What Is New York Metropolitan Museum of Art and Metropolitan Opera 1800s

Credit: © imageBROKER / Alamy

For near 500 years, the emperors living inside Beijing's opulent Forbidden City dictated who could enter and leave. Well, the gates have opened, and tourists are pouring in to see it all for themselves. Attendance is up by 2.5 million since 2010.

The Forbidden Urban center is a dream destination for some Americans, but most have never researched a trip to Everland or Lotte World. Yet these South Korean theme parks also rank amongst the world's 50 virtually-visited tourist attractions—beating out the Eiffel Tower (nearly 7 million), the Groovy Pyramids (4 1000000), and Stonehenge (1 1000000). And at that place are more surprises.

Related: Europe'southward Most-Visited Tourist Attractions

Where we choose to spend our vacation time says a lot about what we value. Despite—or perhaps because of—what the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) calls "global economic challenges," more travelers are hitting the route than always. International tourist arrivals increased by five percentage in 2013, according to the UNWTO. That translates to a tape of more than than one billion trips. With its population of one.36 billion, China has get the second-largest exporter of tourists. Russian federation, now the 5th-largest outbound market, increased travel spending by 26 percent.

Like information technology or not, theme parks clearly have worldwide appeal. France's Disneyland Park draws about the same number of visitors (ten.five million) every bit Sacré Coeur, and four of the world'southward xx most-visited tourist attractions are Disney parks.

Many inspiring and iconic places tin can't quite keep up. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum narrowly missed the top l, as did the British Museum in London (vi.7 million), the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (vi.3 1000000), and the Roman Colosseum and Forum (v.1 million each). The Berlin Wall Memorial Site logged only 500,000 visitors in 2013, though actress crowds arrived in November 2014 for the 25th ceremony of its fall.

Accessibility can exist a cistron. It takes extra attempt to reach Yellowstone National Park (3.ii meg) or the Terracotta Ground forces in Xi'an, China (4.8 million). And Peru's Machu Picchu has restricted tourism to aid maintain the site'southward integrity; simply ii,500 can enter per 24-hour interval, or 912,500 per year.

Related: America's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions

So what is the most-visited tourist attraction in the earth? And tin can 91 million people be wrong? Read on to see the results—and an explanation of our methods for computing it all.

The Methodology: To tally upward the earth's near-visited attractions, we gathered the well-nigh contempo information supplied past the attractions themselves or from government agencies, industry reports, and reputable media outlets. In most cases, it was 2013 data. Attractions that don't sell tickets gave us estimates as best they could.

Nosotros divers "tourist attractions" as cultural and historical sites, natural landmarks, and officially designated spaces. And then Boston'due south shop-filled Faneuil Hall Marketplace (est. 1742) fabricated the cut, but not Minnesota's Mall of America, which, with 40 1000000 annual visitors, would otherwise accept tied for No. 4. Short walkways and plazas also fit our definition of tourist attractions; that disqualified the Blue Ridge Parkway. We also omitted beaches, bridges, and sites that describe nigh exclusively religious pilgrims.

Reported by Kate Appleton, Rich Beattie, Adrien Glover, Lyndsey Matthews, April Orcutt, Joshua Pramis, and Ann Shields

No. 1 Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

World's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

Credit: Michael James O'Brien

Annual Visitors: 91,250,000

Hand-painted ceramics, lanterns, intricately patterned carpets, copperware, aureate Byzantine-mode jewelry, and more than centre-communicable products vie for your attention within this 15th-century bazaar's vaulted walkways. Information technology has since expanded and become increasingly touristy, but locals, too, are among the millions of bargain hunters. To haggle like a pro, lowball your starting offer and don't exist afraid to walk away. And if it all gets overwhelming, break for a succulent doner kebab or strong cup of Turkish coffee.

Source: Thousand Bazaar direction

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No. 2 The Zócalo, Mexico Metropolis

Earth's Almost-Visited Tourist Attractions: The Zócalo, Mexico City

Credit: © Konstantin Kalishko / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 85,000,000

Formally known as the Plaza de la Constitución, the enormous Zócalo thrums with activity. It hosts military parades, cultural and political events, concerts, exhibitions, fairs, and public fine art installations. Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace flank this celebrated public square, and an imposing Mexican flag, raised and lowered daily, waves over the scene.

