The 30 Most Breathtaking Tourist Destinations in the World

Have you been bitten by the travel bug?

With the rise of social media that easily shows off gorgeous destinations around the globe, it's nearly impossible not to be afflicted with a bit of wanderlust. With most of us trapped at home, it's easy to get caught up in dreaming about your dream vacation. But with so many beautiful places to see and a limited amount of time (and money), you'll have to prioritize locations that will truly knock your socks off.

Thankfully, there are many spectacular places around the globe to choose from. Keep scrolling for the 30 most breathtaking tourist destinations in the world.

Venice, Italy

Some tourist destinations are painfully obvious, but no less breathtaking. Venice, Italy is one of them. There's nothing that can compare to gliding through the canals of Venice—a town built around water—in a gondola. Even if you don't make your way onto the water, however, walking along the sidewalks and over the bridges of this Italian town will be an experience unlike any other. Plus, the city has plenty of culture and delicious food to occupy any time you're spending not admiring the canals.

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Machu Picchu, Peru

While visiting Machu Picchu is very different from traipsing through an Italian town on a European vacation, it's no less dazzling. Located in Peru, this ancient city sits on a mountainside, allowing tourist to take in all its glory. With an 8,000-foot elevation, the climb to the top may be arduous, but the final result is sure to be worth the effort.

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Oia, Santorini, Greece

All the Greek islands are sure to deliver a stunning vacation destination full of gorgeous views, but there's something particularly appealing about Santorini. Built into the side of a cliff, Santorini is stunning from the base of the rock formation, and equally as beautiful from the villages on top. Tourists staying in the town of Oia will be blessed with dazzling sunsets punctuated by unforgettable views of the surrounding Aegean Sea.

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Zhangye Danxia Geopark, China

While the Great Wall is perhaps the most well-known tourist attraction in China, the Zhangye Danxia Geopark offers an entirely different, but equally thrilling experience. Also called the Rainbow Mountains, this tourist destination features a brightly colored mountainscape striped with an arrangement of eye-catching colors. The colors were formed over millions of years through the collection of layers of sedimentary deposits. But even those who don't care about the geology behind the mountains will surely enjoy the oranges, reds and yellows emerging from the ground around them.

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Bora Bora, French Polynesia

While you might need a little more cash in your pocket to visit Bora Bora, you won't regret the money you've spent once you arrive. Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Bora Bora is known for its turquoise waters and overwater bungalows. Here you can spend day after day lounging in the sand, exploring the coral reefs, and dipping your toes in the crystal-clear water. The hit to your bank account is worth spending a few days in paradise.

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Bali, Indonesia

While other beach destinations might leave your wallet hurting, Bali is the perfect place to visit if you're vacationing on a budget. With the prices at this Indonesian getaway, you can book an extravagant villa, complete with a personal pool, for a reasonable amount. In Bali, you can lounge on the beach, exploring the volcanoes, or admire the surrounding wildlife, all on one journey. It's the perfect destination to meld the jungle and the beach together.

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Also read about: 5 Underrated Island Vacation Spots Around the United States

 

Kerry, Ireland

While beach vacations are lovely, the sand isn't the only place where you can take in a breathtaking view. If you want something a bit different, visit Kerry, Ireland. This county features mountains, lakes and coasts, all inhabited by charming, picture-perfect towns. You can wander through the countryside and eventually make your way to Killarney National Park, where you can truly take in the full beauty of Ireland. 

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New York City, USA

If you want to keep your vacation a little closer to home, you can't beat the views in New York City, New York. A skyscraper-filled city, New York has much more to offer than tall buildings and bustling streets. While visiting, you can take advantage of the world-class cuisine or enjoy a night of entertainment watching a show on Broadway. Of course, you have to visit the iconic Statue of Liberty, which will show you an entirely different view of the busy city.

