50 Most Visited Tourist Attractions in the World ...

1. Nagashima Spa Land, Japan

#50 - Annual Visitors: 5,850,000
Coming in last but certainly not least, at #50 of the most visited tourist attractions is Nagashima Spa Land, home to amazing roller coaster rides, hot springs, a shopping mall and public gardens.
Open March to November, peak visitation March through August.

2. Palace of Versailles, France

#49 - Annual Visitors: 5,900,000
Once a royal chateau, this astounding museum is symbolic of the opulence of royal life. The sheer size of the palace, the meticulously kept gardens, the hall of mirrors and the royal bedchambers gives you a real taste of history.
Peak visitation period is June through August.

3. Universal Studios, Hollywood, California

#48 - Annual Visitors: 5,912,000
Universal Studios is a theme park functioning within a still-operational movie studio. The thrilling rides, fun tours of studio sets and special effects stages invite you to spend all day at this destination.
Peak visitation is June through August.

4. Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana

#47 - Annual Visitors: 6,017,500
In 47th place is New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, a place where history and fun meet. Every year the world-renowned annual Mardi Gras parade graces this street, and guests can visit bars, clubs and restaurants in search of local delicacies like crawfish, beignets and gumbo, or just bask in the southern ambiance steeped in its unique history.
Peak visitation is February through May.

5. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York

#46 - Annual Visitors: 6,115,881
At number 46 in the list of most visited tourist attractions is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the largest art museum in the US. The 2 million-piece permanent collection covers a wide variety of artistic styles and periods.
Peak visitation is weekends and holidays.

6. Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC

#45 - Annual Visitors: 6,191,361
A Doric-style temple stands as a memorial to Abraham Lincoln, one of the US’s most admired presidents. Inside, a 19-foot statue of Lincoln sits in a contemplative pose, and inscriptions from Lincoln’s greatest speeches are carved into the walls. A significant icon of the Civil Rights Movement, it’s the location where Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Peak visitation - March through June and September through November.

7. Universal Studios, Florida

#44 - Annual Visitors: 6,195,000
This is the second Universal Studios on the list, only this one’s in Florida. A working studio just like the one in California, this location also has rides, shows, and a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking.

Peak visitation is February through April, June through August, and US holidays.

8. Lake Mead, Nevada

#43 - Annual Visitors: 6,285,439
Created by the Hoover Dam, this lake comes in at #43 and is a peaceful retreat from busy Las Vegas. You can hike or bike around the lake, as well as have fun participating in various water sports and fishing.
Peak visitation is May through September.

9. Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea

#42 - Annual Visitors: 6,383,000
Lotte World is the world’s largest indoor theme park. Along with the indoor fun are lots of outdoor attractions along with a wonderful folk museum showing ancient displays from Korea’s past.
Peak visitation is March through May and September through November.

10. Disneyland, Hong Kong

#41 - Annual Visitors: 6,700,000
Disney pops up on the list of most visited tourist attractions several times, and coming in at #41 is the Hong Kong version. Like the original Disneyland, it remains true to the original park’s spirit but with Chinese culture and traditions represented throughout.
Peak visitation is October through November and April through May.

11. British Museum, London, UK

#40 - Annual Visitors: 6,701,036
The British Museum is an incredible collection of exhibits and artifacts from all over the world. Housed within its hugely-impressive walls are the famous Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the largest collection of Mesopotamian antiques outside Iraq.
Peak visitation is December and May through September.

12. Everland, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

#39 - Annual Visitors: 6,853,000
South Korea’s Everland amusement park boasts the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster. But that’s not all; the park houses a water park and a zoo as well.
Peak visitation March through May and September through November.

13. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

#38 - Annual Visitors: 7,000,000
Three locations tie for #38, #37 and #36. So, at #38 I put the Eiffel Tower, a Paris icon. (I thought it would be higher up the list). Not only is it the highest publicly-accessed space in Paris but in the whole European Union. Get a great bird’s eye view of the city and eat at one of 2 restaurants housed in the riveted steel structure.
Peak visitation - June through August.

14. National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC

#37 - Annual Visitors: 7,000,000
Tied with #38 and #36 on the list, #37 is part of the Smithsonian Institution. The National Air and Space Museum houses Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and the Enola Gay, from which the Hiroshima bomb was dropped, along with numerous other historically significant artifacts related to space and flight.
Peak visitation is March through June and September through November.

15. Victoria Peak, Hong Kong

#36 - Annual Visitors: 7,000,000
Tied with the Eiffel Tower and the National Air and Space Museum, Victoria Peak is the highest mountain in Hong Kong. A ride to the top on a tram offers awe inspiring views of the city below. The gardens and restaurants at the top encourage visitors to relax and enjoy scenery.
Peak visitation months are October, November, January, February, April and May.

16. Ocean Park, Hong Kong

#35 - Annual Visitors: 7,436,000
This vacation destination lets you learn and have fun at the same time. Ocean Park, number 35 in the list of the tourist attractions with the most visitors is part marine mammal park and part amusement park, boasting Hong Kong’s largest roller coaster.
Peak visitation months are October, November, January, February, April and May.

