number 1 tourist destination city in the world

Top 20 Most Visited Cities in the World

March 13, 2024

Bangkok is the most visited city in the world with 22 million international visitors, followed by Paris with 19.10 million visitors, and then by London with 19 million visitors.

In this article you’ll find statistics revealing the 20 most visited cities in the world.

A study by Mastercard has yielded the Global Destinations Cities Index (pdf) . It ranks cities based on total international overnight visitor arrivals and cross-border spending.

In other terms, this report lists the most popular cities in the world, and the most popular tourist destinations.

By understanding international travel patterns and studying how it affects urban economies, the index can also predict visitor growth for the following year.

The review puts Bangkok as the most visited city in the world, with approximately 22 million international visitors. More detailed studies reveal visitor patterns, such as an average of 4.7 nights stay and an average spending of USD $173 daily.

The famous Bali is also on the charts at the 19th spot, totaling 8.26 million international visitors. Its diverse regions and moody aesthetics prove to be popular among social media users; search for Bali on Instagram and you’ll be flooded with stunning photos.

Paris , a solid holiday destination, continues to lead at 2nd place alongside Bangkok and London . This stresses how visitors seek cities that offer business opportunities, varied attractions, and distinct cultures. With 19.10 million international visitors, Paris is expected to host similar numbers in the coming year.

1. Bangkok: 22.78 Million Visitors

2. paris: 19.10 million visitors, 3. london: 19.09 million visitors, 4. dubai: 15.93 million visitors, 5. singapore: 14.67 million visitors, 6. kuala lumpur: 13.79 million visitors, 7. new york: 13.60 million visitors, 8. istanbul: 13.40 million visitors, 9. tokyo: 12.93 million visitors, 10. antalya: 12.41 million visitors, 11. seoul: 11.25 million visitors, 12. osaka: 10.14 million visitors, 13. makkah: 10 million visitors, 14. phuket: 9.89 million visitors, 15. pattaya: 9.44 million visitors, 16. milan: 9.10 million visitors, 17. barcelona: 9.09 million visitors, 18. palma de mallorca: 8.96 million visitors, 19. bali: 8.26 million visitors, 20. hong kong sar: 8.23 million visitors, the most visited cities in the world.

Top tourist destinations are those that offer diversity in attractions and environment. This is also a confirmed trend we noticed in the most visited countries in the world list.

From slow and romantic to fast-paced and sleek, the world’s most visited cities have their own distinct pace and color.

I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list. Susan Sontag – One of my favorite travel quotes .

Country: Thailand | Total International Visitors: 22.78 million | Last Year’s Rank: 1

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand , is the most visited city in the world thanks to a whopping 22 million international visitors!

Wreathed in the noise of tuk-tuk s and constant activity is the city of Bangkok, where map-less exploration always leads to fun discovery.

Enjoy the usual city comforts of megamalls and modern spaces before turning towards its collection of golden temples and shrines. Follow your nose to Bangkok’s countless street markets stuffed with spicy, sour, sweet, and salty flavors, then hop on a boat to reach their floating markets.

In the night, Chinatown and Sukhumvit reveals a vibrant nightlife that is both cosmopolitan and cultural. And to forget to enjoy the exciting day-trips away from this busy city!

But learn how to stay safe in Bangkok before you go, and I also suggest that you take a look at one of the following travel guides. They are both excellent and worth reading.

Country: France | Total International Visitors: 19.10 million | Last Year’s Rank: 3 (⬆)

Paris is the second most visited city in the world and the most visited city in Europe !

Paris will arrest your attention with its classic buildings, arching Parisian bridges and elegant boulevards.

Take a cruise along River Seine for a quick look at the city’s historical monuments, or swing by individual neighborhoods for Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre , and more.

And as an established art and fashion capital, visitors can’t go without seeing the collections of Musee d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou. Atmospheric bookstores, vintage shops and flea markets make their mark beside art nouveau department stores such as Galeries Lafayette.

To immerse yourself in this beautiful city from the comfort of your couch, pick any of the following photo book. They all include breathtaking photos that will surprise and delight you for sure!

Country: United Kingdom | Total International Visitors: 19.09 million | Last Year’s Rank: 2 (⬇)

London is clearly one of the most popular cities in the world! The gothic architecture in London is matched by splashes of innovation (such as the Shard, Tate Modern, and the Sky Garden), offering up grand and historical quarters.

You’ll be charmed by the taverns and all of West End and impressed by London’s contemporary art, theater and literature.

Greeting you with both the beauty of green parks and urban sprawl, the city will take you through a stunning historical journey.

Make sure to read our guide on all the things London is famous for .

Country: United Arab Emirates | Total International Visitors: 15.93 million | Last Year’s Rank: 4

Dubai rises out from the desert in all its futuristic glory.

High-rises dominate the skyline, housing mega-malls, and sleek office blocks.

City life is defined by lazy shopping, performance venues, serene places of worship, and fancy rooftop terraces.

On the fringes are beaches, pieces of nature in contrast to the man-made aquariums and botanical gardens.

And of course, you can sign up for a desert trip and experience riding a camel, or flying down the dunes on a four-wheeler.

Country: The Republic of Singapore | Total International Visitors: 14.67 million | Last Year’s Rank: 5

Green and innovative, Singapore is a city designed with the future in mind.

Hop from attraction to another with its efficient transportation system and hit up the diverse neighborhoods of Little India to Chinatown.

From hawker centers to street markets to fine dining, you’ll be eating your fill of multi-national cuisine – Singapore is a foodie must-visit.

When you’re not busy eating, you will be basking in the luxe Orchard Road shopping mall, or exploring the famous Botanic Gardens.

Country: Malaysia | Total International Visitors: 13.79 million | Last Year’s Rank: 7 (⬆)

Open your senses to absorb Kuala Lumpur’s lively energy!

Thanks to its multicultural mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian community, the city is home to mosques and temples that stand out from gleaming skyscrapers.

This celebration of historical and modern also shows itself in the contrasting high-fashion shopping malls and vibrant street markets.

Spend your holiday scouting out designer brands and hunting down the best hawker stalls for the best of two worlds.

Country: United States of America | Total International Visitors: 13.60 million | Last Year’s Rank: 6 (⬇)

New York, or the city where dreams are made!

Following the city’s grid-like design, trawl the streets for private art galleries and world-famous the Met, MoMA, and Guggenhiem. Indie bookstores, brightly lit Chinatown, high-end boutiques and hipster cafés lead into grand office buildings and huge Central Park.

Enjoy lavish performances in Broadway or eat your way through rooftop restaurants and hole-in-the-wall eateries. New York is THE metropolitan city that will get you buzzing in excitement.

Country: Turkey | Total International Visitors: 13.40 million | Last Year’s Rank: 9 (⬆)

Istanbul is a historical trove, its strategic location having witnessed many ruling empires.

Tracing back to the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and finally the Ottomans, the city is adorned with Byzantine churches and imperial mosques.

Recent decades have seen sharp spikes in the skyline as galleries, museums, and tall office towers grew alongside the old.

Visitors also praise Istanbul’s culinary diversity which is a mix of Asian and European flavor; but local kebab and mezze is the go-to.

Country: Japan | Total International Visitors: 12.93 million | Last Year’s Rank: 8 (⬇)

If there was a city that lived in the future, Tokyo is it!

Clean streets, chrome skyscrapers, and ever-moving crowds keep Tokyo running 24/7.

Smart electronics and convenient technology set incredibly high living standards.

Yet amidst the neon signboards and flashy urban sprawl are pockets of green and the spiritual; Tokyo remembers its past deeply. Visit the Edo-styled streets of Yanezen and serene Meiji Shrine.

To experience Tokyo, look past the trendy cafés and bold fashions to find under-the-tracks eateries, languid neighborhoods, and hidden shrines.

Country: Turkey | Total International Visitors: 12.41 million | Last Year’s Rank: 11 (⬆)

Set out for the stunning Antalya, a stylish city poised along the Turkish Riviera.

Combining the Mediterranean coastline with preserved Kaleici old quarters, Antalya is a romantic getaway.

Stroll through the city for finely restored Ottoman houses and wind up at the harbor.

With the scent of the sea in mind, explore the Suna & Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum or Antalya Museum for a walk down memory lane.

Country: South Korea | Total International Visitors: 11.25 million | Last Year’s Rank: 10 (⬇)

Seoul constantly upgrades with new trends – in fact, it is the trending holiday destination.

The city is a youth-driven hub, luring in K-pop fans, and fashion gurus with promises of cultural activities, idol sightings, and shopping.

But don’t just spend your time browsing the shops and feasting on midnight snacks; Seoul has plenty of heritage sites for you to see.

Sight-see its palaces in traditional hanbok and delve into dated markets for another piece of the puzzle.

Country: Japan | Total International Visitors: 10.14 million | Last Year’s Rank: 19 (⬆)

If you don’t dig the fast-paced Tokyo, hit up the friendly and sun-warmed Osaka instead.

The gateway to Kyoto and Kobe, Osaka is a cultural center that delights with both heritage sites and commercial fun.

Energetic Dotonbori is never empty of people, comprised of restaurants that range from okonomiyaki to standing ramen stalls.

Adjacent Shinsaibashi is kilometers of boutiques, bookstores and sweet shops; shopping malls are concentrated in Umeda.

Osaka Castle and Tennoji Temple are two of many historical structures, and Universal Studios Japan is a full-day distraction!

Country: Saudi Arabia | Total International Visitors: 10.00 million | Last Year’s Rank: 13

Highly symbolic Makkah is a key pilgrimage destination for all Muslims.

The city where Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born, Makkah is a religious center with sacred Kaaba at its heart – it is Islam’s holiest city.

Only Muslims are allowed into this desert valley city, which dates back to 7th century.

Visitors (by millions per year) will find that Makkah is developed, modern buildings surrounding the religious hotspot; in contrast, cozy homes are nestled in rocky hills to reflect its traditional nature.

Country: Thailand | Total International Visitors: 9.89 million | Last Year’s Rank: 12 (⬇)

Phuket is beach bliss and karst islands, encompassing two national parks and too many islands to explore.

The range of beaches is spectacular, from part-central Patong to luxurious Surin and Ao Bang Thao. Meanwhile, stunning coral reefs invite scuba divers and snorkeling groups to explore the glittering waters of the Similan Islands.

You can also kayak into Ao Phang-Nga’s lagoons and wind around limestone karsts.

Phuket Town also offers museums, cooking classes, Chinese shrines, and wildlife sanctuaries to keep things fresh.

Country: Thailand | Total International Visitors: 9.44 million | Last Year’s Rank: 18 (⬆)

If it is heat you want, hit up touristy Pattaya for endless beach fun and a party-themed central area.

There are of course, Thailand’s stunning temples and shrines, but Pattaya is known for its seaside resorts.

Sign up for a harried tour of the city before settling in along the coast for more sun and relaxation. This is a city that embraces hedonist attitudes to the max.

Country: Italy | Total International Visitors: 9.10 million | Last Year’s Rank: 15 (⬇)

Elegant Milan is all about creativity and the arts.

Breaking free of Italian wars to pave way for post-war development, Milan impresses with art deco and futuristic architecture.

Its main draw however, remains in its art and fashion.

Marvel at the city’s art collection and strike up conversation with gallery owners; Triennale design museum will wow you.

Stop by fashion houses, showrooms, boutiques and all the stylish spaces you can think of.

To round off, indulge in the rich and Mediterranean-influenced Milanese cooking.

Country: Spain | Total International Visitors: 9.09 million | Last Year’s Rank: 17

Barcelona is generous with its fresh sea bounty and world-class architecture.

You can expect as many flavors of architecture as there are tapas – too many to see in a week.

From Roman-era subterranean spaces to the Gothic Quarter of the Middle Ages, to Gaudi’s modernism masterpieces, the city is dotted with magnificent architecture.

Sandy beaches, rolling Collserola hills, majestic Montjuic and sculpture gardens add to the picturesque layout. With endless museums, galleries, taverns and green spaces to visit, you’ll be on your feet from day to night.

Country: Spain | Total International Visitors: 8.96 million | Last Year’s Rank: 16 (⬇)

Spain’s Palma De Mallorca has witnessed its share of rulers.

From 13th century Christian leaders to the preceding Moors and Romans, this historical chain of empires are seen in the city’s mixed architecture and historical sites.

Start with the Gothic Catedral and branch out into the medieval streets.

You’ll see lively public squares, noble townhouses, imposing baroque churches and colorful street markets.

The bohemian vibe is also strong in suburban neighborhoods, teeming with craft studios and galleries.

By the main reason why people visit Mallorca are its famous cristal clear beaches!

From Alcudia to Cala d’or , you’ll find plenty of wonderful spot where you can relax and swim with the fishes (literally) in the Mediterranean sea.

Country: Indonesia | Total International Visitors: 8.26 million | Last Year’s Rank: 20 (⬆)

Another trending location that has taken over social media feeds, especially Instagram, is Bali, featuring lush jungles and seaside villas. These recent years, it’s beauty made Bali one of the most popular tourist destinations !

Traditions reign as locals march to temple ceremonies and hosts incredible dance performances; the island celebrates the spiritual with colorful displays.

Bali is also diverse – you can treat yourself at lavish Bukit Peninsula, explore the mysterious Ubud or party hard at Kuta.

Diving sites, ancient monuments, city comforts, and seaside retreat in one, Bali is potential!

As millennials would say, “it is a mood”!

Country: China | Total International Visitors: 8.23 million | Last Year’s Rank: 14 (⬇)

The harbor might not be as fragrant as its name proclaims, but Hong Kong’s busy streets and sky-high buildings will linger in your senses!

The city’s skyline hides much of its unique cultural-scape, international brands and sleek malls existing beside haggling vendors and garish goods.

There’s always something to see or do, whether it is taking a ferry across the harbor or snapping panoramic shots on Victoria Peak.

Fill your itinerary with dimsum eats and temples visits. Enjoy retail time and water-themed Ocean Park. Treat yourself to challenging hikes and spellbinding coastal views for Hong Kong is more than concrete and steel.

Business ventures and growth opportunity aside, these cities gained their title of the most visited cities in the world due to strong local culture and variety in attractions.

This list has shown that travelers choose their destinations based off what unique experiences it can give them, opposed to spending potential or first-world comforts.

Diverse geography is a plus too.

The most visited countries in the world list confirms this observation.

Bali, for instance, is trending for its choice of jungle stay, seaside resorts, and city dwellings. Similarly, the sharp contrast between metropolitan Istanbul and Dubai versus their desert settings offers one-of-a-kind sights.

The trend carries over to more urban cities as well; Bangkok is visual cacophony of golden temples, unusual floating markets, sleek shopping malls and old villages. London and Paris too offer neighborhoods with distinctive style.

About the author

Travel Reporter & Editorial Director

Ph.D. in Geography, Travel Photographer, and Software Engineer. Been on 4 continents and loved them all.

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• The World's Top 10 Most Visited Cities

Each year millions of people travel around the world to see iconic landmarks, experience new cultures, and try exotic cuisines. The most visited city in the world in 2023 was Hong Kong with nearly 27 million visitors. Next was Bangkok, and in third place was London.

The Most Visited Cities In The World

1. hong kong, china - 26.6 million.

The vast majority of Hong Kong's visitors come from the Chinese mainland. While not technically a part of China proper, Hong Kong exists as a Special Administrative Region within China. This allows Hong Kong to hold on to the economic and political traditions that it inherited while it was a British colony.

Hong Kong is made up of various islands, all of which are easily accessible thanks to a stellar public transportation system. Its political separation from China has also made Hong Kong a bastion of traditional Chinese culture, food, and customs.

2. Bangkok, Thailand - 21.2 million

Known for its vibrant street life and lovely cuisine, Bangkok has remained one of the most visited cities for decades. Most of the tourists that come to Bangkok hail from India, Korea, Japan, China, and Russia, but there is no shortage of other visitors too.

While its thriving night scene has certainly gained itself a shady reputation, there is so much more to the city than outrageous parties and the red light district. Bangkok has a litany of stunning Buddhist temples and other cultural monuments to see.

3. London, United Kingdom - 19.2 million

Once the heart of the British Empire, the prestige and allure of London has not yet faded. London is a city that is rich in history and culture which stretches back more than 2000 years. There are endless landmarks to go and see ranging from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace.

London is so large and sprawling that there are nearly endless things to do. The Soho neighborhood in London regularly hosts festivals and other cultural events. Visitors are also likely given the chance to see live entertainment be it a concert or football match in the Premier League.

4. Singapore - 16.6 million

One of the richest countries in the world, Singapore underwent an unrecognizable transformation in the 20th century. Starting from a small collection of tenant farms and fishing villages, Singapore in 2023 now leads much of Asia in finance, trade, and banking.

The wealth that has come to Singapore can be witnessed in its marvelous architecture and public works. Its now famous Gardens by the Bay is enough to make a lasting impression on anyone. Even the airport in Singapore is sure to stun first-time tourists.

5. Macau, China - 15.4 million

Macau is in a similar situation to Hong Kong. Another Special Administrative Region within China, Macau has gone a slightly different route than its sister city. Macau is often hailed as the "Las Vagas of the East" due to its abundance of casinos and thriving nightlife.

The bulk of its visitors are Chinese nationals looking to strike it rich or to enjoy the bars, live shows, and street life for a nice weekend getaway. No matter what you are looking for in a vacation, there is a good chance that Macau has it.

6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 14.9 million

Dubai has catapulted itself into the global consciousness in the last decade thanks to its clever marketing as a playground for the rich elite. Every over-the-top and ostentatious activity you can think of will be outdone in Dubai.

The Dubai skyline hosts one of the newest world-famous landmarks, the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Dubai is also a hub of high-end shopping and fine dining. If you decide to travel to Dubai make sure you bring the platinum credit cards.

7. Paris, France - 14.4 million

Known as the "City of Love," Paris has served as Europe's cultural center for centuries. Paris is equipped with its classic landmarks such as the iconic Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Arc de Triomphe.

Outside of the standard attractions, Paris has much more to offer. Its nightlife and romantic atmosphere are unrivaled. Not to mention there is an endless amount of world-class restaurants that simply cannot compare to anywhere else.

8. New York, USA - 12.7 million

The Big Apple is the beating heart of the United States. While the USA might have tons of different regional cultures, internationally, most people imagine New York when they think of the United States.

Timeless attractions like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty are all amazing to behold in person. Outside of Manhattan, the other boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx all have their own gems as well.

9. Shenzhen, China - 12.6 million

Just a stone's throw away from Hong Kong is the Chinese megacity of Shenzhen. Its nice weather and charming landscape have made Shenzhen one of the go-to places for Chinese nationals to spend their vacation.

The sheer size of Shenzhen is hard to put into words. There are entire segments of the city that are dedicated to entertainment alone. Shenzhen is also known for having various theme parks making it a great destination for families.

10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - 12.3 million

Kuala Lumpur serves as the capital city of Malaysia and it is best known for being a blending pot of various cultures and faiths. The city is the perfect mix of both traditional and modern, with much of the city still showing signs of its history as a British colony in some of its architecture.

Malaysian cuisine is criminally underrated and underexposed and Kuala Lumpur is the best place to discover some of the best food in Asia. The downtown core of the city is a bustling metropolis filled to the brim with its own set of iconic landmarks such as the famous Merdeka 118.

Final Thoughts

These cities are all top-notch destinations and are appropriate for all age groups. If you want to avoid large crowds, each city has a time in the year that experiences fewer visitors, making it the perfect time to go if you want to miss the busy seasons.

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World's Most Visited Tourist Attractions, Ranked

Most visited tourist attractions.

The world’s most visited tourist attractions stretch from San Francisco to Paris to Beijing, but they might not be what you expect. For example, Alcatraz doesn’t even make the top 50. The Eiffel Tower only sees about 7 million visitors each year, meaning it doesn't land in the top 20. The Great Wall and the Louvre see a mere 9 million visitors per year, less than a quarter of the crowds the top attraction in the world pulls in. And there's a lot of theme parks.

Still, the list is full of favorites, including several you've probably been to — or at least have on your bucket list. But as anyone who's been shoved up against a throng of sweaty bystanders knows, the most popular attractions in the world aren't always the most pleasant to visit, thanks to everyone else wanting to see them at the same time as you. 

Luckily, there are ways to avoid at least some of the crowds when checking out the world's most popular sites.

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.  

50. Nagashima Spa Land — Kuwana, Japan

Annual visitors: 5.8 million

Nagashima Spa Land Resort is comprised of five sections: the 50-ride Nagashima Spa Land Amusement Park, Nabana no Sato flower park, the 200-store Mitsui Outlet Shopping Park; Joyful Water Park; and Nagashima Onsen, a hot spring complex.

The park is busy year-round, though it’s at its most crowded during the warmer months, particularly in June, July, and August when temperatures rise and locals head to the massive swimming pools at the water park. Throughout the year, weekends and holidays also see more visitors.

*Note: The annual visitor numbers listed are taken from 2018 and 2019, before the 2020 pandemic affected tourism data.

Nagashima Spa Land Tip

Shoulder season months like September, October, April and May combine pleasant weather with more manageable visitor numbers, while the coldest months (December to February) see far fewer crowds.

The park is open for reduced hours and some attractions (like the water park) aren’t open, but there are virtually no lines during this time.

Where to stay: Family Lodge Hatagoya Wangan Nagashima 

48. Palace of Versailles — Versailles, France (Tie)

Annual visitors: 5.9 million

France’s Palace of Versailles served as the royal residence of France from 1682 until the start of the French Revolution in 1789.

Located about 12 miles southwest of Paris, the opulent castle, famed for its magnificent architecture, lavish furnishing and sprawling gardens, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the most popular attractions in Europe, the Palace is nearly always bustling, but crowds are at their densest during the busy summer travel season of late May through early September. Weekends are also busy all year round.

Palace of Versailles Tip

To stroll through the Palace like Marie Antoinette without a horde of peasants following you, visit on a weekday or go in the off-season; the colder months of November to March (excluding holidays) see far fewer crowds.

Regardless of the season, go early. The Palace gets busier in the late morning and afternoon, so plan to arrive before 10 a.m. to beat the rush.

Where to stay: Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace

48. Universal Studios Hollywood — Los Angeles, California, United States (Tie)

One of the oldest Hollywood film studios still in use, Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park, and was the first in the now large family of Universal Studios Theme Parks located around the world.

As with Universal Studios Orlando, one of its most popular attractions is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened in 2016, and features the thrill rides Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Flight of the Hippogriff, as well as the interactive Ollivander's Wand Fitting Experience and The Three Broomsticks restaurant.

The park is at its busiest during the holidays — including long weekends like MLK Jr. Day weekend, President's Day weekend and Memorial Day weekend as well as holiday weeks like spring break, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. 

Universal Studios Hollywood Tip

The best times to visit Universal are weekdays in January and February and September through December, excluding holidays.

Weather is generally mild all year round, so when the kids are back in school, visitors can still enjoy all the perks of the park, but with far fewer people and much shorter lines.

Where to stay: Sheraton Universal Hotel 

47. Bourbon Street — New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Annual visitors: 6 million

One of the most iconic streets in the world, and the center of New Orleans’ party scene, Bourbon Street is located in the Big Easy’s oldest neighborhood, the French Quarter.

The street extends for 13 blocks and is lined with bars, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Bourbon Street Tip

One easy way to avoid the bulk of the crowds is to stick to visiting during the day when it’s relatively quiet (one major exception: during Mardi Gras, when more than 100,000 people swarm the street).

The hot and sticky months of June through September are low season, as are December, January and Lent, the seven-week period after the festivities of Mardi Gras.

Where to stay: Bourbon Orleans Hotel  

45. Museum of Modern Art — New York, New York, United States (Tie)

Annual visitors: 6.1 million

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the largest and most influential modern art museums in the world, boasting more than 200,000 examples of modern architecture, design, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, prints, film and electronic media.

But be warned: The museum can easily become jam-packed with revelers.

Museum of Modern Art Tip

MoMA is especially crowded on Fridays after 4 p.m., when admission is waived as well as during Easter week, Thanksgiving week, between Christmas and New Year’s, Spring Break, during the summer and on rainy days.

To see MoMA’s works without jostling for space, go earlier in the day (particularly on Fridays, when most visitors will wait until the free time) or on Sunday.

