Top Tourist Destinations In The World
As the saying goes, the world is your oyster. And it so happens that this big old oyster we call home has thousands of beautiful tourist attractions as its precious pearls. It’s always great to grab the opportunity to travel somewhere, even just once in your lifetime, to appreciate what the world has to offer fully.
Whether you are an expert backpacker or just someone who needs a destination getaway, we all have so many different destinations across the globe to choose from, and it can be challenging to narrow down your options. So, to save you from spending too much time planning and having more time traveling, we’ve compiled our list of top 10 tourist destinations in the world.
Considering the culture, cuisine, value for money, and, of course, the sight, we’re featuring popular tourist attractions from national parks to cityscapes brimming with cultural sights. We got everything for every tourist there as we list down the best vacation spots in the world, so read on and find your next destination this year for you.
The Ultimate Backpacking Destinations
Throughout the years, backpacking has become quite a popular way of traveling as you get to immerse yourself into the local lifestyle while cutting down travel costs. If you’re on for an adventure of a lifetime, we’ve got seven tourist attractions for you to consider the next time you pack your bags for a trip. Whether it be theme parks or a National park, it’s worth visiting if it’s a well-known tourist attraction!
Queensland: Great Barrier Reef
Located off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia, dive into this 2,300 km long of unreal beauty and swim with countless aquatic species in their natural home, the largest living thing on Earth! Comprising of thousands of reefs made of over 600 hard and soft coral types, it’s one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world.
On land, you can take a breather and spend your time relaxing on Whitehaven Beach. But if you just can’t get enough of the water, you can sail on the turquoise Coral Sea.
Costa Rica
If you are craving connection with nature, this country is bursting with natural sceneries, from lush rainforests to sprawling beaches to magnificent volcanoes. Central America is a great trip overall! From surfboarding to the yoga mat, the activities in this splendid tourist attraction are endless.
Venture out on a hike and find intriguing wildlife like birds, iguanas, monkeys, and sloths at Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy the sun and bathe on the beach. Descend into bat-filled caves or ascend imposing volcanic peaks. Need I count more reasons why it’s one of the best vacation spots in the world? See for yourself and find the perfect adventure for you in this country blessed by Mother Nature herself.
Denali National Park
A world-renowned national park that you’d like to add to your bucket list. This is one of the top tourist attractions with superb wildlife, pristine parkland, and the Denali heights, especially for backpackers. The snowy summits and the astonishing granite spires of Denali National Park feature higher elevations. It looks like it drowned in the sea of clouds. A few factors make this one of the top tourist attractions.
Whether you’re hiking, camping, biking, fishing, or simply enjoying the wildlife, Denali National Park has a lot more to offer. If you ever get tired, Denali offers a transport hub. With eight hiking trails of various difficulties, you can explore the alpine sceneries, rivers, and lakes. Also, if you’re thinking about safety, Denali Park has the only sled dog team in the US. And it is used to patrol around the national park.
Lake Michigan
Explore a different side to the US midwest with various activities to do. Lake Michigan, America’s Great Lake, and the countryside will let you experience a much-needed awesome vacation. Whether you are a food junkie or just after some island or nature experiences, this side of town is perfect for you. With a stretch of 307 miles of cities, towns, islands, shorelines, and nature, the lake offers a wide range of experiences.
Boost your knowledge with a visit to the Harley Davidson Museum. Which houses almost all the Harley Davidson ever produced. Or engage yourself in the architectural wonders of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It is one of Michigan’s top tourist attractions. When tired of the sight-seeings, you can relax and take a plunge at the crystal waters of the nearby lake.
Machu Picchu
Would you ever find yourself in Peru, you ought to take the opportunity to witness the most famous archeological site on the continent. Like the Mona Lisa or the pyramids, the Incan citadel is a sight to behold, especially one that will take your breath away when face to face with its greatness: an ancient city that was never touched by the conquering Spaniards and was practically forgotten until the early 20th century.
Truly, an experience that is considered to be pretty much once in a lifetime, prepare yourself to conquer the hike stretching for four days along the Inca Trail. Still, before you get discouraged, this tourist attraction is all worth the trip as you are rewarded with the view of this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site.
Not up for days of hiking but want to see its glory? You can hop on a train from Cusco to the mountain base. Just know that this tourist destination is a must!
