If you are looking for the most visited cities in the world. I have carefully curated the list based on cities that experienced more visits across the world. These visits could either be for pleasure, tourism, business or fun. So many factors are considered when curating the list of the most visited cities in the world. This sometimes creates conflicting reports. When it comes to choosing the most visited cities in the world, there are two trusted sources which are Mastercard’s annual Global Destination Cities Index ranking and Euromonitor.
Euromonitor is a consulting firm and the ranking is based on when a visitor visits a city for at least 24 hours for a period not exceeding 1 year. Every arrival is counted individually and separately. So if you visit a city multiple times, it will be counted separately.
On the other hand, the Mastercard Global Destination index will only count when the tourist stayed overnight at least once in that city. Under the Mastercard Global Destination index, a border crossing between countries is not counted as international visits.
Despite political unrest in some parts of the world, the tourism industry in those region has continued to grow with Asian cities dominating the charts. Apart from Asian countries, Europeans and American cities are also well represented, however, no African country made the list of the list of most visited cities in the world.
Most Visited Cities in The World
Surprisingly Asian countries are well represented on the list of most visited cities in the world. This is because Asia has one of the fastest-growing tourism industry in the world. Asia is one of the best places for adventure, hiking, sightseeing, culture, food, festivals etc While Europe and America are great for historical ruins, natural reserves, museums etc.
Year in year out, some countries experience more visits than others and the trends have almost always been the same. This is because people always tend to try out places others have visited. This is why tourists seem to visit the same destination over and over again rather than trying something new.
This ranking is based on international visitors who arrived either by land, air or sea. The purpose of the visit could either by business, pleasure or tourist.
These are the most visited cities in the world according to Euromonitor:
- Hong Kong – China
- Bangkok – Thailand
- London – United Kingdom
- Macau – Macau
- Singapore – Singapore
- Paris – France
- Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- New York City- Unites States
- Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia
- Istanbul – Turkey
- Delhi – India
- Antalya – Turkey
- Shenzhen – China
- Mumbai -0 India
- Tokyo – Japan
- Seoul – South Korea
- Barcelona – Spain
- Amsterdam – Netherlands
Top 20 cities based on 2018 arrivals and 2019 estimates
1. Hong Kong:
Number of Visitors: 29,262,700 arrivals (2018) / 26,716,800 arrivals (2019)
Country: China
Continent: Asia
Hong Kong tops the list of the most visited cities in the world with over twenty-six million visitors from all across the world. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions cities in China. Although it is part of China, however, has its laws and constitution which is different from the Chinese laws. Unlike China that requires tough visa procedure, Hong Kong does not require a visa to visit depending on the country you are applying from. You are required to have a passport valid between 1 to 6 months minimum, then your passport will be stamped at the point of entry.
Hong Kong offers lots of activities from sightseeing, adventure, hiking, culture and food.
Top Tourist attractions in Hong Kong
- Victoria’s Peak
- Victoria’s Harbour
- Man Mo Temple
- Old Town Central Art Walk
- Ocean Park
- Ngong Ping 360
- Repulse Bay
- Hong Kong Disneyland
- Stanley Market & Murray House
2. Bangkok
Visitors: 24,177,500 arrivals (2018) / 25,847,800 arrivals (2019)
Country: Thailand
Continent: Asia’
Bangkok is Number two on the list of most visited cities in the world. Bangkok experiences over twenty million visitors in 2019. It is notable for its diverse culture, great food, shopping, culture, historical sites and sacred places. It is also located in Asia and has become a top tourist destination.
Tourist Attractions in Bangkok
- Grand Palace
- Wat Pho
- Wat Arun
- The Wat Traimit, Temple of the Golden Buddha
- Wat Suthat
- Giant Swing
- National Museum & Wang Na Palace
- Chatuchak Market
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Jim Thompson House
- Terminal 21
3. London, England:
Visitors: 19,233,000 (2018) / 19,559,900 (2019)
The city of London is also in the top 10 places to visit in the world. London is the capital of England and it is part of the United Kingdom. This ancient city experiences over nineteen million visitors in 2019. It is also one of the most visited cities in the world. London is good for sightseeing and its old architecture dated far back hundred of years. It is a city that you can never get tired of visiting due to its.
Tourist Attractions in London
- The London Eye
- Tower of London
- Sea Life in London
- St Pauls Cathedral
- Observatory Greenwich
- The Museums
4. Macau:
Visitors: 18,931,400 (2018) / 20,637,100 (2019)
Location: China
Continent: Asia
Macau has become tourists favourite choice over of the years. It is one of the most visited cities in the world with over twenty million visitors in 2019. Macau is an autonomous city on the south coast of China. A former Portuguese territory until 1999. It is popular for its different attractions. Macau is another beautiful city located in Asia with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful history. It is a city that never sleeps, no wonder it is referred to as the Las Vegas of Asia. Macau boasts of beautiful tourist attractions, museums, super casinos, beaches and historical centres. It is an ancient city with a perfect blend of development.
Tourist Attractions in Macau
- The House of Dancing water
- Studio City
- AJ Hackett Macau Tower
- Ama Temple
- Taipa Temple
- Museum of Macau
- Hac Sa Beach
- The Ruins of St pauls
- Fortaleza do Monte: Home of the Macau Museum
- Giant Panda Pavilion
5. Singapore:
Visutors: 18,551,200 (2018) / 19,760,800 (2019)
Location: Singapore
Asia: Asia
For ages, Singapore has been on the list of the most visited countries in the world. This city experiences almost twenty million visitors yearly. Singapore is popular for its culture, environment, exploration, adventure and development. Singapore is notable for luxurious hotels, shopping malls, exotic attractions etc
Tourist Attractions in Singapore
- Marina Bay Sands
- Singapore Flyer
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
- Night Safari
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Gardens by the BayClarke Quay
- Resorts World Sentosa
- Orchard RoadMarina Bay Sands
- Singapore Zoo
- Singapore Flyer
- Sentosa Island
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Merlion Park
- Fort Canning Park
6. Paris, France:
Visitors: 17,560,200 (2018) / 19,087,900 (2019)
Location: France
Continent: Europe
Paris is another major city in Europe. It is the capital of France. It is the most populous city in France. Paris has a rich history, culture and tradition. It has been tagged the lover’s city.
