25 Most Fun Countries, Ranked
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Travel is all about fun because if it wasn't fun, we wouldn't do it. Sure, we know what we like and where not to go, but when it comes to having the most fun, some places are simply more fun than others.
These are the most fun and adventurous countries to visit. Here's to having some fun.
25. New Zealand
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Note: Our rankings are based on three sources — A World of Travel's most fun destinations in the world, U.S. News' best places for adventure, and Tripadvisor readers' favorite destinations and best attractions. We culled the lists and created one that combines them all.
There should be no surprise New Zealand is considered one of the most adventurous countries. What is a surprise is that neither A World to Travel or Tripadvisor had it on their lists.
What's so fun about New Zealand? How about more than 400 attractions and nearly 1,000 ways to enjoy the great outdoors in and out of its biggest cities of Queensland, Auckland and Wellington?
Top Things to See in New Zealand
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Top attraction: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Top nature setting: The Old Ghost Road
Top landmark: SkyTower
24. Philippines
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Of course, the Philippines landed on the U.S. News' most adventurous countries list. The tropical nation made up of over 7,000 islands is ripe for water sports like jet skiing, surfing, snorkeling and boating.
Interior exploration into the mountains and rainforests means hiking and ziplining — all things that keep you active and young at heart.
Top Things to See in Philippines
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Top attraction: National Museum
Top nature setting: Fort Santiago
Top landmark: Bonifacio Global City
23. Switzerland
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Set amidst Western Europe and filled with the continent's tallest mountains, Switzerland may not have ranked as "fun," but it does score well for adventure, appearing in U.S. News' most adventurous list of countries.
The mountains beckon, be it for hikes in the summer or ski runs in the winter, and the country's 1,500 lakes provide the water activities, even if the glacial-fed lakes are a bit nippy. The natural backdrop is stunning and beckons you to get out and play.
Top Things to See in Switzerland
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Top attraction: Chaplin's World
Top nature setting: The Matterhorn
Top landmark: Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge
22. Sweden
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Add Sweden to the places hottest for adventure, according to U.S. News.
This Scandinavian country is also about outdoor exploration with striking settings found at its seemingly endless lakes, streams and rolling hills. Plus, the country's citizens celebrate the long days of summer every year with a festival. That sounds like a lot of fun.
Top Things to See in Sweden
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Top attraction: Vasa Museum
Top nature setting: Tivedens Nationalpark
Top landmark: Stockholm Old Town
21. Argentina
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Even if it didn't make any other list, U.S. News calls Argentina one of the best for adventure, and that is certainly the case in Patagonia.
This is the most untouched land in the Southern Hemisphere en route to Antarctica. Here, there is more wildlife than people, and hiking and exploring draw outdoor-loving travelers.
Top Things to See in Argentina
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Top attraction: MAAM – Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana de Salta
Top nature setting: Parque Provincial Aconcagua
Top landmark: Torre Tanque
20. Colombia
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Colombia is full of adventure. In the past, that kind of adventure was more of a dangerous kind, but in the last decade, it has become increasingly safer to explore outside of the cities and enjoy the rainforests and mountains.
The cities themselves are fun, too. Filled with high energy and loads of color, places like Bogota and Cartagena are as lively as it comes.
Top Things to See in Colombia
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Top attraction: Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)
Top nature setting: Mount Monserrate
Top landmark: Walled city of Cartagena
19. Australia
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U.S. News calls Australia one of the best for adventure, even if it didn't make any other list. Which is puzzling. Sure, the land Down Under is known for its adventure — this is home to the world's biggest barrier reef, after all — and what about the cities?
Syndey, Melbourne, Victoria, Perth ... these places are home to welcoming and fun citizens with lively bars, clubs, theaters and more.
Top Things to See in Australia
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Top attraction: Syndey Opera House
Top nature setting: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Top landmark: Cape Byron Lighthouse
18. Canada
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Canada is also considered one of the most adventurous nations, with plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy. Skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, biking, horseback riding — heck, the country just opened its coast-to-coast bike trail!
There is also a cross-country train that gives you the views without the work. Then, enjoy the laughs in cities like Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto.
