Did you know that 55% of the world’s population lives in cities 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. As for the 50 most visited cities in the world in 2019? We’ve got the up-to-date stats.
Asia has 43 out of the top 100 visited cities in 2019, making it a huge player in global tourism.
Euromonitor International’s annual city arrivals report highlights the top 100 cities based on 2018 international arrivals. Compared to last year’s list, there’s a few key movers and shakers, mainly in the Middle East and Asia.
The 50 Most Visited Cities in the World
50th Dublin, Ireland with 5.213 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.
49th Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with 5.267 million tourists per year
Saudi Arabia’s capital and main financial hub has distinct landmarks and is becoming an exciting city.
47th Ha Long, Vietnam with 5.294 million million tourists per year
As a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, it is best known for its 1000s of sharp peaked islands, which are covered in lush rainforest. Halong Bay is easily one of the most recognisable and beautiful parts of the world.
46th Venice, Italy with 5.502 million tourists per year
Venice is a stunning city of shaded Piazzas, romantic boat trips through the canals and luxurious hotels.
45th Moscow, Russia with 5.510 million tourists per year
Moscow is becoming a popular city to visit, with tourists flocking over for the beautiful squares and churches.
44th Orlando, USA with 5.553 million tourists per year
Home to Disney World and plenty of sunshine, Orlando is a winner with families and couples alike.
43rd Athens, Greece with 5.728 million tourists per year
Athens is an ideal base from which to explore the Greek islands and ancient architecture of Europe.
42nd Cairo, Egypt with 5.754 million tourists per year
Cairo is growing fast in popularity, rising up the list in the past year. Thanks to those famous pyramids of course.
41st Berlin, Germany 5.959 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 vibes.
40th Cancún, Mexico with 6.041 million tourists per year
Popular for Spring Break for US students, Cancun is also an ideal honeymoon destination.
39th Jaipur, India with 6.383 million tourists per year
Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City’. It’s an exciting mix of classic architecture, bustling street markets and a 16th-century Royal Palace.
38th Johor Bahru, Malaysia with 6.396 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.
37th Vienna, Austria with 6.410 million tourists per year
Vienna is a charming city, where legendary figures such as Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud all called home.
36th Chennai, India with 6.422 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.
35th Milan, Italy with 6.481 million tourists per year
The stylish fashion capital has incredible cathedrals, green city parks and a thriving food and drink scene.
34th Las Vegas, USA with 6.591 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. The city that never sleeps is still a must-visit.
33rd Barcelona, Spain with 6.714 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.
32nd Denpasar, Indonesia with 7.185 million tourists per year
This is the capital city of Bali. It’s hugely popular of late, for everyone from surfers and backpackers to luxury travellers.
31st Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with 7.200 million tourists per year
Formerly Saigon, this southern Vietnamese city is a metropolis of history and culture.
30th Shanghai,China with 7.483 million tourists per year
Shanghai, on China’s central coast, is the country’s biggest city and a global financial hub.
29th Los Angeles, USA with 7.500 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.
28th Osaka, Japan with 7.861 million tourists per year
Come to Osaka for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food.
27th Miami, USA with 8.121 million tourists per year
Miami offers something for everyone: trendy nightlife, beaches, art galleries and world class food.
26th Agra, India with 8.138 million tourists per year
The closest city to the Taj Mahal, millions of people make the trip to see this majestic wonder every year.
25th Amsterdam, Netherlands with 8.354 million tourists per year
A wonderful city to explore – by bike, tram or foot. It’s no wonder that Amsterdam is a consistently popular choice.
24th Seoul, South Korea with 8.431 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.
23rd Medina, Saudi Arabia with 8.547 million tourists per year
The sprawling city of Medina is also known as the ‘city of the Prophet’. Keep in mind that the centre of the city is off-limits to non-muslims.
22nd Prague, Czech Republic with 8.948 million tourists per year
Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is an affordable option for many young travellers.
21st Guangzhou, China with 9.004 million tourists per year
China’s third biggest city has internationally famous restaurants, striking buildings and mountain views.
20th Mecca, Saudi Arabia with 9.565 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.
19th Taipei, Taiwan with 9.597 million tourists per year
Come to Taipei for its busy shopping streets and lively street-food scene.
18th Pattaya, Thailand with 9.606 million tourists per year
Once a quiet fishing village, Pattaya is now popular for its beaches, cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs.
17th Tokyo, Japan with 9.985 million tourists per year
Super busy but super exciting, Tokyo offers a look into the future of what every city could be like.
16th Rome, Italy with 10.065 million tourists per year
Drink incredible wine, see the Vatican and the Colosseum in Italy’s must-visit city.
15th Phuket, Thailand with 10.550 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.
14th Mumbai, India with 10.590 million tourists per year
Mumbai is an exciting, busy city with a vibrant nightlife scene and colonial buildings.
13th Shenzhen, China with 12.202 million tourists per year
Shenzhen links Hong Kong to China’s mainland and is a fantastic place to come to for designer shopping.
12th Antalya, Turkey with 12.438 million tourists per year
A popular Turkish resort city, Antalya continues to be a popular pick for holidaymakers looking to relax in the sun.
11th Delhi, India with 12.645 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.
The 10 Most Visited Cities in the World 2019….
10th Istanbul, Turkey with 13.433 million tourists per year
Istanbul is the country’s economic, cultural and historic centre. With pretty cafes, great food and plenty of history, what’s not to love?
9th Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with 13.434 million tourists per year
Home to the famous Petronas Twin Towers, the skyline here at night is unforgettable. One of the world’s most visited cities is well worth a visit.
8th New York City, USA with 13.600 million tourists per year
Where to begin with the Big Apple? Each borough offers something different, from trendy Brooklyn to stylish Manhattan.
7th Dubai, UAE with 15.920 million tourists per year
Dubai has burst onto the tourism scene with fancy resorts, outstanding museums and shopping malls and a luxury vibe.
6th Paris, France with 17.560 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.
5th Singapore, Singapore with 18.551 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.
4th Macau, China with 18.931 million tourists per year
With the nickname, “Las Vegas of Asia”, Macau is a mega-popular casino city where everything is OTT. It beat out Singapore this year to take 4th place.
3rd London, UK with 19.233 million tourists per year
Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and means London stays front and centre. There’s always plenty of things to see and do here for visitors of all ages.
2nd Bangkok, Thailand with 24.177 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.
1st Hong Kong, China with 29.262 million tourists per year
Hong Kong is a major shopping destination, famous for bespoke tailors and Temple Street Night Market. Despite ongoing protests, it has kept its spot as the world’s most visited city.
To check out the full report and list of the 100 most visited cities in the world, see here.
See the 50 Most Visited Cities in 2018 here.
BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK
MOST POPULAR
SIMILAR ARTICLES
newsletter