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100 Best Places on Earth – The Ultimate Travel Bucket List

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This isn't just a travel bucket list; it's a gateway to experiences so profound and diverse that they promise to reshape your understanding of beauty, culture, and adventure. From the majestic peaks of Patagonia to the hidden alleyways of Kyoto, each destination on this list has been chosen not just for its aesthetic appeal, but for the unique story it tells. Rough Guides, your trusted travel companion, goes beyond the usual tourist trails to bring you authentic, tailor-made experiences that resonate with your personal travel aspirations.

1. Bhutan - a tiny country leading the way in sustainable tourism

• 2. Discover Tbilisi's reignited cultural scene

3. Ethiopia - the sunken churches of Lalibela

• 4. Gorges du Verdon - the 'alternative Grand Canyon'

5. Taj Mahal - one of the new Seven Wonders of the World

6. victoria falls - the world’s widest curtain of water.

Hidden in the Himalayas, with all the matchless scenery you’d expect, the tiny country of Bhutan is staggeringly beautiful. Piercing peaks and plunging valleys fold into its borders, where you can climb to mountaintop monasteries, hike through ancient forests and horseback ride over lush green plains, while local guides give a real insight into the country’s living spirituality.

Bhutan has been quietly forging its own path for centuries. Now, it’s leading the way in sustainable tourism. With at least sixty percent forest cover, Bhutan takes environmental conservation seriously. It’s already carbon negative, and while the target to become the world’s first fully organic nation by 2020 has been pushed back, they are still actively working on it.

Preservation is priceless, and travellers to this enchanting nation will leave with a real sense of what a privilege it is to experience Bhutan’s natural, cultural and spiritual riches.

You may have heard of Bhutan’s now-famous compulsory tourist tariff, which sees foreign visitors paying a minimum of $250 per day just to visit. But what you may not know is this includes all accommodation, food, transport and a local guide – and it also grants you access to one of Southeast Asia’s most pristine corners. A tailor-made trip ensures you get to see exactly what you want to see and travel the way you prefer - a specific route, selected hotels, particular activities, it's all possible when you go tailor-made.

Monks in Bhutan

2. Discover Tbilisi's reignited cultural scene

While the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, has long lured visionary types to its bohemian neighbourhoods, it’s slipped under the tourist radar for years. That may have something to do with its turbulent recent history: although Georgia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, there followed a period of civil war, violence and ethnic tensions.

Over the past decade, however, a new generation has reignited Tbilisi’s cultural scene through a mix of local art galleries, exhibition spaces, music venues, concept stores and creative hubs. A growing crop of industrial- style hotels is springing up across the city, many set in Soviet-era factories and publishing houses. The food scene is thriving, too – innovative chefs have taken the helm in the kitchens of new restaurants, where they reimagine traditional Georgian cuisine with a modern twist. The revolution is underway. Read more about why Georgia is the ultimate adventure destination .

Where to stay

Enjoy a stunning view from the Terrace Boutique Hotel , located a short walk from the Tbilisi funicular.

Discover the wine region on a full-day tour from Tbilisi . Visit beautiful towns, taste plenty of Georgian wine and find out more about the traditional winemaking process.

Tailor-made travel

Planning to visit Georgia for a holiday? Talk to our carefully selected local expert to create and book your perfect trip to Georgia.

Tbilisi in Georgia

An enigmatic and utterly beguiling country, Ethiopia has endless intrigue. From its unique, highly sociable cuisine – the basis of which is injera , a spongy sourdough pancake, piled high with piquant curries and stews and shared between friends – to its ancient language and curly Amharic script, there’s very little that’s familiar about this place, and your trip will be all the better for it.

Ethiopia is a largely Orthodox Christian country, and its religious festivals and structures are something to behold. The sunken churches of Lalibela , hand-carved out of the red rock below ground some nine hundred years ago, are an astonishing feat of engineering. Come January, the network of tunnels and staircases that connect all eleven churches fill up with thousands of worshippers dressed in white, celebrating the birth of Christ with a twelve-hour mass.

Exploring Ethiopia with your own guide and at your own pace will help you really discover this fascinating country. A local expert working for a local tour operator can help to plan and book your ideal trip .

Lalibela in Ethiopia

4. Gorges du Verdon - the 'alternative Grand Canyon'

The breathtaking beauty and majesty of the Gorges du Verdon – also known as the Grand Canyon du Verdon – almost matches that of its American cousin, albeit on a much smaller scale. Peppered with spectacular viewpoints, plunging crevices up to 700m deep, and glorious azure-blue lakes, this area of Provence in France is absolutely irresistible. The river falls from Rougon at the top of the gorge, disappearing into tunnels, decelerating for shallow, languid moments and finally exiting in full, steady flow at the Pont du Galetas at the western end of the canyon. Alongside is the huge artificial Lac de Sainte-Croix, which is great for swimming when the water levels are high.

Moustiers-Ste-Marie is the loveliest village on the fringes of the gorge, occupying a magnificent site near its western end. Set high on a hillside, just out of sight of both canyon and lake, it straddles a plummeting stream that cascades between two golden cliffs. A star slung between them on a chain, originally suspended by a returning Crusader, just adds to its charms.

If you're planning to stay in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the Hotel La Bonne Auberge features a large terrace and garden, as well as a swimming pool in an excellent location in town.

Visit the gorge as well as the lavender fields on a day trip from Nice . Particularly suited for those short on time or without their own transportation, this day tour allows you to discover the area while returning back to Nice the same evening.

If you're thinking of visiting Provence and the Gorges du Verdon – get in touch . Rough Guides has paired with experienced local tour operators in France to offer fully customisable trips, like this from Paris to Provence itinerary .

Gorges du Verdon in France

Simply the world’s greatest building, Shah Jahan’s monument to love does not disappoint. Volumes have been written on its perfection, and its image adorns countless glossy brochures and guidebooks; nonetheless, the reality never fails to overwhelm all who see it, and few words can do it justice. A workforce of some twenty thousand men from all over Asia completed the Taj Mahal in 1653 after twenty years of toil, and it is undoubtedly the zenith of Mughal architecture in India .

Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore described the Taj Mahal as “a teardrop on the face of eternity”, and though its layout follows a distinctly Islamic theme, representing Paradise, it is above all a monument to romantic love. Shah Jahan built the Taj to enshrine the body of his favourite wife, Arjumand Bann Begum, better known by her official palace title, Mumtaz Mahal (“Chosen One of the Palace”). The emperor was devastated by her death, and set out to create an unsurpassed monument to her memory – the result is sublime.

There are endless accommodation options in Agra , from where most travellers start their Taj Mahal visit. Our favourites include Tajview IHCL SeleQtions with stunning views and the Grand Imperial - Heritage Hotel .

Planning to explore the Taj Mahal on your own? Get your skip-the-line access tickets to the Taj Mahal beforehand to enjoy a hassle-free visit.

To see the Taj for yourself, drop us a line . Our tailor-made trips service will pair you with a local expert based in India to plan and book a fully customisable tour of India, like this sample itinerary to explore the Golden Triangle .

Taj Mahal in sunset

Along with Mount Everest and the Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls – or Mosioa-Tunya (“the smoke that thunders”) – ranks as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. No matter how many pictures you’ve seen beforehand, nothing can prepare you for the awe-inspiring sight and deafening sound of the falls. The world’s widest curtain of water crashes down a huge precipice, producing clouds of spray visible from afar, before squeezing into a zigzag of sheer-sided gorges as a torrent of turbulent rapids, carving its way to the Indian Ocean well over 1000km away.

Their dramatic setting on the Zambezi river – on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border – has also made Victoria Falls the undisputed adventure capital of Africa. There’s an array of adrenaline-fuelled activities on offer, from whitewater rafting and bungee jumping to zip-lining and bodyboarding. Less touted are the stunning wildlife-viewing opportunities

Victoria Falls affords: the national parks that line the serene banks of the Upper Zambezi are home to large mammals, such as elephant, lion, buffalo, giraffe and leopard, as well as a variety of antelope and more than 410 bird species.

Read more in our First-timer's Guide to the Victoria Falls .

Ilala Lodge is your best bet if you want to be as close to the Falls as possible. Occupying lovely grounds, the lodge has stylish rooms, a small pool and an excellent restaurant. Best of all, though, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the park’s entrance; from the hotel’s terrace, you can see clouds of spray rising from the Falls.

There are endless opportunities to explore the area: from a guided walking tour over sunset cruises to exploring the local entertainment and food scene .

Victoria Falls

Find more travel inspiration in our book The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places on Earth 2020 .

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The World’s Greatest Places of 2021

100 extraordinary destinations to explore

Accra, Ghana

A hub for creativity and culture.

A rare sight at the South Pole

Arouca, Portugal

Bridging the gap.

A cruising renaissance

Perpetual motion

Leaning into literary roots

Action-packed metropolis

Striking a delicate balance

Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Supercharged eco-luxury.

Readying for visitors

Big Sky, Montana

The great wide open.

Bodrum, Turkey

Riviera on the rise.

Cáceres, Spain

A multitude of cultural riches.

New vantages on unique treasures

Cannes, France

Sea and be seen.

Chimanimani National Park, Mozambique

Doubling down on conservation.

Christchurch, New Zealand

Rebuilding from rubble.

Coimbra, Portugal

Fresh claims to fame.

Committed to conservation

Rocky Mountain high

Desaru Coast, Malaysia

A beach escape.

Bringing the world together

A refined reopening

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Worth the journey.

Gold Coast, Australia

Surfers’ playground.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Four centuries and counting.

Design District, London

An affordable artistic incubator.

Luxury on the water

Gyeongju, South Korea

Historic gem.

Renewed life in the Old Quarter

Giving old spaces new purpose

Ho Chi Minh City

Tastes of vietnam.

Hokkaido, Japan

Northern exposure.

Lone Star stunner

Hudson Valley, New York

Brick by brick.

Indianapolis

Bottle service.

Island of Hawaii

Volcanoes and vistas.

Jaipur, India

Astronomical haven.

Jasper, Alberta

Canada’s cabin capital.

José Ignacio, Uruguay

Relaxed getaway.

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Leave no trace.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

On the wild side.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Artisanal escape.

La Paz, Mexico

Laid-back vibes at the seaside.

Lake Khovsgol, Mongolia

Untold depths.

Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Solar-powered exploration.

Excess and innovation

Lijiang, China

A launch point for adventure.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

A culinary capital.

Loire Valley, France

Chez leonardo.

Los Angeles

Hollywood’s next act.

Safeguarding tradition

An ever changing archipelago

Marrakech, Morocco

A place of beauty.

Expanding on a legacy

Mendoza, Argentina

Serving culinary excellence outdoors.

Napa Valley, California

Restoring wine country.

Negev Desert, Israel

Desert cultivation.

New Orleans

Big easy does it.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia

Active nature.

New York City

Back in business.

North Goa, India

Dressed up on the coast.

Northland, New Zealand

Legendary experiences.

Nuuk, Greenland

Pioneering capital.

Odense, Denmark

Fairy-tale city.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

An oasis in the wetlands.

The magic continues

Osaka, Japan

Munch to do

The royal treatment

Patagonia National Park, Chile

Sustainable investments.

Philadelphia

Artistic growth.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Idyllic paradise.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Rising design destination.

Quito, Ecuador

Heritage hub.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Abuzz with openings.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Monument to the southwest.

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

A rare pilgrimage.

São Vicente, Cape Verde

Music in the air.

Sarasota, Florida

The growing gulf coast scene.

Savannah, Georgia

Revitalized riverfronts.

Visions of the future

Siargao, Philippines

Sicily, Italy

History by the seaside.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Wildlife and wonders.

Superlative city-state

Southern Carpathian Mountains, Romania

Returning to nature.

A reinvigorated downtown

Harborside stunners

Culture and quiet

Talkeetna, Alaska

Mountain majesties.

Tallinn, Estonia

Cruising and perusing.

Gearing up for the Games

Tuscany, Italy

Uffizi on tour.

Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

Salt-flat homestays.

Venice, Italy

Future-proofing an icon.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Respite and renewal.

Wadi Dana, Jordan

Eyes in the sky.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Reveling in art.

Culture you can bank on

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Copy editors: Helen Eisenbach, Mark Hokoda, Anny Kim, Megan Rutherford, Sarah Rutledge, Jennifer Schiavone 

Designers: Jennifer Panzer and Jennifer Prandato

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Editors: Jennifer Duggan, Merrill Fabry, Brekke Fletcher, Dan Macsai, Cate Matthews, Brittany Robins, Lily Rothman, and Karl Vick

Photo editors: Kim Bubello and Thea Traff

Reporter-researchers:   Leslie Dickstein, Mariah Espada, Alejandro de la Garza, Nik Popli, Madeline Roache, and Simmone Shah 

Video editor: Erica Solano

The Best Destinations in the World: The Gold List 2022

By CNT Editors

There are three great lists annually in  Condé Nast Traveler,  all of which have changed due to the events of the last two years: the Readers’ Choice Awards , which you, our beloved audience, select; the Hot List , which compiles the new and notable of the previous year; and this one, which is ultimately about the places and experiences our editors carry in their hearts. This year, when we say  our editors,  we mean  CNT ’s entire global crew, working in locations from California to Beijing ; we’ve also expanded the parameters of the list to include not just the hotels and cruises you’ve seen in years past, but also the destinations we treasure. The Gold List is, more than ever, made by humans for other humans—something we need more than ever in this day and age. Here, our favorite destinations in the world.

Read the complete set of Gold List winners   here .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Puebla, Mexico

I love when I can feel familiar with a new place in 48 hours. In Puebla , Mexico’s historic, fourth-largest city, all the spots you want to hit are walking distance within its center, itself a tidy sprawl of bright pink and yellow villas and small plazas. That includes food markets for a crispy cemita (a schnitzel-­style sandwich with all the fixings); the gilded Capilla del Rosario and the city’s famed talavera, or ceramic houses; I stayed for close to an hour watching the row of artisans hand-paint and hand-fire their mugs, plates, and vases at Uriarte Talavera. Before the pandemic, tourism was just starting to happen here, and the city was in that sweet spot of supporting a new breed of traveler, like with the artisanal-inspired Cartesiano hotel, but without muting any of its essence for international business. I liked that I had to use my shoddy Spanish with barkeeps and store owners. And that sitting in those plazas meant a front-row seat to daily Poblano life: vendors selling sliced cucumber spices with cayenne, old-timers playing dominos. Puebla felt like a special somewhere on the verge of discovery in a country with pockets already turned over to the masses. My guess with all that’s happened this past year is that it still does. —Erin Florio

Rio de Janeiro

If you were to hook the city of Rio de Janeiro up to a cardiogram, the needle would swing off the page. The city thrums with live samba and bossa nova at all hours of the day; the bustling streets, bookended by the dramatic rise of granite monoliths on one end and the pounding waves of the Atlantic on the other, have a pulse all their own. It's easy to feel this when you're amid throngs of colorfully clad cariocas —I feel it most swaying to the live music at Pedra do Sal on Monday nights, or when, perched in the leafy hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa, I hear people in neighborhoods below lean out their windows to cheer when Flamengo scores a goal. It's a complicated city, with plenty of issues—insecurity, corruption, inequity, to name just a few—but there's a premium on joy and celebration that isn't reserved for Carnaval . There are few places in the world where you know you couldn't possibly be anywhere else, and whenever I hear the whole of Arpoador beach break into applause as the sun sets in summer, I'm reminded that Rio is one of them. —Megan Spurrell

Alentejo, Portugal

I call the road to the sea through Portugal’s Alentejo region the place where the beatniks read Pessoa; you can imagine Kerouac breezing through its small hotels, surf camps, and villages scattered with craft shops, markets, and bohemian bars. For me it’s a place of happiness. There are boutique hotels like São Lourenço do Barrocal and Dá Licença and olive groves, cork oaks, and infinite horizons. The road ends at Vicentine Coast National Park, a wild, protected coastline in southern Europe. A paradise for surfers , it has electrifying sunsets, but the icy waters stop it from ever getting too crowded. —David Moralejo

Svalbard, Norway

Arctic Svalbard —whose capital, Longyearbyen, is the world’s northernmost town—is like nowhere else I’ve been. On the one hand, it’s a deep-nature Scandi fantasy of snowmobiles, Northern Lights, ski-touring along glacial valleys, and surprisingly smart boutiques with stacked wine cellars. But there’s also a compelling strangeness to this international settlement, where no one is born and no one dies. There are the Soviet mining towns with their Lenin busts, whether abandoned or (even weirder) still working; the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which preempts a coming apocalypse; it’s advisable to leave Longyearbyen with a shotgun, in case of polar-bear attack. As much as a destination, it’s a journey into the heart of the climate crisis, with academics from across the world doing game-changing research here. I’m itching to go again—to escape but also to think and connect, which is what happens in all the best places. —Toby Skinner

Matt Ortile

Kaitlin Menza

Kelsey Glennon

Lauren Burvill

My first trip to Goa as a college student was wrapped in dreams of homemade chorizo and reliving moments from the cult Bollywood coming-of-age film Dil Chahta Hai . Many trips and feni cocktails later, Goa remained a respite for my city-weary bones. The state straddles its multicultural past and present, trading up ’60s hippie markets for hipster boutiques while keeping its old-world Indian and Portuguese traditions intact. Simple fish-curry plates, aunties doing an impromptu jig to fado, old-timers squabbling over their favorite Goan soccer club, and the right freshness of bread coexist with edgy global menus, alt-music gigs, and all that is artisanal and arty. The ocean changes color from one season to the next, the multi-color sunsets never repeat, and like many travelers, I continue to return and find my salve in sunshine, sea, and susegad —the quintessential Goan idea of the slow, easy, and good life. —Diya Kohl

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Plettenberg Bay is South Africa's summer playground, and I, a Capetonian, would drive the 186-mile coastal path along the scenic Garden Route each year to join the fun. The bohemian seaside town sits atop a sheltered bay, where a jumble of hipster coffee shops, seafood restaurants, and kitsch boutiques tumble down onto fynbos-covered cliffs—where a slew of new hotels like The Robberg Beach Lodge sit beside grandes dames like The Plettenberg Hotel . Pretty young things like to celebrate the end of matric student exams, where hedonism sweeps across the bay, while dolphin and whale watches come during the languid, warm winter months. Venture just outside Plett to find the luxury Tsala Treetop Lodge , a manicured Gary Player golf course, indigenous Keurbooms River Nature Reserve, the Plett Polo Club on the Kurland Estate, and a host of animal sanctuaries to meet cheetahs, elephants, and monkeys. But above all, come for the glorious golden beaches. Central Beach—dotted with bars—surfy Lookout Beach, and the eerie, mist-covered sands of Robberg Nature Reserve. Search hard enough and you might stumble on a sand dollar—the symbol of Plettenberg Bay, thought to bring eternal luck. —Isabella Sullivan

When I can’t take another minute of winter, I head to Scottsdale. As, historically, do the day-drinking spring breakers and the far less rowdy snowbirds. Recently, though, the Valley of the Sun has come into its own, claiming its stunning desert setting and Southwest culture in new ways. If I’m bringing the kids, the 1929 Frank Lloyd Wright–designed grande dame The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (on the border of Scottsdale and Phoenix), is my place. It has sprawling grounds and seven pools, one with a legitimate waterslide, and just underwent a much-needed facelift. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort , terraced into the side of its namesake adobe-hued mountain, has my favorite spa in town. Its adults-only pool on weekends and easy access to sunrise hiking give me plenty of excuses to leave the kids at home. Solo or with family, I can always bank on sunshine, a great exhibit at Phoenix’s nearby Desert Botanical Garden, and excellent Sonoran-style Mexican food. —Rebecca Misner

Val Graziosa, Italy

I am a frequent traveler to Val Graziosa, a valley near the Pisan mountains and a part of Tuscany relatively unknown and terribly beautiful. Here there is Monte Pisano—“ che i Pisan veder Lucca non ponno, ” the poet Dante said, a small group of mountains that hides Lucca from Pisa and makes it impossible for the Pisan locals to see the city of Lucca. There are olive trees everywhere, producing the best olive oil on Earth in a splendid countryside. I love to walk around the surroundings of Montemagno—please read the book Maledetti Toscani, by Curzio Malaparte, and you will understand a lot about Italians from this region. I love to go to the grocery store in Patrizia for a glass of wine (the one and only épicerie of the village) and then to Certosa di Calci, a 14th-century monastery, and one of the many secret beauties in my crazy country of Italy. —Maddalena Fosati

Chiang Mai, Thailand

When I first went to Chiang Mai, I intended to stay a couple of nights and ended up staying more than a week; for me, that trip is a reminder of travel at its most impulsive and impetuous: the freedom to move on when you feel like it. There’s no beach pressure here, and inland Thailand always feels more interesting than the obvious hits of the beachfront. And, away from the beaches, there's the sense of a modern Thai city where young creatives are carving out a contemporary aesthetic, with the energy that a large student population gives a city. —Rick Jordan

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Brilliant Maps

Making Sense Of The World, One Map At A Time

Top 100 International Tourist Destination Cities By Country

Which city is the most popular international tourist destination? Surprisingly, it’s not Paris, London or New York.

According to 2012 data from Euromonitor International , the number one tourist destination in the world was Hong Kong with 23.7 million visitors.

Singapore and Bangkok were ranked numbers 2 and 3 respectively, showing just how much Asian tourism has grown in recent years. London, at number 4, was the top ranked non-Asian city with 15.5 million international visitors and New York City, at number 8, was the most visited city in the Americas with 11.6 million tourists.

When looking at countries as a whole, the map at the top of the page is revealing. At first glance it shows just how few African countries made the list. Another interesting finding is that while London is the 4th most visited city, it’s the only UK city to make the list. Moreover, while many European countries have top 100 cities (Switzerland being a notable exception) none has more than Italy’s 4.

But that’s nothing compared to the big 3 who dominate the list:

• India has 6 cities on the list: Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata.
• The United States has 8: New York City, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, Honolulu, Washington D.C.
• And, China has whopping 9 cities: Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Zhuhai, Suzhou, Guilin, Nanjing.

Plus, this doesn’t include Hong Kong (#1) and Macau (#5), which ae both Special Administrative Regions of the People’s Republic of China .

Below are the complete rankings. Please note if you click on a city you’ll be taken to HotelsCombined where you can compare the cost of local hotels:

The data all comes from this Euromonitor International report . I’d strongly encourage you to read it if you’re curious about their methodology and other interesting findings.

If you’d like to learn about the growth of international tourism, have a look at the following books:

• Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism
• Rick Steves Travel as a Political Act
• 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, the second edition: Completely Revised and Updated with Over 200 New Entries

Did your favourite city not make the list? Let us know in the comments below:

Get Our Latest Brilliant Maps Weekly:

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Sporxx says

March 10, 2015 at 2:09 pm

How about Jerusalem?

March 11, 2015 at 3:20 am

The results are biased. HK does get a massive flow of tourist but this can be explained by the fact that HK airport is a massive hub (works the same for Singapore airport). It’s not a touristic destination in itself, providing the tourist facilities out of HK international airport (very few) and the time people actually spend in hk. It’s more a stop over than a touristic destination. Then, you have the flow of Chinese tourists that cross the border on week ends to go shopping in HK. sqame situation, they benefit to the economy but can they actually be counted as part of the touristic industry ?

So yes, in term of people you can rank it that way but the figures do not say what kind of flows arrive to HK.

Warren Lauzon says

January 20, 2018 at 8:41 pm

No, it is not based on inbound flights. It is based on the fact that thousands of mainlanders walk across the border every day to buy non-contaminated baby formula.

turnipcake says

March 15, 2015 at 8:43 pm

As Sa said concerning Hong Kong, this list measures arrivals of tourists, I assume, at the cities’ international airports (see report). This does not show how long tourists stay in these cities, if at all. Many of the cities are close to interesting historic and scenic areas.

July 4, 2015 at 1:32 pm

Hong Kong first ? Is it a joke ? There’s nithing to see there ! Nothing, comparing to Paris, London, NYC or Beijing…

January 20, 2018 at 8:40 pm

It counts mainland tourists, who can walk across the border. But as far as “nothing to see” – have you ever actually been there?

January 20, 2018 at 9:18 pm

Yes, I’ve been there several times. Besides shopping and a few sites, what can you see there. Paris, for example, is much much more worth it.

January 21, 2018 at 8:34 pm

Funny.. I had the same impression of Paris. Once you see the Eiffel tower and a few other sites, there is not much “there” there except for overpriced restaurants and snooty bakeries 😀

Manamana says

July 26, 2015 at 11:12 am

In Poland Krakow gets much more turists than Warsaw

Rental Italy says

October 12, 2016 at 12:43 pm

Rome on 12th place, lower than Shenzhen and Macau… Wuite surprising results.

emmettbrady says

December 26, 2016 at 12:47 am

that list seems like a load of nonsense

Raj Kishor Kannoujea says

January 6, 2017 at 12:58 pm

Nice job! but need to more.

Helmut Kremers says

March 10, 2017 at 12:58 pm

Munich had 14.1 million visitors last year – and that wasn’t even the best, so how come it isn’t on the list?!

Rahul gupta says

April 24, 2017 at 7:05 am

india brautiful country with lots of diversity and more than 22+ official language having wonders of the world filled with colors and more than 2000+ local language and world second largest English speaking nation having desert ,hills,mountain,snow fall ,largest green forest,.i think it is a pack of whole European + africa. it has lots of beautiful beaches in then having world almost every religion ,here you get temple,mosque ,churchs,and many more

SIDDHANT GARG says

May 5, 2017 at 5:09 pm

apart from India more places should you visit

Bhupinder Singh says

September 12, 2019 at 5:09 pm

If India is such a wonderful place, why does everyone want to leave?

Rental24H says

January 12, 2018 at 4:55 pm

woooww! very nice photos~! good luck

Kanika Bakshi says

January 2, 2019 at 5:02 am

India is a beautiful country with lots and different culture. you will be able to learn more about its culture, traditions and languages with different food recipes.

Jonathan Ridgway says

April 14, 2019 at 12:18 am

This is list is sooo inaccurate. Business insider has a more correct list.

Kaushal Soni says

September 29, 2019 at 4:17 pm

Loved it, Insightful List!

Patricia Kavanagh says

December 22, 2019 at 9:39 am

Echo sentiments above. HK is a transport hub. Much more complex than first seems. India already has large population so will skew figures for there.

Chiku Cab says

January 28, 2020 at 11:17 am

Hey, nice post and very informative, Thanks for sharing this information.

April 4, 2020 at 8:42 am

Here is an interesting fact about the list. Turkish city Edirne has only 200K population and not so much touristic to get in this list on 62th place in the world and 4th in Turkey. Why is it here? Because Edirne covers the western border of Turkey between Bulgaria and Greece and so the EU. It is not just touristic numbers, it is also industrial transportation and transit passages all over to Turkey. This list is not accurate.

Aman Kumar says

September 26, 2020 at 7:06 am

now its very old

Kirti Pathak says

January 5, 2021 at 3:43 pm

You have list top 100 list but I think you can add some more to it.

Big Cab varanasi says

September 10, 2022 at 8:50 pm

Very informative post… Thanks for sharing

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Top 100 city destinations in the world

For more and more people, the wanderlust is real, and now might be the right moment to stop missing out and start seeing the world. International tourism is expected to recover in 2024 as travelers make up for lost time and make hay while the sun shines, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Moreover, Skyscanner's Travel Trends 2024 report notes that nearly 2 in 5 travelers are spending more money on these getaways than in 2023.

Travelers are getting more creative too. They're inspired by locations they've only seen in television and movies . They plan to eat well in exotic destinations that offer favorable exchange rates or simply invest in their R&R. Nearly a quarter of U.S. travelers told Skyscanner they plan to sleep during their downtime.

Using data from Euromonitor International's 2023 Top 100 City Destinations index , Stacker compiled a list of the top 100 city destinations in the world. Euromonitor International assembled its 2023 index by comparing 55 metrics across six key pillars for more than 100 international cities to create an overall attractiveness ranking. The top 100 cities' rankings across these six key pillars—economic and business performance, tourism performance, tourism policy and attractiveness, tourism infrastructure, health and safety, and sustainability—are included.

Europe claims 63 cities in the top 100, many of which seamlessly blend ancient history with new design, technology, and sustainability developments. Meanwhile, Asia also had a strong showing—with an impressive five cities in the top 20, including the first time Tokyo broke the top 10. China alone contributed eight cities to the list—including some lesser-known destinations beyond Beijing and Shanghai.

Among the eight U.S. cities to be ranked on this list, New York was the highest at #8, with Los Angeles trailing behind and barely cracking the top 20 at #19.

Whether you're looking for the chance to kick back on a beach, explore layers of history on foot, or taste the multitude of cultural influences that come together in an international melting pot, there is a destination on this list for you—be it just across the border or an ocean (or two) away.

#100. Muscat, Oman

- Economic and business performance: #91 - Tourism performance: #100 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #72 - Tourism infrastructure: #93 - Health and safety: #62 - Sustainability: #81

Oman's port capital affords visitors access to beaches and the sea, as well as the surrounding mountains and desert landscapes of the Arabian peninsula. Experience the confluence of Portuguese and Arab influences at the Mutrah Corniche —a redeveloped stretch of the waterfront with dockside attractions, including ancient forts and a bazaar called a "souq," where you can get lost exploring its vendors selling textiles, jewelry, antiques, and more.

End your day with entertainment you might not expect in the Middle East by taking in a show at the Royal Opera House. And fortunately, you don't have to be Muslim to visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, as guests of any faith are welcome any weekday except Fridays.

- Economic and business performance: #99 - Tourism performance: #76 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #89 - Tourism infrastructure: #76 - Health and safety: #103 - Sustainability: #77

After experiencing political unrest that lasted more than a decade, Egypt has struggled to bring back its tourism industry, update its infrastructure, and marry its ancient history with future innovation. The Grand Egyptian Museum, estimated to open in mid-2024, should help achieve all of those goals. The expansive museum will be located within 3 miles of the famous Pyramids of Giza and will aim to chronicle life in Egypt under pharaohs.

#98. Hanoi, Vietnam

- Economic and business performance: #98 - Tourism performance: #103 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #93 - Tourism infrastructure: #41 - Health and safety: #90 - Sustainability: #103

Seeing Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city, is seeing its unique history, from the first inhabitants over 10,000 years ago to its recovery after the Vietnam War. Hanoi still shows symbols of past occupation by France and China. It's worth checking out the Old Quarter , a busy district of narrow streets where glimpses of the past come into full focus. First-time visitors to Hanoi might be daunted by all of the sights, sounds, and smells coming from various street food carts, small shops, and motorbike taxis, but this is truly the heart of Vietnam.

#97. Guilin, China

- Economic and business performance: #110 - Tourism performance: #77 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #104 - Tourism infrastructure: #83 - Health and safety: #26 - Sustainability: #54

Guilin is one of the most popular destinations in southern China because of its natural wonders. Known for its iconic karsts—jagged hills made of limestone—fans of the "Star Wars" franchise might recognize that Guilin was used as a backdrop in "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith" to depict the Wookie planet of Kashyyyk. A popular tourist attraction is taking a cruise along the beautiful Li River , which offers visitors a view of the formations, various fishing villages, caves, and bamboo fields.

#96. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

- Economic and business performance: #93 - Tourism performance: #72 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #60 - Tourism infrastructure: #96 - Health and safety: #94 - Sustainability: #76

The Dominican Republic's Punta Cana is a dream of an island getaway, with 30 miles of pristine beaches providing access to the crystal-clear waters of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. That makes watersports like swimming and scuba diving a top attraction for tourists who stay at one of the city's many all-inclusive resorts. More adventurous types can take a flying leap for an adrenaline rush at Scape Park at Cap Cana. At the same time, those looking for a more relaxing vacation in the Dominican Republic can hit the links at one of Punta Cana's many golf courses.