Where to stay: The Jewel, a Club Quarters Hotel, Opposite Rockefeller Center 

45. Universal Studios Orlando, Florida, United States (Tie)

A theme park and production studio opened in 1990, Universal Studios Florida is part of the Universal Orlando Resort, and is themed around the idea that guests can "ride the movies."

Along with thrill rides and themed attractions, it includes several live shows spread across eight lands with surround a large lagoon. With the 2014 edition of Harry Potter's Diagon Alley, the park has become even more popular, especially during peak times: summer, school holidays, spring break, Easter, and the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holiday weeks.

Universal Studios Orlando Tip

The best time to visit for lower prices and smaller crowds are January through early March (avoiding holidays), and the second half of August through December (also avoiding holidays).

As with other parks, rainy days and weekdays also see fewer crowds.

Where to stay: Universal's Loews Sapphire Falls Resort  

43. Lincoln Memorial — Washington, D.C., United States (Tie)

Annual visitors: 6.2 million

A national monument built to honor its namesake, President Abraham Lincoln, the Lincoln Memorial is located on the western end of the National Mall across from the Washington Monument.

Dedicated in 1922, the memorial, a marble sculpture of a seated Lincoln, is housed in a large Greek-style temple with an inscription of two of Lincoln's famous speeches — "The Gettysburg Address" and his Second Inaugural Address — inside.

Lincoln Memorial Tip

The memorial is at its most crowded when the city is at its busiest, including during the National Cherry Blossom Festival (late March to early April) and holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

Summer and weekends in general are busier, while the winter months and weekdays are quieter. The memorial is open every day, 24 hours a day, so a visit late at night or early morning ensures a viewing with fewer crowds.

Where to stay: The Watergate Hotel  

43. Lake Mead — Nevada, United States (Tie)

Located on the Colorado River about 24 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States.

It’s formed by the Hoover Dam, and though that engineering marvel is often what draws visitors to the lake, the water also offers its own attractions, including boating, fishing, swimming and kayaking.

Lake Mead Tip

Summer is peak season on the lake and at the Dam, and holidays like the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Memorial Day are particularly packed.

To enjoy the lake’s watery wonders without thousands of fellow tourists, aim for a weekday in May or September. If swimming weather isn’t a consideration, go in January or February when crowds decrease significantly.

Where to stay: Viera Suite with Lake Views

41. Disney Hong Kong — Hong Kong (Tie)

Annual visitors: 6.7 million

Set on 68 acres, Disney Hong Kong consists of seven themed areas, including some from its American counterparts, like Main Street, U.S.A; Fantasyland; Adventureland; Tomorrowland; and Toy Story Land. Cast members speak Cantonese, English and Mandarin, and signs are in English as well as Chinese.

With a daily capacity of just 34,000 visitors, it’s the smallest (in terms of capacity) of all the Disney parks. That doesn’t mean it’s not busy though, and during peak times, its smaller size can make it feel more overwhelmed than some of the larger parks.

Disney Hong Kong Tip

The busiest times are during the hot, humid summer tourist season, weekends and holidays like Chinese New Year. Unlike some of the other parks, attendance can actually be lower here during the Christmas season.

Other great times to visit including weekdays and from September to April, excluding holidays.

Where to stay: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel

41. British Museum — London, England (Tie)

Dedicated to human history, art and culture, the British Museum is home to a collection of more than 8 million artifacts and works of art.

Opened in 1759, it was the first national public museum in the world and, to this day, it charges no admission fee.

British Museum Tip

The museum is always busy, even more so during the opening and closing weeks of special exhibitions, on Saturdays and on rainy days when people visit in droves to avoid London’s gloom.

To beat the bulk of the crowds, visit on a weekday (Tuesdays see particularly light crowds), Sunday or Friday evening.

Where to stay: NYX Hotel London Holborn by Leonardo Hotels  

39. Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea (Tie)

Annual visitors: 6.8 million

Lotte World is a recreation complex that includes both indoor and outdoor amusement parks areas, an artificial island on a lake linked by monorail, a Korean folk museum, aquarium, hotel, mall and movie theater.

The indoor park, Lotte World Adventure, happens to be the largest indoor theme park in the world. It has 22 rides as well as parades and shows, and the outdoor park, Magic Island, has 17 thrill rides.

Lotte World Tip

Despite its massive size, it can often feel quite crowded, especially during peak times: summer, weekends and holidays. Since the park has a large indoor space, it can also be very busy on rainy days and during the winter.

To avoid some of the crowds and spend less time in line, the best times to visit are Monday through Thursday, as well as the milder months during the spring (March and April) and fall (September and October).

Where to stay: Lotte Hotel World 

39. Everland Resort — South Korea (Tie)

South Korea's largest theme park, Everland, includes a zoo, a water park, several rides and roller coasters, four gardens and multiple shows. Peak season at the park runs from the third week of July until the end of the second week of August, as well as the weeks of Christmas and New Year.

Spring or fall generally means pleasant weather, fewer crowds and lower prices; however, there are some exceptions: including the last Friday of April through May, and from late October until mid-November, as many Koreans travel to see the fall leaves change.

Everland Resort Tip

To enjoy the park with far fewer crowds, visit in the the winter low season from late-November through early March (avoiding the holidays listed above).

Visiting mid-week anytime of year will also mean reduced crowds compared to the busier weekends.

Where to stay: The Soom Forest Hotel 

36. Eiffel Tower — Paris, France (Tie)

Annual visitors: 7 million

An icon of Paris, the world-famous Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel and constructed from 1887 to 1889 for the 1889 World’s Fair. It originally received harsh criticism from many locals but has since become one of the most enduring symbols of the city.

At 1,063 feet, it’s the tallest building in Paris and provides sweeping views of the city from its top-level observation deck, located at 906 feet.

Eiffel Tower Tip

An average of 25,000 people ascend the tower every day and the lines can be interminable. Skip-the-line tickets (or reservations at one of the Tower’s two restaurants) can help you avoid some of the waits for the lift, but if you don’t plan on going up in the tower and just want to avoid some of the crowds at ground level, plan to visit closer to sundown or on a weekday in winter.

The busiest times tend to be the summer months, particularly in July and August.

Where to stay: Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel 

36. National Air and Space Museum — Washington, D.C., United States (Tie)

A Smithsonian Institution museum, the National Air and Space Museum opened in 1976 and is dedicated to the history of aeronautics, aviation, and space technology and innovation. It’s also a center for research into planetary science and terrestrial geology.

Among the nerd-out items on display are the Apollo 11 command module, Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis" and the Wright brothers' plane.

National Air and Space Museum Tip

To avoid the bulk of the aviation-loving crowd, visit in the afternoon, as the museum is at its busiest in the mornings.

Like much of D.C., it’s also more crowded during the summer, so a winter visit all but guarantees you’ll enjoy a bit more breathing room among the historic planes and aviation artifacts (while simultaneously beating DC’s oppressive summer heat).

Where to stay: Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall 

36. Victoria Peak— Hong Kong (Tie)

Annual Visitors: 7 million

A mountain on the western half of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak towers 1,811 feet above the city. As the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, it’s a popular spot to see Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour and Lamma Island from above.

It’s also home to several restaurants and two shopping malls, one of which is connected to the upper station of the Peak Tram, a funicular railway that brings passengers up from sea level to take in the staggering views from the top.

Victoria Peak Tip

Weekends and public holidays are the busiest times to visit, especially from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., when crowds head to the peak for a bird’s-eye-view of the Victoria Harbour light show.

Weekdays and mornings before 9 a.m. are the best times to go avoid some of the largest crowds.

Where to stay: Bishop Lei International House 

35. Ocean Park Hong Kong — Hong Kong

Annual visitors: 7.4 million

Opened in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong is an oceanarium and amusement park set on 226 acres and separated into two areas, known as the Summit and the Waterfront, which are connected by a cable car and funicular. The park features rides like roller coasters as well as animal exhibits, such as a giant panda habitat and a large aquarium.

Here, as in much of Hong Kong, crowds are unavoidable, though the hordes peak on weekends, particularly Saturdays, and during Chinese holidays such as New Year (in January or February), Dragon Boat Festival (May) and Mid Autumn Festival (October).

Ocean Park Tip

The best time to visit the park is during off-peak season (the sticky, sweaty months of May to September) and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Shoulder season, the months of September to December, brings better weather and crowds are moderate.

Any time of year, you can skip some of the time waiting in line at the park entrance by buying tickets online or at any 7-Eleven store in Hong Kong.

Where to stay: Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel 

34. Disney California Adventure Park - Anaheim, California, United States

Annual visitors: 7.7 million

Disney California Adventure Park, part of The Walt Disney Company, is a 72-acre park in Anaheim themed after the history and culture of California. Opened in 2001, it incorporates themes and characters from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, including "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Cars," "Frozen," "Toy Story" and "Monsters, Inc."

Though it’s one of the less popular Disney properties, it’s by no means unpopular, and during peak times, it can feel as crowded as any other Disney park on a busy day. It’s at its busiest in summer, on holidays and school breaks, and on weekends.

Disney California Adventure Tip

To avoid the throngs, follow the best practices for most other Disney parks: go midweek, make a beeline for the top attractions first, and aim for popular attractions during off-peak times, such as when most people are dining.

The best months to visit include the off-season months of November to February (avoiding holidays) as well as the shoulder-season months of March, April, September and October.

Where to stay: Disneyland Hotel 

33. Islands of Adventure, Universal — Orlando, Florida, United States

Annual visitors: 7.9 million

Universal's Islands of Adventure opened in 1999 as part of an expansion of Universal Studios Florida. It features eight themed lands, including the incredibly popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the newest land, Skull Island, themed around King Kong.

The busiest times at the park include New Year’s and the days after, Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, March to April (during various spring break weeks), late-May to early-August, Thanksgiving week and Christmas through New Year’s. Conversely, the best times to visit are January and February and weekdays from September through December, avoiding holidays. 

Islands of Adventure Tip

September is generally considered the most optimal time for those who don’t want to sacrifice mild weather for shorter lines. Kids have just returned to school, so fewer families are visiting, but temperatures are still warm.

Fall’s Halloween Horror Nights have made the month more popular (particularly on Friday nights), but crowds are still significantly reduced from summer highs.

Where to stay: Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites 

32. Smithsonian National Museum of History — Washington, D.C., United States

Annual visitors: 8 million

The National Museum of Natural History is part of D.C.’s Smithsonian Institution, located on the National Mall in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Opened in 1910, it has 325,000 square feet of exhibition space that houses more than 126 million specimens — including plants, animals and fossils — and more than 1,000 staff members, including 185 professional natural-history scientists.

Smithsonian Tip

The museum offers free admission and is open nearly every day of the year — and it sees large crowds nearly every day of the year as well. For a less-crowded experience, go on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, and definitely avoid Saturdays and school holidays.

It’s also busier during summer, especially from mid-May through the end of July. September and February tend to be the slowest months.

Where to stay: Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf  

31. Sydney Opera House — Sydney, Australia

Annual visitors: 8.2 million

Formally opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Though its purpose is hosting more than 1,500 performances each year, the bulk of the tourists come simply to see the exterior of one of this century’s most famous works of architecture.

In fact, while 1.2 million people attend a performance and 350,000 visitors take a guided tour of the building each year, many visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage Site never actually set foot inside it.

Sydney Opera House Tip

If a photo of the exterior framed against the harbor is all you need, head to the relatively quiet Blues Point Reserve, which offers beautiful views of both the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Otherwise, plan your visit to Sydney during Australia’s winter — from June to August.

Where to stay: Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour 

30. Pier 39 — San Francisco, California, United State

Annual visitors: 8.5 million

Located on the north edge of San Francisco, near the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 is most famous as the home of a massive group of California sea lions, who regularly (and noisily) haul themselves out of the water to laze on the adjacent dock.

Other attractions include several shops, an arcade, a large double-decker carousel and the Aquarium of the Bay.

Pier 39 Tip

Summer is peak tourist season in San Francisco, which also means lots of people convening at the Pier. However, it’s not peak season for the sea lions, who head to breeding grounds on the Channel Islands for most of June and July.

They’re back from late summer to late spring; to see them in peace, visit during the months of November through March. Crowds are also thinner earlier in the morning and around sunset.

Where to stay: Hotel Zephyr San Francisco 

28. South Street Seaport — New York, New York, United States (Tie)

Annual visitors: 9 million

A designated historic area along the East River, the South Street Seaport is home to some of the oldest buildings in downtown Manhattan as well as New York’s largest concentration of restored early-19th-century commercial buildings.

Among these are several renovated mercantile buildings and refurbished sailing ships and the former Fulton Fish Market, which opened in 1822 as one of the city’s first open-air fish markets.

South Street Seaport Tip

These days, the seaport is a commercial hub of a different kind, with a tourist mall offering several dining and shopping options. As with most of New York, the South Street Seaport sees the largest crowds during the summer months and on weekends.

To visit it with fewer tourists, go in winter or on a rainy day. Or visit early in the day or late in the evening.

Where to stay: M Social Hotel Times Square New York 

28. Great Wall of China — Beijing, China (Tie)

Built over centuries starting as early as the seventh century B.C., the Great Wall of China is a series of stone, brick, wood and earthen fortifications that stretch more than 13,000 miles from east to west across the country. The wall served as both a barrier to invaders and a border to regulate trade and immigration, and its stone towers functioned as lookouts, barracks and stations for smoke signals.

Today, the aptly named Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s recognized as one of the world’s most impressive man-made structures. It’s also incredibly crowded, especially at its easier-to-access sections, such as Badaling near Beijing. Those areas are at their most jam-packed during Golden Week (beginning of October), the Labor Day holiday (end of April to beginning of May) and the Spring Festival (40 days in February and March).

Great Wall of China Tip

Peak time in Badaling tends to be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., so going earlier or later will help you avoid some of the fray.

Another option is to visit some of the less developed spots, such as Jinshanling and Huanghua Cheng, which are only partly restored, or Jiankou and Zhuangdaokou, which are even more decrepit (and should only be visited by fit travelers up for the challenge of steep climbs and crumbling stones).

Where to stay: Commune by the Great Wall, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt 

26. Musée du Louvre — Paris, France (Tie)

Annual visitors: 9.2 million

The Louvre Museum is the world's largest art museum, housing more than 38,000 objects in its 782,910 square feet of space. Located in what was originally the 12th-century Louvre castle, it’s now most recognizable by the glass pyramid, designed by I. M. Pei,  that marks its entrance.

The Louvre has appeared in countless movies, including “The Da Vinci Code” and “Wonder Woman,” and is home to one of the world’s most iconic paintings, the “Mona Lisa.”

Lines to enter the museum regularly snake throughout its expansive inner courtyard, particularly in the peak summer months of June, July and August. Winter sees far fewer visitors. Additionally, the museum is open late (until 9:45 p.m.) on Wednesdays and Fridays, and come dinner time, the crowds tend to thin out.

Regardless of when you go, you can bypass some of the crowds by buying skip-the-line tickets in advance, or heading to one of the lesser-known entrances away from the glass pyramid (at Porte des Lions or the Galerie du Carrousel).

Where to stay: Hôtel du Louvre, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt 

26. Navy Pier — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Tie)

Originally opened to the public as the “Municipal Pier” in 1916, the 3,300-foot-long Navy Pier sits on the edge of Lake Michigan on Chicago’s North Side. In its lifetime, it’s been home to a jail and a training center for the U.S. Navy.

Today, it boasts multiple theaters, a park and indoor botanical garden, more than a dozen restaurants, a beer garden, several amusement rides and the Centennial Wheel, a 200-foot-tall Ferris Wheel that gives riders 360-degree views of the city and lake below.

Navy Pier Tip

Despite the fact that many Chicagoans wouldn’t be caught setting foot on the pier, it’s the city’s top tourist attraction, and in summer, it’s swarmed with visitors. The winter months (November to March) see far fewer tourists due to Chicago’s famously frigid temps. Other less crowded times are midweek, early in the morning or closer to sunset.

To avoid the hordes, skip a visit on July 4 or over Memorial Day or Labor Day weekends.

Where to stay: LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton  

25. Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Tennessee, United States

Annual visitors: 9.6 million

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches across the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and encompasses the Great Smoky Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, Established in 1934, the park is the most visited national park in the United States and is home to an estimated 187,000 acres of old-growth forest and the densest black bear population in the Eastern United States.

The park has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it contains five historic districts and nine buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The peak sees peak crowds during the summer (June-August) as well as in October. It’s also busier on weekends, particularly long weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.

Great Smoky Mountains Tip

To see more of the park’s natural beauty without the crowds, visit during the off-season. Mid-September sees fewer crowds than busy October, though fall foliage isn’t yet at its peak. January to March are also much slower, though these months often see snowfall. For the best mix of good weather and low crowds, early spring (late March to mid-May) is a good compromise. 

Visiting early in the day or later in the evening can also assure fewer crowds, as can simply walking; much of the park’s natural beauty is easily accessible from the road, but those who take to the trails, will leave the crowds behind as they venture farther away from the pavement.

Where to stay:  Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown 

24. Universal Studios Japan — Osaka, Japan

Annual visitors: 9.7 million

Universal Studios Japan opened in 2014 and has 10 themed areas, including perhaps its most famous and popular attraction, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," which includes a series of shops, rides, and restaurants based on the books and movies. Other rides and shows are themed around internationally beloved characters including Sesame Street, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Spiderman, and Shrek.

As with other theme parks in Japan, and Japan in general, it’s more crowded during warmer months (May to September), during holidays, and during cherry blossom season (late March-early April). Other popular times include Golden Week (end of April to the beginning of May), Tenjin Matsuri (July 24-25), New Year's, Thanksgiving Day weekend (end of November), the Emperor’s Birthday (23rd of December) as well as school holidays (the last week of November and winter holidays, from Dec. 20 to Jan. 6) and the “Bon” festival season, the week around Aug. 15.

Universal Studios Japan Tip

Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days to visit as well as the months of January (after Jan. 6, when New Year crowds have dissipated) and February — two of the coldest months of the year.

Avoiding holidays, October through December offer the best of both worlds: milder weather and reduced crowds.

Where to stay:  The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan  

22. Disney Hollywood Studios - Bay Lake, Florida, USA (Tie)

Annual visitors: 9.9 million

At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park that opened in 1989 (originally knowns as the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park).

The 135 acre-park is dedicated to film, television, music and theater, and is divided into six themed lands with attractions based on "Star Wars," "Toy Story," "Frozen" and other classics. As with other Disney parks, particularly those based in Florida, it’s busy year-round, but crowds swell during the summer months, winter and spring breaks, and over the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Long weekends also see bigger crowds.

Hollywood Studios Tip

To make the most of your time and avoid long lines, go mid-week during the off-season or shoulder-season, such as the weeks in December or January right before/after the holidays.

September, October and February also see fewer crowds.

Where to stay:  Walt Disney World Dolphin 

22. Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Orlando, Florida, United States (Tie)

A zoological theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort, Animal Kingdom is the largest theme park in the world, covering 580 acres. Opened in 1998, it is themed around the natural environment and animal conservation, two subjects dear to Walt Disney himself.

Millions of visitors come to see the park’s exhibits, which include thousands of wild animals in recreations of their natural habitat, and like at the other parks, the bulk of those visitors come during the summer months, school breaks, holidays and weekends.

Animal Kingdom Tip

Like the other parks in the Disney empire, the Animal Kingdom offers Extra Magic Hours on select mornings to guests staying at Disney hotels. For guests who have this perk, it’s a great time to go without the crowds. If you don’t have this perk, though, it’s best to avoid these mornings because, by the time you get to your first attractions, all the Extra Magic Hour people will already be in line.

Arriving early at Animal Kingdom is recommended, as many of the animals retreat to shady spots when the afternoon heat hits. A visit in the afternoon may mean fewer crowds, but it might also mean less opportunity to see the animals.

Where to stay:  Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge 

20. Plaza de la Constitución — Mexico City, Mexico (Tie)

Annual visitors: 10 million

More commonly referred to as the Zócalo, Mexico City’s sprawling central square is the gathering place for military parades, concerts, festivals, and political and cultural events.

It’s also adjacent to other top tourist attractions in the city, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, which means it sees a lot of foot traffic even when there’s no event taking place.

Plaza de la Constitución Tip

Mexico City’s slowest tourist season is November to March.

If you visit during these months — and avoid holidays like Dia de Los Muertos (October 31 to November 2), Christmas and New Year’s — you might even have much of it to yourself.

Where to stay:  Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico 

20. Pike Place Market — Seattle, Washington, United States (Tie)

One of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States, Pike Place Market has been bringing fresh fish, flowers, produce and other goods direct from farmers, producers and craftspeople to Seattleites since 1907. Seattle’s most popular tourist attraction, it takes up eight buildings and is home to nearly 500 vendors.

On weekends, the market hums with activity as locals do their shopping, tourists queue up at the original Starbucks, and both groups dine on delicious clam chowder, doughy Russian piroshkis and freshly cracked crab.

Pike Place Market Tip

Big crowds are all but guaranteed on weekends and during summer afternoons when cruise ship passengers flood the city.

The market is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and is at its quietest before 11 a.m. or closer to closing.

Where to stay: Inn at the Market 

19. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade - Hong Kong

Annual visitors: 10.1 million

The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is one of the busiest and most crowded spots in a busy and crowded city.

It’s home to half of the major museums in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art and Hong Kong Science Museum, as well as hundreds of shops and restaurants.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade Tip

The promenade is also an ideal place to admire the view of the Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Harbour. There’s no avoiding crowds on the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, but you can see it with slightly fewer people if you visit in the low season (the hot, humid and typhoon-prone months of July and August).

At all costs, avoid Golden Week, which takes place twice per year in January or February (around Chinese New Year) and October.

Where to stay:  Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers 

18. Sacre Coeur — Paris, France

Annual visitors: 10.5 million

Sacre Coeur (the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris) is in the Montmartre neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement. Set on Montmartre hill, the area is the highest point in Paris. Built between 1875 and 1914, it’s one of Paris’s younger attractions, but it holds significance as a political and cultural monument and the center of the city’s most bohemian, artistic neighborhood.

Crowds that climb the many steps (or ride the funicular) to the top of Montmartre hill not only get to see the famous basilica, they also get a spectacular view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Sacre Coeur Tip

Sacre Coeur is open from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day.

The dome closes at 7 p.m. in the summer and 6 p.m. in winter, so if you’re less concerned with climbing the 300 steps of the dome and just want to see the interior, come later at night to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

Where to stay:  Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur 

17. Epcot Park, Orlando, Florida, United States

Annual visitors: 11 million

Part of Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort Epcot Park opened in 1982 as a futuristic celebration of human achievement. Covering 305 acres, it’s more than twice the size of the adjacent Magic Kingdom and has a focus on technology and culture.

A sort of “permanent world’s fair,” its name stands for "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” and it’s comprised of two main ares, Future World and World Showcase. The latter is made up of 11 pavilions representing the food and culture of countries around the world.

While Epcot Park isn’t as popular as other Disney parks, it still sees its fair share of visitors and, like the other parks, is busiest during the summer, on weekends, and over holidays including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve and Day.

The best time to visit for fewer crowds is on a weekday in September, January or February, avoiding holiday weekends.

Epcot Park also offers Extra Magic Hours on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings, so guests staying in Disney hotels can visit before or after the park is officially closed and enjoy the attractions with fewer fellow guests.

Where to stay: Resort Lake Buena Vista Vacation Home

16. Disneyland Paris — Paris, France

Annual visitors: 11.2 million

Originally known as Euro Disney Resort when it opened in 1992, Disneyland Paris spans 140 acres and is largely modeled after the original Disney parks in Anaheim and Orlando, right down to the centerpiece fairy tale castle. Its five-themed lands house 49 attractions, including classics like Thunder Mountain.

A mid-week visit (Tuesday to Thursday), particularly during mid-January through mid-March or from mid-April through mid-May, guarantees shorter lines, but it also means some attractions may be closed.

Disneyland Paris Tip

As with other Disney resorts, it sees peak crowds on weekends, during the summer, during major holidays like Bastille Day on July 14 and when schoolchildren are on break.