Source: Mexico Tourism Lath

No. 3 Times Foursquare, New York City

World's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Times Square, New York City

Credit: © Russell Kord / Alamy

Almanac Visitors: 50,000,000

Tourists flock to New York'due south neon centre for the flashing lights, Broadway shows, megastores, and sheer spectacle—including costumed characters eager to pose for photo ops. Pedestrian-only areas with café tables introduced a few years ago have fabricated it easier and more than appealing to hang out hither. Times Square can even be a user-friendly, if cluttered, base, thanks to hotels at every toll point and easy access to public transportation: subways, track, buses, and more than xanthous taxis than you can count.

Source: The Times Square Brotherhood

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No. four (necktie) Central Park, New York Urban center

Globe's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Central Park, New York Urban center

Credit: © Edd Westmacott / Alamy

Annual Visitors: forty,000,000

New York has larger dark-green spaces, but none is more famous than Central Park, which stretches across virtually 850 acres of prime Manhattan real estate—an haven for both tourists and locals. Y'all tin can ride in i of the horse-drawn carriages, bank check out the pocket-sized-size zoo, climb to the elevation of 19th-century Belvedere Castle, or accept a suspension from pounding the pavement to sprawl on the Great Lawn, gazing at the skyscrapers above.

Source: Primal Park Conservancy

No. 4 (tie) Spousal relationship Station, Washington, D.C.

Earth's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Union Station, Washington, D.C.

Credit: Alex Segre / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 40,000,000

Opened in 1907, this decorated station shuttles some 12,500 passengers daily in and out of the city. Just it likewise handles millions of tourists who laissez passer through to take in the impeccably mixed architectural styles throughout the colossal building: from Classical to Beaux-Arts to Baroque. More than 70 retail outlets brand Union Station a shopping destination, and it'due south as well a jumping-off point for many D.C. tours.

Source: Union Station

No. 6 Las Vegas Strip

World'southward Virtually-Visited Tourist Attractions: Las Vegas Strip

Annual Visitors: 30,500,000

In 2013, 77 percentage of Vegas tourists—thirty.5 1000000—chose to stay at hotels right on the 4-mile-long Strip. And why not? Whorl out of bed and onto the Strip to take hold of the Bellagio fountains in activity, store, gamble, and, of course, people-watch (which can get specially fun subsequently at dark). For a absurd new vantage signal, hop aboard the High Roller, a 550-foot-tall Ferris bicycle that debuted in March 2014. It'southward part of Linq, a flashy 300,000-square-foot shopping and entertainment complex by Caesars.

Source: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

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No. seven (necktie) Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo

Earth's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo

Credit: © Paul Brown / Alamy

Annual Visitors: xxx,000,000

Congenital more than 100 years ago to honor the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this Shinto shrine in bustling Tokyo is a peaceful oasis surrounded by a holy forest of more than 100,000 copse. Seasonal gardens feature spring azaleas, summer irises, brilliant autumn leaves on Japanese maples and ginkgos, and black pines dusted with winter snow.

Source: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

No. 7 (necktie) Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

World's Nearly-Visited Tourist Attractions: Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

Credit: © Vincent St. Thomas / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 30,000,000

Tokyo'southward oldest temple was dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon, the well-nigh compassionate Buddha, in 628. Dramatic nighttime illumination highlights vermilion and ruby-red detailing in the 5-Storied Pagoda. Standing centuries-long tradition, stalls forth the temple'southward Nakamise Street sell food and goods to pilgrims, whose numbers peachy around New year's day's.

Source: Nippon National Tourism Organisation (JNTO)

No. 9 Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario

World'due south Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario

Credit: © Rosemarie Stennull / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 22,000,000

Straddling the border of the U.S. and Canada, three massive waterfalls, together chosen Niagara Falls, spill near 6 meg cubic anxiety of water—from a maximum vertical drop of 165 feet—every infinitesimal. While in that location are about 500 taller waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls is spectacular for its sheer ability. It's also more accessible than many major falls, a short flight or drive for millions of regional tourists.

