The Top 15 Most Visited Cities in the Entire World

The world is teeming with incredible cities waiting to be explored. Some offer stunning natural landscapes and unique experiences to interact with wildlife, while others present the allure of the big city.

To compile this list of the most visited cities in the world, we examined data from the consulting firm Euromonitor, which counts a visitor as any person visiting a city in another country for at least 24 hours and not longer than 12 months. We also examined some data from the financial services corporation Mastercard. How many cities on this list have you visited?

1. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the top most visited city in the world according to Euromonitor with almost 30 million arrivals reported in the year 2018. This vibrant city is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) teeming with a rich history. There’s something for everyone in Hong Kong thanks to the city’s vibrant nightlife, expansive shopping districts, and enchanting natural landscapes.

2. Bangkok

Over the past decade, Thailand has seen an explosion in tourism. Though the country’s tourism industry suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s well on its way to recovering.

Bangkok, the capital city, offers incredible and unique experiences for tourists around the world and received 24 million arrivals in 2018. Visit stunning Buddhist temples and royal palaces, sample one-of-a-kind street food, and lose yourself in the city’s beautiful natural parks.

3. London

It should come as no surprise that London, the capital city and largest in England, is on this list. The city’s iconic tourist destinations include the iconic Big Ben clock tower, the London Eye observation wheel, the imposing Buckingham Palace, and so much more. The city received 19 million arrivals in 2018.

4. Singapore

Singapore is a must-visit travel destination in Southeast Asia. This unique island country and city-state is known for being one of the cleanest cities in the world — an impressive feat considering it is also one of the most densely populated.

There’s no shortage of unique things to do in Singapore. Explore the Night Safari or visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Singapore is also known for its world-class airport, complete with an enormous waterfall. Over 18 million people arrived in the city in 2018.

5. Paris

Paris, France is another world-class location for many reasons. Iconic tourist spots in Paris include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe. The city is also known for its French cuisine, while its annual Fashion Week attracts thousands of visitors every year.

6. Dubai

Located in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is home to the largest skyscraper in the world, known as the Burj Khalifa. Dubai also has its own fashion week and attracts tourists with its luxury shopping districts and exciting nightlife. The city received 15.9 million arrivals in 2018.

7. New York City

New York City is the only city on this list in the United States. The Big Apple is an iconic location known for welcoming travelers with Lady Liberty’s warm arms. Today visitors can still view the iconic statue, explore the history of Ellis Island, and enjoy world-class shopping, cuisine, and fashion. The city saw 13.6 million arrivals in 2018.

8. Kuala Lumpur

Kaula Lumpur has transformed into one of the fastest-growing cities in Asia and a major tourist destination. Located in western Malaysia, the capital city includes an eye-catching skyline dominated by the Petronas Twin Towers.

In addition to enjoying city life and shopping, visitors to Kuala Lumpur can take a short trip to Pangkor Island to experience white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The city received 13.4 million arrivals in 2018.

9. Istanbul

Istanbul has some of the most lengthy and fascinating history of any of the most visited cities on this list. It was reportedly first called Lygos as far back as the 13th century BC. The city was later renamed to Byzantium, Constantinople, and finally modern-day Istanbul. Today visitors can explore countless historical landmarks, from the 1,000-year-old Hagia Sophia mosque to the 19th century Dolmabahçe Palace.

10. Delhi

Delhi is the first city in India on the list. As the capital city, it is a famous spot that draws tourists and visitors for a number of reasons.

Perhaps the most significant draw is Delhi’s status as one of the most historical cities in the world. The city was home to powerful people such as the Pāṇḍavas and the Mughals and contains many historical monuments. Additionally, visitors can enjoy shopping, live marketplaces, and incredible food.

11. Shenzen

Though it may not be as well known as some of the cities on this list, Shenzen is a thriving place to experience art, theater, museums, and galleries in the Guangdong Province of China.

In fact, Shenzen is listed on UNESCO’s Creative Cities list and is referred to as China’s creative capital. Additionally, the coastal city features beautiful green spaces and a number of picturesque beaches. With this in mind, it’s clear why Shenzen attracted 12 million arrivals in 2018.

12. Mumbai

Formerly called Bombay, Mumbai is a densely populated city in India. The tourism industry in Mumbai attracts almost 6 million people per year thanks to its religious destinations, beautiful beaches, lakeside destinations, amusement parks, and historical monuments. The Gateway to India is one of the most iconic monuments in Mumbai that welcomes travelers into the city.

13. Rome

Tourism is a major part of Italy’s economy and Rome holds some of the most iconic destinations in the country. From the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon, there’s no shortage of things to see in Rome. Additionally, visitors flock to Italy for its incredible food. Rome is known for simple yet delectable dishes such as carbonara and cacio e pepe.

14. Tokyo

As Japan’s capital city, Tokyo offers so many attractions for visitors to explore, that it’s hard to choose what to do. Conde Naste suggests the Tokyo Skytree, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and Yoyogi Park as just a few of the city’s can’t-miss destinations. You can also tour the Imperial Palace, visit the Studio Ghibli Museum, experience incredible cuisine, and so much more.

15. Taipei

There’s plenty to do in Taipei, the capital and cultural center of Taiwan. Taipei features towering skyscrapers such as the Taipei 101 in its sprawling metropolis. It is also home to the enormous Shi Lin Night Market, as well as noteworthy museums, temples, and parks. Over 9.5 million people visited the city in 2018.

Summary of the Top 15 Most Visited Cities in the World

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