Tourism remains one of the most dynamic sectors globally, with millions traveling each year to explore different cultures, natural wonders, and iconic landmarks.
Based on data from reliable sources, here are the top 30 most-visited countries in 2024, including the number of visitors, reasons to visit, key attractions, and the best time to explore these destinations.
Most-visited countries in the world in 2024 include:
1. France – 89.4 million visitors
Why Visit?
France is celebrated for its timeless beauty, history, and romance.
Key Attractions:
- Eiffel Tower, Paris
- Louvre Museum, Paris
- Château de Versailles, Versailles
- French Riviera, Nice
- Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) or Fall (September to November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Also Read: 20 Best Places to Visit in France in 2025
2. Spain – 84.8 million visitors
Why Visit?
Spain offers a blend of historical sites, lively festivals, and stunning beaches.
Key Attractions:
- Sagrada Família, Barcelona
- Alhambra, Granada
- Park Güell, Barcelona
- Ibiza’s beaches
- Camino de Santiago
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October).
3. United States – 79.1 million visitors
Why Visit?
A vast country with iconic cities, natural wonders, and diverse cultures.
Key Attractions:
- Statue of Liberty, New York
- Grand Canyon, Arizona
- Disney World, Florida
- Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
- Las Vegas Strip
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November).
4. China – 65.7 million visitors
Why Visit?
China boasts a rich history and modern marvels.
Key Attractions:
- Great Wall of China
- Forbidden City, Beijing
- Terracotta Army, Xi’an
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- West Lake, Hangzhou
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November).
5. Italy – 64.5 million visitors
Why Visit?
Italy is a haven for history, art, and culinary enthusiasts.
Key Attractions:
- Colosseum, Rome
- Venice Canals
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Amalfi Coast
- Vatican City
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October).
6. Turkey – 51.2 million visitors
Why Visit?
Turkey offers a mix of European and Asian cultures, historical treasures, and scenic coasts.
Key Attractions:
- Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
- Pamukkale thermal pools
- Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys
- Blue Mosque, Istanbul
- Ephesus
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October).
7. Mexico – 49.3 million visitors
Why Visit?
Mexico is known for its vibrant culture, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches.
Key Attractions:
- Chichen Itza
- Tulum beaches
- Teotihuacan pyramids
- Cancun
- Copper Canyon
Best Time to Visit: November to April for dry and sunny weather.
8. Thailand – 41.2 million visitors
Why Visit?
Thailand is a tropical paradise with stunning beaches and temples.
Key Attractions:
- Phi Phi Islands
- Grand Palace, Bangkok
- Chiang Mai’s temples
- Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Floating markets
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
9. Germany – 39.1 million visitors
Why Visit?
Germany is renowned for its history, modern cities, and enchanting landscapes.
Key Attractions:
- Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
- Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria
- Cologne Cathedral
- Black Forest
- Oktoberfest, Munich
Best Time to Visit: May to September for festivals and outdoor activities.
10. United Kingdom – 36.8 million visitors
Why Visit?
The UK offers a mix of royal heritage, modern attractions, and scenic countryside.
Key Attractions:
- Buckingham Palace, London
- Stonehenge
- Tower of London
- Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
- Lake District National Park
Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to November).
11. Japan – 34.3 million visitors
Why Visit?
Japan blends ancient traditions with futuristic cities.
Key Attractions:
- Mount Fuji
- Kyoto’s temples
- Tokyo Disneyland
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
- Cherry blossoms in spring
Best Time to Visit: March to May (spring) and October to November (fall).
12. Australia – 29.5 million visitors
Why Visit?
Australia is famed for its unique wildlife, beaches, and vibrant cities.
Key Attractions:
- Sydney Opera House
- Great Barrier Reef
- Uluru
- Bondi Beach, Sydney
- Daintree Rainforest
Best Time to Visit: September to November and March to May for mild weather.
13. Greece – 27.8 million visitors
Why Visit?
Greece is a paradise of ancient ruins, turquoise waters, and sunny islands.
Key Attractions:
- Acropolis of Athens
- Santorini
- Meteora monasteries
- Delphi
- Rhodes Old Town
Best Time to Visit:
April to June and September to October.
14. Austria – 26.4 million visitors
Why Visit?
Austria charms visitors with its alpine landscapes, classical music, and imperial history.
Key Attractions:
- Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
- Hallstatt village
- Salzburg’s Mozart sites
- Innsbruck’s ski resorts
- Vienna State Opera
Best Time to Visit: April to October for sightseeing or December for Christmas markets.
15. Canada – 25.7 million visitors
Why Visit?
Canada is known for its pristine natural beauty and welcoming cities.
Key Attractions:
- Niagara Falls
- Banff National Park
- CN Tower, Toronto
- Old Quebec City
- Vancouver’s Stanley Park
Best Time to Visit: June to October for outdoor activities.
16. Russia – 24.3 million visitors
Why Visit?
Russia offers majestic architecture, cultural heritage, and vast wilderness.
Key Attractions:
- Red Square and Kremlin, Moscow
- Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg
- Lake Baikal
- Trans-Siberian Railway
- Catherine Palace
Best Time to Visit: May to September for warmer weather.
