The city made the top 25 on the planet thanks to its ‘defiant spirit’ and ‘laid-back charm’
Hull being listed as one of the top 25 places to visit in the whole world by a major magazine has been deemed a “huge honour” for the city. National Geographic named Hull in its prestigious ‘Best Of The World’ feature for 2026.
The historic publication, which was founded in the US in 1888, described Hull as a city with a “defiant spirit” and described how its “laid-back charm is so hard to resist”. The feature focused on how Hull is “going all in on its seafaring past” next year with a number of revamped attractions set to reopen including the Maritime Museum, Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship.
It says they will bring “some 800 years of seafaring history to life” making next summer the “perfect time” to discover what they have to offer once they are all scheduled to have reopened. National Geographic also hail the “significant revitalisation” that has taken place since Hull was awarded City Of Culture 2017.
The transformation of the old Fruit Market into the Humber Street we see today strewn with bars, restaurants and art galleries is praised, along with a mention of The Deep which has been one of the country’s premier aquariums for more than two decades. A number of events and venues get namechecked too from Humber Street Sesh and the Hull Folk & Maritime Festival to spots such as Flour & Feast, Humber Fish Co, Tapasaya, Hitchcocks and Cuban Pete’s.
Then there is Trinity Market’s array of street food vendors along with a “characterful clutch of traditional British pubs” from Ye Olde Black Boy and Fretwells to The Lion & Key.
Delighted with Hull’s inclusion in the top 25 list is Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, who said: “To be named by National Geographic as one of the best places in the world to visit is a huge honour for Hull and a powerful recognition of how far our city has come. Hull has always had a proud story to tell, rooted in our maritime heritage, our resilience, and our creativity.
“This accolade shines a global spotlight on the incredible work happening across the city, from the transformation of our museums and historic ships to the regeneration of our public spaces and Hull Marina. It’s a testament to the passion and dedication of our communities, cultural partners, and everyone working to make Hull a place people want to visit, explore, and return to.
“We’re proud of our past, but even more excited about our future and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to Hull in 2026 and beyond.”
See the full list on the National Geographic website here.
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