. The slower pace allows travellers to experience the city through its indoor and outdoor venues at convenience.

Prague offers lower travel costs and stronger local presence between January and March. The city’s lanes, castle viewpoints, and museums remain open for those who value atmosphere over busy season crowds. Visitors can explore historic quarters and riverfront paths while the city maintains a steady rhythm.

Late March brings cherry blossoms into Seoul’s parks, walkways, and palace courtyards. The combination of urban landscapes and bloom-filled public areas creates strong visual scenes. Markets, historic districts, and waterfront spaces gain activity as the season progresses.

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Marrakech in January offers mild sunshine and consistent weather conditions for sightseeing. Gardens, souks, and historic places are easier to move through when crowds thin. The period supports guided tours, market visits, and open-air movement across the city’s central districts.

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January in Sydney aligns with the height of the southern hemisphere summer. Beaches, waterfront venues, and outdoor events run at full scale. Travellers can join festivals, coastal walks, and city activities supported by long daylight hours.

January is high season in Buenos Aires. The city holds festivals, open-air theatre, and neighbourhood events with strong participation. Tango venues, cultural centres, and public parks remain active throughout the month, creating steady opportunities for local immersion.

Read also: Top six tourism destinations in Africa by revenue post Covid

Cape Town enters its summer period from January to March. Clear skies, warm seas, and vineyard visits shape travel demand. Table Mountain routes, coastal drives, and beach days reach optimum conditions. The season also supports exploration of markets, townships, and outdoor food spaces.

Kyoto offers a quieter cherry blossom window in late March. The city’s temples, gardens, riverside paths, and traditional streets present spring scenes with fewer tourists than peak weeks. Travellers can walk through preserved districts and historic compounds at a gentle pace.

Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

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