The 50 Most Visited Cities in the World in 2024
You may be wondering where to visit for your next international holiday destination– a megacity, ski resort or tropical island? We’d recommend one of these 50 cities as your next pick for the ultimate trip away. After all, these cities have a reputation for their annual high tourist footfall and reputation among discerning travellers. Using data analytics and stats, we’ve created this list of the top 50 most visited and popular cities by visitors annually across the world, with the most being in Asia and Europe. If ever there was an incentive to go travelling, it’s here! Without further ado, let’s take a look at the world’s top 50 most visited cities per year.
The World's Most Visited Cities
50. Johannesburg, South Africa – 2 Million Visitors Per Year
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, and a major financial, economic and entertainment centre, characterised by its tall skyscrapers and urban downtown areas. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most visited cities in the world, being a melting pot of cultures and hosting an abundance of attractions, architecture and historic sites that help it rival most other South African cities.
49. Sydney, Australia – 3 Million Visitors
Sydney is often considered by many to be the unofficial capital of Australia, thanks to it being the largest city in the country with an approximate population of 5 million. Not only is the city internationally known for its striking landmarks, quality of life and famous beaches, but the city itself is a major urban hub that provides both locals and tourists with everything they could possibly need or want for a comfortable, convenient and fulfilling stay.
48. Naples, Italy – 3.3 Million Visitors
Naples is best known for being the gateway to the colourful architecture-lined Amalfi Coast and for being the birthplace of everyone’s favourite indulgence– pizza. But, Naples has much more to offer to visitors, such as stunning architecture, historic UNESCO World Heritage sites, a lively and world-renowned gastronomy scene and its close proximity to arguably the most infamous volcano in the world, Mount Vesuvius.
47. Munich, Germany – 3.5 Million Visitors
You’ll likely have heard of the world-famous beer festival Oktoberfest, which takes place in Munich, but the city has so much more to offer than just its great beer. Being Germany’s third-largest city with a population of around 1.5 million, Munich is a hub of unique architecture, culture, gastronomy and history. It entices millions of visitors each year with its abundance of attractions.
46. Shanghai, China – 3.6 Million
As China’s largest city and a major global hub for finance, Shanghai really is an urban paradise. The skyline is dominated with skyscrapers and the cityscape is intersected by the Huangpu River where boats regularly cruise, and annual events and light shows are held. The city’s population of more than 24 million makes it a megacity– the main question is, where do you go first? Shanghai is an entertainment, culture and historic hub that offers so much to both locals and tourists.
45. Dubrovnik, Croatia – 4.5 Million
Dubrovnik consistently tops many traveller’s wish lists, with its sweeping Adriatic Coastline, glorious weather and historic Old Town. Its 4.5 million visitors per year is testament to its popularity, significance and ideal location– its sparkling blue waters, golden sandy beaches and surrounding islands make for a perfect jumping off point for many cruises and boat trips. It’s no wonder that this gem of the Adriatic Sea is one of the most visited cities in the world.
44. Agra, India – 5 Million
Arguably best known for its striking Taj Mahal building which is one of the most visited and photographed sites in the world, as well as one of the new world’s Seven Wonders, Agra certainly ranks highly on top holiday destinations. However, Agra is far more than just a popular spot to take Instagram photos, as it’s also a hub of history, culture and gastronomy.
43. Denpasar, Indonesia – 5.2 Million
The capital of Bali, one of the world’s most famous holiday spots, Denpasar packs a mean punch in terms of worldwide appeal. Its temples, beaches, gastronomy and festivals make the city a cultural hub. Denpasar is the entry point to Bali, but it’s not where most people will spend their trip. Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu are where most visitors base in Bali. However, the city is home to numerous stunning green spaces, landmarks, and sites that appeal to sightseeing and photography enthusiasts.
42. Venice, Italy – 5.7 Million
Venice is best known for being one of the most romantic cities in the world, making it perfect for couples. The famous gondolas and water-taxis that cruise through the canals make visiting Venice a unique experience. Its luxurious hotels, abundance of restaurants and stunning Venetian architecture also entice millions of visitors each year.
41. Prague, Czech Republic – 5.8 Million
Prague is the Czech Republic’s lively capital, known for its colourful architecture, historic Old Town district and cultural and historic significance. Prague is an affordable option for many solo travellers and budget-conscious visitors alike, who want a fulfilling and memorable trip that won’t break the bank. Prague’s gastronomy, entertainment and art scenes are also appealing for tourists to visit.
40. Orlando, USA – 6.1 Million
Orlando, Florida is one of the world’s most recognisable and renowned cities, thanks to its resident Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks. Aside from its world-famous amusement parks, Orlando is a bustling city that oozes culture, charm and sophistication around every corner. One of the top three most visited cities in the USA, beaten only by New York and Miami, Orlando is steadily climbing the ranks and making a name for itself in global tourist stats and holiday destinations.