17. South Korea – 23.2 million visitors
Why Visit?
South Korea captivates with its modern cities, historical sites, and vibrant pop culture.
Key Attractions:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
- Jeju Island
- Busan’s beaches
- DMZ tours
- N Seoul Tower
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November).
18. Indonesia – 21.8 million visitors
Why Visit?
Indonesia boasts thousands of islands, each with unique attractions.
Key Attractions:
- Bali’s beaches and temples
- Borobudur Temple
- Komodo National Park
- Lake Toba
- Raja Ampat Islands
Best Time to Visit: May to September (dry season).
19. Netherlands – 20.7 million visitors
Why Visit?
The Netherlands is famed for its tulips, windmills, and artistic heritage.
Key Attractions:
- Keukenhof Gardens
- Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
- Van Gogh Museum
- Kinderdijk windmills
- The Hague
Best Time to Visit: April to October for tulip season and mild weather.
20. Portugal – 19.3 million visitors
Why Visit?
Portugal offers stunning coastlines, historic sites, and charming towns.
Key Attractions:
- Belém Tower, Lisbon
- Douro Valley
- Porto’s wine cellars
- Algarve beaches
- Sintra
Best Time to Visit:
March to May and September to November.
21. Switzerland – 18.9 million visitors
Why Visit?
Switzerland enchants with its mountains, luxury resorts, and precision.
Key Attractions:
- Matterhorn
- Lake Geneva
- Jungfraujoch
- Rhine Falls
- Zurich Old Town
Best Time to Visit: June to August for hiking or December to February for skiing.
22. Malaysia – 18.2 million visitors
Why Visit?
Malaysia is a tropical hub of culture, nature, and modern cities.
Key Attractions:
- Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
- Langkawi beaches
- Mount Kinabalu
- Batu Caves
- Taman Negara National Park
Best Time to Visit: March to October for favorable weather.
23. Vietnam – 16.4 million visitors
Why Visit?
Vietnam features historic sites, bustling cities, and scenic countryside.
Key Attractions:
- Ha Long Bay
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Phong Nha Caves
- Mekong Delta
Best Time to Visit: March to April and September to November.
24. India – 15.8 million visitors
Why Visit?
India is a vibrant country with a rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and spiritual traditions.
Key Attractions:
- Taj Mahal, Agra
- Jaipur’s forts and palaces
- Kerala’s backwaters
- Varanasi’s ghats
- Himachal Pradesh’s Himalayan scenery
Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather.
Also Read: 20 Best Places to Visit in India in 2025
25. Saudi Arabia – 14.3 million visitors
Why Visit?
Saudi Arabia is an emerging tourist destination with historical sites and modern attractions.
Key Attractions:
- Mecca (for Hajj pilgrims)
- Madain Saleh (UNESCO site)
- Riyadh’s skyscrapers
- Red Sea beaches
- Al-Ula’s ancient rock formations
Best Time to Visit: November to February for cooler weather.
26. Brazil – 13.7 million visitors
Why Visit?
Brazil is a land of samba, festivals, and stunning natural wonders.
Key Attractions:
- Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro
- Iguazu Falls
- Amazon Rainforest
- Copacabana Beach
- Salvador’s Historic Center
Best Time to Visit: December to March for summer festivities.
27. Egypt – 13.2 million visitors
Why Visit?
Egypt offers timeless archaeological wonders and unique landscapes.
Key Attractions:
- Pyramids of Giza
- Valley of the Kings, Luxor
- Nile River cruises
- Alexandria’s ancient ruins
- Red Sea resorts
Best Time to Visit: October to April for cooler weather.
28. South Africa – 12.8 million visitors
Why Visit?
South Africa is renowned for its wildlife, wine, and stunning coastlines.
Key Attractions:
- Kruger National Park
- Table Mountain, Cape Town
- Cape Winelands
- Robben Island
- Garden Route
Best Time to Visit: May to September for safaris or November to February for beaches.
29. Philippines – 12.1 million visitors
Why Visit?
The Philippines is an archipelago of pristine beaches and diverse marine life.
Key Attractions:
- Boracay Island
- Palawan’s underground river
- Chocolate Hills, Bohol
- Cebu’s historical sites
- Banaue Rice Terraces
Best Time to Visit: November to May for dry weather.
30. Argentina – 11.8 million visitors
Why Visit?
Argentina offers tango, wine, and spectacular landscapes.
Key Attractions:
- Iguazu Falls
- Perito Moreno Glacier
- Buenos Aires’ vibrant culture
- Mendoza’s wine regions
- Ushuaia (gateway to Antarctica)
Best Time to Visit: October to April for outdoor activities.
Conclusion
These top 30 most-visited countries in 2024 reveal the diversity and richness of global tourism.
Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks, natural wonders, or modern attractions, these destinations have something to offer every traveler.
Each destination has unique charms that make it irresistible to millions of visitors annually.
By choosing the right time to visit and exploring their key attractions, you can create unforgettable memories in each of these remarkable locations.