Want to travel but don't know which place to choose? Then be sure to check out the selection of the most popular places among tourists on our planet. The uniqueness, symbolism, colorfulness, and picturesque nature of these locations set them apart from other interesting travel destinations and attract millions of travelers from all around the world each year.
In this article, we will answer the question “what are the most visited places in the world”, by analyzing the data from the research company Euromonitor International for the year 2023. We hope this information will help choose your own journey.
What are the most visited places in the world
The ranking of places by visitation turned out to be quite unexpected. This list includes both popular architectural landmarks among the majority of the population and completely unexpected destinations. Interestingly, Turkey entered the top ten "top visited places of 2023" twice. The famous Grand Bazaar in Istanbul has been the leader of this ranking for several years in a row. Even during the pandemic, when the overall number of visitors significantly decreased, it managed to maintain its primacy. Also, the Turkish resort city of Antalya made it into the top five.
So, let's consider everything in order…
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul (Turkey)
In 2023, the most visited place in the world was the Grand Bazaar, located in the center of Istanbul. Over the year, this cultural and economic center of Turkey was visited by more than 20 million tourists. However, it is expected that this number will increase in 2024, as Turkey has recently simplified visa restrictions for travelers from the USA and Canada.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, which hosted 91,250,000 shoppers and sellers just last year, is a true symbol of eastern color and trade. It was founded back in the 15th century, and its construction took about four years. The Bazaar impresses with its architecture, especially its interior decoration. Here you can see colorful mosaics, stained glass windows, and exquisite reliefs on the walls. This huge market consists of 58 streets, each with its own name, accommodates 4,000 shops, its own mosque, and even a cemetery. At the bazaar, you will find goods to suit every taste: from luxurious antique jewelry, clothing, and carpets to aromatic spices and unique souvenirs. Despite the fact that prices at the Grand Bazaar are higher than in other parts of the city, this place still attracts millions of people with its atmosphere.
Big Ben, London (United Kingdom)
Big Ben is not only a symbol of London but also one of the greatest architectural landmarks and the most accurate clock in the world. Big Ben, as part of the Great Bell tower in the complex of the Westminster Palace, was built in 1858 on the south bank of the River Thames. The height of the Great Bell tower, where Big Ben is located, is about 96 meters. The diameter of the Big Ben clock face is 7 meters, and its bell weighs 13.5 tons. These numbers impress with their magnitude! That is why Big Ben is so popular among tourists, with more than 18 million visitors arriving here last year.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Burj Khalifa (Burj Khalifa) takes third place in the "top visited places of 2023" list. This architectural masterpiece, standing at over 828 meters, is considered the tallest building in the world. The design of Burj Khalifa reflects modernity and innovation. Its curved shape, geometric cutouts, and high efficiency make it a true gem of the modern architectural world. The building has 163 floors and is also a record holder for the most floors in the world. Inside, there are 57, again, the fastest elevators in the world, as well as 8 escalators.
Burj Khalifa is one of the main tourist attractions in the city. In 2023, about 17 million visitors came here! The building has two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors. Tourists come here to admire the fantastic views of the city of Dubai and the desert. In addition, inside Burj Khalifa, there are luxurious hotels, restaurants, and shops, which also attract many visitors.
Kaleici, Antalya (Turkey)
Antalya is a popular Turkish resort on the Mediterranean Sea. But tourists here are not limited to just beaches. The old town of Kaleici, which has ancient history, is a popular place for walks and photo sessions among travelers due to its picturesque beauty and ancient atmosphere. This historical quarter is located in the city center and is a unique combination of architectural monuments, narrow cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, shops, and restaurants. Kaleici in Antalya also preserves many cultural and historical landmarks, such as ancient mosques, temples, fountains, and buildings with impressive architecture. Here you can find many stalls of local craftsmen, souvenir shops, and antique stores, as well as authentic restaurants and cafes where you can try dishes and drinks of local cuisine.
