The destination you choose for your holiday often reflects your personal values and interests. With more travelers exploring the world than ever before, the travel industry is experiencing some of its most successful times. Yet, among the millions of attractions globally, there are a few that truly stand out. The attractions featured in this list are not only among the most visited in the world but also offer a unique and unforgettable experience for all types of travelers.
Here comes the top 12 most visited attractions around the world:
Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
As the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa is an extraordinary example of modern engineering and architecture. It offers two observation decks, one on the 148th floor and another on the 124th floor, along with a restaurant and bar on the 122nd floor. While the views are undoubtedly the main highlight, dining at the restaurant on the 122nd floor is also highly recommended. Be sure to check out the Dubai Fountain, which puts on a stunning water show.
- Annual Visitors: 10,000,000
- Peak Season: November – April
Insider Tip: A trip to the 148th floor offers an exciting VIP experience which includes a guided tour, refreshments and an interactive screen that allows you to fly to different city landmarks.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
If there’s one thing you must do in Barcelona, make sure it’s visiting the Sagrada Familia. The fact that it’s been under construction for over a century makes it worth a visit, but considering that its design was Antoni Gaudí’s lifelong obsession, you simply can’t miss this iconic landmark. The Sagrada Familia is renowned for its unique artistic style, with its geometric shapes and intricately decorated towers. The stained glass windows allow sunlight to filter through, creating a stunning play of colors inside the basilica. Additionally, the awe-inspiring columns resemble tree trunks, branching out in a natural, organic way.
- Annual Visitors: 3,000,000
- Peak Season: March – August
Insider Tip: While the attraction offers an impressive experience in its night tour, it is best viewed during the day.
Niagara Falls draws millions of visitors annually, particularly appealing to couples and romantics. Situated on the border between the United States and Canada, the falls consist of three awe-inspiring waterfalls that cascade roughly 6 million cubic feet of water every minute. Known for being the most accessible falls in the world, Niagara Falls is undoubtedly a perfect attraction for people of all ages and interests.
- Annual Visitors: 22,000,000
- Peak Season: June – August
Insider Tip: Some of the must-see attractions worth checking out while visiting the Niagara Falls include Clifton Hill, Niagara Skywheel and Ripley’s Believe it or Not.
Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Florida, USA
Disney’s Magic Kingdom, famous as the place where magic comes alive, is considered to be high on to-do lists for virtually all families around the globe. It remains to be the most visited theme park on the planet and brings you closer to all your childhood fantasies. Meet Anna and Elsa from the movie Frozen or jump on board the Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train. Explore Cinderella’s Castle or marvel at the mysterious wonders of Space Mountain and Jungle Cruise. And that’s just the beginning!
- Annual Visitors: 18,588,000
- Peak Season: June – August
Insider Tip: Try and time your visit so that you get to catch the spectacular fireworks display which takes place on many nights.
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
One of the oldest and most iconic bazaars of the world brings you closer to all sorts of fascinating goods and products such as hand-painted ceramics, patterned carpets, ancient lanterns, beautifully carved ceramics and Byzantine-style jewelry. A trip to the Grand Bazaar always involves a lot of bargaining and if things suddenly get overwhelming, all you need to do is take a break with a cup of Turkish coffee or some doner kebabs.
- Annual Visitors: 9,250,000
- Peak Season: June – August
Insider Tip: In order to bargain like a pro, lowball the starting offer and don’t think twice before walking away.
It is entirely possible to lose yourself in the Vatican Museum and spend days exploring the endless wonders that it offers. The museum is home to some of the most impressive works of art and over the centuries, Vatican officials have kept adding on to the burgeoning collection. The good news is that the entire art collection is open to the public, but the bad news is that its vast labyrinth of treasures can often leave you confused and perplexed. Some of the main highlights include treasures from Egypt and Etruria, the spiral staircase, ancient Roman sculptures, countless ceramics, mosaics and tapestries and the world famous Sistine Chapel, the most famous painted ceiling on the planet. You can also check out frescoes created by Michelangelo and Raphael while in the museum.
- Annual Visitors: 5,000,000
- Peak Season: June – August
Insider Tip: Take your time while at the museum. The treasures are not going anywhere, and it is okay to spend the entire day just exploring the Vatican Museum.
Musee Louvre, the largest museum in the world, has always been at the center of controversy. It is famous as an art-lovers paradise and is home about 35000 works of art by some of the greatest grandmasters that the world has ever seen. Some of the most famous exhibits of the museum include Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the 69-foot glass pyramid entrance, the Aphrodite statue and Michelangelo’s Death of the Virgin.
