Niagara Falls has topped the list of the most popular bucket list destinations for British travellers, according to a new study that ranks the world’s most-searched landmarks. The research, conducted by travel experts at Dubai Tours & Tickets, analysed Google search data to identify the top dream travel spots for Brits.
The study found that Niagara Falls, spanning the border of Canada and the US, is searched for an average of 160,661 times each month, making it the most desirable destination. This figure is a staggering 1,087% higher than the average number of searches for other landmarks on the list, which stands at 13,535. The falls, which have been attracting tourists for centuries, see a sharp rise in searches during July, when interest peaks at over 331,000.
In second place is Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower, with an average of 90,109 monthly searches. Known as the most visited paid landmark in the world, searches for the Eiffel Tower increase significantly in June, making it another popular summertime destination for Brits.
The study also highlights Alcatraz Island, the former maximum-security prison in San Francisco, as the third most popular spot, with an average of 88,423 searches per month. Alcatraz continues to capture the imagination of travellers, especially those intrigued by its notorious history and connections to true crime stories. Searches for the site also spike in July, coinciding with peak tourist season.
New York’s Central Park comes in fourth, with 73,454 searches per month, making it another must-see on Brits’ travel wish lists. The first landscaped public park in the US, it remains a popular year-round attraction, particularly in June.
The Northern Lights, often visible from locations across the Arctic Circle, take fifth place. With an average of 67,215 searches each month, this natural spectacle draws interest from around the world, including the UK. Although occasionally visible from the British Isles, countries like Greenland, Norway, and Canada offer better chances for an uninterrupted view.
Other Popular Landmarks
Closer to home, Buckingham Palace is the only British landmark to make the top ten, ranking sixth. The royal residence is searched for 65,916 times per month. Though the palace can be viewed year-round, tours of its interior are limited to specific weeks.
The Grand Canyon in the US comes seventh, with 60,609 monthly searches. The awe-inspiring geological formation attracts millions of visitors each year, making it a popular addition to bucket lists.
Times Square in New York follows in eighth place, with 54,030 searches per month, while the Taj Mahal in India and Machu Picchu in Peru round out the top ten, with 44,237 and 43,258 searches, respectively.
Travel Advice
Magdalena Petrusic, a travel expert from Dubai Tours & Tickets, advises that while many of these destinations are tourist hotspots, visiting outside of peak season can help save money and reduce crowds. Some top landmarks, like Niagara Falls and Central Park, are free to visit, but planning trips carefully is key to enjoying a quieter experience.
Petrusic also suggests considering lesser-known cultural gems like the Moai Statues, Santorini Cliffs, or the Library of Celsus, which attract fewer visitors but offer equally unforgettable experiences.