#95. Mecca, Saudi Arabia

- Economic and business performance: #79 - Tourism performance: #29 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #109 - Tourism infrastructure: #92 - Health and safety: #74 - Sustainability: #108

Mecca is the holy city of Islam, drawing millions of people for the annual Hajj, a five-day religious pilgrimage Muslims must take at least once in their lives. Mecca is the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad. The Kaaba, a shrine in the middle of the Great Mosque of Mecca, is the most sacred spot in Mecca, and Muslims face it when praying.

#94. Zhuhai, China

- Economic and business performance: #88 - Tourism performance: #71 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #103 - Tourism infrastructure: #87 - Health and safety: #34 - Sustainability: #73

The port city of Zhuhai connects neighboring Macau and Hong Kong with the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge—the longest sea bridge in the world—and has become an important city for China's economy and its environment. Promoting manufacturing, technology, eco-agriculture, and research, Zhuhai has expanded rapidly to become one of China's most important cities for development.

Suppose tourists are looking for a thrilling getaway. In that case, they should check out the world's largest indoor theme park , the Chimelong Spaceship at the Chimelong International Ocean Tourist Resort, or the Lionsgate Entertainment World theme park, which combines a virtual reality experience with some of the Los Angeles-based movie studio's famous films.

#93. Mugla, Turkey

- Economic and business performance: #92 - Tourism performance: #41 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #81 - Tourism infrastructure: #101 - Health and safety: #79 - Sustainability: #86

The Turkish province of Muğla, along the Aegean Sea, is known for its many ruins and outdoor activities. Take a boat to Gemiler Island, featuring Byzantine-era remnants of churches and tombs. Check out what's left of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, which finished construction in 350 B.C. Finally, visit Kayakӧy, a ghost town dating back to 1923 that still has evidence of a time when Muslims and Christians lived there in harmony.

#92. Vilnius, Lithuania

- Economic and business performance: #51 - Tourism performance: #98 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #86 - Tourism infrastructure: #102 - Health and safety: #55 - Sustainability: #29

Visit Lithuania's capital city for the chance to explore a history dating back to the 14th century—which you can learn all about at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, a museum located in a Baroque-style palace that was built in the 17th century for top members of royalty at the time. Vilnius is also known for its Gothic architecture, which can be explored at several churches, such as St. Anne's and the neoclassical-style Vilnius Cathedral, built on the site of worship of the Lithuanian thunder god Perkūnas.

#91. Marrakech, Morocco

- Economic and business performance: #109 - Tourism performance: #92 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #45 - Tourism infrastructure: #72 - Health and safety: #61 - Sustainability: #96

In Marrakech, visitors can enjoy its beautiful gardens, contemporary architecture, and local souks and markets' exotic foods and spices. The most notable attraction is Marrakech's medina, a twisting maze of small stalls; snake charmers; hagglers; Moroccan "hammams," or steam rooms; and artisanal crafts all enclosed within fortified walls. Located nearby is Djemaa El Fna, a famous city square that hosts performers of all kinds—acrobats, storytellers, musical artists, and comedians. Many of these ancient heritage sites were spared by a deadly earthquake that rocked the city in September 2023—but some rubble from other structures that were damaged in the temblor may still remain.

#90. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

- Economic and business performance: #47 - Tourism performance: #82 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #101 - Tourism infrastructure: #62 - Health and safety: #76 - Sustainability: #97

The name of the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh derives from "rawdah," meaning gardens or meadows—which is quite fitting, as the bustling metropolis seems to have sprung out of the surrounding desert land like a flower in just a few decades. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been working to deemphasize its conservative and religious reputation , making its capital a first-class destination for business and leisure travelers worldwide.

To view the city from up high and experience fine dining, visitors can make a reservation at The Globe , located near the top of the skyscraper that houses the Mandarin Oriental hotel. The restaurant is housed in a massive golden glass sphere and provides the most stunning 360-degree views of Riyadh, especially at sunset.

#89. Tbilisi, Georgia

- Economic and business performance: #100 - Tourism performance: #90 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #80 - Tourism infrastructure: #59 - Health and safety: #70 - Sustainability: #55

One of Europe's oldest capital cities, Tbilisi provides tourist-friendly access to the country of Georgia—formerly part of the Soviet Union but now an independent state, located at the nexus of Eastern Europe and Asia. Taste all those influences together by visiting any of Tbilisi's wineries, vineyards, and wine cellars —a perfect accompaniment to the gastronomical delights of the city's annual summertime cheese festival. That's just one of many palate-pleasing festivals emerging in this tasty destination, where street food is growing in popularity and availability. For a truly authentic experience, go for a scrub-down at one of Tbilisi's ancient sulfur baths.

#88. Santiago, Chile

- Economic and business performance: #65 - Tourism performance: #109 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #84 - Tourism infrastructure: #57 - Health and safety: #65 - Sustainability: #60

Journey to the heart of Chile by visiting its capital city, Santiago, nestled in a valley of the Andes Mountains. It's a bustling city escape—with about a third of Chile's population located within its boundaries—meaning there's plenty to do. Visit Latin America's tallest building, Sky Costanera , and tour the museums and other historic landmarks around the town square, Plaza de Armas, which dates back to the 16th century. For a modern, speak-easy style setting, find your way to the cultural hub, Factoría Franklin , hidden inside a complex of former pharmaceutical laboratories.

#87. Johor Bahru, Malaysia

- Economic and business performance: #52 - Tourism performance: #56 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #67 - Tourism infrastructure: #95 - Health and safety: #88 - Sustainability: #95

Johor Bahru has become a popular tourist destination near the Malaysian border with Singapore and a bustling cultural hub. Attractions include a Legoland theme park, beautiful temples—including the glass temple Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman—and numerous cafes for the whole family to enjoy. For something romantic, visit the Firefly Valley Leisure Park in Kota Tinggi, where people can see thousands of "lightning bugs" juxtaposed against a night sky full of stars.

#86. Playa del Carmen, Mexico

- Economic and business performance: #97 - Tourism performance: #73 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #98 - Tourism infrastructure: #52 - Health and safety: #77 - Sustainability: #47

Playa del Carmen is a resort town that offers a shoreline with access to the Caribbean—less popular than Cancún, but with equal access to aquatic activities like diving incredible coral reefs. A former fishing village, Playa del Carmen is now home to the annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival and a stretch of modern eateries, bars, and boutiques along La Quinta Avenida. You're less likely to find spring breakers at "Playa" compared to other destinations in Mexico—although that time frame and Christmas are most popular for tourists. It's also a port city for cruise ships. But because it offers an average of 340 sunny days a year, there's less of a "high season" to avoid.

#85. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

- Economic and business performance: #77 - Tourism performance: #85 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #95 - Tourism infrastructure: #26 - Health and safety: #93 - Sustainability: #107

What was once the romantic city of Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is now a vibrant urban hub filled with both ancient temples and modern skyscrapers. It features French colonial landmarks, such as Vietnam's own Notre-Dame Cathedral, currently being restored until 2027 , mixed with ancient Vietnamese traditions and places, such as the bustling Bến Thành Market. The moving War Remnants Museum is a must-visit, as it tells the story of the Vietnam War from the locals' point of view.

#84. Pattaya, Thailand

- Economic and business performance: #71 - Tourism performance: #49 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #68 - Tourism infrastructure: #79 - Health and safety: #106 - Sustainability: #80

The eastern Thai city of Pattaya, about two hours away from Thailand's capital, Bangkok, is known for its beaches and resort hotels, earning the nickname "the Las Vegas of Thailand." What was once a sleepy fishing village is now home to a lively nightlife and overcrowded streets. Paying homage to Thailand's more religious side, the Wat Khao Phra Bat temple is also a popular attraction, as it's home to a 59-foot golden Buddha.

#83. Tallinn, Estonia

- Economic and business performance: #67 - Tourism performance: #95 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #83 - Tourism infrastructure: #94 - Health and safety: #29 - Sustainability: #2

Today, Tallinn's Old City Harbour is a port for cruise ships—among the most popular in the Baltic Sea, serviced by most of the top cruise lines. That means the cruise terminal and surrounding facilities have seen recent modernization and upgrades, including a half-mile-long promenade open to the public—not just cruise passengers, a restaurant with outdoor terraces for sunrise and sunset views, and public art.

Head a bit farther inland, and Estonia's capital city is a feast for the eyes—with medieval towers, stone walls, and church spires among the architectural delights. As you stroll through this walkable city, stop into one of its bakeries for a slice of cake or Estonian pastry.

#82. Heraklion, Crete

- Economic and business performance: #82 - Tourism performance: #69 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #37 - Tourism infrastructure: #99 - Health and safety: #72 - Sustainability: #66

Archaeology fans and those interested in learning about the ancient people who occupied the Greek islands several centuries ago would enjoy taking a trip to Heraklion , the capital of Crete. The most popular destination is Knossos, a well-preserved and restored Minoan palace with a history that can be traced back to 1900 B.C. Another grand sight is the Koules fortress, built by the Venetians during the 16th century, which contains two floors, 26 rooms, and impressively thick walls. Climbing to the top of the fortress offers impressive views of the island.

#81. Delhi, India

- Economic and business performance: #81 - Tourism performance: #97 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #62 - Tourism infrastructure: #24 - Health and safety: #108 - Sustainability: #106

India's capital city of Delhi has seen growth in its tourism industry due to an increased focus on health and wellness, with a growing number of yoga retreats and ayurveda practices, in addition to providing continued luxury services for visitors. The 17th-century Old Delhi neighborhood, the former capital of the Mughal Empire, is home to the historic Red Fort , a Mughal political and cultural hub, and one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid.

#80. Phuket, Thailand

- Economic and business performance: #95 - Tourism performance: #46 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #73 - Tourism infrastructure: #55 - Health and safety: #104 - Sustainability: #89

Surrounded by the Andaman Sea, this western Thai island is home to white-sand beaches, luxurious beach resorts, great diving, and rainforest adventures. Like other cities in Thailand, there are plenty of temples, such as Wat Chalong ; markets; and zoos or animal sanctuaries. Visit the Old Town at Phuket for a unique mix of Chinese and Portuguese influences, or check out the Simon Cabaret Show, which features live music and comedy performed by transgender performers that's been running for more than 30 years.

#79. Lima, Peru

- Economic and business performance: #96 - Tourism performance: #80 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #30 - Tourism infrastructure: #77 - Health and safety: #89 - Sustainability: #62

Peru's capital has been underrated compared to other notable spots in South America. The City of Kings perfectly blends history, nature, nightlife, and culture. Stop by the Miraflores district , an upscale neighborhood in Lima, where you can paraglide over the Peruvian coast , enjoy a bike ride overlooking the Pacific Ocean, party all night in one of the many Miraflores clubs and bars, and explore the different food and shop vendors among the many protected stray cats in Kennedy Park.

#78. Buenos Aires, Argentina

- Economic and business performance: #86 - Tourism performance: #110 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #63 - Tourism infrastructure: #31 - Health and safety: #99 - Sustainability: #50

Buenos Aires is like no other city—the birthplace of the sensual tango takes the best of both Europe and Latin America to bring travelers a unique food, dance, nightlife, and architectural experience. Attractions include the historically famous Café Tortoni , open since 1858, and the expansive Recoleta cemetery, where Argentina's rich, famous, and politically important figures are buried. Free guided tours of the cemetery are available in Spanish Tuesday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and on weekends and public holidays at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Following a late-night dinner—think steak and wine, Buenos Aires' most popular commodities—stay out until the following day dancing the night away at one of the city's many clubs, or "boliches."

#77. Thessaloniki, Greece

- Economic and business performance: #85 - Tourism performance: #55 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #36 - Tourism infrastructure: #100 - Health and safety: #85 - Sustainability: #56

Most of the original city center of Thessaloniki burned down in an epic fire in 1917, but it was rebuilt around Aristotelous Square. But ruins from ancient civilizations remain, as Thessaloniki was once the second-largest city of the Byzantine Empire and one of the capitals of the Roman Empire. The still-operating Vlatadon Monastery is a relic of the Byzantine Empire. Known as the "City of Saints," Thessaloniki was the site of the second Christian church to be established in Europe. You can follow in St. Paul the Apostle's footsteps at the Charitable Brotherhood of Men of Thessaloniki's estate and celebrate his feast day annually on June 29.

#76. Bologna, Italy

- Economic and business performance: #34 - Tourism performance: #89 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #65 - Tourism infrastructure: #88 - Health and safety: #60 - Sustainability: #39

Experience northern Italy and the Italian Renaissance in Bologna, home to the world-famous Fountain of Neptune and other romantic sites, including the palaces of Piazza Maggiore. This medieval city is known for its unique cuisine—including rich pasta sauce—locally known as ragù, tortellini in broth, cured meats such as mortadella, and cheeses abound in the gourmet district of Quadrilatero. Wash it all down with a glass of vino produced locally from lesser-known grape varietals like pignoletto, alionza, and rosso Bologna—but not before visiting the main building of Europe's oldest university, the Archiginnasio at the University of Bologna.

#75. Verona, Italy

- Economic and business performance: #48 - Tourism performance: #65 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #46 - Tourism infrastructure: #106 - Health and safety: #57 - Sustainability: #58

The entire city of Verona has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and not just because it was the setting for Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"—although you can visit the birthplace of Giulietta Capuleti, supposedly the real-life inspiration for the protagonist. Verona's tourism industry leans into the city's romantic side, offering candlelit dinners, seductive vistas as seen from lookout points like Giardino Giusti, and the observation deck of the Lamberti Tower. Beyond the Roman archaeological sites, one might expect more offbeat tourist attractions, including the Museo Africano (African Museum) and one of Europe's oldest carnivals, Bacanal del Gnoco.

#74. Rhodes, Greece

- Economic and business performance: #83 - Tourism performance: #84 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #17 - Tourism infrastructure: #85 - Health and safety: #71 - Sustainability: #46

The largest of Greece's Dodecanese Islands is a must-see destination for visitors looking to relax and take a trip to the past. Founded in 408 B.C., the Old Town of Rhodes features medieval walls, cobblestone streets, and the restored Palace of the Grand Master that will transport you to the 14th century. Medieval and historical themes are also present throughout the rest of the island and seamlessly combine with modern attractions and amenities, like the new wing of the Museum of Modern Greek Art , to bring you a well-rounded vacation.

#73. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

- Economic and business performance: #14 - Tourism performance: #58 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #99 - Tourism infrastructure: #91 - Health and safety: #9 - Sustainability: #84

Amid Sharjah's imposing fortresses and ornate mosques, you can learn about Islam at the Museum of Islamic Civilization and Holy Quran Academy, which feature unique artifacts and stunning architecture. Since the debut of its Sharjah Biennial 30 years ago, this United Arab Emirates city has also become an art lovers' destination, with the 16th edition taking place from February through June 2025. But no matter when you arrive, you can take in beauty and creativity at the Sharjah Art Museum and Sharjah Art Foundation's permanent interactive exhibit, "Rain Room."

#72. Doha, Qatar

- Economic and business performance: #25 - Tourism performance: #96 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #42 - Tourism infrastructure: #86 - Health and safety: #13 - Sustainability: #100

Qatar's capital city, Doha, is also its fastest-growing—having gained a lot of notoriety as the host city for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Its Museum of Islamic Art boasts the largest collection of its kind in the world, and its National Museum shares Qatari history and heritage within a modern structure whose design was inspired by the shape of a desert rose. If you'd like to feel the sand between your toes, you can choose between a beach getaway or a Doha desert dune adventure for sandboarding, safaris, and camel rides.

#71. Marne-la-Vallee, France

- Economic and business performance: #76 - Tourism performance: #47 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #50 - Tourism infrastructure: #103 - Health and safety: #36 - Sustainability: #40

What put Marne-la-Vallée, France, on the map was the arrival of Disneyland Paris in 1992—but it was originally established in the mid-1960s as part of the country's "new towns" effort to create decentralized economic development and take some of the burden off of major city centers like Paris. Today, it's also home to Walt Disney Studios Park , which opened as Disney-MGM Studios Europe in 2002; the Val d'Europe shopping center, which houses the Sea Life Paris Aquarium ; and such academic institutions as ParisTech, ESIEE Paris engineering school, and Gustave Eiffel University.

#70. Cancun, Mexico

- Economic and business performance: #94 - Tourism performance: #14 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #97 - Tourism infrastructure: #60 - Health and safety: #78 - Sustainability: #49

Cancún, Mexico, is home to one of the most popular beaches in the world—and during the 2022-2023 season, it saw a 13% growth in tourism, according to Euromonitor. However, there's more to this Yucatan Peninsula gem than seaside resorts. Several Mayan ruins , such as San Miguelito and El Rey, and a museum called the Museo Maya de Cancún, display many artifacts from this ancient civilization. Additionally, there are many water sports and activities that visitors should check out in the daytime, such as snorkeling, kayaking, diving, and kiteboarding.

- Economic and business performance: #16 - Tourism performance: #39 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #76 - Tourism infrastructure: #109 - Health and safety: #1 - Sustainability: #110

The tagline "Wow, Macau!" is often used to describe this administrative region of China. Macau has no shortage of activities, including casinos with nearly ubiquitous games of baccarat, the world's highest bungee jump facility— Macau Tower , and Macau's famous Senado Square with mosaic floors invoking the styles of Portugal. Additionally, fans of card games and high risks should try playing in one of the casinos well known to the Macau region—gambling and roulette here are less lighthearted fun and more serious.

#68. Montreal

- Economic and business performance: #73 - Tourism performance: #91 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #82 - Tourism infrastructure: #51 - Health and safety: #24 - Sustainability: #21

For an authentic taste of Europe in Canada, visit the church-lined streets of Montréal— home of the North American version of Notre Dame . The basilica is open to the public via ticketed tours daily. All masses in this church are celebrated in French. In fact, the city's official language is French—although, as of 2023, more than half of those in Montréal's province of Québec can speak English.

A cultural center on a global scale, music fans will enjoy the Montréal International Jazz Festival, one of the world's largest, which takes place every June to July, and Les Francos de Montréal, which usually happens annually in April. The Just for Laughs comedy festival, held yearly in July, features headliners from around the world telling jokes in both languages. While you're there, try ordering in French at one of the many brasseries in Old Montréal and dancing to European EDM at the New City Gas complex.

#67. Honolulu

- Economic and business performance: #23 - Tourism performance: #54 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #85 - Tourism infrastructure: #90 - Health and safety: #66 - Sustainability: #22

The capital of the United States' beloved island chain combines work, play, a complex history, and a rich culture. The most notable spot to visit has to be the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor , remembering the battleship that was bombed on Dec. 7, 1941. Visitors looking to explore the best of Hawaii should hike to the summit of the iconic Diamond Head crater, visit the nature reserve at Ka'ena Point to see the endangered giant Hawaiian monk seals native to the area, and dip into the calm waters of Kūhiō Beach.

#66. Rio de Janeiro

- Economic and business performance: #87 - Tourism performance: #107 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #33 - Tourism infrastructure: #29 - Health and safety: #98 - Sustainability: #42

The home of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and the iconic and vibrant Carnival of Brazil festival, Rio de Janeiro, a South American gem, offers visitors many activities that can appeal to any tourist. Visit the Maracanã, the largest soccer stadium in Brazil. Explore the blue waters of the Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. Take a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain for the best views of Rio, and finally, end your days by experiencing Rio's iconic nightlife.

#65. Krakow, Poland

- Economic and business performance: #89 - Tourism performance: #61 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #79 - Tourism infrastructure: #54 - Health and safety: #28 - Sustainability: #43

Fans of "Schindler's List" would be interested in exploring some locations in Kraków, Poland, where filming for Steven Spielberg's legendary motion picture took place, such as the Piłsudski Bridge, Oskar Schindler's real factory at 4 Lipowa Street, and Saint Mary's Basilica.

If you want to explore a fantastic location outside the city, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a popular destination. The salt deposits found here have been mined since the 13th century and were the pride and joy of Polish kings. Artists have found inspiration for their craft here, and occasional concerts are performed in the mine.

#64. Jerusalem

- Economic and business performance: #102 - Tourism performance: #19 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #10 - Tourism infrastructure: #108 - Health and safety: #64 - Sustainability: #74

Editor's note: Euromonitor's report was released in December 2023, two months after the Israel–Hamas war began in and around the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023, which has impacted tourism in Israel .

Jerusalem isn't just an important religious site for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity and has become a key historical and political center. Despite recent conflicts surrounding the area, most notably between Israel and Palestine, the city brims with culture and spirituality.

The Old City of Jerusalem allows visitors from throughout the world to walk from the Western Wall—the holiest site for Jews, to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—where Jesus was believed to have been crucified and then resurrected, to the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock—where the prophet Muhammad was believed to have ascended to heaven and the third-holiest site for Muslims.

For those who stay longer, it is worth taking day trips to the salty Dead Sea, the lowest point in the world, and Yad Vashem, Israel's largest Holocaust memorial and museum. Yad Vashem attempts to explain the tragic events leading up to the Holocaust, provide real-life accounts and artifacts from those who survived and those who didn't, and record and remember as many names of victims as possible.

#63. Porto, Portugal

- Economic and business performance: #90 - Tourism performance: #62 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #57 - Tourism infrastructure: #71 - Health and safety: #39 - Sustainability: #27

Porto is another city combining the old and new with beautiful beaches. The Ribeira district, which overlooks the magnificent Rio Douro, has stunning architecture, craft stores, ornate churches, and quaint food spots. Before you leave Porto, try port wine, the dessert-like fortified wine that Portugal is known for, at one of the city's dozens of wine cellars.

#62. Edinburgh, Scotland

- Economic and business performance: #54 - Tourism performance: #88 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #56 - Tourism infrastructure: #68 - Health and safety: #31 - Sustainability: #30

Edinburgh Castle reigns supreme over Scotland's capital city—but there are plenty of other ways to explore "Auld Reekie," a Scots nickname meaning Old Smoky that dates back to the 17th century. To view the old city below, climb Calton Hill to the National Monument or the ancient volcano of Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park.

The U.K.'s second-most visited city—right behind London—rainy and cool Edinburgh is also a fabulous setting to sidle up to a cozy bar for a wee dram of scotch whisky—or take an entire barrel-to-bottle journey with The Scotch Whisky Experience's tours and tastings.

#61. Fukuoka, Japan

- Economic and business performance: #64 - Tourism performance: #101 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #51 - Tourism infrastructure: #47 - Health and safety: #21 - Sustainability: #61

Travelers wanting to experience the tastiest ramen, sushi, and fresh seafood should plan to visit Fukuoka, Japan. Located on Kyushu Island, its two combined towns—Fukuoka and Hakata—are a must-see destination during any season. Check out the rich flavors and textiles of the city's stores and markets .

If you're visiting in the spring, be sure to visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine to see 6,000 plum trees blossom all around you and pay a visit to the Kyushu National History Museum , which explores the history of Japan through its trading relations with other Asian neighbors.

#60. Busan, South Korea

- Economic and business performance: #35 - Tourism performance: #87 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #28 - Tourism infrastructure: #73 - Health and safety: #40 - Sustainability: #94

South Korea's second-largest city, Busan, is home to the famous sandy shore of Haeundae Beach, located just steps away from the city skyline and home to the unique creations of the Haeundae Sand Festival in the summer. For a more colorful experience, visit the Gamcheon Culture Village with its rainbow-colored houses impossibly perched on a steep hillside, earning it the reputation of the Machu Picchu of Busan.

There are plenty of places to explore Busan on foot—but perhaps the most thrilling is the Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge, which traces the ridge of a seaside cliff and extends over the water to loop around the uninhabited Dongseom Island.

#59. Beijing

- Economic and business performance: #74 - Tourism performance: #64 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #100 - Tourism infrastructure: #20 - Health and safety: #30 - Sustainability: #72

One of the oldest cities on this list and outliving many dynasties, Beijing has preserved its extensive history while constantly growing and innovating. Even travelers who've never visited China are familiar with its sections of the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square—but these destinations are still breathtaking when seen in person.

Another site would be a typical Beijing "hutong"—crisscrossing lanes and alleys built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. These ancient hutongs are at risk of being replaced by modern-era cities and buildings, but they are the best way to glance into a traditional Beijing citizen's life. Visitors must also make it a priority to try Beijing's world-famous Peking duck. This historic Chinese dish is older than many cities, from purveyors like the QuanJuDe Duck House chain , which has operated since 1864.

#58. Sapporo, Japan

- Economic and business performance: #72 - Tourism performance: #75 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #54 - Tourism infrastructure: #64 - Health and safety: #10 - Sustainability: #51

The Japanese city of Sapporo may be most famous for its namesake brew—which you can learn about, and even taste, at the Sapporo Beer Museum . But it's also the birthplace of a uniquely Japanese type of ramen—and while there are plenty of restaurants to taste authentic miso ramen soup, Aji no Sanpei is where it was reportedly invented. A feast for the eyes, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a wintertime destination for tourists and locals, who flock there annually to admire elaborate snow sculptures and ice carvings.

#57. Antalya, Turkey

- Economic and business performance: #68 - Tourism performance: #7 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #59 - Tourism infrastructure: #66 - Health and safety: #95 - Sustainability: #87

The Turkish resort town of Antalya keeps breaking its own records with its influx of tourists—like the 15.37 million who visited the vacation hotspot from January 2023 to November 2023. With stunning beaches at every turn, the Düden waterfalls, with stunning limestone karst springs surrounding them, and the Köprülü Canyon National Park , a spectacular natural wonder that's perfect for trout fishing and whitewater rafting, the Mediterranean gem is a perfect family getaway.

#56. Mexico City

- Economic and business performance: #69 - Tourism performance: #59 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #90 - Tourism infrastructure: #9 - Health and safety: #87 - Sustainability: #65

Mexico City is so much more than Mexico's national capital—especially with its growing art scene, including the Mexico City Art Week. Wintertime brings eco-tourists to the area to witness the annual migration of monarch butterflies at nearby nature preserves and open spaces, and the autumn sees an influx of tourists for the annual Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival and parade, which began in 2016.

Venture off the beaten path to the Barrio Chino, a tiny Chinatown that tells a lesser-known history of Chinese immigration to North America and annually celebrates Lunar New Year as a public festival.

#55. Valencia, Spain

- Economic and business performance: #57 - Tourism performance: #106 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #39 - Tourism infrastructure: #65 - Health and safety: #17 - Sustainability: #18

Behind Madrid and Barcelona, Spain's third-largest city, Valencia, mixes Mediterranean vibes and flavors, such as its world-famous paella, gothic monuments like La Lonja, The Silk Exchange, and the ultra-modern City of Arts and Sciences —Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències—complex. There's even a legacy of Arab influence from when Muslims conquered the city in A.D. 714—still visible at landmarks like the Admiral's Baths and ruins of Arab-built city walls. Consider scheduling your trip during the Fallas festivities in March to catch all the pyrotechnics, performances, light shows, and puppets called "ninots" that get blown up in celebration of St. Joseph.

#54. Sao Paulo

- Economic and business performance: #80 - Tourism performance: #104 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #32 - Tourism infrastructure: #6 - Health and safety: #96 - Sustainability: #52

With a population of more than 22 million, São Paulo is the fourth-largest city in the world. It's also ground zero for Brazil's favorite sport, soccer—with an art deco-style "football" stadium, Estádio do Pacaembu, with its own soccer museum, Museu do Futebol.

This Brazilian city is also positioned prominently on the world stage when it comes to theater. Its Theatro Municipal , inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris, is open for tours when no shows are running. It truly is a global city, too—as it's home to the largest Japanese enclave in the world—outside of Japan—the Liberdade district.

#53. Seville, Spain

- Economic and business performance: #75 - Tourism performance: #99 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #14 - Tourism infrastructure: #74 - Health and safety: #19 - Sustainability: #11

Live out your greatest Andalusian fantasies in Seville, Spain, where tourism has been booming in 2024. Among the treasures that visitors have discovered are its historic city center, tapas bars, and centuries-old landmarks like the Real Alcázar palace, Catedral de Sevilla—Europe's largest gothic-style building, and La Giralda, a tower from a mosque that was torn down in 1402. Escape the bustle by getting off the sidewalks and streets and heading onto the Guadalquivir River for a boat cruise through the heart of the city, past its many parks and with a view of its many ancient landmarks. Don't forget to take in a performance by flamenco dancers, some of whom perform on street corners as well as in bars and special venues called "tablaos."

#52. Palma de Mallorca, Spain

- Economic and business performance: #50 - Tourism performance: #68 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #40 - Tourism infrastructure: #84 - Health and safety: #20 - Sustainability: #31

Commonly referred to as "Palma," this Spanish city is known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean." Once walled off to protect the city from invasions, only one stretch of the ramparts that once enclosed it remains—Muralla Ses Voltes, which once served as military barracks, is now part of a cultural center with sprawling exhibition space. Also at the formerly fortified port is the Es Baluard Palma Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, while the uniquely circular Bellver Castle sits high above, at Palma's highest point.

#51. Vancouver, Canada

- Economic and business performance: #31 - Tourism performance: #86 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #58 - Tourism infrastructure: #67 - Health and safety: #11 - Sustainability: #35

This British Columbian gem is a must-see when visiting Canada. With the Pacific Ocean, multiple large parks and forests, and three major mountains—all easily accessible, visitors can hike, jog, climb, play, and explore to their hearts' content.

Vancouver has also played a large role in both film and television: The city has provided the setting for productions such as the "Twilight" saga, the "Deadpool" movies, "Elf," "Night at the Museum," "Riverdale," "Battlestar Galactica," and "Bates Motel," just to name a few.

For a scenic way of taking in your surroundings, try the Skyride —North America's largest aerial tramway system.

#50. Shenzhen, China

- Economic and business performance: #55 - Tourism performance: #15 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #106 - Tourism infrastructure: #45 - Health and safety: #32 - Sustainability: #78

Shenzhen, the closest Chinese city to Hong Kong, is also one of the country's wealthiest. Shenzhen's rise to prominence started in 1979 when China designated the sleepy border town as the country's first special economic zone. What this city lacks in ancient history, it makes up for in innovation and culture. The Splendid China-Folk Culture Villages is a park with replicas of many famous attractions in China that gives visitors an easy glance into the country's long history. Meanwhile, the Window of the World theme park offers replicas of famous attractions from around the world, from Egypt to Greece to Paris to Cambodia.

#49. Budapest, Hungary

- Economic and business performance: #60 - Tourism performance: #63 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #61 - Tourism infrastructure: #46 - Health and safety: #53 - Sustainability: #34

Visitors to Hungary's capital city don't have to go far to fall for the city's charms. Fans of art and culture are drawn to Budapest's numerous architectural styles—Baroque, neo-Gothic, and Art Nouveau, just to name a few—and the newly restored 19th-century-era Hungarian State Opera House, which is open for English-language tours daily. Budapest is also home to more than 100 thermal springs—which means it's a great place to relax at one of its many spas and bathhouses, each building a mini-vacation itself. To complete their trip, visitors should also visit the famous Budapest Pinball Museum, called the Flippermúzeum , and have a night out at one or more of the ruin bars in abandoned buildings and courtyards in the Jewish Quarter.

#48. Washington DC, United States

- Economic and business performance: #10 - Tourism performance: #83 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #69 - Tourism infrastructure: #53 - Health and safety: #68 - Sustainability: #7

The United States capital is instantly recognized by its historical monuments—the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Washington Monument, not to mention the White House. But beyond the National Mall and the Capitol Hill area, "D.C." also draws tourists to its many museums within the Smithsonian network , including the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of Natural History. Perhaps the most beautiful time of year to visit the District of Columbia is spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The best place to spot them? The Tidal Basin section of the National Mall.