Source: Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp./Canadian Tourism Commission

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No. 10 G Central Final, New York City

World's Nearly-Visited Tourist Attractions: G Key Terminal, New York City

Credit: © Alex Segre / Alamy

Almanac Visitors: 21,600,00

Unlike harried commuters, visitors accept their fourth dimension in the main concourse of this Beaux-Arts landmark, pausing to view its glittering ceiling painted with a map of the constellations from the nighttime sky. Shops, an almanac vacation market, special events, and restaurants too concenter attending. 2 of the grandest venues are the Campbell Apartment, serving arts and crafts cocktails, and the historic Oyster Bar—featured on AMC'due south Mad Men—which shucks ii million fresh bivalves a year.

Source: K Central Last

No. 11 Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico Urban center

World's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico Metropolis

Credit: © wendy connett / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 20,000,000

The Old Basilica, begun in the 16th century and completed in 1709, stands in stark contrast to the massive new basilica, designed by the Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, which was congenital in the mid-1970s and looks similar a sports arena. It is, in fact, intended to hold 50,000 people, who come for mass—celebrated several times a mean solar day—and to see an epitome of the Virgin Mary that is said to have appeared on an frock in 1531.

Source: United mexican states Tourism Board

No. 12 Disney World'south Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

Earth'south Near-Visited Tourist Attractions: Disney Earth’southward Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

Credit: © The Walt Disney Company

Annual Visitors: xviii,588,000

The Most Magical Place on Earth is high on virtually every family's to-do list and remains the most-visited theme park on the earth. Expanded Fantasyland now includes the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train family-style roller coaster and a chance to meet Anna and Elsa from the nail-hitting Frozen in the Princess Fairytale Hall virtually Cinderella Castle. Time-tested attractions include the Jungle Prowl and Space Mountain, the daily Disney character parade down Main Street, Usa, and a fireworks spectacular that lights up the sky many nights.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report

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No. xiii Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston

World'south Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston

Credit: Julian Russell / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 18,000,000

Dating back to 1742, Faneuil Hall ("the Cradle of Liberty") one time hosted speeches by such greats as Samuel Adams and George Washington. Today, the downtown marketplace has more than than 100 specialty shops and eateries and occupies a pedestrian-simply, cobblestoned area that swarms with tourists and street performers. Each winter, Faneuil Hall too hosts Boston's tallest Christmas tree, forth with festive light displays and choirs.

Source: Faneuil Hall Marketplace

No. xiv Tokyo Disneyland

World's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Tokyo Disneyland

Credit: 2011 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Annual Visitors: 17,214,000

Disney's Tokyo outpost has become the second most-visited theme park in the world (chirapsia out Anaheim, CA's Disneyland, which held that title in 2010). It shares the sweetness of the original parks' Fantasyland with Peter Pan'due south Flight and Dense the Flying Elephant as well equally Tomorrowland's Infinite Mountain and Star Tours—The Adventures Continue. A musical soundtrack and other renovations have improved the Adventureland classic: Jungle Cruise Wildlife Trek, while a new afterwards-dark nighttime cruise promises more surprises.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report

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No. fifteen Disneyland Park, Anaheim, CA

World's Near-Visited Tourist Attractions: Disneyland Park, Anaheim, CA

Credit: © The Walt Disney Visitor

Annual Visitors: 16,202,000

Though non as massive equally its Orlando counterpart, the original Disney park, which occupies about 85 acres of country, has retro amuse and some ameliorate features. Here the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction lasts almost twice as long and ends in a humid southern bayou with fireflies (instead of a gift shop). The Indiana Jones Adventure ride careens over lava, by swarms of beetles, and under that 16-foot rolling boulder. Thrill-seekers volition too appreciate that the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has reopened.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Omnipresence Report

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No. sixteen Forbidden City, Beijing

Earth's Almost-Visited Tourist Attractions: Forbidden City, Beijing

Credit: © Zoonar GmbH / Alamy

Annual Visitors: xv,340,000

Information technology doesn't have a street address—which is simply fitting for a place that was once considered the middle of the universe. Nowadays, tourists swarm this 178-acre walled compound of opulent halls, gardens, and winged pavilions. Attendance is up by 2.5 one thousand thousand since 2010. It can easily take half a twenty-four hour period to explore the grounds, and history buffs will appreciate the self-guided audio tour—or a hired guide.