Top Things to See in Canada
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Top attraction: Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Top nature setting: Stanley Park
Top landmark: Niagara Falls
17. Morocco
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Morocco is a whole lotta fun and also one of the best countries in the world, according to TripAdvisor reviewers. The exotic flair of the Arabic land of Northern Africa will have you filled with wonder.
From the spices filling the air in lively and colorful markets to sand-strewn camel rides that give you a glimpse into Bedouin life, Morocco deserves its spot on this list. Nothing is as fun as seeing the world through a different lens.
Top Things to See in Morocco
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Top attraction: Souk El Had d'Agadir
Top nature setting: Jardin Majorelle
Top landmark: Hassan II Mosque
16. China
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China's attractions may be why A World to Travel thinks it's so fun. Hong Kong Disney World, which opened in 2005, is a TripAdvisor favorite, but that's not what China is about.
A visit means stepping into an ancient country with equally ancient traditions. That step into the Far East is so striking, it ignites the adrenaline as much as any roller coaster could.
Top Things to See in China
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Top attraction: The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
Top nature setting: Great Wall of China
Top landmark: Temple of Heaven
15. Brazil
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Brazil didn't make the cut on the fun list (what?!) but is No. 1 for adventure, according to U.S. News in a collective "yeah, duh" sigh.
It's home to a majority of the world's biggest rainforest, the Amazon, and a 4,600-mile coastline that is so big, there are areas of the country that have yet to be visited by outsiders. Unfortunately, there comes a bit of danger when taking the adventure too far, and even its party-filled Rio de Janeiro requires a bit of caution when visiting.
Top Things to See in Brazil
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Top attraction: Centro Historico
Top nature setting: Parque Ibirapuera
Top landmark: Santo Antonio de Lisboa
14. United Arab Emirates
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The U.A.E. didn't score for adventure — the dessert heat and landscape may be to blame — but it did rank in the top 10 for being lots of fun. It's also one of the traveler-named best places in the world.
The funny thing is: Alcohol is banned by the culture and can only be served in hotel bars and nightclubs. So, it's the hotels that have become the life of the party with a luxe setting purposely 10 times better than Las Vegas.
Top Things to See in United Arab Emirates
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Top attraction: The Dubai Mall (the world's biggest!)
Top nature setting: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Top landmark: The Dubai Fountain
13. Germany
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Think Germany is too stiff to land on the fun list? Think again. This is a country filled with fast cars, fairytale castles and festivals dedicated to drinking beer! Who wouldn't want to tap along to a good oompah band while enjoying a stein filled with the German-perfected bier?
Plus, the top attraction is an amusement park! Who said Germany isn't fun?
Top Things to See in Germany
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Top attraction: Europa-Park
Top nature setting: English Garden
Top landmark: Miniatur Wunderland
12. Mexico
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In 2019, 7.9 million Americans crossed south of the border by air to play on Mexico's beautiful beaches.
Lined with all-inclusive resorts that encourage guests to play in the crystal-clear waters and dance the night away, Mexico is always a good time.
Top Things to See in Mexico
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Top attraction: Museo Nacional de Antropologia
Top nature setting: The Arches of Cabo San Lucas
Top landmark: Tulum Archaeological Site
11. Dominican Republic
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U.S. News and TripAdvisor travelers find the islands of the Caribbean filled with fun and adventure, particularly the Dominican Republic. This lush tropical island practically invented ziplining in the forests and riding ATVs through its jungles.
Its beaches and all-inclusive resorts give Mexico a run for its money.
Top Things to See in Dominican Republic
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Top attraction: Ocean World Adventure Park, Puerto Plata
Top nature setting: Saona Island
Top landmark: Colonial Zone
10. Turkey
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Turkey appeared on all three of the lists we sourced, so what do they all know that you may not?
Turkey's ancient and modern cultures collide in Istanbul, Antalya and coastal cities like Belek and Izmir. You'll find history, natural settings, lively bazaars, nightclubs — there is truly something for everyone here.
Top Things to See in Turkey
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Top attraction: Sultanahmet District
Top nature setting: Babadag mountain
Top landmark: Hagia Sophia
9. Netherlands
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A World to Travel named the Netherlands the No. 1 most fun destination in the world, mainly because its capital of Amsterdam is one of Europe's biggest party cities. That's not just because of its more lenient drug laws either, as Amsterdam happens to be the go-to place for Europeans to partake in stag and hen (bachelor and bachelorette) parties.
