The Most Visited Countries in the World (and Where to Go Instead)

France takes the top spot as the most visited country in the world, with 100 million international visitors last year. Tourists' expectations of the capital city of Paris are so high that disappointing them has actually earned the psychological label Paris Syndrome. Regardless of expectations, it’s no lie that France offers an iconic itinerary for travelers, from visiting the Eiffel Tower to touring the champagne houses of Northern France to skiing in the French Alps.

Where to Go to Avoid the Crowds: The city of Lyon, despite being the country’s third largest city after Paris and Marseille, is considerably less crowded and often sees more French domestic tourists than international travelers. The city is rich in Renaissance architecture, and a city cruise on the Rhône and Saône rivers rivals a trip down the Seine.

Where to Go Instead: Trade the French Alps for the Swiss Alps. This famous mountain range covers a large portion of the border between the two countries. While Switzerland's 20.8 million visitors in 2024 is an impressive total, it's considerably less than that of its neighbor to the west. Geneva, directly on the border with France, is home to the famous Lake Geneva, extensive botanical gardens, and the Gothic Revival St. Pierre Cathedral.

Madrid is the capital city and most visited spot in Spain, receiving roughly 11 million of the country's 94 million visitors last year. Following close behind are the busy metropolises of Barcelona, home to the famous and ever-growing Sagrada Familia, and Seville, birthplace of flamenco and host to the Real Alcázar of Seville palace complex. These and other major tourist centers in Spain have experienced a dramatic rise in anti-tourist sentiment in recent years in response to the massive annual influx of international travelers.

Where to Go to Avoid the Crowds: Despite being the seventh-largest city in Spain, Murcia is rarely in the international travel spotlight. Nevertheless, this city offers its fair share of towering cathedrals, meandering bridges, and architecturally interesting plazas where you can sample the city's tapas scene. It's also the capital city and gateway to the larger Murcia region, a coastal province with cliffs, islands, and beaches to explore.

Where to Go Instead: Spain and Morocco are close neighbors, with the Strait of Gibraltar separating them by about eight miles. The northern coast of Morocco shares a similar climate with southern Spain and within the two regions, you’ll find architecture with shared Moorish influences and common threads throughout the culinary scenes, both heavily influenced by the bounty of the Mediterranean Sea.

The United States is the third most visited country in the world, with over 72,000,000 visitors last year. It's also the fourth-largest country in the world by area, with nine distinct climates in the contiguous U.S. alone. The widespread diversity of the country attracts all types of travelers, from adventurers hoping to descend into the Grand Canyon to thrill-seekers eager to see the sights of New York or LA.

Where to Go to Avoid the Crowds: Most international tourism is concentrated close to the coasts, with New York, California, and Florida as standout destinations. Alaska is the least visited state and a perfect spot to experience icy tundras, glacier tours, and wildlife spotting. In the contiguous U.S., consider a trip to Montana, a relatively untouristed state with easy access to several famous parks like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the Great Bear Wilderness. Montana's capital, Helena, is just a two-hour flight from the lights of Las Vegas for travelers who want to experience city life before heading home.

Where to Go Instead: If you're looking for sweeping dusky landscapes like the American Midwest or balmy surf-friendly beaches like the West Coast, Australia can offer you plenty. In fact, Australia has the most number of national parks in the world. If you prefer the misty Pacific Northwest or craggy East Coast, consider the windswept moors and winding streets of Ireland.

Italy consistently ranks in the top five most visited countries annually, drawing in 68.5 million visitors last year with the promise of la dolce vita. Rome, Florence, and Milan each present a unique character, enticing travelers with their mix of modern Italian life and layers of history, art, and culture. The regions of Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast appeal to a slow travel lifestyle, offering endless opportunities to sip wine among rolling hills or savor espresso on a patio tucked between the cliffs of Positano and the infinite Mediterranean Sea.

Where to Go to Avoid the Crowds: If you're craving the vibes of coastal Italy without the crowds of Sicily or Amalfi, consider hidden inlets and quiet beaches of Puglia. This narrow region, tucked into the "heel of the boot" of southern Italy, is rich in whitewashed coastal communities akin to those of Greece but with a distinct Italian charm.

Where to Go Instead: If the rolling hills and tasting tours of Tuscany appeal to you, try the three main wine regions of Slovenia—the Primorska, Podravje, and Posavje. Each has its own distinct landscape and flavor. If historical ruins are what drive your urge to travel, then check out North Macedonia. Italy and North Macedonia share a Byzantine heritage, with ruins that include the remains of ancient cities, well-preserved mosaics, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed churches.

Turkey attracts approximately 52.6 million annual visitors with its stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and robust health and wellness tourism opportunities. The coasts benefit from a sunny Mediterranean climate, although inland areas can experience chilly and damp winters. Undoubtedly popular are the capital city of Istanbul and the vibrant Cappadocia, particularly during the hot air balloon festival season.

Where to Go to Avoid the Crowds: Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, attracts its fair share of visitors for its numerous attractions and rich history. However, the numbers pale in comparison to the 18 million who traveled to Istanbul last year alone. Located just across the Sea of Marmara, the city offers incredible architecture, such as the Grand Mosque, and activities like the Busa Zoo. It is within daytripping distance to Istanbul for those who'd like to experience the city but retire to a smaller scene.

Where to Go Instead: Bulgaria was part of the Ottoman Empire alongside what is now Turkey from the 14th century until 1878. You'll find the most similarities in the eastern region of the county closest to the Turkish border, where language, culture, and cuisine have melded due to shared history and proximity. Move further inland to explore Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously inhabited European cities, to experience the region's layered history firsthand.