10 Most Visited Tourist Attractions in the World
When planning a trip to a new destination, you might find it helpful to know the most visited tourist attractions in the world. These are the places that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
According to Trip Advisor, Italy tops out as having one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world! It is easy to see why with its rich history, architecture, museums, and of course, food!
France comes in second place with popular tourist attractions that are on everyone’s bucket list!
What surprised me most with this list is that there are absolutely no Asian destinations anywhere on the list!
Nor will you find Iceland listed in the top 10, which has become a really HOT tourist spot in the last few years.
10 Most Visited Tourist Attractions in the World
If you are hoping to plan a trip this year and wondering what places are the most popular, check out these 10 most visited tourist attractions in the world:
1. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Topping off the list of most popular tourist attractions is the Colosseum which is no big surprise for those with it on their bucket list.
While a significant landmark in Rome, for those that have been & seen it in person, I must say that while impressive, it is not near as excellent a site as The Roman Forum (which didn’t even make the top 10!).
Wondering what else you should see in Rome? Check out our list of favorite Rome sites.
2. The Louvre Museum in Paris, France
While known as one of the most impressive museums in the world, the Louvre was originally built as a fortress and later reconstructed to serve as a royal palace.
The massive complex that sits on the banks of the Seine is something to behold inside & out.
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Louvre to see such popular pieces as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, & Hammurabi’s Code.
3. The Vatican Museums, Vatican City
I can totally see why the Vatican Museums made this list!
Filled with some of the most amazing art in the world, this is definitely a destination that everyone should make especially if they are already planning a trip to Rome.
Those looking to plan a trip to Vatican City from Rome will find it an incredible day trip!
4. The Statue of Liberty in New York City
Those visiting New York City will want to make sure to take the time to see the Statue of Liberty.
This famous Landmark for the United States was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi and was a gift from France to the United States.
While you can take the FREE Staten Island Ferry to get a great view of the Statue of Liberty, those who want to visit Ellis Island must book a ticket in advance that includes transportation.
During a trip to Ellis Island, you will see the original torch Bartholdi constructed (it had to be replaced due to damage) along with other artifacts in the museum.
5. The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
Quite possibly the most recognizable landmark in the world, the Eiffel Tower is a site to behold.
Visible from many points in Paris, there is nothing quite like seeing it up close in person.
You can sit in the park and gaze at the structure from below or take in the sites of Paris from one of three platforms on the Eiffel Tower itself for a fee.
You can also climb the Eiffel Tower and see Paris from various platforms. The views are amazing.
6. Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
If there is one cathedral in the world to see, it is the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Built by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, this Basilica is a work of art inside and out.
Gaudí wanted to construct a church that would make an impact on the skyline, and the Sagrada Familia certainly does so as it is one of the tallest religious buildings in the world.
While still under construction (due to be completed in 2026), it has been a work in progress for over 130 years and is something you should experience in your life no matter if it is completed or not.
Check out these other Gaudi Landmarks in Barcelona.
7. French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
The heart of New Orleans is the French Quarter and it is easy to see why this would be one of the top 10 destinations in the world!
There is no other place in the United States quite like it. The home of street jazz, creole cuisine, and Mardi Gras, this place has it all!
But it isn’t all parties, booze, and music, it has history, art & architecture as well.
And when it comes to couples getaways, there are so many romantic things to do in New Orleans.
Venture off Bourbon Street and you will find artists painting portraits and landscapes in Jackson Square.
Then head to The Garden District to see examples of New Orleans’ antebellum past.
8. Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Even if you have never read The Diary of Anne Frank, you probably know that she and her family once lived in the attic of a home in Amsterdam.
You can visit The Anne Frank House and see the attic in which she lived along with the bookcase, family photographs, and Anne’s original diary.
9. Vasa Museum, Stockholm Sweden
One of the most visited museums in Scandinavia, the Vasa Museum
This museum is named for one of its most prized artifact, a 17th century war ship.
The Vasa is nearly fully intact and the museum has done a wonderful job of creating scenes within the ship that explain what it would have looked like when it set sail in 1628.
10. Cayman Crystal Caves, Cayman Islands
Nature lovers & outdoor enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on seeing the Cayman Crystal Caves in the Cayman Islands.
Situated in a lush tropical forest, the Cayman Crystal Caves are one of the island’s most beautiful natural features.
Guests can walk through three different cave systems to observe the stalactite and stalagmite crystal formations along with the crystal blue cave lake system.
We’ve been to many of the places on this list of most popular tourist attractions in the World and I have to say that they are certainly great sites to experience! If you are looking for more information about day trips to take, please feel free to browse our list of destinations.
