National Geographic thinks Pittsburgh is a world-class city.

Not only has the publication dubbed it “one of America’s most underrated cities to visit in 2026,” it has included the steel city on a list of the “best places in the world to travel to in 2026,” a compilation of locations the magazine said was handpicked by its editors, photographers and adventurers.

Other spots to make the list include Maui, North Dakota’s Badlands, the Akagera National Park in Rwanda and the Dolomites in Milan, Italy, which will host the Winter Olympics next year.

“When one of the world’s most trusted travel authorities puts Pittsburgh on the same list as the planet’s most extraordinary destinations, travelers take notice,” Deputy Secretary of Tourism for Pennsylvania Anne Ryan said in a statement.

The Nat Geo story highlights Pittsburgh’s “massive revitalization initiative to attract tourists” and features the Andy Warhol Museum’s Pop District in the North Shore, the Arts Landing outdoor civic space under construction Downtown, upgrades to nearby Market Square and new LED light installations on the city’s Sister Bridges.

The story, penned by Christine H. O’Toole, references the city’s “strong blue-collar heritage” and mentions the Dirty Dozen bike race — a grueling race along 13 of Pittsburgh’s steepest hills, including Beechview’s Canton Avenue, the steepest street in America — and hiking in Emerald View Park.

For people visiting Pittsburgh, National Geographic recommends attractions like the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, Troy Hill Art Houses, City of Asylum, Maxo Vanka murals, a new Downtown waterfront dock and Rivers of Steel.

“This designation is a testament to our ongoing efforts to tell the story of Pittsburgh and reach travelers worldwide,” VisitPittsburgh President and CEO Jerad Bachar said in a statement. “It’s a reflection of our region’s continuing evolution — from industrial town to cultural innovator — and how that story resonates on a global scale.”

The city’s inclusion on the list comes “following a robust nomination, researching and reporting process,” VisitPittsburgh said in a statement. Alex Kenzakoski, the tourism agency’s spokesperson, said it “coordinates ongoing media relations with an array of outlets globally, including National Geographic.”

The article also suggests checking out next year’s Carnegie International, which it describes as “the zeitgeist of the world’s cutting edge art.” The event, which is set to open May 2, will be hosted at the Carnegie Museum of Art and other galleries and museums across town.

Plus, Nat Geo encouraged visitors to stop by for the NFL Draft, which is expected to bring about 775,000 fans to the City of Champions the weekend of April 23-25. A slew of upgrades to Downtown and the North Shore are set to be completed before the NFL’s marquee offseason event arrives.

“For a city with legendary devotion to its professional sports teams, hosting the annual professional football player selection is a big deal,” Nat Geo said.

According to the magazine, “The brightest time to plan a visit is May through October, when the mountains turn lush and pleasure boats anchor along the downtown riverfronts.”

Summer visitors can take in the Pittsburgh Marathon, concerts at Stage AE, Pride Week in June and the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in Schenley Park in July. In the fall, National Geographic pointed out, people can cycle the 333-mile Great Allegheny Passage that runs all the way to Washington, D.C., while enjoying fall foliage and cooler weather. In the winter, the nearby Laurel Highlands offers winter sports.

The story also featured an array of local restaurants, like Con Alma, Fet-Fisk, Apteka, Pusadee’s Garden, Grist House, Allegheny City Brewing, Jackworth, Alberta’s and Wise County Cafe. Suggested accommodations include Hotel Bardo, The Boggs Mansion, The Oaklander Hotel and The Landing.

National Geographic Traveller (UK) listed Pittsburgh among the 19 travel destinations worldwide on the Cool List 2019.

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