#47. Nice, France

- Economic and business performance: #78 - Tourism performance: #43 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #29 - Tourism infrastructure: #81 - Health and safety: #45 - Sustainability: #13

A sunny, buzzing cultural hub in southeast France, there is no end to activities that people can do in Nice. Located along the French Riviera, Nice is a city of terracotta roofs, excellent dining, beautiful public and private beaches, and museums perfect for history, music, and art buffs. Check out Lascaris Palace to see a fine collection of musical instruments and learn their history enclosed within an architecturally grand palace. End your day watching the sunset from Castle Hill, the highest point in Nice that once housed a former military citadel but is now a must-visit to get the best view of all of Nice.

#46. Copenhagen, Denmark

- Economic and business performance: #45 - Tourism performance: #79 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #15 - Tourism infrastructure: #70 - Health and safety: #49 - Sustainability: #20

If you want to explore the best of what the Danish capital has to offer, hop on a bike. Copenhagen's push for greener and healthier living has made it easier to travel on two wheels to any destination within the city's charming and colorful buildings. Perhaps Copenhagen's most interesting attraction that captures its essence is CopenHill , offering visitors the chance to ski, hike, relax, and eat on an artificial slope built atop a waste-to-energy power plant.

#45. Guangzhou, China

- Economic and business performance: #44 - Tourism performance: #12 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #102 - Tourism infrastructure: #37 - Health and safety: #33 - Sustainability: #79

Founded in 214 B.C., Guangzhou, China, is a thriving port city whose airport, public transportation, and air quality have all improved significantly over the past two decades. Visitors—including local tourists from elsewhere in the country—are drawn here to trace the history of the Silk Road trade route, see buildings designed by such "starchitects" as Zaha Hadid, and take a cruise on the historic 1,243-mile Pearl River. Want to see it all from high above the city? Ascend to the top of the Canton Tower and visit its observation deck at over 1,600 feet.

#44. Warsaw, Poland

- Economic and business performance: #38 - Tourism performance: #53 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #87 - Tourism infrastructure: #40 - Health and safety: #25 - Sustainability: #32

Visiting Warsaw is like taking a trip through the city's tumultuous history, as it had gone through many occupations and destructions—most notably in 1944, when Adolf Hitler ordered the city to be virtually leveled after the Warsaw Uprising. Since then, however, Warsaw has been rebuilt and restored, but it still pays homage to its difficult history.

Learn about the history of the uprising and the sacrifice of the Polish resistance at the Warsaw Rising Museum , with admission free on Mondays. Visit the POLIN museum, which documents the history of the Jewish community in Poland. Honor the fallen Polish soldiers of World War I and watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, active since 1925.

#43. Shanghai

- Economic and business performance: #58 - Tourism performance: #32 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #96 - Tourism infrastructure: #11 - Health and safety: #27 - Sustainability: #92

One of China's most populated cities, Shanghai is a modern, buzzing financial hub—but it also retains its colonial heritage. The metropolis's location on the Huangpu River allows visitors to see The Bund , Shanghai's impressive cityscape by the waterfront. The 1,614-foot World Financial Center is used for many purposes, including sightseeing, financial operations, fine cuisine, and a hotel.

#42. San Francisco

- Economic and business performance: #6 - Tourism performance: #81 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #74 - Tourism infrastructure: #27 - Health and safety: #81 - Sustainability: #15

This Northern California city resting on a peninsula is cool not just in terms of its foggy weather but also in its culture. San Francisco is known for its role in the Gold Rush and the tech industry—but it also offers many other attractions, including Fisherman's Wharf, the oldest Chinatown in the United States, and the former federal prison on Alcatraz Island. Getting around "Fog City" could involve climbing steep and sometimes even crooked streets—perhaps via cable car—or crossing the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. Just beware of earthquakes—like the one that flattened much of the city in 1906.

#41. Tel Aviv, Israel

- Economic and business performance: #41 - Tourism performance: #20 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #20 - Tourism infrastructure: #80 - Health and safety: #69 - Sustainability: #69

Tel Aviv, Israel, is a hip, colorful, and modern city that stands out among the more historic, older cities and towns in the country. On the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the west, Tel Aviv is a hub for art, technology, innovation, and wild nightlife. Tel Aviv is also known for being one of the more LGBTQ+-friendly and progressive cities in the Middle East , with a quarter of its population being part of the community, and hosts a massive Pride parade each year that attracts tourists from all around the world to come to see.

#40. Brussels

- Economic and business performance: #62 - Tourism performance: #38 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #53 - Tourism infrastructure: #50 - Health and safety: #52 - Sustainability: #25

Beer, waffles, chocolate, and comics are just a few reasons to consider visiting Brussels. It's the capital of Belgium and the headquarters of the European Union and European Parliament, but it's not all serious business and politics. Visitors can enjoy a whimsical and relaxed trip around this city by taking a beer tour through the best and oldest pubs and breweries in town, or follow along the comic book route and try to find as many homages to Franco-Belgian comic art painted on the walls as they can. Finally, in between looking at the fine palaces, cathedrals, and historical museums that appear all over this city, take a moment to gawk at the Manneken Pis. This fountain features a statue of a little boy peeing—sometimes in costume—and is one of the most famous sculptures in Brussels.

#39. Stockholm

- Economic and business performance: #42 - Tourism performance: #50 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #27 - Tourism infrastructure: #82 - Health and safety: #38 - Sustainability: #3

There is no shortage of things to do in Sweden's capital city, which seamlessly marries the past and the future together. A great example of this is the island of Gamla Stan , or Old Town, where Stockholm was first founded. While you're exploring, take a "fika" break —a Swedish tradition that encourages relaxing and socializing with friends and colleagues over coffee and treats—before returning to the hustle and grind of everyday life.

#38. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

- Economic and business performance: #39 - Tourism performance: #16 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #35 - Tourism infrastructure: #75 - Health and safety: #16 - Sustainability: #85

The beautiful capital of the United Arab Emirates has grown into a modern and developed metropolis thanks to the country's vast oil reserves. Abu Dhabi offers visitors luxury while paying homage to the region's rich history and Islamic religion. Explore the beautiful deserts and oases of the region; visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque , one of the largest in the world and the most architecturally impressive mosque in the country; have a taste of authentic Arabian coffee; go sailing on one of Abu Dhabi's waterfronts; and get your hands and arms painted by famed henna artists to experience this magnificent city to the fullest.

#37. Venice, Italy

- Economic and business performance: #70 - Tourism performance: #10 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #22 - Tourism infrastructure: #63 - Health and safety: #56 - Sustainability: #64

Venice is truly a place like no other. The city lies upon 118 small islands, all linked together by canals or bridges—which means the way to get around is either by walking or taking a boat. The city's structure also poses unique problems as its delicate foundation has caused the land to start sinking slowly. Additionally, high tides and strong winds could cause the canals to flood—although, in 2023, the city experienced a drought that kept water levels at bay.

Visit St. Mark's Basilica , located on St. Mark's Square and dedicated to the patron saint of Venice, to see a beautiful cathedral with beginnings as far back as 1063. Take a water taxi to some of the smaller islands within the city's network to observe the making of items like glass, gondolas, leather, and lace. Finally, gondola rides can be pricey, but they offer amazing, romantic views of Venice and its lesser-known canals and are a rare experience.

#36. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

- Economic and business performance: #15 - Tourism performance: #51 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #38 - Tourism infrastructure: #16 - Health and safety: #91 - Sustainability: #88

The Malaysian tourist industry has been on the uptick since 2020 —and its capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is one of its most popular destinations. In addition to its mixture of British colonial and Asian architecture , standouts of its skyline are the Petronas Twin Towers—the world's tallest twin structures, which pierce the sky with their matching spires. Other impressive skyscrapers include the 50-story concrete Maybank Tower and the KL Tower, whose observation deck offers a stunning view.

- Economic and business performance: #9 - Tourism performance: #26 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #77 - Tourism infrastructure: #44 - Health and safety: #83 - Sustainability: #6

Miami received the most international arrivals of any U.S. gateway, as of a preliminary 2021 report , after a record-breaking 50.6 million passengers passed through its airport that year. This Florida city attracts tourists for its stunning beaches; vibrant arts district, including the Art Basel art fair , which happens in December and brings in large crowds annually; and its distinct Cuban influence, most notably in the neighborhood Little Havana and Calle Ocho, its main street.

#34. Las Vegas

- Economic and business performance: #30 - Tourism performance: #18 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #64 - Tourism infrastructure: #49 - Health and safety: #67 - Sustainability: #16

Las Vegas—also known as Sin City—may mainly be known for its Strip, home to numerous casinos such as Caesars Palace and Aria. However, this popular Nevada city can provide an epic getaway for the entire family, with its iconic hotels, spas, faux reproductions of popular world attractions, and the chance to sit behind the wheel of some of the world's most luxurious cars. Don't be surprised if you encounter a celebrity singer or chef—artists like Lady Gaga and Mariah Carey have performed residencies in Las Vegas, and food legends like Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, and Gordon Ramsay operate restaurants there.

#33. Bangkok

- Economic and business performance: #43 - Tourism performance: #27 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #31 - Tourism infrastructure: #14 - Health and safety: #107 - Sustainability: #91

Locals actually know Bangkok as Krung Thep—short for Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit— the city's official full name. The Thai capital is yet another old city that is learning how to blend its past and its future—preserving magnificent Buddhist temples, where you'll need to dress appropriately; palaces, like The Grand Palace that is open for visits daily; while also building edgier skyscrapers like the MahaNakhon by German architect Ole Scheeren, completed in 2018.

#32. Zurich

- Economic and business performance: #29 - Tourism performance: #67 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #34 - Tourism infrastructure: #58 - Health and safety: #3 - Sustainability: #19

While internationally renowned as a global financial center, Zürich is also home to Switzerland's largest art museum, Kunsthaus Zürich , and a world-class succulent collection , located in the greenhouses of Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich.

For an entirely different kind of superlative, visit the world's largest Lindt chocolate shop in a stunning modern architectural landmark on Lake Zurich—a popular destination in its own right, mainly for warm-weather recreation like boating. In the winter, Zürich provides easy access to the Swiss Alps for a day trip in the snow.

#31. Athens, Greece

- Economic and business performance: #40 - Tourism performance: #66 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #4 - Tourism infrastructure: #25 - Health and safety: #86 - Sustainability: #63

Despite being one of the oldest cities on this list, Athens, Greece, saw tremendous growth in tourism between 2019 and 2023. The country's capital, which offers visitors the chance to see some historical landmarks that they may have only seen in their school textbooks, is unique in how it's lived through nearly every form of government and various styles of architecture throughout its long history.

Visit Athens' most famous destination, the Acropolis, a fortified hill that holds most of its iconic landmarks—Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, the Theater of Dionysus, just to name a few. The nearby Acropolis Museum houses the artifacts recovered from the hill and is also a must-visit, as are the other ruins of temples speckled through Athens. Finally, take a break from history by visiting the neighborhoods of Monastiraki and Psirri, bustling hubs of fantastic food, shopping, and street art.

#30. Toronto

- Economic and business performance: #37 - Tourism performance: #60 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #52 - Tourism infrastructure: #32 - Health and safety: #22 - Sustainability: #26

Unlike many cities on this list, Toronto's charm lies in the fact that it's a major city—the most populous city in Canada, to be exact. It is also the most diverse city, with half of the population born outside of Canada.

Famous destinations in this capital city of Canada's province of Ontario include the CN Tower, offering several vantage points of the surrounding city. Additionally, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-see for winter sport fans, as it houses the largest hockey collection in the world—including the actual Stanley Cup—and has been inducting hockey legends for nearly 80 years.

#29. Florence, Italy

- Economic and business performance: #56 - Tourism performance: #17 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #19 - Tourism infrastructure: #48 - Health and safety: #63 - Sustainability: #48

Florence shows what Italy is all about, as this Tuscan gem is the birthplace of the Renaissance and is home to famous artwork and architecture, not to mention amazing food and gelato. One of the masterpieces is the Florence Cathedral or Duomo di Firenze , whose main building was completed in 1436, with some exterior parts added in the 19th century. The Duomo is a massive and constantly evolving work of art, usually noticed by its white, pink, and green marble facade; its 52 stained-glass windows; and its massive red-tiled cupola, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Other amazing artwork can be found in the Uffizi Palace and Gallery, which hosts an impressive collection of Renaissance artwork , including pieces from Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Botticelli, Raphael, and Michaelangelo.

#28. Taipei, Taiwan

- Economic and business performance: #2 - Tourism performance: #33 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #55 - Tourism infrastructure: #28 - Health and safety: #44 - Sustainability: #83

The capital of Taiwan is known for a 1,667-foot landmark called Taipei 101 , resembling a bamboo stalk and has a high-speed elevator that takes visitors to the 89th-floor observation deck in only 37 seconds. Don't stop here; Taipei offers much more than this speedy elevator ride. Try shopping at its night markets; visiting a national park, museum, or temple; or simply sampling its street cuisine. Another exciting thing to do in Taipei is shrimp fishing , where you catch your own food from small artificial pools and then clean it and grill it.

#27. Kyoto, Japan

- Economic and business performance: #63 - Tourism performance: #44 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #5 - Tourism infrastructure: #43 - Health and safety: #7 - Sustainability: #67

If you want to experience more of the traditional side of Japan, Kyoto is your place to go. Comprising over 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, it's not unusual to see someone praying, meditating, or strolling through the many beautiful Zen gardens within these spiritual structures. Get the whole Kyoto experience by checking out the work of local artisans in the Gion district and by choosing to stay at a ryokan , a traditional Japanese inn.

#26. Frankfurt, Germany

- Economic and business performance: #20 - Tourism performance: #48 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #49 - Tourism infrastructure: #36 - Health and safety: #48 - Sustainability: #5

Known as "the gateway to Europe," Frankfurt, Germany, connects many travelers to different parts of Europe through the busiest airport in the country. Visit the old town of Römerberg during the holidays to experience its massive Christmas market . Take a trip to the restored Goethe House, where famous writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born. Finally, climb up the Main Tower high rise to see Frankfurt's skyline and the Main River, which have been likened to New York City's Manhattan cityscape and waterfront, from the highest observation point.

#25. Orlando, Florida

- Economic and business performance: #19 - Tourism performance: #6 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #48 - Tourism infrastructure: #39 - Health and safety: #82 - Sustainability: #37

Orlando is theme park central, with Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and Legoland—all family-friendly favorites, among many other smaller parks. But Orlando doesn't just offer the magic of Disney and Harry Potter. There is also plenty of fine dining, wonderful spas, cool museums, and relaxing parks to explore if you're just trying to enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Drive about 60 minutes east from Orlando to check out the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex if you want to pretend to be an astronaut, or travel about 40 miles west of downtown Orlando to Revolution Adventures to engage in some ATV or dune buggy racing through the muddy roads of this adventure park.

#24. Melbourne, Australia

- Economic and business performance: #49 - Tourism performance: #13 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #70 - Tourism infrastructure: #34 - Health and safety: #5 - Sustainability: #4

The city center of Melbourne, Australia, and its surrounding suburbs can offer visitors a cool, hipster-like experience, quickly noticeable just by walking down its graffitied, cobblestone streets or through its many flea markets.

Melbourne takes two things seriously: coffee and sports. Melbourne has thousands of cafes offering the best quality coffee created in many unique ways—Americans may recognize the now-popular flat white, which has Aussie origins. As for sports, Melbourne is known for cricket, Australian rules football, horse racing, and tennis, just to name a few. The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground sports stadium, "The G," is a popular destination, especially when the Australian Rules Football League season starts.

#23. Istanbul

- Economic and business performance: #13 - Tourism performance: #25 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #23 - Tourism infrastructure: #10 - Health and safety: #92 - Sustainability: #98

Istanbul saw a 26% growth in international arrivals in 2023, placing it at the top of Euromonitor's ranking. Most of Turkey's visitors came from Germany, Russia, and Ukraine in 2021—but it's also been attracting the attention of travelers from the Middle East.

For a unique Turkish retail experience, the Grand Bazaar is the place to go. It's been around since 1461, so it can be considered the world's oldest shopping center. Take a day to explore the hidden alleys of the bazaar, whose more than 4,000 small businesses offer the opportunity to haggle your way to a deal—and a unique cultural experience.

#22. Sydney

- Economic and business performance: #36 - Tourism performance: #2 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #71 - Tourism infrastructure: #42 - Health and safety: #6 - Sustainability: #17

Among Australia's largest cities, Sydney is a great place to visit for those looking to have a more laid-back vacation. The stunning Sydney Opera House is an architectural feat—and inside, you'll find myriad performances happening each week. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, nicknamed the " coat hanger ," is a structural engineering feat that you can experience up close by booking a "climb" experience, which provides the best views of the harbor.

If you're looking for day trips, the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley are the way to go. The Blue Mountains offer amazing hiking trails, and it's worth going up to the peak of these rock formations during sunset. The vineyards of Hunter Valley, located north of Sydney, are perfect for wine lovers—and you can even enjoy a glass of wine while traveling in a hot air balloon over the region.

#21. Prague

- Economic and business performance: #33 - Tourism performance: #31 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #43 - Tourism infrastructure: #21 - Health and safety: #54 - Sustainability: #23

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, saw its tourism grow by 28% in 2023 , compared to the previous year, with 5.5 million visitors arriving during the first three quarters of the year. With a bohemian appeal and fairy-tale charms, Prague attracts tourists who want to explore its trademark Prague Castle, the home of many former Czech rulers and presidents; enjoy a famous Czech beer; or explore the colorful and whimsical streets of the Old Town and the Golden Lane, where Czech-Jewish writer Franz Kafka notoriously once wrote.

#20. Lisbon, Portugal

- Economic and business performance: #61 - Tourism performance: #37 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #25 - Tourism infrastructure: #23 - Health and safety: #37 - Sustainability: #14

As tourism to Portugal surges , especially from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the United States, the colorful and architecturally stunning capital city of the southern European country has plenty to offer visitors.

Bring comfortable shoes when wandering around Lisbon, as the city is built over seven hills—and navigating its steep and winding roads is not for the faint of heart, despite the beautiful views. Using the city's tram network is a unique and fun way to get around. The most popular tram route is the E28. The 28 trams date back to the 1930s—and their slick designs are the only trams that can navigate through the narrowest Lisbon streets.

#19. Los Angeles

- Economic and business performance: #3 - Tourism performance: #11 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #66 - Tourism infrastructure: #19 - Health and safety: #80 - Sustainability: #36

The so-called "City of Angels" lures tourists with its mild weather, buzzy nightlife, laid-back vibes, and trademark Santa Monica and Venice beaches. From luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills to taking on the winding hiking trails to the famous Hollywood sign or the Griffith Observatory, everyone can find something to do in Los Angeles.

Although many tourists want to check the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame off of their lists, they can also veer off the beaten path by checking out Little Tokyo, the largest Japanese ethnic enclave in the United States, or taking a ride on "the world's shortest railway," Angel's Flight .

#18. Vienna

- Economic and business performance: #28 - Tourism performance: #36 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #41 - Tourism infrastructure: #30 - Health and safety: #41 - Sustainability: #8

Vienna gave rise to such great musical minds as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Joseph Haydn, and Franz Schubert—all of whom helped bring attention to this "city of music." The baroque streetscapes, holding various imperial palaces, are remnants of the Habsburg royal dynasty. Additionally, the city's exquisite wine culture and casual but essential coffee house culture are already enough to attract visitors. Don't forget to try a slice of Sachertorte , a chocolate-iced chocolate sponge cake with layers of apricot jam in between, which you can find at its birthplace, the Hotel Sacher.

#17. Hong Kong

- Economic and business performance: #8 - Tourism performance: #23 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #24 - Tourism infrastructure: #33 - Health and safety: #8 - Sustainability: #104

Tourism to Hong Kong is continually bolstered by its proximity to mainland China—even though relations have been particularly tense since 1997 , when Britain relinquished control over the territory. Traditionally known for its vibrant shopping centers, especially the Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong has been focusing on showing off its natural beauty and culture when city life gets too hectic. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, numerous nature reserves, and hiking trails, and they might even get to glimpse Hong Kong's famous but increasingly rare pink dolphins.

#16. Osaka, Japan

- Economic and business performance: #46 - Tourism performance: #45 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #11 - Tourism infrastructure: #18 - Health and safety: #15 - Sustainability: #57

Tourists used to overlook Osaka, Japan, flocking instead to the better-known city of Tokyo, but that is slowly starting to change. Osaka is a vibrant, modern city filled with lights, nature, and many great cuisines. Osaka is known as "Japan's kitchen" due to its unique dishes, many Michelin-starred restaurants, and amazing street food carts. Once you've had your fill, don't miss Osaka Castle, built in the 1500s by a former feudal lord and one of the city's most important landmarks, surrounded by cherry blossom trees that burst open every spring.

#15. Dublin

- Economic and business performance: #17 - Tourism performance: #57 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #2 - Tourism infrastructure: #56 - Health and safety: #2 - Sustainability: #9

Ireland's capital is another place with beautiful, centuries-old cathedrals, castles, and museums. However, the way to get into Dublin's culture is to follow the books and booze. Channel your inner James Joyce or Oscar Wilde by exploring Dublin's numerous quaint bookstores and libraries. Check out Marsh's Library, Ireland's first public library that opened in 1707, or the Trinity College Library, the largest library in the country that contains the ancient Book of Kells . Learn more about Ireland's history by booking tours and drinks at the Guinness Storehouse Factory, the Old Jameson Distillery, and the Irish Whiskey Museum, or chat with one of the locals at one of Dublin's many unique and vintage bars.

#14. Seoul, South Korea

- Economic and business performance: #22 - Tourism performance: #34 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #21 - Tourism infrastructure: #7 - Health and safety: #42 - Sustainability: #90

Seoul, South Korea, combines aspects of South Korean culture that don't seem to mesh at first—mountain temples and shrines, ornamental palaces, a booming Korean pop and clothing scene, and futuristic neon-lit city streets. The most popular of the palaces is Changdeokgung , built in 1405 and used well into the 20th century, which is surrounded by beautiful secret gardens.

- Economic and business performance: #27 - Tourism performance: #30 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #18 - Tourism infrastructure: #17 - Health and safety: #58 - Sustainability: #53

Milan might be known as a modern metropolis and the high-end fashion capital of Italy, but the former capital of the Western Roman Empire is several thousand years old. As in Florence, one of the prettiest buildings is a cathedral—the largest Gothic complex in the world, the Duomo di Milano, which took more than 500 years to complete. However, those who want to check out the commercial life of Milan should visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , one of the oldest shopping malls in the world, built in the mid-19th century, whose architecture reflects the marble, mosaic, and glass style of Milan's other buildings.

#12. Munich

- Economic and business performance: #12 - Tourism performance: #22 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #26 - Tourism infrastructure: #38 - Health and safety: #50 - Sustainability: #10

Munich is ideal for anyone who loves exquisite palaces, historic cathedrals, and great-tasting beer. In fact, Munich's main event every year is Oktoberfest , the world's largest two-week beer festival, attracting millions of visitors between late September and early October. Another fun but unexpected activity for the landlocked capital of Bavaria is river surfing on the waves of the artificial Eisbach river , which is enjoyed by thrill-seekers year-round and attracts many spectators.

#11. Singapore

- Economic and business performance: #1 - Tourism performance: #28 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #3 - Tourism infrastructure: #35 - Health and safety: #4 - Sustainability: #99

Singapore may be the most expensive city in the world to live in. It tied with Zürich in 2023, but the "Lion City" is worth a visit for its beautiful and unusual attractions. Take, for example, its Muslim quarter—the Kampong Gelam historic district, and the Gardens by the Bay, where there's always something blooming, no matter what time of year. You can even wrap up your day at the Night Safari zoo, the first nocturnal wildlife park in the world.

#10. London

- Economic and business performance: #11 - Tourism performance: #24 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #47 - Tourism infrastructure: #1 - Health and safety: #35 - Sustainability: #45

It's hard to know how much Brexit has contributed to the decline in tourism to London since the United Kingdom officially split with the European Union in 2020, as it coincided with international travel restrictions. But as Britain's cultural, economic, and transportation hub, this capital city has seen a steady stream of European tourists since 2022—despite the added paperwork necessary for some to visit after the landmark "exit." Some of the most popular attractions include such historic sites as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the U.K. Parliament—but you can get one of the best views of London from a more contemporary attraction, the London Eye , added to the skyline in 2000.

#9. Barcelona, Spain

- Economic and business performance: #26 - Tourism performance: #40 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #13 - Tourism infrastructure: #13 - Health and safety: #23 - Sustainability: #38

The sunny capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona is still the most popular tourist destination in Spain. There are so many activities to do in this city and places to explore that a single short trip may not be enough.

Be sure to take some time and visit all of architect Antoni Gaudí's buildings , including the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, and the pavilions at Park Güell. These architectural feats are unique and show the range of Gaudí's style, as well as influence the work of more contemporary architects and designers.

#8. New York

- Economic and business performance: #7 - Tourism performance: #5 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #44 - Tourism infrastructure: #8 - Health and safety: #84 - Sustainability: #24

New York City remains the top city destination in the Western Hemisphere, attracting 56.7 million visitors in 2022 . While Manhattan may be the heart of the "Big Apple" and is known worldwide as a financial, cultural, and diverse center, the island's four surrounding boroughs each have distinct personalities and attractions. For example, Queens is known for being the most diverse county in the world, with at least 160 languages used daily. The borough of Brooklyn is connected to Manhattan by the landmark Brooklyn Bridge; it is home to the country's oldest performing arts center, the Brooklyn Academy of Music; and Coney Island , "the birthplace of the American amusement park."

- Economic and business performance: #53 - Tourism performance: #9 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #8 - Tourism infrastructure: #4 - Health and safety: #59 - Sustainability: #41

The Italian capital is Europe's fifth most visited city and the origin of the great Roman Empire. In addition to a vibrant street life and decadent cuisine, the Eternal City has been a sacred city for 3,000 years . Among the oldest of the famous Roman buildings is the Colosseum, built between A.D. 70-80; the Pantheon, construction starting in A.D.118; and the Arch of Constantine, built in A.D. 315.

- Economic and business performance: #59 - Tourism performance: #3 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #16 - Tourism infrastructure: #12 - Health and safety: #51 - Sustainability: #12

Berlin is a resilient city, as its residents work to overcome the German capital's tumultuous history from the past century. An example is the East Side Gallery , a former portion of the Berlin Wall that has now become a street art collection of murals and political drawings. Closer to the famous Brandenburg Gate lie 2,711 concrete slabs that make up the Holocaust Memorial , where visitors are encouraged to process their thoughts and emotions in their own way.

#5. Amsterdam

- Economic and business performance: #5 - Tourism performance: #8 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #12 - Tourism infrastructure: #22 - Health and safety: #43 - Sustainability: #28

The Dutch capital has become a fan-favorite due to its charming canals, colorful townhouses, and numerous bike paths. A must-visit site is the Anne Frank House . Visitors can see the annex where Frank wrote her diary and learn about life in hiding. Additionally, the Van Gogh Museum gives tourists a look into the life of 19th-century painter Vincent van Gogh, who was little-known during his actual lifetime but is now one of the most influential artists in history.

- Economic and business performance: #18 - Tourism performance: #21 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #7 - Tourism infrastructure: #3 - Health and safety: #12 - Sustainability: #59

The bright lights of always-bustling Tokyo make the capital the most popular city in Japan, and there are many reasons to keep visiting, no matter the season—from the Cherry Blossom Festival in April to the beautiful light displays in Tokyo Station, Omotesando, Roppongi Hills, and throughout the city in December. Visitors come to marvel at a concert of people moving from one street to the other at Shibuya Crossing . People watch the colorfully dressed cosplayers at Yoyogi Park or relax in the city at "onsens," or hot spring baths. Among the many popular attractions in Tokyo is Kabukiza , the main theater for the Japanese dance of kabuki, an elaborate performance with dramatic sets, outfits, and makeup.

- Economic and business performance: #21 - Tourism performance: #42 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #6 - Tourism infrastructure: #5 - Health and safety: #18 - Sustainability: #1

Madrid is a lively—though old—city with an energetic population. Walking down the street, you're likely to see buildings from the 16th century, built during the peak of the Spanish Empire or even earlier. Fans of soccer, aka football or fútbol, would enjoy a tour around Santiago Bernabéu Stadium , the home of the world-famous and prolific Real Madrid team.

If you want to escape the crowded city squares, check out the park El Retiro . This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great place to relax; go for a jog; rent a bike; go for a boat ride on the park's lake in the summer; or even admire Madrid's oldest tree, which has been alive since 1633.

#2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

- Economic and business performance: #4 - Tourism performance: #4 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #9 - Tourism infrastructure: #15 - Health and safety: #14 - Sustainability: #70

This oasis in the desert is home to some of the world's best hotels, shopping, and increasingly good dining and cultural options. These are just some factors that make Dubai the most popular destination in Africa and the Middle East. Check out Ski Dubai , the world's first indoor ski resort, open year-round in the city's warm climate.

The gold and spice souks are large bazaars offering precious jewelry and pungent flavors. Of course, the city's also home to Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world , at 2,716 feet above the city.

- Economic and business performance: #24 - Tourism performance: #1 - Tourism policy and attractiveness: #1 - Tourism infrastructure: #2 - Health and safety: #47 - Sustainability: #33

Even travelers who have never been to the City of Lights have heard about its many landmarks and attractions, such as the unmistakable Eiffel Tower, the beautiful and gigantic Musée du Louvre—the most-visited museum in the world , the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was devastated by fire in 2019 and lost its wooden roof and spire. People worldwide raised money in support, and this famous landmark is closed for renovations until its estimated reopening date in December 2024. Though the reconstruction timeline won't line up with the expected deluge of visitors coming for the 2024 Summer Olympics, visitors may just leave this romantic city with a desire to return.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Lois Hince. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.

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The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.

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The Ultimate Travel Bucket List: 100 Things To Do Before You Die

The world is full of wonder and if you’re anything like me, you want to go out and explore! Check out my ultimate travel bucket list – 100 unmissable places to visit before you die. How many can you tick off?

By Julianna Barnaby and Sophie Ritchie

There are so many incredible places to see on this planet… but sometimes a bit of extra inspiration doesn’t hurt.

From incredible landscapes that make your eyes pop and your jaws drop, to incredible architecture – here is the ultimate travel bucket list. 100 places to see before you die.

After all, nothing says it better than this cool travel quote from Ray Bradbury.

“Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.”

The Ultimate Travel Bucket List

1. grand canyon, usa.

They don’t call it Grand for nothing. The Grand Canyon is a huge, steep canyon, located in Arizona , carved by the Colorado River.

Let’s talk measurements for a second so you can get an idea of the scale of this natural wonder. 446km long and 29km wide.

I’m guessing that it’s already on your list of things to see before you die. If you’re up for the challenge, you can go and hike the whole thing … or simply see the scale of its beauty from one of the many lookouts.

These are especially beautiful to watch the sunrise and sunset from, so make sure you check the times before you go!

2. See The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most incredible wonders.

A series of dancing lights that charge the night sky in pinks, greens, yellows and purples – seeing the Aurora Borealis is the ultimate travel bucket list item.

Cool northern lights-spotting destinations include Iceland , Norway , Alaska and northern Canada.

How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

3. Giant’s Causeway, United Kingdom

he Giant’s Causeway is a stone formation made up of 40,000 basalt columns, located just off the coast of Antrim in Northern Ireland.

While scientists say that the formations were the result of a volcanic eruption, legend has it that the columns were a causeway built by a giant so that Scottish and Irish giants could meet and fight. I’m going to go with the latter – much more believable.

4. Bryce Canyon, USA

One of the US’s best-known national parks, Bryce Canyon is a collection of giant natural amphitheatres in southern Utah and one of the most beautiful natural landmarks I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. 

Designated a National Park in 1928, Bryce Canyon now receives nearly 2.5 million annual visitors to marvel at its red, orange and white rock formations.

