As global travel rebounds, iconic destinations like Vatican City, Paris, and New York City are seeing an unprecedented influx of tourists, propelling them to the top of the most crowded tourist spots worldwide in 2024–2025.
With international travel resuming momentum, numerous renowned destinations are welcoming waves of visitors. In 2024, approximately 1.4 billion tourists journeyed to international hotspots, drawn by both mainstream attractions and off-the-beaten-path charms. However, this surge has resulted in overwhelming crowds at some iconic destinations.
The latest tourism report highlights the top ten most crowded tourist destinations, where tourism numbers are not only bouncing back but are reaching record highs. These destinations span from Europe’s historic cities to tropical getaways, each attracting millions of travelers eager to explore their unique appeals.
Leading the list is Vatican City, nestled in Rome, known as the world’s smallest country. The Vatican sees a staggering ratio of 7,709 tourists per resident due to its 0.44 square kilometer size. As the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City’s allure lies in its monumental sites like St. Peter’s Basilica, the vast Vatican Museums, and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. The best times to visit without overwhelming crowds are April to May and September to October.
Paris, France, occupies a significant spot, drawing over 11 million visitors to its vibrant culture, exquisite cuisine, and historic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. Known globally as a cultural epicenter, its scenic walks along the Seine, coupled with luxury shopping at Champs-Élysées, makes Paris a perennial favorite. Spring and fall offer favorable conditions and fewer tourists compared to the bustling summer months.
Andorra, positioned between France and Spain, ranks as the second most crowded destination with over 9 million visitors exploring its duty-free shopping perks and high-end ski resorts. Despite having just under 82,000 residents, Andorra’s attraction lies in its breathtaking alpine landscapes and rich cultural history. To enjoy Andorra’s offerings in tranquility, it’s best visited in the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October.
Renowned as a dynamic confluence of cultures, Hong Kong hosted 56 million visitors in 2019 due to its vibrant cityscapes and rich mix of eastern and western influences. Travelers flock to see its skyscrapers from Victoria Peak or explore its buzzing markets. Its cultural festivals, notably Chinese New Year, draw significant crowds, making visits outside peak times from October to December or avoiding the heat and storms of June to September optimal.
New York City, a leading urban destination, attracts over 60 million tourists annually, with highlights including Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. Known for its iconic skyline and cultural dynamism, the city is best enjoyed in spring or during the magical winter holiday season, although the summer months witness a substantial tourist influx.
Meanwhile, Monaco thrills visitors with its Mediterranean allure, drawing 1.5 million visitors annually, many during its prestigious Grand Prix. Visitors enjoy its impressive architecture, rich maritime museums, and luxury casinos, especially during the slightly quieter times of April to June or September to October.
On the southeastern front of Europe, Valletta, Malta, charms with its Mediterranean coasts and rich historical tapestry. Despite its small size, Valletta’s historic architecture attracts the eye, while a vibrant local culture draws 2.5 million tourists each year. Visiting outside the summer cruise ship season provides a more intimate experience with Malta’s rich history.
In the Caribbean, Antigua & Barbuda invites nearly a million beach enthusiasts annually. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant markets, this twin-island nation offers quintessential Caribbean experiences. Avoiding the hurricane season from September to October is advisable, with the best time being mid-December to April.
The Bahamas, popular for its pristine beaches, welcomes over 4 million tourists annually to its islands, especially Nassau. Famous for its clear waters and rich cultural heritage, its best experienced outside the hurricane-prone months of August to October.
Finally, San Marino, celebrated as the world’s oldest republic, pulls in over 2 million tourists yearly with its medieval charm and historic attractions. Best visited during the spring and fall, San Marino offers enchanting vistas without the high influx of summer tourists.
As the travel industry continues to recover, these destinations showcase both the challenges of handling large crowds and the opportunity for tourists to explore vibrant cultures and historical contexts in famous locales, according to Aviation A2Z.