There are several famous Destinations Cannot Visit 2026, ranging from the ancient Gounsa Temple in South Korea to the nostalgic Rivers of America at Walt Disney World. Whether due to extensive restoration, modernization projects, or permanent closures, many world-renowned landmarks will remain off-limits to travelers throughout the year. Below is a detailed list of iconic tourist sites that will be temporarily or indefinitely closed starting in 2026.
1. Gounsa Temple, South Korea
Gounsa Temple, a 1,300-year-old spiritual landmark located in Uiseong Town, South Korea, is a site of immense Buddhist significance. Unfortunately, the temple—along with three neighboring shrines—was tragically razed by a widespread forest fire in March.
While restoration efforts are currently underway to rebuild this historic treasure, authorities have not yet announced a specific reopening date, and it is expected to remain closed through 2026. For those seeking a spiritual alternative, Bongjeongsa Temple in nearby Andong city is an excellent choice. Also boasting a 1,300-year history, Bongjeongsa is famous for housing the oldest wooden building in South Korea and is located only about 35 km from the Gounsa site.
2. Bayeux Tapestry Museum, France
The Bayeux Tapestry is a masterpiece from the 11th century, a series of embroideries depicting the Norman conquest of England. It stands as one of the world’s oldest and best-preserved visual historical records. However, the museum in the town of Bayeux, which houses this artifact, closed its doors in August of this year for a massive upgrade and expansion project.
The museums is scheduled to remain closed throughout 2026, with a grand reopening planned for 2027. This timing is intentional, as it coincides with the 1000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror (William of Normandy), the man who led the invasion of England in 1066.
3. Paris Catacombs, France
One of the most spine-chilling attractions in the “City of Light,” the Paris Catacombs consist of a nearly 1.6 km network of tunnels beneath the Montparnasse district. These tunnels, originally limestone quarries, serve as the final resting place for the skeletal remains of millions of Parisians from centuries past.
The site is currently undergoing extensive structural repairs and modernization. Although there is hope for a 2026 reopening, a specific date has yet to be finalized, making it a “wait-and-see” destination for the year. Tourism experts from CNN note that this site remains a top favorite for international travelers. For those fascinated by “bone architecture,” the Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech Republic—often called the “Church of Bones”—is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage alternative located just 74 km from Prague.
4. Museum of Collecting & Design, USA
Founded in Las Vegas, Nevada, this unique museum was born from American filmmaker Jessica Oreck’s passion for miniature objects. Visitors once flocked here to admire an eclectic collection ranging from tiny erasers to figurines no taller than 2.5 cm.
However, the commercial center where the museum was located is slated for demolition. Consequently, Oreck has packed the entire collection into a vehicle to travel across the United States. As of now, the museum has not secured a new permanent location, meaning its treasures will remain “on the road” and unavailable in a traditional gallery setting through 2026.
5. Rivers of America at Walt Disney World, USA
The Disney parks are in a constant state of evolution. The latest area to undergo a complete “metamorphosis” is the Rivers of America, the iconic man-made waterway located within the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
Fans officially said their goodbyes to this area in August when Disney announced that the waterway would be drained and repurposed. The site is being cleared to make room for brand-new attractions and immersive themed lands. While the park remains open, this specific piece of Disney history will be gone by 2026, replaced by the sounds of construction and new adventures.
(According to CNN)
