What are the 20 most visited cities in the world in 2025? Let’s go into detail and discover which are the most popular destinations!
The world is beautiful because it is varied. A saying that is fully reflected in tourism, since every city has a different soul. From the most spiritual places, to those dedicated to romance, to the most modern locations, in fact, there is truly an embarrassment of choice.
The beauty of traveling, after all, lies in the possibility of exploring different cultures, languages, cuisines and lifestyles, all within a few hours of flight. But which are the cities that attract the most visitors in the world in 2025? To answer this question, we will take into account the data released by Euromonitor International with its report "Top 100 City Destinations Index", as reported by Forbes.
As reported on the official website of Euromonitor International, its report provides access to useful information on:
"performance, attractiveness and potential of urban markets. It compares 55 different metrics in collaboration with Lighthouse across six key pillars for 100 city destinations, to create an overall city attractiveness score. It examines economic and business performance, tourism performance, tourism infrastructure, tourism policy and attractiveness, health and safety and sustainability".
By taking these characteristics into account, it is possible to know which are the best places to travel during 2025 to experience a one-of-a-kind vacation. In this regard, it is clear that, for the fourth consecutive year, Paris wins first place as the best city in the world to visit, for its ability to create the perfect combination of history and modernity. Taking into account international arrivals, however, the most visited city in the world is Bangkok which, in 2024, recorded 32 million international visitors, with an increase of 30% compared to 2023. Let’s see below which are, based on the latest statistics, the 20 most visited locations.
Bangkok: 32.4 million international visitors
Bangkok is a city with a thousand faces, capable of fascinating anyone who decides to visit it. Famous for its glittering temples such as Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, it is also an evolving commercial and cultural center. The right mix of modernity and tradition that can be felt in the crowded markets, in the street food streets and in the cutting-edge shopping centers, undoubtedly represent an important added value. If all this were not enough, Bangkok turns out to be a strategic point for exploring the whole of Thailand and Southeast Asia, thanks to the numerous air connections.
Istanbul: 23 million international visitors
Istanbul is a unique metropolis, where East and West meet. Here the charm of the ancient mosques, such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, coexists with the liveliness of the bazaars and modern streets. The city is a cultural and historical crossroads, rich in Byzantine and Ottoman testimonies. In recent years, this city has also significantly improved its tourist services and infrastructure, becoming increasingly accessible and welcoming.
London: 21.7 million international visitors
London is a global capital, known and appreciated for offering an unrivaled mix of culture, history and innovation. From the Tower of London to the British Museum, passing through the cultural and commercial heart of the West End to the markets of Camden, every corner of the city tells a different story. Tourists’ interest in local culture is accompanied by strong business tourism, which together make London a destination always full of energy and novelty.
Hong Kong: 20.5 million international visitors
Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps, where Chinese traditions and Western influences mix. With its iconic skyline, Victoria Peak and night markets, it is a beloved destination for shopping, cuisine and business tourism. How can we not mention Hong Kong Park, one of the most beloved parks in the city, where you can enjoy some time outdoors among large green spaces, lakes, landscaped gardens and recreational facilities.
Mecca: 19.3 million international visitors
Mecca is the holy city for Muslims from all over the world. Every year millions of believers come here to participate in the Hajj and Umrah, or pilgrimages sacred to Islam. The city, it will be interesting to know, has undergone extensive renovation and expansion work to accommodate an ever-increasing number of visitors, with modern infrastructures that undoubtedly help to facilitate the performance of these unique spiritual experiences.
Antalya: 19.3 million international visitors
Antalya is a true pearl of the Mediterranean that combines enchanting beaches, crystal clear sea and a rich historical heritage. The remains of the ancient Roman and Byzantine city are integrated with modern resorts and a lively nightlife, able to attract especially European tourists in search of relaxation and culture. The mild climate all year round and the ease of access make Antalya one of the most popular and appreciated tourist destinations in Turkey. From the historic center of Kaleici to the Düden Waterfalls, every corner offers unique emotions of its kind.
Dubai: 18.2 million international visitors
Dubai is considered by all to be synonymous with luxury and spectacle. From the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to seven-star hotels, this desert city offers a tourist experience marked by exclusivity and innovation. Shopping, international events, theme parks and a vibrant nightlife contribute to making it an irresistible destination for those who want to live an exclusive experience marked by glamour and comfort.
Macau: 18 million international visitors
Macau is known as the Las Vegas of Asia due to its massive casinos and luxury resorts that attract gambling enthusiasts from all over the world. In addition to gambling, the city offers a unique cultural heritage, with baroque churches and ancient traditions that are reflected in both the cuisine and architecture. A mix of entertainment and culture that makes Macau a multifaceted destination.
Paris: 17.4 million international visitors
Paris has always been the city of love, art and fashion. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Montmartre district and the elegant boulevards offer a timeless experience to millions of visitors every year. In addition to cultural tourism, Paris is a capital of gastronomy and luxury shopping, with international events that keep it always up to date.