Source: Forbidden Metropolis Palace Museum and Cathay Odyssey Tours

No. 17 Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco

Earth's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Gilt Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco

Credit: © Niels van Kampenhout / Alamy

Almanac Visitors: 14,289,121

Beaches, cliffs, hills, forts, and towering redwood trees make upwards the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, easily accessible from San Francisco. Many visitors come to embrace the outdoors, whether hiking, biking, pond, birding, riding horses, or whale-watching. But this scenic area is also rich in history and includes landmarks like Alcatraz prison house and the Presidio, an 18th-century military post. Y'all tin even base yourself within the recreation area; Cavallo Indicate's rooms and suites occupy restored turn-of-the-20th-century Colonial Revival buildings that overlook San Francisco Bay.

Source: National Park Service

No. 18 Tokyo DisneySea

Globe's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Tokyo DisneySea

Credit: 2011 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Almanac Visitors: xiv,084,000

DisneySea, the companion park to Tokyo Disneyland overlooking Tokyo Bay, took inspiration from aquatic myths, legends and the lore of the sea. Divided into seven "ports of phone call," the park emphasizes water attractions with Venetian gondolas, a Mermaid Lagoon, a journey to 20,000 Leagues Nether the Sea and an Aquatopia with quirky boats in a ocean of rocks, whirlpools and water spouts. But it's non all fountains and bubbles—the park likewise has scary rides like the Tower of Terror, Journey to the Center of the World, and Indiana Jones Risk: Temple of the Crystal Skull.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report

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No. nineteen Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Earth'south Virtually-Visited Tourist Attractions: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Credit: © Hemis / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 14,000,000

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture—all soaring buttresses, crouching gargoyles, and magnificent rose windows—Notre Dame has survived attacks of Huguenots, sansculottes, occupying armies, and questionable renovations since its completion in 1345. In spite of its often violent past, visitors flock to the cathedral for the hushed peace and reflection it provides, even in the midst of Paris.

Source: Atout French republic, the France Tourism Development Agency

No. 20 Gilded Gate Park, San Francisco

World'due south Well-nigh-Visited Tourist Attractions: Gilt Gate Park, San Francisco

Credit: © Bob Kreisel / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 13,000,000

Cascading 3 miles from the Panhandle down to the Pacific, Gilded Gate Park serves every bit playground and haven for this various city. The park'south offerings include museums (the de Young Museum and the Academy of Sciences), botanical wonders (the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, a rhododendron forest, and more than 75,000 trees, amidst others), sporting fields and courts, playgrounds, and even a small herd of buffalo.

Source: San Francisco Recreation & Park Department

No. 21 Balboa Park, San Diego

World'south Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Balboa Park, San Diego

Credit: © Ambient Images Inc. / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 12,000,000 to 14,000,000

Balboa Park'due south one,200 acres form a mini-urban center with fifteen accredited museums, 19 gardens, nine performing arts groups, a miniature railroad, a golf game course, tennis courts, lawn bowling, a gymnasium, a historic carousel, and a Super Sonic Samba School. Not to mention the world-famous San Diego Zoo, with three crowd-pleasing behemothic pandas. Balboa Park also features the Spreckels Organ, whose 4,518 pipes range from the size of a pencil to 32 anxiety tall.

Source: Balboa Park

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No. 22 S Street Seaport, New York Metropolis

World'due south Virtually-Visited Tourist Attractions: South Street Seaport, New York Metropolis

Credit: © Ian Dagnall / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 12,000,000

This 12-block celebrated East River site in lower Manhattan dates back to the 1600s, and its cobblestoned streets are packed with shops and restaurants. Pier 17 will reopen in 2016 after undergoing extensive renovation. Commercialism aside, the history runs deep here and is mayhap best experienced on one of the two 1800s alpine-masted schooners the South Street Seaport Museum maintains. Go for a dusk sail with Gotham as a backdrop.

Source: The Howard Hughes Corporation

No. 23 San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, TX

World'due south Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, TX

Credit: © Patrik Urban / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 11,500,000

Cypress-lined cobble-and-flagstone paths meander for 4 miles along both sides of the narrow San Antonio River. Locals and visitors come up to the River Walk's horseshoe-shaped loop downtown to browse shops and hang out at restaurants like Boudro'southward for a prickly-pear margarita and guacamole prepared tableside. The Museum Achieve river walk section stretches an additional i.7 miles northward, past art installations under every bridge and the San Antonio Museum of Art.