17. Disney’s California Adventure, California

#34 - Annual Visitors: 7,775,000
In true Disney style, this park features 8 different “lands” specializing in Pixar characters. The highlight is a spectacular World of Color nighttime light show that simply amazes.
Peak visitation is the US holidays.

18. Islands of Adventure, Universal, Orlando, Florida

#33 - Annual Visitors: 7,981,000
The Islands of Adventure features thrilling rides that make you the hero of your own stories. You can join Harry Potter on his adventures, or battle the baddies with Spider-man.

Peak visitation periods are February through April, June through August, and US holidays.

19. National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC

#32 - Annual Visitors: 8,000,000
Next, we find the second Smithsonian Institution, this time offering one of the most visited natural history museums in the world. Highlights include the dinosaur and giant squid displays.
Peak visitation months are October through February, April and May.

20. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

#31 - Annual Visitors: 8,200,000
One of the busiest art and entertainment centers in the world, this architectural wonder sits on stunning Sydney Harbor. In 2007, the “oyster shell” building became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lit up at night, this structure is fantastic when viewed from the harbor.
Peak visitation periods are January through April and October through December.

21. Pier 39, San Francisco, California

#30 - Annual Visitors: 8,500,000
Pier 39 is the place to go for fun in San Fran. Watch sea lions and numerous street performers, go to the aquarium or take a rocket boat out on the bay. Bay cruises on ferries are available, as well as whale tours. Experience the mirror maze or a 7-D theater where you feel like you’re part of the action.
Peak visitation time is May through October.

22. South Street Seaport, New York City, New York

#29 - Annual Visitors: 9,000,000
This one surprised me! Among the attractions at South Street Seaport is a large concentration of historic buildings, along with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and a great museum.
Peak visitation is January through March and June through August.

23. Great Wall of China, China

#28 - Annual Visitors: 9,000,000
In a tie with #29 on the list, the iconic Great Wall is one of humankind’s greatest accomplishments. With some parts of the wall dating to approximately 220 BC, it’s been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching over 5,500 miles, the main tourist area is fairly easy to access from Beijing.
Peak visitation is weekends and Chinese holidays (best avoided).

24. Musee Du Louvre, Paris, France

#27 - Annual Visitors: 9,200,000
In a tie with #26 on the list of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, the Louvre is most famous for housing the legendary Mona Lisa, along with works by other world famous artists. The world’s most visited art museum is best accessed at the Port des Lions entrance to avoid the crowds.
Peak visitation is June through August.

25. Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois

#26 - Annual Visitors: 9,200,000.
A tie with #27 on the list, the pier offers a waterslide, a Ferris wheel, theaters and a maze.
Peak visitation is April through December.

What surprised you so far? Things you think are missing might be in the next installment. Let’s go on to numbers 25-1 of the world’s most visited tourist destinations.

26. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

#25 - Annual Visitors: 9,685,829
What a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with abundant campgrounds and cabins for rent. Close to fun attractions like Dollywood, Ripley’s Aquarium or the Black Bear Jamboree!
Peak visitation is June through August.

27. Universal Studios Japan

#24 - Annual Visitors: 9,700,000
Another Universal park to appear on the list, the Japanese version has all the amenities and attractions of the US versions.
Peak visitation - March through August.

28. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Florida

#23 - Annual Visitors: 9,912,000
Stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, or walk down a New York Street. Take a back lot tour or ride the Tower of Terror. Tons of fun for everyone!

Peak visitation is February through April, June through August, and US holidays.

29. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida

#22 - Annual Visitors: 9,998,000
It seems that we love real Disney animals as much as the animated ones because the Animal Kingdom comes in at number 22 of the world’s most visited tourist attractions. Take the 3 hour safari and see wild animals roam freely.

Peak visitation February through April and June through August plus US holidays.

30. The Zocalo, Mexico City, Mexico

#21 - Annual Visitors: 10,000,000
Tied with #20 on the list, the Zocalo is Mexico City’s main square and one of the largest city squares in the world. The square has been a historic meeting place since the time of the Aztecs, and it’s surrounded by several notable buildings.
Peak visitation period is March through May.

31. Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington

#20 - Annual Visitors: 10,000,000
Tying with #21 on the list, you’ll find artisan food booths, craftspeople, and performance artists throughout this 9-acre market.
Peak visitation May through October.

32. Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, Hong Kong

#19 - Annual Visitors: 10,088,493
I’m loving, although also slightly perturbed, how precise the numbers are for these most visited world attractions. How do they count people to attractions that have no “doors”? This is an area overlooking the Victoria Harbor, and packed with tourist attractions, shops and restaurants.
Peak visitation October, November, January, February, April and May.

33. Sacre Coeur Basilica, Paris, France

#18 - Annual Visitors: 10,500,000
Situated on the only hill in Paris, the beautiful white basilica offers great views of the city. Designed in the Romano-Byzantine style, it’s an interesting departure from the Gothic influences found in other churches of the area.
Peak visitation time is June through August.