If a visit in peak season is unavoidable, the same tricks apply as at other parks: aim for the big-name rides first, and get in line for the most popular attractions during off-peak hours, such as meal times.

15. Tokyo Disney Sea - Tokyo, Japan

Annual visitors: 12.6 million

Tokyo DisneySea is the second theme park within the Tokyo Disney Resort. It was also the fastest theme park to reach the milestone of 10 million guests, which it hit just 307 days after its grand opening, and the hype hasn’t dissipated. The park features seven distinct lands, each with a nautical theme, and it’s just about always busy.

As with much of Japan, it’s busier during the warmer months of May to September, during cherry blossom season in late March and early April and during national holidays. To explore the park with fewer fellow guests, go in the off-season — you’ll trade colder temperatures and more fickle weather for shorter lines — or stick to weekdays.

Tokyo Disney Sea Tip

Guests who stay overnight at one of Tokyo Disney Resort theme parks’ hotels, get Happy 15 Entry privileges, which means they can enter the park 15 minutes before regular opening time.

It’s not a huge lead, but that 15 minutes can mean getting in line for a popular attraction or obtaining a FastPass ticket (which allows you to skip the line at a selected attraction) before everyone else.

Where to stay: Tokyo Disneyland Hotel  

14. Golden Gate Park — San Francisco, California, United States

Annual visitors: 13 million

San Francisco’s largest urban park sprawls over 1,000 acres.

It’s the second most visited city park in the world and is home to several of the city’s iconic attractions and best museums, including the DeYoung Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, several windmills and lakes, a carousel and even a bison paddock.

Golden Gate Park Tip

On weekends and during popular events like the Bay to Breakers race and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and Outside Lands music festivals, the park buzzes with activity.

For a quieter experience, stick to weekdays, early mornings and the off-season (late fall through early spring).

Where to stay:  The Gables Inn - Sausalito 

13. Notre-Dame Cathedral — Paris, France

Annual visitors: 13.6 million (before April 2019)

Completed in 1345, Notre-Dame Cathedral was an icon of Paris for nearly 700 years.

Set along the banks of the Seine river, seeing its gargoyles and towers topped most tourists’ Paris bucket list.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Tip

The Notre-Dame Cathedral  burned down in April 2019. While there are plans to rebuild, that likely won't start until 2022.

But once completed, you better believe the tourists will be back in droves.

Where to stay:  Hôtel Le Notre Dame Saint Michel 

12. Tokyo Disney Resort — Tokyo, Japan

Annual visitors: 14.8 million

Opened in 1983, the 115-acre Tokyo Disney Resort was the first Disney park to be built outside the United States. The park has seven themed areas including four traditional Disney lands: (Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland) and plenty of classic Disney rides featuring beloved characters, including Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventures and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

Like other Disney parks, crowds here peak on weekends, major public holidays, during the summer high season, and during Golden Week (which usually runs from the end of April to the beginning of May) and New Year's holidays.

Tokyo Disney Resort Tip

To avoid the bulk of the crowds, visit midweek, on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, particularly in January (after Jan. 6, when New Year’s visitors have gone home) and February.

Crowd size can also vary quite a bit with the weather; rainy days mean some rides might close, but it also means fewer people to contend with if the rain stops and rides reopen.

Where to stay: Tokyo Disneyland Hotel 

11. Grand Bazaar — Istanbul, Turkey

Annual visitors: 15 million

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar more than lives up to its name. It’s one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, encompassing more than 61 covered streets and 4,000 shops selling everything from hand-painted ceramics and silk carpets to delicate jewelry and fragrant spices.

Grand Bazaar Tip

It’s easy to get lost in its labyrinth of halls, and even easier to get overwhelmed by the crowds during peak times.

Fridays are typically less crowded, as are early mornings and late afternoons when you’re more likely to encounter locals doing their shopping than throngs of cruisers and tour groups.

Where to stay: Grand Bazaar Hotel 

10. Forbidden City — Beijing, China

Annual visitors: 15.3 million

Beijing’s Ming Dynasty palace — the largest ancient palace in the world — has been standing since 1420.

Once the home of Chinese emperors, the 180-acre complex of 980 buildings is now home to the Palace Museum. Visitor numbers are limited to 80,000 per day, and during peak periods like July, August, Chinese national holidays, Spring Festival and Golden Week (held twice per year around Chinese New Year and in October), it can sell out before midday.

Forbidden City Tip

Your best bet: Go early, aim for a weekday, and visit during the low season from November through March (holidays excluded).

Where to stay: Jade Garden Hotel Beijing Forbidden City 

9. Disneyland Park — Anaheim, California, United States

Annual visitors: 15.9 million

Opened in 1966, the original 85-acre Disneyland Park consists of eight themed “lands” including favorites like Main Street, U.S.A.; Frontierland; Fantasyland; and Tomorrowland. Attracting both visitors and season-pass-holding locals, it’s consistently busy, especially on weekends, during the summer, and over school holidays, when crowds surge and the “happiest place on earth” can be anything but.

Off-season months include January through March and September through December, when kids are in school and fewer people are traveling to Southern California. Of course, within that window, Christmas, New Year's and Spring Break are busier times, while weekdays, especially those that fall a few days after a major holiday, tend to be quieter.

Disneyland Tip

During peak times, head to the most popular attractions early or during times when the bulk of the crowds are focused on other events or dining.

Where to stay: Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

8. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom — Orlando, Florida, United States

Annual visitors: 17.5 million

Opened in 1971, Disney’s second theme park surpasses the Anaheim original by nearly 2 million annual visitors. Part of the larger Walt Disney World Resort (which encompasses three other parks, four golf courses, and two dozen hotels), it’s the most popular theme park in the world.

As such, it’s pretty much always busy, but particularly so in summer and on holidays. Because it’s most popular with families, when kids are out of school, crowds surge, lines for attractions can be hours long, and it’s nearly impossible to score a seat at a table-service restaurant.

Magic Kingdom Tip

To avoid the bulk of the chaos, go January through early March or September through December, but avoid weekends, holidays and dates of special events like the Disney World Marathon. While temperatures may be cooler during these months, lines are also significantly shorter. 

If you must go during peaks times, line up for the most popular rides during the nightly parade, during meal times, or during Extra Magic Hours, which are available to guests staying in Disney hotels. The perk allows these guests to enter the park one hour prior to the official opening, or stay up to two hours after the park closes to the general public.

Where to stay: Disney's Art of Animation Resort 

7. Faneuil Hall — Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Annual visitors: 18 million

Once the scene of speeches from the likes of Samuel Adams and George Washington, Faneuil Hall is known as “the Cradle of Liberty” for its role in pre-Revolution America.

Today, it’s a bustling marketplace with more than 100 specialty shops, restaurants and food vendors — as well as Boston’s tallest Christmas tree each holiday.

Faneuil Hall Tip

The pedestrian-only streets around Faneuil Hall are always bustling, and even more so during lunchtime and during the Boston Marathon weekend.

To see it in all its historical glory without the crowds, come during off-hours (early morning or late afternoon), or brave the Boston winter when the city is relatively quiet.

Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station 

6. Grand Central Station — New York, New York, United States

Annual visitors: 21.6 million

A U.S. National Historic Landmark, Grand Central Station covers 48 acres and has 44 platforms that bring more than 750 trains in and out of the city each day. For commuters, it’s a vital transit hub, while for visitors, it’s a beautiful, historic Beaux-Arts building with a painted ceiling featuring a map of the constellations.

It’s also home to some of the city’s most iconic bars and restaurants, like the Campbell Apartment, which you might recognize from “Gossip Girl,” and the Oyster Bar, which was featured on AMC’s “Mad Men” and serves a whopping 2 million oysters per year.

Grand Central Station Tip

In general, New York is a bit less crowded during the cold months.

To see Grand Central with fewer fellow travelers, avoid rush hour and go late at night or in the wee hours of the morning.

Where to stay:  The Westin New York Grand Central 

5. Niagara Falls — United States and Canada

Annual visitors: 22.5 million

Niagara Falls (which is actually three waterfalls) sits on the border of the U.S. and Canada, and its dual citizenship seems to attract double the visitors.

At “only” 165 feet, it’s not the tallest waterfall in the world, but it is one of the most powerful, pumping 6 million cubic feet of water over its edge every minute.

Niagara Falls Tip

Niagara is at its most crowded during the warmer months (late spring to early fall) when the Maid of Mist boat sails close to the thundering falls; come in early spring or late fall instead to see slightly fewer tourists, or pack your parka and visit in winter to have the place nearly to yourself.

Avoid long weekends and holidays (both Fourth of July and Canada Day), and book your tickets in advance to cut down on your time spent in lines.

Where to stay:  Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Niagara Falls 

4. Union Station — Washington, D.C., United States

Annual visitors: 32.8 million

D.C.’s main transit station sees more than 100,000 commuters every day — plus thousands of tourists who come to see its incredible Classical, Beaux-Arts and Baroque architecture and shop at its more than 70 stores.

Union Station Tip

Designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham and completed in 1908, the station is a stop on just about every D.C. tour, including the many school group tours that swarm D.C. in the warmer months, which means spring and early summer are particularly popular times to visit.

Come in fall or winter instead, avoid rush hour, and you might just get a glimpse of what it was like back in the 1940s — when the station served just 45,000 travelers each day.

Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill 

3. Central Park — New York, New York, United States

Annual visitors: 37.5 million

New York’s most famous green space covers nearly 850 acres in the middle of Manhattan, and though it’s the most visited park in the world, it still offers a lot of space to spread out.

Central Park Tip

One easy way to avoid the crowds is to seek out the less-visited areas of the park, like the Northern Woodlands north of 86th street or The Great Hill, a grassy hilltop that’s the highest point in the park (just avoid it when there’s an event like August’s annual Great Jazz on the Great Hill concert).

Early weekday mornings can also be quieter, and if you can brave the cold, a winter trip ensures you can see one of the world’s most iconic parks without feeling like you’re elbow to elbow with all of Manhattan.

Where to stay: Arthouse Hotel New York City 

2. Times Square — New York, New York, United States

Annual visitors: 39.2 million

Once one of the seediest spots in Manhattan, Times Square is now more like a cleaned-up theme park version of New York. Though New Yorkers might turn up their noses at it for not being part of the “real” NYC, tourists and theatergoers still flock to Times Square to check out its crowded chaos, marvel at its massive billboards and see famous Broadway shows.

Unfortunately, traffic swells right before said shows start and after they end, so your best bet for seeing Times Square with slightly more breathing room is in the early morning before rush hour, mid-afternoon or late evening after the theater crowd has gone home.

Times Square Tip

Chilly February is the least busy month, with “only” about 250,000 visitors per day.

Where to stay: The Kimpton Muse Hotel, an IHG Hotel  

1. The Strip — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Annual visitors: 39.6 million

The 4-mile-long Las Vegas Strip, Sin City’s main thoroughfare, is home to more than 30 casinos as well as the famous Bellagio fountains and the High Roller, a 550-foot-tall Ferris wheel that slowly rotates over the city lights.

More than 75 percent of all visitors to Vegas stay at hotels located on The Strip and during peak times — like during the Super Bowl, March Madness, Halloween and the Consumer Electronics Show — it can feel like they’re all there at once.

Sin City Tip

The better times to visit include midweek during winter (so long as there are no big conventions happening) and during the peak of summer when the desert’s sweltering temps keep the crowds inside or at the pool.

Where to stay: Wynn Las Vegas 

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• Tourism worldwide ›

The World's Most Visited Cities

Istanbul was the world's most visited city in 2023, according to data by Euromonitor International. With more than 20 million people arriving, the Turkish city saw an 26 percent increase of visitors from 2022. It was followed by London with 18.8 million arrivals and Dubai with 16.8 million arrivals in 2023. Arrivals here refer to international visitors staying for at least 24 hours, for a period not exceeding 12 months. Each arrival is counted separately and includes people traveling more than once a year and people visiting several countries during one trip.

Hong Kong and Bangkok stand out for seeing the biggest year-on-year growth in international arrivals of the countries listed, up 2,495 percent and 142 percent, respectively. According to Euromonitor International, this is largely due to both places being among the last to reopen after the Covid-19 pandemic .

Another key trend highlighted by the organization as tourism rebounds from the Covid-19 crisis is that of over-tourism. “Some destinations are imposing restrictions, steep taxation or reduction of hotel capacity to help limit the influx of tourists and preserve cultural heritage, while others embrace dispersion strategies that promote alternative or off-the-beaten-path destinations", Nadejda Popova, a senior manager at Euromonitor International, said. "Seen by many as a double-edged sword, overtourism underscores the importance of implementing sustainable practices to help drive more responsible tourism over mass travel to benefit the environment as well as local residents.”

Overtourism is a challenge for many cities around the world with respective authorities taking action in various ways, whether that’s introducing a 5-euro ‘tourist tax’ for day visitors in Venice or constructing a barrier to hide Mount Fuji in the Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko to stop tourists from blocking the road while taking photos.

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More From Forbes

Ranked: the 100 best cities in the world to visit, according to a new report.

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What are the best cities in the world? Euromonitor International has unveiled the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023 . This comprehensive analysis serves as a guide to the most dynamic and influential cities across the globe and gives a glimpse into the best places to travel to right now.

To come up with the list, Euromonitor used 55 different metrics across six key categories. These include economic and business performance, tourism performance and infrastructure, policy and attractiveness, health and safety and sustainability.

Paris was named the best city in the world in a new report.

The World’s Top Ranked City

At the top list—Paris, which was named the world’s best city for the second year in a row. The City of Light continues to enchant visitors with its unique blend of historical grandeur and contemporary dynamism, further enhanced by preparations for the upcoming 2024 Olympics. According to Nadejda Popova, a senior manager at Euromonitor International, Paris ranked high “due to exceptional performance in Tourism Policy and Attractiveness, Tourism Infrastructure, and Tourism Performance,” she said in a statement.

Europe emerged as the dominant force in the index, with seven cities in the top 10 and a total of 63 in the top 100. This European dominance showcases its blend of historical richness, cultural diversity and technological advancement. The other European cities in the top 10 were Madrid (at number 3), followed by Amsterdam (5), Berlin (6), Rome (7), Barcelona (9) and London (10).

This was the first year that Tokyo made the top 10 list of 100 best cities to travel.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, other winning cities.

The non-European cities in the top 10 were Dubai (at number 2), Tokyo (4) and New York City (8). Tokyo’s entry into the top 10—a first for the city—is attributed to its improved tourism infrastructure, easing of Covid-19 restrictions and the weakened yen, offering great value to international visitors.

Asia also had a strong presence in the list, with a number of cities making it to the top 20, including Singapore (number 11), Seoul (14), Osaka (16) and Hong Kong (17), demonstrating the region’s growing influence in the global tourism landscape.

Newcomers to this year’s list were Washington D.C. (at number 48), Montreal, Canada (68), Santiago, Chile (88) and Vilnius, Lithuania (92).

New York City was the top ranking U.S. city on the list of best places to travel.

How the United States Ranked

The eight U.S. cities that made the list included New York (number 8), which was a two point increase from 2022. Los Angeles was next up at number 19, followed by Orlando (25), Las Vegas (34), Miami, (35), San Francisco (42), Washington D.C. (48) and Honolulu (67).

These eight cities in the United States are recognized for their diverse cultural, entertainment and tourism offerings, each contributing to the country’s strong presence in the global tourism landscape.

This was the first year that Washington D.C. made the list of 100 best places to travel.

Trends in Travel

The report highlighted some of the big trends in travel, including sustainable tourism. With the world becoming increasingly conscious of environmental impacts, cities are adopting measures like improved public transport networks and strategies to combat over-tourism. This approach is not only about preserving the environment but also about enhancing the quality of life for local communities.

“Cities are now creatively tackling the challenge of over-tourism. From imposing tourist caps to promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations, the focus is on preserving cultural heritage while ensuring tourism benefits both visitors and local communities,” said Popova.

Looking ahead, Popova sees challenges looming on the horizon. “The rising cost of living, fluctuating inflation and geopolitical volatility are set to test the resilience of the tourism industry,” said Popova. “The demand for value-centric, local and sustainable travel options will shape the industry’s path forward.”

Dubai was the second ranked city on the list.

The 100 Best Cities In The World, Ranked

Here is the complete ranking of the top 100 cities to visit now:

• Paris, France
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Madrid, Spain
• Tokyo, Japan
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Berlin, Germany
• Rome, Italy
• New York City
• Barcelona, Spain
• London, United Kingdom
• Munich, Germany
• Milan, Italy
• Seoul, South Korea
• Dublin, Ireland
• Osaka, Japan
• Vienna, Austria
• Los Angeles
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Sydney, Australia
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Melbourne, Australia
• Orlando, Florida
• Frankfurt, Germany
• Kyoto, Japan
• Taipei, Taiwan
• Florence, Italy
• Toronto, Canada
• Athens, Greece
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Venice, Italy
• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Stockholm, Sweden
• Brussels, Belgium
• Tel Aviv, Israel
• San Francisco
• Shanghai, China
• Warsaw, Poland
• Guangzhou, China
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Nice, France
• Washington, United States
• Budapest, Hungary
• Shenzhen, China
• Vancouver, Canada
• Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Seville, Spain
• São Paulo, Brazil
• Valencia, Spain
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Antalya, Turkey
• Sapporo, Japan
• Beijing, China
• Busan, South Korea
• Fukuoka, Japan
• Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• Porto, Portugal
• Jerusalem, Israel
• Kraków, Poland
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Montreal, Canada
• Cancún, Mexico
• Marne-La-Vallée, France
• Doha, Qatar
• Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
• Rhodes, Greece
• Verona, Italy
• Bologna, Italy
• Thessaloniki, Greece
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Phuket, Thailand
• Delhi, India
• Heraklion, Greece
• Tallinn, Estonia
• Pattaya-Chonburi, Thailand
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
• Johor Bahru, Malaysia
• Santiago, Chile
• Tbilisi, Georgia
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Marrakech, Morocco
• Vilnius, Lithuania
• Mugla, Turkey
• Zhuhai, China
• Mecca, Saudi Arabia
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Guilin, China
• Hanoi, Vietnam
• Cairo, Egypt
• Muscat, Oman

• Ranked: The World’s 20 Best Cities To Live, According To Expats

• Report Ranks America’s 15 Safest (And Most Dangerous) Cities For 2023

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Brilliant Maps

Making Sense Of The World, One Map At A Time

Top 100 International Tourist Destination Cities By Country

Last Updated: March 3, 2023 27 Comments

Which city is the most popular international tourist destination? Surprisingly, it’s not Paris, London or New York.

According to 2012 data from Euromonitor International , the number one tourist destination in the world was Hong Kong with 23.7 million visitors.

Singapore and Bangkok were ranked numbers 2 and 3 respectively, showing just how much Asian tourism has grown in recent years. London, at number 4, was the top ranked non-Asian city with 15.5 million international visitors and New York City, at number 8, was the most visited city in the Americas with 11.6 million tourists.

When looking at countries as a whole, the map at the top of the page is revealing. At first glance it shows just how few African countries made the list. Another interesting finding is that while London is the 4th most visited city, it’s the only UK city to make the list. Moreover, while many European countries have top 100 cities (Switzerland being a notable exception) none has more than Italy’s 4.

But that’s nothing compared to the big 3 who dominate the list:

• India has 6 cities on the list: Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata.
• The United States has 8: New York City, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, Honolulu, Washington D.C.
• And, China has whopping 9 cities: Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Zhuhai, Suzhou, Guilin, Nanjing.

Plus, this doesn’t include Hong Kong (#1) and Macau (#5), which ae both Special Administrative Regions of the People’s Republic of China .

Below are the complete rankings. Please note if you click on a city you’ll be taken to HotelsCombined where you can compare the cost of local hotels:

The data all comes from this Euromonitor International report . I’d strongly encourage you to read it if you’re curious about their methodology and other interesting findings.

If you’d like to learn about the growth of international tourism, have a look at the following books:

• Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism
• Rick Steves Travel as a Political Act
• 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, the second edition: Completely Revised and Updated with Over 200 New Entries

Did your favourite city not make the list? Let us know in the comments below:

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Sporxx says

March 10, 2015 at 2:09 pm

How about Jerusalem?

March 11, 2015 at 3:20 am

The results are biased. HK does get a massive flow of tourist but this can be explained by the fact that HK airport is a massive hub (works the same for Singapore airport). It’s not a touristic destination in itself, providing the tourist facilities out of HK international airport (very few) and the time people actually spend in hk. It’s more a stop over than a touristic destination. Then, you have the flow of Chinese tourists that cross the border on week ends to go shopping in HK. sqame situation, they benefit to the economy but can they actually be counted as part of the touristic industry ?

So yes, in term of people you can rank it that way but the figures do not say what kind of flows arrive to HK.

Warren Lauzon says

January 20, 2018 at 8:41 pm

No, it is not based on inbound flights. It is based on the fact that thousands of mainlanders walk across the border every day to buy non-contaminated baby formula.

turnipcake says

March 15, 2015 at 8:43 pm

As Sa said concerning Hong Kong, this list measures arrivals of tourists, I assume, at the cities’ international airports (see report). This does not show how long tourists stay in these cities, if at all. Many of the cities are close to interesting historic and scenic areas.

July 4, 2015 at 1:32 pm

Hong Kong first ? Is it a joke ? There’s nithing to see there ! Nothing, comparing to Paris, London, NYC or Beijing…

January 20, 2018 at 8:40 pm

It counts mainland tourists, who can walk across the border. But as far as “nothing to see” – have you ever actually been there?

January 20, 2018 at 9:18 pm

Yes, I’ve been there several times. Besides shopping and a few sites, what can you see there. Paris, for example, is much much more worth it.

January 21, 2018 at 8:34 pm

Funny.. I had the same impression of Paris. Once you see the Eiffel tower and a few other sites, there is not much “there” there except for overpriced restaurants and snooty bakeries 😀

Manamana says

July 26, 2015 at 11:12 am

In Poland Krakow gets much more turists than Warsaw

Rental Italy says

October 12, 2016 at 12:43 pm

Rome on 12th place, lower than Shenzhen and Macau… Wuite surprising results.

emmettbrady says

December 26, 2016 at 12:47 am

that list seems like a load of nonsense

Raj Kishor Kannoujea says

January 6, 2017 at 12:58 pm

Nice job! but need to more.

Helmut Kremers says

March 10, 2017 at 12:58 pm

Munich had 14.1 million visitors last year – and that wasn’t even the best, so how come it isn’t on the list?!

Rahul gupta says

April 24, 2017 at 7:05 am

india brautiful country with lots of diversity and more than 22+ official language having wonders of the world filled with colors and more than 2000+ local language and world second largest English speaking nation having desert ,hills,mountain,snow fall ,largest green forest,.i think it is a pack of whole European + africa. it has lots of beautiful beaches in then having world almost every religion ,here you get temple,mosque ,churchs,and many more

SIDDHANT GARG says

May 5, 2017 at 5:09 pm

apart from India more places should you visit

Bhupinder Singh says

September 12, 2019 at 5:09 pm

If India is such a wonderful place, why does everyone want to leave?

Rental24H says

January 12, 2018 at 4:55 pm

woooww! very nice photos~! good luck

Kanika Bakshi says

January 2, 2019 at 5:02 am

India is a beautiful country with lots and different culture. you will be able to learn more about its culture, traditions and languages with different food recipes.

Jonathan Ridgway says

April 14, 2019 at 12:18 am

This is list is sooo inaccurate. Business insider has a more correct list.

Kaushal Soni says

September 29, 2019 at 4:17 pm

Loved it, Insightful List!

Patricia Kavanagh says

December 22, 2019 at 9:39 am

Echo sentiments above. HK is a transport hub. Much more complex than first seems. India already has large population so will skew figures for there.

Chiku Cab says

January 28, 2020 at 11:17 am

Hey, nice post and very informative, Thanks for sharing this information.

April 4, 2020 at 8:42 am

Here is an interesting fact about the list. Turkish city Edirne has only 200K population and not so much touristic to get in this list on 62th place in the world and 4th in Turkey. Why is it here? Because Edirne covers the western border of Turkey between Bulgaria and Greece and so the EU. It is not just touristic numbers, it is also industrial transportation and transit passages all over to Turkey. This list is not accurate.

