The 10 Most Popular Destinations in the World
The thought of the most popular destinations in the World often brings about the question of where I should go next? is often a difficult one to answer, especially if you have several options and no idea which one best fits your personality and desires. If you’re looking to visit somewhere outside of your comfort zone, but with great weather, history, and culture, Here are the 10 most popular destinations in the world!
1. Times Square, New York
As New York’s most iconic destination and also one of the most popular destinations in the world, Times Square has been a popular spot for decades. Tourists flock to its bright lights and countless shops and restaurants, while locals know it as a place to grab dinner before catching a Broadway show. There’s no place like New York.
So whether you want to head to Midtown or hop on a plane to one of these top destinations, here are some of our favorites: The world is filled with places worth exploring, from Paris (France) to Bora Bora (French Polynesia).
If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation, take note of these 10 places. Whether you prefer beaches or urban centers, big cities or small towns—we’ve got your next trip planned out. Now get packing!
2. Colosseum, Rome
One of Italy’s most popular attractions and also one of the most popular destinations in the world. Rome’s Colosseum is one of history’s most significant buildings. Built between A.D. 70 and 80 by order of Emperor Vespasian to honor his father, Emperor Titus, it had seating for more than 50,000 spectators (the empire’s elite) and was used mostly for gladiator fights and other public spectacles until it fell into disrepair during medieval times.
Today, tourists from around the world visit its underground chambers and upper levels. It’s been featured in numerous films including Gladiator (2000), The Passion of Christ (2004), Troy (2004), Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011), and many others.
3. Machu Picchu, Peru
Chances are you’ve heard of or seen these ruins before—maybe even on a postcard or two. Nestled in Peru’s breathtaking Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of South America’s most popular travel destinations, drawing nearly 3 million people each year. The site was built around 1450 by the Incan emperor Pachacuti and was named after an indigenous plant that grows nearby.
It remained hidden from Spanish conquistadors until 1911 and has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. While there are plenty of ways to explore it (hiking trails, horseback riding, etc.), be sure to set aside some time to just sit back and take it all in. You won’t regret it. Also, check out: The Best Places to Visit in the World – A Top 10 List
4. London Eye, London
More than 3.5 million visitors ride London’s iconic Ferris wheel each year, making it one of England’s most popular tourist attractions. With 30 passenger capsules that rotate 360 degrees, riders can take in views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Parliament and Tower Bridge as they travel around on a 30-minute rotation.
The London Eye is open every day from 9:30 am to 8 pm between March and October, with shorter hours during winter months. Tickets cost £18 for adults and £9 for children under 15 years old; book online or at any ticket booth to save time waiting in line. London Zoo, London: The world’s oldest scientific zoo opened its doors to members of the public more than 150 years ago.
5. Red Square, Moscow
Of course, I’m biased, but I believe Moscow is not only a must-see destination but also one of the most exciting cities in the world. One look at our iconic Red Square and you can see why it’s one of the world’s most popular destinations – people flock here to capture a bit of Russian history. In fact, for years many have said that if you haven’t seen Moscow then you haven’t seen Russia.
Of course, times have changed and nowadays that statement is much less relevant; still, though, no visit to Russia would be complete without a stop at Red Square. Machu Picchu, Peru: It’s hard to imagine how long Machu Picchu has been standing there – some say since 1450!
The Incas built it so well that even today archeologists are still discovering new things about it. That said, Machu Picchu is far from being just another historical site – its natural beauty makes it one of the world’s most popular destinations as well.
6. Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as Khufu’s Pyramid or The Pyramid of Cheops, is one of three pyramids located at the Giza Necropolis bordering what is now El Giza, Egypt. It is the oldest and largest of these pyramids and was built over a 20-year period concluding around 2560 BC. It is thought to have been built by ancient Egyptians for Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) as a tomb.
