25 Most Popular Tourist Attractions in the World: How Many Have You Seen?

There is no doubt that we live on a beautiful planet, but some places are simply prettier than others. From innovative man-made structures to spectacular natural wonders and historical sites to theme parks, this planet is loaded with amazing sights typically scattered across the most visited cities in the world.

Whether you’re international visitors looking for a beachside haven surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters and white sands or a serene safari experience to connect with Mother Nature, Earth has it all. Keep reading if you’re up for a soul-stirring adventure at some of the world’s best tourist attractions and iconic landmarks. 

25 Most Visited Places in the World

Strap in, and let’s dive into the most visited places in the world, from renowned European cities to ancient landmarks, national parks, and breathtaking natural attractions. These are the places that have received the highest number of visitors in world travel.

1. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Standing at about 330 metres tall, the Iron Lady, or “La dame de fer”, is undoubtedly one of the most famous monuments in Paris. The Eiffel Tower is a literal beacon of the capital, and one of the best places panoramic views of the city from its massive observation deck and the summit (the top floor). 

Get an Eiffel Tower entry ticket and explore some of its levels. The Esplanade is the ground floor, dominated by the tower’s four iron legs. It’s also a waiting area for those going up the tower. On the first floor, you’ll find restaurants, shops, exhibitions, and a children’s play area. 

The second floor holds the observation deck, and the last level is the summit, where you’ll get views of the best attractions of the French capital, like the Champs Elysees, Notre-Dame de Paris, and the Louvre. 

2. Great Wall of China, China

Here’s a fun fact about China — the Great Wall is the longest man-made structure ever built in history. This ancient landmark is made up of a series of barricades between north and south, stretching across lush landscapes. This UNESCO world heritage site has served many purposes like protecting the Silk Road Trade.

Walking across the entire wall would take you about 17 months, but you can still see the best of the Great Wall on a guided tour. You’ll get to stroll along the well-preserved parts of the barrier, explore the courtyards of Chang Ling Ming Tomb, and indulge in a tasty Chinese lunch.

3. Machu Picchu, Peru

Sitting high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is a world-famous Incan fortress that will blow you away. The citadel’s allure lies in its unique architecture. Its sophisticatedly built walls are stone blocks fused without the use of mortar to hold the bricks in place.

Take a full-day tour from Cusco, once the Inca Empire capital and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, to experience this spiritual awakening first-hand. You’ll learn more about the Incan people and how they lived while taking in sweeping views of the Peruvian Andes. 

4. The Vatican City, Vatican City

Completely surrounded by the Italian capital, Rome, The Vatican City enclave is the pre-eminent spiritual centre for Catholics. This isn’t surprising since it’s where the Pope lives, and guess what — you can meet him if you’d like to by being part of the Papal Audience. 

The Vatican is home to the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. This cultural hub is rich in architecture and art. You can browse through artworks from the likes of Caravaggio, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

5. Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Are you a sucker for love? Then, you might have heard of the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. He’s the hopeless romantic who commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal to house the tomb of his darling wife, Mumtaz Mahal. 

If you read the story of the Taj Mahal, you’ll realise that a lot of thought was put into this declaration of love. The ivory-white marble stone was brought in from Rajasthan, while the jewels and gemstones, like emeralds and jasper, came from Sri Lanka and Punjab, respectively.

But you don’t have to be a romantic to visit this marble mausoleum. The elaborate calligraphy, mosaic gems, and splendid garden make this one of the most beautiful places in the world, so make sure you book a tour. 

6. Statue of Liberty, New York City, USA

The Statue of Liberty is undeniably one of the most visited world heritage sites in the US. The copper statue is a symbol of freedom and friendship that arrived as a gift from France to commemorate the centennial of America’s independence.

This famous landmark in the US stands at over 92 metres above the water, so you can see it from as far as New Jersey. But I suggest you take this Statue of Liberty cruise to see this architectural marvel up close. You can also expect great vistas of Manhattan from Liberty Island.

7. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

When you think of Australia, what comes to your mind? If it’s the white sail-shaped building — then you’re thinking of the Sydney Opera House. This multi-venue performing arts centre sits on the edge of the harbour, making its shape right on the money.

Sydney Opera House is arguably the most famous Australian landmark. It’s largely considered an architectural masterpiece of the 20th century, so it deserves to be on your Sydney itinerary. 

You can take a guided walking tour through the building to learn about the inspiration behind the design and see some parts of the Sydney Opera House that are usually off-limits to the public.

8. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

The Colosseum is undeniably the most famous landmark in Italy. This ancient amphitheatre is the largest one ever built, despite its age — nearly 2,000 years old. 

This elliptical feat of Roman architecture sits in the heart of Rome, making it easy to get to as well as a must-see (so it’s often bustling with eager tourists). But reading this skip-the-line Colosseum guide will certainly give you the upper hand. 