Eiffel Tower, Paris (France)
The most visited place in France is the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel). It is not just an architectural monument but also a symbol of romance and the beauty of Paris. The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889, stands at a height of 324 meters (including the antenna), and weighs around 10,100 tons. Interestingly, it was constructed with wind resistance in mind, so during strong gusts, the tower can sway slightly. This helps it withstand even severe storms.
The Eiffel Tower attracts millions of tourists every year. Travelers come here to admire the city views from above, take photos, and visit the restaurants and shops at different levels of the tower. The Eiffel Tower has a total of 3 levels: the first at a height of 57 meters, the second at 115 meters, and the third at 276 meters. In the evening, it is illuminated by about 20,000 lights, making it a bright accent in the night sky of Paris.
Victoria Peak, Hong Kong (China)
The highest point on Hong Kong Island (552 meters above sea level) is Victoria Peak. Hong Kong was formerly a British colony but has now transformed into an impressive metropolis with numerous skyscrapers. Victoria Peak serves as the best vantage point for most of the city. It was once a beacon signaling ships of their approach to land.
In 2023, around 15 million tourists visited here, placing Victoria Peak in sixth place in the ranking of the most visited places in the world. You can reach the summit in several ways: by bus, by the Peak Tram funicular (the most popular way, but there may be queues), or on foot (the most budget-friendly option). Tourists typically choose the Peak Tram to enjoy stunning views of the high-rise buildings, islands, and bays of Hong Kong. The Peak also houses The Peak shopping center with shops, restaurants, and other entertainment facilities.
Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Bangkok (Thailand)
One of the most visited places in Bangkok is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) with its majestic Buddha image. The statue measures about 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height, making it the largest Buddha statue in the world. Wat Pho temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bangkok, with its history dating back to ancient Siam in the 16th century. It serves as an important center for the study of Buddhism and Thai cultural traditions. The sanctuary is also known for its massage schools and architectural landmarks, such as pagodas and walls adorned with mosaics. The temple houses a large number of cultural treasures, including a vast complex of Buddhist statues, ancient manuscripts, and artistic works.
It's no wonder that this place is a popular tourist attraction, attracting visitors from all over the world. Just last year, more than 12 million travelers visited here!
Times Square, New York City (United States)
Times Square in Manhattan is also known as the "Crossroads of the World" and is considered a symbol of the United States. The name "Times Square" comes from the newspaper "The New York Times," which once had its headquarters in this area. The square itself was opened in 1904. It is here that the iconic Times Ball rises, crowning the headquarters of the Times newspaper. Since 1907, tourists have been coming here on New Year's Eve to see how this ball descends onto the roof of the building from the sky. This marks the beginning of the countdown to the new year.
Times Square impresses with its neon signs and light installations, making it the brightest place in the city at night. The Times Square area is also known for its numerous theaters, restaurants, and shops.
Millions of tourists visit here every year to enjoy the atmosphere of this vibrant and bustling metropolis. Just last year, about 12 million travelers visited the square!
Chichen Itza, Cancun (Mexico)
One of the most visited places in the world is Chichen Itza in Cancun. Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city that impresses with its history, architecture, and astronomical knowledge of this civilization.
This archaeological complex attracts millions of tourists annually with its massive pyramid, known as the Temple of Kukulcan. This pyramid was built by the Mayan tribes in the 9th-12th centuries. It served as a temple for the sun and natural phenomena such as the equinox and solstice.
Chichen Itza is renowned for its impressive carved stone reliefs that adorn buildings and walls. These reliefs reflect various aspects of Mayan culture, including mythology, religion, and history.
In 2023, this captivating place was visited by over 10 million tourists.
The Sacred Mosque, Mecca (Saudi Arabia)
Masjid al-Haram, or the Sacred Mosque, in Mecca concludes our ranking of the "10 most visited places in the world". In the centre of the mosque, there is the Kaaba - the central sacred object for billions of Muslims worldwide. It is towards the Kaaba that they pray and bow every time, regardless of their location. Every year, pilgrims perform Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, and come to Mecca to pray and perform religious rites. Last year, around 11 million tourists made the pilgrimage here.
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