Aman Kumar says

September 26, 2020 at 7:06 am

now its very old

Kirti Pathak says

January 5, 2021 at 3:43 pm

You have list top 100 list but I think you can add some more to it.

Big Cab varanasi says

September 10, 2022 at 8:50 pm

Very informative post… Thanks for sharing

John Potter says

August 1, 2024 at 7:31 am

Very Informative. Thanks for sharing.

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40 most visited cities in the world in 2023.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at the   40 Most Visited Cities in the World in 2023 with insights into the number of tourists in each city. For a quick overview of the 10 most visited cities in the world, read our article 10 Most Visited Cities in the World in 2023 .

The global tourism industry , which accounted for an estimated 10%  of global GDP pre-pandemic, has shown a significant rebound in the first half of 2023, with international arrivals in the APAC region reaching 80% of pre-pandemic levels. This is partly due to a progressive reopening of international borders in 2022, which resulted in over 960 million  tourists traveling internationally last year, recovering two-thirds (66%) of pre-pandemic levels. The first three months of 2023 saw an estimated 235 million international tourist arrivals, more than double the same period in 2022.

The Middle East led the global tourism  in 2023 , with arrivals at 83% of pre-pandemic levels. Europe also rebounded strongly, welcoming 585 million visitors, or nearly 80% of its 2019 numbers. Africa and the Americas recovered about 65% of their pre-pandemic tourist arrivals, while Asia  and the Pacific lagged at 23% due to strict pandemic-related restrictions.

Global Travel Trends in 2023

Adventure-seekers are turning to captivating TV locales for their next-big-trip inspiration. According to Expedia (NYSE: EXPE )  Travel Trends R eport 2023 , two-thirds of global travelers have considered, and 39% have booked, destinations after seeing them on streamed shows or movies. Expedia (NYSE:EXPE) stated that this is just 2% less than advice from friends and family, the most influential source of travel inspiration. Travelers today seek spontaneous and affordable three-star hotel stays, moving away from the traditional grand expeditions. Despite having fewer stars, these hotels maintain high standards, offering excellent amenities, stylish interiors, and unique experiences, all at budget-friendly rates. They are particularly suited for last-minute or flexible travel plans. Conforming to Expedia (NYSE:EXPE) in 2023, vacation rentals now place great importance on their kitchens. The top five desired cooking amenities include outdoor kitchens or barbeques (50%), pizza ovens (25%), premium coffee machines (37%), air fryers (30%), and access to gardens with fresh produce (24%).

Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG ) is one of the largest online travel agencies with a market cap of  $109.3 billion. Booking Holdings Inc.’s (NASDAQ:BKNG) Travel Predictions  revealed that in 2023, nearly nine in ten travelers would be interested in a nostalgic getaway, with 23% wanting to escape to simpler times. Theme parks are a top choice for thoughtful travelers, with 61% planning to visit one in 2023. This is likely because theme parks offer a fun and carefree experience that can transport visitors back to their childhood.

Furthermore, Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) reported that multi-generational family reunions are also expected to be popular in 2023, with 54% of travelers planning to take one. Theme parks are ideal for family reunions, as they offer something for everyone of all ages.

American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL ), the world's largest airline, operates a vast network of international and domestic flights , as well as regional flights through its regional partners. It is renowned for its extensive reach and reliable service. American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) reported record quarterly revenues of $14.1 billion in the second quarter of 2023, driven by continued strong demand and operational performance. The company also raised its profit outlook for the third quarter, citing positive demand trends and a favorable fuel price forecast.

Tourism Trends in China in 2023

China's tourism sector was poised for a strong comeback in 2023 despite the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestic tourism revenue is projected to exceed RMB 4 trillion  (approximately US$580.96 billion), a 96% increase from 2022. Both outbound and inbound tourism markets have shown impressive vitality in the first half of 2023, surpassing 2019 levels. Average expenditures for outbound travelers have increased significantly, with Hong Kong and Macao leading the resurgence. The total number of inbound and outbound individuals has surged by 170%.

According to Forbes , just a few years ago, the United States saw an influx of approximately 3 million Chinese tourists annually, making a significant contribution of over $30 billion to the US economy. Back in 2019, even though Chinese visitors represented just 4% of all foreign travelers coming to the US, they made up a striking 13% of the total spending. However, in the current year of 2023, the landscape has changed considerably, with projections indicating that the number of Chinese tourists visiting the US is expected to drop to fewer than 850,000. China lifts group travel restrictions to the US. Lifting travel restrictions is a positive development for the US tourism industry, which has been struggling to recover from the pandemic. If Chinese tourist arrivals can return to pre-pandemic levels, it would significantly boost the US economy.

Kamira/Shutterstock.com

Methodology

We scoured the internet to find out the most popular travel destinations. Some sources we consulted include Master Card's Travel Industry Trends 2023 report and datasets from Brilliant Maps. The list is ranked in ascending order of the number of tourists in the cities.

Most Visited Cities in the World in 2023

40.  Nairobi

Country: Kenya

Number of Tourists (Millions): 3.4

The United States remained the leading source  market for Kenya's tourism sector growth in the first six months of 2023, followed by Uganda at 89,968 (10.6%), Tanzania at 69,777 (8.2%), and the United Kingdom at 65,563 (7.7%).

39.  Cairo

Country: Egypt

Number of Tourists (Millions): 3.5

Tourism revenues in Egypt soared to a record US$4.1 billion, a 43.5% increase from US$2.8 billion, driven by a 47.1% rise in tourist nights (43.6 million) and a 52.2% increase in tourist arrivals (3.4 million).

38.  Chennai

Country India

Travel and tourism are two of India's largest industries, contributing $178 billion  to the country's GDP. The government has allocated US$2.1 billion to the Ministry of Tourism in the 2023-24 budget.

Country: Poland

Number of Tourists (Millions): 3.7

Warsaw is a crucial city player for Poland's tourism. The country's receipts are forecast to reach nearly  $7 billion  by 2026, despite a 1.2% decrease in 2021 and a 6.3% year-on-year decline since 2000.

36.  Tokyo

Country: Japan

In 2022, tourism in Japan, experienced a notable increase in employment, with the total number of jobs nationwide reaching nearly 5.1 million , representing one in every 13 jobs in Japan. Last year, the sector's GDP contributed 50.5% to $257 billion, representing 6.2% of the economy.

35.  Berlin

Country: Germany

Number of Tourists (Millions): 3.8

After pandemic-related restrictions in previous years, tourism in Berlin recovered significantly in 2022. The city welcomed 10.4 million  guests, twice as many as in 2021, and recorded 26.5 million overnight stays, a 90% increase over the previous year.

34.  Lima

Country: Peru

Number of Tourists (Millions):3.8

The Peruvian travel and tourism revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.26%  between 2023 and 2027, reaching $2.26 billion by 2027.

33.  Ho Chi Minh City

Country: Vietnam

Number of Tourists (Millions): 3.9

Ho Chi Minh City emerged as a bright spot in Vietnam's tourism industry in the first half of 2023, with total tourism revenue reaching nearly 81 trillion VND, a 62.7% increase year-over-year and a 121% increase compared to 2019.

32.  Orlando

Country: USA

Number of Tourists (Millions): 4.1

Orlando's travel and tourism industry generated a total economic impact of $87.6 billion  in 2022, a 31% increase over the previous year, thanks to 74 million visitors.

31.  Madrid

Country: Spain

In 2022, meeting tourism in Madrid generated a direct economic impact of €1.715 billion , representing 87% of pre-pandemic levels and positioning it as a critical driver of tourism growth in the city.

30.  Sofia

Country: Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, welcomed over 900,000  tourists in 2022, a 57% increase from 2021. The top five source markets for Sofia tourism in 2022 were Israel, Germany, Italy, Romania, and Turkey.

29.  Amsterdam

Country: Netherlands

Number of Tourists (Millions):4.3

Amsterdam is grappling with over-tourism, welcoming over 22 million visitors in 2019 and expecting up to 18 million in 2023.

28.  Vienna

Country: Austria

Number of Tourists (Millions): 4.3

Vienna tourism rebounded in 2022, with more guests, overnight stays, and sales than in 2021. However, it remained below pre-pandemic levels, with arrivals at 71%  of the 2019 figure (5.6 million) and net overnight revenues from January to November 2022 at 84% of the 2019 level (€759 million).

27.  Budapest

Country: Hungary

Number of Tourists (Millions): 4.8

Hungary's tourism industry is expected to decline over the next five years, with arrivals and receipts forecast to fall slightly. This would continue a long-term trend of decline, with arrivals down 5.4% and receipts down 9.4% since 2000.

26.  Los Angeles

Number of Tourists (Millions): 5

Los Angeles tourism rebounded in 2022, with 46.2 million  visitors, 91.1% of pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, the city expects nearly 50 million visitors, reaching 98% of 2019 levels.

25.  Beijing

Country: China

Beijing is on track to overtake Paris as the World's most extensive travel and tourism city destination by 2030, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. In 2019, there were 1.35 million  people employed by the travel and tourism sector in Beijing, but this figure dropped to 1.16 million (-15%) in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

24.  Moscow

Country: Russia

With its vibrant academic and technological landscape, Moscow is poised to attract professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the globe. The 14th five-year plan  and the program of the country's long-term development goals until 2035 emphasize the growth of tourism based on the diversification of types, patterns, and formats of consumption and the strengthening of supply chains.

23.  Barcelona

Number of Tourists (Millions): 5.5

Despite seasonal trends, tourism activity in Barcelona in January 2023 approached pre-pandemic levels. Tourist accommodation establishments decreased by 6.9% , but bed places remained virtually stable, with an average of 130,000 available, 4.0% more than in January 2019.

22.  Miami

Number of Tourists (Millions): 6

The tourism industry in Miami sustained its recovery in 2022, with record room bookings and Miami International Airport serving over 50.6 million travelers, welcoming new carriers like Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit.

21.  Las Vegas

Number of Tourists (Millions): 6.3

Southern Nevada's tourism industry experienced a strong recovery in 2022; visitor volume in Las Vegas reached 40.4 million  in March 2023, 13.6% higher than in March 2022 and within 5.6% of the pre-pandemic high in February 2020.

20.  Shanghai

Number of Tourists (Millions): 6.5

International tourist arrivals in Shanghai totaled just over 910,000 from January to May 2023, with almost half coming from Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.

19.  Prague

Country: Czech Republic

Prague Airport's passenger forecast for 2023 has been revised upwards from 12.7 million to 13.6 million , reflecting strong travel demand and the gradual recovery of the aviation industry.

18.  Taipei City

Country: Taiwan

Number of Tourists (Millions): 6.6

Taipei expects inbound tourist numbers to recover to 50%  of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 as the tourism market gradually reopens following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in mid-October 2022.

17.  Pattaya

Country: Thailand

Thailand expects to welcome 18-25 million  tourists in 2023, perhaps even beating its record of 40 million in 2019. Pattaya is expected to get a third of the total, thanks to the expansion of U-tapao airport.

16.  Mecca

Country: Saudi Arabia

Number of Tourists (Millions): 6.9

Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is rapidly transforming to accommodate a growing number of religious tourists. An ambitious plan aims to attract more than 30 million  visitors annually by 2030, generating up to USD 80 billion, or 10% of GDP, as the kingdom reduces its reliance on oil.

15.  Phuket

Number of Tourists (Millions): 7.2

Phuket expects to generate more than 200-300 billion  baht from tourism by the end of 2023, with more than 14 million tourists expected to visit, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

14.  Guangzhou

Number of Tourists (Millions): 7.9

The travel and tourism sector's contribution to GDP in Guangzhou in 2022 was approximately 7% lower than pre-pandemic levels. In Guangzhou, the industry contributed $13.2 billion in 2022, compared to $14.1 billion in 2019.

13.  Dubai

Country: UAE

Number of Tourists (Millions): 8

Dubai has ranked number one among cities with the highest spending by international tourists, earning $29.4 billion in 2022. The Emirates overtook Doha and London, where tourists spent $16.8 billion and $16.1 billion, respectively.

12.  Rome

Country: Italy

Number of Tourists (Millions): 8.7

Rome catered to 5,821,362 international tourist arrivals in 2022, an incredible 500%  increase from 2021, according to World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) data. The easing of travel restrictions and the strong demand for international travel after the COVID-19 pandemic drove this rebound.

11.  Istanbul

Country: Turkey

Number of Tourists (Millions): 8.8

Tourism revenues in Turkey averaged US$4.4 billion  annually from 1990 to 2023, reaching an all-time high of US$17.8 billion in the third quarter of 2022 and a record low of US$294 million in the first quarter of 1990.

Click to continue reading and see  10 Most Visited Cities in the World in 2023 .

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Disclosure.  None.   40 Most Visited Cities in the World in 2023   is originally published on Insider Monkey.

The 19 most visited cities around the world in 2019

• No matter what travel trends crop up, tourists still return to the same tried-and-tested places they know they're bound to love.
• The Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index 2019 , released this week, ranks 200 cities based on how many international overnight visitors they're set to receive this year.
• Here are the 19 most visited cities around the world in 2019.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

For many people, off-the-beaten-path travel is more appealing than heading to a city rammed with people.

The numbers, however, show tourists are still flocking to the same spots year in and year out.

The Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index 2019 , released this week, ranks 200 cities based on how many international overnight visitors they're set to receive this year, based on actual 2019 monthly data and the weighted average of national-level tourism forecasts.

Read more: The 21 best countries in the world to live in if you're a woman

The index shows the number of international overnight visitors in these cities growing by a whopping 76% since 2009 — but in recent years, the trends look pretty similar.

Here are the 19 most visited cities around the world in 2019, ranked in ascending order by the total number of international visitors they're set to receive.

19. Bali, Indonesia — 8.26 million

Bali's beaches and temples have helped make it one of the most popular tourist spots in Southeast Asia.

18. Palma de Mallorca, Spain — 8.96 million

It's easy to see the appeal in Palma's colourful buildings, beaches, fortresses, and art scene — especially when it sits right on the Mediterranean Sea.

17. Barcelona, Spain — 9.09 million

Barcelona has it all — history, art, architecture, fabulous food, and a pretty superb beach, too.

16. Milan, Italy — 9.10 million

This fast-paced city isn't just big on business but also art, fashion, and food — so it's understandable why more tourists than ever are flocking there.

15. Pattaya, Thailand — 9.44 million

The first Thai city to make the list sits on the country's eastern Gulf coast and is known for its beaches.

14. Phuket, Thailand — 9.89 million

Just ahead of Pattaya is Phuket, where visitors can expect a beach paradise and lush jungles.

13. Mecca, Saudi Arabia — 10 million

Mecca's tourists splash out when they're in the city — the amount they spend per day is second only to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, according to the ranking.

12. Osaka, Japan — 10.14 million

Japan's third-largest city , the vibrant Osaka is ideal for anyone seeking a culinary adventure and plenty of culture.

11. Seoul, South Korea — 11.25 million

The capital of South Korea is certainly metropolitan — here you'll find skyscrapers, temples, and street markets alike.

10. Antalya, Turkey — 12.41 million

A popular place for yacht owners, Antalya may have fabulous beaches, but it's also known for its history as it was once a major Roman port.

9. Tokyo — 12.93 million

Tokyo is expecting the largest uptake in visitors on last year of any city on the list.

8. Istanbul — 13.4 million

The second Turkish city to make this list, tourists head to Istanbul for its stunning mosques and mosaics as well as its modern skyscrapers and malls.

7. New York City — 13.6 million

The appeal of New York City never seems to die, as more visitors are expected to visit the Big Apple this year than last.

6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — 13.79 million

You'll most likely recognize the Malaysian capital's iconic modern skyline, highlighted by its Petronas Twin Towers.

5. Singapore — 14.67 million

This city-state may be a financial hub, but its tropical climate and luxury hotels are a major draw for international tourists.

4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates — 15.93 million

The index showed that visitors to Dubai spend more than in any other city, with an incredible $553 a day.

3. London — 19.09 million

Down one place from 2018, London was the only city on this list to actually see a decrease in visitors over the past year, with 4% less heading to the capital.

2. Paris — 19.1 million

Taking the second-place spot from London since last year, Paris is loved no matter the weather for its stunning gardens, fountains, and watch-the-world-g0-by attitude.

1. Bangkok — 22.78 million

Visitors to Bangkok — the most visited city for the fourth year in a row — also spend the third most of any city on the list.

• Main content

These are the world's five most-visited cities

A golden age for tourism in cities such as Bangkok

.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:hover,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:focus,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);} Sean Fleming

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Stay up to date:, travel and tourism.

The global travel and tourism industry is worth an estimated $8.8 trillion a year and much of that growing economic activity is concentrated among a narrow group of destinations.

In its Global Destination Cities Index 2019 , which tracks visitors and their spending habits, Mastercard found that numbers were up by an average 6.5% year-over-year since 2009, with tourism expenditure growing up an average of 7.4%.

Some of the most-visited cities are experiencing much higher than average growth. With the 2020 Olympics being held in Japan next year, Tokyo (currently 9th) is forecast to see growth in excess of 10%.

Here are the top five destination cities as featured in the 10th annual Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index:

5. Singapore

In 2018, 14.76 million overnight visitors went to Singapore – that’s the measure Mastercard uses to differentiate between visitors and those on a short stopover.

Half of the top cities on the list are in the Asia-Pacific region, which has registered the largest increase in international travellers since 2009, growing 9.4%.

Once there, visitors to Singapore were relaxed about spending their money, pushing the city to number four in the list of where tourists spent the most.

The Data for the City of Tomorrow report highlighted that in 2023, around 56% of the world is urbanized. Almost 65% of people use the internet. Soon, 75% of the world’s jobs will require digital skills.

The World Economic Forum’s Centre for Urban Transformation is at the forefront of advancing public-private collaboration in cities. It enables more resilient and future-ready communities and local economies through green initiatives and the ethical use of data.

Learn more about our impact:

• Net Zero Carbon Cities: Through this initiative, we are sharing more than 200 leading practices to promote sustainability and reducing emissions in urban settings and empower cities to take bold action towards achieving carbon neutrality .
• G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance: We are dedicated to establishing norms and policy standards for the safe and ethical use of data in smart cities , leading smart city governance initiatives in more than 36 cities around the world.
• Empowering Brazilian SMEs with IoT adoption : We are removing barriers to IoT adoption for small and medium-sized enterprises in Brazil – with participating companies seeing a 192% return on investment.
• IoT security: Our Council on the Connected World established IoT security requirements for consumer-facing devices . It engages over 100 organizations to safeguard consumers against cyber threats.
• Healthy Cities and Communities: Through partnerships in Jersey City and Austin, USA, as well as Mumbai, India, this initiative focuses on enhancing citizens' lives by promoting better nutritional choices, physical activity, and sanitation practices.

Want to know more about our centre’s impact or get involved? Contact us .

Less than 60 years ago, Dubai was a fishing village . Today, the emirate has a population of more than 3 million. And last year, their numbers were boosted by 15.93 million visitors.

Famed as a centre for shopping and as a destination for conferences and exhibitions, when it comes to how much money visitors spend in their chosen destination, Dubai dominates. In 2018, visitors spent a whopping $30.82 billion.

Big Ben. Parliament. Buckingham Palace. London is full of famous landmarks. So it’s small wonder 19.09 million people went there last year.

However, London was the only city in the top 10 to experience a fall in visitor numbers – a drop of 4% that saw it slip from last year’s second-placed spot.

The UK’s top 10 visited attractions are all in London, according to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions , which lists the Tate Modern art gallery (5.86 million), the British Museum (5.82 million), and the National Gallery (5.73 million) as the city’s big three draws.

London’s loss was Paris’ gain, as it moved up the rankings from three to two, with only marginally more visitors than the UK’s capital. It might not have a monarchy, but there is plenty of pomp and splendour to see in Paris - not to mention the Louvre, the world’s most visited museum.

Of the 10.2 million people who descend through its glass pyramid entrance each year, about 80% are believed to come just to see the Mona Lisa.

Disneyland Paris, which opened in 1992, casts a long shadow over the rest of the city’s tourist attractions. In the 25 years between opening in 1992 and 2017, it had 320 million visits, making it Europe’s top tourist destination .

It has contributed $75 billion (€68 billion) to the French economy , and represents 6.2% of France’s tourism revenue.

Have you read?

Venice will now start charging tourists an entrance fee, why tourism policy needs to use more imagination, you might soon be travelling without a passport – this is how.

Hanging on to the top spot for the fourth year running, Thailand’s capital welcomed more than 22 million visitors last year.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2018 data, Thailand has the largest tourism economy in Southeast Asia. The $70.1 billion that tourists spent there last year accounted for 20.8% of Thailand's export earnings, the WTTC said.

But being heavily dependant on one sector can put an economy at the mercy of global trends. A strengthening Thai currency and a slowdown in the global economy could impact Thailand’s tourism income, Mastercard said.

In the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 , the number of international tourist arrivals worldwide reached 1.4 billion, with emerging economies contributing larger proportions of travellers to this global trend.

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• Travel Tips

The 50 Most Visited Cities in the World and their Top Tourist Attractions

Julius Szabo · UPDATED October 4, 2023 · 26,875 views

The 50 Most Visited Cities in the World and their Top Tourist Attractions! Whenever it comes to visiting places, you usually look for places that are away from the chaos of city life and where you can enjoy the pristine beauty of nature and spend some days ideally alone.

Yachting in Balaton, Hungary - short 4k cinematic film And don't forget to give us a like! :)

But, there are also certain cities in the world, where all the travellers wanna go to get lifetime memories! So why not visit them at least once in a lifetime? MasterCard monitors how many people have paid for accommodation in interesting places around the world. Based on these data, it determines the index of world tourist destinations and compiles a list of the most visited cities.

And here is an ultimate list of the most visited cities in the world along with their top tourist attractions with amazing pictures and maps! They are often part of The most visited countries in the world!

Most Visited Cities in the World and their Top Tourist Attractions

1. hong kong, china (26.7 million international visitors).

In the southeastern part of China, Hong Kong is the autonomous territory. Once you are in this city-state, you will be welcome with outstanding skyscrapers, the lush green hills, the glittering harbour and lots of other amazing places. Nature has blessed the city open-handedly, and therefore, you can see a perfect amalgamation of urban life beside plenty of natural phenomena.

Get a ferry from the Central District that will make you experience the awesome view from the water. You will also get the influence of Buddhism throughout the city. Spend some time in the peaceful atmosphere of Po Lin Monastery.

Hong Kong, China, Most Visited Cities in the World by Alexas_Fotos / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Hong Kong 1. The Peak 2. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade 3. Hong Kong Disneyland 4. Ladies’ Market 5. Ocean Park Hong Kong #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ The Peak, Top tourist attractions in Hong Kong by Andy Mitchell / Flickr Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Top tourist attractions in Hong Kong by Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr Hong Kong Disneyland, Top tourist attractions in Hong Kong by Alexander Savin / Flickr Ocean Park Hong Kong, The main tourist attraction in Hong Kong by Martin Lewison / Flickr Find more great places to visit in Hong Kong. Read here about the 20 Best Places to Visit in Hong Kong . Hong Kong, a dynamic metropolis on the southeastern coast of China, is a mesmerizing blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Its iconic skyline, dominated by towering skyscrapers and Victoria Peak, offers breathtaking views of the city and Victoria Harbour. Visitors can explore bustling markets, indulge in world-class dining and shopping, and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant street life. Hong Kong’s rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and cultural attractions, such as Wong Tai Sin Temple and the Big Buddha on Lantau Island, provide an enticing tapestry of experiences for travelers seeking a vibrant urban adventure with a touch of traditional charm.

2. Bangkok, Thailand (25.8 million international visitors)

So far you’ve enjoyed the beauty of Bangkok only in movies. This time, book tickets to spend your vacation in this, one of the most attractive cities around the world. This is a city of amazing sites, welcoming people, age-old culture, scrumptious local cuisine and breathtaking local customs!

If you are visiting the city for the first time include places such as Siam, Sukhumvit, Pratunam on the list. To know the traditional Bangkok more, you should not miss the Bangkok Old City and the riverside. And when you are here, how can you forget about shopping? Keep an entire day for that as the shopping malls will make you spellbound.