Grand Canyon National Park
Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or you simply love the magnificent mountain views, the Grand Canyon is for you. An iconic tourist attraction in Arizona, an exciting hike awaits you at the Rim-to-Rim. Hikers and backpackers alike can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the Grand Canyon national park. You can trek down the canyon floor and cross over the Colorado River. Spring and fall are the most advisable times to hike this national park.
Prepare to be mesmerized with the layers of sandstones as they change colors under the sun at Plateau Point. If you need to refresh, pass by Ribbon Falls and enjoy the cool water. Never miss the hidden hanging gardens found in the side canyons. With a geological history of 2 billion years, this gem is also one of the certified UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Forbidden City
At the center of the busy city of Beijing lies this cluster of magnificent ancient buildings. The Forbidden City is enclosed by 3.5 kilometers of solid walls and is a certified UNESCO gem. Every year, the Forbidden City welcomes a total of 16 million visitors. Aside from the golden era of history this tourist attraction encompasses, it is also home to two dynasties of imperial rule.
Visiting here could take you a whole day. Some even make a comeback trip. The main attractions are the parade grounds, the ceremonial halls, and the central axis in the outer court. However, the real deal of this place is trailing the maze of halls and courtyards. Plus, threading along the high walls for stunning aerial views.
Phuket, Thailand
Dare to have a taste of the exotic? Lose yourself not only in the jade-hued waves washing white-gold beaches of the Andaman Sea but also in its one-of-a-kind culture. Mingle with the locals by going to the Phuket Town Weekend Night Market or, as the locals call it, the Naka Market. There are things to buy such as fruits, old curiosities, and clothes.
If you don’t feel like shopping, spend the night out instead at Bangla Road or sit back and enjoy various cultural shows at Phuket Fantasea Show. From its flavorful culinary scene to its impressive Buddhist temples and emerald jungles, this Thai heritage will never run out of things for you to discover and have a taste of that you may even forget about leaving!
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Jagged volcanic peaks rising above blue lagoons, powder-soft beaches with lush palm trees, and other stunning natural wonders like waterfalls – the tranquil shores of this island country are more than just a pretty place. Answer your wanderlust and experience a unique culture in Tahiti, French Polynesia.
Learn about the history of Tahiti in interesting museums, celebrate their culture in the annual Heiva festival in July, indulge yourself with the exotic cuisine the locals have to offer and learn a language at heart in this paradise. And that’s just a few things to start loving about this place!
The Best Vacation Spots in the World
If you’re not much of a traveler but are more on wanting just an escape from your daily routine, we’re also dishing out what we think are the best vacation spots in the world- so ready your suitcase and sunglasses because you’ll want to go to these places.
Maldives
This place is probably the quintessential luxury for people eager to unwind and indulge themselves. Located in the Indian Ocean, the contrasting turquoise water and the pearly sand is heaven on earth for those looking to stay in an overwater bungalow.
Fair warning ahead, a getaway here does not come cheap, but it’s all worth it for spending time in one of the best vacation spots in the world, be it dining in at an underwater restaurant or getting pampered at an underwater spa.
READ MORE ABOUT TRAVEL SPOTS IN THE U.S.
Rio de Janeiro
Extravagance at its best? Witness it at the Cidade Maravilhosa or the Marvelous City of Rio de Janeiro with its world-famous Carnival celebration along with its scenic vistas. Take a picture at the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, explore the 340 acres Jardim Botânico, or just work on your tan on Ipanema or Copacabana beach.
This huge seaside city in Brazil also offers a great shopping escapade and a booming nightlife to further spoil yourself senseless in this great tourist destination.
Santorini, Greece
With just the sunset in Santorini, the realization of why this Greek destination is one of the best vacation spots in the world will immediately strike you. There are also ancient ruins and several wineries to visit during the day aside from its exquisite evening atmosphere. Witness and experience Santorini’s beaches, boasting colorful black and red sand.
Breathtaking scenery: Cliffside whitewashed buildings lining brilliantly blue caldera. Experience all these while you stay at some of the world’s best luxury hotels.
Sydney Opera House
One of the top tourist attractions in Australia that every traveler and tourist wouldn’t miss is the Sydney Opera House. Aside from its great location in the harbor, this Australian icon boasts of its magnificent architectural design. As one of Australia’s popular tourist attractions, this is also home to Sydney’s best culture and theater.
Any tourist can enjoy a guided tour or a tour of your own. After exploring the stunning architectural designs, walk yourselves through the beautiful pathways leading to the scenic Botanic Gardens. This is also one of Sydney’s well-known tourist attractions that lead to the city center.
