Cities attract travelers for different reasons. Some are known for their food, others for their history, art, or nightlife. Every year, international arrival data reveals which places are on top of the world’s travel map and are the most visited cities in the world!
These numbers combine leisure, business, and family visits and give a clear idea of where people most want to be.
In 2025, travel has rebounded strongly after the pandemic years. International tourism is back in full flow and the top 10 most visited cities highlight a mix of classic destinations and a few that have grown rapidly due to events, infrastructure, and global exposure.
This list focuses on cities that received the highest number of international visitors, based on global travel reports and tourism boards.
Let’s dive into the top 10 most visited cities in the world:
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok continues to hold one of the top positions in the world. It combines ancient culture with modern energy, and that mix keeps drawing millions of visitors year after year.
The city is famous for its street food, golden temples, lively markets, and affordable luxury.
The Grand Palace and Wat Pho are must-see landmarks. Chao Phraya river cruises give visitors a view of the city from the water, while neighborhoods like Sukhumvit and Silom are known for dining and nightlife.
The shopping ranges from high-end malls like IconSiam to the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market.
One reason Bangkok is consistently at the top is that it is also a hub for travelers heading to Thai islands and northern cities. This makes it a natural first stop for many international trips.
Paris, France
Paris has an enduring appeal. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral remain world icons. But beyond landmarks, Paris is a city that people love simply for its atmosphere.
Cafés on every corner, small bakeries with fresh croissants, and walks along the Seine create a mood that is hard to match.
For art and fashion lovers, Paris is a dream. In recent years, the city has hosted major global events that have drawn even more visitors, keeping its numbers consistently high.
Shopping on the Champs-Élysées, climbing Montmartre’s steps, or just sitting in a park like Jardin du Luxembourg, are simple joys that make Paris stand out as one of the most visited cities.
London, United Kingdom
London remains one of the world’s leading travel destinations. Its mix of history, modern attractions, and cultural diversity keeps visitor numbers strong year after year.
Historic sites such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey attract first-time travelers.
Modern attractions such as the London Eye, Tate Modern, and Borough Market appeal to those who want more than just the classic postcard experience.
With a rich theatre scene in the West End, some of the best museums in the world, and a global food culture, London manages to appeal to almost every type of traveler.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
In just a few decades, Dubai has transformed into a city that seems to belong to the future. With its dramatic skyline, luxury shopping malls, and desert adventures, Dubai has built a reputation as a playground for travelers.
Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, is one of its main attractions. Visitors also flock to Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and the desert for dune bashing and camel rides.
The city has invested heavily in hosting international events, making it a major stopover hub as well as a destination in its own right.
Dubai’s airport is one of the busiest in the world, and many travelers choose to extend their stopover into a short stay, which adds to its visitor count.
Singapore
Singapore is small in size but huge in influence. Known for being clean, safe, and modern, this city-state offers a fascinating mix of cultures.
Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay with its futuristic Supertree structures, and Sentosa Island are highlights.
The city’s food scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to hawker centers, is one of the strongest reasons travelers keep coming back.
Changi Airport, often rated the best in the world, also plays a part by making Singapore a natural stopover destination for long-haul flights between Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul sits at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, and that unique location makes it unlike any other city.
It is a city where you can step from ancient Byzantine mosaics to Ottoman palaces and then sit down for a cup of Turkish tea while looking out over the Bosphorus.
The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace are landmarks that every visitor wants to see. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest markets in the world. The city’s food scene, from street kebabs to fine dining, reflects its layered history.
Istanbul’s popularity has grown in recent years because it offers a rich cultural experience at a more affordable price than many Western cities.
New York City, United States
New York City is often described as the capital of the world. It is busy, diverse, and constantly changing.
From Times Square to Central Park, from the Statue of Liberty to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York packs in more attractions than most travelers can see in one trip.
Broadway shows, shopping on Fifth Avenue, exploring neighborhoods like Brooklyn and Harlem, and eating food from every culture imaginable are all part of the New York experience.
The city never slows down, which is exactly why it continues to attract visitors in such high numbers.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo blends tradition with some of the most advanced technology in the world. Shinto shrines and peaceful gardens sit just blocks away from neon-lit districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Travelers come to Tokyo for its unique culture, food, and shopping. Sushi, ramen, and street snacks are an essential part of the visit. The city is also a launchpad for trips to Mount Fuji and other parts of Japan.
Events such as the Olympics in recent years and a global fascination with Japanese culture have kept Tokyo on the list of most visited cities.
Rome, Italy
Rome attracts millions each year because it is essentially an open-air museum. Ancient ruins such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon give visitors a direct connection to history.
The Vatican City, with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, is another major draw. Yet Rome is not only about monuments. Its piazzas, fountains, and food culture keep people coming back.
Walking through the city feels like walking through thousands of years of history while enjoying gelato.
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong’s skyline and harbor are instantly recognizable. Visitors come for its energy, shopping, food, and the blend of East and West.
The Star Ferry offers one of the best views of the harbor. Victoria Peak provides a panoramic view of the entire city. Hong Kong also has excellent street food markets and a lively night scene.
Despite challenges in recent years, Hong Kong remains one of the most visited cities in Asia, largely due to its location as a gateway between China and the rest of the world.
Why These Cities Top the List
Each of these cities has something that makes it unique: a strong cultural identity, excellent infrastructure for travelers, and a wide variety of attractions.
They are also well connected by international flights, which makes them easy to reach and the most visited cities in the world
Events, festivals, shopping, and food add to their appeal. For many travelers, these cities are not just destinations but symbols of experiences they want to have at least once in their lives.
Planning a Trip to the Most Visited Cities in the World
If you are planning to visit any of these destinations, book early. High visitor numbers often mean crowded attractions and higher hotel rates, especially during peak travel seasons.
Look for experiences beyond the main attractions as well. For example, in Paris visit local neighborhoods like Canal Saint-Martin. In Bangkok, explore a floating market. In New York, spend time in smaller art galleries in Chelsea. These smaller discoveries often become the most memorable parts of the trip.
