Travel company research shows where visitors choose to go, from the snow-kissed alpine peaks of France to the ancient Aztec ruins of Mexico.
From the snow-kissed peaks of Japan to the myth-laden palaces of Crete—this guide is your passport to the planet’s top travel magnets that stir the senses and spark curiosity—as millions of explorers crisscross continents in search of wonder. Backed by research, travel company Go2Africa highlighted the world’s most visited countries in 2024 (for international tourists) to inspire your 2025 adventures.
To conduct the study, Go2Africa collected official tourism figures from global tourist boards to determine the number of visitors to each country. Stepping beyond the postcard—you’ll journey into a world of incense-filled temples, fairytale villages, and glorious islands—from the charm of Europe to the soul of Asia and the grace of North America.
1. France
Number of 2024 Visitors: 100 million
France is a dreamscape woven in sun-drenched vineyards, golden beaches, snow-kissed alpine peaks, and elegant café-lined boulevards. From the timeless romance of Paris to the lavender fields of Provence, first-time visitors are spellbound by its sublime art, ornamental architecture, and rich history—whether wandering through Versailles’ gilded halls or gazing up at the Gothic majesty of Notre-Dame. For gastronomes, France is a soul-stirring pilgrimage. Regional delicacies seduce at every charming corner: think buttery croissants in a tucked-away Parisian patisserie, briny oysters fresh from the Atlantic coast, and melt-in-your-mouth Brie de Meaux aged in stone-walled cellars—where Châteauneuf-du-Pape flows. Along the glittering Côte d’Azur, Mediterranean glamour meets Riviera chic, while Alsace enchants with storybook half-timbered villages—and for adventurers, the Alps promise world-class skiing.
2. Spain
Number of 2024 Visitors: 94 million
From the Moorish palaces of Andalucía to the modernist masterpieces of Barcelona, Spain unfolds like an open-air museum—think sweeping olive groves, rugged mountains, and an endless golden coastline—whether it’s the Balearic Islands’ crystal-clear coves or the dramatic cliffs of Galicia. In Madrid, you’ll wander through grand boulevards and world-class galleries, then settle in for tapas and vermouth at a cozy taberna. Barcelona, however, sparkles with Gaudí’s whimsical architecture and the buzz of beachside nightlife. Further south, Granada and Seville seduce with flamenco echoes through lantern-lit courtyards and orange blossoms perfuming the air. Food is practically a religion here—succulent jamón ibérico, sizzling patatas bravas, and ocean-fresh seafood paellas steal the spotlight—paired with bold Rioja wines or crisp albariños. And when it comes to celebration, few places rival Spain: with festivals like La Tomatina and Las Fallas bursting with fiery energy and chaos—a reminder that Spain celebrates life with gusto.
3. United States
Number of 2024 Visitors: 72.4 million
Spanning coast to coast, the United States dazzles with contrasts—where drive-thru diners and Michelin-star restaurants, rodeos and Broadway shows, all coexist in this 50-state tapestry. In New York City, towering skyscrapers and world-class museums meet iconic neighborhoods—from hipster Brooklyn to historic Harlem. The West Coast, however, charms with California’s sun-soaked beaches, the tech buzz of Silicon Valley, and the vintage cinema glamour of Los Angeles. For nature lovers, the U.S. is a playground too—hike through misty forests in the Pacific Northwest, marvel at the Grand Canyon’s prehistoric vastness, or chase geysers in Yellowstone. Meanwhile, the South pulses with soul-stirring music—from Nashville’s honky-tonks to New Orleans’ jazz-filled streets.
4. Italy
Number of 2024 Visitors: 68.5 million
From the sun-drenched cliffs of the Amalfi Coast to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and the snow-cloaked Dolomites, Italy is a timeless seduction—where art, history, cuisine, and romance all intertwine. In Rome, ancient ruins meet ornate Baroque fountains as you stroll from the Colosseum to the Vatican. Meanwhile, Venice, with its misty canals and fading palazzi, floats in a dreamlike haze of nostalgia and elegance. Head north to Milan and you’ll get addicted to its modernity and haute couture, while Florence stuns with Renaissance grandeur and world-class galleries. Foodies? Sip velvety Barolo in the rolling hills of Piemonte, twirl strands of handmade pasta in Bologna, and sample creamy artisan gelato on a cobbled piazza in Sicily.
5. Turkey
Number of 2024 Visitors: 52.6 million
Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey is a country of compelling contrasts—where grueling mountain hikes through the Kaçkar range meet indulgent hammam rituals steeped in centuries of tradition. In Istanbul, East meets West as you wander through the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia, get lost in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, or watch the sunset over the Bosphorus with a cup of çay in hand. Head deeper into Anatolia and uncover the beauty of Cappadocia—where fairy chimneys and hot air balloons paint a dreamlike skyline. History buffs, however, will marvel at Ephesus, a remarkably preserved Greco-Roman city, and the ancient ruins of Troy. Meanwhile, along the turquoise coast, jewels like Antalya and Bodrum offer dazzling beaches and lively harbors. But it’s not just the sights—Turkey is famed for its hospitality. Feast on sizzling kebabs, flaky baklava, and freshly baked simit from street vendors—or sip thick Turkish coffee as locals share stories.
