How many of the world’s most popular tourist attractions did you visit this year?
So, this is it. According to booking data compiled by TripAdvisor, these are the top 10 tourist attractions of the year.
Unfortunately, Australia didn’t make the list. But don’t despair, some perennial favourites like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and even Sagrada Familia did.
If you didn’t make it to any of the top 10 tourist attractions in 2019, we’ve rounded them up for you to add to your travel plans in 2020.
1) The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
For the second year in a row, the Colosseum has topped TripAdvisor’s ‘Top 10 tourist attractions’ list. People just can’t get enough of this Roman relic.
Built in 80AD, this beautiful amphitheatre is now considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Last year alone, the ancient site welcomed over seven million visitors. That’s an obscene number of people filtering through each day!
Tickets to the Colosseum are €12.00 ($19.00), or you can try your luck battling the crowds to get in for free on the first Sunday of the month.
More things to do in Rome
2) The Louvre, Paris, France
Somewhat surprisingly, the Louvre is the first of all Parisian tourist attractions to make it on to the list – in second place, nonetheless.
Opening its doors all the way back in 1793 – at, no doubt, just a fraction of its size – the Louvre is now the world’s largest art museum, home to some 38,000 art pieces and artefacts.
It would be a crime to visit the louvre and not try and catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa or Venus De Milo, but don’t hedge all your bets on them being the highlight of your visit. There are so many amazing pieces (and architecture) for you to feast your eyes on. In all honesty, you won’t be able to do it all in a day.
Tickets to the Louvre cost €17.00 ($27.00), or you can get in for free on the first Saturday of the month.
HOT TIP: Don’t try and enter through the famed glass triangles. There are plenty of other entrances, and they are far less busy!
More things to do in Paris
3) Vatican Museums, The Vatican
Coming in at number three on the most popular tourist attractions list is another Italian landmark. This time, it’s in the pope’s backyard in the Vatican City.
The Vatican Museums are a hugely popular tourist destination, full of religious artworks that the different popes have collected over the years. Even if you’re not into Catholic art, don’t go discounting this attraction. The famed Sistine Chapel and its ceiling art by Michaelangelo can also be found here.
Tickets to the attraction are €26.00 ($41.50).
4) Statue of Liberty, New York, USA
If visiting the Statue of Liberty isn’t on your bucket list, you’re doing bucket lists all wrong.
Not only is the statue a significant part of the USA’s history – it was gifted to the USA by France in 1886, to commemorate their alliance during the American revolution – but, it’s also a significant part of New York’s skyline.
There are two ways you can see the landmark – on a ferry to Staten Island, or up close and personal as you climb to her crown. If you do want to climb the Statue of Liberty, you will have to get your tickets well in advance as there’s a daily limit on the number of visitors allowed to the top.
Tickets to climb to the crown will set you back US$21.50 ($30.80), which includes your ferry ticket. To get to just the grounds, tickets are US$18.50 ($26.50).
More things to do in New York City
5) Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Oui Oui, Paris’ most famed (and most romantic) landmark scraped into the list at number five!
Just on the banks of the Seine River, this iconic landmark once took the crown as the tallest building in the world. It’s no longer holding that title, but it’s still one of the most loved tourist attractions in all the world.
It’s free to visit the Eiffel Tower, but a climb to the top will cost you €10.20 ($16.30).
HOT TIP: For an alternative view of the Eiffel Tower, consider climbing the Arc De Triomphe for €12.00 ($19.20).
Get to the top fast
6) Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
The only unfinished site to make the list is Antoni Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Construction on the iconic landmark started way back in 1882 and is pegged to be completed in 2026 – just a cool 100 years since Gaudi passed. Despite its unfinished status, the building has already made it onto the UNESCO world heritage list.
You can tour Gaudi’s work for €17.00 ($27.00).
More things to do in Barcelona
7) French Quarter, New Orleans, USA
It’s colourful, it’s vibrant, and it’s one of the oldest parts of New Orleans. At number seven is the historic – and hugely popular – French Quarter (also known as Vieuz Carre).
People love visiting the French Quarter for its open-air French markets, the live jazz scene on Bourbon St (and it’s iconic neon signs), and the 2.5 acre Jackson Square. Don’t forget to indulge yourself in a big bowl of New Orleans gumbo while you’re there.
No tickets are required to visit the French Quarter, but certain activities within the area are paid.
More things to do in New Orleans
8) Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Number eight is something a little more off-kilter. People are flocking to Amsterdam for more wholesome reasons, like visiting the house, and attic, that housed Anne Frank.
The tourist attraction has been open since 1960, welcoming guests to view all sorts of relics from Frank, including photos and her original diary.
Tickets to the house-turned-museum will set you back €10.50 ($16.80).
More things to do in Amsterdam
9) Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower, Chicago, USA
Number nine on the list is not for the faint of heart… or those with a fear of heights.
On the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower in Chicago is the Skydeck, which is essentially a glass box that hangs out over the city below. Brave tourists can step out onto the ledge for a great photo opportunity. Or, you can get equally as great views through the windows, with your feet firmly on solid tower floor.
Tickets will set you back US$25.00 ($35.80).
More things to do in Chicago
10) Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy
Italy wiped the floor clean, with three of their popular landmarks making the top 10 list. The third? Piazza San Marco in Venice.
The Piazza is home to St Mark’s Basilica, and is the lowest point in all of Venice. If you’re there any time during the winter months, you might want to take gumboots as the area is quite prone to flooding.
More things to do in Venice
For more iconic travel inspiration: Europe