Source: San Antonio River Walk (Paseo del Rio)

No. 24 Epcot, Walt Disney Globe Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL

Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Credit: Ian Dagnall / Alamy

Annual Visitors: eleven,229,000

Built to honor the late Walt Disney's utopian ideal of the innovative future (the name is an acronym for Experimental Epitome Community of Tomorrow), Epcot attracts guests who skew a little older than those of its neighbor, the Magic Kingdom. Restaurants are aimed at more sophisticated palates, and annual celebrations include a bloom and garden show and an international food and wine festival. Perennial favorite rides similar Soarin', Mission: Infinite, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends go along the kids and kids-at-heart happy. Expect visits to the Norway pavilion to fasten when a Frozen-themed ride debuts in 2016.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report

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No. 25 St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Italy

World's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: St. Peter’southward Basilica, State of the vatican city, Italian republic

Credit: © imageBROKER / Alamy

Almanac Visitors: eleven,000,000

Ane of the holiest Catholic sites, St. Peter's teems with ornate gold, marble columns, paintings of angels, iconic statues, and works created past a who's who of Renaissance artists, including Raphael, Brunelleschi, Bernini, and Michelangelo, who sculpted the marble Pietà and designed the massive dome. For a nominal fee, you lot can climb 320 steps to the height and soak up the well-nigh famous panorama of Rome.

Source: Italian Government Tourist Lath

No. 26 Slap-up Wall of China

World'southward Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Great Wall of People's republic of china

Credit: © Stock Connection Blue / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 10,720,000 (Badaling and Mutianyu areas combined)

Once used every bit a wartime defense, the Great Wall winds "like a dragon tail" from eastern People's republic of china to western, spanning some 5,500 miles. While much of what is visible today was congenital during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), construction began on various sections equally far dorsum every bit 770 B.C. Credit goes to the million slaves and prisoners of war who carried blocks of granite, bricks, stones, and clay on their backs up to the top of the ridgelines. The Badaling section, closest to Beijing, draws the biggest crowds. Word has gotten out, inspiring some travelers to brand the longer drive to the more than serene Mutianyu section.

Source: National Tourism Assistants of the People's Republic of China and Mainland china Odyssey Tours

No. 27 Sacré Coeur Basilica, Paris

World's Near-Visited Tourist Attractions: Sacré Coeur Basilica, Paris

Annual Visitors: x,500,000

Sacré Coeur lures visitors to the meridian of Montmartre for a litany of reasons—while some come up to pray and meditate, most come for the remarkable 360-degree views of the City of Lite from its highest vantage point. The construction of the basilica, which started in 1871, was intended to restore peace to a site stained by violence during the Paris District.

Source: Atout France, the French republic Tourism Development Agency

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No. 28 Disneyland Park, Marne-la-Vallée, France

World'south Well-nigh-Visited Tourist Attractions: Disneyland Park, Marne-la-Vallée, France

Credit: © Pawel Libera Images / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 10,430,000

When Disney's first European theme park opened in 1992, many French protested the "cultural imperialism" of such an American symbol opening xl minutes exterior of Paris. Today it'south ane of the virtually-visited locations in Europe. So be prepared to queue for pop rides like It's a Small World, Space Mount, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast. A 3D ride inspired by the flick Ratatouille opened in 2014; enter through a replica of Gusteau's eatery.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report

No. 29 Disney's Fauna Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL

Globe's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Disney’due south Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL

Credit: M. Timothy O'Keefe / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 10,198,000

Since 1998, this animate being-themed park has successfully marketed Mickey Mouse and silverback gorillas under one all-inclusive "roof." If it has iv legs or wings or a tail, chances are y'all'll notice it at this zoo/museum/schoolhouse theme park. Don't miss the Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, or the 14-story Tree of Life sculpture carved with some 325 animals. Fun fact: at one point park creators likewise wanted to include a section for mythological creatures called "Beastly Kingdom."