Paris is one city that is one everyone’s bucket list. It has so many lovely attraction, rich history, beautiful scenery just to mention a few. This beautiful city is located in France and It is also one of the most visited cities in the world with over 19 million visitors in 2019. Paris has a rich history with different lovely attractions, beautiful museums and great food.
Tourist Attractions in Paris
- Eiffel Tower
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Louvre Museum
- Champs Elysées / Arc of Triumph
- Montmartre
- Palace of Versailles
- The Latin Quarter – Luxembourg park
- Moulin Rouge
- Disneyland Paris
- Place de la Concorde
- Luxembourg Gardens
- Sacré-Coeur and Quartier Montmartre
7. Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
Visitors: 15,920,700 (2018) / 16,328,300 (2019)
Location: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Continent: Asia
Dubai has become one of the foremost tourist destinations in the world with over sixteen million visitors. It boasts of some of the tallest buildings in the world and one of the highest collections of skyscrapers in the world. Dubai offers a wide range of activities like adventure, shopping, tours, culture and lots of historical sites.
Tourist Attractions in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa
- Palm Jumeirah
- The Dubai Mall
- Burj Al Arab
- Dubai Aquarium And Underwater Zoo
- Atlantis the Palms
- Madinat Jumeirah
- Miracle Garden Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- The Dubai Desert Safari
- Dubai Fountain
- Jumeirah Beach
- Ski Dubai
8. New York City, USA:
Visitors: 13,600,000 (2018) / 14,010,000 (2019)
Location: United States of America (USA)
Continents: Asia
This list will not be complete without New York. New York is located in the United States of America. New York City as it is often called is a commercial city in the United States. It receives over fourteen million visitors yearly in 2019. New York has one of the highest collections of skyscrapers in the United States of America. It is also known to host the Statue of Liberty.
Tourist Attractions in New York City
- Statue of Liberty
- Central Park
- Empire State Building
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- Brooklyn Bridge
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Bryant park
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Grand Central Terminal
- One World Observatory
- Wall Street
- Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock Observation Deck
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Visitors: 13,434,300 (2018) / 14,072,400 (2019)
This beautiful city is located in Malaysia and it is one of the most visited cities in the world. Kuala Lumpur receives over fourteen million visitors yearly. The vibrant lifestyle of the people, commerce, the culture and the beautiful view has made this city a top tourist centre.
Tourist Attractions in Kuala Lumpur
- Petronas Twin Towers
- Merdeka Square
- Zoo Negara
- Menara KL Tower
- Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
- Batu Caves
- Sultan Abdul Samad Building
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
- Thean Hou Temple
- Planetarium Negara
- Perdana Botanical Gardens
- Masjid Negara
- Central Market
- Tugu Negara
- Berjaya Times Square
10. Istanbul, Turkey
Visitors: 13,433,000 (2018) / 14,715,900 (2019)
Istanbul is one of the popular cities in Turkey, It’s notable for its cultural attractions and sightseeing, Turkey also makes the list of the most visited cities in the world with over fourteen million visitors yearly. It is a modern city with relics of its past which shows tells the story of its history and culture.
Top Tourist Attractions in Istanbul
- Aya Sofya
- Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)
- Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarniçi)
- Hippodrome
- Istanbul Archaeology Museum
- Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi)
- Galata tower
- Grand Bazaar
- Hagia Sophia
- Other Most Visitied Cities in the woirld
11. Delhi, India:
Visitors: 12,645,300 arrivals (2018) / 15,196,500 (2019)
Location: India
Continent: Asia
12. Antalya, Turkey:
Visitor: 12,438,800 (2018) / 13,332,100 (2019)
Location: Turkey
Continent: Asia
13. Shenzhen, China:
Visitors 12,202,100 (2018) / 12,324,100 (2019)
Location: China
Continent: Asia
14. Mumbai, India:
Visitors 10,590,100 (2018) / 12,442,400 (2019)
Location: India
Continent: Asia
15. Phuket, Thailand:
10,550,700 (2018) / 10,965,200 (2019)
Location: Thailand
Continent: Asia
16. Rome, Italy:
Visitors: 10,065,400 (2018) / 10,317,000 (2019)
Location: Italy
Continent: Europe
17. Tokyo, Japan:
9,985,100 (2018) / 10,443,100 (2019)
Location: Japan
Continent: Asia
18. Pattaya, Thailand:
Visitors: 9,606,400 (2018) / 9,951,900 (2019)
Location: Thailand
Continent: Asia
19. Taipei, Taiwan:
Visitors: 9,597,800 (2018) / 9,981,700 (2019)
Location: Taiwan
Continent: Asia
20. Mecca, Saudi Arabia:
Visitors: 9,565,200 (2018) / 9,833,000 (2019)
Location: Saudi Arabia
Continent: Asia
Bonus List of the Most Visited Cities in the World
Seoul
Seoul is another is located in South Korea, even though it did not make the list of the most visited countries in the world. It is one of the top tourist destinations with over 10 million yearly visitors, Seoul has a beautiful story great culture and tradition and there is a lot to see and do.