6. Mexico
Number of 2024 Visitors: 45 million
From ancient Aztec ruins to the colonial charm of Oaxaca, Mexico grabs you by the senses and doesn’t let go. Step into history at Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, or explore the painted facades and cobblestone alleys of San Miguel de Allende. Nature lovers, however, can snorkel in the crystalline waters of Cozumel, hike through the copper-colored canyons of Chihuahua, or witness bioluminescent plankton sparkling along the shores of Holbox Island. Meanwhile, beachgoers and sun-chasers find their paradise in the palm-fringed sands of Tulum and the surf-washed coves of Puerto Escondido. And then there’s the food—savor street tacos fresh off the grill and sip smoky mezcal under a velvet starry sky.
7. Hong Kong
Number of 2024 Visitors: 44.5 million
Hong Kong—while not an official country (rather, a Special Administrative Region)—deserves a spotlight. Here, skyscrapers rise shoulder to shoulder with ancient temples, and neon-lit streets hum with life around the clock. Ride the iconic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour for panoramic views of its soaring skyline, or ascend to Victoria Peak for glorious sunsets. Shopping here is legendary, too—you can explore luxury malls in Central or haggle for hidden treasures in the markets of Mong Kok. Foodies, meanwhile, are spoiled for choice: sip tea in historic dim sum teahouses, munch on egg waffles from street vendors, or sample Michelin-starred street bites at restaurants like Tim Ho Wan. Be sure to explore Hong Kong’s spiritual side too: pay a visit to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island and stroll through the incense-filled halls of Man Mo Temple. Nature lovers, however, can hike the Dragon’s Back trail for stunning coastal views or lounge on the beaches of Sai Kung. Whether you’re craving high fashion, ancient rituals, buzzing nightlife, or some of the world’s best noodles—Hong Kong has it all.
8. United Kingdom
Number of 2024 Visitors: 41.2 million
From the royal fanfare of London to the Celtic legends of Scotland and the poetic soul of Welsh valleys, the United Kingdom brims with centuries-old heritage, rolling countryside, and buzzing megacities. Start in London, England’s bustling capital, where icons like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the British Museum await—while sipping cocktails in sky-high bars or surfing through Borough Market. Beyond the capital, however, amble through fairytale villages of the Cotswolds or hike the dramatic peaks of Scotland’s Highlands. Explore historic gems like York and Edinburgh, where cobbled lanes lead to ancient castles and cozy fireside pubs—meanwhile, literature lovers can trace Shakespeare’s footsteps in Stratford-upon-Avon or explore Oxford’s colleges where great minds from Tolkien to Hawking once roamed. Wales tempts with rugged coastlines and windswept castles, and Northern Ireland stuns with the surreal basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway. And let’s not forget English culinary treats—think buttery scones in countryside tearooms or fish and chips by the breezy seaside in Cornwall.
9. Greece
Number of 2024 Visitors: 40.7 million
From the whitewashed villages of Santorini to the ancient ruins of Athens, Greece is a treasure trove for travelers drawn to its rich Mediterranean culture and storied past. Start your journey in its capital, Athens, where the Acropolis towers above the city—and dive into street markets bursting with pungent herbs, handwoven textiles, and beautiful ceramics—before savouring souvlaki in a tucked-away taverna. Island-hopping is essential. The Cyclades are famed for postcard-perfect sunsets—while Crete offers rugged gorges and myth-laden palaces. For a quieter escape, explore the Ionian islands with their emerald waters and Venetian flair. History lovers, however, will be captivated by Delphi’s ancient oracle or the monasteries of Meteora—sitting high on otherworldly rock formations. Greece also seduces with its rhythm—long lunches under vine-covered pergolas and traditional music drifting through sunlit village squares. Whether you’re hiking the legendary slopes of Mount Olympus or sipping iced coffee by the Aegean, Greece beckons an alphabet of travelers—with warmth, wonder, and timeless beauty.
10. Japan
Number of 2024 Visitors: 36.9 million
From the neon-lit towers of Tokyo to soaking in an onsen beneath snow-dusted peaks, Japan is a nation where centuries-old traditions brush seamlessly against striking, cutting-edge innovation. Start in its capital, Tokyo—where skyscrapers glow above sushi counters and bullet trains whisk you past springtime cherry blossoms. Kyoto, meanwhile, whispers of a quieter Japan—where you can wander through bamboo groves in Arashiyama, sip matcha in a serene teahouse, and catch the flicker of a geisha slipping down lantern-lit alleys. Nature lovers, however, will adore Hokkaido—where rolling lavender fields meet powdery slopes—while Nara offers the perfect opportunity to meet roaming deer under ancient shrines. Whether you’re drawn by samurai lore, anime culture, or Zen gardens galore, Japan is a miso soup bowl of discovery.
The remaining contenders are as follows:
11. Thailand (35.5 million)
12. China (32 million)
13. Austria (31 million)
14. Saudi Arabia (30 million)
15. United Arab Emirates (28.2 million)
This article was originally published on forbes.com.
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