The coronavirus pandemic has well and truly stifled travellers and the travel industry, and that means that some of our beloved attractions, from London's Buckingham Palace to the Grand Canyon, have languished unvisited for the last few months. With lockdowns all over the world being lifted or relaxed, though, there are some signs of hope for the historic marvels and beautiful national parks across the world. Here, we take a look at what the world's tourist attractions looked like before the pandemic and what they look like now. 

Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its curiously shaped trees, which come from the same family of plants as the lily. These desert landscapes usually attract hundreds of thousands of tourists, who come to photograph the park at sunrise or sunset, and hike across its many trails.

During America's shelter-in-place orders, though, its numerous national parks were closed to visitors. Today, they are slowly reopening, and here you can see visitors finally returning while adhering to social distancing measures on 18 May. Masks aren't compulsory, but they are recommended by the US government, so any selfies with the trees are going to take on a slightly different look for now.

Disney's theme parks are renowned the world over for their magical atmosphere, brilliant rides and, of course, those famous characters. Shanghai's Disneyland opened in 2016 and has seen vast crowds cross its ticket barriers over the last four years. Until now, that is...

China was the origin point for the novel coronavirus that has swept across the world, and so the country's lockdown began well before most other nations. This means that today, restrictions have been eased for some time and locals are getting back to some semblance of 'normal'. Disneyland reopened on 11 May, with all new social distancing rules and signage, and advance reservation-only tickets.

One of Vietnam's most famous attractions, Halong Bay is used to seeing hundreds of boats and small ships grace its waters. These karst limestone formations are a big hit with backpackers, honeymooners and domestic travellers alike, and the temples and caves inside them are truly awe-inspiring. When the pandemic hit, Vietnam was one of the first to act, banning international travel (in and outbound) and making face masks compulsory.

Today, thanks to their fast response, the country is slowly reopening and domestic tourism is gradually returning. This photo was taken on 16 May and shows just a handful of boats ferrying passengers to the beauty spot. International travellers are still banned from entering the country, so it might be a while before these limestone rocks see so many visitors again.

In addition to being around 4,000 years old, the Sphinx of Giza – located at the Pyramids of Giza complex to the southwest of Cairo – is among the largest statues in the world at 240-feet (73m) long and 66-feet (20m) high. It's no surprise that this ancient treasure, with its lion's body and human head, regularly sees visitors queuing to get as close as is allowed. 

However, to protect the public, the Egyptian government closed the complex of pyramids in March. While shut, the visitor centre, walkways and other public areas have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. It's also afforded archaeologists a little time to work at the site while the crowds are away, as this image from 25 March shows.

Niagara Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in North America. This thundering body of water attracts thousands of tourists daily, especially during the spring and summer months, and boat-loads of visitors enjoy excursions on the water to feel the spray on their skin.

But right now, with lockdowns only just easing, the Canadian side is incredibly quiet. This photo, taken on 27 April, shows just one visitor to the site – a far cry from the hordes that would ordinarily be jostling for photographs of the impressive falls. See more of the world's most beautiful waterfalls here. 

Over the border in New York, Coney Island is a supremely popular summer vacation destination. This old seaside resort has faded charm in (buckets and) spades, and well over six million people head to this hot spot annually.

This year, though, is likely to be a little different. Some areas of New York State are now easing their lockdowns, despite the devastatingly high death count, and so here the beach is open for visitors. This photo shows social distancing on Coney Island's big sandy beach, taken on 24 May. The amusement parks and arcades, however, remain closed until further notice. Take a step back in time with these vintage photos of American summer vacations.

Japan's Imperial Palace, the home of the country's Emperor located in the middle of the capital city of Tokyo, was set to see a record-number of visitors this year thanks to the Summer Olympics. A popular spot for photographing its elegant architecture, this is where the country's tourists often gather before taking tours of the parkland surrounding the building.

Today, though, social distancing means it's a very different scene. While the state of emergency was finally lifted in late May, the city is still incredibly quiet. This photograph, taken on 20 May, shows just how empty the streets really are.

Roman sights are ten-a-penny in the Italian capital, and they're the main draw for most visitors to the city. The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a Catholic church, and it was built just short of 2,000 years ago. The square it sits on is often buzzing with visitors snapping photos or enjoying alfresco coffees in the nearby cafés.

But today, Rome's streets look a little different. The Pantheon is among hundreds of other attractions in the city that are no longer seeing the level of tourism they're used to, all thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Italy was one of the first countries in Europe to be badly affected by the virus, and so lockdowns were imposed in early March. Now, restrictions are indeed easing, but foreign visitors are few and far between. These women were photographed snapping the Pantheon on 20 May, after restaurants and bars were allowed to reopen. See more amazing photos of Roman ruins here.

Usually a hive of activity, Trafalgar Square in London has also seen its visitor numbers drop off a cliff lately. While the steps to the National Gallery are usually littered with tourists and the stones beneath Nelson's Column are often thronging with selfie-takers, today it's a very different story.