Rome
Fill yourself up with not only delicious food (the home of good pizza, pasta, and gelato), velvety coffee, and exquisite wine but also with the rich art and history of this city. Travel back in time from the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, Pantheon, and the Colosseum to the more recent pieces in the Galleria Borghese. Then, traverse the city’s streets and enjoy its distinct architecture seen from ornate piazzas and showy fountains that add a baroque flourish to the place.
This expansive cosmopolitan city also offers easy access to other destinations within Europe. Get a chance to see the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, which houses masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s frescoes at the nearby city-state Vatican City.
Paris
To conclude our top 10 tourist destinations globally, Paris probably bags the best yet. The capital of France, this city is known for art, history, and culture—truly, the pinnacle of tourism. The City of Lights serves as a global center for art, fashion, and even gastronomy. Find romance in its café culture near famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Gothic Notre Dame cathedral and marvel at designer boutiques along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore.
Paris is also home to the sprawling Louvre art museum and Michelin-starred restaurants, which every art lover might describe as a perfect tourist destination in the world. There’s also always something going on in the City of Lights as it hosts several fun festivals throughout the year. It’s a place to fall in love, which will make you keep on coming back as much as possible.
Magic Kingdom
A child-at-heart or not, all ages can be lost in the endless enchantment Disney theme parks can offer. We are all aware that Disney never fails to give us the most amusing attractions in the world as they have theme parks in almost all four corners of the world. This world-famous theme park is just one of the top tourist attractions of Walt Disney World resort. Situated in Orlando, Florida, awaken the kids in you with their 40 remarkable attractions, surprises, themed dining, and shopping.
Divided into six-themed lands, each area offers unforgettable experiences. The themed lands offer different rides and attractions that you can experience to your delight. When you get hungry after all those thrilling rides, they have various dining options. Disney Parks have always been the most visited tourist attraction worldwide.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Another ancient walled city that has been one of the world-renowned tourist attractions in Marrakech. Thanks to its red-colored brick walls, it was now called The Red City. You’ll enjoy immersing yourself in the combination of the new and ancient world. Aside from the vibrant and colorful Medina souk markets, you can also see occasional snake charmers on the street. One of Marrakesh’s most visited tourist attractions is its mosques. You can explore the stunning Almohad architecture when you visit their mosques.
Schedule yourselves a visit to the Majorelle Gardens and stroll around its luxurious art and scenes. There’s a museum dedicated to the life and works of designer Yves Saint Laurent. Never miss out on the adventure of riding a hotter balloon as you go over the Marrakesh Countryside. A sight to behold!
Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most visited tourist attractions in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. While it’s a sight to behold, the magnificent bridge is a total showstopper. Aside from the usual photo snaps, you can do many activities while visiting the Golden Gate Bridge. For instance, you can explore the Golden Gate Recreational area. It is a vast land covering 82,027 acres of land stretching from Silicon Valley to Tomales Bay.
Enjoy the view of the Golden Gate Bridge from afar by taking a cruise. The San Francisco Bay Boat Cruises offer a unique cruise with wine tasting. If you’re in for a little bit of workout while exploring the Golden Gate Bridge, cycling around the bridge is your best bet. The Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals offer tours and rentals for every cyclist enthusiast.
Pike Place Market
Whether you’re just passing Seattle or just planning a food trip to a nearby state, don’t miss stopping by the Pike Place Market. Not only is this a popular tourist destination, but it’s one of the go-to tourist attractions for the locals as well. One amazing thing about this place is you’ll always discover something new every time you visit. You’ll always be a novice! With over 500 vendors at the Pike Place Market, there’s always something your palates would love!
Although there’s a lot to taste in this food haven, we suggest you go for their seafood specials. The Pike Place Market is the best place that offers Pacific Northwest specials. You can try their clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls and raw oysters on half-shells. The market also offers other International cuisines. Indulge yourself in international specialties like Russian piroshkis, Thai curries, Taiwanese Tombow, Turkish baklava, Japanese bento, and many more.
Key Takeaway
There are always beautiful spots in every corner wherever you are in the world. Some are even hidden gems waiting to be discovered. All you have to do is explore the list of tourist destinations we’ve listed above and enjoy the beauty of the world. You’ll even get to discover some quaint tourist spots that weren’t yet popular.
Updated on March 14, 2022
