Hardly anything can feed your soul and enrich your life like travelling. Exploring breathtaking destinations, meeting new cultures, and savouring delicious foods are only some of the infinite possibilities the world has to offer.
If you are looking for the best travel destination for your next holiday, look for inspiration in our list of the world’s most visited countries.
Top ten most visited countries in the world to feed your wanderlust
- France – Paris, history, castles and countryside
- Spain – Sangria, delicious food and more
- USA – The land of opportunity
- China – The Celestial Empire
- Italy – For all romantic things
- Turkey – The land of four seasons
- Thailand – The land of smiles
- Japan – The land of the rising sun
- Malaysia – A tropical paradise
- Vietnam – The land of the blue dragon
1. France – The most visited country in the world
With over 89 million tourists per year, France is the world’s most visited country. Thanks to the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre, and many other popular attractions, Paris alone draws in about 30 million tourists annually.
READ MORE: We rank the top 10 best cuisines in the world
Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon, and Nice are no less charming. Picturesque castles, historical buildings, world-class art, croissants, and the lovely countryside are only some of the beauties that those and other French cities have to offer.
France is perfect for honeymooners, and the best time to visit is spring when there are fewer crowds and more pleasant temperatures.
2. Spain – The land of Sangria and delicious food
Spain is the second most visited country in the world, rich with beautiful landscapes, fine wine, outstanding food, and thousands of gorgeous beaches.
People flock to Barcelona to see Antoni Gaudí’s architectural wonders, such as La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. The Gothic Quarter’s narrow medieval streets and excellent Catalan restaurants are also a must.
Are you travelling with your family? Head to Costa del Sol and enjoy pristine beaches, mouthwatering Sangria, delicious tapas and churros, and fun water parks. Spain is ideal for couples, too, and trips with friends looking for vibrant nightlife.
If you enjoy smaller crowds and milder temperatures, visit Spain in late spring or early autumn.
3. The United States – The land of opportunities
The third most visited country in the world, the United States, has always been quite popular. Just think of New York City, the Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans and its jazz music, Miami, and Chicago. Experts recommend you should make a reservation in advance to visit the various iconic landmarks, national parks, bustling cities, charming small towns, backpacking opportunities, and more.
The United States is the most visited country for job opportunities, as well. Whether you go there to find a job or enjoy a holiday with a loved one, family, or friends, you will have an unforgettable time.
To enjoy milder temperatures and fewer tourists, go there in spring or autumn.
4. China – The Celestial Empire
Stunning natural beauties, unique cuisine, Buddhist temples, and famous attractions like the Great Wall and Beijing’s Forbidden City make China the most visited country in Asia and one of the most visited countries in the world. It is particularly popular among backpackers.
If you visit China in January, get the tickets for the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival (the price is ¥330 or $3). If you go there in February, you will enjoy the Lantern Festival, celebrated across China and other Asian countries.
If harsh winters or hot summer temperatures are not your cup of tea, visit China in spring or autumn.
5. Italy – The most visited country for all things romance
When you think of Italy, you cannot help but think of pizza, pasta, wine, and romantic cities like Verona and Venice. Italy has an irresistible charm that makes it ideal for couples.
It is my personal favourite year-round, especially because of Milan and Rome’s awe-inspiring Colosseum.
If you are looking for the best beaches, I highly recommend Sardinia, where I had the time of my life in 2015. You will fall in love with its white-sand beaches, incredible cuisine, festivals, and lots of prehistoric sites.
6. Turkey – The land of four seasons
Another one of the most visited countries in the world, Turkey is magnificent throughout the year and offers beautiful experiences to all types of travellers.
Turkey is a must for foodies and culture enthusiasts, known for its tea, coffee, mosques, bazaars, spicy kebabs, baklava, and many other sweet treats.
If you are ever in Istanbul, do not miss the Topkapi Palace (the entrance fee is around $11.30), the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus cruise (around $6 at cruise port terminals near the Galata Tower).
The ancient city of Ephesus is also a must if you like exploring well-preserved ruins. I was speechless when I went there in 2018.
7. Thailand – The land of smiles
Thanks to tropical beaches and perfect weather, Thailand has been one of the most visited countries for decades now. Its stunning nature, temples, rural adventures, elephant sanctuaries, floating markets, and famous Thai cuisine are absolutely breathtaking.
Once you explore Bangkok, set sail for any of the islands like Koh Samui (best for honeymooners and families), Koh Yao (best for off-the-beaten-path adventures), Koh Tao (best for scuba diving), or Phuket (brimming with luxury resorts). Wherever you go, serenity will follow.
To enjoy the sunshine, visit Thailand between November and early April.
READ MORE: Discover the Land of Smiles with our full Thailand Travel Guide
8. Japan – The land of the rising sun
Japanese gardens, temples, sushi, tea ceremonies, pagodas, cherry blossoms, and the majestic Mount Fuji are the first things that pop to mind when you think of Japan. This marvellous country has so much to offer, being a unique blend of ancient history and modern living. The bustling Tokyo streets and the Osaka castles are some of the best examples.
READ MORE: Learn more about Japan, with our Japan travel guide
Kyoto is a must-visit destination, with Arashiyama’s scenic beauties, the Kinkaku-Ji Buddhist temple, the Kyoto National Museum, and the Golden Pavilion.
If you want to experience the most vibrant Japan, go there in spring or autumn. Just keep in mind that Japan is more expensive than many other Asian countries.
9. Malaysia – A tropical paradise
Beautiful beaches, fantastic resorts, lush tropical forests, exotic wildlife, spicy food, and ultra-modern cities are some of the top reasons why Malaysia is one of the world’s most visited countries.
Kuala Lumpur, Malacca City, Langkawi, the Batu Caves, and the Gunung Mulu National Park are unavoidable spots when travelling to Malaysia. If you visit Langkawi, be sure to take a ride in the Langkawi Cable Car for spectacular panoramas (the Sky Bridge ticket is RM 5 or $1.22, while the Sky Glide ticket is RM 15 or $3.65).
Keep in mind that the monsoon season in Malaysia is from May to September in the south-west and from November to March in the north-east.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Malaysia in our Malaysia Travel Guide
10. Vietnam – The land of the blue dragon
Like many other Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam is famous for its splendid beaches, exquisite food, and fascinating culture. It is perfect for adventure seekers, art enthusiasts, history buffs, and those looking to enjoy a seaside holiday in utmost serenity.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the Hoàn Kiêm Lake are not to be missed in Hanoi, as well as the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Laos and the Golden Bridge in Bà Nà Hills. Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters and imposing limestone islands are out of this world.
These beautiful gems only scratch the surface, as you will see if you ever visit Vietnam. To avoid rain and enjoy milder temperatures, plan your trip between December and February.
READ MORE: Discover the beauty of Vietnam in our Vietnam Travel Guide
Which of these most visited countries would you travel to?
If you go to any of these countries, you will have an abundance of extraordinary experiences that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Of course, the world has to offer much more, but these countries are an excellent place to start.
