While travellers often dream of exploring stunning landmarks and indulging in unique experiences, many popular attractions require booking in advance or waiting lists, leaving last-minute planners out of luck.
To help travellers plan their dream vacations easily, British hotel chain Premier Inn collated data from over 100 official online booking systems, revealing the trickiest and easiest attractions to book due to their level of demand.
Whether it’s exploring fairytale castles, uncovering the secrets of ancient ruins or indulging in artistic brilliance, securing tickets for the most in demand attractions ahead of time will ensure an unforgettable journey.
The World’s Most In-Demand Attractions
Rank | Attraction Name | Country | Continent | Days Needed to Pre-Book Ahead of Visit |
1 = | Neuschwanstein Castle | Germany | Europe | 37 |
1 = | Machu Picchu | Peru | South America | 37 |
2 | Harry Potter Studio Tour | United Kingdom | Europe | 34 |
3 | Ghibli Museum | Japan | Asia | 30 |
4 | Sky Garden | United Kingdom | Europe | 22 |
5 | Mount Fuji | Japan | Asia | 16 |
6 = | Santa Maria delle Grazie | Italy | Europe | 10 |
6 = | The Van Gogh Museum | Netherlands | Europe | 10 |
7 = | The Forbidden City | China | Asia | 8 |
7 = | Big Ben | United Kingdom | Europe | 8 |
8 = | Borghese Galleria | Italy | Europe | 6 |
8 = | The Catacombs | France | Europe | 6 |
8 = | Anne Frank House | Netherlands | Europe | 6 |
8 = | The Hermitage Museum | Russia | Europe | 6 |
9 | Walt Disney World | United States | North America | 4 |
10 = | The Sistine Chapel | Vatican City | Europe | 3 |
10 = | Statue of Liberty | United States | North America | 3 |
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany: Straight out of a fairytale, Neuschwanstein Castle rises elegantly above the Bavarian landscape, captivating visitors with its romantic allure. To wander through the halls of this enchanting castle, reminiscent of a bygone era, travellers must book their tickets at least 37 days in advance, in a tie for most in-demand attraction along with Machu Picchu. The popularity of this architectural masterpiece demands early planning to secure a spot on the guided tours and immerse oneself in its captivating history.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru: Perched high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu takes joint first place as the world’s most in demand attraction. The marvel of ancient Incan engineering and an archaeological wonder has a limited daily quota for visitors, making timely booking crucial. To explore the mystical ruins and experience the magic of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors must secure their entry tickets at least 37 days ahead of their desired visit date.
2. Harry Potter Studio Tour, Watford: The Harry Potter Studio Tour in the UK is an absolute must-visit for all Potterheads. This immersive experience allows fans to delve into the behind-the-scenes magic of the movies, offering a delightful journey into the wizarding world. With the movies and books’ global appeal comes a high demand for tickets, generating a pre-booking window of 34 days and landing this studio tour on the number two spot.
3. Ghibli Museum, Japan: For admirers of Studio Ghibli’s animated masterpieces, the Ghibli Museum in Japan is a dream come true. The museum itself is a piece of art, with its architecture and exhibits exuding charm and magic. From original sketches to life-sized replicas of Ghibli characters, every corner of the museum is brimming with wonder and this appeal is reflected by how far in advance visitors must secure their entry: to embark on a heartwarming journey through the world of Ghibli’s extraordinary storytelling, booking a ticket must be done a month in advance.
4. Sky Garden, London: Perched high above the bustling city of London, the Sky Garden lands on the number four most in-demand attraction globally. This garden space is a serene oasis amidst the urban jungle, offering an incomparable experience in the city. With an unobstructed view of London’s iconic landmarks, the Sky Garden has become a popular spot for photography enthusiasts, forcing visitors to pre-book their tickets at least 22 days ahead of their planned visit.
5. Mount Fuji, Japan: An iconic symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji’s perfect volcanic cone is a sight to behold. To embark on the exhilarating hike to its summit or simply admire its beauty from afar, visitors should plan their trip and secure necessary permits at least two weeks in advance. The climbing season is short, and spots are limited, making pre-booking crucial to experience the awe-inspiring wonder of Mount Fuji.