Travel
The World’s Top 25 Tourist Destinations
Don’t know where to go this year? Check out the list of the most visited tourist destinations in the list for your wanderlust.
You might have already heard that investing in experience is much better than it is to put your money in material things. Traveling the world will surely give you the experience of a lifetime that you would be thanking yourself in the future for doing so. Knowing where to go is the challenge now.
CNN compiled a list of the most visited places according to Euromonitor International. The list was compiled from data of 57 core countries and the information gathered included, data from airports, hotels, statistics and tourism industries. If you don’t know where to travel next, check out the list of where the crowd is headed to at any given time of any year.
#25. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is at number 25 of the most number of tourists when the country clocked in a total number of a whopping 5.99 million visitors in 2014, according to Euromonitor International. This just means that Tokyo has to be in your bucketlist this year. Don’t forget to visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace, Mount Fuji and Great Buddha of Kamakura when you’re there.
#24. Milan, Italy
The reigning fashion capital of the world, Milan had a total of 6.05 million visitors back in 2014. Located right smack in the middle of Europe, one shouldn’t miss the Milan Cathedral, Navigli Lomabardi and the Sforzesco Castle to name a few.
#23. Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Mecca’s number of visitors increased a significant 6.2% in 2014 with a total number of 6.12 million tourists compared to 2013. Known as the Islamic pilgrimage capital of the world, sites to see should include Al Ula, Jawatha Mosque and Medain Saleh.
#22. Las Vegas
If you’re looking to enjoy, have fun and just party the night away, Las Vegas is the city for you. This place had a total number of 6.13 million visitors in 2014, according to the data gathered by Euromonitor International. Of course, you have to visit Caesar’s Palace, The Venetian Las Vegas, The Strip and Fremonth Street Experience.
#21. Prague, Czech Republic
Number 21 on the list is the city of Prague where the largest castle in the world, Prague Castle, is located. It had a total number of 6.35 million tourist visits who marveled at sites such as the Charles Bridge, Dancing House, and Powder Tower.
#20. Shanghai, China
Included in the list is the city of Shanghai located in the eastern part of China. It was able to garner a total of 6.4 million tourist visits in 2014. It is expected that this number will grow steadily every year, with sites such as the Jade Buddha Temple and the Yuyuan Garden enticing more visitors around the world.
#19. Pattaya, Thailand
Boasting of long shorelines and beautiful, sandy, pristine beaches, Pattaya pulled in a whopping 6.43 million international and local tourist visits. Check out Jomtien Beach, Naklua and Nong Nooch Village when you’re there.
#18. Miami
Miami is famous for the long stretch of Miami Beach which was able to garner a staggering 7.26 million visitors in 2014 alone. Apart from the beach, the largest Art Deco building is also located in the city of Miami. When you’re visiting, check out Fort Lauderdale and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
#17. Phuket, Thailand
Another beach paradise in Thailand, Phuket was able to get 8.1 million visitors, increasing by 1% from the previous years. People visited the following popular sites, Hat Kamala, Hat Patong and Cape Panwa.
#16. Guangzhou, China
Another popular city in China garnered 8.2 million tourists in 2014 and this is because of the following sites, White Cloud Mountain, Yuexiu Park and The Pearl River.
#15. Taipei, Taiwan
At number 15 is Taipei which had a total of 8.6 million visits from people around the world. The world’s largest national museum could be one of the reasons for the huge number of tourist influx to the city. Other sites to check out include Taipei 101, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial and Beitou Hotsprings.
#14. Rome, Italy
Consistently visited by both local and international tourists, Rome gathered 8.78 million visitors and this could be attributed to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.
#13. Seoul, South Korea
Slowly but surely, Seoul rose in the list with 9.39 million tourist visitors from the world over. When in South Korea, don’t forget to pass by the Seoul Tower, Lotte World and the Jongmyo Shrine.
#12. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
As the city rapidly expands its infrastructure, the number of visitors continues to rise as well. In 2014 alone, Dubai was able to garner 11.39 million tourists to its city. Don’t miss out on seeing the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Aquarium and the Bastakia when you plan to visit the city.
#11. Antalya, Turkey
Antalya is a Mediterranean resort town located in southwest Turkey. It was able to gather 11.5 million tourists, majority of whom are Russian. Sites to see include the Roman Fortress, Karst Springs and the Antalya Museum.
#10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Attracting 11.63 million visitors, Kuala Lumpur is the 6th most visited city in Asia. When you happen to stop by KL, check out the Petronas Twin Towers, the Batu Caves and the Thean Hou Temple.
#9. Istanbul, Turkey
A staggering 11.87 million visitors is the reason for Istanbul to be on the number 9 spot on the list. Tourists marveled at the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and the Yedikule Fortress.
#8. New York
It should be no surprise that New York is number 8 on the list with its 12.23 million visitors. The City That Never Sleeps is best known for the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Times Square.
#7. Shenzhen, China
Now considered an economic powerhouse, Shenzhen got a total of 13.1 million tourists from around the world. Check out the Fairy Lake Botanical Garden and the China Folk Cultural Village when you visit this tourist destination.
#6. Macau
Nicknamed the Las Vegas of the East, Macau had a staggering 14.97 million international tourist visits in 2014. The theme parks and casinos are sure to draw in more tourists in the next years. Drop by the Ruins of St. Paul and the Macau Tower when you decide to go to Macau.
#5. Paris, France
It would be correct to say that Paris will forever be on the list of most visited cities because of its charm and beauty. It had a total of 14.98 million tourists, though it was a 1.9% decline from 2013. Of course, you have to see the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and Arc de Triomphe when you’re in the City of Lights.
#4. Bangkok, Thailand
Number 4 on the list of most visited destinations, Bangkok had 6.5 million tourists in 2014. Don’t forget to visit the Grand Palace, Dusit Palace and the Wat Traimit when you’re in Bangkok. Have fun shopping at the night market, too.
#3. Singapore
Singapore is at number 3 with 17.09 tourists and it continues to rake in visitors consistently. Be ready to be amazed at the Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Zoo.
#2. London, England
Taking the second spot is London with 17.38 million international tourists. According to the data gathered, it is the number one most visited destination in Europe. If you’re visiting this city, take time to see the Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben!
#1. Hongkong
Hongkong is the number one destination for tourists with 27.77 million visitors. When you’re here, visit the Avenue of the Stars, Disneyland, Victoria’s Peak and Ocean Park.