Greece has been ranked the world’s leading destination for culture and heritage in a 2024 global survey by US News & World Report. The findings reflect how the country’s historical influence, Mediterranean landscapes, and celebrated cuisine continue to shape its reputation worldwide.
The survey, based on responses from more than 17,000 people, highlights Greece’s enduring legacy as the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, and the Olympic Games.
Visitors are drawn to iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis in Athens, the ancient city of Delphi, and the island monasteries of Meteora — all UNESCO World Heritage sites that capture centuries of history and tradition.
European dominance in cultural rankings
Europe emerged as the dominant region, claiming seven of the top 10 positions. Italy, Spain, and France closely followed Greece, underscoring the continent’s dense concentration of UNESCO-listed sites, renowned art movements, and distinctive cuisines.
Italy’s Colosseum and Venice’s canals, France’s Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, and Spain’s Alhambra Palace remain magnets for global tourism.
The cultural weight of these nations stems from centuries of empire, religion, and artistic innovation, leaving marks that extend far beyond Europe. Their influence can be traced in architecture, language, and traditions across continents.
Rising cultural influence from Asia
Asia also features prominently in the rankings, with Thailand, India, and Japan securing spots in the top 15. Thailand’s temples and vibrant street food earned strong recognition, while India’s Taj Mahal, Varanasi’s ghats, and its deep spiritual heritage elevated its position.
Japan’s mix of modern design and traditional shrines, including Kyoto’s temples and Tokyo’s cultural districts, helped it score well across all metrics. Japan also ranked second overall in US News’ broader “Best Countries” list.
How the rankings were determined
The “Best Countries” report evaluates 73 attributes divided into 10 thematic subrankings, including Heritage, Quality of Life, Power, and Entrepreneurship.
For the Heritage subcategory, respondents rated countries on five equally weighted factors: cultural accessibility, historical significance, food, cultural attractions, and geographic appeal.
Countries included in the survey must meet thresholds for GDP, tourism, and foreign direct investment. Participants were shown a random selection of qualifying nations and asked how strongly they associated each with the five cultural attributes. Scores were then normalized on a 0–100 scale to determine the final rankings.
While the results are based on public perception rather than measurable data, they offer a snapshot of how people around the world view a nation’s cultural value. For Greece, the survey reaffirms its standing as one of the world’s most celebrated cultural and historical destinations — a position it has held for millennia.
