Where you’ll find the longest queues for tourist attractions
TripAdvisor has identified the world’s longest queues to get into popular attractions in destinations all over the globe, where travellers would have to wait in line for up to four hours during peak season to access.
To show travellers how to save time and avoid the queue, the travel site has highlighted bookable Skip the Line tours at those attractions with the longest lines and shares a list of the Top 10 Most booked Skip the Line tours in the world.
The longest queues should be expected in destinations such as Paris, The Vatican and Rome, London or New York, with an average wait of two hours (and up to four hours during peak season) to get into popular attractions such as the London Eye, The Eiffel tower, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Travellers can save that time by booking the following Skip the Line tours and tickets.
London Eye = 2.5 hours
More than just a Ferris wheel ride, London Eye’s rotating attraction offers 32 enclosed capsules for full, 360 degree views of historic London.
Travellers should expect to queue for up to 2.5 hours to access, but you can book the London Eye Skip the Line entrance on TripAdvisor for $54.
Or, if you want to visit it in style, purchase the Skip-The-Line with champagne experience, to admire the impressive London skyline while enjoying a delicious Brut Royal Champagne for just $67.
Bubble rating: 4.5- Certificate of Excellence 2017
Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums = 2 hours
With more than five miles of corridors, this vast complex of museums chronicles the history and accomplishments of mankind over the last 2000 years, featuring classic masterpieces such as Rodin’s “Thinker” and the Sistine Chapel.
Probably the most famous chapel in the world because of its incredible artwork, notably “The Last Judgment,” Michelangelo’s stunning fresco covering 10,000 square feet of the ceiling and wall.
The most affordable and fastest option to visit both is with a self-guided priority access for $60 although it is recommended to hire a guided tour with an art expert, for around $107 who will be able to explain over 2,000 years of Roman history along the way. In fact, these are two of the most booked skip the lines tours in the world!
Bubble rating: 4.5- Travellers´ Choice 2017 and Certificate of Excellence.
Colosseum, Rome = 2 hours
Perhaps the best-preserved of the monuments of ancient Rome, this huge marble structure was built to hold more than 50,000 spectators to witness bloody contests of might and the slaughter of wild beasts.
Skip the long line and access without time to waste with a self-guided priority access ticket, available on TripAdvisor for $45 or join one of the many guided tours you can find on the website starting from $35.
Bubble rating: 4.5- Travellers´ Choice 2017
Catacombs, Paris = 2 hours (up to 3-4 hours during summer)
A genuine labyrinth in the heart of underground Paris, the Catacombs were fitted out in the galleries of former quarries.
Twenty metres underground, the ossuary houses the remains of approximately six million Parisians, gradually transferred between the end of the 18th century and the mid-19th century, as the capital’s cemeteries were closed for health reasons. Along a tangle of dark galleries, visitors discover a presentation of death with bones arranged in a romantic macabre decor.
This unique site is a moving testimony to the history of Parisians and invites visitors on a timeless journey. You can purchase a skip the line admission ticket and tour for $122 or combine it with a priority visit to the Eiffel Tower.
Bubble rating: 4- Certificate of Excellence 2017
Eiffel Tower, Paris = 2 hours
Completed in 1889 by architect Alexandre Eiffel, this colossal landmark of 300 metres height, although initially hated by many Parisians, is now a famous symbol of French civic pride.
Prepare to marvel at the romantic and stunning sights of the city of Paris at your feet… but don´t forget to book a skip the line admission, as queues are notoriously long! Y
ou can combine your visit with other landmarks purchasing tour packs like this Skip the Line in Eiffel Tower with a Seine River cruise and Paris City tour for $107, or book a skip the line tour with guide on TripAdvisor for as little as $53.
If you want true VIP treatment, check out this Eiffel Tower 4 course gourmet dinner with champagne and Trocadero view seating, for $358.
Bubble rating: 4.5- Travellers´ Choice 2017
St. Peter´s Basilica, Vatican City = 1.5 hours
One of the most famous Cathedrals in the world, St. Peter’s is the spiritual centre of the Vatican and the product of many of Italy’s great Renaissance’s architects, among them Bramante, Raphael and Michelangelo. The most affordable option is this skip the line ticket with Wi-Fi audio guide for $28.20.
Bubble rating: 5- Travellers´ Choice 2017
Tower of London = 1.5 hours
One of London’s most famous landmarks, the historic Tower houses the Crown Jewels, the prison cell of Sir Walter Raleigh, known as the Bloody Tower, and the Chapel of St. John and the Royal Armouries. Tickets are available on TripAdvisor from $41.60
Bubble rating: 4.5- Travellers´ Choice 2017
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam = 1.5 hours
Discover the world’s largest collection of works by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, featuring masterpieces such as Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, Almond Blossom and The Bedroom.