Bangkok, Thailand, Most Visited Cities in the World by Simon / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Bangkok 1. Grand Palace & Wat Prakeaw 2. Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) 3. Floating Market Damnoen Saduak 4. Chinatown (Yaowarat) 5. Wat Pho #gallery-2 { margin: auto; } #gallery-2 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-2 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-2 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Grand Palace & Wat Pra Kaew, Top tourist attractions in Bangkok by Rob Young / Flickr Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Top tourist attractions in Bangkok by Adam Baker / Flickr Floating Market Damnoen Saduak, Top tourist attractions in Bangkok by Xiquinho Silva / Flickr Chinatown (Yaowarat), Top tourist attractions in Bangkok by Nicolas Lannuzel / Flickr Read here about the 14 Top Tourist Attractions to visit in Bangkok! Thailand, a tropical paradise in Southeast Asia, is a country known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. From the bustling city of Bangkok with its vibrant street markets and ornate temples to the idyllic beaches of Phuket and Krabi, Thailand offers a diverse range of experiences. Visitors can explore ancient ruins like Ayutthaya, trek through lush jungles, and savor delectable Thai cuisine. With its beautiful islands, vibrant festivals, and a myriad of activities, Thailand beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its enchanting beauty and discover the unique allure of the “Land of Smiles.”

3. Macau, China (20.6 million international visitors)

Located on the southern coastline of China, this autonomous body of China is known as the ‘Vegas of China’. Actually, this city is heaven for gamblers around the world. But, that is not the only identity of Macau . To experience traditional Macau, you need to delve deep into the city.

The city was a Portuguese Colony for a long time; therefore, there is a mixed culture of Portuguese and Chinese style. You can visit the Portuguese architecture on the building while walking along the streets, paved with Chinese tiles. Start your beautiful day at Macau with Chinese breakfast that can stretch towards a full-course Portuguese lunch.

Macau, China, Most Visited Cities in the World by jw232523 / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Macau 1. Macau Historic Centre 2. Venetian Macao Casino 3. Guia Hill 4. Nam Van Lake Cybernetic Fountain Show 5. Taipa Village #gallery-3 { margin: auto; } #gallery-3 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-3 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-3 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Macau Historic Centre, Top tourist attractions in Macau by jazz4jess / Pixabay Venetian Macao Casino, Top tourist attractions in Macau by falco / Pixabay Nam Van Lake Cybernetic Fountain Show, Top tourist attractions in Macau by Rain Rannu / Flickr Taipa Village, Top tourist attractions in Macau by Max-Leonhard von Schape / Flickr Macau, a unique destination on the southeastern coast of China, is a captivating blend of East and West. As a former Portuguese colony, it boasts a rich history and a charming mix of European and Chinese influences. Visitors can explore its well-preserved historic sites, including the Ruins of St. Paul’s and the Senado Square, as well as its modern attractions like the glamorous casinos along the Cotai Strip. Macau’s diverse culinary scene, lively festivals, and vibrant street life make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a fascinating cultural experience and an exciting fusion of traditions from two distinct worlds.

4. Singapore, Singapore (19.8 million international visitors)

This is another city-state which is becoming much popular among travellers around the world. This is a city of reinventing and reimagining itself where people get never tired of creating new possibilities. This is the city which is always throbbing with life.

If you want to match your feet with the rhythm of the city, you need to know about the most happening places while visiting Singapore . This is a city for all. Whether you are an art lover, a foodie, action seeker, adventurist, or anything, Singapore comes to you with a complete package. To have a new experience at every step, visit Singapore now.

Singapore, Most Visited Cities in the World by Pexels / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Singapore 1. Marina Bay 2. Clarke Quay 3. Universal Studios Singapore 4. Gardens by the Bay 5. Chinatown #gallery-4 { margin: auto; } #gallery-4 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-4 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-4 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Clarke Quay, Top tourist attractions in Singapore by cegoh / Pixabay Universal Studios Singapore, Top tourist attractions in Singapore by choo chin nian / Flickr Gardens by the Bay, Top tourist attractions in Singapore by Fabio Achilli / Flickr Chinatown, Top tourist attractions in Singapore by cegoh / Pixabay Singapore, a modern city-state in Southeast Asia, is a bustling metropolis that offers a unique blend of cultures, world-class attractions, and a harmonious urban environment. The city’s iconic landmarks, such as Marina Bay Sands and the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, showcase its futuristic skyline. Singapore is renowned for its cleanliness, safety, and efficient public transportation, making it an easy and comfortable destination to explore. Visitors can indulge in a diverse culinary scene, experience cultural festivals, shop in luxury malls, and explore beautiful gardens and green spaces. Whether you seek a foodie adventure, a cultural exploration, or a shopping spree, Singapore promises an unforgettable journey filled with captivating experiences.

5. London, England (19.6 million international visitors)

If you are looking for the best cities around the world, London will always be in the top 5. While you are in this city, you need a proper plan to visit places here. You have to give more importance to the weather of the city while planning as you can see the maximum mood swing of London weather when you are here.

Carry an umbrella and sunglasses always with you. As London’s weather is not extreme at all, you can visit any time. But, visiting here during Easter or Christmas will let you experience a city bumping with joy and glitter.

London, England, Most Visited Cities in the World by Julius_Silver / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in London 1. Buckingham Palace tour 2. Coca-Cola London Eye 3. SEA LIFE London 4. Madame Tussauds London 5. Churchill War Rooms #gallery-5 { margin: auto; } #gallery-5 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-5 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-5 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Buckingham Palace tour, Top tourist attractions in London by traveljunction / Flickr Coca-Cola London Eye, Top tourist attractions in London by Mike_68 / Pixabay SEA LIFE London, Top tourist attractions in London by Brickset / Flickr Churchill War Rooms, Top tourist attractions in London by en:User:Jdhowens90 / Wikimedia Commons Read more about 45 wonderful places you must visit in London here! England, a country steeped in history and tradition, offers a captivating blend of ancient landmarks, picturesque countryside, and vibrant cities. Visitors can explore iconic attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Stonehenge, immersing themselves in the country’s rich heritage. The charming villages of the Cotswolds, the stunning landscapes of the Lake District, and the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast provide opportunities for unforgettable outdoor adventures. England’s world-class museums, art galleries, and theaters, as well as its renowned pubs and diverse culinary scene, make it a cultural hub that appeals to travelers of all interests. Whether you seek historical marvels, natural beauty, or cultural experiences, England’s timeless allure promises a memorable and rewarding journey.

6. Paris, France (19.1 million international visitors)

Whether for a destination wedding or if you are an art connoisseur, Paris never let down any of its guests. The city of light and fragrant will welcome you with all its treasure. Whether you visit the Eiffel Tower, or just roam around the city with a baguette, the city will present surprises at every turns you cross.

Paris offers beautiful weather year-long, so you can visit the city at any time. But, avoid August as this time there is a vacation and everything remains shut. For the rest of the year, Paris is ever ready with its bistros, museums, boulevards, designer shops and unique wine bars.

Paris, France, Most Visited Cities in the World by Free-Photos / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Paris 1. The Eiffel Tower 2. The Louvre 3. The Musée d’Orsay 4. Notre-Dame Cathedral and île de la Cité 5. Champs-Élysées #gallery-6 { margin: auto; } #gallery-6 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-6 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-6 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Champs-Élysées, Top tourist attractions in Paris by Pedro Szekely / Flickr The Musée d’Orsay, Top tourist attractions in Paris by Chris Yunker / Flickr Notre-Dame Cathedral and île de la Cité, Top tourist attractions in Paris by edmondlafoto / Pixabay Champs-Élysées, Top tourist attractions in Paris by herryway / Pixabay Read more about France in our blog: 25 Places to visit in Paris ! Castles in France – 190 amazing Castles, Chateaux and Palaces to visit in France Cities in France – 50 most beautiful cities and towns to visit in France UNESCO France – 45 Great UNESCO Sites in France (photos and map) 15 of the Best Beaches in France Paris, known as the “City of Love” and a cultural melting pot, offers an enchanting experience for travelers. From the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris to the charming villages of Provence and the breathtaking French Riviera, France boasts diverse landscapes and a rich historical heritage. Visitors can indulge in world-class cuisine, fine wines, and artisanal cheeses, making France a culinary paradise. Its artistic legacy, seen in museums like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, and the allure of its picturesque countryside and romantic ambiance make France a timeless destination that continues to captivate the hearts of travelers from around the world.

7. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (16.3 million international visitors)

If you are planning to have a fun time with your family and friends, there can’t be anything than visiting Dubai . Whether to enjoy world-class shopping or to enjoy the multi-cuisine restaurants, Dubai is a city to get it all. How about spending an afternoon at a salon and spa? Yes, that can also be done there.

And don’t forget about the beaches. The sunset in any of the beaches in Dubai can create lifetime memories for you. Do you like skiing, not a problem at a local dessert here! If you are planning the honeymoon, there is no better place than Dubai to impress your newly-wedded wife. You can have enough together-time while enjoying the city, hand-in-hand.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Most Visited Cities in the World by Lars_Nissen_Photoart / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Dubai 1. Burj Khalifa – See Iconic Dubai from above 2. The Dubai Mall – A shopper’s paradise 3. The Dubai Fountain – An awe-inspiring show 4. Palm Jumeirah – A palm-shaped island 5. Dubai Creek – Ancient trade routes #gallery-7 { margin: auto; } #gallery-7 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-7 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-7 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Burj Khalifa, Top tourist attractions in Dubai by Daniel Zimmermann / Flickr The Dubai Mall, Top tourist attractions in Dubai by ~Pyb / Flickr The Dubai Fountain, Top tourist attractions in Dubai by Nacho Pintos / Flickr Palm Jumeirah, Top tourist attractions in Dubai by Werner Bayer / Flickr The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage and futuristic architecture. From the dazzling skyscrapers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the historic charm of Sharjah’s old town, the UAE boasts a diverse range of experiences. Travelers can explore luxurious shopping malls, enjoy thrilling desert safaris, and relax on beautiful beaches along the Arabian Gulf. With its warm hospitality, extravagant attractions, and a thriving cultural scene, the UAE entices visitors from all over the world to experience its unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure.

8. Delhi, India (15.2 million international visitors)

The capital city of India is the epitome of mixed culture and tradition. The entire Delhi has different characteristics in it. If you go to Karol Bagh, you can see the middle-class lifestyle while Greater Kailash will show you the exuberance of lifestyle. Being the capital of the Mughal Empire, the architecture is highly influenced by that style.

And when you are here, you can’t miss the seventh wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal. Visit it on a full moon night to experience the ultimate romanticism of the place. From having a variety of street foods to shop contentedly, Delhi has more things to surprise her visitors.

Delhi, India, Most Visited Cities in the World by Rhiannon / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Delhi 1. Akshardham Temple 2. Lotus Temple 3. Connaught Place 4. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib 5. Red Fort #gallery-8 { margin: auto; } #gallery-8 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-8 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-8 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Akshardham Temple, Top tourist attractions in Delhi by Russ Bowling / Flickr Lotus Temple, Top tourist attractions in Delhi by Azael_Pitti / Pixabay Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Top tourist attractions in Delhi by Ken Wieland from Philadelphia, USA / Wikimedia Commons Red Fort, Top tourist attractions in Delhi by Dennis Jarvis / Flickr India, a land of diverse cultures, vibrant traditions, and breathtaking landscapes, offers an enriching travel experience like no other. From the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra and the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene backwaters of Kerala and the majestic forts of Rajasthan, India’s attractions are as varied as its people. Travelers can savor an array of flavors in its delicious cuisine, witness colorful festivals and celebrations, and immerse themselves in the spirituality and history of this ancient land. With its warm hospitality and a kaleidoscope of experiences, India promises an unforgettable journey that will leave travelers with cherished memories to last a lifetime.

9. Istanbul, Turkey (14.7 million international visitors)

While talking about the most attractive cities around the world, the cultural capital of Turkey definitely has to be on the list. This is a city that can show you the perfect amalgamation of east and west culture. Being located in the middle of both completely different worlds, Istanbul is rich in a variety of layers in history, colors, food, clothes, scents, and tradition.

When you are here to know about it, it will open itself to tell you stories. Spend your time in the small mosque, the gardens, or at any roadside tea stalls, you can get the whisper of the city that tells you about its glorious history.

Istanbul, Turkey, Most Visited Cities in the World by Engin_Akyurt / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Istanbul 1. Basilica Cistern 2. Aya Sofya 3. Topkapi Palace 4. Blue Mosque 5. Istanbul Archaeology Museums #gallery-9 { margin: auto; } #gallery-9 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-9 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-9 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Basilica Cistern, Top tourist attractions in Istanbul by 2427999 / Pixabay Aya Sofya, Top tourist attractions in Istanbul by lapping / Pixabay Topkapi Palace, Top tourist attractions in Istanbul by falco / Pixabay Blue Mosque, Top tourist attractions in Istanbul by vedatzorluer / Pixabay Find out what else is great there in Turkey: 20 Best Places to Visit in Turkey – cities in Turkey, monasteries, ancient sights, natural attractions Turkey, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is a captivating country with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage. From the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul to the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey offers a fascinating journey through time and geography. Visitors can indulge in delectable Turkish cuisine, explore bustling bazaars, and unwind on beautiful Mediterranean and Aegean beaches. With its warm hospitality, vibrant cities, and a mix of historical, natural, and cultural attractions, Turkey beckons travelers to discover its unique charm and make unforgettable memories.

10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (14.1 million international visitors)

Malaysia is not only about Singapore. Once you are in Kuala Lumpur , you will be mesmerized by the skyline, skyscrapers, Mogul-style domes, streets full of food stalls, and lots of other amazing things. This city will enthrall you with natural as well as manmade landmarks. Being the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is mingled with lots of culture and tradition.

There are Malay, Chinese and Indian citizens who have adorned the city in their own way. With Petronas Twin Towers, botanical gardens, street markets, and religious spots, like Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur never gets tired of surprising you. Plan for Kuala Lumpur for your coming vacation.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Most Visited Cities in the World by Walkerssk / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur 1. Petronas Towers 2. Menara KL Tower 3. Chinatown 4. Batu Caves 5. Sultan Abdul Samad Building #gallery-10 { margin: auto; } #gallery-10 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-10 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-10 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Menara KL Tower, Top tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur by Graeme Maclean / Flickr Chinatown, Top tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur by IQRemix / Flickr Batu Caves, Top tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur by shashankagarwalin / Pixabay Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Top tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur by Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr Read more about 20 Best Places to visit in Malaysia! Malaysia, a captivating Southeast Asian destination, offers a diverse array of experiences to travelers. From the gleaming Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to the pristine beaches of Langkawi and the ancient rainforests of Borneo, the country’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring. Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry, reflected in its vibrant festivals, mouthwatering cuisine, and historic landmarks like Malacca’s UNESCO-listed city, adds to the allure. With its warm hospitality, modern amenities, and a plethora of outdoor activities, Malaysia promises an unforgettable and immersive travel experience that caters to adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike.

11. New York City, USA (14.0 million international visitors)

This is one of the most expensive cities in the world. The city is the trendsetter of the world. Whether it is any new fashion or some world-class cuisine, New York will offer you a lavish holiday to fill your life with fun and excitement. There are certain places in New York that you shouldn’t miss.

Include Times Square where you can watch world-class Broadway. Visit the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and so on to fill your bag of experience. Apart from that, you should also plan for Brooklyn Bridge Park, Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art and lots of other places.

New York City, USA, Most Visited Cities in the World by ahundt / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in New York City 1. The Empire State Building – Observation Deck 2. One World Observatory 3. Top of The Rock Observation Deck 4. Times Square 5. Broadway #gallery-11 { margin: auto; } #gallery-11 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-11 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-11 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ The Empire State Building, Top tourist attractions in New York City by marsjo / Pixabay One World Observatory, Top tourist attractions in New York City by ofuss / Pixabay Top of The Rock Observation Deck, Top tourist attractions in New York City by GPA Photo Archive / Flickr Broadway, Top tourist attractions in New York City by henlfern / Pixabay New York is one of the 25 Best Places to Visit in the USA . Read here about these places and their best tourist attractions! The United States of America (USA) is a vast and diverse country that offers an endless array of experiences for travelers. From the iconic cityscapes of New York and Los Angeles to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park, the USA boasts an impressive range of attractions. Visitors can explore world-class museums, enjoy a variety of cuisines, and partake in thrilling adventures like hiking, skiing, and surfing. The country’s rich history, cultural diversity, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination that caters to all interests and promises unforgettable memories for travelers from around the world.

12. Antalya, Turkey (13.3 million international visitors)

This Turkish beach resort is popular among the tourists for its wonderful beaches, azure blue water and obviously the charismatic culture of the city. There are plenty of things you can do in Antalya . This labyrinthine old city offers numerous historic sites that include lots of ruins from where history will whisper to you.

If you are not a history buff, you don’t need to worry as the city is not boring at all. The turquoise coastline with a white sandy beach will make you forget all your troubles of life and have some real fun. From Hadrian’s Gate to Old Town, Kaleici, there are numerous spots of sightseeing in Antalya.

Antalya, Turkey, Most Visited Cities in the World by LoggaWiggler / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Antalya 1. Hadrian’s Gate 2. Düden Waterfalls 3. Antalya Museum 4. Konyaaltı Beach 5. Yivliminare Mosque #gallery-12 { margin: auto; } #gallery-12 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-12 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-12 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Düden Waterfalls, Top tourist attractions in Antalya by zolakoma / Flickr Antalya Museum, Top tourist attractions in Antalya by Alexander van Loon / Flickr Konyaaltı Beach, Top tourist attractions in Antalya by Esginmurat / Wikimedia Commons Yivliminare Mosque, Top tourist attractions in Antalya by Hans / Pixabay

13. Mumbai, India (12.4 million international visitors)

You can call it in many names, ‘the City that never sleeps’, ‘City of Dreams’, ‘Filmistan’(as the Bollywood industry is here) and so on. Initially, the city was known as ‘Bombay’. Later, it became ‘ Mumbai ’ and the name is derived from the temple of Goddess ‘Mumba’.

Mumbai is also known as the front door of India as this is the biggest trade hub on the western side of the country. With traffic jam, honks of cars, slum dwellers, and hawkers, this city has its own charm. Visit the temples; roam around the Marine Drive or go to the lavish restaurants, Mumbai has it all to satisfy its guests.

Mumbai, India, Most Visited Cities in the World by Darshak12Pandya / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Mumbai 1. Gateway of India 2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station 3. Elephanta Caves 4. Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai 5. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya #gallery-13 { margin: auto; } #gallery-13 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-13 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-13 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station, Top tourist attractions in Mumbai by Ben Paarmann / Flickr Elephanta Caves, Top tourist attractions in Mumbai by Ashwin Kumar / Flickr Taj Mahal Palace, Top tourist attractions in Mumbai by Rajarshi MITRA / Flickr Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Top tourist attractions in Mumbai by Girish Gopi / Flickr

14. Shenzhen, China (12.3 million international visitors)

Located at the gateway between China and Hong Kong, Shenzhen can impress you with its beauty. If you are planning a vacation to Hong Kong, you can start your holidays here. This city is a business hub in the country. But, that is not the only reason for its popularity.

Each year, people visit Shenzhen in millions. And that is because of the huge shopping malls from where they can buy materials of international standard. The amusement parks are great for families who have kids. If you are on a business trip, your family won’t get bored at all while you are in this city.

Shenzhen, China, Most Visited Cities in the World by GordonSchisler / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Shenzhen 1. Sea World – a popular plaza 2. Nanhai E-Cool – the old Sanyo factory 3. Tianhou Temple, Chiwan 4. Nanshan Mountain – lush green hills 5. Window of the World – a themepark #gallery-14 { margin: auto; } #gallery-14 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-14 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-14 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Tianhou Temple, Chiwan, Top tourist attractions in Shenzhen by 颐园新居 / Wikimedia Commons Nanshan Mountain, Top tourist attractions in Shenzhen by Dan Lundberg / Flickr Window of the World, Top tourist attractions in Shenzhen by Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr China, a vast and ancient land, holds an allure for travelers seeking an extraordinary cultural and historical experience. From the Great Wall winding across the countryside to the stunning terracotta warriors in Xi’an, China’s iconic landmarks are a testament to its rich past. Visitors can explore vibrant cities like Beijing and Shanghai, sample an array of tantalizing cuisines, and immerse themselves in traditional arts like calligraphy and martial arts. China’s breathtaking landscapes, from the karst mountains of Guilin to the serene beauty of the Yangtze River, offer a diverse range of natural wonders. With its fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations, China beckons travelers to embark on a journey of discovery and marvel at the wonders of this captivating country.

15. Phuket, Thailand (10,97 million international visitors)

If you are looking for a city that has all the amenities of urban life while you also get the chance to make an escape into nature, Phuket is the place. Once you see the turquoise blue sea and the long stretched sandy beach, you will instantly fall in love with the city.

You can have gone for adventure sports on the beach that includes scuba diving, snorkeling and so on. But, what you can enjoy the most in Phuket is its nightlife. Are you planning your bachelor party and looking for some incredible place? Phuket is the place you are looking for.

Phi Phi islands, Phuket, Thailand, Most Visited Cities in the World by Mariamichelle / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Phuket 1. Phang Nga Bay 2. Phi Phi Islands 3. Bangla Road Nightlife, Patong Beach 4. Big Buddha, Chalong 5. Similan Islands, Phang Nga – Northwest of Phuket #gallery-15 { margin: auto; } #gallery-15 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-15 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-15 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Phang Nga Bay, Top tourist attractions in Phuket by eltonmaxim / Pixabay Bangla Road Nightlife, Patong Beach, Top tourist attractions in Phuket by Dennis Sylvester Hurd / Flickr Big Buddha, Chalong, Top tourist attractions in Phuket by Tivistar / Pixabay Similan Islands, Phang Nga, Top tourist attractions in Phuket by Fred von Lohmann / Flickr There are lots of amazing beaches in Thailand but only 15 of them are the best of! Read more about 15 of the Best Beaches in Thailand here!

16. Tokyo, Japan (10.4 million international visitors)

The capital city of Japan is the most populous metropolis in the world. It includes several towns, cities, villages and even two attractive islands, Izu and Ogasawara Island. Once you are here, you can experience the culture of Japan along with the dining style, means of entertainment, endless options for shopping and lots more.

What will make you surprised at Tokyo is the orderly crowd. With more than 35 million people, this metropolis can maintain order amazingly. Every single person will wait to cross the road until it is signalled. Also, you should remember that you must not tip anyone, anywhere in Tokyo.

Tokyo, Japan, Most Visited Cities in the World by Walkerssk / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Tokyo 1. The Imperial Palace and its gardens 2. Shibuya – Tokyo’s shopping Mecca 3. Sensoji Temple 4. Meiji Jingu Shrine 5. Shinjuku Gyoen public park #gallery-16 { margin: auto; } #gallery-16 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-16 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-16 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ The Imperial Palace and its gardens, Top tourist attractions in Tokyo by pierre9x6 / Pixabay Shibuya – Tokyo’s shopping Mecca, Top tourist attractions in Tokyo by binmassam / Pixabay Sensoji Temple, Top tourist attractions in Tokyo by kongwiz / Pixabay Meiji Jingu Shrine, Top tourist attractions in Tokyo by Dick Thomas Johnson / Flickr If you wish to visit Japan, read more about these 15 Best Places to Visit in Japan ! Japan offers a unique and enchanting travel experience that combines tradition and modernity. From the bustling city of Tokyo with its cutting-edge technology and vibrant nightlife to the serene landscapes of Kyoto with its ancient temples and picturesque gardens, Japan offers a diverse range of attractions. Visitors can indulge in world-class cuisine, from sushi and ramen to traditional tea ceremonies. Japan’s rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, and warm hospitality create a captivating environment for travelers seeking a blend of timeless traditions and futuristic innovations. Whether you explore the iconic Mount Fuji, soak in a traditional onsen (hot spring), or witness the beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom, Japan promises an unforgettable journey filled with surprises and moments of sheer wonder.

17. Rome, Italy (10.3 million international visitors)

If you are interested in the history of civilization, you should visit Rome once in your life. While talking about Italy, you will get numerous places to visit. But, not going to the center of the Renaissance will be a great mistake.