U.S. News agrees it's pretty adventurous, too, and Efteling is one of the world's best amusement parks, according to TripAdvisor reviewers.
Top Things to See in Netherlands
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Top attraction: Rijksmuseum
Top nature setting: Keukenhof gardens
Top landmark: Dam Square
8. Portugal
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U.S. News didn't find Portugal very adventurous, but when it comes to being a favorite for fun, it landed on A World to Travel and TripAdvisor's favorites lists.
It's a gorgeous country whether you spend your days here along the Atlantic Ocean or Mediterranean Sea, hiking in the mountains or strolling its historic cobbled city streets in Lisbon, Porto or Cascais.
Top Things to See in Portugal
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Top attraction: Quinta da Regaleira
Top nature setting: Oceanario de Lisboa
Top landmark: Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco)
7. Thailand
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It's surprising that Thailand didn't get credited for adventure with its stunning landscape often the subject of Instagram captures. But it did land on the most fun list, which is no surprise. Bangkok has long been infamous as a wild party destination well before "The Hangover" sequel showed off what one night in Bangkok can do to you.
Of course, there are other kinds of fun, too. We prefer the bliss of sitting on a white-sand beach and listening to the water lap at our feet.
Top Things to See in Thailand
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Top attraction: The Sanctuary of Truth
Top nature setting: Elephant Rescue Park
Top landmark: Wat Phra Chetuphon
6. Japan
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Japan didn't land on the most fun or adventurous lists, but that didn't stop travelers from naming two Japanese cities as their favorite destinations in the world with their favorite attractions, earning the island country a top spot on our list.
After all, this is the home of karaoke and colorful Harajuku fashion.
Top Things to See in Japan
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Top attraction: Universal Studios Japan
Top nature setting: Mt. Moiwa
Top landmark: Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
5. Greece
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Another country honored by A World to Travel, U.S. News and TripAdvisor would be Greece.
This destination is on many a bucket list for a reason. Who doesn't want to wile the days away island-hopping in the true-blue Adriatic Sea, escape from the heat down an intimate village side street, and see the foundations of Western Civilization?
Top Things to See in Greece
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Top attraction: Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Top nature setting: Imbros Gorge
Top landmark: Acropolis
4. Spain
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Like Greece, Spain appears on every list, so it was a toss-up between the two. But Spain won for its cultural lust for life that includes taking a siesta every day to rest up for the late-night dinners filled with drinks and laughter.
The country is also known for its festivals; where else can you run with bulls or be in a tomato fight?
Top Things to See in Spain
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Top attraction: Prado National Museum
Top nature setting: El Teide volcano
Top landmark: Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
3. United Kingdom
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The United Kingdom, consisting of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, landed on every list but U.S. News' most adventurous, and that's OK. What the U.K. lacks in ziplining and cliff jumping, it makes up for in activities and attractions that make it one of the top three best for having a good time.
It's popular among travelers, home to three of the top attractions in the world, and considered in the top five most fun countries by A World to Travel.
Top Things to See in United Kingdom
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Top attraction: Tower of London
Top nature setting: Arthur's Seat
Top landmark: Tower Bridge
2. France
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France is one of the world's most visited countries and with good reason. There is so much to see and do!
Why does it score higher than the U.K.? Oh come now, the French have always been more about joie de vivre (lust for life). Think of it in terms of food: decadent desserts, butter-filled sauces and home to the best chefs in the world that make eating a true pleasure. Now extend that to the country's sights and attractions — and voila! — you're guaranteed fun at every turn.
Top Things to See in France
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Top attraction: Disneyland Paris
Top nature setting: Les Aiguilles de Port Coton
Top landmark: Eiffel Tower
1. United States
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Nobody beats the United States when it comes to fun. In a world of indulgence and having a good time, Americans have got it going on! Of the world's top 30 attractions based on traveler votes, 14 of them are found in the country stretching from sea to shining sea.
This large country has it all: national parks, beaches, amusement parks, art-filled museums, historical settings, nightclubs, casinos ... the list goes on and on.
Top Things to See in United States
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Top attraction: Lincoln Memorial
Top nature setting: Grand Canyon
Top landmark: Empire State Building