Traveling around the world is an activity that many people dream of. If you want a chance to be a part of one of the most attractive, colorful, and big countries in the world, then it is time for you to go on a tour. The world has far too many famous tourist attractions to be able to visit them all in one lifetime. In fact, you probably can’t even name them all. But how do you decide which ones to visit? You might find it useful to know the most visited tourist attractions in the world.
We are not talking about places to visit once in a lifetime or your next vacation destination. These are places that get thronged by tourists every year.
Source: Far & Wide
1. The Strip, Las Vegas
As the name suggests, The Strip is a 4.2mile long street that runs through Las Vegas. It is home to a number of hotels and casinos where you can do anything from gambling to fine dining. There are also museums, theatres, and more to enjoy during your stay in Sin City. The Strip itself has become a popular tourist destination, as well as an ideal place for hosting conventions.
The most famous hotel and casino on the Strip is Caesars Palace, which includes restaurants such as Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Amalfi, Mr. Chow, and Old Homestead Steak House, along with shopping outlets like Dolce & Gabbana and H&M.
2. Times Square, New York
Times Square is a world-famous commercial intersection, tourist destination, and entertainment center in the Midtown Manhattan section of New York City that stretches from West 42nd to West 47th Streets.
Visitors can experience its electric advertising lights and massive digital billboards along with live performances, seasonal events, national broadcast events like the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop (which began on December 31, 1907), and free attractions such as public screenings of major motion pictures and free concerts.
3. Central Park, New York City
Central Park is a large public, urban park in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. The park initially opened in 1859 on 843 acres (3.41 km2) of city-owned land. In 1858, Central Park was the first landscaped public park in the United States. Central Park is the most-visited urban park in the United States.
At first glance, Central Park seems like just a large park in the middle of New York City. However, on closer inspection, there is much more to this park than meets the eye. It has been featured in many well-known movies and TV shows. A few examples are Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Avengers, When Harry Met Sally, Elf, and Enchanted.
There are many things to do within this 843-acre park, such as visit one of its 5 lakes or 26 bridges or even go ice skating at one of two rinks during the winter months.
4. Union Station, Washington
Union Station is a historic train station in Washington, D.C. that opened in 1907 and was designed by architect Daniel Burnham and his assistant, architect Edward Pierce. It’s one of the busiest rail stations in North America, with over 32 million visitors annually and over 100,000 travelers passing through it each day.
The building features a large arch above its main entrance, as well as vaulted ceilings with large murals painted on them. This makes the building look very grand and majestic. The building also has several different levels that make it seem quite big inside, even though there aren’t many windows or doors on the outside of the structure itself!
5. Niagara Falls
No matter how tired you are of seeing tourist sites, Niagara Falls is one place you absolutely must visit. With over 22.5 million annual visitors, it’s the most visited tourist attraction in the world. It’s actually hard to believe that this natural wonder is on the list of most visited places because it looks unreal.
Niagara Falls actually comprises three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, which are in Canada, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, which are in America. They form part of the border between Canada and America and combine to create a spectacular view with over 100,000 gallons of water falling every second!
6. Grand Central Station, New York
Grand Central Terminal (or Grand Central Station) is one of the most famous train stations in the world. The terminal serves millions of commuters and tourists every year, with many visitors coming just to experience this glistening New York City landmark. Grand Central Terminal houses a number of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as a food court, cocktail bar, and even a tennis court suspended above the main concourse.
Construction for the current station began in 1903 at the cost of $2 million by Cornelius Vanderbilt II. It was named “Grand Central Depot” until 1913, when it was changed to “Grand Central Station.” In 1968, after extensive renovation work, it was re-opened as Grand Central Terminal.
7. Faneuil Hall, Boston
Faneuil Hall was built in 1742 by a wealthy merchant, Peter Faneuil. He gave Faneuil Hall to the city of Boston to thank them for their help in his business ventures and to be used as a marketplace and meeting hall. Originally known as the “Cradle of Liberty,” Faneuil Hall has been host to many historical events and has become a popular tourist destination.
8. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Park, Orlando
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom is a theme park located in Bay Lake, Florida. It opened in 1971 and is the largest recreational resort globally. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom is also the most visited theme park in the world, with over 17.5 million visitors a year.
Thousands of employees are working at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, who make sure that your visit will be as magical as possible. There are many attractions, rides, and shows to enjoy at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. The park has six themed lands: Main Street USA, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland
9. Disneyland Park, Anaheim
Disneyland Park, commonly known as Disneyland, is an amusement park in Anaheim, California. It was founded by Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney on July 17, 1955. The park’s unique design and various attractions have made it a popular destination for all age groups. Main Street USA, which replicates the main street of various American towns from the turn of the 20th century to the 1920s, is lined with restaurants and houses shops selling souvenirs and memorabilia representing Disney’s animated films and theme parks worldwide.
The Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park stands 77 feet tall, marking the entrance to Fantasyland with its medieval architecture inspired by Carolingian and Romanesque styles. To the left of Sleeping Beauty Castle is Fantasyland, where visitors can ride Peter Pan’s Flight through scenes from Peter Pan.
10. Forbidden City, Beijing
The Forbidden City is one of Beijing’s most popular tourist attractions, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The Forbidden City is not only China’s top attraction, but it’s also the largest ancient palatial structure in the world, with over 8000 rooms (depending on how you count them). Located right in the heart of Beijing, this amazing tourist attraction was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 by UNESCO.
In Chinese culture, yang represents masculinity, and yin represents femininity; thus, the Forbidden City (city of masculinity) was constructed to face south while its neighbor Tiananmen Square (square of femininity) faces north.
The construction of this magnificent monument began in 1406 and ended after 14 years. Although many additions have been made over time, including an expansion during Ming Dynasty; however, much of the original structure has remained intact. The main entrance to this beautiful palace complex is through Tiananmen Gate under the Five-Phoenix Tower on the south side.
Once inside, you will find that many of its rooms are open to public access, and some can be visited separately only with the advance booking as they are not accessible directly through the main entry routes. Once outside again through any other exit, you will find yourself back at Tiananmen Square, where you entered originally!
Conclusion
The world’s most visited tourist attractions are the places that draw millions of people around the globe and hold their interest. Some people visit these places because they have been wanting to see them since childhood; others come to conquer their fears, while some simply enjoy visiting an exotic place.
The world has witnessed a lot in its long existence, and it is our responsibility to conserve it for the generations to come. You do not have to be an archaeologist or a historian; you just need to live your life like every day is your last, because one day it will be, and you will regret not living it up when you had the chance.
