Whats the most popular city in the world

  • The list of the most visited cities in the world was released this week by market-research firm Euromonitor International.
  • New York City saw more than 13 million international tourists last year, but it only finished No. 8 on the global list.
  • Asian cities dominated the top 10, with one city attracting nearly 28 million international tourists.

Euromonitor International released its annual ranking of the most visited cities in the world this week, measuring the appeal of some of the world's most famous destinations to international travelers.

The UK-based market-research firm looked at 600 cities worldwide and ranked the 100 that attracted the most international tourists in 2017, and projected estimates for 2018 using part-year data.

Read more: 13 places to visit in December for every type of traveler

Seven American cities made the cut this year, led by New York City, which attracted more than 13 million tourists in 2017, good for eighth in the global rankings.

Meanwhile, Asian cities dominated the top of the list, comprising seven out of the top 10 most popular cities. One Asian tourism powerhouse retained its title for the eighth consecutive year, leading the world with nearly 28 million international visitors.

Read on to see the biggest urban tourism hotspots in the world:

Whats the most popular city in the world

Photo by Virojt Changyencham/Shutterstock

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, or Wat Arun, is one of the most popular landmarks in Bangkok.

A new report from financial services company Mastercard highlights some of the world’s top destinations.

Paris and London may have jambon-beurre and double-decker buses, respectively, but Bangkok has more tourists: For the fourth year in a row, the Thai capital tops Mastercard’s annual Global Destination Cities Index, which ranks 200 cities on overnight visitors.

In 2018, the city saw 22.78 million international visitors, the majority of them from China, Japan, South Korea, India, and the United Kingdom. That Bangkok is a top draw is hardly surprising: Its famous attractions include its Grand Palace, temples like Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit, and street food on Khao San Road. And as Tom Downey wrote for AFAR in 2017, no matter if you visit once or once every few months, Bangkok has discoveries at every bend:

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“Even though I’m in a city I know well, having visited many times, I’ve found myself somewhere new. I’m nestled in the heart of a dense, bustling market where shoppers eye slabs of pork and vats of pickled greens, chat with vendors, bow toward the temple, and live the vibrant life of this inner city. For me it’s a revelatory experience of enormous, immersive pleasure.”

Paris and London took second and third place on the list of popular cities, with more than 19 million visitors each, and Dubai (15.93 million) and Singapore (14.67 million) rounded out the top five. Only one U.S. city, New York, made the list of the top 20 most popular cities by overnight visitors, ringing in at number seven. Cities in the Asia-Pacific region dominate much of the list, in large part because of the growth of travelers from mainland China, according to the report. 

The index, which has been produced by Mastercard since 2009, doesn’t only track overnight visitors—it looks at how much they spend in a destination, too. For 2018, international overnight visitors spent the most money in Dubai, averaging $553 per day, for a total of $30.82 billion. In Bangkok? Travelers spent just $184. 

Here, a list of the world’s most popular cities by overnight visitors:

  1. Bangkok, Thailand: 22.78 million
  2. Paris, France: 19.10 million
  3. London, U.K.: 19.09 million
  4. Dubai, U.A.E.: 15.93 million
  5. Singapore: 14.67 million
  6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 13.79 million
  7. New York City: 13.60 million
  8. Istanbul, Turkey: 13.40 million
  9. Tokyo, Japan: 12.93 million
  10. Antalya, Turkey: 12.41 million

>> Next: How (and Where) to Get off the Beaten Path in Bangkok

Whats the most popular city in the world

In June of this year, the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index was released, revealing the ten most visited cities around the world. While most of the cities on the list are in Asia, North America and Europe are also represented. In no particular order, here are the ten cities people are traveling to the most.

Whats the most popular city in the world

Dubai sunset | © the_dead_pixel/Flickr

While London and Bangkok have been going back and forth between the number one and number two spot, Dubai will likely take over the by 2020, according to a 2014 article in the Telegraph.Currently sitting in the number four spot, Dubai is expected to receive 14.26 million visitors this year, and these visitors will spend approximately $11.7 billion. Offering visitors a wide range of activities from shopping — visit the Mall of Emirates where there is an indoor ski slope — to outdoor adventures to historic sites, it is easy to see why people flock to this Middle Eastern city.

