The world map has hundreds of incredible destinations to pursue wanderlust. However, a few cities steal the limelight from others, and travelers can never get enough of them. Check out the world’s 12 most visited cities (top to bottom order) for 2023 based on Euromonitor International report. The report ranks all cities across 55 metrics.
Paris, France
A global hub of art, culture, history, and architecture, Paris lures people with its eternal charm and beauty. This picturesque city witnessed an influx of 47.5 million tourists in 2023, with the United States accounting for the highest number of international tourists.
The iconic monuments of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Palace of Versailles capture every traveler’s heart. Taking a leisurely stroll on the Champs-Elysees, appreciating the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum, and enjoying a scenic open boat ride on the Seine River are unforgettable tourist experiences. A trip to Paris is complete with indulging in the magic of Disneyland.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai seals its spot as the second-most visited destination after Paris, attracting 17.15 million visitors in 2023. The Pearl of the Middle East redefines opulence and ultra-modernism while retaining its Arabic culture.
Burj Khalifa, the epitome of architectural brilliance, is a tourist favorite. There are adventure options galore, from desert safaris and hot air balloon rides to skydiving and flyboarding. Gold Souks and mega malls are epicenters for shopping aficionados. Heritage tours, white sand beaches, food excursions, and glitzy nightclubs are other options to explore in Dubai.
Madrid, Spain
The capital city of Spain broke all previous records of tourist arrivals, with 14 million visitors in 2023, owing to its vivid cultural landscape and architectural marvels. People flock to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the university city of Alcalá de Henares, and the Royal Palace of Aranjuez.
Madrid’s itinerary also comprises the ‘Golden Triangle of Art’—three renowned museums, El Retiro Park, Tapas hopping, the world’s oldest restaurant, Restaurante Botin, and legendary soccer stadiums.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo was among the top three preferred metropolitan cities for 70% of the 25 million tourists who visited Japan in 2023. Japan’s capital and largest city offers a mix of attractions, from historical gems to paper lantern-lit and neon-washed streets.
The famous Mt. Fuji, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Japan’s tallest mountain, is just a few hours’ drive from Tokyo. Other fascinating places of interest in the city are Sensoji Temple, the 2020 Olympic sites, Japan’s tallest building, Skytree, a cruise on the Sumida River, Rainbow Bridge, and Disneyland.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
The Dutch capital remains the most popular destination in the Netherlands, drawing 9 million tourists in 2023. Some parts of the city transport its guests into a different era with its beautiful canal homes, enchanting old castles, and towering windmills. The 17th-century Canal Ring Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Tulip Festival from March to May is a popular time to visit. Cycling or bike tours are among the best ways to explore Amsterdam, also home to the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House.
Berlin, Germany
A city of historical significance, Berlin welcomed 12.1 million tourists in 2023. Travelers trace the stories of World War II and the Cold War stories by visiting the Holocaust Memorial, Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Story Bunker Museum, Topography of Terror, and Brandenburg Gate.
Other things worth seeing are Charlottenburg Palace, Beer Gardens, Olympiastadion, Mauerpark Flea Market, Tiergarten, and the Reichstag Building.
Rome, Italy
An estimated 35 million tourists chose Rome as their holiday destination in 2023. The center of Christianity and the birthplace of the Fascism Movement, Rome is famous for its rich ancient history.
The Colosseum, the iconic amphitheater, Rome’s most popular sightseeing place, and one of the world’s seven wonders. The gorgeous Trevi Fountain attracts people for taking selfies or tossing in a coin to fulfill a wish. The Pantheon boards the tombs of Italy’s most prominent figures. Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, and Vatican Museums are also big crowd-pullers.
New York, United States of America
The city that never sleeps and prides itself on an enviable skyline received 61.8 million sightseers in 2023. The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Grand Central Terminal, and Times Square are world-famous landmarks in New York. Tourists spend hours at the Empire State Building exploring historical artifacts and feeding their adrenaline rush at the 102nd-floor observation deck.
Tourists also love walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, absorbing nature at Central Park and Madison Square Park, or spending family time at the Bronx Zoo.
Barcelona, Spain
Spain features again in this list of most-visited cities, with Barcelona having 12 million tourists in 2023. It has nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, seven of which are masterpiece structures created by the renowned architects Jujol and Gaudi. Barcelona is also famous for the Nou Camp, Europe’s largest football stadium, which celebrates the city’s die-hard passion for the game.
The Mediterranean beaches, Montserrat Mountain, Ciutadella Park, and Catalunya Square are also highly recommended on the tourist list. A lively nightlife and wine and tapas tours offer a feast for the senses’ experiences.
London, United Kingdom
London consistently remained the most visited city in the UK, with 20.27 million tourists in 2023. This metropolitan area is a melting pot of cultures and offers a broad spectrum of things to do and see. The ‘Big Ben’ clock tower, the London Eye Observation Wheel, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament have an immense magnetic pull for globetrotters.
The Covent Garden is a bustling, upscale destination for shopaholics and foodies. The green stretches of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are perfect for foot and bike exploration. Warner Bros. Studio tour is on every Harry Potter fan’s London bucket list.
Singapore, Singapore
The island country and city-state had 13.6 million international visitors in 2023, more than double the number in 2022. It is an experiential delight with marvelous architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and pulsating nightlife.
A day stroll along the Marina Bay Esplanade followed by a magnificent light and sound show in the evenings is a tourist favorite. The Merlion Statue, SkyPark Observation Deck, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Island are unmissable points of interest in Singapore. The Changi Airport has several attractions that engage travelers the whole day.
Munich, Germany
Munich is the second-most visited city in Germany after Berlin, with 8.5 million tourists in 2023. Nymphenburg Palace is an iconic monument that houses the famous Gallery of Beauties and other museums. The Glockenspiel Show at Marienplatz, exhibiting dancing life-size figures, always entices the crowd.
The beer hall Hofbräuhaus gives a glimpse into the authentic way of life of the locals. The annual Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival in the world, is held from September to October and is a major seasonal highlight.