5. Antelope Canyon, USA

Walking through the weird curved formations of Antelope Canyon , it’s difficult to believe that it’s not man made.

It’s not. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon, located in Page, Arizona. Formed by the erosion of sandstone from the flash floods that occur in the area, it’s a must for any avid traveller. 

Photographers come from far and wide to get a glimpse of this beautiful orange, red and yellow canyon and the magical light filtered through the canyon’s shaped walls.

6. Reynisdrangar Basalt Columns, Iceland

The striking Reynisdrangar basalt columns on the world-famous Reynisfjara black sand beach are one of Iceland’s most impressive natural wonders (they have tough competition).

The columns were formed by volcanic activity – the same kind that created the Giant’s Causeway mentioned above.

Legend has it that they are three trolls, frozen in time by the sun’s rays. Sound familiar? That’s because Tolkien used the legend in his world-famous story The Hobbit.

7. Yosemite National Park, USA

Yosemite National Park is just incredible. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the northeast of California it’s well-known as one of America’s most beautiful travel destinations.

Want to know where to travel before you die? Start with Yosemite.

Granite cliffs, clear streams, waterfalls, mountains and glaciers – it’s no wonder that the famous photographer Ansel Adams loved it – and I bet you will too.

8. The Dead Sea, Israel / West Bank / Jordan

We all know that you can float on The Dead Sea. This curious natural wonder is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean. It’s not actually a sea, despite its name, it’s a lake on the borders of Israel, the West Bank and Jordan .

The banks of the Dead Sea are over 400m below sea level, making them the lowest point in the world on dry land.

The easiest way to visit The Dead Sea is by taking a short-ish bus journey from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, alternatively you can rent a car and drive, though booking onto a tour makes things even easier.

9. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is no secret. Another place that’s arguably being loved to death, it’s enduringly beautiful.

The bay, which is located in Northeast Vietnam, stretches over 1500 square kilometres and is scattered with over 1600 islands and islets.

Ha Long Bay is known for its emerald waters and rainforest-topped islands and a favourite among beauty-seekers.

10. Jeita Grotto, Lebanon

When it comes to bucket list places to visit, The Jeita Grotto is often forgotten about. It’s a set of two separate but interconnected limestone caves, located in the Nahr al-Kalb Valley in Lebanon. 

It can only be entered by boat as it channels an underground river, but once inside, visitors can see the incredible rock formations, and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

11. Acropolis, Greece

The Acropolis in Athens is an ancient citadel located on the top of a hill in Athens, which contains many ancient (and remains of) buildings, such as the Parthenon, the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Acropolis is a greatly important symbol of Greek history, architecture and spirit and visiting it should have a prime spot on your travel bucket list.

12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Take whatever you’ve heard about Angkor Wat, times it by 100 and yet it will still blow you away. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is just straight up incredible. 

Angkor Wat is a mystical complex of temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Angkor Wat also happens to be the largest religious monument in the world at 400 square kilometres – it’s made up of hundreds of incredible and awe inspiring temples and ruins.

If you need any more reason to believe you need to visit this special place, it even features on the country’s flag!

13. Chichén Itzá, Mexico

Chichén Itzá is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Sounds like something that deserves a place on your bucket list right? Right.

But what exactly is Chichen Itza? Well only the biggest archaeological city of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilisation, located in the Yucatán State, Mexico .

Its huge pyramid, El Castillo, is the centre of the ancient city. Both were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1988.

14. Machu Picchu, Peru

Sure, everybody raves about it… but you know what? That’s because it is incredible. Machu Picchu is the old Inca City, located on top of a 2500m mountain in the Cusco region of Peru, just above the Sacred Valley.

Forgotten by the Western world for centuries, it was rediscovered by intrepid explorer Hiram Bingham. Machu Picchu was crowned as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (of course).

IMHO Machu Picchu is the best archaeological site in the South American continent, and definitely deserves to be at the top of your South America bucket list .

15. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Who hasn’t dreamt of jetting off to see the mysterious Pyramids of Giza ?

The Pyramids of Giza are located on the outskirts of Cairo Egypt. The complex contains 3 pyramids, a Great Sphinx Sculpture and several cemeteries. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Egypt’s world-famous pyramids were built as a tomb for the pharaohs and their queens.

Now they’re one of the most recognisable (and photographed) structures in the world –  I fell head over heels for them after a recent visit to the country.

16. Stonehenge, United Kingdom

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument, located in Wiltshire, England. I’ll be completely honest, I’ve never really got why everyone goes so nuts about them… but I can never resist a cheeky detour when I’m on my way to Glastonbury Festival.

The 4 metre high collection of stones were constructed over time between 2500 and 5000 years ago, and are now one of the seven Wonders of the World. Druids and Pagans still use the site to celebrate important occasions such as the summer solstice.

17. The Colosseum, Italy

How about adding the largest amphitheatre ever built to your list of 100 places to see before you die? Yep, thought so.

The Colosseum is an old amphitheatre in the middle of Rome – it was built to hold up to 80,000 spectators.

Although over the years it has been partially ruined by earthquakes, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Rome, recognisable from around the world.

18. Bagan, Myanmar

Catapulted from a place very few people had heard of to one of the recent year’s travel hotspots, Bagan is a beautiful place. The ancient city in Myanmar is nicknamed the temple town, as it is home to 2,229 remaining temples and pagodas.

Most of these have been restored or preserved by UNESCO, and many contain incredible statues and carvings of Buddha – worth a visit in themselves. 

Head to the site early in the morning in the evening – you’ll see the most incredible Bagan sunrises and sunsets – preferably by hot air balloon.

19. Taj Mahal, India

Is it the most photographed building in the world? It’s certainly the best-known mausoleum.

The Taj Maha l is a white marble mausoleum, built in 1648 at the command of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, to remember his late wife.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the ornate Taj Mahal is a beautiful symbol of India and needs to be on any bucket list 100.

20. The Great Wall of China, China

China’s most famous landmark, The Great Wall of China is testament to the incredible building skills of civilisations past.

The “Great Wall” is actually a number of walls that run along the historical Northern borders of China, that were built to protect the Chinese against invasions from Eurasia.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it is the longest wall in the world – it’s even visible from space.

21. London, United Kingdom

London needs no introduction. This cosmopolitan capital is crammed with cool things to do and places to see and deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Dating back to Roman times, London is now home to a whopping nearly 9 million people… including the Royal Family.

Head here to see some of the world’s most famed attractions – Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and so many other pretty places to see in London , not to mention some of the most striking street art in the world and a plethora of brilliant restaurants.

Aside from tourist hot spots, London is filled with cool neighbourhoods well worth taking the time to explore – take Hackney, Shoreditch, Croydon, and Clapham, for example.

22. Paris, France

The City of Love – there’s a lot more to Paris than snuggling up for a cosy tete a tete with your other half.

Famed for its culture, art, cuisine and fashion, Paris has something for everyone – which explains why it’s on pretty much every bucket list 100 out there.

Whizz around between beautiful spots like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. Treat yourself to some fancy accommodation and enjoy one of Europe’s most opulent cities.

23. Florence, Italy

Another one of Europe’s cultural hotspots, Florence is well-known for being the birthplace of beautiful Renaissance art and architecture.

Art lovers will rejoice in Florence, with magnificent works by Michaelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci on display at the Uffizi Gallery. 

But that’s not all there is to this dreamy Italian spot – the food is impeccable, the city is filled with family-run trattorias and gelato hotspots. Prepare to spend half your time eating, and the other half snapping photos.

Planning a trip? Check out the many world-famous Italian landmarks Florence boasts, such as Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and its ‘Duomo’, the Palazzo Vecchio, and Boboli Gardens. Then hop in a car to discover the rest of Tuscany on a road trip.

24. Rome, Italy

Ahh Rome , what a city. Every time you think you have seen it all, Rome comes up with something else to surprise you.

Full of architecture, art and ancient ruins, it’s known worldwide for its fashion and designer boutiques. Head to the Colosseum for some history, the Vatican for some culture and the Trevi Fountain to make a wish.

Don’t even get me started on the sheer number of brilliant eateries either…

25. Vienna, Austria

The capital of Austria, Vienna is a dream. This gorgeous city is known across Europe for its baroque art and architecture, and its musical and intellectual legacy. 

Some of Vienna’s most well known attractions are the Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg, a complex of palaces.

Viennese cafe culture is also one of the best in Europe, so much so that UNESCO popped it on their intangible cultural heritage list. Head into one of Vienna’s very many cafes for a Viennese coffee and a slice of schokotorte.

26. Oxford, United Kingdom

Oxford is one of the UK’s most famous cities, thanks to its prestigious university (I studied there and it was just as incredible as you would imagine).

With the university dating back to the 11th century, Oxford is full of so many things to do – old architecture, beautiful scenery and tasty cuisine.

Head to Oxford to see the Museum of Natural History, the Oxford Botanic Gardens, and of course its prestigious university and its colleges.

27. Havana, Cuba

Cuba’s evocative capital is an unforgettable experience – there’s no way I’d leave it out of my pick of top 100 bucket list destinations. It’s been a while since I’ve visited but the sights and sounds of the city will always stay with me.

Gorgeous 16th-century architecture and vintage American cars , music and dance – not forgetting the delicious cuisine and daiquiris!

When you’re here, head to the Revolution Museum, Morro Castle and Old Havana, to see the best bits. It’s no wonder that Hemingway loved it – pop into El Floridita , his favourite bar.

28. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro may NOT be Brazil’s capital but it makes up for it with culture, looks and fun.

The first time I visited Rio, I was fresh-faced and 18 – several (and I mean several) years later, I’m just as in love with Rio as when I first clapped eyes on it.

This vibrant capital city is best known for its architecture, forest topped mountains and golden beaches. Some of Rio’s best sights are the Christ the Redeemer statue, Copacabana and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

29. Venice, Italy

Venice might be sinking but we still love it. In truth, it’s difficult to leave Venice out of any list of must-see travel spots, BUT it is suffering from serious overtourism, so you might want to skip it in favour of somewhere quieter.

Full of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, there are very few roads in Venice, mostly canals, with boats and gondolas to transport people. The best places to see are the Piazza San Marco, Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge – just magical!

30. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is more than relaxed marijuana laws and chilled out coffee shops. Home to an impressive array of world-class museums, beautiful canals, gorgeous architecture and history.

Start by visiting the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, walk along the canals and spend some time exploring the city by bike.

Dutch food might not be much to write home about, but they sure know a thing or two about sweet things – make it your mission to scoff as many poffertjes and stroopwafel as possible. A bucket list travel must.

31. Iguazu Falls, Brazil

The Iguazu Falls are waterfalls on the Iguazu River that border Misiones, the Argentinian province, Paraná, the Brazilian state and Paraguay. At 82 metres high and the chain of falls nearly 3km long, they are the largest waterfalls system in the world.

Think the view can’t be better? Wait until you hear their astoundingly loud roar – sight and sound – it’s almost deafening, and an absolute thrill.

32. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe / Zambia

Victoria Falls is a waterfall located on the Zambezi River on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, in southern Africa. 

Described by CNN as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the water at the Victoria Falls drops a staggering 108m, and is the largest curtain of water in the world.

The easiest way to visit is to fly to Livingstone, the nearest airport – from there it’s around 11km to the falls via a taxi.

Or, if you would really like to treat yourself (I approve), view the falls from above during a helicopter flight over the natural landmark. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

33. Niagara Falls, Canada / USA

The Niagara Falls are a set of three impressive waterfalls that border Ontario, Canada, and New York State in the US. The three waterfalls, the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, all fall at the southern end of the Niagara gorge, and have a total height of 51m.

As the most famous falls in the world, Niagara is something that you’ve got to see. If you’re feeling brave, jump on one of the boat tours which take you up close and personal to the falls.

34. Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, China / Vietnam

The Ban Gioc–Detian Falls are a set of two waterfalls on the Quây Sơn River, on the border of China and Vietnam.

The main waterfall is the Detian waterfall, and the other waterfall is the Ban Gioc Waterfall, with the cumulative drop being a whopping 60m.

You can hop on a boat, which will take you on a river tour close to the falls for an extra-special experience.

35. Palouse Falls, USA

The Palouse Falls is a waterfall on the Palouse River, 6km up from the meeting with the Snake River, in southeast Washington in the United States.

The falls consist of an upper falls and a lower falls, which are drops of 6.1m and 60m respectively. Bring your hiking boots and set off on one of the numerous trails around the top and the bottom of the falls.

36. Shoshone Falls, USA

Shoshone Falls is a waterfall on the Snake River in Southern Idaho. Known as the ‘Niagara of the West’, the falls are 65m high (which is actually higher than Niagara) and flow over a 300m wide rim.

Formed over 14,000 years ago, the Shoshone Falls attract up to 300,000 vehicles per year, and are definitely worth a spot on your ultimate bucket list. Bring a picnic and grab a spot in one of the designated areas for a fabulous day out.

37. Blue Nile Falls, Ethiopia

Blue Nile Falls is a waterfall on the Blue Nile River, located in the north of Ethiopia. Known as ’Tis Abay’ in Amharic, meaning ‘great smoke’, the Falls are approximately 40 metres high, consisting of four streams.

This beautiful waterfall is one of Ethiopia’s top tourist attractions – just get ready for a hike to get the best views of the falls.

38. Gullfoss, Iceland

It’s hard to pick one waterfall from Iceland for our list, but Gullfoss can’t be missed. Gullfoss, meaning ‘Golden Waterfall’ is a waterfall located in the Olfusa River canyon, in Southwest Iceland.

The name comes from the golden colour of the waterfall in certain light – the result of sediment in the water.

The total height of Gullfoss is 32 metres and the longest drop is 21 metres. The beautiful waterfall offers brilliant views and we recommend going to see it on a sunny day, as there’s a big chance of seeing a rainbow shimmering over the falls.

Otherwise it’s a spectacular place to see the Northern Lights in the winter.

Visiting Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland

39. McWay Falls, USA

The McWay Falls are a waterfall that flows from McWay Creek in picture-perfect Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park onto a beach in Big Sur on the west coast of California.

The image of the 24m McWay Falls cascading onto the beach is one of Big Sur’s most iconic and something you can’t miss. The hike to the falls is rather easy and boasts some of Big Sur’s best views.

40. The Maldives

The Maldives are a set of South Asian islands, located in the Indian ocean. Made up of 26 atolls, ring shaped coral reefs together containing over 1000 coral islands.

People come from far and wide for The Maldives’ beautiful islands, luxury accommodation, azure waters, and colourful marine life.

If you love beaches, watersports or simply soaking up the views of one of the most beautiful places on this planet, the Maldives should be on your list.

41. Vava’u Islands

The Vava’u islands are a set of islands, one large and 40 small, located in Tonga in the South Pacific. Neiafu, the capital of these islands, is a gorgeous destination well worth exploring – make sure to visit the striking St Joseph’s Cathedral.

Looking for spectacular things to do before you die?

This tropical paradise has crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and beautiful sea life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, spinner dolphins and Humpback whales – a wildlife lover’s paradise!

42. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a Greek Island in the Southern Aegean Sea.

Known as the ‘supermodel’ of the Greek Islands, it is instantly recognisable by its whitewashed buildings with blue roofs, multicoloured cliffs, beautiful sunsets and dazzlingly sapphire coloured waters.

There’s so much to do in Santorini including exploring Akrotiri’s ruins and chilling on Kamari’s black sand beach. You might have to battle the crowds, but it’s totally worth it.

43. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is a small island in the South Pacific, Northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia.

Being Tahiti’s most famous island, it is popular with the luxury crowd thanks to its fabulous hotels.

Bora Bora is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, which is fabulous for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

44. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is an island and province of Indonesia, popular among backpackers travelling Southeast Asia but also with a luxury side, full of beautiful beaches, incredible food , culture scenery and wildlife.

Known for its surfing, yoga , diving and great resorts, the ‘essence of Bali’, and its traditions have stolen the hearts of many visitors.

45. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

An archipelago in Brazil, Fernando de Noronha is known as both a beach lover’s shangri-la and an eco-wonderland. Built on volcanic rock, the coastline is as ragged as it is beautiful.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, this paradise is full of pristine beaches, beautiful landscapes and stunning wildlife. Apparently, even the sharks are friendly.

46. Maui, USA

Maui is an island which is part of the state of Hawaii, known for its natural beauty. It is Hawaii’s second-largest island, at 1,883 square kilometres. 

Known as the ‘Valley Isle’, Maui is famed for its world-famous beaches, the Iao Valley, humpback whales, and the marvellous sunset and sunrise from Haleakala. 

There are so many things to do in Maui with kids , as there are for a couple travelling alone.

47. Big Sur, USA

Big Sur is a stretch of California’s central coast. Forever linked with beat writers such as Jack Kerouac, Big Sur tops the list of many literary lovers’ travel bucket lists – but there’s more to its appeal than that.

Driving through Big Sur on a Highway 1 road trip is very popular, with beautiful places to stop and look out, such as Bixby Bridge and the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where the picturesque McWay Falls (see our pick of top 10 waterfalls for your bucket list) meets the sandy shore and drifts into the Ocean.

48. Ko Samui, Thailand

Ko Samui is Thailand’s second largest island, located off the East Coast in the Gulf of Thailand. 

Ko Samui is home to lush rainforest, coconut palms and some of the most spectacular beaches in Thailand, such as Bang Por, Choeng Mon and Taling Nam, which is incredible for watching the sunset on.

49. Krabi, Thailand

Krabi is a province of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It is home to some of the best beaches and islands in Southeast Asia, such as Railay Beach , with incredible rock formations making it a climbers paradise, and the Phi Phi Islands, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘The Beach’ was filmed.

With white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning coral reefs, it’s no wonder that Krabi is at the top of most visitors’ lists of things to see when they’re in Thailand.

50. Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert is a desert located in Chile , South America and is one of the most surreal places on the planet.

The desert covers a 1000 square km area of land and is one of the driest places on Earth. Mars-like valleys, brightly coloured lakes, swarms of flamingos and the Southern hemisphere’s largest geyser field – if you’re heading to the Atacama desert, you’d better prepare to have your mind blown.

Check out my guide to road-tripping in the Atacama Desert.

51. Bolivia Salt Flats

The Bolivia Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) are located in the Potosí province in the southwest of Bolivia – not far from the Atacama Desert.

At 10,582 square km and placed 3,656m above sea level, they are the largest salt flats in the world. This incredible natural wonder was originally caused by the transformations of several prehistoric lakes, which are now covered by a few metres of salt crust.

52. Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park is located in Patagonia, Chile. It is known for its beautiful mountains, blue icebergs and glaciers, and lush vegetation.

If you’re fit enough to take on the challenge, hiking the five day W trail should be on your list of things to do before you die – feeling even more adventurous? The 8-day O trek is for you.

The stunning Torres, after which the park is named, is the main attraction of the park, and over 250,000 visitors come to marvel at them every year. It’s honestly one of the most incredible places I’ve visited and well worth the hype.

53. Lake District, UK

The Lake District i s a mountainous area in Cumbria, in the north west of England, whose mountains, lakes and forests stretch over a huge 2,362 square km.

Boasting plenty of hikes and ways to reconnect with nature, this is a popular holiday destination for British tourists. 

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also home to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, and also the deepest and longest bodies of water in England – most definitely worth a trip.

54. Mù Cang Chả, Vietnam

Mù Cang Chả is a rural district located at the bottom of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in the northwest of Vietnam, in the Yên Bái Province.

It is home to incredible landscapes and perfectly-landscaped rice paddies – the Mù Cang Chả Rice Terrace has been recognised as one of the most unique landscapes in Vietnam, stretching across 22 square km of the mountainside.

Seeing the bright green paddies in real life is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of any trip to Vietnam.

55. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is located in Namibia, and encompasses part of the Namib Desert.

The Namib Desert is the world’s oldest desert, and Namib-Naukluft is the fourth-largest game park in the world. Wonderful creatures such as snakes, hyenas and geckos reside in the stunning signature red and orange sand.

56. Paro Valley, Bhutan

The Paro Valley is a lush valley located in western Bhutan. The historic town is full of culture, history and sacred sites, and the wide and richly vegetated Valley is one of Bhutan’s must-see sights. 

If you’re visiting the valley, you have to make a stop at Paro Taktsang which is tucked into the side of a cliff. It’s nicknamed the Tiger’s Nest Buddhist Temple and known one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan.

57. Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is a region in central Italy. Full of beautiful old Italian villas, farms, wineries and lush vegetation, it’s a beautiful location to visit. As I’ve already mentioned, Florence, the capital of the region, is filled with so many things for art-lovers to do.

Though it’s the gently rolling hills and green vineyards that make up a stunning landscape worthy of a postcard and a spot on your bucket list. Other must-visit towns include Montepulciano, Greve in Chianti, Montalcino and San Gimignano.

Travels Through Tuscany – the Ultimate Road Trip

59. Uluru, Australia

Uluru (previously known as Ayers Rock) is a large sandstone rock formation, located in the north central region of Australia, that rises 350 metres up away from its surrounding land.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Uluru is home to beautiful waterholes, springs and rock caves.

One of Australia’s indigenous tribes most sacred sites, you can no longer hike onto the rock itself, but can still soak up its spiritual presence from up close.

60. Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is a string of five seaside villages, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola, and Monterosso, located in the region of Liguria in Italy. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the area is full of colourful houses and vineyards and a beautiful blue harbour.

I’m betting it’s one of the most photographed places in Italy, but once you go, you can easily see why. Gorgeous views, even better wine, and a chilled-out pace of life – what’s not to love?

61. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the free-standing bell tower of Italy’s Pisa Cathedral. Built in 1372 at 56 metres tall, the tower is famed for its unintended tilt – the result of the soft ground on which it was built.

Head to the tower, take the obligatory selfie (or three – don’t miss the one where you pretend to push it over!) but don’t forget to explore the rest of this charming city, which is surprisingly quiet once you get away from the big sights.

62. Golden Gate Bridge, USA

The Golden Gate Bridge is a 1,280m suspension bridge that links San Francisco with Marin County in Western California. Built in 1937 for a huge $35 million, since opening it has become an icon of San Francisco and the most photographed bridge in the world.

Hike through the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge Park to the bottom of the bridge for a different view of this iconic bridge.

63. Eiffel Tower , Paris

The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron lattice tower, located on the Champ de Mars, in Paris, France. The engineer Gustave Eiffel, designed the tower and then his company built it in 1889.

With a total height of 324m, the instantly recognisable Eiffel Tower is synonymous with the city of love. Head up to the top for amazing views out over the city.

64. Christ the Redeemer , Rio de Janeiro

The Christ the Redeemer Statue is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil . Built in 1931 by four men, Landowski, da Silva Costa, Caquor and Leonida, the 30 metre symbol of Rio sits atop of the Corcovado Mountain, looking over the city.

You can access the statue via a tough hike through the Tijuca rainforest, or via a tram or collectivo.

Whichever way you get there, the view of the city spread out below and of the statue itself is one of Rio’s real highlights.

65. The Palm Jumeirah, United Arab Emirates

The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial group of islands in Dubai , United Arab Emirates, located on the Jumeirah coast. It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about things to do before you die, but it’s well worth the trip.

Taking 5 years to build from 2001 to 2006, the Palm is now full of luxury hotels, restaurants and residences. In keeping with Dubai’s reputation for glitz and glamour, a trip to The Palm Jumeirah is one for the luxury-lovers among you.

The island is also home to arguably the best water park in Dubai – spend a day cooling off and seeking thrills at the Atlantis Aquaventure.

66. St Basil’s Cathedral, Russia

St Basil’s Cathedral is located in Red Square, Moscow, Russia. Built in 1561, this world-famous and colourful landmark was inspired by the flame from a bonfire rising into the sky.

Officially called ‘The Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat’, this 48m high building is a totally bonkers but beautiful creation that’s guaranteed to make a lasting impression.

67. Sydney Opera House, Australia

The Sydney Opera House is an arts venue, located at Bennelong Point in the middle of the Sydney Harbour, Australia. Built in 1973, the Opera House became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

The picturesque sail design of the house with the Sydney Harbour Bridge behind it is the iconic image of Sydney and a must-do on your Australia bucket list.

68. Statue of Liberty, USA

The Statue of Liberty is a sculpture of ‘Lady Liberty’, located on Liberty Island in the harbour in New York City.

The statue shows Lady Liberty holding a torch and a book with roman numerals of the date of the US Declaration of Independence.

Designed by Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, the statue was dedicated to the US people from France in 1886.

The statue used to be the first sight of New York for those sailing into the city in days gone by, the boat trip to see  the statue is no less striking today.There is so much to enjoy in New York with various attractions, shopping and rooftop restaurants in New York .

69. Big Ben, United Kingdom

Big Ben (a nickname for the clock on the Elizabeth Tower), is a tower at the end of the Palace of Westminster in London, England.

Ever since it was built in 1859, it has been a British cultural icon, and is the most prominent symbol of London and the United Kingdom.

Big Ben is currently undergoing renovation works, but you can still take a peek at the Houses of Parliament below.

Want an extra-special view? Take one of the numerous boat cruises that float down the Thames for picture opps without the crowds.

70. Empire State Building, USA

The Empire State Building is a skyscraper, located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York City (between West 33rd and 34th streets to be precise).

The 102 storey building is not only a work office, but also has a viewing deck at the top where visitors can see the whole of the city.

The Empire State Building is a symbol of New York City, and was designated the status of a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Book your ticket and get whisked up to the top for spectacular views out over the city.

71. Mount Everest, China / Nepal

Mount Everest, located in the Mahalangur range of the Himalayas, is the highest mountain on Earth at 8,848 m, with the border between China and Nepal running across its summit.

Since it was first climbed in 1953, Mount Everest has attracted keen climbers from all over, with two main climbing routes, one starting in southeast Nepal and the other in the north of Tibet in China – do you dare to rise to the challenge?

Just how tough is it to climb Mount Everest?

72. Rainbow Mountain Peru

Mount Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain , is a mountain in the Andes in Cusco, Peru.  

With its highest peak at 5,200m, Vinicunca is full of desert landscapes, snow-capped peaks and lots of alpacas!

Though South America isn’t short on a hike or two, this one comes with close-up views of the multi-coloured mountains and its picturesque surroundings.

73. Matterhorn, Switzerland

The Matterhorn is located in the Swiss Alps. At 4,478 m, it is one of the largest mountains in Europe and the Alps. Surrounded by glaciers, the Matterhorn is an incredibly beautiful site, with an almost symmetrical peak.

Skilled mountaineers can climb to the top of the mountain, but even if that’s not you, we pretty much guarantee you’ll be blown away by views of the mountain up close.

74. Fitz Roy, Argentina / Chile

Mount Fitz Roy is a mountain in Patagonia, located in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field near El Chaltén on the border of Argentina and Chile .

First climbed in 1952, today it still remains one of the most challenging climbs on Earth with its highest point at 3,405 m.

Not quite up to the challenge? You can hike to the base of the mountain from El Chalten without too much difficulty.

75. K2, China / Pakistan

K2, also known as Mount Godwin Austen, is the second highest mountain in the world, at 8611 metres high, located on the border between China and Pakistan.

Not many dare to climb K2 as it is so dangerous. K2 is sometimes called the ‘Savage Mountain’, with a terrifying one out of four climbers never making it back.

76. Table Mountain, South Africa

Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town in South Africa . The mountain is just over 1,085 metres tall and 3km from either side.

Visitors either hike up to the top or get the cable-car up (hint: do the hike, it’s awesome). Once at the top, the sweeping views of the city are incredible.

Cape Town is often chosen as one of the most spectacular cities in the world, and the views from Table Mountain give you a good idea why.

77. Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park is Canada’s national playground. Forming part of the Rockies National Park, Canada’s first national park, Banff’s highest peak is Bonnet Peak at 3,235 m.

The beautiful snow capped mountains surrounded by lush green forests and charming lakes are too tempting not to explore – doing so should be on your list of things to do before you die.

78. Mount Huangshan, China

Mount Huangshan is a mountain range is the Anhui Province in Eastern China, with its top height reaching 1,864 metres. Mount Huangshan and its surrounding area is well known for its scenery, sunsets, lush vegetation and incredible views.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, Mount Huangshan is known as ‘the loveliest mountain in China’. Even more reason to see it with your own eyes.

79. Atlas Mountains, Morocco

The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range in north west Africa. Their highest peak is Jebel Toubkal at 4,167 metres high and located in Morocco.

Its lush valleys, snow-capped peaks and traditional Berber villages make trekking in the Atlas Mountains a fantastic experience.

The Atlas Mountains are a relatively short trip from Marrakech and well deserving of a detour from the charming city.

80. Mont Blanc, France

Mont Blanc (meaning ‘White Mountain) is located in the Graian Alps, which run between France and Italy.

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and in Europe at 4,808m, and is very popular for hiking, mountaineering, snowboarding and skiing.

Seasoned skiers and snowboarders can hike up and ski or board down in the summer months – beware, the hike up is pretty tough.

81. Yellowstone SuperVolcano, USA

Yellowstone Super Volcano is located in the ethereal Yellowstone National Park , in the northwest of Wyoming, US.

Known for its super-volcanoes, crazily coloured lakes and ever-faithful geysers, Yellowstone might well be the US national park highest on your list of things to do before you die (though maybe Yosemite beats it to the first spot).

82. Popocatépetl Volcano, Mexico

Popocatépetl Volcano is an active volcano located in the Mexico, Puebla and Morelos states in Central Mexico.

At 5,426m high, it is the second-tallest peak in Mexico. You can visit the park surrounding the volcano from Mexico City – bear in mind that it is an active volcano, so you should check before you set out.

83. Mount Vesuvius, Italy

Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located in Naples, in Campania, Italy. The 1,280m volcano is best known for its eruption in 79AD that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum, and being the most densely populated volcanic region in the world.

However, despite the risk, the sight of the beautiful volcano standing tall over the city of Naples is truly amazing. You can undertake the hike to the top independently, or go on a guided hike to take advantage of the local knowledge.

84. Mount Etna, Italy

Mount Etna is a volcano between Messina and Cantania, in Sicily, Italy. At 3,330m high, it is Europe’s tallest active volcano, and Italy’s highest peak south of the Alps. Although it is one of the world’s most active volcano sites, in 2013 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty.

It’s a tough trek to the top, but the views once you get there are worth the sweat.

85. Mount Fuji, Japan

Mount Fuji is an active volcano located on Honshu Island, in the Southwest of Japan. At 3,770 metres tall, it is the highest mountain in Japan.

The mountain is one of Japan’s sacred sites – it’s not unusual for people to make a pilgrimage trek to the top.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, UNESCO has also recognised 25 locations within the Mount Fuji locality to be sites of cultural interest – meaning there’s plenty for you to do when you tick this one off your bucket list.

86. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones, located in the Kilimanjaro National Park in East Tanzania, Africa.

At 5,895 metres above sea level, it is the highest mountain in Africa. Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s best-known adventure spots and the hike to the top is a once in a lifetime experience.

87. Mauna Loa, USA

Mauna Loa is an active volcano located in Hawaii, United States. It’s considered to be the Earth’s largest volcano with an impressive 75,000 cubed km volume.

Although Mauna Loa has been erupting for at least 700,000 years and still erupts today, the eruptions are very fluid and tend to be non-explosive, so it is a very safe area to visit.

It’s a tough hike, even by Hawaiian standards, but when else will you get to climb the world’s largest volcano?

88. Mount Bromo, Indonesia

Mount Bromo is an active volcano located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, Indonesia, and is part of the Tengger massif, a volcano complex.

Sitting in the middle of a plain of sand, the beautiful 2300m volcano provides visitors with unparalleled views, which can be reached by taking a 2 hour walk to the top. Head up at night to catch sunrise at the top – an unforgettable experience.

89. Thrihnukagigur Volcano, Iceland

Thrihnukagigur Volcano is a dormant volcano near Reykjavík, Iceland, that covers 3,270 square metres and is 213m deep.