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Study

No. 30 Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL

World'south Well-nigh-Visited Tourist Attractions: Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney Earth Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL

Credit: © RSBPhoto1 / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 10,110,000

Disney describes this park (est. 1989) every bit "the Hollywood that never was and always volition be." Laid out much like a real-life motion picture studio, with a 154-acre network of streets and buildings and miniature replicas of famous landmarks, it showcases the golden age of moving picture. But about kids brand a beeline to Toy Story Midway Mania! at Pixar Place and Star Tours—The Adventures Continue.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Study

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No. 31 Universal Studios Nippon, Osaka, Japan

World's Nigh-Visited Tourist Attractions: Universal Studios Nihon, Osaka, Japan

Credit: Photo Nihon / Alamy

Almanac Visitors: 10,100,000

Opened in 2001 and a most twin to its Orlando sibling—admitting ane with more sushi—this popular movie theme park is ane of four operated past Universal in Japan. Highlights include a Jaws-similar shark run across, Jurassic Park roller-coaster ride, Sesame Street in iv-D, and now the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Interesting fact: investment cyberbanking business firm Goldman Sachs is the park's largest shareholder.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Omnipresence Report

No. 32 Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood, CA

World's Nearly-Visited Tourist Attractions: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood, CA

Credit: © Chad Ehlers / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 10,000,000 to 12,000,000

Nada says Hollywood like the (literally) star-studded Walk of Fame, with each star begetting the name of a celebrity with enough cachet to be immortalized on the street. That means stars from James Dean and Marilyn Monroe to, more recently, Tina Fey and Neil Patrick Harris.

Source: Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Lath

No. 33 Pike Place Market, Seattle

World's Well-nigh-Visited Tourist Attractions: Thruway Identify Marketplace, Seattle

Credit: © Ian Dagnall / Alamy

Almanac Visitors: 10,000,000

I of the oldest continually operating farmers' markets in the U.S. (est. 1907), this 9-acre National Historic District is famous for kitschy Seattle souvenirs, salmon-throwing fishmongers, and its "mucilage wall" installation art. The many seafood restaurants include Market Grill and Emmett Watson'south for oysters. It's just down the street from ane of the original Starbucks—complete with an early on-edition logo featuring a more, er, risqué mermaid.

Source: Thruway Place Marketplace

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No. 34 Bully Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

World's Near-Visited Tourist Attractions: Peachy Smoky Mountains National Park, N Carolina and Tennessee

Credit: © Tim Mainiero / Alamy

Annual Visitors: nine,345,695

Originally Cherokee homeland, America's about-visited national park first opened in 1940 and covers some 520,000 acres of protected Tennessee and North Carolina forestland that's bisected by the Appalachian Trail. Whether hiking Chimney Tops (or whatever of the 800 miles of trails) or driving the super-breathtaking U.Southward. Highway 441, visitors are sure to become an eyeful of the mystical haze that inspired the park's proper noun. To escape the crowds, park ranger Caitlin Worth recommends heading to Balsam Mountain Road, a high-elevation gravel route accessible from the southern stop of the Blueish Ridge Parkway.

Source: National Park Service

No. 35 Musée du Louvre, Paris

World'due south Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Musée du Louvre, Paris

Credit: iStock

Annual Visitors: 9,334,000

The world's largest museum is both the subject of ongoing architectural controversy—not everyone agrees with the 1989 addition of I. M. Pei's 69-foot-high drinking glass pyramid entrance—and an art-lover'southward wonderland of some 35,000 masterworks. Throngs parade through the former 12th-century palace to run into such famous highlights as Leonardo da Vinci's smiling La Gioconda, a.k.a. Mona Lisa—a painting that, rumor has information technology, was originally deputed by François I to hang in his château at Fontainebleau. And the crush of visitors continues to increase, upward about ten per centum since 2010. Ane tip: avert peak crowds by timing your inflow to Wednesday or Fri evening, when the museum is open until 9:45 p.1000.