Every corner of the city is full of historical evidence of the glorious past of a strong civilization which was one of the most important ruling powers of that time. What to visit in this city? Rather, you should ask whatnot. From the Colosseum to St. Basilica, and the Vatican City, you can cover it all when you are in Rome. During our last visit to Rome, we stayed at the camping site, which was not in the city center, though, but was set in wonderful gardens and served with great public transport system connections.

Rome, Italy, Most Visited Cities in the World by Julius Szabo

Top tourist attractions in Rome 1. Colosseum 2. Roman Forum 3. Trevi Fountain 4. Pantheon 5. Palatine Hill #gallery-17 { margin: auto; } #gallery-17 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-17 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-17 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Colosseum, Top tourist attractions in Rome by Kazuhisa Togo / Flickr Roman Forum, Top tourist attractions in Rome by lapping / Pixabay Trevi Fountain, Top tourist attractions in Rome by SungRae_Kim / Pixabay Pantheon, Top tourist attractions in Rome by waldomiguez / Pixabay Rome has much more to offer. Check this article about 35 of the Best Places to visit in Rome, including a map and wonderful pictures ! And if you are a fan of romantic Italian cities you should also go through The 35 Most Beautiful Cities in Italy and their Top Tourist Attractions ! Having one of the highest numbers of UNESCO sites in the world you should also see 55 UNESCO Sites in Italy . Or just find your best beach in Italy here: The 20 Best Italy Beaches and top tourist attractions around them !

18. Agra, India (10.1 million international visitors)

Agra is located about 200 km south of the Indian capital Delhi and has a population of half a million residents. The city was founded in the 16th century by a great mogul named Agbar, who conquered many states in northern India during his reign and made Agra the capital of his empire.

The city has several historic buildings that are among the foremost artistic monuments of Islamic architecture. The most beautiful architectural monument of Agra is the mausoleum of the Taj Mahal, which Shah Jahan had built for his wife.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Top tourist attractions in Agra 1. Taj Mahal mausoleum 2. Agra Fort 3. Itmad-ud-Daula mausoleum 4. Tomb of Akbar the Great 5. Chini Ka Roza mausoleum #gallery-18 { margin: auto; } #gallery-18 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-18 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-18 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Agra Fort, India by sarangib / pixabay Chini Ka Roza mausoleum, India by DEZALB / pixabay Tomb of Akbar the Great, India by DEZALB / pixabay Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah, India by Makalu / pixabay

19. Taipei, Taiwan (9.98 million international visitors)

Go to Taipei as this city is best to explore solo. And while exploring the city, you can also dig down yourself and get the answers to all your questions. Usually, this city is famous for its night markets and the lip-smacking street foods. This is a city of fusion culture.

While you will see the dominant characteristics of Chinese culture in this city, there are parts that have accepted the Japanese, American and Southeast Asian cultural influence. Another exciting thing about Taipei is that the majority of apartments here has no kitchens. Dining out is hugely popular as the foods are cheap, of good quality and tasty.

Taipei, Taiwan, Most Visited Cities in the World by ni19680 / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Taipei 1. Taipei 101 skyscraper 2. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial 3. Maokong Gondola 4. Longshan Temple 5. Shilin Night Market #gallery-19 { margin: auto; } #gallery-19 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-19 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-19 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Longshan Temple, Taipei by Connie / flickr.com Maokong Gondola, Taipei by Jan / flickr.com Shilin Night Market, Taipei by Allon Lim / flickr.com Taipei 101 skyscraper by shutterbean / pixabay Taiwan, an island nation in East Asia, offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and modern urban experiences. From the bustling night markets of Taipei to the serene landscapes of Taroko Gorge and Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan caters to diverse interests. Travelers can explore ancient temples, immerse themselves in traditional festivals, and savor the mouthwatering Taiwanese cuisine. The warm hospitality of its people, efficient transportation, and the unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous influences create a welcoming and fascinating environment for visitors to discover the charms of Taiwan.

21. Mecca, Saudi Arabia (9.8 million international visitors)

This is the holiest city for Muslims around the world. As it is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, this is the pilgrimage for every Muslim. Visiting Mecca once is the dream of them and they arrange money throughout their life for this. Usually, Mecca is not that much a welcoming city for the non-Muslims, but that doesn’t mean it is not beautiful.

The mosque is itself a work of art. The architecture is amazing that will definitely attract tourists. Each year, the number of visitors crosses millions in Mecca.

Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Most Visited Cities in the World by jakman1 / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Mecca 1. Grand Mosque (Haram) 2. Jabal-Al-Noor (Mountain of Light) 3. Al Kiswa Factory 4. Makkah Mall 5. Makka auction #gallery-21 { margin: auto; } #gallery-21 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-21 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-21 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Grand Mosque (Haram), Top tourist attractions in Mecca by Al Jazeera English / Flickr Jabal-Al-Noor (Mountain of Light), Top tourist attractions in Mecca by King Eliot / Wikimedia Commons Al Kiswa Factory, Top tourist attractions in Mecca by Abdullah_Shakoor / Pixabay Makkah Mall, Top tourist attractions in Mecca by StockSnap / Pixabay Saudi Arabia, a land of ancient history and modern wonders, offers a unique and enriching travel experience. Visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage of the country by visiting historical sites like Al-Ula and Diriyah, or immerse themselves in the spiritual significance of Mecca and Medina. With its vast desert landscapes, such as the Empty Quarter, travelers can embark on thrilling desert adventures. The country’s recent efforts to open up to tourism make it an exciting and less-explored destination, where visitors can witness the blending of tradition and progress in this fascinating Arabian kingdom.

22. Prague, Czech Republic (9.15 million international visitors)

For history buffs, this is another dream destination. The baroque and the gothic architecture of this city talk about rich history. Also, you should not forget to visit the astronomical clock of Prague . That is 600-year-old and as beautiful as it was at its beginning days.

Are you fond of beer? Prague is the city of Europe where you can get the best quality beer that will leave an unforgettable taste on your palate. Whether you visit the famous Prague Castle or roam around Old Town Square, the incredible architecture will surely blow your mind. Read more about the best places to visit in Prague !

Prague, Czech Republic, Most Visited Cities in the World by Julius

Top tourist attractions in Prague 1. Charles Bridge and bridge towers on both sides 2. Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral 3. Old Town Square and Orloj (Old Astronomical clock) 4. Jewish Quarter – cemetery, synagogues 5. Wenceslas Square #gallery-22 { margin: auto; } #gallery-22 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-22 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-22 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Jewish Quarter – cemetery, synagogues, Prague, Czech Republic Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague, Czech Republic Old Town Square and Orloj (Old Astronomical clock), Prague, Czech Republic Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic Find more Things to do in Prague in this article or explore Czech Republic in The best places to visit in the Czech Republic! The Czech Republic, nestled in the heart of Europe, is a captivating destination that beckons travelers with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. From the fairytale-like castles and medieval towns like Český Krumlov and Karlštejn to the charming city of Prague with its iconic Charles Bridge and Astronomical Clock, the country offers a treasure trove of historical landmarks. Visitors can indulge in delicious Czech cuisine, savor world-famous beers, and immerse themselves in the warm hospitality of the locals. The Czech Republic’s picturesque landscapes, diverse experiences, and accessible travel make it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and travelers seeking an authentic European experience.

23. Seoul, South Korea (9.1 million international visitors)

Seoul is one of the most highly fashionable and technological cities around the world. The deeply rooted culture and tradition, absolutely unique architecture, unique food culture, along with the dynamic visiting places, this city is always throbbing with life in the K-Pop beat.

Seoul will welcome you warmly, especially during the fall and the spring, which are definitely the best seasons for a visit. You can see it in its changing colour these times. While spring will bloom in cherry blossom pink and white, you can get a fiery red and orange during the fall.

Seoul, South Korea, Most Visited Cities in the World by Funki50 / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Seoul 1. Dongdaemun Market – a huge shopping district 2. Gyeongbokgung Palace 3. N Seoul Tower 4. Namdaemun Market 5. Seoul City Wall #gallery-23 { margin: auto; } #gallery-23 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-23 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-23 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Dongdaemun Market – a huge shopping district, Seoul, South Korea by Feline DaCat / Flickr Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea by Frank Schulenburg / Flickr N Seoul Tower, Seoul, South Korea by Wei-Te Wong / Flickr Seoul City Wall, South Korea by Kyle Magnuson / Flickr South Korea, a dynamic and modern country in East Asia, offers a unique and captivating travel experience. From the futuristic cityscapes of Seoul and the traditional palaces like Gyeongbokgung to the serene beauty of Jeju Island and the majestic Seoraksan National Park, South Korea boasts a diverse range of attractions. Visitors can indulge in delicious Korean cuisine, enjoy exciting K-pop and cultural performances, and immerse themselves in the country’s rich history and heritage. The warmth of its people, efficient public transportation, and a perfect blend of tradition and innovation make South Korea an enticing destination for travelers seeking a mix of urban excitement, natural wonders, and cultural immersion.

24. Guangzhou, China (9 million international visitors)

As this busy city is located between the South China Sea and Hong Kong, it has become one of the busiest business hubs in the country. But, that won’t desist tourists to enjoy the city in the full. If you are on a business trip, Guangzhou is the best place for that.

In between your busy office hours, you can take a walk through the leafy alleys while getting astonished by the soaring towers and skywalks. While here visit places like New Guangdong Museum, the temple of the six banyan trees, Yuexiu Park, Guangzhou Opera House and others.

Guangzhou, China, Most Visited Cities in the World by hellowwjj / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Guangzhou 1. Bright Filial Piety Temple 2. Shamian Island 3. Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family (Chen Clan Academy) 4. Yuexiu Park 5. Western Han Nanyue King’s Tomb Museum #gallery-24 { margin: auto; } #gallery-24 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-24 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-24 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Bright Filial Piety Temple, Guangzhou, China by China travellavvy / Wikimedia Commons Shamian Island, Guangzhou, China by Gavin Anderson / Flickr Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family (Chen Clan Academy), Guangzhou, China by Romain Pontida / Flickr Yuexiu Park, Guangzhou, China by Gavin Anderson / Flickr

25. Osaka, Japan (8.99 million international visitors)

Osaka has a population of 2.5 million. It is the industrial heart of Midwestern Japan, known for the straightforwardness and kindness of its inhabitants and great cuisine. At the end of World War II, Osaka was practically razed to the ground by American bombers, and only a handful of historical monuments have been preserved.

The modern city, full of concrete skyscrapers and overhead highways, nevertheless has its atmosphere and with the arrival of night it turns into a vibrant city that will enchant every visitor.

Osaka, Japan by Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA , CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Top tourist attractions in Osaka 1. Osaka Castle 2. Dotonbori 3. Universal Studios Japan 4. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan 5. Tsutenkaku #gallery-25 { margin: auto; } #gallery-25 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-25 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-25 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Osaka Castle, Japan by Manish Prabhune / Flickr Dotonbori, Osaka, Japan by . Ray in Manila / Flickr Universal Studios Japan, Osaka, Japan by Dick Thomas Johnson / Flickr Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Osaka, Japan by Christian Kadluba / Flickr

26. Medina, Saudi Arabia (8.8 million international visitors)

Medina is the capital of the Al-Madinah region of Saudi Arabia. In the heart of the city lies the mosque of al-Masjid an-Nabawi (“Mosque of the Prophet”), which is the burial place of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Medina is one of the three holiest cities in Islam, the other two are Mecca and Jerusalem.

As Suqya, Medina Saudi Arabia EROL AKBULUT , CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Top tourist attractions in Medina 1. Al Masjid an Nabawi mosque 2. Quba Mosque 3. Uhud Mountain 4. Al-Baqi’ cemetery 5. Masjid Al Qiblatayn mosque #gallery-26 { margin: auto; } #gallery-26 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-26 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-26 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Al Masjid an Nabawi mosque, Medina, Saudi Arabia by Shahid Ahmed Siddiqi / Flickr Quba Mosque, Medina, Saudi Arabia by beendiid C / Flickr Uhud Mountain, Medina, Saudi Arabia by beendiid C / Flickr Masjid Al Qiblatayn mosque, Medina, Saudi Arabia by Aiman titi / Wikimedia Commons

27. Amsterdam, Netherlands (8.8 million international visitors)

This can be a fairy tale city for many tourists. Enjoying the view, while boating in the golden canals, is amazing. The gabled houses, lush green parks, whirring bicycles, roadside cafes, exciting shopping centres – Amsterdam is an amazing combination of all.

Besides these, the quirky nightlife of the Dutch Capital always makes it exclusive than any other city in Europe. If you want a list of must-visits in Amsterdam, you should not miss the royal palace, Koninklijk Paleis, museums, like The Van Gogh Museum, 47-hectares Vondelpark and so on. This city is so beautiful that it will compel you to visit again.

Amsterdam, Netherlands, Most Visited Cities in the World by na4ev / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Amsterdam 1. Anne Frank House 2. Rijksmuseum 3. Van Gogh Museum 4. Vondelpark 5. Dam Square #gallery-27 { margin: auto; } #gallery-27 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-27 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-27 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, Netherlands by Michel Curi / Flickr Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands by Skitterphoto / Pixabay Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands by Kent Wang / Flickr Dam Square, Amsterdam, Netherlands by Christopher Lancaster / Flickr The Netherlands, with its iconic windmills, picturesque canals, and charming tulip fields, offers a picturesque and romantic travel experience. Visitors can explore the historic cities of Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Delft, with their rich architectural heritage and world-class museums. The Netherlands is known for its welcoming and open-minded culture, making it a great destination for art enthusiasts, cyclists, and those seeking a taste of Dutch cuisine and vibrant street life. Whether strolling along the canals, visiting tulip gardens, or admiring the masterpieces of Dutch painters like Rembrandt and Van Gogh, the Netherlands promises an unforgettable journey filled with cultural delights and timeless beauty.

28. Denpasar, Indonesia (8.58 million international visitors)

Denpasar , the capital of the island of Bali in Indonesia, offers several cultural and historical monuments and museums from both the period of Dutch colonization and recent years. Denpasar, as the center of it all, hosts many events and festivals, including the annual Grand Balinese Art Festival.

And of course, as everywhere else on this unique island, there are also beautiful Hindu temples and bowls with gifts to the gods in shrines or just scattered on the streets. During your stay in Bali, it is definitely worth spending a day in Denpasar.

Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia by trezy humanoiz from Denpasar, indonesia , CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Top tourist attractions in Denpasar 1. Seminyak 2. Tanah Lot rock formation 3. Sanur – a coastal stretch of beach 4. Bajra Sandhi Monument 5. Jalan Legian street #gallery-28 { margin: auto; } #gallery-28 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-28 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-28 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Seminyak, Denpasar, Indonesia by Kars Alfrink / Flickr Tanah Lot rock formation, Denpasar, Indonesia by Thomas Schlosser / Flickr Sanur – a coastal stretch of beach, Denpasar, Indonesia by wandemokkori / Pixabay Jalan Legian street, Denpasar, Indonesia by Hariadhi / Wikimedia Commons Indonesia, a vast and diverse archipelago, offers a captivating travel experience filled with natural wonders and cultural treasures. From the pristine beaches of Bali and Lombok to the lush rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, Indonesia’s stunning landscapes are a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, immerse themselves in traditional ceremonies and dances, and savor the delectable flavors of Indonesian cuisine. The warm hospitality of its people, the vibrant markets, and the unique blend of cultures and traditions make Indonesia an enticing destination that promises a journey of discovery and unforgettable memories.

29. Miami, Florida (8.3 million international visitors)

If you are willing to spend your vacation in a beach town, Miami will definitely be one of the greatest places in the world. This is really a handsome city to spend your holidays. The artworks of the buildings are worth to watch while the exotic beaches will cast spell on you.

And when you are in Miami, how can you avoid the blazing nightlife over there? Spending the sleepless night on the beach with your beau is itself a carnival of life. Also, you should visit places, like Fairchild Tropical Garden, Perez Art Museum, Bayfront Park and so on.

Miami, Florida, Most Visited Cities in the World by ASSY / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Miami 1. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens 2. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science 3. Lummus Park 4. Zoo Miami 5. Shark Valley Visitor Center #gallery-29 { margin: auto; } #gallery-29 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-29 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-29 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Miami, Florida by Averette / Wikimedia Commons Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miami, Florida by Phillip Pessar / Flickr Lummus Park, Miami, Florida by Smart Destinations / Flickr Zoo Miami, Florida by Eric Kilby / Flickr Florida is home to some of the best beaches to visit in the USA. Read more about them here: 15 of the Best beaches to visit in the USA . Florida, also known as the “Sunshine State,” offers a diverse and exciting travel experience. With its beautiful beaches, such as those in Miami, Clearwater, and Key West, Florida is a paradise for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the unique ecosystems of the Everglades National Park, witness the magic of Walt Disney World and other world-renowned theme parks in Orlando, and indulge in the vibrant nightlife of cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Florida’s warm climate, numerous outdoor activities, and a mix of cultural attractions make it an ideal destination for families, couples, and travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and entertainment.

30. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam (8.2 million international visitors)

Ho Chi Minh City , still known as Saigon (its former name) is a city that combines the old French colonial style, old pagodas, but also the skyscrapers of a modern city. The streets are always full of motorcycles and scooters.

Compared to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, Saigon is significantly further away. While Hanoi is more of a traditional Vietnam, Saigon is the embodiment of modern Vietnam, reflecting the country’s rapid economic growth.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam by Jim 陳 , CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Top tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City 1. Cu Chi Tunnel 2. Ben Thanh Market 3. Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon 4. War Remnants Museum 5. Bitexco Financial Tower #gallery-30 { margin: auto; } #gallery-30 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-30 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-30 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Cu Chi Tunnel, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam by Chris Sammis / Flickr Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam by Tuan86 / Pixabay Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam by Jorge Láscar / Flickr War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam by Tun Tun Win / Flickr Vietnam, with its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay and the vibrant lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An, Vietnam’s charm is captivating. Visitors can explore ancient temples and pagodas, taste the delicious street food, and immerse themselves in the country’s fascinating history and traditions. With its diverse experiences, from trekking in Sapa’s terraced rice fields to cruising the Mekong Delta, Vietnam promises a journey of discovery that leaves travelers with cherished memories of this enchanting Southeast Asian gem.

31. Chennai, India (7.9 million international visitors)

Chennai (formerly known as Madrás) is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It lies on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It is a modern bustling city, which is unpleasantly reminiscent of eternal smog.

The streets are constantly crowded with motorbikes and cars. However, it still offers a lot to tourists. The sightseeing tour of the city includes the fortress of st. Georgia, museum, Snake Park, temple, and Beach promenade.

Chennai, India bz SlowPhoton , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Top tourist attractions in Chennai 1. Marina Beach 2. Fort St. George 3. Government Museum Chennai 4. Guindy National Park 5. Santhome Cathedral Basilica #gallery-31 { margin: auto; } #gallery-31 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-31 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-31 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Fort St. George, Chennai, India by L.vivian.richard / Wikimedia Commons Government Museum Chennai, Chennai, India by L.vivian.richard / Wikimedia Commons Guindy National Park, Chennai, India by Vinoth Chandar / Flickr Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Chennai, India by Simon Chumkat / Wikimedia Commons

32. Shanghai, China (7.75 million international visitors)

China’s biggest city with 24 million residents also gets numerous visitors each year. While Shanghai is rich in its history and culture, this is also bubbling with modernization and glamour. The first thing that drags your attention in this city is the architecture.

Visit the Buddhist temples, the Jewish synagogues, and the Jesuit cathedrals; with mixed culture, these buildings will also give you ideas about different types of architectural influence. When you are in a new country, you definitely want to shop. Hop in the boutiques or the marketplaces to find authentic Chinese materials to gift your friends and family back in the country.

Shanghai, China, Most Visited Cities in the World by MemoryCatcher / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Shanghai 1. Yu Garden 2. The Bund 3. Oriental Pearl Tower 4. Shanghai Disney Resort 5. City God Temple of Shanghai #gallery-32 { margin: auto; } #gallery-32 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-32 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-32 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Yu Garden, Shanghai, China by puffin11k / Flickr Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai, China by snowminds / Pixabay Shanghai Disney Resort, China by Xiquinho Silva / Flickr City God Temple of Shanghai, China by Cory Doctorow / Flickr

33. Los Angeles, USA (7.73 million international visitors)

Los Angeles , the city of angels and the city of gleaming luxury, the Mecca of the American film industry. Crowds of famous Americans are heading here, who believe that their dreams of a film career will come true here.

The beach in Santa Monica is still the same as when Pamela and Mitch raced along it… The beaches in L.A. are some of the best in all of California, and from May to September they are also packed with tourists. The most famous and popular beaches are Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach.

Los Angeles, USA by Alek Leckszas / wikipedia

Top tourist attractions in Los Angeles 1. Disneyland Park 2. Universal Studios Hollywood 3. Hollywood Sign 4. Santa Monica Pier 5. Griffith Observatory #gallery-33 { margin: auto; } #gallery-33 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-33 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-33 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Disneyland Park, Los Angeles, USA by Boris Dzhingarov / Flickr Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA by Ana Paula Hirama / Flickr Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles, USA by 12019 / Pixabay Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles, USA by nextvoyage / Pixabay

34. Jaipur, India (7.56 million international visitors)

Jaipur is the capital of royal Rajasthan and at the same time one of the most beautiful Indian cities. The city is famous for its pink stone buildings.

You should definitely visit the Sultan’s pink stone Hawa Mahal harem, meet the largest astronomical gadgets in the giant Jantar Mantar observatory, head out to the mighty Amber Castle towering over the city and get lost in the alleys of the huge bazaar.

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Maneesh Verma , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Top tourist attractions in Jaipur 1. Amber Palace 2. Hawa Mahal 3. City Palace, Jaipur 4. Jal Mahal 5. Nahargarh Fort #gallery-34 { margin: auto; } #gallery-34 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-34 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-34 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Amber Palace, Jaipur, India byGlavo / Pixabay Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, India by RichardMc / Pixabay City Palace, Jaipur, India by travelwayoflife / Flickr Jal Mahal, Jaipur, India by Brian Walter / Flickr

35. Johor Bahru, Malaysia (7.2 million international visitors)

Johor Bahru is the capital of the Malaysian state of Johor, which lies in the south of the Malaysian Peninsula and is directly adjacent to Singapore.

Johor Bahru, also known as JB, is Malaysia’s second-largest city and also a tourist destination with world hotels, modern shopping malls, restaurants, and theme parks. It is the southern gateway to Malaysia and has become a popular shopping and entertainment destination for visitors from Singapore. The city is not very rich in cultural monuments, but those that are here are definitely worth seeing.

Johor Bahru legoland by omeng / pixabay

Top tourist attractions in Johor Bahru 1. LEGOLAND Malaysia 2. Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque 3. Sanrio Hello Kitty Town 4. Johor Zoo 5. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple #gallery-35 { margin: auto; } #gallery-35 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-35 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-35 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Johor Bahru, Malaysia by hassangill / Pixabay Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, Johor Bahru, Malaysia by Tomohiro Ohtake / Flickr Zoo, Johor Bahru, Malaysia by Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effend / Flickr Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, Johor Bahru, Malaysia bymike / Flickr

36. Barcelona, Spain (7.0 million international visitors)

To experience Barcelona the most, you can discover the city on foot. Take your backpack and a map and start strolling. If you are alone, exploring the city will be more exciting. The modernized architecture, especially the work of Antony Gaudi is really a must-visit for tourists.

Along with that, you should also visit Casa Amatller and Palau de la Musica Catalana. For live music concerts, Barcelona is highly popular among the tourists and the locals. Check out the programs at The Gran Teatre del Liceu, which will make you spellbound with its golden decoration, plush red carpet, and ornate carvings.

