Most tourist visited cities in the world

Welcoming around 22.7 million international visitors, Bangkok ranked as the top destination for global travelers this year, according to Mastercard's 2019 Global Destination Cities Index.

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The commendation is a repeat for the Thai capital, as it was named the world's most visited city for the past four years.

Following Bangkok, Paris (19.10 million) came as a close second, with London (19.01 million), Dubai (15.93 million) and Singapore (14.67 million) rounding out the top five most visited cities in the world in 2018. Mastercard's annual list looks at visitor volume and spend at the 200 largest cities in the world, counting both vacation and business travelers in the previous year.

New York, the only city in the Americas to crack the top 20 global destinations list, ranked at seven with 13.6 million.

According to MasterCard, cities in the Asia-Pacific region have seen the most growth in international visitors since 2009, growing 9.4%.

Dubai was named as the top city for international visitor spending globally at $30.82 billion.  With the average traveler to Dubai spending three and a half nights in the emirate, that translates to a whopping $553 per night. Mecca was named second ($20.09 million) while Bangkok ($20.03 million) ranked third.

The top ten cities for international visitors in 2017 is below. The full list, and breakouts, are available here:

  2018 International Overnight Visitors
Bangkok 22.78 million
Paris 19.10 million
London 19.09 million
Dubai 15.93 million
Singapore 14.67 million
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 13.79 million
New York 13.60 million
Istanbul 13.40 million
Tokyo 12.93 million
Antalya, Turkey 12.41 million

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  • This is the Most Visited Cities in the World 2018. See the Most Visited Cities in 2019 here.

Curious about how popular your country is as a holiday destination? Or maybe you’re in need of some holiday inspiration of your own – you can’t decide which city to visit. Well, we’ve got the world’s 50 most visited cities right here.

With more people now living in urban areas than not, the rise of the city has been powerful. Today, there are 33 megacities—cities with more than 10 million people living in them. Not only that, by 2030 there will be six more.

Asia has 41 out of the top 100 visited cities, making it a key player in global tourism

Euromonitor International’s city arrivals research covers over 600 cities, showing the most popular destinations across the world in 2018 (here are the top 10 most visited countries if you need that info). Here’s the top 50:

Most Visited Cities in The World

50. Cairo, Egypt with 4.388 million tourists per year

Cairo is growing fast in popularity, thanks to the region becoming more stable. Oh, and those famous pyramids of course.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

49. Athens, Greece with 4.797 million tourists per year

Athens is a super base from which to explore the Greek islands and ancient architecture of Europe.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

48. Moscow, Russia with 4.800 million tourists per year

Moscow is becoming a popular city to visit, with tourists flocking over for the beautiful squares and churches.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

47. Florence, Italy with 4.941 million tourists per year

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, with culture, amazing food and scenery all rolled into one.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

46. Dublin, Ireland with 4.986 million tourists per year

Dublin may be small, but it’s also mighty. The Irish capitol packs a lot into its city and is a great place to spend a weekend. The most Instagrammable spots in Ireland.

How to get around Dublin:

See the best car rental deals here.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

45. Chennai, India with 5.086 million tourists per year

Chennai on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is a hugely busy IT and tech hub and will continue to rise.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

44. Orlando, US with 5.269 million tourists per year

Home to Disney World and plenty of sunshine, Orlando is a winner with families and couples alike.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

43. Madrid, Spain with 5.275 million tourists per year

Spain’s central capital is known for its rich collection of European art and elegant streets.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

42. Jaipur, India with 5.288 million tourists per year

Jaipur – the ‘Pink City’ – is an exciting mix of classic architecture, bustling street markets and a 16th-century Royal Palace.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

41. Venice, Italy with 5.316 million tourists per year

Venice is a stunning city of shaded Piazzas, romantic boat trips through the canals and luxurious hotels.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

40. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with 5.396 million tourists per year 

, Saudi Arabia’s capital and main financial hub, has distinct landmarks and is becoming an exciting hub.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

39. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with 5.500 million tourists per year

Formerly Saigon, this southern Vietnamese city is a metropolis of history and culture.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

38. Johannesburg, South Africa with 5.535 million tourists per year

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and one of the 50 largest urban areas in the world.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

37. Johor Bahru, Malaysia with 5.571 million tourists per year

With a bridge from the Straits of Johor connecting it to Singapore, this city is a great place to explore Asia from.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

36. Berlin, Germany with 5.627 million tourists per year

Germany’s coolest city, Berlin enjoys steady levels of tourism from visitors across the world who want to experience its unique atmosphere.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

35. Cancún, Mexico with 6.039 million tourists per year

Popular for Spring Break for US students, Cancun is also an ideal honeymoon destination.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

34. Vienna, Austria with 6.067 million tourists per year 

Vienna is a charming city, where legendary figures such as Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud all called home.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

33. Denpasar, Indonesia with 6.238 million tourists per year

This is the largest city of the island of Bali, making it a trendy place for travellers to visit while they explore the Indonesian islands. One of the most visited cities on the planet.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

32. Milan, Italy with 6.347 million tourists per year 

The stylish fashion capital has incredible cathedrals, green city parks and a thriving food and drink scene.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

31. Barcelona, Spain with 6.530 million tourists per year

Home to Gaudi’s iconic works of art, a scenic beachfront and cosy tapas bars, it’s no wonder Barcelona appeals to so many.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

30. Osaka, Japan with 6.605 million tourists per year

Come to Osaka for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

29. Agra, India with 6.644 million tourists per year

The closest city to the Taj Mahal, millions of people make the trip to see this majestic wonder every year.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

28. Las Vegas, US with 6.687 million tourists per year

The party city shows no sign of slowing down, with casinos, upscale boutiques and luxury hotels all part of its pull.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

27. Los Angeles, US with 7.165 million tourists per year

LA is a city for fitness fans,  as well as celebrity hunters – or celeb wannabes – who hope to catch sight of a star.