England’s vibrant capital, London, will draw close to 18.82 million people this year, making it the number one most visited city in the world. It’s not surprising that so many people want to visit, as it has so much to offer. From the incredible art scene — from ancient to Old Masters to contemporary — to the delicious eats, the history, and the green spaces, visitors will never be bored. While it may one of the most expensive cities, there are still numerous things to do and see if you’re on a budget — most museums are free. It’s estimated that visitors will spend approximately $20.2 billion in London this year.

London, UK

Whats the most popular city in the world
New York City | © Unsplash/Pixabay

According to the index’s estimate, 12.27 million people will be making their way to New York City this year, bringing with them approximately $17.4 billion. The Big Apple is one of the most popular destinations — the number one destination in North America — due to the fact that there are numerous attractions. For the art lover, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, or Neue Galerie, or take in show on Broadway. For the foodie, the possibilities are endless, from local eats to international treats. There are also beautiful parks, incredible architecture, and so much more.

New York City, NY, USA

Whats the most popular city in the world
Paris | © RichardLey/Pixabay

With a rich history, numerous fascinating attractions, exquisite art, and incredible food, it should come as no surprise that the City of Light is one of the top destinations in the world. Paris will see roughly 16.06 million people visit in 2015 — number three in the world. Whether visiting the Louvre, buying a crêpe, relaxing in the garden of the Musée Rodin, or feasting upon a delicious meal at Le Meurice, visitors will spend about $16.6 million in Paris in 2015. Trying to stick to a budget? There are also many budget-friendly things to do, including just strolling along the streets, taking in all the scenic beauty Paris has to offer.

Paris, France

Whats the most popular city in the world
Bangkok | © Swaminathan/Flickr

Number two on the MasterCard index list, Bangkok can expect to see approximately 18.24 million visitors in 2015. The total revenue that these tourists are expected to bring in is about $12.4 billion, growing at a faster pace than any other city on the list — about an 11.8 % increase. Bangkok is diverse in its attractions from, shopping to food to historic sites, making it a popular choice for those with varying interests. The kind people and value for money the city offers are other reasons why millions of people flock to this beautiful destination each year. Read The Culture Trip’s guide to discover a few things to do when visiting Bangkok.

Bangkok, Thailand

Whats the most popular city in the world
Istanbul | © Moyan Brenn/Flickr

Even though Singapore was number four on the list in 2014, and is now is number seven, the amount of visitors heading to the city-state located off of southern Malaysia is increasing, with an expected 11.88 million people in 2015. The area attracts many Westerners, as it is a great place from which to explore other areas of Asia — English is also one of the official languages. Exciting attractions are also plentiful, with choices such as the Gardens By The Bay – a beautiful, verdant area with Supertree structures –, China Town, and Little India and Arab Street. For the fashion inclined, a visit to Orchard Road, with all its shopping centers, is an absolute must.

Singapore

Whats the most popular city in the world
Seoul | © travel oriented/Flickr

While the number of visitors (10.35 million) place it on the lower end of the list, the money spent by visitors is quite high and very close to the cities at the top of MasterCard’s Global Destination Cities Index. Spending approximately $14.7 billion, people travel to Seoul, South Korea, because of the cultural experiences available to them. From tasty, authentic food to royal palaces — the Gyeongbokgung Palace from the Joseon dynasty is one must-visit — to incredible shopping in places like Dongdaemun Market or the traditional Namdaemun Market, there is something for every visitor.

Seoul, South Korea

Whats the most popular city in the world
Kuala Lumpur | © Bas Leenders

While most of the cities on this list see visitors from all around the world, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, sees more tourists from the Southeast Asia area and Australia. Malaysia’s capital has seen a bit of growth when it comes to visitors — about 11.12 million in 2015 — keeping it in the top ten. Some of the top things to do and see in Kuala Lumpur include visiting the Petronas Twin Towers – which features a park and shopping –, the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, and Petaling Street, where visitors will find a host of food vendors and shopping.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Whats the most popular city in the world
Hong Kong | © skeeze/Pixabay

Hong Kong is a popular destination for tourists, because although it is part of China, it has its own set of laws. This allows many people to visit without applying for a visa, making it an attractive choice for those looking to experience Chinese culture. Another reason millions visit each year is because there is so much to do, from dining in incredible restaurants and grabbing tasty street food to strolling around markets and exploring outdoor spaces. For 2015, it is estimated that 8.66 million people will visit Hong Kong and spend approximately $7.4 billion.

Hong Kong