Ever wondered what are the most visited travel attractions in the world? Whether it’s to add them to your bucket list or to avoid them while practicing social distancing, this infographic will answer that question for you!
While you check out this list with the best travel attractions in the world, have a look at the high numbers of annual visitors. And then think about the travel industry today. Right now, most of us are giving armchair traveling a go from the safety of our homes. Others in less affected areas are visiting local tourist destinations, going camping, sailing, or on scenic autumn drives to avoid the crowds. Anything that isn’t too commercial.
And while going off the beaten path opens the door to new opportunities (for both travelers and businesses), we shouldn’t forget that it’s not just small attractions/companies who need our support. The big ones hire a lot of people who are really struggling today. Just look at Disney, laying off 28,000 workers this autumn.
The travel industry took a big hit this year, all around the world. And so did hospitality. Heck, 2020 is a tough year for all of us! But I’m optimistic that we will bounce back and I will keep posting on the blog to help you dream while you’re at home and inspire your future adventures.
Without further ado, here is the list with the 50 best travel attractions on the world:
Before finding this travel infographic by Love Home Swap, I had no idea which was the number one most visited tourist attraction in the world and was pretty surprised to discover it’s the Las Vegas Strip. I was also amazed by home many Disney Parks made this list and a bit disappointed that some wonderful places I adore didn’t make the cut because they’re just not the most visited travel attractions.
Which other places should have been among the most visited travel attractions, in your opinion?
Top 50 most visited travel attractions in the world – Infographic Transcript
50. Nagashima Spa Land, Japan
Annual visitors: 5,850,000
Peak season: March-August
Nagashima Spa Land in Japan is the 50th of the world’s most visited travel attractions. Surrounded by a harbor, there are four main areas to this park – an amusement park, a hot spring complex, a shopping mall, and a flower garden. If visiting in winter, check out the wonderful illuminations.
49. Palace of Versailles, France
Annual visitors: 5,900,000
Peak season: June-August
This royal chateau was once the center of the French government. Its grand architecture, gardens, and exhibitions reflect its rich history. Strut like royalty in the hall of mirrors or discover the private chambers of Louis XV, hidden within the palace.
48. Universal Studios, Hollywood
Annual visitors: 5,912,000
Peak season: June-August
A theme park within one of the oldest and most illustrious movie studios. After dodging the dinosaurs on a Jurassic Park water ride, you will be able to take a peek into Hollywood’s filmmaking process.
47. Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Annual visitors: 6,017,500
Peak season: February-May
New Orleans’s history is evident on this street, although it is also famous for its bars, restaurants and clubs. It survived Katrina largely intact and the annual Mardi Gras parade passes through, just as it has done in the past.
46. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
Annual visitors: 6,115,881
Peak season: Weekends, US holidays
The largest art museum in the US, with over 2 million works in its permanent collection. Art from throughout the world and ages is displayed.
45. Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC
Annual visitors: 6,191,361
Peak season: March-June, September-November
The Lincoln Memorial comes at 45 among the world’s most visited travel attractions. The Savior of the Union and perhaps the most famous US president. The surrounding area has taken on great importance for some, particularly the Civil Rights Movement.
44. Universal Studios, Florida
Annual visitors: 6,195,000
Peak season: February-April, June-August, US holidays
Screen junkies will adore the Transformers, Simpsons, E.T., and Shrek themed attractions.
43. Lake Mead, Nevada
Annual visitors: 6,285,439
Peak season: May-September
This massive Lake was created by the Hoover Dam. hike and bike around the lake or partake in some water sports or fishing. A peaceful retreat away from the nearby neon glow of Las Vegas.
42. Lotte World, Seoul
Annual visitors: 6,383,000
Peak season: March-May, September-November
This complex features the world’s largest indoor theme park, alongside its outdoor attractions. A hidden gem within the park is a folk museum, which exhibits ancient items from Korea’s past.
41. Disneyland, Hong Kong
Annual visitors: 6,700,000
Peak season: October-November, January-February, April-May
Disney has incorporated Chinese culture and traditions into the design of this Hong Kong-based park. This might be your only chance to see Mickey Mouse in a feng shui environment.
40. British Museum, London
Annual visitors: 6,701,036
Peak season: December, May-September
The British Museum in London is on place 40 among the world’s most visited travel attractions. The name is somewhat misleading as this wildly ambitious museum actually features some of the world’s finest artifacts from throughout history, such as the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
39. Everland, Gyeonggy-Do, South Korea
Annual visitors: 6,853,000
Peak season: March-May, September-November
Home to the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster, there is also a zoo and the Waterpark within Everland.
38. Eiffel Tower, Paris
Annual visitors: 7,000,000
Peak season: June-August
The tallest structure in Paris, it also boasts the highest publicity accessible space in the European Union. Two restaurants are located within the tower, with one even gaining a Michelin star.
