Traveling is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences in life. It allows us to explore new cultures, landscapes, cuisines, and perspectives. It also helps us to relax, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves and others. But with so many destinations to choose from, how do we decide where to go next?
Countries offer a variety of attractions, from historical monuments and natural wonders to vibrant cities and exotic beaches. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo trip, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in these amazing places.
Top 20 most visited countries in the world and some of the best places to visit in each one:
France
The most popular tourist destination in the world for more than 30 years, France offers a myriad of attractions: the Eiffel Tower, countless world-class restaurants, the Musée du Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the beaches of the Côte d’Azur, and of course, Disneyland Paris.
The lushly beautiful countryside is full of storybook villages, mountains, vineyards, and the occasional castle. One can even view prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux.
Spain
Spain is another tourist destination overflowing with interesting attractions. Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia cathedral and other works in Barcelona, the Guggenheim Museum, the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, Europe’s largest aquarium (the lily-shaped L’Oceanogràfic), the beaches of Gran Canaria, and La Rambla in Barcelona.
United States
The United States is a vast and diverse country that offers something for everyone. From the iconic landmarks of New York City and Washington D.C. to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park, to the cultural hubs of Los Angeles and San Francisco, to the tropical paradises of Hawaii and Florida, there is no shortage of places to see and things to do in America.
China
China is a country with a long and rich history that spans thousands of years. It is home to some of the oldest civilizations and cultures in the world, as well as some of the most modern and innovative cities.
Italy
Italy is a country that exudes charm and beauty in every corner. It is famous for its art, architecture, fashion, music, and cuisine.
Visitors can admire the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci in Florence and Rome, stroll along the canals of Venice and Cinque Terre, taste authentic pizza and pasta in Naples and Bologna, or sip a glass of wine in Tuscany and Sicily.
Turkey
Turkey is a country that straddles two continents: Europe and Asia. It has a unique blend of cultures, religions, and traditions that reflect its diverse history and geography.
Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Troy, marvel at the majestic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque in Istanbul, soak in the thermal pools of Pamukkale and Cappadocia, or enjoy the sun and sea in Antalya and Bodrum. Turkey is also a paradise for food lovers, with its diverse and delicious dishes, such as kebabs, baklava, dolma, and Turkish coffee.
Mexico
Mexico is a country that offers a rich and varied cultural heritage, as well as stunning natural beauty.
Visitors can discover the ancient civilizations of the Maya and the Aztecs, witness the colorful festivals and traditions of the Mexican people, sample the spicy and flavorful cuisine of the different regions, or relax on the sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
Mexico is also home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, such as the rainforest of Chiapas and the coral reef of Cozumel.
Germany
Germany is a country that combines modernity and tradition, innovation and history, efficiency and creativity.
Visitors can enjoy the cosmopolitan cities of Berlin and Munich, where they can find world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and nightlife.
They can also explore the picturesque countryside of Bavaria and the Black Forest, where they can see fairy-tale castles, medieval towns, and scenic landscapes. Germany is also known for its beer culture, its sausages and pretzels, and its festive events, such as Oktoberfest and Christmas markets.
Thailand
Thailand is a country that offers a diverse and exotic experience for travelers. It is known as the “Land of Smiles” for its friendly and hospitable people, who practice Buddhism as their main religion.
Visitors can enjoy the stunning beaches and islands of Phuket and Koh Samui, where they can swim, snorkel, dive, or surf. They can also visit the vibrant capital of Bangkok, where they can see the Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple, shop at the floating markets and night bazaars, or taste the spicy and aromatic Thai cuisine.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a country that consists of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each one has its own distinct culture, history, and identity.
Visitors can experience the royal heritage of London, where they can see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge. They can also discover the scenic beauty of Scotland, where they can visit Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness, and the Highlands.
They can also enjoy the Celtic charm of Wales and Northern Ireland, where they can see Cardiff Castle, Snowdonia National Park, Giant’s Causeway, and Titanic Belfast.
Japan
Japan is a country that blends tradition and modernity in a harmonious way. It is a land of contrasts: ancient temples and shrines coexist with futuristic skyscrapers and bullet trains; serene gardens and forests contrast with bustling cities and neon lights; refined arts and crafts complement cutting-edge technology and pop culture.
Visitors can experience the rich culture of Japan through its cuisine (such as sushi, ramen, tempura), its festivals (such as cherry blossom viewing, lantern festival, snow festival), its entertainment (such as anime, manga, video games, karaoke), and its etiquette (such as bowing, removing shoes, using chopsticks).
Malaysia
Malaysia is a country that boasts a multicultural and multilingual society, with influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European cultures.
It is a melting pot of religions, cuisines, arts, and customs. Visitors can enjoy the diversity of Malaysia through its landmarks (such as the Petronas Twin Towers, the Batu Caves, and the Penang Bridge), its nature (such as the Mount Kinabalu, the Taman Negara National Park, the Langkawi Island), and its festivals (such as the Chinese New Year, the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the Thaipusam).
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a country that is known as the birthplace of Islam and the custodian of its two holiest sites: Mecca and Medina. It is a land of faith, history, and culture.
Visitors can experience the spiritual journey of Hajj and Umrah, the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina that every Muslim is required to perform at least once in their lifetime.
They can also explore the ancient heritage of Saudi Arabia through its archaeological sites (such as the Madain Saleh, the Al-Ula Oasis, and the Diriyah), its museums (such as the National Museum of Riyadh, the Masmak Fortress, the King Abdulaziz Historical Center), and its souks (traditional markets).