While picnics and small gatherings in groups of up to six people from different households are allowed now, the lockdown in England has left Trafalgar Square with far fewer visitors than usual. Here, on 16 May, people can be seen sitting in pairs or alone, social distancing in central London. With visitors to the UK required to self-isolate for two weeks on arrival from 8 June, it's unlikely the British capital will see throngs of tourists filling its streets anytime soon.

Another European icon is the Brandenburg Gate, an 18th-century neoclassical monument and the German capital's first-ever Greek revival building. Built in the late 1700s, it eventually came to symbolise the segregation of the city into East and West, and now sees millions of tourists pass beneath its arches.

As lockdown in Germany has been eased, governments have made wearing masks compulsory across Berlin. In this photo, visitors to the Brandenburg Gate can be seen enjoying the near-empty attraction, donning masks and taking selfies.

Another Italian marvel, Pompeii is a window into an historic world. Founded in the 6th century BC, Pompeii was a thriving city on the coast near the Bay of Naples. A volcanic eruption in AD 79 wiped much of the city out and essentially froze the entire settlement in time. Millions of people come from all over the world to see its remains – from household objects to entire bodies. 

Since the pandemic struck, the attraction had been closed and is now seeing far fewer visitors than expected. This photograph, taken on 26 May, shows an American couple visiting the site. The pair have been stuck in the country since 7 March and are now enjoying having sights like this to themselves.

This world-famous scene is a stop on many a US road trip for visitors to the States. Carved into the rocks of the Black Hills in South Dakota, four president's faces – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln – stare back at the millions of visitors that come to this monument each year.

But this year, the attraction is set to see much lower visitor numbers. While South Dakota hasn't imposed any lockdown measures, despite strict shelter-in-place orders in many other states, the monument is still seeing far fewer tourists than usual. It's not uncommon to see a crowd at each viewpoint here, but this photo taken on 23 April shows just a small group.

Come summertime, Bournemouth beach is one of the UK's most popular. Its soft golden sands attract day-trippers and overnight visitors, as well as locals from the surrounding areas. On bank holiday weekends, you'll often struggle to find space on the sand by midday, and the amusement arcades and pier will be heaving with holidaymakers.

The latest May bank holiday, though, saw a very different scene. While UK lockdown measures were relaxed in mid-May, allowing picnics and single-household gatherings, the beach certainly didn't see nearly as many tourists as it usually would. This photo, taken on the 25 May, a bank holiday in the UK and Memorial Day in the USA, shows just a few hundred people, rather than the thousands that would usually be expected.

Italy's most fashionable city has an obvious focal point: this glorious church. The gothic facade is an intricately carved artwork, started in the 1300s and only just finished in 1965. The building garners visitors from all over the world, but this year, it has been somewhat quiet.

Italy's lockdown started back in February and meant even residents were unable to mill about in squares like this one. Now, though, the restrictions are lifting and this photo shows a flypast by the national aerobatic team, the Frecce Tricolore, with crowds below. Some people are wearing masks, and physical social distancing is evident.

Rollercoasters like this one at Efteling, the Netherlands' answer to Disneyland, have been empty for months. On any given weekend before the pandemic you could expect to see queues for all the main attractions and rides at this fairy-tale park, and you'd hear the screams of willing riders all around. 

Now though, the park is enforcing social distancing measures and is unable to fill up each ride as before. This rollercoaster, snapped on re-opening day on 20 May, is only half full due to the new measures in place. The park has trained staff in keeping customers safe, and it has installed new hygiene stations for hand sanitising.

Famous the world over for its red cliffs and sweeping views, the Grand Canyon is the USA's most-visited attraction. With viewpoints along its clifftops, tourists come from all over the world to take selfies against the dramatic backdrop. On summer weekends and national holidays such as Memorial Day, it can see hundreds of thousands of visitors gracing its walkways.

But this Memorial Day weekend, very few people turned up to see the sunrise at the Grand Canyon. Instead of the thronging crowds, there was just a handful of visitors willing to rise early enough and make the drive out to the Grand Canyon on 25 May.

Social distancing shouldn't be an issue in this 229-square-mile national park in Utah, USA. Zion is a breathtaking place, with huge sandstone cliffs in shades of cream, pink and red, and some truly fascinating historic trails. Attractions here include Weeping Rock, Angels Landing and the Temple of Sinawava waterfall. Cars will often be backed up miles from the entry gates, but this year is a little different.

The park had been closed during lockdown in the state, but has now seen a phased reopening of some of its highlights. Rather than the ample queues you'd usually find here, this photo (taken on 15 May) shows just a couple of vehicles heading towards the gates. Some areas of the park are still closed off, camping is banned and cross-country travel or off-trail travel is prohibited. Utah on your wish list? Here are some other brilliant places to visit in the Beehive State.

Voted America's best beach by TripAdvisor numerous times, it's no surprise that Clearwater beach gets busy. The bright-white sands and gorgeous warm seas are enticing for people from all over Florida and the rest of the country, and its beachfront resorts are the perfect place to relax and unwind at the weekend.

The stay-at-home orders were lifted throughout Florida in early May, and today this widely loved beach is finally filling up again. This photograph, taken on 20 May, shows visitors enjoying the sands amid the new signage depicting the social distancing rules. 