Kuala Lumpur: 16.5 million international visitors
Kuala Lumpur is a modern city that fascinates with its contrast between futuristic skyscrapers such as the Petronas Towers and traditional neighborhoods rich in history and culture. Its strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia, together with a rich gastronomic offer and cultural events, make it an increasingly popular and sought-after destination for travelers from all over the world.
Singapore: approximately 16 million international visitors
Singapore is a city-state that has managed to combine modernity, order and sustainability. Its futuristic gardens, such as the Gardens by the Bay, multicultural neighborhoods and excellent tourist services attract tourists who want to live a refined and innovative urban experience. Singapore is also an important commercial and financial hub, thus proving to be an important financial crossroads on a global level.
New York City: 11.7 million international visitors
New York is the city that never sleeps, undisputed symbol of diversity and creativity. From the Statue of Liberty to Central Park, from world-famous museums to ethnic neighborhoods, this city offers experiences that can satisfy the tastes and needs of every type of tourist. A destination that deserves to be visited at least once in one’s life, many take the opportunity to visit Wall Street, the street that best represents the financial, banking and institutional heart of the city, where the headquarters of the most important American banks are located.
Tokyo: approximately 13 million international visitors
Japan focuses heavily on sustainable and cultural tourism, helping to increase the attractiveness of its capital.
Tokyo, on the other hand, is striking for being a true mosaic of contrasts, where tradition and innovation coexist in harmony. From historic temples to the most advanced technologies, from trendy neighborhoods like Shibuya to Michelin-starred restaurants, this city attracts visitors looking for a complete and unforgettable experience. In particular, among the most popular destinations is the historic district of Asakusa, which is home to Sensō-ji, the oldest and most visited Buddhist temple in Tokyo.
Seoul: approximately 11.2 million international visitors
Seoul is considered a dynamic center of pop culture and ancient traditions. The city is famous for its historic buildings, street food, fashion trends and K-pop music, which encourage young and international tourism. In particular, this success is supported by continuous investments in tourism infrastructure and smart city technologies that make Seoul a cutting-edge destination.
Osaka: approximately 10 million international visitors
Known as the gastronomic capital of Japan, Osaka is famous and appreciated throughout the world for typical dishes such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki. But not only that, in addition to the cuisine, this city offers attractions that are worth visiting, such as Osaka Castle and the Universal Studios Japan theme park, which attract families, young people and pop culture enthusiasts every year.
Phuket: 9.89 million international visitors
Phuket is undoubtedly one of the most popular islands in Southeast Asia, with dreamy beaches, turquoise waters and a vibrant nightlife. It is considered the ideal destination for those looking for the perfect mix of relaxation, water sports and local culture. If all this were not enough, a few steps from the sea there are traditional markets and Buddhist temples to visit to make your experience one of a kind. To make it even more authentic, we also recommend exploring the historic Phuket Old Town, which fascinates with its pastel-colored colonial houses.
Pattaya: 9.44 million international visitors
One of the most visited places in the world is undoubtedly Pattaya, known for offering lively entertainment, crowded beaches and activities for all ages. Over the years, the city has become an important tourist hub in Thailand, with resorts of all categories, world-class golf courses, family theme parks, floating markets and a very lively nightlife, which is concentrated especially along Walking Street, considered the beating heart of the local nightlife.
Milan: 9.10 million international visitors
Among the most visited destinations in the world, an Italian city certainly could not be missing. In particular, we are talking about Milan, which is considered the beating heart of fashion and design of our country and in the world. A popular destination for both cultural and business tourism, this city combines historical heritage, with the Duomo and the Sforza Castle, with international events such as Fashion Week and the Salone del Mobile, offering the possibility of living unforgettable experiences.
Barcelona: 9.09 million international visitors
Barcelona is a city with Mediterranean charm, famous for the works of Gaudí, its lively squares and its beaches easily accessible and ideal for relaxing after a day spent visiting the various local attractions. Among the most iconic is the Sagrada Família, a true symbol of the city and testimony to its artistic and spiritual soul. Precisely the mix of art, history, architecture and modern life, makes this city an ideal destination for tourists from every corner of the world, who take the opportunity to learn about its culture, good food and take walks through historic markets, tree-lined boulevards and neighborhoods full of personality.
Palma de Mallorca: 8.96 million international visitors
Considered the gateway to the Balearics, Palma de Mallorca boasts a rich historical heritage and a varied tourist offer that can satisfy all types of travellers. It is particularly appreciated for its charming old town, where you can admire cobbled streets, lively squares and monuments of great cultural value, among which the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria, a Gothic masterpiece that dominates the port, stands out. But not only that, Palma also offers numerous beaches and charming coves in its vicinity, perfect for those looking for a holiday full of sun, crystal-clear sea and Mediterranean tranquility. If all this were not enough, it boasts a lively gastronomic scene, traditional markets and a welcoming atmosphere that perfectly combines tradition and modernity.
Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Le 20 città più visitate del mondo al 2025
