The 10 Most Popular Tourist Attractions in the World

A lifetime simply isn’t long enough to explore all of the best sights that the world has to offer, but we can endeavour to see as many of them as possible.

From ancient treasures to ornamental structures towering over modern metropolises, there really is something out there for every type of traveller.

In this article, we are going to be exploring ten of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Come with us as we uncover their popularity, perhaps solidifying your own desire to see them in the process.

Here are ten of the most popular tourist attractions that we believe every traveller should endeavour to see:

1. The Great Pyramids of Giza – El Giza, Egypt

Generously steeped in history, it comes as no surprise that one of the Great Pyramids of Giza is listed amongst the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

This is an incredible feat, especially when you consider the fact that none of the other ancient wonders still exist.

If you want the chance to view a real piece of ancient history, then the Great Pyramids of Giza could offer you the opportunity to do just that.

2. Kinkaku-ji – Kyoto, Japan

Sitting glimmering atop a serene pond in a landscaped garden, Kinkaku-ji is a charming Zen temple whose walls have been completely coated with gold leaf.

This temple has burned down twice throughout the last few centuries, but it has been perfectly restored on both occasions.

The sheer opulence of Kitayama culture is best viewed here, as Kinkaku-ji captures a time and a way of life that has long since passed.

Now, crowds full of tourists flock to Kinkaku-ji, soaking in views of the site where some of Japan’s most sacred relics are stored.

3. Musée du Louvre – Paris, France

The Louvre is one of the most famous tourist attractions in France, containing some of the most popular pieces of art in the world.

The artworks here can be traced back through the centuries, with an eclectic mixture of pieces from different ancient civilisations, from Egyptian hieroglyphs to Roman statues.

Naturally, there are a handful of pieces in the Musée du Louvre that really draw in travellers.

These include Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Vincent Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait, Jacques-Louis David’s The Coronation of Napoleon and Claude Monet’s Impression, Sunrise.

4. The Colosseum – Rome, Italy

The mighty Colosseum is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Rome.

Naturally, this memorable structure is a sight that attracts tourists year-round, each venturing to see part of what was once the centre of the Roman Empire.

Visiting the now ruined Colosseum is a true delight, as you really can start to imagine the storied events that would have once taken place there.

This archaeological treasure has taught us a lot about the Roman Empire.

5. Stonehenge – Wiltshire, England

Stonehenge is quite a unique monument, mostly because we don’t actually understand the full purpose that it once served.

It is estimated that this famous prehistoric structure has stood for around give millennia, having been erected during the Neolithic period.

At Stonehenge, you can get a real feel for early man, as a number of Neolithic and Bronze Age artefacts can be found there. The site itself is far from empty.

It houses hundreds of different burial mounds and is closely tied to British folklore.

6. Niagara Falls – Ontario, Canada

Every year, thousands of tourists from around the world flock to Niagara Falls in Canada. When you see photographs of these world-famous cascades, you can instantly see why that would be the case.

From legendary Maid of the Mist boat tours to soaring helicopter journeys, there are plenty of ways in which you can see the falls.

If you are looking to see the natural beauty of the world, then you should definitely add Niagara Falls to your bucket list.

7. The Statue of Liberty – New York City, USA

The Statue of Liberty stands tall over Liberty Island in New York. This delightful statue has become a real icon of the city, originally a gift from the people of France.

Her torch is of particular importance, inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence. At her feet lay a shackle and chain, broken to signify the abolition of slavery in the United States.

We would highly recommend that any traveller with the opportunity to visit the Statue of Liberty, even if just for a moment to soak in the beauty of this freedom-focused statue.

8. Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia

When tourists begin to think about tourist attractions in Australia, many of them will spend a moment thinking about Sydney Opera House.

This iconic building is one of the many jewels of Sydney Harbour, with its architecture having been influenced by the sales of the boats that would pass in the water.

The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, offering some of the best concert hall facilities in the world.

9. Forbidden City – Beijing, China

It is incredibly easy to see why tourists are easily drawn to the Forbidden City, a palace complex in Beijing.

The Forbidden City once housed the illustrious emperors of China, and it sat as a political centre in the country for hundreds of years.

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site now contains one of the largest collections of ancient wooden structures in the world, each perfectly preserved.

It has also significantly influenced architecture in East Asia over the years.

10. Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco, USA

Last but not least, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic sites in America, being a feature point in many a weary traveller’s photograph.

If you should find yourself in San Francisco, then you should make sure that you get a photograph of your own.

Hopefully, the fog will come out to play for you, adding another layer to each of the pictures that you take.

Exploring Popular Tourist Attractions

One of the best things about famous tourist attractions is the fact that they are quite literally tried and tested. These beloved attractions draw in massive crowds, each there to see their beauty first hand.

We would highly recommend that you make a list of all of the famous attractions that you would like to see, focusing on the attractions that really capture your attention.

The Growth of Popular Tourist Attractions

As international travel becomes more accessible, more people are setting out on monumental journeys to see some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions.

You have to decide exactly what places you want to see, whether or not you can truly cope with never-ending queues and whether you want to take a new approach to your own adventure.