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Paris, France

No matter where you travel in the world, nothing can compare to the view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. This structure is always spectacular, but it's particularly magical when lit up at night. Be sure to time your visit well—at the start of every hour, the Tower sparkles for five minutes, adding and even deeper air of enchantment. But beyond the Eiffel Tower, there are plenty of other breathtaking views in Paris, including the panorama from the Sacre-Couer and the sight of the Arc de Triomphe.

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Rome, Italy

If you're at all interested in history, you have to take the time to visit Rome, Italy. A town rooted in the past, Rome is filled with the ruins of an ancient empire scattered through the city's cobblestone streets. Of course, nothing can beat the impressive Colosseum, one of the seven wonders of the world. Combine those stunning attractions with homemade pasta and gelato and you'll easily understand why Rome is a must-see tourist destination.

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The Maldives

Home to some of the world's most luxurious resorts, the Maldives is the ultimate destination for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is comprised of more than 1,000 coral islands. Much like Bora Bora, your stay at the Maldives will be defined by nights in an overwater bungalow and days exploring the clear, turquoise waters.

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Amalfi Coast, Italy

Venice isn't the only city with breathtaking views in Italy. Along the Italian coast, tourists will find the hillside towns of the Amalfi Coast. With buildings built into the cliffside, the towns themselves offer a thrilling experience. But combine the gorgeous architecture with the idyllic beaches and views of the ocean and you'll have a vacation you'll never forget.

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Also read about: 5 Reasons Why Solo Vacations Are Totally Therapeutic

 

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik has everything you could ever want in a European vacation. The town features winding, charming streets with quaint buildings. Toward the water, you can also take advantage of cliffside restaurants that will allow you to enjoy a meal while taking in views of the ocean. Old Town, the city's most famed attraction, features architecture and outlooks you'll never be able to get out of your head. There's no downside to visiting this European town.

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Krabi, Thailand

If you're on the hunt for the perfect destination for your beach vacation, look no further than Krabi, Thailand. Located along Thailand's west coast, this province features hundreds of islands in a turquoise-blue ocean. Enjoy the views from the limestone cliffs and cool off in the waters of of the Andaman Sea. However you choose to spend your time, it won't be wasted at this destination.

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Dubai, U.A.E.

While Dubai might not be your first thought when planning a vacation, it is one of the most glamorous destinations in the world. Full of beauty and technology, Dubai will surprise you at every turn. The city is best known for its luxury shopping and modern architecture. You'll certainly never get board in a city full of huge skyscrapers, coordinated water shows and artificial islands.

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Fjordland National Park, New Zealand

While this park offers pretty views all year round, tourists have to visit in late November and early December to truly take in the breathtaking beauty of this New Zealand landscape. Around that time, bright purple Russell Lupins bloom along the ground, transforming the fields into a lavender ocean. It's a sight that's simple, yet spectacular in its beauty. 

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Tokyo, Japan

Some visitors to Tokyo compare it to visiting the future. The city is full of modern buildings and bright, flashing lights. Always busy, you'll never run out of things to do in Tokyo. Among the neon signs and amazing technology, however, there's still a rich sense of culture and history. Tokyo is the perfect place to embrace Japanese society while still enjoying a luxurious vacation.

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Paro Valley, Bhutan

Nestled between China and India is Bhutan, a small, landlocked country often forgotten about when discussing potential vacation destinations. But if you have the chance, you should definitely visit this country's Paro Valley, where you'll find striking landscapes dotted with monasteries and fortresses. You can simply take in the views or you can learn more about the history of the valley by visiting Paro Taktsang, a Himalayan Buddhist sacred site. 

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Also read about: 13 Regional Ice Cream Flavors Everyone Should Know

 

Marrakesh, Morroco

Located at the base of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is a vibrant city full of life. The town includes maze-like alleyways that lead to a large arrangement of palaces and gardens, each of which has something unique to offer. Tourists will also enjoy the city's many souks—markets full of colorful, unique wares. It's a town unlike any other that's sure to delight any visitors.