Opening to tourists in 2012, it is the only volcano in the world where you can take a lift down into the magma chamber. Such an incredible sight is totally deserving of a spot on your bucket list.

90. Mount Helen, USA

Mount Helen is an active volcano located in Skamania County in Washington State, United States – less than 100 miles away from Seattle. Mount St Helens is well known for its ash explosions and flows of gas and volcanic matter, especially during the notorious 1980 eruption.

The huge volcano is located in the Cascade Range which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a group of 452 active volcanoes dotted around the rim of the Pacific, all prone to eruption.

There are more than 200 miles of trails in the surrounding area – allowing you to see a different side of the volcano on two feet.

91. Masai Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve is a game reserve in Narok County in Kenya, Africa, that neighbours the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

It is famous for its wonderful animals and wildlife, including African leopards and Kenyan cheetahs, Masai lions, zebra, wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and over 470 species of bird. It is perfect for the animal lover.

Heading on a safari into the Masai Mara is one of the most popular travel bucket list ideas – when are you going to tick it off yours?

92. Amazon Rainforest, South America

The Amazon Rainforest is a rainforest that expands over Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, in South America.

The whole thing encompasses a huge 7 million square kilometres, and is home to 16,000 species of 390 billion trees, 2.5 million insect species and 2,000 mammal and bird species.

Eco-friendly luxury lodges, steamer boat cruises, incredible hikes – the only problem you’ll have when it comes to planning your trip to the Amazon is how much you can fit into the time you have.

93. The Serengeti, Tanzania / Kenya

The Serengeti is a region in Africa, expanding over northern Tanzania and in the south of Kenya, over 30,000 square kilometres.

The Serengeti is renowned for its large lion population, including 70 large mammal species, such as buffalos and gazelles, and 500 bird species, as well as a range of surroundings with everything from swamps to grasslands.

Book a safari for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

94. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of islands located in the Pacific Ocean over the Equator, such that the islands are in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

The islands are well known for their wildlife that are unique to just them, including giant tortoises, Galapagos finches and penguins, Galapagos hawks, fur seals and blue-footed boobies.

Walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and see the islands in their full glory on a several-day boat tour.

95. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, located in the Coral Sea, just off the coast in Queensland, Australia.

The reef system, which stretches over a nearly 350,000 square kilometre area, comprises over 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, this colourful place is home to millions of creatures, including dolphins, whales, fish, turtles and birds. 

On a sourer note, the Great Barrier Reef is being destroyed due to climate change, so who knows how much longer it will be around for? This beautiful place deserves a top spot on your list of things to do before you die.

96. Komodo Island, Indonesia

Komodo Island is a 390 square kilometre island, located in the middle of the Flores Sea and part of the Republic of Indonesia.

Named as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, this beautiful island is home to many species, including Javan deer, water buffalo and the 3km long Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth.

Komodo Dragons are notoriously dangerous but spying them in their natural habitat is a memorable experience.

97. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Addo Elephant National Park might not be South Africa’s best-known safari destination (that title has to go to Kruger), but it’s the one I loved the most.

Tucked away in the beautiful Addo region in the Eastern Cape, the Elephant National Park is the only place in the world where you can see the Big Seven (the big five plus Southern Whales and Great White Sharks) thanks to its ocean territory.

Safari in Addo Elephant National Park

98. The Danum Valley, Malaysia

The Danum Valley is located in Sabah Forest, Borneo, Malaysia . The 438 square kilometre Conservation Area is known for its Bornean orangutans, gibbons, 270 species of bird and the rare East Sumatran rhinos.

People come from all over to see these special creatures, and it is definitely worth a spot on your bucket list.

99. Kangaroo Island, Australia

Kangaroo Island is an island off the coast of South Australia. The island is home to hundreds of species of wildlife including the Kangaroo Island Kangaroo, the Tammar Wallaby and Rosenberg’s Sand Goanna, which are all native to the island, as well as non-native creatures such as sea lions and koalas.

Visit the island to experience its wild and rugged beauty and wildlife spotting opportunities galore.

100. Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert is a savanna in Southern Africa that extends for over 900,000 square kilometres over Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

The Kalahari Desert is home to hundreds of exotic species of animals including brown hyenas, meerkats, the Kalahari lion, and many species of reptiles and birds.

A trip to the Kalahari is like stepping into another universe – one that will provide you will snaps (and memories) you’ll never forget.

There we are, 100 places for your travel bucket list. How many have you ticked off?

Looking For More Ideas for Your Bucket List?

• 100 Places to Visit in Europe You Shouldn’t Miss
• 100 Places to Visit in South America – The South America Bucket List
• UK Bucket List Ideas 

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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I alway love these kinds of lists. But “100” is an arbitrary number. Better to list the top things and get a list as long or short as it turns out to be. A few conspicuous omissions from the list: Antarctica; Madagascar’s Spiny Forest; slave forts of Ghana; underground stone-carved churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia; the palace complex and surrounds in Bangkok; and maybe the floating islands on Lake Titicaca. List should include a section on tribal people and unique cultures such as the tribes of the Omo Valley in SE Ethiopia and the Inuit of Canada, etc.; famous scenic train trips; best rivers & fjords to navigate. Nevertheless, a fun list! Have seen 61 of these, plan to see 15 still on my list. 23 others are nice but I don’t plan to see. 4 of them I have no interest in. (Been to a number of the countries the items are in, but not to see the listed items.)

Thanks for the suggestions – some really interesting ones there – if we update the piece, we’ll be sure to take your additions on board.

Colosseum is in Italy, not Greece (number 19), though it does mention Rome.

Great spot – obviously a typo slipped in there. Clearly meant to say Italy as I reference Rome 4 times in the para.

Um. Yosemite, then out to Hwy 395 in the Eastern Sierra of CA.

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World's Most Visited Tourist Attractions, Ranked

Most visited tourist attractions.

The world’s most visited tourist attractions stretch from San Francisco to Paris to Beijing, but they might not be what you expect. For example, Alcatraz doesn’t even make the top 50. The Eiffel Tower only sees about 7 million visitors each year, meaning it doesn't land in the top 20. The Great Wall and the Louvre see a mere 9 million visitors per year, less than a quarter of the crowds the top attraction in the world pulls in. And there's a lot of theme parks.

Still, the list is full of favorites, including several you've probably been to — or at least have on your bucket list. But as anyone who's been shoved up against a throng of sweaty bystanders knows, the most popular attractions in the world aren't always the most pleasant to visit, thanks to everyone else wanting to see them at the same time as you. 

Luckily, there are ways to avoid at least some of the crowds when checking out the world's most popular sites.

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.  

50. Nagashima Spa Land — Kuwana, Japan

Annual visitors: 5.8 million

Nagashima Spa Land Resort is comprised of five sections: the 50-ride Nagashima Spa Land Amusement Park, Nabana no Sato flower park, the 200-store Mitsui Outlet Shopping Park; Joyful Water Park; and Nagashima Onsen, a hot spring complex.

The park is busy year-round, though it’s at its most crowded during the warmer months, particularly in June, July, and August when temperatures rise and locals head to the massive swimming pools at the water park. Throughout the year, weekends and holidays also see more visitors.

*Note: The annual visitor numbers listed are taken from 2018 and 2019, before the 2020 pandemic affected tourism data.

Nagashima Spa Land Tip

Shoulder season months like September, October, April and May combine pleasant weather with more manageable visitor numbers, while the coldest months (December to February) see far fewer crowds.

The park is open for reduced hours and some attractions (like the water park) aren’t open, but there are virtually no lines during this time.

Where to stay: Family Lodge Hatagoya Wangan Nagashima 

48. Palace of Versailles — Versailles, France (Tie)

Annual visitors: 5.9 million

France’s Palace of Versailles served as the royal residence of France from 1682 until the start of the French Revolution in 1789.

Located about 12 miles southwest of Paris, the opulent castle, famed for its magnificent architecture, lavish furnishing and sprawling gardens, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the most popular attractions in Europe, the Palace is nearly always bustling, but crowds are at their densest during the busy summer travel season of late May through early September. Weekends are also busy all year round.

Palace of Versailles Tip

To stroll through the Palace like Marie Antoinette without a horde of peasants following you, visit on a weekday or go in the off-season; the colder months of November to March (excluding holidays) see far fewer crowds.

Regardless of the season, go early. The Palace gets busier in the late morning and afternoon, so plan to arrive before 10 a.m. to beat the rush.

Where to stay: Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace

48. Universal Studios Hollywood — Los Angeles, California, United States (Tie)

One of the oldest Hollywood film studios still in use, Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park, and was the first in the now large family of Universal Studios Theme Parks located around the world.

As with Universal Studios Orlando, one of its most popular attractions is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened in 2016, and features the thrill rides Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Flight of the Hippogriff, as well as the interactive Ollivander's Wand Fitting Experience and The Three Broomsticks restaurant.

The park is at its busiest during the holidays — including long weekends like MLK Jr. Day weekend, President's Day weekend and Memorial Day weekend as well as holiday weeks like spring break, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. 

Universal Studios Hollywood Tip

The best times to visit Universal are weekdays in January and February and September through December, excluding holidays.

Weather is generally mild all year round, so when the kids are back in school, visitors can still enjoy all the perks of the park, but with far fewer people and much shorter lines.

Where to stay: Sheraton Universal Hotel 

47. Bourbon Street — New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Annual visitors: 6 million

One of the most iconic streets in the world, and the center of New Orleans’ party scene, Bourbon Street is located in the Big Easy’s oldest neighborhood, the French Quarter.

The street extends for 13 blocks and is lined with bars, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Bourbon Street Tip

One easy way to avoid the bulk of the crowds is to stick to visiting during the day when it’s relatively quiet (one major exception: during Mardi Gras, when more than 100,000 people swarm the street).

The hot and sticky months of June through September are low season, as are December, January and Lent, the seven-week period after the festivities of Mardi Gras.

Where to stay: Bourbon Orleans Hotel  

45. Museum of Modern Art — New York, New York, United States (Tie)

Annual visitors: 6.1 million

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the largest and most influential modern art museums in the world, boasting more than 200,000 examples of modern architecture, design, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, prints, film and electronic media.

But be warned: The museum can easily become jam-packed with revelers.

Museum of Modern Art Tip

MoMA is especially crowded on Fridays after 4 p.m., when admission is waived as well as during Easter week, Thanksgiving week, between Christmas and New Year’s, Spring Break, during the summer and on rainy days.

To see MoMA’s works without jostling for space, go earlier in the day (particularly on Fridays, when most visitors will wait until the free time) or on Sunday.

Where to stay: The Jewel, a Club Quarters Hotel, Opposite Rockefeller Center 

45. Universal Studios Orlando, Florida, United States (Tie)

A theme park and production studio opened in 1990, Universal Studios Florida is part of the Universal Orlando Resort, and is themed around the idea that guests can "ride the movies."

Along with thrill rides and themed attractions, it includes several live shows spread across eight lands with surround a large lagoon. With the 2014 edition of Harry Potter's Diagon Alley, the park has become even more popular, especially during peak times: summer, school holidays, spring break, Easter, and the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holiday weeks.

Universal Studios Orlando Tip

The best time to visit for lower prices and smaller crowds are January through early March (avoiding holidays), and the second half of August through December (also avoiding holidays).

As with other parks, rainy days and weekdays also see fewer crowds.

Where to stay: Universal's Loews Sapphire Falls Resort  

43. Lincoln Memorial — Washington, D.C., United States (Tie)

Annual visitors: 6.2 million

A national monument built to honor its namesake, President Abraham Lincoln, the Lincoln Memorial is located on the western end of the National Mall across from the Washington Monument.

Dedicated in 1922, the memorial, a marble sculpture of a seated Lincoln, is housed in a large Greek-style temple with an inscription of two of Lincoln's famous speeches — "The Gettysburg Address" and his Second Inaugural Address — inside.

Lincoln Memorial Tip

The memorial is at its most crowded when the city is at its busiest, including during the National Cherry Blossom Festival (late March to early April) and holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

Summer and weekends in general are busier, while the winter months and weekdays are quieter. The memorial is open every day, 24 hours a day, so a visit late at night or early morning ensures a viewing with fewer crowds.

Where to stay: The Watergate Hotel  

43. Lake Mead — Nevada, United States (Tie)

Located on the Colorado River about 24 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States.

It’s formed by the Hoover Dam, and though that engineering marvel is often what draws visitors to the lake, the water also offers its own attractions, including boating, fishing, swimming and kayaking.

Lake Mead Tip

Summer is peak season on the lake and at the Dam, and holidays like the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Memorial Day are particularly packed.

To enjoy the lake’s watery wonders without thousands of fellow tourists, aim for a weekday in May or September. If swimming weather isn’t a consideration, go in January or February when crowds decrease significantly.

Where to stay: Viera Suite with Lake Views

41. Disney Hong Kong — Hong Kong (Tie)

Annual visitors: 6.7 million

Set on 68 acres, Disney Hong Kong consists of seven themed areas, including some from its American counterparts, like Main Street, U.S.A; Fantasyland; Adventureland; Tomorrowland; and Toy Story Land. Cast members speak Cantonese, English and Mandarin, and signs are in English as well as Chinese.

With a daily capacity of just 34,000 visitors, it’s the smallest (in terms of capacity) of all the Disney parks. That doesn’t mean it’s not busy though, and during peak times, its smaller size can make it feel more overwhelmed than some of the larger parks.

Disney Hong Kong Tip

The busiest times are during the hot, humid summer tourist season, weekends and holidays like Chinese New Year. Unlike some of the other parks, attendance can actually be lower here during the Christmas season.

Other great times to visit including weekdays and from September to April, excluding holidays.

Where to stay: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel

41. British Museum — London, England (Tie)

Dedicated to human history, art and culture, the British Museum is home to a collection of more than 8 million artifacts and works of art.

Opened in 1759, it was the first national public museum in the world and, to this day, it charges no admission fee.

British Museum Tip

The museum is always busy, even more so during the opening and closing weeks of special exhibitions, on Saturdays and on rainy days when people visit in droves to avoid London’s gloom.

To beat the bulk of the crowds, visit on a weekday (Tuesdays see particularly light crowds), Sunday or Friday evening.

Where to stay: NYX Hotel London Holborn by Leonardo Hotels  

39. Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea (Tie)

Annual visitors: 6.8 million

Lotte World is a recreation complex that includes both indoor and outdoor amusement parks areas, an artificial island on a lake linked by monorail, a Korean folk museum, aquarium, hotel, mall and movie theater.

The indoor park, Lotte World Adventure, happens to be the largest indoor theme park in the world. It has 22 rides as well as parades and shows, and the outdoor park, Magic Island, has 17 thrill rides.

Lotte World Tip

Despite its massive size, it can often feel quite crowded, especially during peak times: summer, weekends and holidays. Since the park has a large indoor space, it can also be very busy on rainy days and during the winter.

To avoid some of the crowds and spend less time in line, the best times to visit are Monday through Thursday, as well as the milder months during the spring (March and April) and fall (September and October).

Where to stay: Lotte Hotel World 

39. Everland Resort — South Korea (Tie)

South Korea's largest theme park, Everland, includes a zoo, a water park, several rides and roller coasters, four gardens and multiple shows. Peak season at the park runs from the third week of July until the end of the second week of August, as well as the weeks of Christmas and New Year.

Spring or fall generally means pleasant weather, fewer crowds and lower prices; however, there are some exceptions: including the last Friday of April through May, and from late October until mid-November, as many Koreans travel to see the fall leaves change.

Everland Resort Tip

To enjoy the park with far fewer crowds, visit in the the winter low season from late-November through early March (avoiding the holidays listed above).

Visiting mid-week anytime of year will also mean reduced crowds compared to the busier weekends.

Where to stay: The Soom Forest Hotel 

36. Eiffel Tower — Paris, France (Tie)

Annual visitors: 7 million

An icon of Paris, the world-famous Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel and constructed from 1887 to 1889 for the 1889 World’s Fair. It originally received harsh criticism from many locals but has since become one of the most enduring symbols of the city.

At 1,063 feet, it’s the tallest building in Paris and provides sweeping views of the city from its top-level observation deck, located at 906 feet.

Eiffel Tower Tip

An average of 25,000 people ascend the tower every day and the lines can be interminable. Skip-the-line tickets (or reservations at one of the Tower’s two restaurants) can help you avoid some of the waits for the lift, but if you don’t plan on going up in the tower and just want to avoid some of the crowds at ground level, plan to visit closer to sundown or on a weekday in winter.

The busiest times tend to be the summer months, particularly in July and August.

Where to stay: Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel 

36. National Air and Space Museum — Washington, D.C., United States (Tie)

A Smithsonian Institution museum, the National Air and Space Museum opened in 1976 and is dedicated to the history of aeronautics, aviation, and space technology and innovation. It’s also a center for research into planetary science and terrestrial geology.

Among the nerd-out items on display are the Apollo 11 command module, Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis" and the Wright brothers' plane.

National Air and Space Museum Tip

To avoid the bulk of the aviation-loving crowd, visit in the afternoon, as the museum is at its busiest in the mornings.

Like much of D.C., it’s also more crowded during the summer, so a winter visit all but guarantees you’ll enjoy a bit more breathing room among the historic planes and aviation artifacts (while simultaneously beating DC’s oppressive summer heat).

Where to stay: Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall 

36. Victoria Peak— Hong Kong (Tie)

Annual Visitors: 7 million

A mountain on the western half of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak towers 1,811 feet above the city. As the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, it’s a popular spot to see Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour and Lamma Island from above.

It’s also home to several restaurants and two shopping malls, one of which is connected to the upper station of the Peak Tram, a funicular railway that brings passengers up from sea level to take in the staggering views from the top.

Victoria Peak Tip

Weekends and public holidays are the busiest times to visit, especially from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., when crowds head to the peak for a bird’s-eye-view of the Victoria Harbour light show.

Weekdays and mornings before 9 a.m. are the best times to go avoid some of the largest crowds.

Where to stay: Bishop Lei International House 

35. Ocean Park Hong Kong — Hong Kong

Annual visitors: 7.4 million

Opened in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong is an oceanarium and amusement park set on 226 acres and separated into two areas, known as the Summit and the Waterfront, which are connected by a cable car and funicular. The park features rides like roller coasters as well as animal exhibits, such as a giant panda habitat and a large aquarium.

Here, as in much of Hong Kong, crowds are unavoidable, though the hordes peak on weekends, particularly Saturdays, and during Chinese holidays such as New Year (in January or February), Dragon Boat Festival (May) and Mid Autumn Festival (October).

Ocean Park Tip

The best time to visit the park is during off-peak season (the sticky, sweaty months of May to September) and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Shoulder season, the months of September to December, brings better weather and crowds are moderate.

Any time of year, you can skip some of the time waiting in line at the park entrance by buying tickets online or at any 7-Eleven store in Hong Kong.

Where to stay: Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel 

34. Disney California Adventure Park - Anaheim, California, United States

Annual visitors: 7.7 million

Disney California Adventure Park, part of The Walt Disney Company, is a 72-acre park in Anaheim themed after the history and culture of California. Opened in 2001, it incorporates themes and characters from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, including "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Cars," "Frozen," "Toy Story" and "Monsters, Inc."

Though it’s one of the less popular Disney properties, it’s by no means unpopular, and during peak times, it can feel as crowded as any other Disney park on a busy day. It’s at its busiest in summer, on holidays and school breaks, and on weekends.

Disney California Adventure Tip

To avoid the throngs, follow the best practices for most other Disney parks: go midweek, make a beeline for the top attractions first, and aim for popular attractions during off-peak times, such as when most people are dining.

The best months to visit include the off-season months of November to February (avoiding holidays) as well as the shoulder-season months of March, April, September and October.

Where to stay: Disneyland Hotel 

33. Islands of Adventure, Universal — Orlando, Florida, United States

Annual visitors: 7.9 million

Universal's Islands of Adventure opened in 1999 as part of an expansion of Universal Studios Florida. It features eight themed lands, including the incredibly popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the newest land, Skull Island, themed around King Kong.

The busiest times at the park include New Year’s and the days after, Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, March to April (during various spring break weeks), late-May to early-August, Thanksgiving week and Christmas through New Year’s. Conversely, the best times to visit are January and February and weekdays from September through December, avoiding holidays. 

Islands of Adventure Tip

September is generally considered the most optimal time for those who don’t want to sacrifice mild weather for shorter lines. Kids have just returned to school, so fewer families are visiting, but temperatures are still warm.

Fall’s Halloween Horror Nights have made the month more popular (particularly on Friday nights), but crowds are still significantly reduced from summer highs.

Where to stay: Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites 

32. Smithsonian National Museum of History — Washington, D.C., United States

Annual visitors: 8 million

The National Museum of Natural History is part of D.C.’s Smithsonian Institution, located on the National Mall in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Opened in 1910, it has 325,000 square feet of exhibition space that houses more than 126 million specimens — including plants, animals and fossils — and more than 1,000 staff members, including 185 professional natural-history scientists.

Smithsonian Tip

The museum offers free admission and is open nearly every day of the year — and it sees large crowds nearly every day of the year as well. For a less-crowded experience, go on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, and definitely avoid Saturdays and school holidays.

It’s also busier during summer, especially from mid-May through the end of July. September and February tend to be the slowest months.

Where to stay: Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf  

31. Sydney Opera House — Sydney, Australia

Annual visitors: 8.2 million

Formally opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Though its purpose is hosting more than 1,500 performances each year, the bulk of the tourists come simply to see the exterior of one of this century’s most famous works of architecture.

In fact, while 1.2 million people attend a performance and 350,000 visitors take a guided tour of the building each year, many visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage Site never actually set foot inside it.

Sydney Opera House Tip

If a photo of the exterior framed against the harbor is all you need, head to the relatively quiet Blues Point Reserve, which offers beautiful views of both the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Otherwise, plan your visit to Sydney during Australia’s winter — from June to August.

Where to stay: Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour 

30. Pier 39 — San Francisco, California, United State

Annual visitors: 8.5 million

Located on the north edge of San Francisco, near the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 is most famous as the home of a massive group of California sea lions, who regularly (and noisily) haul themselves out of the water to laze on the adjacent dock.

Other attractions include several shops, an arcade, a large double-decker carousel and the Aquarium of the Bay.

Pier 39 Tip

Summer is peak tourist season in San Francisco, which also means lots of people convening at the Pier. However, it’s not peak season for the sea lions, who head to breeding grounds on the Channel Islands for most of June and July.

They’re back from late summer to late spring; to see them in peace, visit during the months of November through March. Crowds are also thinner earlier in the morning and around sunset.

Where to stay: Hotel Zephyr San Francisco 

28. South Street Seaport — New York, New York, United States (Tie)

Annual visitors: 9 million

A designated historic area along the East River, the South Street Seaport is home to some of the oldest buildings in downtown Manhattan as well as New York’s largest concentration of restored early-19th-century commercial buildings.

Among these are several renovated mercantile buildings and refurbished sailing ships and the former Fulton Fish Market, which opened in 1822 as one of the city’s first open-air fish markets.

South Street Seaport Tip

These days, the seaport is a commercial hub of a different kind, with a tourist mall offering several dining and shopping options. As with most of New York, the South Street Seaport sees the largest crowds during the summer months and on weekends.

To visit it with fewer tourists, go in winter or on a rainy day. Or visit early in the day or late in the evening.

Where to stay: M Social Hotel Times Square New York 

28. Great Wall of China — Beijing, China (Tie)

Built over centuries starting as early as the seventh century B.C., the Great Wall of China is a series of stone, brick, wood and earthen fortifications that stretch more than 13,000 miles from east to west across the country. The wall served as both a barrier to invaders and a border to regulate trade and immigration, and its stone towers functioned as lookouts, barracks and stations for smoke signals.

Today, the aptly named Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s recognized as one of the world’s most impressive man-made structures. It’s also incredibly crowded, especially at its easier-to-access sections, such as Badaling near Beijing. Those areas are at their most jam-packed during Golden Week (beginning of October), the Labor Day holiday (end of April to beginning of May) and the Spring Festival (40 days in February and March).

Great Wall of China Tip

Peak time in Badaling tends to be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., so going earlier or later will help you avoid some of the fray.

Another option is to visit some of the less developed spots, such as Jinshanling and Huanghua Cheng, which are only partly restored, or Jiankou and Zhuangdaokou, which are even more decrepit (and should only be visited by fit travelers up for the challenge of steep climbs and crumbling stones).

Where to stay: Commune by the Great Wall, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt 

26. Musée du Louvre — Paris, France (Tie)

Annual visitors: 9.2 million

The Louvre Museum is the world's largest art museum, housing more than 38,000 objects in its 782,910 square feet of space. Located in what was originally the 12th-century Louvre castle, it’s now most recognizable by the glass pyramid, designed by I. M. Pei,  that marks its entrance.

The Louvre has appeared in countless movies, including “The Da Vinci Code” and “Wonder Woman,” and is home to one of the world’s most iconic paintings, the “Mona Lisa.”

Lines to enter the museum regularly snake throughout its expansive inner courtyard, particularly in the peak summer months of June, July and August. Winter sees far fewer visitors. Additionally, the museum is open late (until 9:45 p.m.) on Wednesdays and Fridays, and come dinner time, the crowds tend to thin out.

Regardless of when you go, you can bypass some of the crowds by buying skip-the-line tickets in advance, or heading to one of the lesser-known entrances away from the glass pyramid (at Porte des Lions or the Galerie du Carrousel).

Where to stay: Hôtel du Louvre, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt 

26. Navy Pier — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Tie)

Originally opened to the public as the “Municipal Pier” in 1916, the 3,300-foot-long Navy Pier sits on the edge of Lake Michigan on Chicago’s North Side. In its lifetime, it’s been home to a jail and a training center for the U.S. Navy.

Today, it boasts multiple theaters, a park and indoor botanical garden, more than a dozen restaurants, a beer garden, several amusement rides and the Centennial Wheel, a 200-foot-tall Ferris Wheel that gives riders 360-degree views of the city and lake below.

Navy Pier Tip

Despite the fact that many Chicagoans wouldn’t be caught setting foot on the pier, it’s the city’s top tourist attraction, and in summer, it’s swarmed with visitors. The winter months (November to March) see far fewer tourists due to Chicago’s famously frigid temps. Other less crowded times are midweek, early in the morning or closer to sunset.

To avoid the hordes, skip a visit on July 4 or over Memorial Day or Labor Day weekends.

Where to stay: LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton  

25. Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Tennessee, United States

Annual visitors: 9.6 million

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches across the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and encompasses the Great Smoky Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, Established in 1934, the park is the most visited national park in the United States and is home to an estimated 187,000 acres of old-growth forest and the densest black bear population in the Eastern United States.

The park has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it contains five historic districts and nine buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The peak sees peak crowds during the summer (June-August) as well as in October. It’s also busier on weekends, particularly long weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.

Great Smoky Mountains Tip

To see more of the park’s natural beauty without the crowds, visit during the off-season. Mid-September sees fewer crowds than busy October, though fall foliage isn’t yet at its peak. January to March are also much slower, though these months often see snowfall. For the best mix of good weather and low crowds, early spring (late March to mid-May) is a good compromise. 

Visiting early in the day or later in the evening can also assure fewer crowds, as can simply walking; much of the park’s natural beauty is easily accessible from the road, but those who take to the trails, will leave the crowds behind as they venture farther away from the pavement.

Where to stay:  Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown 

24. Universal Studios Japan — Osaka, Japan

Annual visitors: 9.7 million

Universal Studios Japan opened in 2014 and has 10 themed areas, including perhaps its most famous and popular attraction, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," which includes a series of shops, rides, and restaurants based on the books and movies. Other rides and shows are themed around internationally beloved characters including Sesame Street, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Spiderman, and Shrek.

As with other theme parks in Japan, and Japan in general, it’s more crowded during warmer months (May to September), during holidays, and during cherry blossom season (late March-early April). Other popular times include Golden Week (end of April to the beginning of May), Tenjin Matsuri (July 24-25), New Year's, Thanksgiving Day weekend (end of November), the Emperor’s Birthday (23rd of December) as well as school holidays (the last week of November and winter holidays, from Dec. 20 to Jan. 6) and the “Bon” festival season, the week around Aug. 15.

Universal Studios Japan Tip

Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days to visit as well as the months of January (after Jan. 6, when New Year crowds have dissipated) and February — two of the coldest months of the year.

Avoiding holidays, October through December offer the best of both worlds: milder weather and reduced crowds.

Where to stay:  The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan  

22. Disney Hollywood Studios - Bay Lake, Florida, USA (Tie)

Annual visitors: 9.9 million

At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park that opened in 1989 (originally knowns as the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park).

The 135 acre-park is dedicated to film, television, music and theater, and is divided into six themed lands with attractions based on "Star Wars," "Toy Story," "Frozen" and other classics. As with other Disney parks, particularly those based in Florida, it’s busy year-round, but crowds swell during the summer months, winter and spring breaks, and over the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Long weekends also see bigger crowds.

Hollywood Studios Tip

To make the most of your time and avoid long lines, go mid-week during the off-season or shoulder-season, such as the weeks in December or January right before/after the holidays.

September, October and February also see fewer crowds.

Where to stay:  Walt Disney World Dolphin 

22. Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Orlando, Florida, United States (Tie)

A zoological theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort, Animal Kingdom is the largest theme park in the world, covering 580 acres. Opened in 1998, it is themed around the natural environment and animal conservation, two subjects dear to Walt Disney himself.

Millions of visitors come to see the park’s exhibits, which include thousands of wild animals in recreations of their natural habitat, and like at the other parks, the bulk of those visitors come during the summer months, school breaks, holidays and weekends.

Animal Kingdom Tip

Like the other parks in the Disney empire, the Animal Kingdom offers Extra Magic Hours on select mornings to guests staying at Disney hotels. For guests who have this perk, it’s a great time to go without the crowds. If you don’t have this perk, though, it’s best to avoid these mornings because, by the time you get to your first attractions, all the Extra Magic Hour people will already be in line.

Arriving early at Animal Kingdom is recommended, as many of the animals retreat to shady spots when the afternoon heat hits. A visit in the afternoon may mean fewer crowds, but it might also mean less opportunity to see the animals.

Where to stay:  Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge 

20. Plaza de la Constitución — Mexico City, Mexico (Tie)

Annual visitors: 10 million

More commonly referred to as the Zócalo, Mexico City’s sprawling central square is the gathering place for military parades, concerts, festivals, and political and cultural events.

It’s also adjacent to other top tourist attractions in the city, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, which means it sees a lot of foot traffic even when there’s no event taking place.

Plaza de la Constitución Tip

Mexico City’s slowest tourist season is November to March.

If you visit during these months — and avoid holidays like Dia de Los Muertos (October 31 to November 2), Christmas and New Year’s — you might even have much of it to yourself.

Where to stay:  Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico 

20. Pike Place Market — Seattle, Washington, United States (Tie)

One of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States, Pike Place Market has been bringing fresh fish, flowers, produce and other goods direct from farmers, producers and craftspeople to Seattleites since 1907. Seattle’s most popular tourist attraction, it takes up eight buildings and is home to nearly 500 vendors.

On weekends, the market hums with activity as locals do their shopping, tourists queue up at the original Starbucks, and both groups dine on delicious clam chowder, doughy Russian piroshkis and freshly cracked crab.

Pike Place Market Tip

Big crowds are all but guaranteed on weekends and during summer afternoons when cruise ship passengers flood the city.

The market is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and is at its quietest before 11 a.m. or closer to closing.

Where to stay: Inn at the Market 

19. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade - Hong Kong

Annual visitors: 10.1 million

The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is one of the busiest and most crowded spots in a busy and crowded city.

It’s home to half of the major museums in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art and Hong Kong Science Museum, as well as hundreds of shops and restaurants.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade Tip

The promenade is also an ideal place to admire the view of the Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Harbour. There’s no avoiding crowds on the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, but you can see it with slightly fewer people if you visit in the low season (the hot, humid and typhoon-prone months of July and August).