Where to stay in LA?

Looking for the best hotels in LA? Check out where to stay in LA

Most tourist visited cities in the world

26. Shanghai, China with 7.193 million tourists per year

Shanghai, on China’s central coast, is the country’s biggest city and a global financial hub.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

25. Pattaya, Thailand with 7.426 million tourists per year

Once a quiet fishing village, Pattaya is now popular for its beaches, cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs. Check out the beautiful islands of Koh Samui or Phuket when there.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

24. Seoul, South Korea with 7.659 million tourists per year 

Seoul is a fun city where you can experience K-Pop, modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture. A magic place and one of the most visited cities in the world.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

23. Amsterdam, Netherlands with 7.848 million tourists per year

A wonderful city to explore – by bike, tram or foot – Amsterdam is a consistently popular choice.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

22. Miami, US with 8.075 million tourists per year

The Miami area offers something for everyone – trendy nightlife, beaches, art galleries and world class food.

How to get around Miami:

See the best car rental deals here.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

21. Mecca, Saudi Arabia with 8.632 million tourists per year

Islam’s holiest city, (it’s the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the faith itself), only Muslims are allowed to visit, and millions make an annual pilgrimage.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

The top 20 Most visited cities in the world…

20 Prague, Czech Republic with 8.806 million tourists per year

Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is an affordable option for many young travellers.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

19. Mumbai, India with 8.984 million tourists per year

Mumbai is an exciting, busy city with a vibrant nightlife scene and colonial buildings.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

18. Guangzhou, China with 9.004 million tourists per year

China’s third biggest city has internationally renowned restaurants, striking buildings and mountain views.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

17. Taipei, Taiwan with 9.273 million tourists per year

Come to Taipei for its busy shopping streets and lively street-food scene.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

16. Antalya, Turkey with 9.482 million tourists per year

A popular Turkish resort city, Antalya continues to be a popular pick for holidaymakers looking to relax in the sun.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

15. Rome, Italy with 9.531 million tourists per year

Drink incredible wine, see the Vatican and the Colosseum in Italy’s must-visit city.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

14. Tokyo, Japan with 9.549 million tourists per year

Super busy but super exciting, Tokyo offers a look into the future of what every city could be like.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

13. Delhi, India with 10.157 million tourists per year

Made up of New Delhi and Old Delhi, this city never slows down. Enjoy the famous street food markets and buzz.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

12. Istanbul, Turkey with 10.730 million tourists per year 

Istanbul is the country’s economic, cultural and historic centre.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

11. Phuket, Thailand with 11.613 million tourists per year

The island of Phuket has beautiful beaches, a pretty Old Town and five-star resorts, so it’s easy to see why so many people want to visit.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

The 10 most visited cities in the world….

10. Shenzhen, China with 12.075 million tourists per year

Shenzhen links Hong Kong to China’s mainland and is a fantastic place to come to for designer shopping.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with 12.843 million tourists per year

Home to the famous Petronas Twin Towers, the skyline here at night is unforgettable. One of the worlds most visited cities is well worth a visit.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

8. New York City, US with 13.100 million tourists per year

Where to begin with the Big Apple? Each borough offers something different, from trendy Brooklyn to stylish Manhattan.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

7. Dubai, UAE with 15.790 million tourists per year 

Dubai has burst onto the tourism scene with fancy resorts, outstanding museums and shopping malls and a luxury vibe.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

6. Paris, France with 15.834 million tourists per year 

The City Of Love will continue to be one of the world’s most loved holiday destinations. Its biggest attractions? The Eiffel Tower and great cuisine.

How to get around Paris:

See the best car rental deals here.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

5. Macau, China with 17.337 million tourists per year

With the nickname, “Las Vegas of Asia”, Macau is a mega-popular casino city where everything is OTT.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

4. Singapore, Singapore with 17.618 million tourists per year

Singapore is home to the world’s most Instagrammable hotel, an exciting mix of cultures and state-of-the-art restaurants.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

3. London, UK with 19.827 million tourists per year

Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and means London stays front and centre.

Where to stay in London?

Looking for the best hotels in London? Check out where to stay in London

Most tourist visited cities in the world

2. Bangkok, Thailand with 22.453 million tourists per year

A global hub that’s the gateway to the rest of Asia, Bangkok is famous for its Buddhist shrines, street shopping and local food.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

1. Hong Kong, China with 27.880 million tourists per year

Hong Kong is a major shopping destination, famed for bespoke tailors and Temple Street Night Market.

Most tourist visited cities in the world

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Want to see more? Check out the World’s 10 Most Visited Countries in 2018 here. 

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What is the most visited tourist city in the world?

This famous capital city in Thailand ranks as the top-visited city in the world. Bangkok welcomed 22 million visitors in 2021! Imagine 22 million people flocking to one city, crazy!

What is the most visited city in the world 2022?

Total International Visitors per year: 22.78 million Bangkok city! The most visited city in the world.

What are the top 3 most visited places in the world?

Top 10 Countries Most Popular with Tourists (by number of 2019 visitor arrivals).
France - 90.0 million..
Spain - 83.7 million..
United States - 79.3 million..
China - 65.7 million..
Italy - 64.5 million..
Turkey - 51.2 million..
Mexico - 45.0 million..
Thailand - 39.8 million..

What is the number 1 tourist attraction in the world?

1. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Topping off the list of most popular tourist attractions is the Colosseum which is no big surprise for those who have it on their bucket list.