Across continents and centuries, sacred sites have drawn millions seeking healing, redemption, spiritual awakening—or simply a moment of silence amid the chaos of life. From ancient temples nestled in Himalayan peaks to grand basilicas bustling with devotion, pilgrimage remains a universal expression of faith. This journey through the world’s most-visited pilgrimage destinations reveals not only where the faithful gather but also why these places continue to inspire awe, transformation, and profound connection across all religions.
Here’s a most visited pilgrimage sites Worldwide, ranked by the number of annual pilgrims:
1. Senso‑ji Temple, Tokyo, Japan – ~30 Million Visitors/Year
Located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Senso‑ji is Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, built in 645 AD to honor the bodhisattva Kannon. The temple complex draws millions during New Year and festivals like Sanja Matsuri. Visitors pass through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), a symbol of Tokyo, and enjoy the vibrant Nakamise shopping street that leads to the main hall. This mix of sacred heritage and cultural buzz makes Senso‑ji the world’s most visited religious site.
2. Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico City – ~20 Million Visitors/Year
Built near the hill of Tepeyac, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to Juan Diego in 1531, this basilica holds the miraculous tilma (cloak) bearing her image. It is the most visited Marian shrine globally, especially during the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. Pilgrims often arrive on their knees in a powerful act of devotion.
3. Ganges River, Varanasi, India – ~20 Million Visitors/Year
Varanasi is one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, where pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred Ganges River to cleanse sins and perform final rites for the deceased. Ghats like Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika are spiritual epicenters. Major festivals like Kumbh Mela and Ganga Dussehra multiply pilgrim numbers into the millions.
4. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh, India – ~18.25 Million Visitors/Year
Situated on the Tirumala Hills, this temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (a form of Vishnu) is famed for its grand Dravidian architecture and strict religious rituals. Devotees offer hair as a symbol of humility and donate heavily—making this temple one of the wealthiest in the world.
5. Mecca, Saudi Arabia – ~13 Million Visitors/Year
Mecca is Islam’s holiest city, home to Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba. While around 2 million Muslims participate in the Hajj annually, Umrah attracts millions year-round, totaling nearly 13 million pilgrims. Only Muslims are allowed to enter, and each visit is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual obligation.
6. Golden Temple, Amritsar, India – ~15 Million Visitors/Year
Also known as Harmandir Sahib, this Sikh gurdwara is famed for its shimmering golden dome and peaceful setting. It offers free meals (langar) to over 100,000 people daily regardless of caste or religion. The temple is surrounded by the sacred Amrit Sarovar pool, believed to have healing properties.
7. Our Lady of Aparecida Basilica, Brazil – ~12 Million Visitors/Year
This massive basilica in São Paulo honors Brazil’s patron saint, Our Lady of Aparecida. Found by fishermen in 1717, her small clay statue is credited with countless miracles. The church complex includes a cable car, a giant dome, and a connecting walkway that symbolizes a spiritual journey.
8. Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra, India – ~8 Million Visitors/Year
Located in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu & Kashmir, this shrine is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi. Pilgrims hike 13 km uphill to reach the sacred cave, where three naturally formed rock heads (Pindies) represent the goddess. Helicopter services and electric carts now ease the journey for some.
9. Lourdes, France – ~7 Million Visitors/Year
The Marian apparitions witnessed by Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 led to the creation of this globally revered Catholic pilgrimage site. Pilgrims visit the Grotto of Massabielle, drink from the miraculous spring, and take part in candlelight processions believed to offer spiritual and physical healing.
10. St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City – ~4.2 Million Visitors/Year
As the epicenter of Catholicism and the burial site of St. Peter, this basilica is an architectural masterpiece of Michelangelo and Bernini. It’s a focal point during Easter and Christmas Mass, attracting pilgrims from across the globe to witness the Pope’s blessings.
11. Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem – ~2.3 Million Visitors/Year
Built over the site where Jesus is believed to have been crucified and buried, this church is sacred to all Christian denominations. Pilgrims walk the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) to reach this final point of devotion. The tomb and Golgotha are both within the church walls.
12. Shrine of Padre Cícero, Juazeiro do Norte, Brazil – ~2 Million Visitors/Year
Dedicated to Padre Cícero Romão Batista, a beloved local priest believed to have performed miracles, this site attracts multitudes, especially during anniversaries of his death. Pilgrims often travel long distances barefoot or on their knees to show their devotion.
13. Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India – ~2–2.5 Million Visitors/Year
Under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. Today, the Mahabodhi Temple complex attracts pilgrims from across Buddhist traditions. Meditation, chanting, and offerings continue day and night in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
14. Mount Kailash, Tibet – Tens of Thousands/Year
Mount Kailash is sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Despite its remoteness, devotees perform a 52-kilometer ritual circumambulation (kora) around the mountain. It is believed that walking this path washes away sins from many lifetimes.
15. Santiago de Compostela, Spain – ~300,000–500,000 Visitors/Year
This medieval pilgrimage route culminates at the cathedral that holds the remains of Saint James. Pilgrims from across Europe walk various “Caminos,” including the famed Camino Francés. Each journey is marked by personal growth, reflection, and community.
