Proven and Tested Tourism Giants: 12 of the Most Popular Tourist Attractions on Earth

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By Samantha Collins

From majestic mountains to grand architectural marvels, this beautiful planet is home to a plethora of breathtaking attractions. But that’s surely different for some who’d most likely want to go somewhere they’re sure people have already loved going to. Among the many spots on Earth, a select few have risen to worldwide fame and recognition, enticing millions of visitors annually.

1. Disneyland, USA

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A magical escape for people of all ages, Disneyland welcomes over 18 million visitors annually. Lovers of Disney characters are lost in the lure of this enchanting theme park, and the number of tourists is projected to soar in the near future.

2. Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

Pyramid of Giza
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Tourists have contrasting reviews about Egypt, one of the cradles of civilization, some of them quite unsavory. Yet, the negatives do not take from the appeal of these ancient edifices holding the secrets of a bygone era we can only imagine. Fourteen million people visit the Pyramid annually, doubling the number of soles that touch the feet of the Eiffel Tower in France annually.

3. Great Wall of China, China

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Spanning over 13,000 miles, where else can we look for a testament to human ingenuity and determination? The Great Wall, originally built to protect against invaders, has become a port-of-call to over 10 million visitors yearly.

4. Sydney Opera House, Australia

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia 
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An architectural phenomenon set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, ten million tourists visit this UNESCO World Heritage site yearly. Its unique design and vibrant art make it a must-see destination.

5. Golden Gate Bridge, USA

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An engineering marvel and iconic symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate attracts over ten million tourists annually. Walking or cycling across the bridge, you can enjoy the mesmerizing vistas of the city and the Pacific Ocean.

6. Eiffel Tower, France

Eiffel-Tower
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An enduring symbol of love and romance, few landmarks inspire the urge to travel the Eiffel Tower. Casting its spell on over seven million visitors annually, of which 75% are foreigners, the breathtaking view of this iron structure makes it a coveted destination for travelers worldwide.

7. The Louvre

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Home to an extraordinary collection of art and history, over 9 million tourists are enticed by the Louvre annually. Tourists are drawn to the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile and the majestic Winged Victory of Samothrace, making the Louvre a notable totem of human creativity.

8. Taj Mahal, India

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Another UNESCO World Heritage site on the list, doubling as a masterpiece of white marble like never seen, The Taj Mahal in India, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, is the place of ethereal beauty visited by over seven million people annually.

9. The Colosseum, Italy

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
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Steeped in history and grandeur and standing as the timeless symbol of an age long lost, the Colosseum in Rome attracts approximately six million tourists all year round. The storied ground holding ancient streets replete with Roman history is the thing of dreams for every tourist.

10. The Vatican Museum, Vatican City

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As the epicenter of Catholicism, over six million people visit the Vatican annually to explore its history-rich museums and timeless art collections. The Sistine Chapel, gowned in the famous Michelangelo’s masterpiece on its ceiling, is an unforgettable highlight for most tourists.

11. Statue of Liberty, New York

Statue of Liberty
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A beacon of freedom and hope, the Statue of Liberty in New York City stands tall on Liberty Island and sees over four million visitors yearly. A gift from France to the United States, the iconic statue reflects the grit of the American spirit and the essence of liberty that makes for a sane human society.

12. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, Peru
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The ancient Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu welcomes over two million people annually. A marvel of engineering and culture surrounded by misty peaks and lush greenery, this archeological wonder leaves tourists in awe of the Incan civilization’s architectural prowess.

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