There’s so much history to be uncovered here; the Colosseum hosted gladiator battles, hunts, and executions — some of which were carried out by wild beasts. A priority access tour is even better, taking you through the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill with an expert guide. 

9. The Louvre, Paris, France

Sitting on the right bank of the Seine River, the Louvre is not only the largest art museum in France, but it’s the biggest in the entire world. An exclusive guided tour of the Louvre is the best way to admire its artistic gems. 

The reserved entry ticket ensures that you ditch the long queues, so you’ll have more time to spend marvelling at masterpieces like the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa.

Travel Tip: The Louvre pyramids, sitting in the main courtyard, are an excellent place to catch captivating sunrises in Paris, so you might want to get there early.

10. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza are among the world’s most significant architectural marvels, with historical and cultural importance that dates back more than a thousand years. The complex comprises three main pyramids — Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, as well as the iconic Sphinx.

Consider booking a half-day tour to familiarise yourself with the intriguing history behind the world-renowned Pyramids of Giza. You’ll get Insta-worthy photo ops as your Egyptologist tour guide drops nuggets about each pyramid in the complex and the pharaohs who built them.

11. Petra, Jordan

Accessible through a narrow slot canyon called Al Siq, Petra is a popular archaeological site that’s widely known for its cameo on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

This ancient city boasts intricately designed temples carved into towering red-rose sandstone cliffs. So, if you’re ready for a jaw-dropping experience, add a 2-day tour to Petra to your Jordan itinerary and fully immerse yourself in the Rose City and all it has to offer. 

12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Located in northern Cambodia, Angkor Wat is an enormous complex of Buddhist temples dotted across over 400 acres of lush rainforest. This makes Angkor Wat the largest religious site in the world, according to the Guinness World Record.

Angkor Wat is one of the most visited landmarks in Asia. The complex will leave you awe-struck with its architectural mastery and tapestry of walls featuring intricately carved incidents from Hindu mythology. The best way to see this historical site is via a small-group sunrise tour.

13. Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Welcoming over five million visitors each year, the Grand Canyon is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the US. This expansive gorge is the largest of its kind and a brilliant place to see the effects of millions of years of erosion. 

It’s a standout Arizona landmark offering you thrilling hikes along the South Rim, panoramic overlooks with 360-degree vistas, and historical Puebloan structures like Hopi House. 

Travel Tip: If you want to see the Grand Canyon in all its glory, take a scenic helicopter ride to get a bird’s eye perspective of the gorge as you soar over the layered red-rock landscape. You can even take a scenic helicopter ride from Las Vegas to see the Grand Canyon.

14. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a modern metropolis that perfectly blends Japanese tradition and technology for an extraordinary experience found nowhere else in the world. The innovative city is bursting at the seams with high-tech attractions like Akihabara Electric Town, a hub for tech lovers and gamers. 

Tokyo is dotted with must-visit shrines and temples, such as Sensō-ji, that offer you an immersive cultural experience. Visiting these religious sites is one of the best ways to spend one day in Tokyo. Alternatively, you can take a trip to Mount Fuji — the picturesque snow-capped stratovolcano. 

Expand your Japan itinerary by checking out Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife in entertainment districts like Roppongi and Shibuya City.

15. Niagara Falls, Canada-USA

Straddling the border between the United States and Canada, the Niagara Falls are a series of three powerful and awe-inspiring waterfalls. While they’re not among the tallest in the world, these falls are a famous attraction due to the impressive amount of water tumbling over the cliff.

Boat tours are the most convenient way to see Niagara Falls from the US side — be warned though — you will get wet! 

A guided tour offers you a chance to experience the best of Niagara Falls. Enjoy it all, from a foggy Maid of the Mist boat ride to hiking up to the Cave of the Winds Hurricane Deck for an up-close look. 

16. The Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Sitting atop a craggy outcrop overlooking the city of Athens, the Acropolis complex is one of the most well-known Greek landmarks, so it needs no introduction. It symbolises a once-thriving classical civilisation and religious centre where kings and gods lived.

You can easily explore this centuries-old citadel with an Acropolis and Parthenon guided walking tour. It takes you through the ruins and monuments like the Temple of Athena Nike. You’ll also get to see and learn about other attractions in the complex, like the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

17. The Serengeti, Tanzania

Stretching across 30,000 square kilometres of savannah landscape from Kenya’s Maasai-Mara Game Reserve to the Serengeti National Park, this vast plain and popular destination is home to incredible biodiversity. 

The Serengeti is probably most famous for its annual wildebeest and zebra migrations, which is a spectacle you won’t see anywhere else in the world. Safaris are also a huge tourist draw. Go on a wildlife spotting tour and catch glimpses of the Big Five, African cats, and lots of antelope. 