34. Epcot, Florida

#17 - Annual Visitors: 11,063,000.
At #17 is one of many theme parks on the list. Epcot, dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, is best known for its giant silver geodome.

Peak visitation is February through April, June through August, and US holidays.

35. Disneyland Park, France

#16 - Annual Visitors: 11,200,000
I knew there was going to be a number of theme parks among the tourist attractions with the most visitors but not this many! Coming in at #16 is another Disney attraction, this one in France. Designed to be similar to the popular US parks, it offers classic Disney fare and is not far from Paris.
Peak visitation - June through August.

36. Tokyo Disney Sea, Tokyo, Japan

#15 - Annual Visitors: 12,656,000
Still Disney, just add water. #15 on the list offers both traditional and water attractions and the attractions surround several lakes.
Peak visitation period is March through August.

37. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

#14 - Annual Visitors: 13,000,000
Not only are there awesome views of the bridge, but the over 1,000 acre park also boasts an aquarium, an arboretum, a children’s museum and the California Academy of Sciences.
Peak visitation months are May through October.

38. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France

#13 - Annual Visitors: 13,650,000
Situated near the Seine River, the Notre Dame is one of most visited tourist attractions in the European Union. Sporting classic Gothic architecture and iconic stained glass windows, this building has seen a number of historical events, such as the canonization of Joan of Arc.
Peak visitation is June through August.

39. Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan

#12 - Annual Visitors: 14,847,000
Modeled after the classic Disneyland, the Tokyo version has many of the same attractions.
Peak visitation is March through August.

40. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey

#11 - Annual Visitors: 15,000,000
In the ancient city of Istanbul, commerce goes on as usual as it has for thousands of years. The Grand Bazaar has over 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops and vendors. Be prepared to barter for curious and exotic goods.
Peak visitation period is June through August.

41. Forbidden City, Beijing, China

#10 - Annual Visitors: 15,300,000
Now we’ve hit the top 10 of the world’s most visited tourist attractions we’re going to see some serious numbers! This grouping of traditional buildings had been the home of Chinese government for about 500 years, and has housed many emperors. The Palace museum houses numerous Qing Imperial period pieces.
Peak visitation weekends and Chinese holidays.

42. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California

#9 - Annual Visitors: 15,963,000
The first of the Disney parks, it’s been a favorite of tourists since its opening in 1955. Filled with thrilling rides, immaculate streets, and fun venues, there’s something for every age group. The fabulous Californian weather isn’t too shabby either.
Peak visitation times are US holidays.

43. Disneyworld’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida

#8 - Annual Visitors: 17,536,000
Disney does it again with #8 on the list. The Magic Kingdom is the world’s most visited theme park – no surprise huh? Enjoy thrilling rides, clean streets and great food - everything you’ve come to expect from Disney.
Peak visitation is February through April and US holidays.

44. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, Massachusetts

#7 - Annual Visitors: 18,000,000
Faneuil Hall is the highest of the most visited tourist attractions in the world with a historical reference – I wasn’t expecting that. The backdrop of many a famous speech, this marketplace also has dining, shopping and entertainment.
Peak visitation periods are April through June and September through October.

45. Grand Central Terminal, New York City New York

#6 - Annual Visitors: 21,600,000.
It’s affectionately termed “Grand Central Station” as a reference to the previous rail station on the same site. Enjoy the restored ceiling featuring renditions of star formations and strangely, the excellent food court..
Peak visitation times are January through March and June through August.

46. Niagara Falls, New York and Canada

#5 - Annual Visitors: 22,500,000
A favorite destination for honeymooners, the massive falls are sure to incite awe and wonder. Take the Maid of the Mist Ferry to get a closer look.
Peak visitation months are June through August.

47. Union Station, Washington, DC

#4 - Annual Visitors: 32,850,000
At #4 is an architectural marvel and a major transportation hub. Numerous city tours depart from this location.
Peak visitation months are March through June and September through November.

48. Central Park, New York City, New York

#3 - Annual Visitors: 37,500,000
Securing number 3 position in the roll call of the tourist attractions with the most visitors, New York’s 843 acre park is a National Historic Landmark. With numerous walking and running trails, fountains, bodies of water and statues, it’s a favorite of tourists and New Yorkers alike.
Peak visitation periods are January through March, and June through August.

49. Times Square, New York

#2 - Annual Visitors: 39,200,000
Probably best known for the dropping ball on New Year’s Eve, Times Square is home to theater, music, and restaurant destinations, lit by millions of LED lights.
Peak visitation times are January through March and June through August.

50. Las Vegas Strip, Nevada

#1 - Annual Visitors: 39,668,221
Topping the list is the Las Vegas Strip. With its gambling, nightlife, shows, and great food, it’s no wonder the strip never sleeps. The over 4 mile stretch is home to picturesque and fanciful hotels and casinos designed to delight and attract visitors. And let’s not forget all those couples that tie the knot here.
Open year round, always busy on US holidays.

Well, there you have it. Some surprises, some omissions, some not as high as I thought they might be. What did you think? I’ve still got a fair few of the world’s most visited tourist attractions to see myself. How about you?