- Annual Visitors: 9334000
- Peak Season: June – August
Insider Tip: Visit the museum in the evening on Wednesday or Friday. Since the museum is open till 9.45 PM, it lets you beat the crowds.
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
The Notre Dame Cathedral, considered to be a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is one attraction that is considered to be a must-see while in Paris. It boasts of breathtaking rose windows, fascinating gargoyles and soaring buttresses and has survived countless attacks over time. Located in the heart of the city, the Notre Dame Cathedral is the perfect place for those searching for some much needed peace while in Paris. For your love for history and middle age architecture Notre Dame Cathedral is the place to go!
- Annual Visitors: 14,000,000 people
- Peak Season: June – August
Insider Tip: Walk around the back and take the bridge to the Ile Saint Louis Island. One of the most popular eateries of Paris, the Brasserie de l’Île St Louis, is located there.
There is certainly no shortage of large green spaces in New York City, but none manage to offer the charm or appeal that makes Central Park one of the most visited attractions on the planet. This fascinating oasis of green is spread over 850 acres and is known to be very popular among tourists and locals alike. Check out the modest zoo, climb to the very top of a 19th century castle, gaze at the surrounding skyscrapers, enjoy a horse carriage ride or simply breathe in the breathtaking natural beauty – the options are endless.
- Annual Visitors: 40,000,000
- Peak Season: January – March, June – August
Insider Tip: Keeping up with the various events that take place in Central Park can prove to be a major challenge. However, a little bit of research should let you get access to exciting happenings such as open air concerts, live DJs, tango lessons or opera concerts.
Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, may not be high on the number of travellers that it manages to attract, but that’s simply because of the restrictions that have been put in place. Considered to be the most famous attraction in South America, Machu Picchu is a dream come true for millions of tourists. It boasts of 12 acres of ancient staircases, temples, gardens and aqueducts and provide glorious stories of one of the most majestic civilizations of ancient time. It might be located at a distance of just 4 hours from Cusco, but seems to be a setting from another planet. The perfect way to experience the grandeur of this ancient city is to check out the sunrise views that it offers. To do so, you need to get up around 04.00AM and catch the first bus which departs from Aguas Calientes. Witness one of the seven wonders of the World – Machu Picchu.
- Annual Visitors: 912,500 (In order to maintain the site’s integrity, only 2500 visitors are allowed per day).
- Peak Season: July – August
Insider Tip: If you’re an avid photographer, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is at 06.00 AM (when the gates first open for visitors) or after 04.00 PM (when there are hardly any tourists on site).
The Eiffel Tower, one of the most romantic attractions on the planet, is another must-see while in the City of Light. Even if you don’t feel like visiting the tower, you can always see its top from just about any part of the city. Gustave Eiffel may have created the Eiffel Tower as a temporary exhibit, but its popularity ensured its survival over the years. Today, it is impossible to think of Paris without the tower and the view from the top is simply worth dying for. The Eiffel tower is everything you expect it to be, absolutely amazing!
- Annual Visitors: 7,000,000
- Peak Season: June – August
Insider Tip: Fitness freaks can climb up to the second level of the tower using the 704-step stairs on the south pillar.
Empire State Building, New York, USA
The Empire State Building, or ESB, is the tallest structure in New York that rivals the Chrysler Building for the honors of being the best in its class. The views that its 86th floor observation deck has to offer are known to be breathtaking and are famous for offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You won’t be the only tourist visiting the ESB, so be prepared for a long wait. Ticket prices are steep, but the $45 for an express pass is entirely worth it. It saves you the time you’d otherwise spend waiting in the queue.
- Annual Visitors: 4,000,000
- Peak Season: February – December
Insider Tip: For an extra $15, you can get a ticket to the 102nd-floor observation deck, which is known to offer a more intimate experience.
The Colosseum, one of the most stunning ancient structures in the world, was once famous as a battle arena where gladiators fought battles to their death. Its construction was started by Roman Emperor Vespasian and completed by his son Titus in the year 80 AD. The opening ceremony lasted for 100 days and included some of the greatest fights and the killing of 5000 animals. The amphitheater could host up to 70,000 spectators and it was built in a way to offer perfect views, irrespective of where one sat. Today, the Roman Colosseum might be a shadow of its former glory, but it still manages to draw millions of visitors year after year. While in Rome, feel like a true Roman with Colosseum by night.
- Annual Visitors: 5,100,000
- Peak Season: June – August
Insider Tip: Book a combo-ticket at the Palatine Hill or the Forum because the lines are shorter here than at the Colosseum. We would also recommend you to carry lots of water while visiting the majestic arena.
Now that you know which are the top 12 most visited attractions around the world, it’s must be time to see some of them – start now by Booking your tickets and reserve your seats.