Source: Atout France, the French republic Tourism Evolution Agency

No. 36 Navy Pier, Chicago

Globe's Almost-Visited Tourist Attractions: Navy Pier, Chicago

Credit: © Axiom Photographic / Design Pics /Corbis

Annual Visitors: viii,900,000

While the USS Chicago—docked at the end of the pier—is a reminder of its World War I military past, this bustling Lake Michigan promenade at present caters to civilians with a mix of funfair rides, dancing fountains, trinket stalls, an IMAX theater, and local nutrient favorites Garrett Popcorn and Billy Goat Tavern. Don't miss the exceptional stained-glass museum featuring colorful works by Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Source: Navy Pier

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No. 37 Disney'due south California Adventure, Anaheim, CA

Earth's Nearly-Visited Tourist Attractions: Disney’s California Hazard, Anaheim, CA

Credit: © The Walt Disney Visitor

Annual Visitors: viii,514,000

Cars Country, a 12-acre real-life rendition of Radiator Springs from the films that pay homage to Road 66 and retro-cars culture, remains a big draw at Disney'due south California Adventure. Guests "racing" in the Radiator Springs Racers attraction never know which machine will get the checky flag. Nearly fun, though, is still Soarin' Over California, a simulated hang-glider flight over the Gilt State consummate with motion, wind, and the sweet smell of orangish blossoms.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report

No. 38 Sydney Opera House, Sydney

World's About-Visited Tourist Attractions: Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Credit: © Clive Leach / Alamy

Almanac Visitors: 8,200,000

With its dramatic cantilevered roof and harbor setting, the Sydney Opera Business firm is easily Australia'south most recognizable landmark—and its most visited. Few tourists leave Sydney without at to the lowest degree stopping here for a photo op. But you can do much more than: go backstage for a tour, attend ane of the xl-plus weekly performances, and sentinel the dominicus set over the city and Sydney Harbour Bridge from the alfresco Opera Bar. Make your chiliad leave on the scenic Manly Ferry, which passes right by.

Source: Sydney Opera House

No. 39 Universal'southward Islands of Chance, Orlando, FL

World's Nigh-Visited Tourist Attractions: Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, FL

Credit: © Ian Dagnall / Alamy

Number of Visitors: eight,141,000

Hogwarts fans went hog wild when Islands of Hazard opened the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2010, and the attendance numbers continue to reflect Harry's magic affect. Shops, restaurants (The Three Broomsticks), and rides are all branded with the boy wizard; nonbelievers can find rides themed with Marvel superheroes and other trademarked characters. The Jurassic Park River Hazard, for instance, is a hairy river-raft ride with a terrifying T. rex attack, set in a habitat for animatronic dinosaurs.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report

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No. forty (tie) Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.

World'southward Almost-Visited Tourist Attractions: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.

Credit: © Rob Crandall / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 8,000,000

Dinosaur fossils, a huge blimp elephant, and an insect zoo have been wowing kids for generations (and for free). The 126-1000000-item collection even includes the notorious Hope Diamond. Simply this National Mall favorite continues to innovate, in the final few years opening the Sea Hall and the aggressive Hall of Human Origins, where visitors come contiguous with specimens and models of their ancestors.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report

No. forty (necktie) Grand Palace, Bangkok

World'due south Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: 1000 Palace, Bangkok

Credit: © AHowden - Thailand Stock Photography / Alamy

Number of Visitors: 8,000,000

The gold-spired Grand Palace is one of Thailand's most important sacred sites. The riverfront complex, built in 1782, housed Thai kings for 150 years. The Outer Court serves equally the visitor entrance today; the Center Court was the king'south residence; and the Inner Court, the quarters of his consorts and daughters. Go along an eye out for Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, located near the Outer Court.

Source: Thailand Tourist Services

No. 40 (tie) Pier 39, San Francisco

World's About-Visited Tourist Attractions: Pier 39, San Francisco

Credit: © travellinglight / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 8,000,000

Of grade it's corny—replete with processed shops, T-shirt emporiums, blimp animals, and fried food—merely this tourist magnet at the edge of Fisherman's Wharf offers keen views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Perhaps the wooden pier's biggest attraction is the noisy community of sea lions that bark and bask on the docks. Aquarium of the Bay is by the pier'due south entrance.

Source: PIER 39

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No. 43 Palace of Versailles, France

Globe's About-Visited Tourist Attractions: Palace of Versailles, France

Credit: © Await Dice Bildagentur der Fotografen GmbH / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 7,527,122

Rex Louis Fourteen did a pretty prissy job redoing a place that started out equally a mere hunting gild and is at present a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's and then nice, in fact, that people willingly merchandise a day in Paris cafés for the experience of wandering Versailles' hallways, similar the gilded Hall of Mirrors—the all-time place to aqueduct your inner Lord's day King.