Barcelona, Spain, Most Visited Cities in the World by Patrice_Audet / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Barcelona 1. Sagrada Família 2. Park Güell 3. La Rambla 4. Casa Milà 5. Gothic Quarter #gallery-36 { margin: auto; } #gallery-36 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-36 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-36 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain by ChiralJon / Flickr La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain by Vito Manzari / Flickr Casa Milà, Barcelona, Spain by L’amande / Flickr Gothic Quarter, Barcelona, Spain by Naval S / Flickr Barcelona is not the only city in Spain that worth visiting. Read more about Cities in Spain – 25 of the Best Cities and Towns to visit in Spain and their Must-Visit Attractions! Spain, a country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, offers an enticing travel experience. From the iconic architecture of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona to the ancient Alhambra palace in Granada and the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol, Spain boasts a diverse range of attractions. Visitors can indulge in delectable Spanish cuisine, from tapas and paella to fine wines and sangria. The country’s lively festivals, such as La Tomatina and Running of the Bulls, and its warm and welcoming people make Spain a lively and inviting destination for travelers seeking a blend of art, history, and sun-soaked relaxation.

37. Cairo, Egypt (6.8 million international visitors)

Cairo , also known as the ‘mother of the world’ is harsh, attacking all the senses. More than sixteen million Egyptians, Arabs, and Africans live in a chaotic, noisy, polluted, and unpredictable city. Houses of Nile mud can be seen aside from modern office buildings.

It is an important spiritual and cultural center of the Arab and Islamic world. The most interesting monuments of the city include the Egyptian Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Cairo Tower, Ramzes II Obelisk, Botanical Garden, ZOO, Al Akmar Mosque from the 12th century, Museum of Islamic Art, Muhammad Ali Mosque.

Cairo, Egypt / Image by shady shaker from Pixabay

Top tourist attractions in Cairo 1. Giza Necropolis / Giza Pyramid Complex 2. The Egyptian Museum 3. Khan el-Khalili famous bazaar 4. Mosque of Muhammad Ali 5. Salah Al-Din Al-Ayoubi Castle #gallery-37 { margin: auto; } #gallery-37 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-37 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-37 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Giza Necropolis, Giza Pyramid Complex, Cairo, Egypt by TheDigitalArtist / Pixabay The Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt by Jorge Láscar / Flickr Khan el-Khalili famous bazaar, Cairo, Egypt by Heba otefy / Wikimedia Commons Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Cairo, Egypt by zolakoma / Flickr Egypt, with its awe-inspiring ancient history, iconic landmarks, and unique cultural experiences, offers a mesmerizing travel adventure. Visitors can explore the magnificent pyramids of Giza, marvel at the Sphinx, and discover the temples of Luxor and Karnak, all remnants of an ancient civilization that continues to captivate the world. The tranquil waters of the Nile River provide a serene setting for a relaxing cruise, while the vibrant bazaars and bustling streets of Cairo offer a taste of modern Egyptian life. Whether you seek archaeological wonders, desert excursions, or a chance to immerse yourself in a rich and fascinating culture, Egypt promises an unforgettable journey that delves into the mysteries of the past and celebrates the allure of the present.

38. Las Vegas, USA (6.6 million international visitors)

You are welcome to ‘Sin City’. This is the city of the carnival. If you have any weird dream, it’s only in Las Vegas where your weirdest dream can come true. This is the city that never sleeps. Whether you are in the plush casinos, or in the nightclubs, the night will get younger as time goes by.

You have to keep up the pace with the lively life of this city. But, when you are here, you need to follow certain rules too. Like, there are norms you have to follow in casinos and clubs. Know these well to play safely in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas, USA, Most Visited Cities in the World by Pexels / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Las Vegas 1. Las Vegas Strip 2. Bellagio Hotel and Casino 3. MGM Grand casino resort 4. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 5. Luxor Hotel & Casino #gallery-38 { margin: auto; } #gallery-38 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-38 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-38 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, USA by ryanlindie / Pixabay MGM Grand casino resort, Las Vegas, USA by Mike McBey / Flickr Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas, USA by Bureau of Land Managem / Flickr Luxor Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, USA by Steve Parker / Flickr

39. Milan, Italy (6.6 million international visitors)

If you are a fashionista and always look for what is trendy, visit Milan especially when the fashion weeks are celebrated there. You will get to see the best fashion in the world. To memorize your visit, you can also delve deep into the city more.

This is the fast-growing metropolis where looking good is a must and you should always be in etiquette. Visit the luxurious spas, hotels, restaurants, and galleries and fill your memory book with the best memories you can gather. Italian cuisine needs to be mentioned especially while talking about the city. You can have authentic Italian dishes along with the twist of Milanese cuisine.

Milan, Italy, Most Visited Cities in the World by dimitrisvetsikas1969 / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Milan 1. Milan Cathedral 2. Sforza Castle 3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II 4. The Fashion District – Quadrilatero della Moda 5. Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore #gallery-39 { margin: auto; } #gallery-39 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-39 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-39 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Sforza Castle, Milan, Italy by dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy by dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay The Fashion District – Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan, Italy by Daniel Case / Wikimedia Commons Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, Milan, Italy by Zairon / Wikimedia Commons

40. Vienna, Austria (6.6 million international visitors)

Vienna is the city of parks, palaces and obviously of sausages. The Austrian capital is famous for the very high quality of life and while you visit the city as a tourist you can understand that easily. The imperial palaces and the baroque streetscapes will mesmerize you on the go.

You can take any ride to roam around the city, but what you experience by riding on a bicycle is really exclusive. There are countless kilometers of cycling paths in Vienna and around that will help you to have a great experience of sightseeing. Rent one and have a tour through the city on the Danube.

Vienna, Austria, Most Visited Cities in the World by tookapic / pixabay.com

Top tourist attractions in Vienna 1. Schönbrunn Palace 2. Hofburg 3. Belvedere 4. St. Stephen’s Cathedral 5. Vienna State Opera #gallery-40 { margin: auto; } #gallery-40 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-40 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-40 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria by Franzpix / Pixabay Hofburg, Vienna, Austria by lapping / Pixabay Belvedere, Vienna, Austria by Jorge Franganillo / Flickr St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria by Rudiflorido / Pixabay These 25 Best Places to Visit in Vienna will get you! Austria, a country of stunning Alpine landscapes, captivating cities, and rich cultural heritage, offers an enchanting travel experience. Visitors can explore the imperial elegance of Vienna, the charming historic towns of Salzburg and Innsbruck, and the fairy-tale castles and palaces scattered throughout the countryside. Austria’s musical heritage, with the likes of Mozart and Strauss, provides a delightful backdrop for classical concerts and performances. Nature lovers can revel in the picturesque beauty of the Austrian Alps, with opportunities for skiing, hiking, and enjoying pristine lakes like Hallstatt. With its warm hospitality, delectable cuisine, and a perfect blend of history, art, and natural splendor, Austria beckons travelers to discover its timeless charm and create cherished memories.

41. Athens, Greece (6.3 million international visitors)

Travellers visit Athens mainly for the largest concentration of ancient monuments in Europe. Within the historic center, you will find the remains of ancient Greece literally on every corner.

The beaches, mostly sandy, stretch practically along the entire Athenian coast from the port of Pierus to the very south to Glyfada.

Athens, Greece / Image by Christo Anestev from Pixabay

Top tourist attractions in Athens 1. Acropolis of Athens 2. Parthenon 3. Temple of Olympian Zeus 4. Ancient Agora of Athens 5. Old Temple of Athena #gallery-41 { margin: auto; } #gallery-41 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-41 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-41 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Acropolis of Athens, Greece by nimrodins / Pixabay Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens, Greece by Carole Raddato / Flickr Ancient Agora of Athens, Greece by Herbert Frank / Flickr Old Temple of Athena, Greece by Sanshiro KUBOTA / Flickr In Greece, there are numerous must-visit destinations that offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the iconic Acropolis and its ancient ruins in Athens, marvel at the stunning sunsets in Santorini, and relax on the pristine beaches of Mykonos. Discover the ancient city of Delphi, visit the historic sites of Olympia and Epidaurus, and explore the monasteries of Meteora perched atop towering rock formations. Don’t miss the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, the picturesque landscapes of Crete, and the turquoise waters of Zakynthos. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a beach lover, or an adventurer seeking breathtaking views, Greece has something to offer every traveler.

42. Ha Long, Vietnam (6.25 million international visitors)

Ha Long is well known to be among the seven wonders of the world. You have certainly seen fantastic rocks rising from the sea. The area is huge, most of it still has original life, it is full of fishermen and floating villages.

The city of Ha Long has two parts. Hon Gai is an old town with a market and the other is purely touristy, Bai Chay.

Ha Long, Vietnam / Image by Thinh La from Pixabay

Top tourist attractions in Ha Long 1. Tuan Chau Island 2. Bai Tu Long Bay 3. Sun World Halong Complex 4. Ha Long Queen Cable Car 5. Bãi Cháy Bridge #gallery-42 { margin: auto; } #gallery-42 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-42 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-42 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Tuan Chau Island, Ha Long, Vietnam by Tri Vu Dao / Flickr Bai Tu Long Bay, Ha Long, Vietnam by Tracey Hind / Flickr Ha Long Queen Cable Car, Ha Long, Vietnam by Nový / Wikimedia Commons Bãi Cháy Bridge, Ha Long, Vietnam by Tung Son Nguyen / Flickr In Vietnam, there are numerous captivating destinations to explore. Start with the bustling streets of Hanoi, where you can visit the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and the historic Temple of Literature. Cruise through the stunning limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient town of Hoi An, known for its charming lantern-lit streets and rich history. Head to the imperial city of Hue to discover its ancient citadel and royal tombs. Don’t miss the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City, where you can visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Finally, immerse yourself in the lush landscapes and terraced rice fields of Sapa, and relax on the beautiful beaches of Phu Quoc or Nha Trang. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, natural wonders, or vibrant city life, Vietnam offers an array of unforgettable adventures for every traveler.

43. Berlin, Germany (6.19 million international visitors)

Berlin is one of Europe’s icons, whether we are talking about history, fashion or culture. German precision is reflected here in both older and modern architecture, it is never far from shopping, art, or sports. In Berlin, you will have plenty of everything you can think of.

In contrast to Paris or Rome, Berlin is poor in stunning monuments and romantic nooks. Nevertheless, it attracts crowds of tourists, to whom it offers a heritage of dramatic history and a unique atmosphere of a multicultural mix.

Berlin, Germany

Top tourist attractions in Berlin 1. Brandenburg Gate 2. Reichstag Building 3. Berlin Wall Memorial 4. Museum Island 5. Berliner Fernsehturm television tower #gallery-43 { margin: auto; } #gallery-43 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-43 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-43 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Berlin Wall Memorial, Germany by Roland Tanglao / flickr Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany by Giuseppe Milo / flickr Museum Island, Berlin, Germany Reichstag Building, Berlin, Germany Read more about Berlin attractions here: 25 Best Places to Visit in Berlin with pictures and map ! Or explore more beautiful cities in Germany you should visit !

44. Cancun, Mexico (6.15 million international visitors)

Cancun is a Mexican party city with amazing beaches along the Caribbean Sea. Most tourists heading to the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula arrive in Cancún, so it is one of the most expensive and most tourist-oriented cities on the peninsula.

Although Cancún is best known for its beaches, it offers much more. Let’s take a look at the five most interesting things you can see and experience in Cancun.

Cancun, Mexico

Top tourist attractions in Cancun 1. Cancún Underwater Museum 2. Playa Norte beach 3. Xcaret Park theme park 4. El Meco Archaeological Site 5. Ventura Park Cancun #gallery-44 { margin: auto; } #gallery-44 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-44 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-44 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ El Meco Archaeological Site, Cancun, Mexico Xcaret Park theme park, Cancun, Mexico by Mariamichelle / pixabay Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres Mexico by Cancun Underwater Museum, Mexico by 2il org / flickr Cancun is nice, but Mexico has a lot more to offer! Read about these 15 Top Cities to visit in Mexico and their top tourist attractions ! In Mexico, there are numerous captivating destinations that offer a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Start with the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan, where you can explore impressive pyramids and archaeological sites. Discover the colorful colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere of cities like Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Guanajuato. Relax on the stunning beaches of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum along the Riviera Maya. Don’t miss the picturesque landscapes of Copper Canyon, and explore the historic city of Merida in the Yucatan Peninsula. Finally, immerse yourself in the rich traditions and flavors of Mexican cuisine, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Mexican people. Mexico’s diverse attractions offer a wide range of experiences for every traveler, making it an unforgettable destination to explore.

45. Moscow, Russia (5.9 million international visitors)

With its 13 million inhabitants, the capital of Russia is also the largest city in the whole of Europe. It is home to many world cultural institutions, universities and has become a major shopping center.

Many people return from Moscow with the feeling that they will never go to it again in their lives, many people will fall in love with the city at first sight. Moscow is controversial, but at the same time it hides an inexhaustible amount of sights and entertainment.

Moscow, Russia / Image by Michael Siebert from Pixabay

Top tourist attractions in Moscow 1. The Moscow Kremlin 2. Red Square 3. St. Basil’s Cathedral 4. Bolshoi Theatre 5. Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure #gallery-45 { margin: auto; } #gallery-45 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-45 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-45 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Russia St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia / Photo : Anton Zelenov Red Square, Moscow, Russia Moscow Kremlin, Russia by Start with Moscow, where you can visit the impressive Red Square, the magnificent Kremlin, and the world-famous St. Basil’s Cathedral. Explore the cultural capital, St. Petersburg, with its grand Hermitage Museum, majestic Winter Palace, and beautiful canals. Discover the historic city of Kazan, home to the stunning Kazan Kremlin and a unique blend of Russian and Tatar cultures. Head to the picturesque city of Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, where you can experience the Trans-Siberian Railway and the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Baikal. Whether you’re fascinated by history, art, or natural beauty, Russia offers a wealth of diverse experiences to captivate every traveler.

46. Orlando, USA (5.7 million international visitors)

Orlando is the fifth-largest city in Florida and is situated about an hour’s drive from the Atlantic Coast. For many tourists, Orlando is best known for its big theme parks – Disney World, Universal Studios, and Seaworld – and several smaller parks.

The approximately 50 million tourists who visit these parks each year have made sleepy Orlando an informal capital of entertainment.

Orlando, USA / Image by Adam Evertsson from Pixabay

Top tourist attractions in Orlando 1. Walt Disney World® Resort 2. Universal Orlando Resort 3. SeaWorld Orlando 4. Discovery Cove 5. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – one hour drive from Orlando #gallery-46 { margin: auto; } #gallery-46 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-46 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-46 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Grand Reef at Discovery Cove, SeaWorld Orlando, USA by Inside the Magic / flickr Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Orlando, USA by Chris Devers / flickr Seaworld in Orlando, Florida, USA by Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) / wikipedia Universal Orlando Resort, USA by Lee / flickr You could also check Best Places to Visit in USA and their best tourist attractions !

47. Madrid, Spain (5.6 million international visitors)

Madrid is a spectacular cosmopolitan city, perfectly clean, tidy, outcast. It attracts tourists to some of the most important art collections in Europe, but also to the renovated historic district and amazing palaces headed by the Royal Palace.

Madrid is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Spain, the capital and largest city of the country, and it is also the highest capital of the European Union.

Madrid, Spain by javier alamo from Pixabay

Top tourist attractions in Madrid 1. Plaza Mayor 2. Museo Nacional del Prado 3. Royal Palace of Madrid 4. El Retiro Park 5. Gran Vía #gallery-47 { margin: auto; } #gallery-47 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-47 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-47 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ El Retiro Park, Madrid, Spain by Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, Spain by Madrid is the most visited city in Spain, but there are more cities in Spain worth a visit! Check this amazing list of 25 of the Best Cities and Towns to visit in Spain and their Must-Visit Attractions !

48. Venice, Italy (5.59 million international visitors)

Who wouldn’t know Italian Venice ! A popular destination for millions of tourists from around the world. The city attracts visitors for its unique romantic atmosphere, historical monuments, gondolas, the seaside climate but also great food.

Venice has a population of about 260,000 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its cultural richness and unique architectural side, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it is no coincidence that it is one of the three most visited Italian cities (the others are Rome and Milan).

Venice, Italy

Top tourist attractions in Venice 1. Saint Mark’s Basilica 2. St. Mark’s Square 3. Doge’s Palace 4. Rialto Bridge 5. Grand Canal #gallery-48 { margin: auto; } #gallery-48 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-48 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-48 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ St. Mark’s Square, Venice, Italy Grand Canal, Venice, Italy Find out more about UNESCO sights in Italy here: 55 UNESCO Sites in Italy with photos and map ! Italy, a treasure trove of history, art, and natural beauty, boasts an array of must-visit destinations. Start with Rome, the eternal city, where you can explore ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Discover the enchanting canals and historic palaces of Venice, and immerse yourself in the art and culture of Florence, home to renowned museums like the Uffizi Gallery. Experience the romance of Verona, known for its Shakespearean connection and stunning architecture. Head to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and charming coastal towns. Finally, don’t miss the iconic ruins of Pompeii and the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany and the Italian Lakes. With its diverse attractions and timeless allure, Italy offers an unforgettable journey filled with cultural treasures and memorable experiences.

49. Dublin, Ireland (5.46 million international visitors)

The capital of Ireland has undergone significant change over the last ten years due to a remarkable economic boom. Today it is one of the most visited European destinations, it is a vibrant city with a tangible atmosphere.

Prosperity gives the city a confident shine. What remains is the spirit of its people, confirming that, despite the changes, Dublin has maintained a reputation as one of the most humble, friendly and accessible places.

Dublin, Ireland by Ronan Darby from Pixabay

Top tourist attractions in Dublin 1. Guinness Storehouse 2. Dublin Castle 3. Phoenix Park 4. Kilmainham Gaol Prison 5. St. Stephen’s Green public park #gallery-49 { margin: auto; } #gallery-49 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-49 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-49 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland by William Murphy / flickr.com Dublin Castle, Ireland by Guinness Storehouse Brewery Dublin, Ireland by Kilmainham Gaol Prison, Dublin, Ireland by Dublin is among 15 of the best places to visit in Ireland ! Dublin, the lively capital city, where you can visit historic landmarks like Trinity College and Dublin Castle. Explore the stunning Cliffs of Moher, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Discover the rich history of the medieval city of Kilkenny, with its impressive castle and cathedrals. Head to the magical Ring of Kerry, a scenic driving route that showcases Ireland’s natural beauty. Finally, don’t miss the fascinating Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, known for its unique hexagonal rock formations. Whether you’re exploring historic cities, admiring natural wonders, or delving into Irish folklore, Ireland offers a wealth of diverse experiences to captivate every traveler.

50. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (5.45 million international visitors)

Masmak Fortress is one of the most popular tourist attractions and is also the historical landmark of the city of Riyadh . Salaam Park Riyadh is one of the few natural elements in the city.

National Museum of Saudi Arabia which is also located in the city is the most visited museum in Saudi Arabia and also one of the largest museums in the Middle East.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by apriltan18 from Pixabay

Top tourist attractions in Riyadh 1. Kingdom Centre – 99-story, 302.3 m skyscraper 2. Masmak Fortress 3. King Abdulaziz Historical Center (National Museum) 4. King Abdullah Park 5. Wadi Hanifah #gallery-50 { margin: auto; } #gallery-50 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-50 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-50 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Lake at Wadi Hanifah by Masmak Fortress, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by

So, here you get to know about the most visited cities in the world. Each one of them is unique and has an exclusive scent, taste, culture, history, and tradition. I used Euromonitor International statistics and their numbers of visitors per each city.

While some cities are glorious with their past, there are other cities that are booming faster to be the greatest metropolis in the world. While some show you better sunrise, the other ones have exotic nightlife. Therefore, if you are planning the vacation, you can randomly pick a place and set on. If you are still looking for more holiday ideas, check our article about Most visited countries in the world!

Julius Szabo

Since 2010 I have created a lot of travel-inspiring websites, have written countless travel articles and made a hundred thousand pictures and videos. Govisity.com is the newest one, my other way to conquer the world! :)

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Lmao 6.6 million visitors for Vegas is a joke . There’s certain weekends where there’s 100k+ people here so how’s your math adding up ??

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Most Visited Countries 2024

European countries, often rich in history, culture, beautiful beaches, and ocean views, attract the highest number of tourists.

France, leading in tourism for over 30 years, offers attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland Paris, drawing 38 million tourists to Paris alone in 2019.

Global travel and tourism, an $8.9 trillion industry in 2019, suffered a loss of $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Global travel and tourism was an $8.9 trillion (US$) business in 2019 . Moreover, though the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced that number to roughly a quarter of its previous value, all signs point to tourism continuing to grow, expand, and evolve. Every country on Earth has something to offer international visitors, from the pyramids in Egypt to the rainforests of Brazil or the sidewalk cafes of Paris —but which countries attract the most visitors of all? Most of the countries with the highest tourism rates are located in Europe , whose rich history, architecture, and cultural influence make it an appealing destination for many travelers. Countries positioned on or near a body of water are also very popular, particularly those that offer a relaxed, low-key atmosphere mixed with beautiful beaches and ocean views.

Top 10 Countries Most Popular with Tourists (by number of 2019 visitor arrivals)

The most popular tourist destination in the world for more than 30 years, France offers a myriad of attractions: the Eiffel tower, countless world-class restaurants, the Musée du Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Notre-Dame cathedral, the beaches of the Côte d'Azur, and of course, Disneyland Paris. Moreover, the lushly beautiful countryside is full of storybook villages, mountains, vineyards, and the occasional castle. One can even view prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux. Paris, France's capital, is the most visited city in Europe, receiving 38 million tourists in 2019.

Spain is another tourist destination overflowing with interesting attractions. Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia cathedral and other works in Barcelona , the Guggenheim museum, the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, Europe's largest aquarium (the lily-shaped L'Oceanogràfic), the beaches of Gran Canaria, and La Rambla in Barcelona. Spain is also home to El Teide, an ancient—but not entirely dormant—volcano, which visitors can hike around at the Parque Nacional del Teide on the Spanish island Tenerife.

England's capital city, London , attracts visitors with a wide range of sights including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum, which includes the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo . Beyond London, England offers the mysterious Stonehenge, the Beatles' birthplace in Liverpool , the quaint beauty of the Cotswolds, the sci-fi botanical gardens of the Eden Project, and more. Speaking of more, the UK also includes three additional subdivisions. First is Scotland, with the charming city of Edinburgh , moody Loch Ness and Inverness , the scenic highlands, and the historic St. Andrews golf course. Next comes charming Wales and its castles, scenery, and capital city of Cardiff . Finally, Northern Ireland boasts attractions including Belfast 's bubbling nightlife, the glens and coastline of Antrim, and one of Europe's most compelling natural wonders: the Giant's Causeway.

The Mediterranean nation Turkey balances captivating man-made attractions such as Hagia Sophia mosque and Topkapı Palace with archaeological wonders such as the Biblical city of Ephesus, the fairy city of Cappadocia, and the desolate fallen splendor of Mount Nemrut. It also has more than its share of natural wonders, including the famous beaches at Ölüdeniz and Patara, the mineral pools at Pamukkale, and the Mediterranean coastline itself.

The South Asian country of Thailand is also known as the "Land of Smiles", and offers both modern comforts and wild adventure. Thailand's capital, Bangkok , receives over 20 million visitors every year. Popular attractions include the Grand Palace in Bangkok; beaches including Railay, Long, and Monkey beach; the ancient city Ayutthaya and ornate Buddhist wat Coi Suthep, and national parks including Khao Yai (where wild elephants roam) and the otherworldly Khao Sok.

The impact of COVID-19 on travel and tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21 had a devastating effect on the travel and tourism industry. According to a report released by the World Travel & Tourism Council , the pandemic cost the industry an estimated US$ 4.5 trillion in 2020, which resulted in the loss of 62 million tourism-dependent jobs. Data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization backs this up. Consider the following table:

International tourist arrivals (in thousands of visitors):

Compared to 2019, tourism dropped by approximately 74% in 2020, with a total of a billion fewer travelers over the course of the year--making 2020 the worst year on record for tourism. The UNTWO's own estimates registered a loss of US$ 1.3 trillion in lost revenues and 100-120 million jobs either lost or at risk.

The impact has been particularly damaging in countries that rely heavily upon tourism as part of their GDP. Lost tourism in Macau , one of China 's special administrative regions, led to a 79.3% drop in year-on-year gambling revenues , which caused overall GDP for 2020 to fall 43.1% compared to the previous year.

