TOP 10 MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS
IN THE WORLD
Today we analyze data from major platforms like Viator (a TripAdvisor company) to see what’s trending. Viator is a powerhouse for booking tours, activities, and experiences,
Therefore, the most popular destinations on Viator are cities and regions that are rich in cultural attractions, iconic sights requiring tickets, and unique guided experiences.
Based on Viator’s own public data, best-seller lists, and overall industry trends, here are the most popular destinations and, crucially, the specific activities that make them top sellers on the platform.
The Top Tier: The Perennial Powerhouses
These cities are consistently at the top of Viator’s booking charts. They are major global hubs with a high density of must-see attractions that benefit enormously from pre-booking.
- Why it’s popular on Viator: The sheer volume of world-famous sites that have long queues makes skip-the-line tours an absolute necessity for most travelers.
- Top Booked Activities:
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: This is arguably one of the most popular tours on the entire platform.
- Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill tours: Often bundled with the Vatican for a full-day “Ancient Rome” experience.
- Food Tours & Pasta/Making Classes: Especially in the Trastevere neighborhood.
- Day trips to Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast.
- Learn More…
- Why it’s popular on Viator: Like Rome, its iconic attractions have massive lines. Viator provides access and convenience.
- Top Booked Activities:
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Louvre Museum: Essential for seeing the Mona Lisa without a multi-hour wait.
- Eiffel Tower access: Including summit options and guided tours.
- Versailles Palace & Gardens Day Trips: Including the highly popular skip-the-line tours and fountain shows.
- Seine River Cruises: Especially dinner cruises.
- Learn More…
- Why it’s popular on Viator: A deep history, royal attractions, and a vast array of museums and tours make it a prime Viator destination.
- Top Booked Activities:
- Stonehenge Day Trips: Often combined with Bath or Windsor.
- Harry Potter Studio Tour: Transportation from central London is a huge seller.
- Tower of London Tours: To see the Crown Jewels with a Beefeater guide.
- West End Theatre Tickets: Pre-booking shows is extremely common.
- Learn More…
- Why it’s popular on Viator: It’s the theme park capital of the world. Families use Viator to simplify their complex vacation planning.
- Top Booked Activities:
- Walt Disney World® Resort tickets: Multi-day passes and special event tickets.
- Universal Orlando Resort™ tickets: Especially for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Transportation from Orlando airports/to parks.
- Kennedy Space Center Day Trips.
- Learn More…
Major Contenders & Rising Stars
These destinations are incredibly popular due to their unique offerings and the need to organize logistics or secure scarce tickets online.
- Top Activities: Desert safaris with dune bashing, dinner, and camel rides; Burj Khalifa ‘At the Top’ tickets; city sightseeing tours.
- Learn More…
6. Cancún & Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Top Activities: Day trips to Chichén Itzá (often with a cenote swim); Tulum ruins tours; snorkeling and boat tours (e.g., to Isla Mujeres); Xcaret/Xel-Há park tickets.
- Learn More…
- Top Activities: Skip-the-line tickets to Sagrada Família and Park Güell; Gaudi architecture tours; Montserrat monastery day trips; tapas and food tours.
- Learn More…
- Top Activities: Grand Canyon day trips (by bus, helicopter, or plane); Hoover Dam tours; show tickets (Cirque du Soleil, magic shows); helicopter night flights over the Strip.
- Learn More…
- Top Activities: Skip-the-line Acropolis and Parthenon tours; day trips to the temples of Delphi or the ancient sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus; sunset tours to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.
- Learn More…
- Top Activities: Day trips to Sintra to see Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira; food and wine tours (including Pastel de Nata baking classes); boat tours on the Tagus River; trips to the coastal towns of Cascais and Estoril.
- Learn More…
In conclusion…
The most popular destinations on Viator are cities and regions that are rich in cultural attractions, iconic sights requiring tickets, and unique guided experiences.
Discover your next adventure with Viator! Visit Viator’s travel agency today to book unforgettable trip activities, from thrilling tours to unique local experiences.
Your Perfect Journey Starts Here — Plan, Book, & Explore With Viator Now!