37. National Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian), Washington DC
Annual visitors: 7,000,000
Peak season: March-June, September-November
The largest collection of aircraft and spacecraft in the world. The Apollo 11 Command Module, Apollo Lunar Module LM-2, an X-15, and the famous Chicago plane will mesmerize aviation and space exploration enthusiasts.
36. Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
Annual visitors: 7,000,000
Peak season: October-November, January-February, April-May
The highest mountain in Hong Kong offers awe-inspiring views of the city. Ride the tram, relax in the garden, or dine in one of the famous restaurants found near the peak.
35. Ocean Park, Hong Kong
Annual visitors: 7,436,000
Peak season: October-November, January-February, April-May
Part theme park, part maritime mammal park: it’s come to the Dragon, which is Hong Kong’s largest roller coaster. Dolphins, walruses, seals, penguins, and even pandas offer a contrasting relaxed experience.
34. Disney’s California Adventure
Annual visitors: 7,775,000
Peak season: US holidays
The world of color night-time spectacular is a must-see attraction at this West-Coast Disney park.
33. Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando
Annual visitors: 7,981,000
Peak season: February-April, June-August, US holidays
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has given the park a boost in visitors’ numbers. If you have a Hog’s Head Brew, just remember not to drive your broom home.
32. National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian), Washington DC
Annual visitors: 8,000,000
Peak season: October-November, January-February, April-May
The most visited natural history museum in the world. The Dinosaur Hall and the Giant Squids on display in the Sant Ocean Hall are just a couple of the highlights.
31. Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Annual visitors: 8,200,000
Peak season: January-April, October-December
An architectural triumph, this distinctive building is home to a catalog of cultural events. It’s actually a collection of buildings, so is there for one of the busiest art centers in the world.
30. Pier 39, San Francisco
Annual visitors: 8,500,000
Peak season: May-October
Pier 39 in San Francisco comes on place 30 among the world’s most visited travel attractions. The Sea Lion Center will teach you more about these particular local residents, for famous for pitching up on the docks of Pier 39. Boat whale tours, fairground rides, an aquarium, and even 7D cinema will also feel your days with fun.
29. South Street Seaport, New York City
Annual visitors: 9,000,000
Peak season: January-March, June-August
This historic area of Manhattan features a large density of early 19th century buildings. Vieu the Brooklyn Bridge from Pier 17, stroll around the museum, or enjoy seasonal activities such as an ice rink in music events.
28. Great Wall of China
Annual visitors: 9,000,000
Peak season: weekends, Chinese holidays
With parts of the wall as old as 220-206 BC, this 21km construction surely ranks among humankind’s greatest achievements. Most of the popular attractions can be reached very easily from Beijing.
27. Musee du Louvre, Paris
Annual visitors: 9,200,000
Peak season: June-August
The most visited art museum in the world. The recently launched Islamic Art exhibition complements an already marvelous collection of masterpieces that will astonish art lovers.
Annual visitors: 9,200,000
Peak season: April-December
This 1km pier was originally designed as a cargo and docking facility, nowadays traditional waterside attractions entertain; a Ferris wheel, a Shakespeare Theatre, the Funhouse Maze, an IMAX cinema, the Cirque Shanghai, and boat trips on the lake are among the many options.
25. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Annual visitors: 9,685,829
Peak season: June-August
Fish, climb, hike, and bike. However, just be careful of the black bears! Once home exclusively to Paleo Indians, before early European settlers arrived. Many preserved historic sites and buildings are still standing.
24. Universal Studios Japan, Osaka
Annual visitors: 9,700,000
Peak season: March-August
This Park attracted 10 million visitors faster than any other theme park in the world. A new Harry Potter area is in the pipeline, I expect even more Asian muggles through the gates in the future.
23. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Florida
Annual visitors: 9,912,000
Peak season: February-April, June-August, US holidays
Immerse yourself in the glamour of Hollywood; characters from Star Wars, The Muppets, any other classics are the themes of choice.
22. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida
Annual visitors: 9,998,000
Peak season: February-April, June-August, US holidays
A 3-hour safari awaits you at this park. Hippos, crocs, giraffes, and rhinos will convince you that you are in sub-Saharan Africa.
21.The Zocalo, Mexico City
Annual visitors: 10,000,000
Peak season: March-May
Mexico City’s main square, one of the largest in the world, it’s been a gathering place for Mexicans since the Aztec age. It’s bordered by notable buildings including the National Palace, the Cathedral, the Old Portal de Mercaderes, and Nacional Monte de Piedad.
20. Pike Place Market, Seattle
Annual visitors: 10,000,000
Peak season: May-October
Pike Place Market in Seattle makes it to the top 20 of the world’s most visited travel attractions. Become joyfully lost in the alleys of this 9-acre market. Artisan food producers, farmers, craft makers, and a whole host of other curious retailers await you for a truly one-off shopping experience.
19. Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, Hong Kong
Annual visitors: 10,088,493
Peak season: October-November, January-February, April-May
This area of Hong Kong, overlooking Victoria Harbour, is densely populated with tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops. The Space, History, and Science museums of Hong Kong are just a few of the institutions situated on the waterfront.
18. Sacre Coeur Basilica, Paris
Annual visitors: 10,500,000
Peak Season: June-August
Situated at the top of the butte Montmartre, this Roman Catholic Church and Minor Basilica is therefore located at the highest point in the city. Great views of the Parisian skyline are a bonus.
17. Epcot, Florida
Annual visitors: 11,063,000
Peak season: February-April, June-August, US holidays
Another attraction on the list for the animation behemoth! A scuba diving center is one of the activities that differentiate the spark from others on the list.
16. Disneyland Park, France
Annual visitors: 11,200,000
Peak season: June-August
Since 1992, this park has allowed Europeans to sample some of the allure offered by Disney. Largely based on the original parks in the US, expect to see similarities if you have visited one of the two or original US parks.
15. Tokyo Disney Sea
Annual visitors: 12,656,000
Peak season: March-August
The aquatic sibling of Tokyo’s other Disney park; you will find a combination of traditional and water attractions all located around several lakes.
14. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Annual visitors: 13,000,000
Peak season: May-October
This park is home to the California Academy of Sciences, an aquarium, a Japanese Tea Garden, an arboretum, a children’s playground, and even a few wild buffalo!
13. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
Annual visitors: 13,650,000
Peak season: June-August
This gothic Cathedral, overlooking the Seine, is the first European attraction on our top attractions list. The building breathes history, in the past, it has seen several anglo-french royal marriages and the canonization of Joan of Arc.
12. Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo
Annual visitors: 14,847,000
Peak season: March-August
A taste of the West in the east; this symbol of globalization will thrill adults and delight children in equal measure.
11. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
Annual visitors: 15,000,000
Peak season: June-August
61 covered streets and over 3000 shops in what is an ancient and almost mythical covered market. Sit down and drink sweet apple tea with traders, bartering over exotic and curious goods.
10. Forbidden City, Beijing
Annual visitors: 15,300,000
Peak season: weekends, Chinese holidays
Beijing’s Forbidden City begins our top 10 world’s most visited travel attractions. For 500 years, this meticulously planned maze of traditional buildings was the center of the Chinese government and has been the home of many emperors. Open to the public in 1925, it contains some of the world’s finest artifacts.
9. Disneyland Park, Anaheim
Annual visitors: 15,963,000
Peak season: US holidays
Space and Splash Mountain rides delight thrill-seekers, but there are plenty of attractions for youngsters here too.
8. Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando
Annual visitors: 17,536,000
Peak season: February-April, US holidays
6 regions and 40 main rides within a single park; dive into the sea with the Little Mermaid and fly into space with Buzz Lightyear.
7. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
Annual visitors: 18,000,000
Peak season: April-June, September-October
The backdrop of many famous speeches, this marketplace also has an array of dining and shopping options. Stop to watch a street performer or check out one of the many entertainment and music events.
6. Grand Central Terminal, New York City
Annual visitors: 21,600,000
Peak season: January-March, June-August
The restored astronomical ceiling is a highlight, be sure to check out the market and oyster bar, too.
5. Niagara Falls
Annual visitors: 22,500,000
Peak season: June-August
Niagara Falls makes it in the top 5 world’s most visited travel attractions. Covering its passengers in the dense mist of the falls, the Maid of The Mist ferry service has been running since 1846. You will face larger crowds in the Peak season but will be greeted by warmer weather.
4. Union Station, Washington DC
Annual visitors: 32,850,000
Peak season: March-June, September-November
After basking in the wonder of the architecture, why not partake in one of the many tours in the city based at this station?
3. Central Park, New York City
Annual visitors: 37,500,000
Peak season: January-March, June-August
Central Park in New York City makes it in the top 3 of the world’s most visited travel attractions. Attend a concert or play in the summer, or don your blades in the winter for a spot of ice skating on either of the Wollman or Laser rinks.
2. Times Square, New York City
Annual visitors: 39,200,000
Peak season: January-March, June-August
A treasure-trove of LED lighting and attractions. Go on a walking tour first, or do some research at home, so that you can choose between the abundance of theatre, music, comedy shows.
1. Las Vegas Strip – The most visited tourist attraction in the world!
Annual visitors: 39,668,221
Peak season: US holidays
The Las Vegas Strip comes in first in our top 50 of the world’s top tourist attractions. It’s hard to miss the dancing Bellagio Fountains, and why would you want to? Some warm clothes are advised, although it’s scorching outside: the casinos are famous for the chilly AC policies.
About the curator
Mirela Letailleur is a Romanian travel blogger living in the South of France. She writes on The Travel Bunny travel blog about affordable travel in Europe, creator of unique free travel guides, local travel expert. Problem solver. Wannabe coffee guru.
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