The Great Pyramid stands on an area slightly smaller than 13 acres or approximately 5.6 hectares. The original height of its limestone casing was 146.5 meters (481 feet). These days it stands about 137 meters (449 feet) tall based on 2005 measurements by satellite imagery provider DigitalGlobe, Inc… In other words, it is still high enough to be seen from almost anywhere in Cairo.
The pyramid has four sides that meet at a point near its apex; they are aligned with true north, south, east, and west and are within less than five minutes of arc accuracy. This means that if you could fly into space you would be able to see all four sides standing straight up from any vantage point on earth! That’s pretty cool!
7. Eiffel Tower, Paris
The Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’s most popular attractions and a world icon. The views from its two observation decks, at 322 and 376 meters, are second to none. When it was built in 1889 as part of an exhibition celebrating France’s achievements since 1789, few people expected it to still be standing 125 years later—but here it still is.
On a clear day, you can see up to 50 kilometers away. A lift takes visitors up to the first deck; stairs take them up to the higher deck. You can buy tickets online or get them on-site (cash only). The tower closes after midnight but opens again around 6 am for those who want to climb before sunrise. It closes during bad weather or when it feels like it—so check before you head over if you don’t want a wasted trip!
8. Big Ben & Parliament Square, London
London is packed with hidden gems, and one of them is definitely Big Ben and Parliament Square. The iconic clock tower is one of London’s most iconic attractions – so it makes sense that you want to check it out. On top of Big Ben, you can visit Westminster Abbey, enjoy a stroll around Green Park or grab a drink at The Old Clock House pub.
It’s also home to numerous landmarks, including Nelson’s Column, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. You can easily spend an entire day exploring everything that London has to offer! London Eye: The London Eye is one of Europe’s tallest Ferris wheels – standing tall at 135 meters high – offering panoramic views across central London from its 32 air-conditioned glass pods.
It’s a must-do for any tourist visiting London – but don’t worry if you’re afraid of heights as each pod rotates slowly (one rotation takes 30 minutes). Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace is probably THE best place for photo opportunities in all of England!
9. Harbour Bridge & Opera House, Sydney
The two largest landmarks of Sydney, Australia, are its iconic Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Between them, they make up one of Australia’s most popular destinations. Since both were constructed during Sydney’s early years as a modern metropolis, their design was inspired by…
I will not forget to mention Florence as one of the most popular destinations in the world, for centuries, Ponte Vecchio has served as a pedestrian bridge over Florence’s Arno River (and still does). It is lined with shops that sell everything from jewelry to books to leather bags.
Originally built between 1345 and 1352, it is not only famous for its unique architecture but also for being featured in some major movies like Romeo & Juliet (1996) and What Women Want (2000). To visit Ponte Vecchio is not only to stroll down memory lane but also to see what it feels like to live among Florentines themselves!
10. Golden Gate Bridge & Alcatraz Island, San Francisco
San Francisco is also called The City by The Bay. The city gets its name from Saint Francis of Assisi, who is considered its patron saint. San Francisco was named after St. Francis on his feast day, October 4, 1776. San Francisco is a city full of character and charm and contains some of California’s most beautiful scenery and landmarks.
The Golden Gate Bridge, which spans across Marin County, is one of America’s most popular tourist attractions. It has been featured in many Hollywood movies including Vertigo and Superman. Alcatraz Island, located just offshore from downtown San Francisco, housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly before it became a national park.
Today you can tour Alcatraz Island for an up-close look at what life was like for prisoners during that time period. On your trip to San Francisco, visit Fisherman’s Wharf where you can watch street performers or ride on one of many sightseeing boats that cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito or Tiburon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traveling is one of life’s great joys. With millions of people exploring the world every day, there are hundreds of sites to see and things to experience; there is no way we could ever have enough time to visit them all! Whether you like to take weekend trips with friends or go on long-term vacations, there is a destination out there for everyone. The above list represents what some consider to be among the most popular destinations in the world.