39. Dublin, Ireland – 6.3 Million
The birthplace of Guinness, home to numerous castles and medieval architecture and a hub for culture, arts, literature and nightlife, Dublin is really a traveller’s paradise. It’s no wonder more than 6 million people decide to visit per year. With so much packed into one small city, you’ll struggle to know where to go or what to do first.
38. Taipei, Taiwan – 6.5 Million
This urban skyscraper-adorned metropolis is known for its bustling shopping districts, vibrant street food stalls and its collection of Buddhist temples. Taipei rivals even the most renowned cities in Asia– think Seoul, Shanghai or Kyoto– with its cultural appeal and its main attractions that keep both locals and tourists entertained and interested.
37. Athens, Greece – 7.1 Million
One of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is the mainstay of Ancient Greek culture and its significance has carried through to the present day. Its striking ancient ruins like the Acropolis make it one of the most visited cities for history buffs and photography enthusiasts alike. Aside from its cultural and historical significance, Athens also has a rich and vibrant gastronomy, entertainment and nightlife scene– there is much to see and do in this bucket-list location.
36. Phuket, Thailand – 8.4 Milliom
Thailand is usually top of the list for travellers visiting South East Asia, thanks to its beautiful beaches, jungles, elephant sanctuaries and Buddhist Temples. Phuket is one of the country’s best-loved locations, with its vibrant nightlife, street markets and luxurious beaches. Phuket is also home to numerous luxury hotels and resorts that’ll really make your stay all the more memorable.
35. Moscow, Russia – 8.5 Million
Moscow is a popular tourist destination, with people flocking to catch a glimpse of its iconic St Basil’s Cathedral, expansive squares and World Heritage sites. Its museums and art galleries provide an authentic insight into Russian culture, and its stunning architecture makes the city a favourite of avid sightseers and photographers.
34. Milan, Italy – 8.5 Million
One of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan packs a mean punch in terms of worldwide significance, which makes the 8.5 million visitors each year understandable. Milan’s main claims to fame are its Galleria Vittorio Shopping Centre, which is the oldest shopping centre in the world; its stunning architecture, art scene and gastronomy. Milan is also close to several vineyards and wine regions, making it a great location for wine connoisseurs!
33. Amsterdam, Netherlands – 8.9 Million
Consistently ranking highly on travel lists, Amsterdam continues to entice tourists from all over the world with its vibrant architecture, canals, historic museums and monuments and its gastronomy. Biking and boating are popular ways to get around, and you can spend the majority of your day exploring the city and visiting tourist hubs like the Anne Frank Museum and Van Gogh Museum, as well as its numerous parks and green spaces.
32. Florence, Italy – 10 Million
Considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is extremely significant in terms of culture and history, with a collection of museums that see a high footfall all year round, stunning Renaissance architecture and a vibrant culinary scene. Florence is also the ‘capital’ of the Tuscany region which has one of the largest viticulture and wine production scenes in the country.
31. Madrid, Spain – 10.6 Million
Known for its collection of European art, sophisticated shopping districts, expansive green spaces and a rich culinary scene, Madrid is certainly a top European holiday destination. There is interest around every corner, and Madrid is one of the country’s cultural capitals, with museums, monuments and historic sites dotted around the city.
30. Mecca, Saudi Arabia – 10.8 Million
Islam’s most sacred and holy city, Mecca is the site of the Islamic annual pilgrimage and is considered to be the birthplace of Islam and of the Prophet Mohammad. Entry to Mecca is only permitted to Muslims, with approximately 3 million attending the Hajj pilgrimage. Mecca is most recognisable through its large black cube-shaped structure known as the Kaaba, which serves as a holy Islamic shrine.
29. Berlin, Germany – 12.1 Million
Arguably the coolest and trendiest city in Germany, Berlin effortlessly combines a lively art and gastronomy scene with historic and cultural sites that are among the world’s most significant. This includes the remains of the Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Memorial. Berlin also has an extremely efficient transport system, meaning you’ll be able to get around extremely easily.
28. Barcelona, Spain – 12.4 Million
One of Spain’s largest and most culturally significant cities, Barcelona attracts the likes of amateur and professional photographers, sightseers and culture aficionados each year, with its stunning and unique architecture by famed architect Antoni Gaudi. Aside from its architecture, Barcelona also has a thriving nightlife, sport, entertainment, culinary and arts scene, as well as a number of museums and galleries.
27. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – 12.6 Million
Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh blends culture and modern architecture with historic landmarks and monuments. Ho Chi Minh’s cityscape is dominated by high-rise buildings and skyscrapers and by the Saigon River, which is popular for boating trips and sightseeing tours, as well as a number of watersports. Popular with travellers to Asia, Ho Chi Minh provides convenience, comfort and culture to every local and tourist.
26. Singapore – 13.2 Million
Another popular tourist destination, Singapore is another metropolis that oozes a mixture of urban charm and quaint, historic streets and laid-back coasts. Singapore is home to numerous recreational attractions, amusement parks, museums and beaches, making it ideal for all kinds of travellers. Singapore is also often used as a layover destination for long-haul flights to Australia and New Zealand, with people getting the opportunity to explore the city and surrounding areas that way.
25. Malaga, Spain – 14 Million
A favourite among young travellers, families and culture aficionados alike, Malaga offers a unique blend of lively nightlife and gastronomy, cultural and historic sites and recreational activities that suit all ages. As night falls, Malaga turns into a bustling party city, with beach bars, club and bar strips, nightclubs and live music venues.
24. Antalya, Turkey – 14. 8 Million
A popular resort city on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, Antalya is perfect for family holidays or a trip with friends. The city is lined with popular beaches, hotels, a bustling port that is the gateway to boat trips around the Mediterranean, and the Western Taurus Mountains which are the perfect location for skiing and other winter sports.
23. Cairo, Egypt – 15 Million
The gateway to arguably the most intriguing Wonder of the World, the Great Egyptian Pyramids, it's no wonder Cairo and Egypt as a whole attract millions of visitors every year, the majority of whom flock to the iconic ancient site. Aside from this, Cairo is stacked with museums, stunning architecture, historic landmarks and at night, a lively nightlife and entertainment scene.
22. Osaka, Japan – 15. 6 Million
Japan’s third largest city, Osaka is a bustling metropolis that is known for its busy nightlife and culinary scene– its street food is a favourite of both locals and tourists. Away from its thriving downtown urban districts, Osaka offers a more peaceful way of life, with beautiful cherry blossom trees, Buddhist temples, parks and castles to explore.
21. Johor Bahru, Malaysia – 16 Million
Johor Bahru perhaps isn’t the most well-known of Malaysian cities, but it will keep visitors entertained for their entire stay, with its theme parks, upscale shopping malls and ancient temples. Johor Bahru combines busy urban city living with laid-back peaceful ways of life that keep travellers from all walks of life happy.
20. Dubai, UAE – 17.2 Million
Home to the world’s tallest building, the only hotel in the world with 7 stars and a luxury, upmarket shopping scene, Dubai is steadily becoming one of the world’s prime tourist destinations. Contrasting to its urban cityscape, Dubai is also home to a desert where popular activities include camel riding and quad biking, among many others.
19. Vienna, Austria – 17.3 Million
Vienna is a charming city that was home to the legendary figures of Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud, showcasing the city’s vibrant arts and music culture. Vienna is, at its core, a city where lively and upscale shopping districts meet cultural landmarks and monuments– Vienna is also home to some of the best coffee in Europe, with numerous quaint coffee shops and bakeries offering local delicacies and specialty coffees.
18. Istanbul, Turkey – 17.4 Million
Istanbul is Turkey’s cultural, historic and economic centre, and its largest city. Istanbul reflects remnants of the historic Ottoman and Byzantine empires, which are seen through its architecture and ruins. Istanbul also boasts a thriving shopping, food and entertainment scene, so you get the best of both worlds when visiting– historic architecture perfect for sightseeing, combined with the best attractions, restaurants and shopping districts.
17. Delhi, India – 18.3 Million
Comprised of New Delhi (India’s capital city) and Old Delhi, this city never sleeps. Enjoy the famous street food and colourful buzz of the streets, or stroll through the streets and marvel at the stunning landmarks and striking architecture, including the iconic India Gate, Red Fort, Lotus Temple and Humayun’s Tomb.
16. Macau, China – 19 Million
With the nickname ‘Las Vegas of Asia’, Macau is an extremely popular casino-style city that never sleeps. Its bold modern architecture and skyscraper-dominated skyline reinforce the luxury and expensive feeling, while its museums and gondola rides offer a more peaceful escape from the bustling city where everything is OTT.
15. Tokyo, Japan – 19.5 Million
Often considered to be the largest city on Earth, Tokyo certainly knows a thing or two about how to appeal to tourists. With a prestigious fashion and entertainment scene, plus a perfect blend of urban high-rise buildings and parks lined with cherry blossom trees– if you’re trying to escape the chaos of downtown Tokyo, you’ll find peace in its outer districts that feature Buddhist temples, parks and cultural sites.
14. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 20 Million
Known for its modern urban skyline, Riyadh is the perfect luxury city and is fast becoming an exciting tourist hub, with its stunning architecture and low crime rate making it all the more appealing.
13. London, UK – 20.3 Million
London is the UK’s capital and one of the most influential cities in the world, thanks to its financial and economic significance. London is also a fashion, entertainment and art capital, with some of the best world-renowned museums, galleries and shopping districts. Here, you can expect a large collection of 5-star luxury hotels and accommodation options too, plus the oldest and one of the most efficient underground railway systems worldwide.
12. Cancún, Mexico – 21 Million
One of the best-known and loved resort cities in the world, Cancún attracts millions of holidaymakers and partygoers each year, thanks to its glorious beaches, buzzing nightlife and collection of upscale resorts and golf courses. After dark, Cancún becomes electrified with tourists and locals who are looking to drink and dance the night away in one of the many bars, clubs or entertainment venues.
11. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 22.3 Million
Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of culture–home to the famous Petronas Twin Towers that dominate the skyline, the city at night is truly unforgettable. Kuala Lumpur is one of Asia’s (and the world’s) most visited cities, and the gateway to Malaysia’s lush forests, tropical islands, and historical towns. Malaysia has a bridge that connects it with Singapore, so you can easily visit both countries during your trip.
10. Hanoi, Vietnam – 24 Million
The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is home to many cultures, and boasts a millennium of history that is showcased through several sites, landmarks and monuments. Hanoi also has a number of museums, some of which feature a unique and intriguing design like the Hanoi Museum. Aside from its rich culture and history, Hanoi also hosts a buzzing nightlife.
9. Bangkok, Thailand – 22.8 Million
Many people’s favourite spot when visiting South East Asia, Bangkok is made famous by its local street food, Buddhist temples and shrines and for being the gateway to the rest of SEA. Popular tourist activities in Bangkok include boating, visiting zoos and animal sanctuaries, browsing the abundance of markets and sightseeing.
8. Pattaya, Thailand – 25 Million
Here we find ourselves once again in Thailand, this time in Pattaya, which is a thriving beachside city that hosts a lively party scene with its 24-hour clubs and bars. Lining the shore is some unique architecture like the Sanctuary of Truth museum, which towers above the unsuspecting beach bars, clubs and restaurants.
7. Miami, USA – 27.2 Million
Miami embraces and adopts every way of life, with art deco museums, lively beaches, bustling downtown districts and vibrant architecture, and has a world-class food scene quite like no other. Miami’s natural and urban beauty also makes it popular among both sightseers and nature lovers alike.
6. Hong Kong, China – 34 Million
A global financial centre and economic hub, Hong Kong is one of the most significant cities in the world. Hong Kong is a great place to live, work and shop, with a number of high end shopping districts and hotels. Much like many other cities in Asia, Hong Kong also features a number of Buddhist Temples and structures that can serve as an escape from the hustle and bustle of its urban centre.
5. Rome, Italy – 35 Million
Italy’s must-visit capital, Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world and has a lot to show for it, with the still-standing albeit partially ruined Colosseum, Vatican City and the Trevi Fountain. It’s no wonder this city sees more than 30 million visitors a year– but it’s not just due to its historic significance, as Rome is also within a wine region, making it the perfect place to sip on freshly made wines and enjoy the beautiful sights.
4. Las Vegas, USA – 40.8 Million
One of the world’s most renowned cities, Las Vegas rivals every city in the US in terms of entertainment and influence– with its many casinos, luxury hotels, shopping districts and stunning sights, there truly is no better place to spend your time and, if you have it, splash the cash.
3. Paris, France – 44 Million
The sophisticated French capital is a global hub for many things– fashion, food, coffee, entertainment and culture. Paris is thought to be one of the most romantic cities in the world, and its sights, landmarks and opulent French-Baroque architecture make it the best place for sightseeing and photography. Plus, you can’t miss out on the bakeries.
2. Los Angeles, USA – 55 Million
Considered to be the gateway to the film & TV industry, LA is arguably the world’s most influential city, made recognisable by its Hollywood Sign and Walk of Fame street. The LA metropolitan area also encompasses Beverly Hills, which is home to one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, the iconic Rodeo Drive. Another thing that makes LA so famous are its glorious beaches and all year round mild-hot climate.
1. New York, USA – 62.2 Million
The USA and one of the world’s largest cities, New York takes on most of the world’s cities and rivals each one with its collection of iconic buildings, landmarks and overall global influence. The sprawling city includes some of the world’s most recognisable landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Times Square. Theatre lovers will also feel at home in the Broadway District. It’s no wonder New York is one of the most visited cities in the world, and you definitely don’t want to miss out on what it has to offer.
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