Travel Tip: It’s worth noting that some animals can be quite elusive. So bring along your best camera for a safari to effortlessly capture Africa’s amazing wildlife; you’ll even see some birds.

18. Banff National Park, Canada

Imitating something from a storybook, Canada’s first national park is blessed with picture-perfect mountain scenery, icy glaciers, and turquoise-coloured lakes that will take your breath away. 

Banff National Park is a popular Canadian landmark that is worth visiting all year round. In the summer, this park is a hiking and canoeing paradise, and thrill seekers can enjoy rock climbing via Ferrata at Norquay Mountain Resort nearby. 

Winter turns the park into a winter activity wonderland, ideal for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and scenic wildlife viewing tours; this is also an optimal time to see the Northern Lights. 

A day tour of Banff National Park takes you through these top attractions and a few of the lakes.

19. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Have you ever heard the phrase “from rags to riches”? That’s the story of the futuristic city of Dubai in a nutshell. This futuristic Arabian city may be home to some of the most modern architecture worldwide, including the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, but it hasn’t always been that way. 

You can still spot remnants of the Old Dubai in places like Bur Dubai and Deira. These are some of the best areas to stay in Dubai for an authentic experience.

If you’re spending just one day in Dubai, you’ll want to tick off activities like going on a desert safari, cruising on a luxury yacht, and getting sweeping city views from the Burj Khalifa first. 

20. Mont Saint-Michel, France

Tucked on a tidal island along the shores of Normandy, the commune of Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most jaw-dropping landmarks in France. 

From a distance, this island looks like it has a singular structure, but as you get closer, the town reveals itself, with Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel taking centre stage.

To see what lies within the walls of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, buy an entry ticket and take a self-guided tour of the UNESCO-listed site with the help of a multilingual information booklet. 

Outside the abbey, you can stroll along Grande Rue, a narrow, cobblestoned street lined with houses, shops, inns, and restaurants.

21. Yellowstone National Park, USA

Did you know that Yellowstone is the world’s first official national park? Another fact about Yellowstone National Park that you might not know is that it’s home to the world’s tallest geyser. 

The park’s geothermal wonders, like Old Faithful, abundant wildlife, and diverse ecosystems, such as seismic areas, canyons, and several lakes, are what people come to see in Yellowstone. 

As one of the most popular national parks in the US, Yellowstone can get crowded at times. So, booking a guided day tour of Yellowstone can help avoid any delays or confusion. This way, you won’t miss out on any of the top attractions, like the basins, waterfalls, and free-roaming wildlife.

22. Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Dutch capital is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and it’s not hard to see why. Amsterdam is known across the world for its artistic history, eclectic architecture, and an impressive canal system lined with colourful narrow houses with gabled facades.

See some highlights, like the Jordaan neighbourhood, Anne Frank House, and Rijksmuseum, via a bike tour through the city. 

Stop at the Van Gogh Museum if you’re into Dutch art. And to experience Amsterdam’s lively atmosphere, visit De Wallen (Red Light District), boasting old-school bars along its narrow alleys. 

23. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is so grand that it can be seen from space. This famous Australian landmark is a snorkelling and scuba diving paradise, abundant with diverse marine life, with over 1,500 species of fish and about 400 types of coral. 

Some excellent ways to enjoy the reef include swimming, going on a snorkelling and diving cruise, and sailing. If you want to see it from above, take a scenic flight over the archipelago. 

24. Iguazu Falls, Argentina-Brazil

Famous for their tumbling cascades and awe-inspiring vistas, the Iguazu Falls are among the most stunning landmarks in Brazil and Argentina. You can take a full-day tour to Iguazu Falls from either country to get an up-close view of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

If you’d like to explore the highlights of the Iguazu National Park, like the iconic Devil’s Throat, then booking a tour on the Argentinian side is your best bet. 

However, it is argued that the Brazilian side has the most spectacular sights, as the viewpoints are better placed for optimal viewing.

25. Marrakech, Morocco

Brimming with colourful souks (marketplaces) and phenomenal gardens like Jardin Majorelle, the city of Marrakech is a major economic hub dotted with numerous mosques and palaces. 

This former imperial city offers you a splendid display of Moorish architecture and a quintessential Arabic vibe, with hidden shisha spots that only the locals seem to know. The medina hosts an array of shops selling spices, antiques, traditional textiles, and handicrafts.

Wrapping Up the Most Visited Tourist Attractions in the World

This comprehensive list of the most visited places in the world is a testament to people’s diversity in taste when it comes to bucket list destinations. While some are history buffs and architecture enthusiasts who’d visit museums and World Heritage Sites in a heartbeat, others prefer a serene getaway on a tropical island with beautiful beaches. 

So whether you’re looking to push your limits with an adventure to remote attractions, unique experiences or you’d like to keep it simple with a stroll around the city, this list of the most popular tourist destinations in the world have something for you.