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Jaipur, India

Just as Greece is known for its all-white villages, Jaipur, India embraces a similar monochromatic look, this time in pale pink. In the late 1800s, all the buildings in Jaipur were painted pink to impress Prince Albert during a visit. To this day, it's illegal to paint the buildings any other color, resulting in a pink paradise full of interesting architecture. To truly take in the beauty of the city, you'll have to visit it in person.

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Great Ocean Road, Australia

While Australia has plenty of beaches where you can bask in the sun, nothing can compare to the views along the Great Ocean Road. Located west of Melbourne, this drive takes you up the coast of Australia through charming beach towns and cliffside lookouts. You can admire the 12 Apostles or visit koalas in the Great Otway National Park. Even if you only drive for a short stretch, the views you'll take in along the Great Ocean Road are sure to be unforgettable.

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Kruger National Park, South Africa

While Capetown, South Africa is a common tourist destination due to its brightly-colored, bustling city, Kruger National Park offers something even more amazing. Set in northeastern South Africa, this sprawling landscape features a variety of wildlife. You can get up close and personal with native African animals, such as lions, leopards, rhinos and elephants. The safari experiences at this park are the perfect choice for anyone who wants to escape the city for a while and reconnect with nature in a stunning and unique environment.

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Moscow, Russia

You can't picture Russia without immediately imagining the colorful buildings of Moscow. With interesting architecture and colorful domes, these buildings are unlike anything else in the world. After taking a look at those iconic attractions, you can fill the rest of your time by exploring the  history of the city, visiting museums, and enjoying the ballet.

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Singapore

Sitting off the coast of Malaysia, Singapore is a sovereign island city-state. Despite its small size, the city is full of interesting attractions, including colorful buildings and futuristic bridges. If you want to enjoy the best the city has to offer, take a swim in the pool atop the Marina Bay Sands hotel. After that, you can enjoy your time wandering around the city, enjoying the nearby hikes and strolling through the night markets.

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Also read about: 7 Tips to Have the Best Study Abroad Experience

 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro has always been a popular tourist destination, in large part due to the incredible Christ the Redeemer statue that sits atop a mountain. But the statue isn't the only must-see attraction in Rio. Tourists also love the city for its brightly colored buildings, busy streets and gorgeous beaches. No matter how much time you get in Rio, it will never feel like enough.

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Petra, Jordan

Located in southern Jordan, Petra is a famous archaeological site located in the midst of a vast desert. Around 300 B.C., Petra was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. Although Petra is now an abandoned city, it's still an archaeological masterpiece. With the facade of temples and tombs carved directly into sandstone cliffs, you're sure to be in awe of this ancient masterpiece.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is much more than its world-famous coffee shops. Much like Venice, the city is built around canals, though the sidewalks and streets are much wider in this Dutch country. Featuring rows of buildings leaning on one another, Amsterdam is unique and full of charm. When you're done wandering through the streets, you can find a dose of culture at the Van Gogh museum or take a look at the blooming fields of tulips, if you happen to visit in March.

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Copenhagen, Denmark

Another charming city, Copenhagen is best known for its rows of colorful buildings lined up along the water. While it's pleasing enough to wander along the canal and take in the sites, the city is also full of museums that explain the rich history of Copenhagen. For a laidback vacation in a quaint location, there's no better option than Copenhagen.

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Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a picture-perfect vacation destination. A hilly city set along the coast of Portugal, Lisbon features pastel-colored buildings and gorgeous Atlantic beaches. The waters are clear and blue, and walking the cobblestoned streets never gets old. Along with taking in the history of the city, you can also enjoy views from popular attractions like the Belém Tower and Castelo de São Jorge. 

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Budapest, Hungary

There's nothing that quite compares to the view of the Parliament building in Budapest. Located on the "pest" side of the city, the building is lit up at night and reflects on the water of the Danube River. But beyond that breathtaking view, Budapest also has a rich history. The city is full of old monuments with stunning architecture, including Fisherman's Bastion and Buda Castle. There's always something else to see in this Eastern European city, ensuring you'll never get bored, no matter how long your vacation lasts.

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