Greece
Greece is a country that is considered the cradle of Western civilization and democracy. It is a land of legends, myths, and heroes.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the ancient glory of Greece through its monuments (such as the Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Delphi Oracle), its museums (such as the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum of Crete, the Archaeological Museum of Olympia), and its theater (such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Theater of Epidaurus, the Theater of Dionysus).
Greece is also blessed with a stunning coastline and islands (such as Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu), where visitors can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
Russia
Russia is a country that spans two continents: Europe and Asia. It is the largest country in the world by area and has a diverse geography and climate.
Visitors can experience the cultural and historical richness of Russia through its cities (such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi), where they can see the Kremlin, the Red Square, the Hermitage Museum, the Bolshoi Theater, and the St. Basil’s Cathedral.
They can also explore the natural wonders of Russia through its mountains (such as the Caucasus, the Ural, the Altai), its lakes (such as Lake Baikal, Lake Ladoga, Lake Teletskoye), and its forests (such as the Taiga, the Tundra, the Siberian).
Canada
Canada is a country that is known for its multiculturalism, diversity, and tolerance. It is a land of immigrants, who have contributed to its culture, society, and economy.
Visitors can enjoy the urban attractions of Canada through its cities (such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa), where they can find museums, galleries, festivals, and cuisines from different parts of the world.
They can also appreciate the natural beauty of Canada through its parks (such as Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Niagara Falls), its mountains (such as the Rocky Mountains, the Laurentian Mountains, the Coast Mountains), and its wildlife (such as bears, moose, whales).
Poland
Poland is a country that has a rich and turbulent history that shaped its identity and character. It is a land of heroes, martyrs, and survivors.
Visitors can learn about the past of Poland through its sites (such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the Wawel Royal Castle), its monuments (such as the Monument to the Fallen and Murdered in the East, the Monument to the Heroes of Warsaw, the Grunwald Monument), and its events (such as the Solidarity Movement, the Martial Law Period, the Pope John Paul II Visit).
Poland is also a country that has a vibrant and dynamic present and future.
Brazil
Brazil is a country that is known for its diversity, vitality, and joy. It is a land of music, dance, and carnival. Visitors can experience the rhythm and spirit of Brazil through its genres (such as samba, bossa nova, forró, axé), its events (such as the Rio Carnival, the São Paulo Fashion Week, the Rock in Rio Festival), and its icons (such as Pelé, Ayrton Senna, Carmen Miranda).
Brazil is also a country that has stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. Visitors can explore the wonders of Brazil through its attractions (such as the Amazon Rainforest, the Iguazu Falls, and the Pantanal Wetlands), its animals (such as the macaw, the jaguar, the capybara), and its plants (such as the orchid, the bromeliad, the cacao).
Egypt
Egypt is a country that is considered as one of the oldest and most influential civilizations in the world. It is a land of pharaohs, pyramids, and mummies. Visitors can travel back in time and discover the ancient secrets of Egypt through its sites (such as the Giza Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, the Karnak Temple), its artifacts (such as the Rosetta Stone, the Tutankhamun Mask, the Narmer Palette), and its culture (such as hieroglyphs, mythology, religion).
Egypt is also a country that has a modern and dynamic society and economy. Visitors can enjoy the contemporary aspects of Egypt through its cities (such as Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan), its attractions (such as the Egyptian Museum, the Cairo Tower, and the Aswan Dam), and its people (such as Naguib Mahfouz, Omar Sharif, Mohamed Salah).
South Africa
South Africa is a country that is known for its diversity, resilience, and transformation. It is a land of apartheid, freedom, and reconciliation. Visitors can learn about the history and politics of South Africa through its sites (such as the Robben Island, the Apartheid Museum, and the Nelson Mandela House), its leaders (such as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Thabo Mbeki), and its movements (such as the African National Congress, the Black Consciousness Movement, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission).
South Africa is also a country that has stunning natural beauty and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy the adventure and safari of South Africa through its parks (such as the Kruger National Park, the Table Mountain National Park, and the Addo Elephant National Park), its animals (such as the lion, the elephant, the rhino), and its plants (such as the protea, the baobab, the aloes).
India
India is a diverse and vibrant country that offers a range of experiences for travelers of all kinds. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, spirituality, or nature, you will find something to inspire you in this vast and varied land. You can explore the majestic Himalayas, the golden deserts, the lush jungles, and the serene beaches, or immerse yourself in the colorful traditions, religions, arts, and cuisines of its people.
You can visit the iconic monuments like the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the Khajuraho temples, or discover the hidden gems like the Ajanta caves, the Hampi ruins, and the Rann of Kutch. India is a country that will surprise, delight, and challenge you at every turn.
- Goa: a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and lively nightlife.
- Agra: home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, and other historic landmarks.
- Delhi: India’s capital city and hub of politics, history, and culture.
- Kerala: a state that is famous for its backwaters, houseboats, ayurveda, and spices.
- Rajasthan: a state that is known for its royal palaces, forts, deserts, and camel safaris.
- Varanasi: one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, where Hindus come to bathe in the Ganges river and perform rituals.
- Ladakh: a region that is located in the Himalayas and offers breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and monasteries.
- Darjeeling: a hill station that is famous for its tea gardens, toy train, and views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: a group of islands that are known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and marine life.
- Odisha: The land of temples, beaches, wildlife, and culture.
These are the top 20 most visited countries in the world and some of the best places to visit in each one. Plan your next trip and explore these amazing destinations.
