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The World S Top 10 Most Popular Attractions

Jul 21, 2025
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Rome’s Colosseum has been named the world’s most popular attraction for the second consecutive year, according to new traveller booking data from TripAdvisor. The famed arena was closely followed by the Louvre Museum in Paris, and the Vatican in Rome on the list of can’t miss sites for travellers.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the world’s most popular attraction, or an up and coming hidden gem, here are TripAdvisor’s most booked attractions in the world for 2019, and tour suggestions for your next trip.


1. Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Built to hold more than 50,000 spectators, this former gladiator arena is a must-see on any trip to Rome. Book a skip-the-line ticket to experience Ancient Rome and the Colosseum on this half-day walking tour, or, for a behind the scenes experience, try an underground tour to gain access to restricted parts of the Colosseum visitors can’t normally enter.


2. Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Louvre is considered the world’s greatest art museum with an unparalleled collection of items covering the full spectrum of art through the ages. Bypass the crowds on a skip-the-Line walking tour to some of the museum’s most iconic works, or check out the Mona Lisa at closing time. For a tour with a twist, explore the museum with a family treasure hunt or a murder and mystery experience.


3. Vatican Museums, Rome, Italy

Visit the home of the Pope and the vast complex of museums that chronicle the history and accomplishments of mankind over the last 2000 years. Spend more time admiring the historic artwork and less time waiting with a skip-the-line entry ticket that also offers a guided tour option. Or if it’s the Pope you want to see, guarantee your entry to the weekly Papal audience and enjoy a close-up encounter with one of the world’s most prominent religious figures.


4. Statue of Liberty, New York City, United States

A gift of friendship from France to the United States, the Statue of Liberty has become a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. Visit this iconic monument on an early-access small-group tour that takes travellers to the Statue and Ellis Island. Or, admire its beauty from the water with a 1-hour boat cruise that offers unparalleled views of city skylines and other landmarks.


5. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Travelers around the world flock to Paris to see the iconic Eiffel Tower with their own eyes. Experience the magic of the ‘City of Lights’ with a night tour of the Eiffel Tower where you’ll see an unforgettable panorama of twinkling Paris at night. If you’d rather take in the view during the day, bypass the long queues and head straight to the second-viewing platform with this priority summit access pass.


6. Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

This unfinished Roman Catholic basilica is perhaps Gaudi’s best work. Construction on this basilica started in 1882, and while it’s still yet to be completed, this is one spot no traveller to Barcelona will miss. Its popularity among travellers means there are always long queues, so plan ahead and book a fast track guided tour or one with optional tower entry to breeze your way to the front.


7. French Quarter, New Orleans, United States

As the heart and cultural centre of New Orleans, the French Quarter is a must-see for its rich history and lively nightlife. Foodies won’t want to miss the small-group walking tour that ends at the legendary Café du Monde. Or, discover the neighbourhood’s bawdy side with a salacious history tour, capped off with a traditional burlesque performance.


8. Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, Netherlands

A powerful and emotional experience for people from all over the world, the Anne Frank House is a must-see for travellers visiting Amsterdam. However you choose to experience this historic landmark – whether it be via a walking tour that takes you past the house and follows her path through the city’s the Jewish Quarter or a private guided tour that visits several Jewish landmarks through Amsterdam – be sure to plan ahead and book early (note: entrance to Anne Frank not included).


9. Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower, Chicago, United States

No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Take your visit to another level with a Skydeck dinner where you’ll enjoy an unforgettable sky-high meal of Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza 103 stories up. To make the most of your trip to the windy city, try the Go Chicago Explorer Pass that provides access to 3-5 activities of your choosing such as the Skydeck, Field Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo and more.


10. Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy

Called “the drawing room of Europe” by Napoleon, St. Mark’s Square is the largest square in Venice known for centuries as a popular meeting destination. Experience its breathtaking beauty with a skip-the-line tour of the square’s two-star attractions – Palazzo Ducale and Basilica of San Marco – or avoid the crowds all together with an after-hours tour.

 

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