Here's what the future of travel looks like

This vast complex of palaces and imperial buildings is one of Beijing's top attractions. As many as 19 million people come to explore its squares, palaces and temples, and learn about the country's different dynasties.

This year, though, the complex will see far fewer visitors. The attraction was closed during lockdown in China, and now, as things are returning to some sort of normal in the country, it's still incredibly quiet. On the day this photo was taken (26 May), just a couple hundred people could be seen wandering around the attraction. Discover more about the 50 wonders of the world

This monument in Ecuador marks the very centre of the Earth: the equator. In Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (or 'Middle of the World City'), hundreds of travellers passing through come to take photos on the line that separates the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Right now, though, there are no visitors at all, as Ecuador is still battling with a high number of cases of Coronavirus and remains in a state of emergency until 16 June. This photo, taken on 22 May, shows an empty monument – a sign of the devastating impact this pandemic will have on the country's tourism industry.

This market in Barcelona is a hub for fine wine and fantastic tapas, and most evenings through summer you'll find hundreds of tourists and locals enjoying a night out here. You can feast on pintxos, sip cañas of Spanish lager, or simply enjoy a meal and watch the world go by.

Throughout the Spanish lockdown, La Boqueria was completely closed. Now, though, the market is opening up again and people are slowly returning to its stalls to feast again. Social distancing measures are in place, and waiters like this one – photographed on 27 May – must wear face masks.

The ultimate French icon, this tower built for the 1889 Paris World Fair has attracted millions of visitors to its stairs and elevators. The parks and squares beneath it are usually packed with tourists in summer, picnicking and taking selfies in the sunshine.

At the moment, however, very few visitors are coming to bask in the shadow of this 1,000-foot (324-metre) tower. Instead of litter from picnics, it's face masks that you'll find on the ground now, as social distancing measures are in place across France. This photo, taken on 18 May, shows just a handful of visitors admiring the view of the tower from Jardins du Trocadero.

This usually bustling city square, with its monuments and grand architecture, is a popular meeting point for both tourists and locals in Porto, Portugal's second city. Tour buses usually flank its roads, dropping off and picking up day-trippers from Lisbon and beyond. Now, though, the square is all but deserted on a daily basis.

Despite lockdowns easing across the country, which has led many to flock to the country's beaches, this popular square remains quiet. This photo, taken on 10 May, shows just a smattering of people, some wearing masks, rather than the usual tourist crowds that would congregate on such a glorious, sunny day.

The Acropolis is on the wish list of everyone who visits the Greek capital, not least because the complex, thought to be around 2,500 years old, dominates the city's skyline from its position on a high hill above the old town centre of Plaka. It's usually advisable to start early to dodge the masses and avoid the stark midday sun. 

After shutting all its museums and its borders during coronavirus, Greece is now beginning to open up. It looks like tourists from some countries will be welcomed back as the summer progresses with hotels around the country open from 15 June. Already local tourists have been enjoying the re-opened museums, taking a hike around the much quieter than usual Acropolis. 

After years of political turmoil staving off tourists in Tunisia, the country was just getting back on track in 2019 with operators like TUI and Jet2 returning to the destination. La Marsa is one of the most popular beaches just outside the capital, Tunis.

Coronavirus has had a huge impact on tourism here, though, with visitors retreating to their home countries and cutting vacations short. Now, the beaches are left nearly empty as tourists stay away for the duration of the pandemic. This photo, taken on 16 May, shows just a few people sitting on the usually popular beach.

What a difference a year makes! Pictured here in May 2019 are the typical crowds you'd expect on a sunny day in the Czech capital. Built over 600 years ago, Charles Bridge stretches across the Vltava River, and is decorated with 30 stone statues of saints. The Gothic Old Town Bridge Tower stands proud at its eastern end and it's usually brimming with tourists and artists.

Fast-forward 12 months and the bridge is all but empty save a few locals. As flights to Prague have resumed and the Czech Republic has reopened its borders for EU citizens who can stay for three days, it's likely the city will see an uptick in visitor numbers. Discover more of the world's beautiful bridges connecting humanity. 

Venice is without a doubt one of those once-in-a-lifetime destinations that stays with you forever. With world-famous sights from the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal to St Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace (pictured) it's impossible to pack in all of the historic marvels the city offers in just a few days

Understandably the city, and other badly-affected areas of Northern Italy, are keen to get back to normal and European tourists are returning. As this picture from 29 May demonstrates, even the need to wear face masks isn't stopping visitors enjoying the romance of a gondola ride past the Doge's Palace. 

The world's cities before, during and after lockdown

A huddle of tourists squatting outside Buckingham Palace waiting for the Changing of the Guard or, even better, a glimpse of a royal, is not an uncommon sight in London. In fact, almost daily you'll find hundreds of people out here, looking through the windows of the Queen's primary residence in the capital.

But there are no tourists today, and very few are likely to peer through these gates this summer, too. Instead, the only people on London's streets are a smattering of locals returning to work or taking daily exercise, snapped by a photographer on 13 May. Despite its high population, the city remains quiet as people eschew the tourist attractions for wide-open spaces such as parks where social distancing is easy.

Can you guess these world-famous landmarks from their close-ups?