At all costs, avoid Golden Week, which takes place twice per year in January or February (around Chinese New Year) and October.

Where to stay:  Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers 

18. Sacre Coeur — Paris, France

Annual visitors: 10.5 million

Sacre Coeur (the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris) is in the Montmartre neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement. Set on Montmartre hill, the area is the highest point in Paris. Built between 1875 and 1914, it’s one of Paris’s younger attractions, but it holds significance as a political and cultural monument and the center of the city’s most bohemian, artistic neighborhood.

Crowds that climb the many steps (or ride the funicular) to the top of Montmartre hill not only get to see the famous basilica, they also get a spectacular view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Sacre Coeur Tip

Sacre Coeur is open from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day.

The dome closes at 7 p.m. in the summer and 6 p.m. in winter, so if you’re less concerned with climbing the 300 steps of the dome and just want to see the interior, come later at night to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

Where to stay:  Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur 

17. Epcot Park, Orlando, Florida, United States

Annual visitors: 11 million

Part of Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort Epcot Park opened in 1982 as a futuristic celebration of human achievement. Covering 305 acres, it’s more than twice the size of the adjacent Magic Kingdom and has a focus on technology and culture.

A sort of “permanent world’s fair,” its name stands for "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” and it’s comprised of two main ares, Future World and World Showcase. The latter is made up of 11 pavilions representing the food and culture of countries around the world.

While Epcot Park isn’t as popular as other Disney parks, it still sees its fair share of visitors and, like the other parks, is busiest during the summer, on weekends, and over holidays including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve and Day.

The best time to visit for fewer crowds is on a weekday in September, January or February, avoiding holiday weekends.

Epcot Park also offers Extra Magic Hours on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings, so guests staying in Disney hotels can visit before or after the park is officially closed and enjoy the attractions with fewer fellow guests.

Where to stay: Resort Lake Buena Vista Vacation Home

16. Disneyland Paris — Paris, France

Annual visitors: 11.2 million

Originally known as Euro Disney Resort when it opened in 1992, Disneyland Paris spans 140 acres and is largely modeled after the original Disney parks in Anaheim and Orlando, right down to the centerpiece fairy tale castle. Its five-themed lands house 49 attractions, including classics like Thunder Mountain.

A mid-week visit (Tuesday to Thursday), particularly during mid-January through mid-March or from mid-April through mid-May, guarantees shorter lines, but it also means some attractions may be closed.

Disneyland Paris Tip

As with other Disney resorts, it sees peak crowds on weekends, during the summer, during major holidays like Bastille Day on July 14 and when schoolchildren are on break.

If a visit in peak season is unavoidable, the same tricks apply as at other parks: aim for the big-name rides first, and get in line for the most popular attractions during off-peak hours, such as meal times.

15. Tokyo Disney Sea - Tokyo, Japan

Annual visitors: 12.6 million

Tokyo DisneySea is the second theme park within the Tokyo Disney Resort. It was also the fastest theme park to reach the milestone of 10 million guests, which it hit just 307 days after its grand opening, and the hype hasn’t dissipated. The park features seven distinct lands, each with a nautical theme, and it’s just about always busy.

As with much of Japan, it’s busier during the warmer months of May to September, during cherry blossom season in late March and early April and during national holidays. To explore the park with fewer fellow guests, go in the off-season — you’ll trade colder temperatures and more fickle weather for shorter lines — or stick to weekdays.

Tokyo Disney Sea Tip

Guests who stay overnight at one of Tokyo Disney Resort theme parks’ hotels, get Happy 15 Entry privileges, which means they can enter the park 15 minutes before regular opening time.

It’s not a huge lead, but that 15 minutes can mean getting in line for a popular attraction or obtaining a FastPass ticket (which allows you to skip the line at a selected attraction) before everyone else.

Where to stay: Tokyo Disneyland Hotel  

14. Golden Gate Park — San Francisco, California, United States

Annual visitors: 13 million

San Francisco’s largest urban park sprawls over 1,000 acres.

It’s the second most visited city park in the world and is home to several of the city’s iconic attractions and best museums, including the DeYoung Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, several windmills and lakes, a carousel and even a bison paddock.

Golden Gate Park Tip

On weekends and during popular events like the Bay to Breakers race and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and Outside Lands music festivals, the park buzzes with activity.

For a quieter experience, stick to weekdays, early mornings and the off-season (late fall through early spring).

Where to stay:  The Gables Inn - Sausalito 

13. Notre-Dame Cathedral — Paris, France

Annual visitors: 13.6 million (before April 2019)

Completed in 1345, Notre-Dame Cathedral was an icon of Paris for nearly 700 years.

Set along the banks of the Seine river, seeing its gargoyles and towers topped most tourists’ Paris bucket list.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Tip

The Notre-Dame Cathedral  burned down in April 2019. While there are plans to rebuild, that likely won't start until 2022.

But once completed, you better believe the tourists will be back in droves.

Where to stay:  Hôtel Le Notre Dame Saint Michel 

12. Tokyo Disney Resort — Tokyo, Japan

Annual visitors: 14.8 million

Opened in 1983, the 115-acre Tokyo Disney Resort was the first Disney park to be built outside the United States. The park has seven themed areas including four traditional Disney lands: (Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland) and plenty of classic Disney rides featuring beloved characters, including Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventures and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

Like other Disney parks, crowds here peak on weekends, major public holidays, during the summer high season, and during Golden Week (which usually runs from the end of April to the beginning of May) and New Year's holidays.

Tokyo Disney Resort Tip

To avoid the bulk of the crowds, visit midweek, on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, particularly in January (after Jan. 6, when New Year’s visitors have gone home) and February.

Crowd size can also vary quite a bit with the weather; rainy days mean some rides might close, but it also means fewer people to contend with if the rain stops and rides reopen.

Where to stay: Tokyo Disneyland Hotel 

11. Grand Bazaar — Istanbul, Turkey

Annual visitors: 15 million

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar more than lives up to its name. It’s one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, encompassing more than 61 covered streets and 4,000 shops selling everything from hand-painted ceramics and silk carpets to delicate jewelry and fragrant spices.

Grand Bazaar Tip

It’s easy to get lost in its labyrinth of halls, and even easier to get overwhelmed by the crowds during peak times.

Fridays are typically less crowded, as are early mornings and late afternoons when you’re more likely to encounter locals doing their shopping than throngs of cruisers and tour groups.

Where to stay: Grand Bazaar Hotel 

10. Forbidden City — Beijing, China

Annual visitors: 15.3 million

Beijing’s Ming Dynasty palace — the largest ancient palace in the world — has been standing since 1420.

Once the home of Chinese emperors, the 180-acre complex of 980 buildings is now home to the Palace Museum. Visitor numbers are limited to 80,000 per day, and during peak periods like July, August, Chinese national holidays, Spring Festival and Golden Week (held twice per year around Chinese New Year and in October), it can sell out before midday.

Forbidden City Tip

Your best bet: Go early, aim for a weekday, and visit during the low season from November through March (holidays excluded).

Where to stay: Jade Garden Hotel Beijing Forbidden City 

9. Disneyland Park — Anaheim, California, United States

Annual visitors: 15.9 million

Opened in 1966, the original 85-acre Disneyland Park consists of eight themed “lands” including favorites like Main Street, U.S.A.; Frontierland; Fantasyland; and Tomorrowland. Attracting both visitors and season-pass-holding locals, it’s consistently busy, especially on weekends, during the summer, and over school holidays, when crowds surge and the “happiest place on earth” can be anything but.

Off-season months include January through March and September through December, when kids are in school and fewer people are traveling to Southern California. Of course, within that window, Christmas, New Year's and Spring Break are busier times, while weekdays, especially those that fall a few days after a major holiday, tend to be quieter.

Disneyland Tip

During peak times, head to the most popular attractions early or during times when the bulk of the crowds are focused on other events or dining.

Where to stay: Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

8. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom — Orlando, Florida, United States

Annual visitors: 17.5 million

Opened in 1971, Disney’s second theme park surpasses the Anaheim original by nearly 2 million annual visitors. Part of the larger Walt Disney World Resort (which encompasses three other parks, four golf courses, and two dozen hotels), it’s the most popular theme park in the world.

As such, it’s pretty much always busy, but particularly so in summer and on holidays. Because it’s most popular with families, when kids are out of school, crowds surge, lines for attractions can be hours long, and it’s nearly impossible to score a seat at a table-service restaurant.

Magic Kingdom Tip

To avoid the bulk of the chaos, go January through early March or September through December, but avoid weekends, holidays and dates of special events like the Disney World Marathon. While temperatures may be cooler during these months, lines are also significantly shorter. 

If you must go during peaks times, line up for the most popular rides during the nightly parade, during meal times, or during Extra Magic Hours, which are available to guests staying in Disney hotels. The perk allows these guests to enter the park one hour prior to the official opening, or stay up to two hours after the park closes to the general public.

Where to stay: Disney's Art of Animation Resort 

7. Faneuil Hall — Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Annual visitors: 18 million

Once the scene of speeches from the likes of Samuel Adams and George Washington, Faneuil Hall is known as “the Cradle of Liberty” for its role in pre-Revolution America.

Today, it’s a bustling marketplace with more than 100 specialty shops, restaurants and food vendors — as well as Boston’s tallest Christmas tree each holiday.

Faneuil Hall Tip

The pedestrian-only streets around Faneuil Hall are always bustling, and even more so during lunchtime and during the Boston Marathon weekend.

To see it in all its historical glory without the crowds, come during off-hours (early morning or late afternoon), or brave the Boston winter when the city is relatively quiet.

Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station 

6. Grand Central Station — New York, New York, United States

Annual visitors: 21.6 million

A U.S. National Historic Landmark, Grand Central Station covers 48 acres and has 44 platforms that bring more than 750 trains in and out of the city each day. For commuters, it’s a vital transit hub, while for visitors, it’s a beautiful, historic Beaux-Arts building with a painted ceiling featuring a map of the constellations.

It’s also home to some of the city’s most iconic bars and restaurants, like the Campbell Apartment, which you might recognize from “Gossip Girl,” and the Oyster Bar, which was featured on AMC’s “Mad Men” and serves a whopping 2 million oysters per year.

Grand Central Station Tip

In general, New York is a bit less crowded during the cold months.

To see Grand Central with fewer fellow travelers, avoid rush hour and go late at night or in the wee hours of the morning.

Where to stay:  The Westin New York Grand Central 

5. Niagara Falls — United States and Canada

Annual visitors: 22.5 million

Niagara Falls (which is actually three waterfalls) sits on the border of the U.S. and Canada, and its dual citizenship seems to attract double the visitors.

At “only” 165 feet, it’s not the tallest waterfall in the world, but it is one of the most powerful, pumping 6 million cubic feet of water over its edge every minute.

Niagara Falls Tip

Niagara is at its most crowded during the warmer months (late spring to early fall) when the Maid of Mist boat sails close to the thundering falls; come in early spring or late fall instead to see slightly fewer tourists, or pack your parka and visit in winter to have the place nearly to yourself.

Avoid long weekends and holidays (both Fourth of July and Canada Day), and book your tickets in advance to cut down on your time spent in lines.

Where to stay:  Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Niagara Falls 

4. Union Station — Washington, D.C., United States

Annual visitors: 32.8 million

D.C.’s main transit station sees more than 100,000 commuters every day — plus thousands of tourists who come to see its incredible Classical, Beaux-Arts and Baroque architecture and shop at its more than 70 stores.

Union Station Tip

Designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham and completed in 1908, the station is a stop on just about every D.C. tour, including the many school group tours that swarm D.C. in the warmer months, which means spring and early summer are particularly popular times to visit.

Come in fall or winter instead, avoid rush hour, and you might just get a glimpse of what it was like back in the 1940s — when the station served just 45,000 travelers each day.

Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill 

3. Central Park — New York, New York, United States

Annual visitors: 37.5 million

New York’s most famous green space covers nearly 850 acres in the middle of Manhattan, and though it’s the most visited park in the world, it still offers a lot of space to spread out.

Central Park Tip

One easy way to avoid the crowds is to seek out the less-visited areas of the park, like the Northern Woodlands north of 86th street or The Great Hill, a grassy hilltop that’s the highest point in the park (just avoid it when there’s an event like August’s annual Great Jazz on the Great Hill concert).

Early weekday mornings can also be quieter, and if you can brave the cold, a winter trip ensures you can see one of the world’s most iconic parks without feeling like you’re elbow to elbow with all of Manhattan.

Where to stay: Arthouse Hotel New York City 

2. Times Square — New York, New York, United States

Annual visitors: 39.2 million

Once one of the seediest spots in Manhattan, Times Square is now more like a cleaned-up theme park version of New York. Though New Yorkers might turn up their noses at it for not being part of the “real” NYC, tourists and theatergoers still flock to Times Square to check out its crowded chaos, marvel at its massive billboards and see famous Broadway shows.

Unfortunately, traffic swells right before said shows start and after they end, so your best bet for seeing Times Square with slightly more breathing room is in the early morning before rush hour, mid-afternoon or late evening after the theater crowd has gone home.

Times Square Tip

Chilly February is the least busy month, with “only” about 250,000 visitors per day.

Where to stay: The Kimpton Muse Hotel, an IHG Hotel  

1. The Strip — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Annual visitors: 39.6 million

The 4-mile-long Las Vegas Strip, Sin City’s main thoroughfare, is home to more than 30 casinos as well as the famous Bellagio fountains and the High Roller, a 550-foot-tall Ferris wheel that slowly rotates over the city lights.

More than 75 percent of all visitors to Vegas stay at hotels located on The Strip and during peak times — like during the Super Bowl, March Madness, Halloween and the Consumer Electronics Show — it can feel like they’re all there at once.

Sin City Tip

The better times to visit include midweek during winter (so long as there are no big conventions happening) and during the peak of summer when the desert’s sweltering temps keep the crowds inside or at the pool.

Where to stay: Wynn Las Vegas 

28 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the World

Written by Lana Law Updated Jan 12, 2024

Travelers are always looking for inspiration to guide their adventures. Coming up with a list of places to visit can be challenging when you're staring at a globe. What are the top tourist attractions in the world? The most iconic sites that all travelers have on their bucket-list of things to see around the globe?

Some destinations just stand out above the rest. Many are the type of places where you can take a photo, and it requires no explanation to identify the location: the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum. But some places are less well known to new travelers or those who have not yet ventured out to the more exotic destinations. These can often be the most rewarding to visit.

For many of these attractions, it's what they symbolize and the destinations they represent that make them so significant. In other cases, it is the site itself that makes it worth visiting the country. Some of these are the more popular UNESCO World Heritage sites .

If you're looking to start your own checklist of places to visit during your life, begin with our list of the top tourist attractions in the world.

1. Eiffel Tower, Paris

2. the colosseum, rome, 3. statue of liberty, new york city, 4. machu picchu, peru, 5. the acropolis, athens, 6. the taj mahal, india, 7. pyramids of giza, egypt, 8. great wall of china, 9. angkor wat, cambodia, 10. petra, jordan, 11. grand canyon, usa, 12. stonehenge, england, 13. borobudur, indonesia, 14. niagara falls, canada & usa, 15. bagan, myanmar, 16. sydney opera house, 17. mount kilimanjaro, 18. the louvre, paris, 19. forbidden city, china, 20. prague castle, czech republic, 21. chichen itza, mexico, 22. corcovado and cristo redentor, rio de janeiro, 23. château de versailles, france, 24. mount fuji, 25. central park, new york city, 26. alhambra, spain, 27. buckingham palace, london, 28. ubud, bali, indonesia.

The symbol of Paris and one of the most photographed structures in the world, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is a must for all travelers. Few landmarks inspire such a passion for travel as this single iron structure.

Young travelers heading out on the road for the first time, couples looking for a special getaway, artists looking to spur their creativity, and romantics of all types are all drawn to Paris. This is a city where history and culture collide and where travelers of all kinds can find the experience they're after.

Head up the tower for spectacular views over the city, and don't miss a chance to see the tower lit up at night.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris

The most famous and largest structure still standing from the Roman Empire, the Colosseum is also the biggest attraction of modern-day Rome . It's been a bucket-list destination of travelers for generations. And it does not disappoint.

Set in the heart of the city, the Colosseum is an easy place to visit. Direct flights from around the world land in Rome daily, making it a destination you can visit in a weekend if you choose. Wander through Rome's ancient streets, tour the colosseum, and if time allows, plan a trip to other areas of Italy .

America is full of great sights and places to visit , but it's the Statue of Liberty that represents the United States like no other place. This symbol of freedom in New York City was gifted by the French to the American people in 1896.

Of all the attractions in New York City , this is one every tourist must see. The best thing to do at the Statue of Liberty is to take a ride up to her crown and soak up the view over the city. Access to the statue is via ferry, also a highlight of a visit.

If you don't have time for a tour, you can still see the statue without leaving Manhattan. Head to Battery Park for the best views. You can also see the Statue of Liberty on a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry. See our guide to touring New York City by water on the NYC Ferry System .

If you are planning to see only one attraction in South America, this is the place to come. The ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu is arguably the most impressive ruined city in the world.

Much of the attraction comes from its location, high in the jungle-clad mountains of Peru. Set on a high plateau with soaring green mountains, the setting is surreal. The sheer tenacity of the original builders to create this amazing place in what would have been impenetrable jungle, is, in itself, impressive.

Visitor numbers are now limited to a maximum per day, so the experience has been greatly enhanced.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Peru

Perched above present day Athens , the Acropolis draws you up and in. Follow in the footsteps of the ancients as you walk up the same steps that have been walked on since 438 BC - 2,500 years.

Views out over the city are incredible as you walk between the meticulously restored ancient buildings. Near the end of the day, you'll want to linger and watch the sunset from the stairs near the entrance. This is a nightly ritual in Athens.

The site is also impressive looking up at it from the city below. Spend an evening dining on a rooftop patio to soak in the view of the hilltop ruins lit up at night.

Read More: Visiting the Acropolis in Athens: The Essential Guide

The Taj Mahal is the one sight in India that all travelers need to see. The country is filled with incredible cities and fabulous places to visit, but the 17th-century Taj Mahal in Agra is the one place that says you've been to India.

This mausoleum, commissioned by the Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is known internationally as a symbol of love. This fantastic structure, made with inlaid precious and semi-precious stones, has to be visited to be fully appreciated.

Its riverfront setting, surrounding gardens, and reflecting pools are also what make the Taj Mahal so special.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in India

If you've visited places like the Colosseum in Rome or the Acropolis in Athens, built over 2,000 years ago, you may think you have a good handle on ancient sites. But the Pyramids of Giza take ancient to a whole other level. These were built over 4,500 years ago. Tourists were coming to see these magnificent structures literally thousands of years ago.

Located just outside Cairo , the pyramids, which is also where you'll find the Sphinx, are easy to get to, and tours are easy to arrange. A sunset camel ride around the structures is a wonderful experience.

In a land of modern cities and towering skyscrapers, the Great Wall of China, built between the 14th and 17th centuries, is a stark contrast but a striking image that all visitors to China should see.

A stroll along the top of the wall provides an incredible view of the structure snaking off into the distance. The wall stretches an astounding 21,196 kilometers, through some remote areas.

Many travelers seeing the sights of China choose to visit the wall on easily organized tours from Beijing, a relatively short motorcoach ride away.

Surrounded by jungle and, in some cases, overgrown with huge trees and roots, the ancient structures of the Angkor complex may look like a movie set to some visitors.

Wandering through Angkor Wat, the main centerpiece of the complex, it's easy to feel like you've entered another era. This is without a doubt, one of the most impressive sites in Southeast Asia and the main reason many people visit Cambodia .

The stone faces peering out over the buildings and gates are images that you won't soon forget.

Angkor Wat is located just outside the city of Siem Reap, a popular tourist center in Cambodia.

You may have an Indiana Jones feeling as you walk through a 1.2-kilometer-long narrow crack in the sandstone hills and emerge into a hidden city. First built over 2,000 years ago and lost to the outside world for 600 years, the city was only discovered in 1812.

Stunning buildings are carved directly into the red rock walls and are wonderfully preserved, just begging to be explored and photographed.

If you arrive early, an eerie silence, coupled with long shadows, give this abandoned city a special feel.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Jordan

The greatest natural attraction in the United States, the Grand Canyon is a key sight for all travelers planning their lifetime of adventures. Standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon, looking out over the carved landscape, will awaken your senses.

Several hikes in the canyon and along the rim offer unique perspectives. Walk even a short distance down the Bright Angel trail to gain additional views and to experience what the canyon is like below the rim.

For even more adventure plan a rafting trip down the Colorado River through the canyon.

The Grand Canyon looks different throughout the day and at different times of the year. One trip is never enough. If you are going to add this place to your to-see list, consider what you want to do here to determine the best time to visit.

Read More: Top Attractions at the Grand Canyon

Stonehenge is one of those places that makes you ponder what went on here over 4,500 years ago. It's long been a mystery to historians, and has captured the imagination of countless visitors. Despite the large number of tourists that descend on Stonehenge, the place still has a mystical feel.

At the site, giant stones, some standing, some fallen, are set in two roughly circular patterns that are oriented to highlight the summer and winter solstices. For a truly memorable experience, plan your visit during one of these times.

An easy day trip from London , Stonehenge can easily be worked into your UK itinerary.

Set in a steamy jungle with three volcanoes providing the backdrop, Borobudur is Indonesia's top tourist attraction .

Borobudur dates from the 9th century and is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world. It's a fascinating place to wander about. Over 500 Buddhas are spread around the site, some of which sit under ornate stupas.

Try to visit early in the morning when you'll have the best chance of experiencing a bit of early mist, and the view to the volcanoes will be the clearest.

On the border between the United States and Canada, these great falls have been drawing explorers and travelers for centuries. Just over an hour from the city of Toronto, Niagara Falls is easy to get to, and the town is a fun place to spend a night or two.

Walk up to the edge of the falls, stroll along the paved walk lining the gorge for different views, or take a boat tour for a close-up look at the water pouring over the lip of the gorge above you. For a bird's-eye view, head up the Skylon Tower to look out over the falls.

At night, see the falls lit in different colors. If you're visiting in winter, watch the huge plume of mist rising into the sky above the falls.

Niagara Falls is easily reached from Toronto, Canada, or Buffalo, New York.

While this ancient site may not be on the average traveler's radar, it's another of Southeast Asia's bucket-list attractions.

Spread out over a lush plain are more than 10,000 sacred structures dating from 1044 through to 1287. Hire a bicycle and pedal your way from one amazing structure to the next, or take a tour. Some of the structures can be entered, but the real beauty is the sheer number that dot the landscape.

For an aerial view, consider taking a hot air balloon tour at dawn.

Like many other attractions around the world, the Sydney Opera House is one of those places that is easy to identify and obviously associated with Australia. A photo of yourself in front of the white sails screams Australia.

The Sydney Opera House was built in several stages and officially opened in late 1973. To fully experience the building, take a tour inside to see the unique shape and hear the exceptional acoustics.

Soak up the view from the Opera House area back towards the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The highest peak in all of Africa, this majestic mountain – a dormant volcano – is one of the most recognizable symbols of the continent. The snowcapped peak is an impressive 5,985 meters (19,340 feet) and is often the backdrop to photographs of the wild animals that roam Amboseli National Park and other areas.

You can see this beautiful sight from afar or tackle the multi-day hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro for the fantastic views over the land, and to watch the sunrise.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tanzania

If there is one museum in the whole world that you absolutely must see in your life, it's the Louvre. Even if you are not a fan of museums, this one is worth the trip to Paris to see.

Although most people know it as the home to the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa , this is just one of the reasons to visit the Louvre .

The museum holds countless masterpieces by the greatest artists that have ever lived. But even the building itself is an icon. The glass pyramids and the 18th-century building are recognizable to almost everyone, and have been shown in countless movies.

Like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, in Beijing is one of the top places to visit in China . The sprawling complex dates from the 14th and 15th centuries and is a spectacular example of historical China.

Over the centuries, the palace has housed 24 Ming and Qing Emperors. Inside the city, the Palace Museum holds over 340,000 artifacts showcasing the treasures of China's dynasties. In front of the Forbidden City is the massive Tiananmen Square .

Prague is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Sitting atop a hill across the river from the center of the city, Prague Castle casts an imposing aura over its surroundings. The castle is an incredible collection of buildings constructed from the 9th to 14th centuries.

Stroll over the ornate 14th-century Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River and head up the hill to wander the narrow, twisty streets in the castle complex . The castle is one of the largest in the world, and around almost every corner is a historical building, church, or open square.

The ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza have been drawing curious tourists since they were first brought to light by a popular book by John Lloyd Stevens in 1843. Today the site, located near the center of the Yucatan Peninsula, is one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The 30-meter-high Pyramid of Kukulkán has been restored to its full glory along with many of the other significant buildings, including the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, and the eerie Skull Platform.

Chichen Itza is located about 200 kilometers from Cancun and is easily accomplished in a day trip from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other areas of the Mayan Riviera either on your own or as part of a group.

Keeping a watchful eye over the citizens of Rio de Janeiro from his perch atop Corcovado mountain is the stunning statue of Cristo Redentor. This huge 30-meter-high statue with its arms wide open in a welcoming gesture has been one of Rio's top tourist attractions since 1931.

The harbor of Rio de Janeiro is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world . The views from the top of the 709-meter Corcovado look out over this beautiful sight, including Sugarloaf Mountain and the city perfectly poised for beautiful photographs. The best way to get to the top is a ride up through the forests of the Tijuca National Park on the 3.5-kilometer Corcovado Rack Railway.

The wealth and grandeur of 17th-century France is on display at the incredible Château de Versailles. The château and the grounds are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and should be near the top of your touring plans when in France.

The Château de Versailles has an unbelievable 2,300 rooms housing some of France's most impressive interior design work, especially in the world-famous Hall of Mirrors. Other important rooms include the King's State Apartment and the Queen's Apartment.

The grounds of the château encompass 800 hectares, and one of the most impressive sights is the Gardens (Les Jardins). Geometrical pathways follow immaculately trimmed hedges past serene pools all surrounded by lawns cut to within an inch of their life.

Mount Fuji is the most well-known and highest mountain in Japan. Often pictured snowcapped, this dormant volcano is both a spiritual site and one of the top tourist attractions in Japan . Soaring 3,776 meters high, Mount Fuji is one of three Holy Mountains, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hiking to the top of the mountain is a popular thing to do in Japan. Each year, nearly 300,000 people follow one of four routes to the top. One of the most popular things to do is time your hike so that you reach the summit just before sunrise.

Mount Fuji is located 100 kilometers east of Tokyo and is easily accessible via public transit and tours .

Read More: Exploring Mount Fuji: A Visitor's Guide

Loved by generations of New Yorkers and by people from around the world, Central Park is one of the most famous public spaces in the world. The backdrop to countless movies and television shows, the park's walkways, lakes, and historical sights have been drawing city dwellers and visitors since it was first created in 1858.

Some fun things to do in Central Park include taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park, visiting the Strawberry Fields Forever area and Imagine monument dedicated to the late John Lennon, renting a row boat, or just strolling under the towering trees. If you find yourself in the park in the cold season, ice skating is one of the most popular things to do in New York in winter . Going ice skating with your sweetie is also a romantic thing to do in New York.

The stunning Alhambra is perched high on the hills above the Spanish city of Granada and is a testament to the wealth and power of the Nasrid Dynasty of the 13th Century. A huge complex full of ornate gardens, lush courtyards, bubbling water features, and spectacular buildings make it one of Spain's top tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Count on a full day to explore the Alhambra with its incredible buildings which include the Palacios Nazaries consisting of the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), the Palacio de Comares (Palace of Ceremonial Rooms), and the Palacio de los Leones (Palace of the Lions). Views out over the city of Granada and the surrounding mountains from the ruins of the Alcazaba are among the highlights.

The stately palace located in the heart of London attracts millions of visitors every year. This iconic building and treasured monument is home to the ruling monarchy and its grand façade showcases the importance of the Royal Family in British society.

Highlights of a visit to Buckingham Palace include witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony where guardsmen with their red tunics and bearskin hats execute an intricate series of maneuvers.

If you find yourself visiting in the summer, try your best to get tickets for the tour through the grand State Rooms with their extensive and impressive collection of priceless art and period pieces.

A fun town with a Boho vibe, Ubud is high on the list of things to see and do in Bali . Located inland in a lush area, the town has a wide range of cultural and natural attractions. A must-see is the Sacred Monkey Forest , a dense site of towering trees, river gorges, historic temples, and of course, monkeys. Hundreds of monkeys live in this protected area and wander freely on the pathways providing non-stop entertainment.

Just out of town are the world-famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces . Descending from a ridge to the valley below, the terraces flow according to the landscape.

Ubud features prominently as a destination for shopping, many of Indonesia's best artisans have shops here selling everything from Batik fabrics to ornate jewelry.

Ubud is also known as a place to work on your inner well-being, countless yoga studios and wellness retreats are located here.

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The 60 most beautiful places in the world

By Katharine Sohn

Where are the most beautiful places in the world? On a planet home to flamingo-pink lakes in Mexico, plus vast, multi-coloured hills in the USA, green ripples of rice paddies in Indonesia and epic icescapes in Antarctica, it's hard to choose a favourite – but why pick one? From countries all around the world, these are our top 60 most beautiful places to visit.

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Scattered along Scotland 's west coast, this chain of isles is one of the country's most beautiful places to visit. Think shimmering white-sand beaches , sparkling seas and crowd-free hinterlands – it's one of the UK's last remaining secrets, and for good reason.

Douro Valley, Portugal

With endless rows of vines tumbling down hillsides and birds of prey swooping along the riverside, at first glance you'd think this place was anywhere but Europe. Right in the depths of Portugal , this valley is as romantic as it comes – hike along ridges, taste-test your way through the region's wine and cosy up in some of the country's very best hotels, before waking up and doing it all again.

Shark Bay, Australia

The most westerly point on mainland Australia is this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded before Captain Cook discovered land at Botany Bay, with Dutch explorers touching down here in the 17th century. The area is diverse – there’s a beach made up entirely of tiny white shells, stromatolites on the shore of Hamelin Pool and the salt mine at Useless Loop, which produces the purest grade of salt in the world and is only accessible via four-by-four – or visible from the sky.

Paracas, Peru

A small seaside town in the Ica region of Peru , Paracas is where the desert meets the sea. A trip to the area isn’t complete without a boat ride to Islas Ballestas, the rocky islands off the Pacific coast known for their diverse wildlife including flocks of sea lions and crowds of baby penguins.

Algarve, Portugal

The red-cliff coastline and pristine whitewashed Moorish villages that dot the south-western region of Portugal have started shifting crowds away from the region’s busier hotspots. It has its own sunny microclimate and affordable places to stay such as Casa Mãe in Lagos make it a great winter-sun option too.

Paris, France

With its striking architecture, grand boulevards, world-class art, jewel-box patisseries and classic places to stay , this is a city that never sleeps. Its unrivalled food scene is best experienced by stumbling upon corner bistros down cobbled streets.

Hòa Bình, Vietnam

Vietnamese for peace, Hòa Bình province is located in the north of the country and is home to hill tribes including the Hmong, Muong and Dzao, plus endless rice fields.

Sarakiniko Beach, Milos, Greece

Off-radar Milos has some of the best beaches in the Aegean without the buzz of Mykonos or Santorini . Moon-like Sarakiniko is made up of mounds of undulating bone-white, wave-like volcanic rock and forms one of the island’s most mesmerising bays.

Sarah James

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Connor Sturges

The most extreme continent on earth is also the coldest, windiest, driest and most inhospitable to forms of life. Pristine and practically untouched, no one lives in Antarctica full time, apart from seals, penguins and marine life. It’s as remote as one can get.