Source: Atout France, the France Tourism Evolution Agency

No. 44 Ocean Park, Hong Kong

World's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Sea Park, Hong Kong

Credit: © Hemis / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 7,475,000

Sure, in that location are roller coasters, only this 40-acre theme park stands out for attractions that are more than down to globe. There'southward Panda Village, where, despite the name, visitors come to come across playful otters; Pacific Pier, where you lot can feed seals and sea lions; and the Sea Jelly Spectacular, where you can curiosity at some 1,000 jellyfish, including many phosphorescent species. A mount divides the park, which you can navigate by bus, railroad train, even cablevision car. (Information technology's a bus ride abroad from central Hong Kong.)

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report

No. 45 Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Earth's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Credit: © ClassicStock / Alamy

Almanac Visitors: vii,470,000

You'd accept to be a pretty large curmudgeon for Bourbon Street not to put you in a skillful mood. Gratis-flowing music and booze might accept something to do with it. Restaurants and confined pack this historic strip of the French Quarter; Jean Lafitte'south Blacksmith Shop is even rumored to be haunted. Of form, if you actually like crowds, grab your mask and join the Mardi Gras circus.

Source: New Orleans Convention and Visitors Agency

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No. 46 National Museum of China, Beijing

World's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: National Museum of Prc, Beijing

Credit: © Henry Westheim Photography / Alamy

Annual Visitors: vii,450,000

This museum on Tiananmen Foursquare measures 2.07 million foursquare feet—surpassing New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art's two million square feet—and reopened in 2011 after a decade-long renovation. It presents 5,000 years of Chinese history, as canonical by the Ministry building of Civilisation. (In other words, don't look much on the Groovy Spring Forrard.) Artifacts include ancient Chinese Buddhist sculptures, a cowboy hat Deng Xiaoping wore on a visit to the U.S., and glazed pottery from the Tang dynasty. The museum also hosts temporary shows on subjects ranging from Leo Tolstoy to African fine art.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Omnipresence Written report

No. 47 (necktie) Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong

World'due south Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong

Credit: © ImageDB / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 7,400,000

Hong Kong Disneyland features tried-and-true oversupply-pleasers similar Sleeping Beauty's castle and Space Mountain also as the recent additions of Mystic Point (2013), Grizzly Gulch (2012) and Toy Story Land (2011), increasing the park'southward size in the final iii years by 25 percent. What sets this park apart from the others? It was designed according to the Chinese rules of feng shui in a nod to local culture. It also has a dedicated stop on Hong Kong's efficient metro.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Omnipresence Report

No. 47 (necktie) Lotte Earth, Seoul

World'southward Most-Visited Tourist Attractions: Lotte World, Seoul

Credit: JTB Photograph Communications, Inc. / Alamy

Almanac Visitors: vii,400,000

The earth's largest indoor theme park is just the kickoff of a complex that seems as large every bit Seoul itself. An outdoor amusement park, a folk museum, theaters, malls, an aquarium, and other venues round it out, along with—of course—enough of karaoke machines.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report

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No. 49 Everland, Gyeonggi-Practice, Republic of korea

World's Nigh-Visited Tourist Attractions: Everland, Gyeonggi-Do, Due south Korea

Almanac Visitors: vii,303,000

Everland amusement park has been thrilling kids since 1973 and knows how to proceed them coming. The park is divided into themed sections that range from American Adventure (a rodeo experience, a wildly swinging Columbus ship) to Zoo-Topia (Amazon River ride, Safari World). Information technology holds the record for the world's steepest wooden roller coaster.

Source: TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report

No. fifty Taj Mahal, Agra, Republic of india

Globe's Well-nigh-Visited Tourist Attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Credit: © imageBROKER / Alamy

Annual Visitors: 7,000,000 to 8,000,000

The Taj is a graceful tribute to eternal beloved—a mausoleum that a 17th-century Moghul emperor congenital for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Gardens and reflecting pools with fountains pb to the mausoleum made of white marble with inlaid flower patterns made of semiprecious stones. The number of visitors has more than doubled since 2010 (when it welcomed 3 one thousand thousand).

Source: Department of Tourism, Regime of Uttar Pradesh

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Source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/landmarks-monuments/worlds-most-visited-tourist-attractions

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