While tourism has picked up slightly in 2021, they still fall far short of the pre-pandemic numbers. Late 2020 projections were hopeful that the industry would be back on track by late 2021, but the ongoing nature of the pandemic has thwarted that optimism. As of late 2021, most estimates do not expect the industry to rebound to 2019 (pre-COVID) levels until sometime in 2023 at the earliest.

• Visitor totals are displayed in 1000s. For example, South Africa 's displayed total of 3886.6 equals 3,886,600 visitors.

What are the top 5 most visited countries?

Frequently asked questions.

• UNWTO Tourism Data Dashboard - United Nations World Tourism Organization
• World Tourism Barometer - United Nations World Tourism Organization
• Trending in Travel - World Travel & Tourism Council
• Economic Impact Reports - World Travel & Tourism Council

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World's most visited cities.

World's Most Visited Cities

Over the past several years, leisure travelers have suffered a widespread spike in travel-related expenses like airfare, checked baggage fees and hotel rates. However, the World Tourism Organization (UNTWO) reports that a whopping 940 million travelers went on vacation in 2010. This goes to show that, when it comes to traveling with touristic intentions, nothing is holding us back!

But where is everybody going? In its annual round-up of international tourism data, UNTWO cites France the most-visited country based on the number of international tourist arrivals in 2010. The U.S. clocks in as the second most-visited country, while China places third with about 55.7 million travelers coming through customs.

When it comes to specific cities, however, many big names like Rome and San Francisco are taking a back seat to up-and-coming tourism destinations. To learn more about where the travel spotlight is shining, check out our list of the most-visited cities (based on the UNTWO's 2010 data on international arrivals). Who knows? Maybe you'll be inspired.

[See a photo recap of the World's Most Visited Cities ]

Istanbul comes in 10th on our list of the most popular tourist destinations after welcoming 6.9 million international visitors in 2010, according to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism . It's easy to see why this city attracts so many out-of-towners: Istanbul exudes an exotic aura, complete with aromatic foods, bustling marketplaces and stunning architecture. Religious sites like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque attract visitors in droves, while an afternoon spent haggling at the Grand Bazaar is just one of the many ways to experience Istanbul's rich culture firsthand.

Avoid the Crowds: You'll find the city relatively tourist free between September and November. By traveling in these months, you'll also avoid fairly high room rates and steamy July temperatures.

Thailand's bustling capital welcomed 7.2 million international visitors in 2010, according to the Thai Tourism Board . Whether travelers are in search of a big city experience or a taste of authentic Thai culture, a trip to Bangkok promises a variety of sà-nùk (fun). The city caters to what Lonely Planet calls "unapologetic consumerism and multi-flavored hedonism." But Thai traditions thrive amidst the towering shopping centers and dizzying nightclubs; vendors sell aromatic bowls of rice, veggies and even edible insects from boats along the city's canals, while a reclining Buddha watches over faithful denizens from the Wat Pho temple.

Avoid the Crowds: Most travelers choose to visit Bangkok between November and April to avoid the hot and humid weather of July and August. But you'll find comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds and lower room rates in September and October.

Like a luminary attracting moths, Dubai lures visitors thanks to its glamorous environment. Shimmering skyscrapers tower over the warm Persian Gulf, housing glamorous hotels, high-end shopping venues and gourmet restaurants. The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing reports that this UAE city welcomed 8.3 million international visitors in 2010, beating regional heavyweights like Cairo and Tel Aviv to earn the number-eight spot in this popularity contest. While the high-end lifestyle is certainly a draw, Dubai also offers a taste of contemporary Arab culture, with flourishing marketplaces and smoky sheesha cafés.

Avoid the Crowds: Like Bangkok, Dubai's subtropical climate makes the summertime unbearably hot. The city sees a spike in tourism between November and April. Visit in May or September to avoid the crowds and the unfavorable weather.

The World Tourism Organization reports that between 2009 and 2010, China saw a 9.4 percent increase in international tourism. And according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board , 8.4 million people visited Hong Kong in 2010 alone. This city-state has grown from a modest British Colony into a thriving metropolis that rivals bigwigs like New York City and Los Angeles . Upon first glance, Hong Kong can seem overwhelming: Neon signs illuminate narrow sidewalks, while street vendors' and businessmen's constant chatter offer the perfect soundtrack for a city always on the go. But once the culture shock settles, visitors will discover a vibrant city suspended between the desire to grow and the determination to stick to tradition.

Avoid the Crowds: Hong Kong is almost always crowded. But you can sidestep some hordes of tourists by visiting in March or September. These two months fall between the city's multiple high seasons, and the weather is pleasant.

Gone are Kuala Lumpur's days as a humble shanty town for tin-miners. Malaysia's then-modest capital is now a living tribute to the country's resourcefulness and determination to stand with other Eastern city. And the effort has paid off: Tourism Malaysia reports the city welcomed 8.9 million foreign visitors in 2010. Like the rest of the Far East, Kuala Lumpur showcases a balance between the old and the new. On the one hand, it boasts some of the tallest skyscrapers in Southeast Asia; on the other, historic sites like the Jamek Mosque offer insight into Malaysian heritage.

Avoid the Crowds: The largest influx of tourism -- along with a spike in hotel rates -- occurs from November to March and from June to September. For pleasant weather, fewer crowds and lower rates, you should consider visiting in April, May or November.

This city-state -- located on an island at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula -- is like other megalopolises thanks to massive skyscrapers and a variety of shopping and dining. But don't shrug it off as a "been there, seen that" type vacation; Singapore's stunning architecture, food and traditions are influenced by East Asia, India and the countries of the Western Hemisphere. According to the World Tourism Organization , 2010 saw 9.2 million international visitors indulging in the Lion City's mouthwatering cuisine, splurging in tony shopping areas and relishing its top-notch entertainment. Tourists also come to mingle with the wildlife; Singapore Island's leafy forests echo with the excited chatter of monkeys.

Avoid the Crowds: So close to the equator, Singapore's climate is hot, hot, hot. Most visitors plan their trips between November and April when the weather is cooler, but you can find agreeable temps and cheaper rates if you visit in May or October.

Antalya, the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, has trumped Istanbul as the country's most popular destination. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism , Antalya tied with Singapore City, welcoming 9.2 million international visitors in 2010. So what's the draw? For one thing, Antalya offers tourists a break from the hustle and bustle of a metropolis: Traditional Turkish culture thrives here, not urbanization. And this Mediterranean city's perch on the Gulf of Antalya also appeals to sun-seekers, as it has for centuries. History-buffs visit Antalya to revel in the Ancient Roman ruins, many of which were constructed for sun-worship.

Avoid the Crowds: November to March is the most popular time to visit Antalya thanks to the promise of warm, beach-friendly weather. And temperatures can be stifling between June and August.  So consider visiting in April, May, September or October when the climate is pleasant and the tourists are few.

While Asian tourism is the next big thing in the travel market, New York City has kept the States in the running. According to NYC & Company , the Big Apple attracted 9.7 million international visitors in 2010. The reason why is really a no-brainer: New York is America's cultural hub. Visitors have access to world-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art , high-end shopping districts like Fifth Avenue and SoHo and exciting entertainment like Broadway 's plays. Add to that a variety of gourmet restaurants and bumping nightclubs, not to mention opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, and it's easy to see why New York draws a crowd. It really does have it all.

Avoid the Crowds: Despite its freezing winters and sweltering summers, New York City is jam-packed year-round. However, you're likely to avoid sky-high room rates if you avoid holidays.

Legendary fog isn't enough to keep Londontown out of the tourist limelight: According to Visit Britain , 14.6 international tourists passed through in 2010. Like New York , London boasts a vibrant blend of the conventional and the contemporary. Attractions like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace showcase both a rich heritage and a devotion to tradition, while neighborhoods like Piccadilly Circus and Camden Town appeal to those looking for an edgier experience. London also wins over visitors with its variety of restaurants -- offering everything from Indian to Italian cuisine -- world-class shopping and an exhilarating nightlife scene.

Avoid the Crowds: For the best weather and the fewest tourists, your best bet is September and October. When these months roll around, the summer tourists are long gone and the chilly winter temperatures have yet to arrive.

This should come as no surprise: Paris is the most-visited city in the world. According to the Paris Tourism Office , the City of Love welcomed 15.1 million international travelers in 2010. And while its cobblestone streets and cozy cafés are oftentimes associated with doe-eyed romantics, picturesque Paris caters to a wide variety of tourists. Breathtaking sights like Notre-Dame and the Sacré-Coeur and the world-class Louvre and Musée d'Orsay museums offer a healthy dose of culture, while gourmands can indulge in creamy cheeses, rich sauces and aromatic wines at any of the city's delectable restaurants. And let's not forget the spectacular scenery: A simple stroll along the River Seine will lead to some memorable photo ops.

Avoid the Crowds: Between June and August, Paris is literally choked with crowds, while the rainy weather between November and April can dampen your trip. May and September bring about warm temperatures and significantly fewer crowds.

[ Pictures of the World's Most Visited Cities ]

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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This South Carolina Destination Was Just Named the No. 1 City in the U.S. by T+L Readers — Here's Why

With a fantastic new Filipino restaurant, the opening of the International African American Museum, and an ever-expanding luxury hotel scene, it's easy to see why T+L readers' old standby stays relevant and exciting year after year.

Charleston, South Carolina, has once again charmed Travel + Leisure readers, winning the top spot in the 2023 World's Best Awards ' favorite cities in the U.S. category for the 11th year in a row. Last year, the South Carolina city earned a coveted spot in the WBA Hall of Fame .

Readers especially loved Charleston's thriving culinary scene and easy walkability, all doused with Southern charm.

The dining scene, of course, spotlights Southern cuisine, with fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, hush puppies, and she-crab soup as staples. Charleston's must-try dishes include the okra soup at Bertha's Kitchen ; biscuits from Callie's Hot Little Biscuits ; deviled crabs from Dave's Carry-Out ; and crab rice from Hannibal's Soul Kitchen .

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The restaurant hype continues to surge with several new openings in the last few years, like Bevi Bene Brewing ; Sorelle , which just opened in February 2023 with a wine room and a pizza counter; and Raw Lab , an omakase-style raw bar. Perhaps the biggest restaurant news of this year is the opening of Filipino restaurant Kultura , by Chopped champion Nikko Cagalahan , which just started welcoming diners this month.

Other additions to the Charleston culture scene include the long-awaited International African American Museum in June 2023. The luxury offerings are also on the rise, with a new Soho House coming in next year.

The new hot spots add a fresh perspective to a city steeped in history — another aspect that resonated with T+L readers. Fort Sumter National Monument ; Historic Charleston City Market ; Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum ; Magnolia Plantation and Gardens ; Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens ; and Rainbow Row all offer a look into Charleston's past. The Charleston Heritage Federation preserves its history through centuries-old homes and museums, while the Historic Charleston Foundation holds an annual Festival of Houses and Gardens in the spring for an inside look at some the nation's most beautiful homes.

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Expat Info News

Amsterdam tourist industry saw 10 visitors per resident in 2023

In a ranking of the world’s most popular destinations by The Economist , Amsterdam has claimed the number one spot for having the most tourists per resident. The amount of money spent by each tourist visiting the Dutch capital was also the highest globally.

The Economist : International Tourism Ranking 2023

Research by The Economist gathered figures on the number of tourists visiting 20 popular global cities and how much was spent on tourism in those cities. In total, London and Tokyo had the highest number of international visitors with 20 million visitors each. However, to determine the actual ranking of each city, the total number of tourists was divided by the destination’s population size. 

Overtourism in Amsterdam brings in big earnings

The Dutch municipality has launched several Stay Away campaigns , such as preventing new hotels from being built and introducing the highest tourist taxes in the world. Despite this, Amsterdam is still experiencing a large influx of tourists. In 2023, the number of tourists severely outnumbered the residents, with 10,1 arrivals visiting the city per resident - the highest number of tourists per resident in the world. 

Those living in the Netherlands may not be too happy about this, but the more tourists there are walking along the canals and exploring the multitude of Dutch museums , the more money the city’s tourist industry makes. According to the ranking, visitors to Amsterdam spent 11.200 US dollars per resident, which was also the highest amount per resident out of all the destinations.

Most popular tourist destinations in the world

Based on the number of tourists per resident, these are the top 10 favourite cities for international travellers:

• Amsterdam (10,1)
• Milan (6,3)
• Barcelona (5,9)
• Kuala Lumpur (5,4)
• Dubai (4,8)
• Osaka (3,6)
• Bangkok (3,0)
• Singapore (2,3)

To see the full ranking, visit the The Economist website .

Thumb image credit: Wolf-photography / Shutterstock.com

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Editor for the Netherlands at IamExpat Media. Simone studied Genetics and Zoology at the Univeristy of Pretoria in South Africa before moving to the Netherlands, where she has been working...

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Nine out of 10 of the world’s most beautiful cities are in Europe, according to new ranking

Bordeaux beats Paris in this new ranking of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Europe dominates in a new ranking of the world’s most beautiful cities, filling nine of the top 10 spots.

It’s based on the number of buildings that adhere to the ‘golden ratio’, which has been used for thousands of years in architecture to harness the beauty of nature in balanced, harmonious structures.

Many European capitals feature in the top 10 list, compiled by the UK’s Online Mortgage Advisor site - with Paris being a notable exception.

Here’s which cities made the cut for having the world’s most attractive buildings. 

What is the world’s most beautiful city?

With its winding canals and eclectic architecture , Venice takes the top spot. More than 83 per cent of its buildings match the golden ratio, according to the study.

It’s no wonder, then, that the Italian city is so popular with tourists: in 2023, it welcomed 5.7 million visitors. Straining under the weight of these numbers, the ancient port this year trialled a tourist tax to curb arrivals and recently introduced a cap of 25 people per tour group.

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Italy also boasts the second most beautiful city, with the capital Rome scoring an 82 per cent match to the golden ratio - making it the winning European capital.

Just a fraction of a percentage behind, Barcelona in Spain comes in third place. It’s followed by Prague in Czechia, where the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral stands in contrast to the strikingly modern Dancing House.

In fifth place is the only non-European city to make the top 10: New York, USA.

What’s the most beautiful city in France?

Despite being home to iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, Paris does not make it into the top 10 - only securing 12th place.

It’s beaten by Bordeaux , which comes in ninth place with a beauty score of 75.3 per cent. Known best for its surrounding vineyards , the southwestern city is packed with impressive architecture, including the Cité du Vin museum, whose organic shape recalls gnarled vines and swirling wine glasses.

Among its many modern marvels, the 2,000-year-old city also packs in classical beauties like the columned Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux and the pleasingly symmetrical Place de la Bourse.

Also among the top 10 most beautiful cities for architecture are Athens, Greece, in sixth place; Budapest , Hungary, in seventh; Vienna, Austria, in eighth; and Milan, Italy, in 10th.

What’s the most beautiful city in the UK?

No British cities feature in the top 20 but they are instead honoured in a separate UK-only ranking. It crowns Chester as Britain’s most beautiful city, with a beauty score of 83.7 per cent. 

Founded as a Roman fortress in 79 AD, the northwest English city is encompassed by Roman walls that visitors can still walk along today. Its central shopping district is housed in covered arcades and Tudor-style half-timber buildings. 

London comes in close second place, followed by Belfast, Liverpool and Durham.

Besides Paris, European and international contenders in the top 20 global list include Stockholm in Sweden, Florence in Italy, Tel Aviv in Israel, Copenhagen in Denmark, Marrakech in Morocco, Chicago in the US, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Berlin in Germany and Istanbul in Türkiye.

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14 Cities With The Cleanest Air In The World, Ranked

• Honolulu, USA, Auckland, New Zealand, and Brisbane, Australia are among the cities with the cleanest air in the world, thanks to their strict environmental regulations and low pollution levels.
• Clean air in these cities makes them attractive destinations for travelers who want to experience natural beauty, outdoor activities, and vibrant cultural scenes.
• Geneva, Switzerland, Oslo, Norway, and Stockholm, Sweden are also known for their clean air, making them ideal places to visit for environmentally conscious tourists.

Air pollution is a global trend as the world continues to grow in industrialization. Some cities of the world are highly polluted, and the air quality in them poses a health risk to both locals and visitors. However, some cities still boast cleaner air quality due to greener environments and tough environmental regulations.

Such cities are great to visit and even live in because one will not have to put up with polluted skies or breathe in contaminated air. Without further ado, here are the top cities in the world with the cleanest air.

UPDATE: 2023/10/10 13:23 EST BY REENA JAIN

More Cities With The Cleanest Air In The World, Ranked

Although it is nearly impossible to get clean air in large metropolitan areas, certain cities and nations are making an effort to maintain a clean environment by lowering carbon emissions and reducing pollution levels. This list has been updated with four more cities with the best air quality in the world, making them the best places to live and travel.

Honolulu, USA

The American city of Honolulu takes great pride in claiming to have some of the cleanest air in the world. Its geographical location and Hawaii's strict environmental regulations result in clean air conditions.

Honolulu is a popular tourist destination with a lot to discover and experience , including natural splendor, cultural richness, and recreational opportunities. Visitors swarm to Hawaii for its breathtaking beaches, especially the famous Waikiki, historical landmarks, and outdoor activities, including hiking, marine life exploration, and cultural appreciation. Plus, its tropical climate, inviting aloha spirit, and delectable cuisine are a treat for visitors.

• Top Attractions: Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head State Monument, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Iolani Palace

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand, is one of the best cities in the world to visit , not only because of its incredible sights, whale-watching opportunities, and adjacent volcanic islands but also for the excellent air quality. The city has some of the world's cleanest air, all thanks to strict environmental policies and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Beyond its clean air, Auckland is home to many stunning beaches, forests, mountains, and over 50 islands. There are three captivating wine regions that add to its allure. The city's great nightlife, vibrant cultural scene, diverse cuisine, and numerous outdoor activities make it an appealing tourist destination for anyone seeking both indulgence and relaxation.

• Top Attractions: Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Waiheke Island, Auckland Zoo, Piha Beach

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane, the scenic jewel of Queensland, is a bustling metropolis with an astounding number of exciting attractions . Brisbane's air quality is another draw for travelers. Situated along the southeastern coast, the city's pristine air is a result of low industrial pollution, strict air quality laws, and efforts to limit emissions.

Brisbane has a picturesque riverfront, world-class dining, and a thriving arts scene. The city also serves as a gateway to the stunning Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef, two of Australia's natural wonders, making it a popular destination for both adventure buffs and outdoor lovers.

• Top Attractions: South Bank Parklands, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

Geneva, Switzerland

With very low pollution levels, the city's policies for a clean city, efficient public transportation, and support for sustainable development, Geneva is another Switzerland city that made it onto this list of the cities with the cleanest air in the world.

Geneva's clean air quality adds to the city's attraction as a top tourist destination. The proud home of the UN, the city entices tourists with its picturesque lakeside setting, rich cultural heritage, and world-class dining . Visitors can stroll through the old town to appreciate historical architecture, splurge on designer goods, and engage in outdoor activities amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

• Top Attractions: Jet d'Eau, United Nations Office at Geneva, St. Pierre Cathedral, Lake Geneva, Palais des Nations

Oslo, Norway

Oslo is the capital city of Norway and the country's most populous city. It's a calm city for business and relaxation and enjoys a moderate population. The city is also a global maritime destination, housing some of the world's top maritime companies.

The air in Oslo is fresh and clean, boasting a moderate air quality index, which makes it one of the world's most livable cities. Norway generally has clean air, and this also contributes to the amazing visibility, which makes it easy to see its most beautiful places .

• Top attractions: Akershus Fortress, Folk Museum of Norway, Norwegian Maritime Museum

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and one of the most amazing cities in the European Union, renowned for its number of bridges and landscapes. The city comprises 14 islands, making it a waterfront capital.

However, there's one thing yet outstanding about this Swedish capital. It's the air quality that is a major draw for environmentally conscious visitors. The city enjoys a fair air quality index, which is termed safe and moderate for breathing, even as the most populated Swedish city.

• Top attractions: The Royal Palace, Vasa Museum, Djurgarden, the National Museum of Fine Arts

Victoria, Canada

On the southernmost point of Vancouver Island, off the Pacific coast of Canada, is the city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia province. Nicknamed the "Garden City," Victoria comprises many parklands, trees, and gardens, making it a popular tourist destination in Canada.

Residents and tourists of this beautiful city enjoy better air quality which is on the safe side of the air quality index rankings. One won't need a face mask for protection against toxic air pollutants because the city has a relatively untainted atmosphere.

• Top attractions: Royal BC Museum, the Butchart Gardens, Craigdarroch Castle

Related: 10 Awesome Things To Do In Victoria, British Columbia

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is a quiet and charming city perched on a scenic bay of the Gulf of Finland's shore, north of Estonia. Despite having a population of fewer than 500,000 people, the city is still the most populous in Estonia. With the surrounding bay, fewer industrial centers, and trees, it's no surprise the air quality here is super clean.

Once in Tallinn, visitors can soak in one of the purest forms of air, unspoiled by pollutants and industrialization.

• Top attractions: Tallinn's Old Town, Tallinn TV Tower, Toompea Castle

Related: Why Estonia's Historic Capital City Of Tallinn Is Worth Visiting

The Hague, The Netherlands

The Hague in the Netherlands is one of the world's most famous cities for hosting the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. These two international courts attract several visitors to the Hague annually from across the world, but still, its air remains clean.

This is partly due to the ocean air since the city is on the Netherlands' west coast overlooking the North Sea. Also, there are strict Dutch laws that limit the emission of harmful substances and prevent the exposure of humans to long-term pollution.

• Top attractions: Louwman Museum, the Peace Palace, Duivenvoorde Castle

Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg is Sweden's second-largest city, situated on its west coast. The city has a low population density, which helps to keep the air moderately pure and safe for breathing.

Other factors, such as the air from the West Coast, the many parks and gardens, trees in its boulevards, and environmental laws, help to keep the air quality in Gothenburg cleaner and safer.

Sweden is also one of the world's most livable cities with a better quality of life, which is partly due to its less toxic atmosphere.

• Top attractions: Gothenburg Museum of Art, Liseberg Amusement Park, Gothenburg Botanical Garden

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is a picturesque city on the north side of Lake Zurich, Switzerland, and it's the country's largest city. The city, beyond its jaw-dropping beauty, is a major financial hub in the heart of Europe and the most famous city in Switzerland.

The air quality here is as clean as the city's beauty, and Zurich has been on the list of cities with the cleanest air in the world for several decades. While tourists troop in to behold the city's elegance, the air quality is the icing on the cake of their experiences.

• Top attractions: Lake Zurich, Swiss National Museum, FIFA Museum

Related: 9 Things To Do In Zürich: Complete Guide To Switzerland's Vibrant Hub

Helsinki, Finland

Finland's capital and most populous city is also the social, cultural, and political nerve center of the country. Yet, the air in Helsinki is clean, breathable, and considered one of the safest in the world for humans.

This air quality is partly due to the many forests that surround the country. Helsinki is also one of the world's most livable cities. Certainly, air quality plays a major role in this livability ranking because air pollution makes most cities unsafe or unlivable.

• Top attractions: Ateneun Art Museum, Helsinki Railway Station, Korkeasaari Zoo

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of the most populated countries in the European Union, housing nearly half of the entire nation's population, but this has not stopped it from being one of the cities with the cleanest air in the world. The city still boasts an impressive air quality index, which is considered fairly safe for locals and tourists.

Besides being one of the cities with the cleanest air in the world, Vienna is also known for many other amazing things. It is also known as one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world , the city with the biggest Christmas market in the world , and the city of music/ most beautiful city in Europe .

• Top attractions: Imperial Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, Belvedere Palace, Vienna Zoo, Vienna State Opera House

Reykjavik, Iceland

Despite being the largest city in Iceland and a melting pot for all kinds of activities, Reyjavik remains one of the safest cities in the country to take deep breaths without worrying about getting one’s lungs contaminated with pollution.

Reykjavik is also one of the world's cleanest and greenest cities, making it a hub for global tourism. If one is looking for a laid-back and beautiful city with exceptional and fine air quality, Reykjavik is the place to be.

• Top attractions: Hallgrimskirkja Church, Harpa concert hall, Bruarfoss waterfall

Seeing the sights during travel often involves traipsing through polluted cities, but with these travel destinations, clean air is a highlight.