Death Valley, California

Known as the hottest place on earth, Death Valley reached a record temperature of 53°C in 2019. It’s a vast area of extremes: with snowy peaks, scorching sands and wildflower meadows, the National Park encompasses a wide range of different landscapes. One of the most popular locations is the multi-hued Artists Palette, a series of eroded hills whose colouring is due to the oxidation of natural metal deposits in the mountains. ‘ Star Wars ’ fans will be keen to see the site that inspired the planet Tatooine.

Provence, France

In summer, endless fields of lavender in bloom turn the Provençal landscape purple. At the end of the season, when the crop is harvested, honey, soaps and pastries are made with a fragrant dose of the plant.

Bayon, Cambodia

Built in honour of one of Cambodia’s most famous kings, Jayavarman VII, Bayon is a 12th-century state temple that’s a unique architectural feat in the heart of Angkor Thom. Fifty-four gothic towers carved with 216 gargantuan smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara – the bodhisattva of compassion – fill the temple , and the design showcases the shift from Hinduism to Mahayana Buddhism. With Angkor Wat not far away, Bayon, its off-the-beaten track little sister, is a close second in popularity.

Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The famous three peaks of the National Park are among Wyoming’s most recognisable sights, the Grand forming the highest point of the range. It’s a hike on many pro adventurers' list, but for newbies looking for an outdoors excursion floating down the Snake River or mountain-biking through the 310,000-acre landscape are viable options, too. Top it off with supper at Snake River Grill in Jackson’s town centre and an overnight stay at the cliff-side Amangani .

Angel Falls, Venezuela

The world’s highest waterfall, with 3,212ft cascades, is located in the UNESCO-protected Canaima National Park and was the inspiration for the Disney film ‘Up’. The site is only accessible by boat or plane.

A gateway to the East, Kyrgyzstan has natural beauty. Unspoilt pine forests, rocky ridges and rolling jailoos (summer pastures) are typical of the country. In the warmer months visitors flock to glacial lakes, while in winter a stay with semi-nomadic shepherds is an experience unlike any other.

Grand Canal, Venice

The 12,500ft-long canal runs straight through the centre and has inspired numerous artists including Canaletto, Monet and JMW Turner. Flanked by buildings dating from the 12th to the 17th centuries, it’s the grandest waterway in the Floating City .

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange has a greater diversity of mammals than any national park in the world and is the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe . The size of Belgium , it is home to more than 50,000 elephants and 500 species of bird. The wet-season winter months are the best time to see migratory birds or book an off-season safari when the park gets fewer visitors.

A third of Mongolia is covered in desert, and while it’s the 18th-largest country in the world, its three million inhabitants make it the most sparsely populated. Visitors can go local: riding horses, helping to look after livestock and sleeping in a herder's ger – a traditional felt yurt.

Lake Eyre, Australia

This salt lake constitutes the lowest point on the continent. Normally dry due to evaporated water, with its salt-deposit haze, the body only fills completely twice every 100 years on average.

Bali, Indonesia

Minutes from scooter-buzzing Ubud are artsy, low-key villages, vivid green rice paddies, lush forests and vast jungles. Bali is one of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands and sees an average temperature of about 30°C year round. Explore by bicycle and then head to one of its many cool beach clubs.

Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex, UK

Britain’s unspoilt south coast is home to one of the country's greatest walking trails and seaside parks, the Seven Sisters. Made up of 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, a winding river valley and flat top grasslands with views of the English Channel, the coastal path begins near Eastbourne, the start of the 100-mile South Downs Way.

Atacame Desert, South America

On a route made famous by revolutionary Che Guevara who kicked off his motorcycle journey in Buenos Aires , head down to Chile through the Atacama Desert into the Peruvian Amazon and up to Venezuela. Vast expanses of sandy flats quickly roll into high tops of dunes and gorges leading to plateaus of dusty grass. It’s a trip for explorers, with the Andes standing tall above the Argentine –Chile border, blurring one side into the other. NASA even uses the desert as a testing ground for future Mars missions.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Fuji-san, the tallest peak in Japan , is a sacred mountain and symbol. On a clear day, it can be seen from Tokyo , but one of the best ways to view the still-active volcano is by taking the shinkansen bullet train from the capital to Osaka (top tip: sit on the right-hand side for the best views). Surrounding areas Hakone (where there are natural hot springs) and Fujigoko are worth visiting during cherry-blossom season.

Jaipur and the Hawa Mahal Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan

The largest city in Rajasthan is filled to the brim with buzzing bazaars, sacred lakes and gilded royal palaces – the decadent 18th-century royal-owned Rajmahal Palace is a smart hotel. Among the famously rosy-hued buildings of the Pink City, the honeycomb-like Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, is surely the most recognisable of all. The incredible sandstone structure has 953 small exterior windows (called jharokhas ) decorated with intricate lattice work.

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

The Namib Desert is the oldest in the world, and in the middle of its vast Skeleton Coast are endless miles of stone and sand, dry riverbeds and dunes. Desert-adapted animals here include elephant, giraffe, lion, brown hyaena and Cape fur seals that thrive in the area.

The Scottish Highlands

It’s a few hours from buzzing Edinburgh , not far from the Cairngorms, to the start of the eastern Highlands. Stretching around Skye, around the North Coast 500 route up to the village of John O' Groats, the region is also home to the tallest mountain in the British Isles, Ben Nevis. There’s natural beauty everywhere, from babbling Fairy Pools and big-horned cattle to clear coastal waters and snowy mountain caps.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Meaning cotton castle in Turkish , this natural wonder is made up of layers of white travertine terraces of ice-blue spa pools. It’s also next to the site of the well-preserved ruins of Hierapolis, the Greek-Roman city established in the 2nd century BC.

Stretching over eight countries – France , Switzerland , Monaco, Italy , Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany and Slovenia – the Alps are the most extensive mountain range in Europe . It has some of the greatest skiing in the world with popular towns including Chamonix -Mont-Blanc (the highest mountain), Lech , Gstaad and Courchevel .

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

This archipelago of five islands – Bazaruto, the largest, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and the smallest Bangue – was once part of a peninsula connected to the mainland but now, when the Indian Ocean retreats at low tide, swirls and ripples of white sand become visible. A protected marine park, its waters are rich in manta rays, schools of dolphins, hawksbill turtles and dugongs (cousins of equally curious manatees).

Ojos del Mar, Bolivia

Six turquoise waterholes lie within the salty plains of Ojos del Mar in the Tolar Grande region of Bolivia . Inhabited by stromatolites (deposits formed by algae) and microorganisms, the water can change slightly in colour, depending on the angle of the sun, from bright blue to seafoam green.

Mount Cook, New Zealand

Home to the tallest mountain in New Zealand , the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Site on the South Island, is a mountaineer’s dream. More than 40 per cent of the area is covered in glaciers, with the largest and longest named the Tasman Glacier. It was here that Sir Edmund Hillary trained for the first momentous ascent of Mount Everest.

Gordes, Provence

One of the Luberon's most striking hilltop hamlets, Gordes stands tall on the edge of the Vaucluse plateau. With views across the surrounding region of Provence , the quintessential medieval town is a must-visit. A stay at Bastide de Gordes , the village’s most glamorous hotel, will make the trip complete.

Emerald Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Easily one of the Canadian Rockies’ most recognisable landmarks, Emerald Lake is located within Yoho National Park in British Columbia. Backed by the towering mountain peaks of the President Range, in summer the clear glacial water is ideal for canoeing and attempting a quick swim.

The Faroe Islands

The self-governed group of 18 volcanic islands makes up this remote archipelago where sheep outnumber humans. Grass-lined houses, craggy coastlines and lush waterfalls are all part of the Nordic landscape but there’s a surprising food scene too.

Modern high-rise buildings meet period architecture in retro Hong Kong , one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It’s a street-food capital where eating dim sum like a local in an old teahouse is a mandatory experience. For the best views of the harbour, catch a Star Ferry or hike the hills of Ma On Shan, one of the summits that surround the city.

Jodhpur, India

The magical, walled Blue City is a tangle of winding medieval streets. The monumental 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, which is still run by the royal family and now serves as a museum, looks out over the old city and its mesh of box-shaped buildings, shops and bazaars.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

The Navajo name of this slot canyon translates to ‘the place where water runs through rocks’ and the narrow ravine is an American Southwest treasure, filled with ripples of eroded stone formations, and sunlight creating orange filters and bright patterns. The popularity of this spot among keen photographers speaks for itself – this is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Svalbard, Norway

This Arctic archipelago , about a three-hour flight north of Oslo , has one of the harshest environments on the planet. Nearly two-thirds of it is protected and the islands are made up of bird sanctuaries, nature reserves and national parks where polar bears roam. The Northern Lights can be seen in the winter and in the summer, when the temperature tops out at 6°C, the sun doesn’t go below the horizon.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The forward-thinking capital of Scandi cool appeals to foodies, design junkies and a cool young crowd. With its ground-breaking food scene , including world-famous Noma (and Noma 2.0 ), it’s a city to be taken seriously. Colourful buildings dot the central Nyhavn port, but it’s worth exploring alternative community Christiania, quirky Vesterbro and hipster Nørrebro, too.

Lamu, Kenya

The old town of Lamu , on the Indian Ocean island of the same name, was established in the 14th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the port city is a mish-mash of cultures – Swahili, Asian, Arabic, European – while along the laid-back coast majestic dhows sail by all day long.

Wulingyuan, China

More than 3,000 narrow, quartz-sandstone pillars make up Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area in the Hunan Province. These natural wonders, many higher than 656ft, are broken up by ravines, gorges, caves and waterfalls. It’s easy to see why the UNESCO World Heritage Site was James Cameron’s inspiration for Avatar .

Redwood National Park, California

Home to the world’s tallest trees, Redwood National Park, north of San Francisco , is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of an International Biosphere Reserve that protects close to half of the planet’s old-growth redwoods – some of which are 370ft high. With more than 200 miles of trail routes, it’s ideal for camping, hiking and riding.

Havana, Cuba

The crumbling façades of this island nation's capital keep bringing in waves of travelling artists, rum fanatics and cigar smokers to the city. It’s where Hemingway wrote seven of his books and drank Mojitos at La Bodeguita del Medio. And with temperatures of 27°C in December, it’s an ideal winter-sun destination.

Kyoto, Japan

Considered to be the cultural centre of Japan, Kyoto is awash with ancient temples and shrines, serene teahouses and sublime gardens. The bright-orange Fushimi-inari, a shinto shrine in the hills, is a visual beauty. Grab an artisan coffee, taken very seriously in the traditional city, and make the two-hour pilgrimage through the shrine's thousands of torii (gates). Other spots worth visiting include Gion, the home of the geishas, the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji and Nishiki market for street food or a traditional kaiseki feast at one of the city's local restaurants.

Marrakech, Morocco

The kaleidoscopic city may best be known for its market life, spice sellers and ancient medinas, but its reimagined riads, cool independent shops and contemporary art scene are giving it a modern edge. There are lots of places to discover – from Yves Saint Laurent’s restoration of cobalt-blue Jardin Majorelle to the smoky street-food stalls in Jemaa el-Fna.

Ischia, Italy

A quick ferry ride from Naples , the island of Ischia – famed for its thermal spas and unshowy local life – is a tumble of fishing villages and beaches that match Amalfi but without the crowds.

Bondi Iceburgs, Australia

Bondi Icebergs might easily be the most famous pool in the world. The Olympic-size structure has been standing on the southern end of Bondi Beach for more than 100 years. It’s not heated or chlorinated, but filled with seawater, with the Tasman Sea crashing against its edge.

The Philippines

The Philippines has more than 7,000 islands – about 5,000 of which are uninhabited – where roughly 175 languages are spoken. For diving, El Nido is the ideal spot with crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life.

Arashiyama, Bamboo Forest, Japan

About 20 minutes outside Kyoto’s city centre is the atmospheric Arashiyama bamboo forest. Arrive at around 7am to avoid the crowds and get a chance to see and feel the wood, as well as hear it creaking in the wind. Morning light is just as ethereal, too. Arabica coffee shop is nearby, overlooking Hozugawa River.

Las Coloradas, Yucatan, Mexico

The incredible pink lakes here make up part of the protected nature reserve of Ría Lagartos Biosphere on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula. Red-coloured algae, plankton and brine shrimp that thrive in the waters not only turn the native flamingos pink but help produce 500,000 tons of salt per year.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

This is one of Madagascar's most visited natural sites – and for good reason. Aside from the spectacular photo opportunities on offer as the sun casts auburn shades on the trees, travellers come to support local conservation efforts, and spot the unique wildlife that frolics in the overgrowth nearby.

Blue lagoon, Iceland

One of  Iceland's  most spectacular sites is, surprisingly, man-made. The Blue Lagoon's waters are a byproduct of a nearby geothermal power plant, which passes through turbines and into the lagoon. Natural geological layers account for the water's rich mineral content, which travellers use to their benefit, bathing and smothering themselves in the rich clay.

Cape Town, South Africa

Eager to spot a waddle of penguins in the wild? There's no need to save up for the ultimate excursion to Antarctica – although that's just as high on many bucket lists. On the shores of some of  South Africa's  most picturesque beaches, the animals mingle in search of a mate – safe from the fearsome great white that circle beneath the waves just metres away.

The Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon is part of the Colorado River basin and, aside from its beauty, is geologically significant as the waters that pass through here have revealed billions of years worth of rock layers. While it's popular with travelling day-trippers, native Americans still call it home, having first settled in the caves thousands of years ago.

Cenotes, Mexico

Formed by the collapse of eroded limestone,  Mexico's  cenotes harbour secrets and beauty discovered by sunshine-chasers each year. The unique formations were celebrated by the ancient Maya people, and archaeological investigations over the years have found artefacts made from gold, jadeite, shell and more on the sandy depths.

Joshua Tree National Park, USA

Stone tools and spearheads discovered in Joshua Tree National Park suggest the region was inhabited as long as 8,000 years ago. Modern travellers experience this wilderness in a very different way, checking into luxurious micro-resorts and serviced holiday homes. Think the landscapes are otherworldly by day? Look to the skies at night for an altogether different, and unforgettable, sight.

The Maldives

Spoiling retreats of all shapes and sizes litter the sandy banks of the Maldives , an archipelagic state in the Indian Ocean. Between the indulgent wellness resorts and exotic restaurants, the crystal-clear waters offer ample opportunity for snorkelling and diving excursions. Dive into the blue and find yourself in a world of kaleidoscopic colour as fish fizzle in and out of focus.

Peyto Lake, Canada

One of Canada's most beautiful and most-photographed lakes is a pool of cerulean on darker days, while its glacier waters mirror the sky's dappled blue on brighter days. Keen amblers are well rewarded as they reach Bow Summit, the highest point on the Icefields Parkway.

La Digue, Seychelles

The third most populated island in  the Seychelles , La Digue takes its name from a ship in the fleet of French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne, who visited the Seychelles in 1768. Thanks to its otherworldly granite formations, glassy waters and fine sand, Anse Source d'Argent is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – a spot travellers fawn over as they venture out from the island's uber-luxurious hotels and resorts.

Yellowstone National Park, USA

Bison, bears, geese, deer – these are just some of the animals that call the oldest national park in the world home. Each change of the seasons beckons new residents out of their homes, as many cosy up during the cold winters and await the first signs of spring. A highlight of the park is the Yellowstone Caldera, a gargantuan crater that was formed by a cataclysmic volcanic eruption some 640,000 years ago.

More From Forbes

Bucket list travel: the top 20 places in the world, according to a new report.

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What are the best places to travel? If you’re like most people, the allure of new horizons and uncharted adventures keeps you constantly adding destinations to your travel bucket list . Kuoni—a Britain-based travel company— recently did a study to rank the world’s best bucket list destinations .

Kuoni conducted the comprehensive analysis by scouring Google search data for 119 bucket list places to visit in 219 countries. The results paint a vivid picture of travel aspirations, spanning from the breathtaking shores of the Maldives to the thundering majesty of Niagara Falls, encompassing iconic landmarks and awe-inspiring natural wonders along the way.

According to Sheena Paton, senior program manager, this is the first time Kuoni has assembled this travel bucket list . “We’ve previously created travel stories that have analyzed the demand for different locations or the best landmarks to visit, but this unique study looks at every country's most popular bucket list item,” Paton told me in an interview. “We were intrigued to see how this might vary from country to country and which experiences would come out on top, so we decided to do this study to reveal what travelers around the world want to experience.”

Aerial view of Canareef Resort in the Maldives, named the top bucket list trip in a new report.

Coming in at the top of the world’s best bucket list destinations is the idyllic cluster of islands known as the Maldives—which is known for its stunning white sands, bright blue waters and incredible sunsets. It topped the travel bucket list for 121 countries. “It’s great to see that a trip to the Maldives is considered a bucket list item for so many people,” says Paton. “It’s a tropical paradise popular amongst honeymooners, families and retirees alike.”

Coincidentally, in 2021 Kuoni looked at where the world wants to travel most. “The top destinations to travel to that year were the Maldives, Mexico and Bali, which is interesting because visiting the Maldives also came top as the most searched-for travel bucket list experience in this most recent report,” Paton explains.

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In second place on the global travel bucket list: Niagara Falls, which receives an impressive amount of searches each year, as people hope to get up close to the incredible waterfalls located on the Canadian and American border. “Getting splashed at Niagara Falls is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience which focuses on the stunning natural wonder,” Paton says.

The third best travel bucket list experience—seeing the Mona Lisa, with art lovers around the world flocking to the Louvre in Paris to admire this iconic Leonardo da Vinci painting. “It’s something that draws thousands of people all over the world just to catch a glimpse,” says Paton.

The United States has an impressive six places on the top 20 worldwide roundup of bucket list destinations—in fact, it’s the country with the most locations on the list. In addition to Niagara Falls, the experiences that made it onto the travel bucket list include climbing the Statue of Liberty, seeing Times Square, visiting Alcatraz in San Francisco, visiting the White House and admiring the views at Yosemite National Park. “The vast nature that the United States affords travelers an array of travel experiences, from admiring natural wonders to iconic city attractions,” Paton highlights.

So whether you’re an intrepid explorer with an ever-expanding list of dream destinations or someone who just wants to plan the rip of a lifetime, check out this bucket list journey through the 20 most coveted travel experiences. But remember: This is just the start, since the more you travel, the more endless your bucket list will become.

Travel Bucket List: The Top 20 Places Around The World

Maldives—the best bucket list place o visit in the world, according to a new report

1. Visit The Maldives

Topping the global list is the enchanting paradise of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. As Paton describes, “With its overwater bungalows, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, it’s no wonder that this tropical haven is at the pinnacle of travel dreams.”

Niagara Falls, the second most wish-listed bucket list travel place in the world.

2. Get Splashed At Niagara Falls

Coming in at a close second is the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. “The thundering waters at the border of Canada and the United States never fail to mesmerize visitors, providing an unforgettable bucket list experience,” says Paton. There are multiple viewpoints to witness the roaring waters—Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls—but one of the best ways to experience the falls is on a boat tour like the Maid of the Mist.

Visitors looking at the Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

3. See The Mona Lisa In Paris

Created by Leonardo da Vinci, the Mona Lisa is perhaps the world’s most famous painting and hangs in the Louvre Museum in Paris, among thousands of other priceless works of art. “Art enthusiasts and history buffs alike aspire to lay eyes on the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa,” says Paton.

A sunset in paradise: Bora Bora.

4. Visit Bora Bora In French Polynesia

Bora Bora, another tropical paradise, ranks high on travelers’ wish lists. “Its overwater bungalows, vibrant coral reefs, and stunning lagoon draw visitors seeking an idyllic getaway,” says Paton.

The Statue of Liberty—a bucket list travel destination.

5. Climb The Statue Of Liberty In New York City

“The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and opportunity,” Paton affirms. Best way to experience it: Climb to its crown for panoramic views of the city skyline.

Camping under the northern lights.

6. See The Northern Lights

“Witnessing the ethereal Northern Lights dance across the Arctic skies is a natural spectacle that ranks high on the bucket list for many adventure seekers,” Paton shares. Some of the best locations to see them include Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Greenland and Finland.

Sunset over Stonehenge, a bucket list travel spot.

7. Visit Stonehenge In England

Stonehenge, an ancient stone circle in Wiltshire, England, has mystified archaeologists and visitors alike for centuries. Its origins and purpose remain a subject of debate. “A visit to Stonehenge allows you to walk among these massive stones and contemplate the mysteries of this prehistoric monument,” Paton says.

At the Taj Mahal in Agra, India

8. Visit The Taj Mahal In India

Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the world's most iconic architectural marvels and has been drawing visitors to Agra, India for hundreds of years. “It’s a testament to eternal love and architectural brilliance,” Paton explains.

In Times Square, one of the world's best places to travel

9. See Times Square

Often referred to as “The Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is legendary for its annual New Year's Eve ball drop celebration. “Times Square in the heart of New York City is synonymous with vibrant city life and dazzling billboards, making it a must-see for travelers,” Paton insists.

Burj Khalifa in Dubai at sunset.

10. See The Burj Khalifa In Dubai

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the world’s tallest skyscraper, soaring to dizzying heights of over 2,700 feet. Visitors can ascend to the observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors to take in “breathtaking views of Dubai's futuristic skyline,” per Paton, and gaze beyond into the surrounding desert.

The ancient walls in Pompeii with Vesuvius in the background.

11. Visit Pompeii

This ancient Roman city in southern Italy was famously buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Today, the remarkably preserved archaeological site offers a glimpse into daily life in the Roman Empire. “Exploring Pompeii's streets, villas, and amphitheater is like stepping back in time,” says Paton.

Admiring Barcelona's Sagrada Familia.

12. Visit Sagrada Familia In Barcelona

Designed by Antoni Gaudí, Sagrada Familia's intricate façade and lavish interior is a testament to the visionary architect’s creative genius. Visitors can explore the ongoing construction and admire the breathtaking stained glass windows. “It’s an architectural masterpiece renowned for its unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles,” Paton notes.

The train station in the small village of Manarola in Cinque Terre.

13. Visit Cinque Terre In Italy

Along the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is a collection of five pretty villages perched on cliffs connected by hiking trails and a scenic railway. “The area has stunning vistas and amazing hiking opportunities,” Paton emphasizes.

London Big Ben—one of the best bucket list travel spots in the world.

14. Visit Big Ben In London

Located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, Big Ben is known for its majestic clock face and melodious chimes. "This iconic clock tower is a symbol of British heritage and a must-visit attraction,” says Paton.

Posing at Chichen Itza in Mexico, one of the top places to travel.

15. Visit Chichén Itzá In Mexico

Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, is a well-preserved ancient Mayan city. It's most famous for the imposing El Castillo pyramid, which aligns with astronomical precision during the spring and fall equinoxes. "Exploring Chichén Itzá offers insights into Mayan culture and history,” says Paton.

Trekking in the Annapurna Range of Nepal in the Himalayas—one of the top bucket list travel spots.

16. Trek Through The Himalayas

From the picturesque Annapurna Circuit in Nepal to the mystical landscapes of Bhutan’s Snowman Trek, the Himalayas are a haven for trekkers seeking breathtaking vistas and cultural encounters. “Trekking through the Himalayas—a majestic mountain range that stretches across Bhutan, India, Nepal, China and Pakistan—is an adventure like no other,” says Paton.

Alcatraz prison in the bay of San Francisco.

17. Visit Alcatraz In San Francisco

Alcatraz, often referred to as “The Rock,” is a historic island prison located in San Francisco Bay, California. Once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone, it’s now a popular tourist attraction. “Visitors can take a ferry to explore the prison’s eerie corridors, learn about its intriguing history, and enjoy panoramic views of San Francisco,” Paton reveals.

The White House—one of the top bucket list travel spots in the world.

18. Visit The White House In Washington, D.C.

“A symbol of American democracy, the White House is open for public tours, offering visitors a chance to explore its iconic rooms, learn about its history, and witness the seat of U.S. government power,” says Paton.

Floating on the Dead Sea.

19. Float On The Dead Sea

Set between Israel and Jordan, the Dead Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. You can effortlessly float on its surface and also bathe in the mud, which is renowned for its skin benefits. Paton describes it as “a surreal and therapeutic experience.”

Sunrise at the tunnel View vista point at Yosemite National Park.

20. Admire The Views At Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, is filled with towering waterfalls, giant sequoias and dramatic landscapes. “Iconic sites like El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall offer jaw-dropping vistas, making Yosemite a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers,” says Paton.

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World Tourism Ranking by Country 2024

Home » Blog » World Tourism Ranking by Country 2024

The world is slowly emerging from the shadows of the pandemic and so is the world tourism industry. The positive signs (data and stats) seen during the 2023 calendar year have brought high hopes for the travel season of 2024. Buckle up as we discuss the World Tourism Rankings by Country for 2024!

International tourism has recovered by 87% of pre-pandemic levels. UN Tourism predicts that international tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024.

Key Insights:

• After a strong rebound in 2023, global tourism is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2% in 2024.
• Spain takes the crown as the most visited country internationally, with over 85 million tourists in 2023.
• While France previously held the title, Spain surged ahead in 2023.
• The Middle East region boasts the fastest recovery rate, reaching 22% above pre-pandemic numbers.

Table of contents

Results of 2023, projections for 2024, world tourists arrivals, recovery of international tourist arrivals, recovery of international tourist arrivals by region, world tourism rankings by country in terms of total arrivals 2023, in comparison to 2019, asia and the pacific, africa and the middle east, large best-performing destinations, world tourism rankings by country in terms of receipts, large best-performing destinations in terms of receipts, frequently asked questions, world tourism analysis.

According to UN Tourism, formerly known as UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), an estimated 1286 million international tourists (overnight visitors) were recorded around the world in 2023, an increase of 34% over 2022. This is the highest point after the pandemic period. Looking at the Global Tourism Statistics 2024 , let’s analyze a few key results of 2023 and projections for 2024.

• International tourism recovered 88% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 (-12% versus pre-pandemic year 2019) with an estimated 1286 billion arrivals (1.3 billion), up 34% from 2022.
• The Middle East recorded the best results, with arrivals 22% above pre-pandemic levels. Africa recovered 96% of 2019 numbers, Europe 96%, the Americas 90%, and Asia and the Pacific 65%
• International tourism receipts reached USD 1.4 trillion in 2023 based on preliminary estimates, about 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.
• Total export revenues from tourism (including passenger transport) are estimated at USD 1.6 trillion in 2023, almost 95% of the USD 1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.
• Tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) climbed to USD 3.3 trillion in 2023 according to provisional estimates, about 3% of global GDP, similar to 2019 values, driven by strong domestic and international travel.
• International tourism is expected to recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels.
• This projection is subject to several factors including the pace of recovery of Asia and the Pacific, economic circumstances such as inflation and its effect on transport and accommodation costs, as well as the evolution of geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
• The latest UNWTO Panel of Experts survey shows that 67% of tourism professionals expect better performance in 2024 than in 2023, while 28% expect similar performance and 6% suggest it could be worse.
• The UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index indicates slightly weaker prospects for January-April 2024 (score of 122) than for September-December 2023 (score of 126).

According to the provisional data provided by UNWTO (Jan. 2024), the number of international tourist arrivals reached around 1286 billion in the year of 2023 . For context, the number was around 1462 billion pre-pandemic .

While the tourist arrival was affected by 72% i.e. 1.1 billion in 2020, the sharp growth in the graph reflects that 2024 could meet the numbers of 2019 with the possibility of even exceeding it.

International tourism recovered 88% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. We were previously at 28% in 2020, 31% in 2021, and 66% in 2022.

With 122% the Middle East region has seen the most growth in terms of international tourist arrival in the year 2023.

Africa has 96%, Europe 94%, and America with 90% recovery shows a positive sign.

Meanwhile, Asia and the Pacific region reached 65% of pre-pandemic levels, with a gradual recovery since the start of 2023.

Best Performing Destinations Coming into 2024

According to the tourism data provided by UNWTO on Global and Regional Tourism Performance , Spain ranks no. 1 with the arrival of 85.17 million international tourists .

Note: If no data is shown, there is no data available for the country. This ranking by indicators does not always coincide with the official UNWTO rankings as it only ranks counties based on existing data for the selected year. As data will be updated regularly throughout the year the rankings therefore will change as well.

On the basis of change in international tourist arrivals after 2019, Turks & Caicos leads the chart with a +127% change. Following behind is Qatar with +90%, Saudi Arabia with +56%, Albania with +53%, and El Salvador with a +40% increase in their tourist arrivals in comparison to 2019.

Ethiopia ranks at no. 8 with +30% change being the only country from Africa region in the top 10. Tanzania ranks 12th with a +20% change while Morocco with a +11% change barely gets into the top 20 spots.

With the data provided by UNWTO, World Tourism Rankings By Country in terms of increase in international tourists is:

1.Turks & Caicos 2.Qatar 3.Saudi Arabia 4.Albania 5.El Salvador 6.Columbia 7.Andorra 8.Ethiopia 9.Curaçao 10.Dominican Rep.

Turks & Caicos is experiencing a resurgence in tourism due to the islands becoming a popular destination for cruise ships. Over 491,000 cruise passengers were recorded to have visited till the October month of  2023. [ Source ]

On the other hand, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have capitalized on their sports events and tournaments to draw a large number of international tourists. After the AFC Asian Cup Tournament, Qatar is now aiming to lure families, medical tourists, and business travelers with a line-up of conferences and exhibitions.

Best Performing World Tourism Countries Rankings Based on Regions

Albania tops the list by a +53% increase in their tourist number in comparison to 2019. Andorra follows with a +31% change.

Europe Tourism Rankings by Country

1.Albania 2.Andorra 3.Liechtenstein 4.Iceland 5.Serbia 6.Portugal 7.Montenegro 8.Denmark 9.Malta 10.Türkiye

Maldives and French Poyln. tops the list for the Asia Pacific region by a +10% increase in their tourist number in comparison to 2019. Fiji stands 3rd with a +3% increase while other countries gradually try to reach the same numbers as in 2019.

Asia Pacific Tourism Rankings by Country

1.Maldives 2.French Polun. 3.Fiji 4.N. Caledonia 5.Samoa 6.Nepal 7.India 8.Cook Islands 9.Sri Lanka 10.Japan

Turks & Caicos stands on top with a +127% increase in their tourist number in comparison to 2019. El Salvador follows with a +40% change.

Americas Tourism Rankings by Country

1.Turks & Caicos 2.El Salvador 3.Colombia 4.Curaçao 5.Dominican Rep. 6.US Virg. Islands 7.Guatemala 8.Honduras 9.Aruba 10.Barbados

Qatar ranks 1st with a +90% increase in their tourist number in comparison to 2019. Saudi Arabia follows with a +56% change.

Africa and Middle East Tourism Rankings by Country

1.Qatar 2.Saudi Arabia 3.Ethiopia 4.Tanzania 5.Oman 6.Morocco 7.Tunisia 8.Kenya 9.Mauritius 10.Syria

Based on countries recording 5 million arrivals or more in 2019 and their change in 2024, here’s a list of Best Performing Countries :

1.Saudi Arabia 2.Albania 3.Dominican Rep. 4.Portugal 5.Morocco 6.Denmark 7.Türkiye 8.Greece 9.Netherlands 10.Spain 11.Argentina 12.Belgium 13.Bulgaria 14.Tunisia 15.France

You may find this useful: How to become a successful travel blogger

Best Performing Destinations in Terms of Receipts

Serbia leads the rankings with a +79% increase in their receipts from international tourists. Pakistan follows closely with +77%.

1.Serbia 2.Pakistan 3.Türkiye 4.Romania 5.Portugal 6.Mauritius 7.Morocco 8.Latvia 9.Tanzania 10.Mexico 11.Spain 12.Italy 13.Slovenia 14.Brazil 15.Greece 16.France 17.Cyprus 18.India 19.Samoa 20.Mongolia

Based on destinations earning USD 5 billion or more in receipts in 2019 and comparing it to 2023, Türkiye ranks 1st with +59% growth in their receipts. Portugal managed to get 2nd place with a +38% increase.

