Some 31.3 million people visited parts of Russia last year: the birthplace of literary greats such as Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky is the world's largest country, so it's impossible to see it all in one trip. Classics include the Trans-Siberian Railway and the rich architecture of St. Petersburg and Moscow (such as its Red Square, picture), yet Russia also boasts manifold horizons for the adventurous.

If many of its 32.1 million visitors landed on the country's sandy beaches, there is plenty more to explore in Mexico. Mysterious temples, such as the Maya ruins in Tulum (picture), tropical jungles, the highlands of Chiapas and Spanish colonial architecture are just a few highlights; others find their thrills in the action of bustling Mexico City or by discovering spicy street food.

It's a country where the legends of Stonehenge (picture) are just as mythical as London's cultural scene. Monarchy, Shakespeare's theater, afternoon tea and local pubs: these enduring traditions and many more have drawn 34.3 million visitors to the UK in 2015. If many of those travelers go to England, others will prefer to discover the treasures of Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

With a beer at Oktoberfest or to the sound of techno in Berlin, there are many ways to celebrate in Germany. Tragically impacting the 20th century, the country's history also engages visitors through its Holocaust and Cold War memorials. The Black Forest and the Alps, along with fairy-tale palaces such as Neuschwanstein Castle (picture) also contributed to attracting 35 million visitors in 2015.

Bridging Europe and Asia, Istanbul's gems go way beyond the famous Great Mosque and the Hagia Sophia (picture). Turkey's nature, with its Mediterranean beaches and otherworldly landscapes in Cappadocia, also attracts loads of visitors - 39.5 million people came last year. However, the country's tourism is bound to sink in 2016 following terrorist attacks and tensions after a failed coup.

It's the birthplace of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, of espresso and opera - attracting 50.7 million visitors last year. Italy's celebration of comfort food is just one reason why so many people dream of living La Dolce Vita. From Rome to Venice, Sicily to Tuscany, it is a country equally packed with cultural highlights and postcard landscapes. Shown here is the famous Roman Colosseum.

The world's oldest continuous civilization is also one of the fastest developing countries: there are so many reasons to visit China, as 56.9 million people did last year. From the Great Wall (picture) meandering through mountains to the Silk Road testifying to ancient dynasties, culture is built into magnificent nature. The dozens of dishes of a dim sun brunch reflect China's knack for surprises.

It might be clichéd to associate Spain with fiestas and flamenco, but the fiery passion they inspire still contribute to making this country the world's third most popular destination, with 68.2 million visitors in 2015. Ancient architecture - such as the Alhambra shown here - rubs elbows with artistic giants, from Picasso to Gaudi. Mouthwatering paellas and tapas also make it a foodies' paradise.

We're all familiar with American culture through films and music, but nothing beats experiencing the real thing, as did some 77.5 million visitors last year. A road trip through nature where deserts, mountains (here: the iconic Mount Rushmore), canyons and beaches line up can also lead to vibrant metropolises, where rock'n'roll, jazz and hip-hop were all born amidst modern era architecture.

Beyond Paris' iconic landmarks, it's a country of chateaux, vineyards, museums and culinary delights. Everyday rituals, from the croissant to the apéro, belong to culture just as much as the Impressionist painters. Some 84.5 million visitors experienced the French "art de vivre" first-hand in 2015. Affected by recent terrorist attacks, will France remain the world's top destination in 2016?