You can book a skip the line tour in a reduced group with a professional guide to learn about Van Gogh’s troubled life and different periods for $145 on TripAdvisor.
Bubble rating: 4.5- Travellers´ Choice 2017
Empire State Building, New York = 1.5 hours
The world-famous skyscraper offers unobstructed panoramic views of New York City from the 86th and 102nd floor Observation Decks – the two highest vantage points in the city.
Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan from base to antenna, travellers can see up to five states on a clear day – New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The busiest time to go is around sunset, so travellers can book the Empire State Building Tickets – Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Tickets on TripAdvisor from $44 per person.
Bubble rating: 4.5- Travellers´ Choice 2017
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris = 1 hour (up to 2 hrs to visit the towers)
This famous cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture on which construction began in the 12th century, stands on the Île de la Cité and is the symbolic heart of the city.
Skip the notoriously long lines for $53 with this skip the line tour of Notre Dame Cathedral Towers, enjoying up-close views of the chimera gallery, including gargoyles, monkey monsters, an elephant, a griffin and birds that keep watch over the streets of Paris below.
Bubble rating: 4.5- Travellers´ Choice 2017
Top 10 most booked Skip the Line tours in the world
- Skip the Line: Vatican Museums with St Peter’s, Sistine Chapel and Small-Group Upgrade: Bookable on TripAdvisor from $93 per person
- Skip the Line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour: Bookable on TripAdvisor from $76 per person
- Skip the Line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica Half-Day Walking Tour: Bookable on TripAdvisor from $58 per person
- Empire State Building Tickets – Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Tickets: Bookable on TripAdvisor from $44 per person
- Priority Access: Barcelona Sagrada Familia Tour: Bookable on TripAdvisor from $59 per person
- London Eye Ticket with Skip-the-Line: Bookable on TripAdvisor from $54 per person
- Eiffel Tower Summit Priority Access with Host: Bookable on TripAdvisor from $76 per person
- Skip the Line: Eiffel Tower Summit, Louvre Museum and Cruise: Bookable on TripAdvisor from $136 per person
- Tower of London Entrance Ticket Including Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour: Bookable on TripAdvisor from $42 per person
- Eiffel Tower Priority Access Ticket with Host: Bookable on TripAdvisor from $55 per person
Latest News
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.
Singapore Airlines grows group passenger traffic by 13.9% for March
This is one of the few situations where an increase in traffic is a good thing.
Number of Aussies going on cruises beats pre-pandemic levels
To be honest, if being stuck inside for two years doesn't give you the travel bug, then nothing will.
Vietjet slashes prices on flights across Vietnam, India & Australia
You can now fly to Vietnam for less money than a night out in Sydney or Melbourne. Time to reconsider the budget.
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) names accommodation excellence award winners
Think blowing up the airbed for your mate qualifies as accommodation excellence? Think again.
Abercrombie & Kent launches Peruvian riverboat tour
If you think being left at a port is scary? Imagine being stuck in the Amazon.
Club Med Bali reveals last-minute group travel deal
If you haven't frolicked across a beach in Bali with your colleagues have you even lived?
Regent Seven Seas Cruises grows sales team across Australia & New Zealand
It is only Monday and Regent Seven Seas Cruises is already announcing hires. Great stuff!
Out of the Ordinary Outback offers caravanners and campers a free night
It's the perfect getaway if your neighbours are starting to drive you a little insane.
Luxury Escapes reveals third signature series tour with Miguel Maestre
We would recommend reading this after lunch, otherwise you risk slobbering at your desk.
all the major ski resorts everywhere in the northern hemisphere have horrendous lift Q’s in the Xmas-NY week, EXCEPT Copper Mt in Colorado. If clients buy their lift tickets here in conjunction with their accommodation, not only can they save up to 96.7% off the ticket window price at the resort, they also get lift line priority, just like a ski school line. Many resorts have 45 mins lift Q’s, but not for Australians who book through an Australian wholesaler like KISS TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL, who are also paying more than 10% commission. Right now up to 15%. Copper Mt was recently voted the best family resort & the best value resort in the whole of North America. Why ? It’s run under a very different business model. The lift company manages most of the apartments. A former owner, who used to run Whistler in Canada, was turning Copper into another Whistler. The village layout has no cars & is very easy to get around. Most shops & restaurants are on the ground level, with apartments above. Best skiing in the world by far, in my opinion.
if you pick your times at Empire State Building there are no Q’s whatsoever. We were there in January last year & went about 6pm mid week.