1.Türkiye 2.Portugal 3.Morocco 4.Mexico 5.Spain 6.Italy 7.Brazil 8.Greece 9.France 10.India 11.Japan 12.Germany 13.Israel 14.United States 15.Korea (ROK)

Following a strong rebound in 2023, world tourism is expected to recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels.

Spain has become the largest international tourist hosting country with 85.17 million international tourists. [Source: UNWTO Global and Regional Tourism Performance ]

Turks & Caicos with +12% ranks 1st in terms of best-performing country in comparison to their 2019 levels.

In terms of receipts, Türkiye ranks no. 1 with 59% more income than their 2019 levels.

Spain and France have the highest tourism rates in the world as Spain ranked no. 1 with 85.17 million arrivals in 2023 . [Source: Global and Regional Tourism Performance by UNWTO]

Thailand is the most visited country in Asia with 28.15 million arrivals and USD 29.67 billion receipts heading into 2024.

While France had been holding the title for the most tourist arrivals for a long time, recent tourism data from UNWTO ranks Spain for the highest arrival. Over 85.17 million people visited Spain in 2023.

According to the UNWTO Panel of Experts Survey (Jan 2024), tourism destinations seem to be heading toward a positive impact with i. 12% say it’ll be much better ii. 55% say it’ll be better iii. 28% say it’ll be the same iv. 6% suggesting it’ll be worse and v. 0.4% result saying it’ll be much worse

According to the UNWTO Panel of Experts Survey (Jan 2024), 39% feel they’ve already achieved it, 30% hope to reach it in 2024 while 31% expect to reach the same level in 2025 or later.

According to the UNWTO Global and Regional Tourism Performance Report of 2023, the top 10 most traveled countries in the world are: 1. Spain [85.17 million] 2. Italy [57.39 million] 3. Türkiye [55.16 million] 4. Mexico [42.15 million] 5. Germany [34.80 million] 6. Greece [32.74 million] 7. Austria [30.91 million] 8. Thailand [28.15 million] 9. Saudi Arabia [27.42 million] 10. Japan [25.07 million]

Yam Bahadur Chhetri is a content writer and vivid contributor to the WordPress community and a WordPress enthusiast with an experience of 7+ years in the relative field. He also loves to develop WordPress Themes, Plugins, and custom WordPress development for clients.

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Fill your mind and soul: 2023’s 10 most visited countries in the world

The most visited countries in the world are where millions of travellers flock each year to experience rich cultures, iconic landmarks and diverse landscapes.

Countries like France, Spain and the US consistently top the charts for international visitors. In 2019, France alone welcomed nearly 90 million tourists , drawn to its romance, world-renowned cuisine and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.

Their popularity can be attributed to a combination of factors, including well-established tourism infrastructure, extensive marketing efforts and a wealth of attractions.

Famous landmarks, cultural festivals and historical sites attract travellers worldwide. These countries often benefit from great transportation networks, making them easily accessible.

As a traveller, exploring the most visited countries in the world provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse tapestry of global cultures, discover iconic landmarks and indulge in different cuisines.

That is, until the COVID-19 pandemic shut our borders.

The COVID-19 crisis has hit the tourism economy hard, with unprecedented effects on jobs and businesses. Source: AFP

How COVID-19 affected travelling

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, bustling airports and crowded tourist spots were a common sight, but the virus brought a sudden halt to global travel. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger traffic plummeted by 65.9% in 2020 compared to the previous year .

Lockdowns, travel restrictions and fear of infection created an unprecedented decline in tourism and business travel alike.

International students, once free to explore educational opportunities worldwide, faced uncertainty and disrupted plans.

The number of international students globally dropped by 8% in 2020, affecting the cultural exchange that these students bring to universities and countries.

Fast forward to the present, and the travel sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation.

With widespread vaccination campaigns and improved safety measures, the travel industry is experiencing a revival.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reported a significant rebound in global travel, predicting a 48.5% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2021.

Countries are easing entry requirements, and the aviation industry is witnessing a gradual return to pre-pandemic levels.

For international students, this means a renewed opportunity to pursue education abroad.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) reported a steady rise in the enrollment of international students.

As the world reopens its borders, the dreams of studying in foreign universities are once again becoming a reality for students worldwide.

And bringing back to life the biggest question for international students: which are the best countries to study abroad?

The list of most visited countries in the world — and the opposite — may hold some answers.

Least visited countries in the world

Venturing off on the road not taken can lead you to some of the world’s least visited countries, often hidden gems waiting to be explored.

According to  UNWTO, countries like Tuvalu, Nauru and Kiribati rank among the least visited countries in the world.

These remote nations often face challenges in terms of accessibility, with limited transportation options and fewer international flights.

Tuvalu, for instance, received only around 2,000 visitors in 2017 , and Nauru saw only 200 tourists the same year .

The most visited countries in the world boast the opposite features: many flights, easy transport links and many other great factors that draw millions of tourists every year — the same factors that can enhance your study abroad adventure.

People walk in village Royal place displays with Christmas decorations, in Paris, on December 15, 2023. Source: AFP

10 most visited countries in the world

France is the most visited country in the world, boasting over 72.4 million visitors. While Paris, its capital, is securing the second spot among the world’s most frequented cities. 

The allure of France is undeniable. Its history is shown through its castles and cathedrals, which tell tales of royalty that span centuries.

Idyllic villages and romantic cities are inviting for those who want to indulge in markets, the quintessentially French café terraces and the timeless ritual of enjoying a coffee and croissant.

Beyond its architecture, France is known for its outdoors. This includes Corsica’s forests and the French Riviera’s sun-soaked shores.

The country’s reputation as a global favourite isn’t solely because of its scenic beauty but also its delectable cuisine. 

French food is celebrated worldwide for its unique and delicate flavours and presentation. From Michelin-starred restaurants to charming cafes, France provides a gastronomic journey defined by the world’s best wines, pastries and classic fine dining dishes.

Many international students are also drawn to France due to the many educational opportunities.

With esteemed institutions, a vibrant cultural scene and friendly visas , studying in France is a top choice for many.

The country’s educational system is renowned for its quality, allowing students to immerse themselves in the French language and culture. 

People walk past a newly installed mural of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in Manhattan’s East Village on November 19, 2020 in New York City. Source: AFP

The US remains one of the most visited countries in the world, enticing visitors with its diverse blend of metropolises and small-town charms.

D espite a projected decline in visitor numbers from 50.9 million in 2022 to 41.8 million in 2023, according to WTM data, the allure of the American Dream is still strong.

From the iconic skyline of New York City to the glitz of Las Vegas, the cultural melting pots of Los Angeles and Chicago, and the historical charm of Boston, American cities are vibrant, ever-evolving spaces that offer many cultures and cuisines.

I ts landscapes also add to its popularity, with attractions like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and the lush rainforests.

Apart from being a sought-after travel destination, the US is also a hub for international students seeking quality education. From Harvard to Berkeley, renowned universities and colleges offer a wide array of academic and research opportunities, with no shortage of immersions in American life. 

Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world, with millions of visitors each year coming to see the country’s beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. Source: AFP

3. Spain 

Spain is the embodiment of passion and a good life. In 2022, Spain hosted over 71.6 million international visitors, and this year, it remains one of the most visited countries in the world, with over 70 million visitors. 

The country boasts a trove of captivating attractions. Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell in Barcelona, the awe-inspiring Alhambra, the serene El Retiro in Madrid and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao are just a sampling of the country’s cultural riches. 

Spain has become a hotspot for international students seeking educational opportunities. With a range of universities offering diverse programmes in English and Spanish, students from around the world are drawn to the quality of education and the cultural experience Spain provides.

According to UNESCO, Spain is one of the top destinations for international students, with many enrolled in higher education institutions. The opportunity to immerse oneself in Spanish, explore centuries-old libraries and museums and engage in a vibrant student life contributes to the country’s appeal.

People are seen on a ferry across the Huangpu River in Shanghai on December 10, 2023. Source: AFP

4. China 

China, standing as one of the most visited countries in the world, has an appeal beyond politics.

Historically, China boasts a legacy predating many nations, with universities established before schools even existed in England.

T he iconic attractions contribute to China’s popularity, including the majestic Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and the modern skyline of Shanghai. 

Beyond the bustling cities, inner China has wonders such as Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Guilin and the island oasis of Hainan.

While currently many of its tourists come from other Asian nations, China’s tourism landscape is expected to change, and efforts to streamline the tourist visa process would undoubtedly contribute to this transformation.

China has become popular for international students with a growing number of top-ranking universities.

According to the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, over 500,000 international students have recently enrolled in Chinese universities. 

Whether you prefer a classic margherita or pepperoni, Italy is the place to be for all pizza lovers. Source: AFP

5. Italy 

Next on the list of most visited countries in the world is Italy. It is the epitome of culinary delights, rich history and artistic treasures. This comes as no surprise with cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and the picturesque island of Sicily.

The charms of Italy lies not only in its delicious cuisine of pizza, pasta, and wine but also in its cultural significance and beauty. 

Despite a slight dip in numbers to 25.9 million visitors this year, Italy remains a top destination in Europe and globally.

Whether exploring the ruins of Pompeii, strolling through Tuscany’s vineyards, or marvelling at St. Peter’s Basilica, Italy offers an enriching experience.

Italy hosts some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities.

Here, t he chance to study art, history, fashion, and architecture in the very landscapes that inspired the masters of these disciplines is a dream come true for many.  

Thanks to its compelling cuisine and beautiful architecture, Turkey was one of the most visited countries in the world. Source: AFP

6. Turkey 

Turkey is one of the most visited countries globally, luring travellers with its unique charm and diverse attractions. It has fairytale-like hot air balloons of Cappadocia, the cascading waterfalls of Pamukkale and the ancient marvels of Ephesus.

Endless beach resorts, including the stunning Mediterranean coastline, as well as culinary delights such as spiced kebabs, oil-cooked vegetables, and baklava increase Turkey’s appeal. 

Every year, more than 250,000 international students join its 207 universities. They come through both the Erasmus+ scheme and international partnerships with universities.

The lifting of hot air balloons during the third day of the 21st International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Leon, Guanajuato state, Mexico, on November 19, 2023. Source: AFP

7. Mexico 

Mexico, welcoming nearly 40 million visitors this year, is one of the most visited countries in the world.

Of those who travel here, they can see that the Mexican spirit is unlike any other. 

Mexico’s diverse landscapes, including eye-catching jungles, volcanoes, deserts, and coastlines, offer adventures for both hikers and divers, from scaling Oaxaca’s mountainous ridges to diving deep into the Caribbean.

Mexico’s street tacos, enchiladas and guacamole create a tantalising journey for your taste buds.

The country’s festivals, from Dia de los Muertos to vibrant local fiestas, add a festive spirit to your exploration.

It also stands as an increasingly popular destination for international students. Over 70,000 international students have chosen Mexican universities, drawn by the academic quality , affordable tuition and the chance to immerse themselves in the Spanish language and Mexican culture. 

People enjoy a drink at a bar along the popular tourist and nightlife strip Khao San Road in Bangkok. Source: AFP

8. Thailand 

Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world, drawing 27.5 million visitors this year. The appeal of Thailand lies in its multifaceted charm – from having the best food in the world, pristine landscapes and endless beaches to friendly people and a cost of living that won’t break the bank. 

The vibrant atmosphere of Bangkok, the laid-back beauty of Koh Samui, the stunning landscapes of Phang Nga, and the breathtaking scenery of Krabi are all appealing in many and various ways.

Thailand’s nightlife, shopping, scrumptious street food and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient structures and dense forests, make it a perennial tourist favourite. 

Beyond drawing toursits, Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students. The country’s universities offer a range of programmes in English, providing the opportunity to study in a tropical paradise.

The affordability of living expenses and the opportunity to experience Thai hospitality firsthand make Thailand an attractive choice for those seeking academic growth.

People enjoy the sunset on the Admiralsbruecke in Berlin’s district of Kreuzberg. Source: AFP

9. Germany 

Germany, nestled at the heart of Europe, is one of the most visited countries in the world, boasting a rich tapestry of cultural, historical and natural wonders. The country’s allure is thanks to its 6,800 museums, including the Städel Museum, preserving 700 years of art history and many magnificent castles and palaces like Neuschwanstein Castle. 

With 16 natural landscapes, including the Black Forest Natural Park and Harz National Park, Germany attracts nature enthusiasts from around the world. Despite a dip in visitor numbers from 28.5 million to 19.8 million in 2023, Germany is still a popular destination.

Germany also stands out as a hub for education, attracting international students seeking academic excellence. The country boasts numerous universities known for their research output and high-quality education. The opportunity to pursue programmes in English, coupled with the absence of tuition fees in many public universities, adds to the appeal. 

10. United Kingdom 

Welcoming over 31.2 million visitors in 2020, with a projected increase to 37.5 million by the end of 2023, the UK is one of the most visited countries in the world. The UK’s popularity is attributed not only to its rich historical and cultural heritage but also to its exceptional Christmas markets, festivals and diverse attractions.

From Buckingham Palace to the lush green countryside, the UK has so much to offer. It is more than just London, with cities like Glasgow, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Edinburgh and Manchester just as exciting as its capital.

On the higher education front, the UK’s universities need no introduction. With esteemed institutions like Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London, the UK is home to some of the world’s brightest minds tackling the grand challenges of the 21st century.

That, and the diverse range of programmes, the opportunity to learn English in an immersive environment, and the cultural vibrancy of cities like London make the UK a sought-after destination for those seeking a great study abroad adventure.

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These Are Going to Be the Most Popular Travel Destinations in 2024

A lready thinking about where you want to travel in 2024 ? If you’re hoping to hit the hottest travel destinations of the year, Expedia Group is here to help. The one-stop travel site—alongside Hotels.com and VRBO—just released Unpack '24 , a travel trends analysis for the coming year. In addition to detailing the projected top 10 most popular international destinations of 2024, the site also revealed 10 “dupes” for travelers looking to perhaps spend a bit less, as well as those hoping to be surrounded by fewer fellow tourists. Additionally, they revealed 10 affordable cities where the world’s biggest musical acts are set to perform, as well as where to travel if you live a sober lifestyle.

“At Expedia Group, we have extensive first-party travel data that we use to enhance and curate experiences for our travelers across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo,” Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands, says in the report. “These insights shape our travel forecasts, revealed in Unpack '24, enabling our travelers to be the first to discover and book the most desired trips before they become well-beaten paths.”

Ready to ignite your travel bug? Ahead, discover the most popular travel destinations of 2024.

The Top 10 Travel Destinations of 2024

Expedia Group predicts that travelers are most likely to jet set to destinations popularized in fan-favorite TV shows and movies. According to the report, “More than half of travelers say they’ve researched or booked a trip to a destination after seeing it on a TV show or in a movie. In fact, travelers say TV shows influence their travel decisions more than Instagram, TikTok, and podcasts.” With that in mind, they reveal that the top 10 travel destinations of 2024 are as follows:

• Thailand - Featured in White Lotus , Season 3—which has sadly been pushed to premiere in 2025
• Romania - Featured in Wednesday , Season 2—which has not yet set a release date
• Malta - As seen in Gladiator 2 , which is set to premiere on November 22, 2024
• Paris - As seen in Emily in Paris
• Scottish Highlands - Featured in Outlander
• London, Bath, and Windsor, U.K. - As seen in Bridgerton and The Crown
• South Korea - Featured in Squid Game —the Season 2 release date has yet to be announced
• Florida Keys - As seen in the series Bad Monkey
• Australia - Featured in Baz Luhrmann’s Faraway Downs series, as well as the film Furiosa , which is set to premiere on May 24, 2024
• Greece - as seen in the films Argylle (set to release in 2024) and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3

The Top 10 Travel Destination Dupes

Dupes have long been lauded in the beauty and fashion categories, and now the concept is making its way to travel. “1 in 3 of those polled say they’ve booked a dupe,” the report reveals. “But what do these less obvious alternatives offer besides potential savings? They’re often less crowded, tend to be a little unexpected, and can be every bit as delightful as the tried-and-true destinations.”

Intrigued by the idea of booking a stellar vacation for a fraction of the price? Check out Expedia Group’s Top 10 Travel Destination Dupes, below, which are listed as the original destination of inspiration and the dupe that mirrors it.

• Seoul —> Taipei
• Bangkok —> Pattaya
• Santorini —> Paros
• Saint Martin —> Curaçao
• Sydney —> Perth
• London —> Liverpool
• Lisbon —> Palermo
• Geneva —> Québec City
• Zermatt —> Sapporo
• Nashville —> Memphis

The Top 10 Tour-Inspired Travel Destinations

Music lovers, this one’s for you! As you well know, traveling to see your favorite artists live is expensive, to say the least. With this in mind, Expedia set out to find the most affordable destinations where the world’s most famous pop and rock stars are set to take the stage in 2024.

Through their research, in which they analyzed the average daily rates of tour locations, they found the top 10 most affordable cities (less than $150/night on average) where travelers can witness the likes of Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Coldplay, Metallica, Madonna, and more. They are as follows:

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - $91
• Edmonton, Canada - $108
• Mexico City, Mexico - $119
• Warsaw, Poland - $119
• Birmingham, U.K. - $127
• Houston, Texas - $130
• Antwerp, Belgium - $140
• Tokyo, Japan - $147
• Perth, Australia - $148
• Detroit, Michigan - $149

For more research-backed travel trends, be sure to check out Expedia’s full Unpack ‘24 Trend Report .

See how Cvent can solve your biggest event challenges. Watch a 30-minute demo.

Cvent Announces Top Meeting Destinations and Hotels Worldwide for 2024

The industry-acclaimed annual rankings recognize the top-performing hotels for group business, as well as the world’s most coveted meeting and event destinations.

TYSONS CORNER, VA & Frankfurt, DE – May 14, 2024 –   Cvent , an industry-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, today announced its lists of the  Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels worldwide. These annual lists – which are issued regionally for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa – are informed by sourcing activity through the  Cvent Supplier Network , one of the world’s largest venue-sourcing platforms. More than $16B of meetings and events business was sourced through Cvent’s online platforms in 2023. 

The annual Cvent Top Lists have become go-to resources for planners worldwide looking for incredible hotels and destinations to host their events. The Company hosted a live press conference at IMEX Frankfurt to share more in-depth details and recognize top hotels and destinations in person.

Cvent Top Meeting Destinations | North America

For the seventh year, Orlando, FL clinched the number one spot, followed by Las Vegas, NV (#2). Meanwhile, Dallas, TX ascended three places to #4, and Denver, CO rose two places to #8. These higher rankings can be credited to the continued growth and prioritization of innovative offerings to attract meetings and events to their cities. For example, Dallas leads the country in hotel rooms in the pipeline and recently announced plans to expand the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, while Denver unveiled a $233 million expansion of the Colorado Convention Center.

Top 10 Meeting Destinations 

“We’re honored that Orlando continues to lead as the Cvent Top Meeting Destination in North America,” said Casandra Matej, president & CEO, Visit Orlando. “When groups meet in Orlando, they not only support our local businesses, vendors and hospitality workers, but they also make an indelible impact on our community through charitable donations and endeavors. Planners love meeting in Orlando as our destination has the space, venues, accommodations, dining, entertainment and services needed to create memorable and productive events. We’ve established strong planner and group relationships through our hands-on support and consistent use of Cvent technology to attract, engage and collaborate with event organizers around the world. This balanced approach between digital and live engagement has been instrumental in Orlando’s sustained business success.”

“We are honored that Dallas has been named the  No. 4 Top Meeting Destination in North America  by Cvent, placing a spotlight on the city’s rise as an emerging global city,” said Craig Davis, Visit Dallas President and CEO. “We take great pride in our warm and welcoming hospitality, but our commitment to innovation – with technology partners such as Cvent – is paving the way for continued success in the future.” 

Cvent Top Meeting Hotels | North America

The top two spots on the Top Meeting Hotels list were once again claimed by Grand Hyatt Nashville (#1) and Omni Nashville Hotel (#2). JW Marriott Austin (#3) improved its ranking by two spots to round out the Top 3. Several hotels in the Top 10 saw significant improvements (six or more places), including JW Marriott Nashville (#4), Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport (#9), and Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk (#10), which will be a primary host hotel for Cvent’s annual user and industry conference,  Cvent CONNECT , in June. Interestingly, each of these three hotels has prioritized innovative outdoor meeting spaces with recent multi-million-dollar pool area renovations and expansive outdoor terrace improvements.  

Top 10 Meeting Hotels 

“We're thrilled to be named the #1 Top Meeting Hotel in North America for the second consecutive year,” said Chad Pierce, Director of Sales & Marketing at Grand Hyatt Nashville. “Our success with group business starts with developing a strong connection with our planners and understanding their vision for a flawless event. In addition, leveraging Cvent's Business Intelligence solutions has allowed us to improve our internal sales strategies throughout the year. Our natural-light-infused meeting space, coupled with our downtown location on Broadway, offers a luxurious meeting experience in Music City. With the Nashville Yards development nearing completion, Grand Hyatt Nashville will be situated in one of the most exciting new neighborhoods in the U.S.”

“We are thrilled to see that the JW Marriott Austin remains a top choice for the world’s leading meetings and events professionals. Our team takes great pride in hosting groups from 10 to 3,500 and helping them experience Austin to the fullest,” said Scott Blalock, JW Marriott Austin General Manager. “Since day one, Cvent has been a top lead generation platform for the hotel and a key driver to our consistent success.”

All Cvent Top Meeting Destinations and Cvent Top Meeting Hotels worldwide can be viewed  HERE .

Methodology 

For  Cvent Top Meeting Hotels , Cvent evaluated hotel properties that generated business through the Cvent Supplier Network (CSN) between January 2023 and December 2023. The properties were ranked according to various criteria, including total requests for proposals (RFPs), awarded RFPs, total room nights, awarded room nights, major metropolitan area market share, conversion rate, and response rate. The criteria are designed to provide the most accurate reflection of the top meeting hotels in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions.

For  Cvent Top Meeting Destinations , Cvent evaluated 12,500+ cities worldwide listed on the CSN. Activity was tracked between January 2023 and December 2023. Rankings were determined by a set of qualifying criteria, including: the number of total room nights booked; the number of unique electronic request-for-proposals (RFPs) sent through the marketplace to venues within the city; the total value of the RFPs submitted; and the actual awarded value for meetings booked. 

About the Cvent Supplier Network  

The  Cvent Supplier Network  features more than 300,000 hotels, resorts and special event venues, serving as one of the world’s largest and most accurate databases of detailed venue information. More than $16 billion was sourced through Cvent’s sourcing networks in 2023.  The CSN contains listings of hotels and other venues in 18 languages that can be searched and filtered based on over 200 characteristics and criteria. The CSN is part of the comprehensive Cvent platform, which delivers solutions that hotels and venues leverage to conduct their group and corporate travel business and engage a global network of 125,000+ planners who rely on Cvent to source hotels & destinations and manage their events.

About Cvent

Cvent is a leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider with 4,800+ employees and ~22,000 customers worldwide as of December 31, 2023. Founded in 1999, the company delivers a comprehensive event marketing and management platform and offers a global marketplace where event professionals collaborate with venues to create engaging, impactful experiences. Cvent is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C., and has additional offices around the world to support its growing global customer base. The comprehensive Cvent event marketing and management platform offers software solutions to event organizers and marketers for online event registration, venue selection, event marketing and management, virtual and onsite solutions, and attendee engagement. Cvent’s suite of products automate and simplify the event management lifecycle and maximize the impact of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Hotels and venues use Cvent’s supplier and venue solutions to win more group and corporate travel business through Cvent’s sourcing platforms. Cvent solutions optimize the event management value chain and have enabled clients around the world to manage millions of meetings and events. For more information, please visit Cvent.com . 

Media Contact:

Erica Stoltenberg, Cvent 571.378.6240 [email protected]

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8 Best Beach Destinations to Retire in for Beautiful Views, Mild Weather, and a Laid-back Vibe

From small towns to big cities, these are the best coastal destinations for retirees.

RAUL RODRIGUEZ/Getty Images

There’s something attractive about being near the sea, whether it’s the beautiful view, invigorating air, or childlike fun of splashing in cool water. We almost instinctively choose lakes and oceans for vacations, and scientists believe that proximity to the water offers actual benefits . It’s no wonder so many people want to spend their retirement years near the sea.

To come up with a list of the best places to retire near the beach, we've researched coastal towns and cities in the U.S. and around the world.

Carlsbad, California

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

Located on the Pacific Coast in San Diego County, Carlsbad boasts mild weather year-round. The city, nicknamed “The Village by the Sea,” combines a small-town atmosphere, a walkable downtown, parks, restaurants, cafes, and locally owned shops all within convenient distance of San Diego (under an hour) and Los Angeles (about two hours). Niche notes the median home price in Carlsbad is about $1,070,500. According to Zillow , the average home price is $1,558,692. There’s a state income tax, but social security retirement benefits are not taxed. And yes, living on the California coast is costly, but retirees whose budget allows appreciate the beaches, scenery, weather, local events, and quality of life.

I’ve visited Carlsbad’s golf courses, beaches, restaurants, and annual Flower Fields, where locals bring picnics and pick strawberries during the season. Residents and tourists buy produce at the Wednesday farmers market, as well as attend festivals like Oktoberfest, Taste of Carlsbad, and the Spring Kaleidoscope art fair. Plus, Legoland is nearby for family visits, and Disneyland is just about an hour away.

Beaufort, South Carolina

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

"Beaufort is an idyllic place to live for people of all ages, but especially retirees. Beaufort is known as the 'Queen of the Sea Islands,' and there's a special quality of life and code of conduct that [locals] live by that you don't find anywhere else,” travel journalist Michelle Gross, who has lived in Beaufort for several years, tells Travel + Leisure . “From the salt air and scenic marshes to embracing a slower pace of life, I'm convinced there's nowhere more beautiful to settle down than right here in Beaufort, South Carolina."

Beaufort offers history, cultural diversity, world-class restaurants, delicious seafood, and a variety of entertainment. With year-round mild weather, outdoor activities abound, including golf, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. Niche reports the median home value in Beaufort is $312,900. There’s no estate tax in South Carolina, and residents 65 and older can deduct $10,000 of income from most retirement plans for state income tax purposes.

Falmouth, Maine

Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld/Getty Images

Not everyone who wants to live near the ocean is seeking a tropical climate. Some retirees enjoy views of the sea along with distinct seasons — cold winters, warm summers, brisk autumns, and the return of spring each year. Maine is home to many lovely coastal towns , including Falmouth, which Niche calls “one of the best places to live in Maine.” According to Best Places , Falmouth “offers a charming downtown area with excellent shopping and dining opportunities” plus plenty of activities such as kayaking, fishing, and visiting National Historic Landmarks like the Wood Island Lighthouse.

Falmouth is located in southern Maine on the Atlantic Ocean and Casco Bay, and, as in many coastal communities, home prices here are high. Redfin ’s February 2024 data indicates a median home price of $1,175,000. Retirement communities like OceanView at Falmouth provide a range of living arrangements, and the town's website describes annual community events like summer concerts, a Memorial Day parade, and Very Merry Falmouth, with a tree lighting, fireworks, and an Ugly Sweater 5K run.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Located in northeast Florida, about 30 minutes from Jacksonville , Ponte Vedra Beach is a luxurious beach town with a range of places to live. “Ponte Vedra Beach is home to some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches and golf courses , minutes from high-end retail and restaurants,” says Ethan Loosen, who has been selling real estate throughout the area for eight years with Dream Finders Homes . “The northern part of Florida stays warm most of the year, while still experiencing the seasons during fall and winter.” 

Retirees who are planning an active lifestyle will appreciate the mild weather, golf courses, beaches, and opportunities for exploring the area. Nearby Jacksonville offers a major airport, restaurants, and nightlife. St. Augustine , America’s oldest city, is less than an hour away, and Orlando is about two hours by car. Home costs average $853,855 according to Zillow , and while prices are high, many retirees appreciate the fact that Florida has no state income tax. Health care is another plus, with a variety of hospitals nearby, including the Mayo Clinic.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Located in Central America, Belize comprises more than 400 islands, nearly 9,000 square miles of mainland, rain forests, jungles, mountains, and ancient Maya ruins. Retirees looking for a beach destination with swimming, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, and a tropical climate might enjoy making Ambergris Caye , the largest of the coastal islands, their home. As a tourist destination, the island is home to restaurants, shops, and some of the country’s most fascinating sites. Residents speak English, and the U.S. dollar is accepted, as is Belize currency.

Belize welcomes retirees, and the Belize Tourist Board has created initiatives, like the Qualified Retired Person Program , to facilitate visas for new residents who meet income and other requirements. The cost of living is about 35 percent lower than in the U.S., and rent is 77 percent lower. On a trip to Ambergris Caye, I met several retirees from both the U.S. and European countries. There’s a lively expat community here, and according to the couples I spoke with, they meet for dinners, beach parties, and excursions to the mainland and even the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico .

Quepos, Costa Rica

Leamus/Getty Images

With shores on the Caribbean and Pacific, Costa Rica provides plenty of options for retirees who want to live near the beach. The Central American country offers a few ways to become a resident , mainly based on minimum monthly income. The cost of living is reasonable, and health care is available through both public and private systems. According to International Living , “Aside from the Hospital Metropolitano clinic at the marina, there's a modern public hospital just outside of town.”

The harbor town of Quepos, known for sport fishing, has beaches, restaurants, a marina, and shops. Roughly 60 miles from San José, the location is convenient for local and international travel. Quepos is also the gateway to the popular Manuel Antonio National Park, where visitors enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and remote beaches.

During my own trip to Costa Rica, I was left with admiration for its people — friendly, sincere, and welcoming. With fishing, sandy shores, and lots of natural beauty, Quepos is ideal for retirees seeking beach living and Costa Rica’s pura vida .

Mazatlán, Mexico

Elijah-Lovkoff/Getty Images

Located on Mexico’s mainland where the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet, Mazatlán features miles of beaches and a moderate climate. Restaurants, shops, parks, hotels, and entertainment venues offer much to do, on top of outdoor activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. The international airport is less than 30 minutes away, and there’s a ferry to La Paz in Baja. I spent some time in Mazatlán recently, and was impressed with the downtown area’s restaurants and parks. The seaside malecón , a four-mile promenade with monuments, food and souvenir vendors, and cliff divers, showcases beautiful views along with ocean breezes, making it a popular place to stroll day or evening. 

Mexico’s low cost of living is a big draw for retirees, and Mazatlán’s costs for rent and food are well below those of most U.S. cities. Mexico offers high-quality health care through private hospitals at low costs, and many retirees arrange private insurance or simply pay cash for services. If they meet minimum income and savings requirements, retirees can also apply for temporary (up to four years) or permanent residency, with applications processed through the Mexican consulate in their country of residence.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

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Located about 250 miles northeast of Ho Chi Minh City and nearly 800 miles south of Hanoi, Nha Trang is a coastal city with a beautiful beach and an established expat community of about 4,000 people . The average year-round temperature is approximately 81 degrees Fahrenheit, and there are wet and dry seasons. The latter runs from January through August, while monsoon season spans September to December. 

High-quality health care is available through several local hospitals, including Vinmec Nha Trang International Hospital, which has modern facilities and an English-speaking staff. Most retirees arrange private health care coverage. According to an article by Betsy Burlingame, founder and president of Expat Exchange , “Most international retirees in Nha Trang opt for apartments or condos in the city center, close to amenities and the beach. There are also options for houses in quieter, residential areas.” Burlingame describes Nha Trang as a walkable city with reliable public transportation, vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and abundant opportunities for recreation, from parks to hiking and boating.

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