Have you visited the most popular destinations in the world?
Even if travel is currently on hold, it’s always fun to reminisce and daydream about all that the world has to offer. The following 30 destinations are among the world’s most popular over the last 30 years. How many have you visited? Read this gallery to find out!
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Hong Kong
There are plenty of reasons to visit Hong Kong. The historical and cultural influence of the once-British colony is felt all over the island. Today, it is a major shopping destination, famous for its skyline and food scene, among other things. Over the last few years, it has experienced multiple crises and protests, but still remains one of the world’s most popular destinations.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is famous for its mix of historical sites and modern hot spots: it has everything from Buddhist shrines to street shopping and local food. The city is also a global hub, often used as a gateway to Asia, often ranking it among the most popular destinations in the world.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
London, United Kingdom
There are many things London is famous for: the Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tate Modern, the British Museum and several colourful neighbourhoods. It’s no surprise the British capital is such a popular destination!
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Singapore
The city-state of Singapore has long been a popular destination, but the movie Crazy Rich Asians, released in 2018, brought it top of mind for even more visitors. The modern city is famous for its rich architecture and state-of-the-art restaurants.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Paris, France
It’s no surprise Paris is among the most popular destinations in the world—and it has been for a long time! In 2019 alone, there were over 19 million arrivals. The City of Light boasts iconic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Le Marais, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe, among many others.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is more and more popular each year, as it keeps developing and building more opulence. Visitors are rewarded with a luxurious, almost otherworldly experience: the metropolis is built in the middle of the desert!
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
New York City, United States
New York City is, of course, one of the world’s most popular destinations, with Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, countless restaurants and bars, parks and more. No matter how many times you visit, you will never run out of things to do.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is famous for the Petronas Twin Towers, making its skyline memorable. The architecture is just one of the reasons it’s more and more popular with visitors. The beautiful parks and great cheap food are just icing on the cake.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Istanbul, Turkey
The iconic Blue Mosque is just one of the reasons visitors flock to Istanbul in such high numbers. The city also offers a blooming arts scene, great markets, fun boutiques and more.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Mumbai, India
Another Indian city, Mumbai, finds itself among the most popular destinations in the world. The country’s largest city is also the centre of the very popular Bollywood film industry and, like Delhi, it keeps climbing in popularity.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Phuket, Thailand
The island of Phuket, in southern Thailand, is very popular with visitors (some say too much!) mainly for its beautiful beaches. It also has a pretty Old Town and great hotels.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Rome, Italy
What is Rome most famous for? Hard to decide, between the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the rich architecture and, of course, the amazing pizza, pasta and gelato! No wonder it’s so popular with visitors!
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo can be both an exciting, bustling destination, full of life and people, and a calm spiritual haven, offering something for every kind of visitor. The 2020 Olympic Games, which have been moved to 2021, are sure to bring in a new surge of visitors.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Pattaya, Thailand
What was once a quiet fishing village has grown into a popular tourist destination since the 1970s. Pattaya also attracts visitors who like to party, as it has plenty of cabarets and 24-hour clubs.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan is a popular street-food destination, offering many very cheap and delicious choices. All visitors are won over by the variety of options!
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Seoul, South Korea
Have you ever listened to K-Pop? The popular music genre is everywhere in Seoul, alongside the more traditional Korean culture. This eclectic and modern blend of cultures makes the city popular with visitors.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is known for its tulips, bike lanes and coffee shops, but there is so much more to see. Visitors love to wander around, explore the different neighbourhoods and admire the canals.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Miami, United States
If you love art deco architecture and beautiful beaches, you’ll love Miami. It offers something for all kinds of visitors, from high-end spa fans to art enthusiasts to those who prefer to party at night.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Osaka, Japan
Like many cities in Japan, Osaka is popular in springtime because of its beautiful cherry blossoms. It also attracts visitors in search of great nightlife and good food, in addition to offering plenty of beautiful architecture to admire.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Las Vegas, United States
Sin City is always packed, from morning until night: it’s called the city that never sleeps for a reason! In the daytime, visitors head to one of the many hotel pools, and at night, gambling, concerts and clubbing are all popular activities. Of course, there’s also all the shopping!
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Shanghai, China
At 632 metres high (2,073 feet), Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest and the world’s second-tallest skyscraper. So it goes without saying that it’s very popular with architecture buffs! Visitors also love the city for its food, its Buddhist culture and The Bund, its waterfront boulevard, among other features.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Los Angeles, United States
Movie buffs love Los Angeles, home to Hollywood and abuzz with possible celeb sightings, but the city is so much more than that. It offers everything from thrifty to high-end shopping, great healthy food, beautiful parks… and some car traffic, too!
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Milan, Italy
Milan is known for its popular fashion week, held twice a year, but it also offers visitors so much more to see and do, especially when it comes to all things cultural. Art galleries, museums and great restaurants are just some of the things it’s possible to experience there.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Cairo, Egypt
Did you know that Giza’s famous pyramids are just 18 kilometres (11 miles) away from Cairo? This is one of the main reasons so many visitors flock to the capital city! Egypt has lived through a lot of turmoil over the last few years, but many of the destination’s regions are once again safe for tourists.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Athens, Greece
Athens is popular with visitors who wish to learn more about its rich history. Home to the Acropolis, the Parthenon and more, it’s a great place to spend a few days—and there are plenty of great restaurants to tuck into a delicious meal at the end of the day!
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Orlando, United States
Home to famous theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is a popular destination for families and has been for years. The omnipresent sunshine probably has something to do with it, too!
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Moscow, Russia
Moscow is among the most popular destinations in the world largely because of its beautiful squares and churches. The scenery is completely different depending on the time of year, too.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Venice, Italy
A city that requires no introduction, Venice is known for its canals and its carnival. Visitors have long flocked to it to enjoy the piazzas and take a romantic boat ride in a gondola.
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.