We see it every year. There’s always a social media trend that gives a handful of cities all the attention while the culture next door goes untold. We’re changing that with this category. It was created for the destinations that live in the shadow of a more famous neighbor, or a single dominant narrative, even though their own Black and Afro-diasporic history runs just as deep.
Medellín’s comeback story rarely mentions its Afro-Colombian roots. Many treat Nairobi solely as a stopover on safari rather than the cultural and technological hub it deserves recognition for. Mezcal and chocolate are the highlights in Oaxaca, the “chocolate city” in Mexico with a rich Afro-Mexican community. And while more people are watching Cape Verde following its impressive World Cup moment, Bridgetown, Barbados, is still sold as a beach backdrop rather than a UNESCO-recognized site of Black resilience.
What connects these five cities is that each rewards a second look at destinations with depth and intrigue, rather than the places we already fly to first. In 2026, with more travelers chasing culturally rooted trips over headline destinations, these are the five worth building an itinerary around before everyone else catches on.
This is just one category in a much bigger celebration. Explore the full 2026 Travel Noire Awards to meet all of this year’s honorees.
Medellín, Colombia
There are endless stories about the comeback of Colombia’s City of Eternal Spring. Once identified as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Medellín has transformed into a destination synonymous with reggaeton, innovation, art, the digital nomad lifestyle, and world-class cuisine, set against the backdrop of a stunning mountainous landscape.
But as the transformation narrative remains a highlight, what visitors often miss is the city’s Afro-Colombian culture hidden in plain sight. One example of this is Negro Fest: Medellín’s flagship celebration of Afro-Colombian culture. The festival has been running since 2017 and is now held in the Perpetuo Socorro creative district. The three-day festival is full of concerts, a fashion runway, Afro-Colombian cuisine, and artisan and entrepreneurial stalls lining the streets. The festival overlaps with the opening weekend of the Feria de las Flores, the city’s famous 10-day annual cultural celebration.
Boutique tour operators such as Origin and Culture and Eileen Ivette take visitors on a journey to explore Afro-Colombian culture in Medellín. The Afolombia WhatsApp Community group serves as a hub for culture, music, community, and connection.
Why Visit Medellín In 2026
There is growing interest among Black travelers seeking ways to connect with Colombia beyond Cartagena. Medellín provides an incredible opportunity to witness Afro-Colombian culture firsthand in a city that doesn’t appear to offer this experience at first glance.
Nairobi, Kenya
The time that travelers spend in Nairobi is usually brief since Kenya’s capital city serves as the primary hub for East Africa, where most international travelers land before heading out to safari destinations and other coastal resorts. Truth is, Nairobi is equally worth exploring as the safari adventures that draw many visitors.
As the most populous city in East Africa, with an estimated population of 3.5 million, Nairobi is one of the largest cities in Africa. Its population is what makes Nairobi a vibrant cultural city, with innovation at the forefront. What’s immediately apparent upon landing is that Nairobi offers a unique blend of urban lifestyle and rich tradition. Known globally as the “Silicon Savannah,” Nairobi is at the center of Africa’s technological and entrepreneurial growth, with institutions such as the iHub and the GoDown Arts Centre supporting the city’s innovative spirit.
Wildlife is still Nairobi’s biggest draw, and understandably so. It’s the only capital city in the world with a national park inside its borders. That said, treating Nairobi as nothing more than a gateway to safari means missing almost everything else the city has to offer.
As East Africa’s transport hub, Nairobi puts an entire region within arm’s reach: the coastal gems of Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu, plus easy onward access to Tanzania and Uganda. Once you venture out in Nairobi, you’ll quickly learn that its fashion scene rivals Lagos and Dakar, with designers like Sunny Dolat, KikoRomeo, and Kepha Maina gaining the global recognition they deserve. Visitors are also often surprised by the entertainment and nightlife. Nairobi has one of the liveliest nightlife scenes on the continent and a genuine entry point into East African cuisine.
Why Visit Nairobi In 2026
More travelers want to experience East Africa beyond safari and wildlife adventures. As the region’s cultural and logistical hub, Nairobi is an increasingly compelling city to build an itinerary around rather than simply passing through.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Indigenous heritage, mezcal, and chocolate are usually top of mind when people think about Oaxaca, Mexico. Beyond this, Oaxaca is one of only two regions in Mexico with significant Black communities.
Along Costa Chica, which translates to “Short Coast,” near the town of Puerto Ángel, is a community of people of African descent. The first Black people in Mexico arrived as enslaved workers in the 16th century. Approximately 200,000 enslaved workers arrived from West, Central, and South Africa, making up around 10 percent of the population at the time. Despite experiencing social and economic disenfranchisement, Afro-Mexican communities in the Costa Chica region of Oaxaca have preserved their African heritage and culture.
To experience Afro-Mexican culture in Oaxaca, head to the Guelaguetza Festival, where Afro-Mexican culture is on full display alongside a dozen other indigenous groups. Visitors can also head to Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, a city where Afro-Mexican traditions are on full display.
Why Visit Oaxaca In 2026
As travelers increasingly seek deeper, more culturally rooted experiences, Oaxaca offers an opportunity to move beyond its best-known attractions and tell a more complete story.
Cape Verde (Praia/Sal)
Until the FIFA World Cup this past year, Cape Verde has been overlooked despite offering a distinctive blend of West African, Portuguese, and Creole influences that set it apart from many other island destinations.
Cape Verdean history is profoundly shaped by its geography. Ten volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic were uninhabited until the Portuguese arrived in the 15th century. The archipelago became a pivotal stop in the transatlantic slave trade, ultimately bringing African populations to the islands. This laid the foundation for a Creole culture that isn’t entirely African nor European, but rather distinctly Cape Verdean.
As a crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Americas, Cape Verdean culture reflects the migration and influences of these regions, particularly from Africa and Portugal. Morna, coladeira, funaná, and batuque are its popular music genres.
Cape Verdean cuisine is simple, yet hearty, and rooted in the traditional offerings of the islands. Expect maize, beans, local vegetables, and fish for most meals. A local delicacy is cachupa, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, sweet potato, and meat.
Why Visit Cape Verde In 2026
The return of direct U.S. flights makes Cape Verde significantly more accessible than in recent years, while increased global visibility from the FIFA World Cup has highlighted the need to explore the destination before broader travel interest catches up.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Global superstar and makeup mogul Rihanna’s home, Barbados, is often framed through the lens of luxury resorts and stunning white-sand beaches. The problem with this narrative is that it overlooks Bridgetown’s significant cultural and historical aspects, relegating them to an afterthought.
Bridgetown isn’t just the capital of Barbados; it’s a living archive of Black history and resilience. In 2011, Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison earned UNESCO World Heritage status, recognized as an outstanding example of British colonial architecture shaped by a global network of trade, defense, and the Atlantic slave trade. When you walk through the Garrison today, you’re tracing the footsteps of that history — once the heart of a plantation economy that free and enslaved Black Bajans transformed into an independent, Black-majority nation.
When you get hungry, just follow the smell of flying fish and cou-cou at Cheapside Market, or grab a rum shop lunch alongside locals. Bridgetown doesn’t ask for much. It only wants you to slow down and take in a capital city that’s both proudly and unmistakably Black.
Why Visit Barbados In 2026
As more travelers prioritize culturally immersive experiences over traditional resort stays, Bridgetown rewards slowing down and engaging with the local community beyond the beach.
See the full lineup of 2026 Travel Noire Award honorees — the people, places, and brands defining Black travel right now.
