Chef Education

I was reading an article about Dubai and learned that this Middle Eastern city is the 8th most visited city in the world. I was kind of surprised, but at the same time wasn’t really. It prompted me to initiate the research on which were the other most visited cities in the world as once you know who #8 is, you want to know the rest of the list. The findings were, for the most part, not surprising. The biggest surprise in my mind was the placement of Istanbul, the capital city of Turkey on the #7 spot. Really? Istanbul beating Rome? Anyway, without further ado, below is the list of Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World including number of visitors a city receives per year.

1. Paris – France

Paris is the most visited city in the world with estimated 15.6 million visitors a year
Paris one of the first cities that come to mind of every traveler when talking about visiting Europe. Consider the most “chic” city in the world, Paris is full of stunning architecture, old churches, romantic cafes, spectacular monuments, art galleries and much, much more. Famous sites such as the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame are a must visit for every traveler. And let’s not forget my personal favorite – the catacombs.

2. London – United Kingdom

London is the 2nd most visited city in the world with estimated 14.8 million visitors a year
Someone once said that when you get tired of London, you got tired of life. Life in London simply never ends. With sights like London Eye, Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden, Soho, Piccadilly Circus, etc this city can’t possibly be a bore.

3. Bangkok – Thailand

Bangkok is the 3rd most visited city in the world with estimated 10.84 million visitors a year
Bangkok is a city where ancient world meets modern lifestyle. Scattered among skyscrapers are breathtaking Buddhist temples housing statues of Buddha offering quiet refuge from the hassle of the life outside. Iconic Khao San Road is perhaps the most notorious backpackers street in the world.

4. Singapore – Singapore

Singapore is the 4th most visited city in the world with estimated 10.1 million visitors a year
Singapore is on its way to becoming a tropical tourist hub that embodies the best of Paris, London and New York all in one. After separating from Malaysia and embarking on the path of independence in 1965, Singapore has been a textbook perfect example of a successful city.

5. New York City – United States of America

New York City is the 5th most visited city in the world with estimated 9.5 million visitors a year
The City that Never Sleeps has a personality of its own. Life cannot be complete without at least one visit to the Big Apple. It’s a mindboggling experience and it really doesn’t matter how much time you spend in New York, there is always something new and exciting to discover.

6. Hong Kong – China

Hong Kong is the 6th most visited city in the world with estimated 7.94 million visitors a year
When it comes to “East Meets West”, Hong Kong is the city. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, Honk Kong is considered one of the safest large cities in the world and the city with the best public transport in the world.

7. Istanbul – Turkey

Istanbul is the 7th most visited city in the world with estimated 7.05 million visitors a year
Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Voted the 2010 Capital of the European Culture, Istanbul is home to some of world’s finest architectural gems, such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace.

8. Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Dubai is the 8th most visited city in the world with estimated 6.9 million visitors a year
Built out of nothing and into the business hub of the Middle East in just a few decades, Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building (Burj Dubai), world’s most expensive hotel (Burj al Arab), world’s largest man made islands (Palm Islands), the indoor ski slope built in the middle of a desert and much, much more.

9. Shanghai – China

Shanghai is the 9th most visited city in the world with estimated 6.66 million visitors a year
Being the largest city in China, Shanghai is a bull on steroids that’s become East China’s international hub. Chinese traditions get intertwined with Western customs in a blend that will make the memories of your stay unforgettable.

10. Rome – Italy

Rome is the 10th most visited city in the world with estimated 6.12 million visitors a year
Rome personalizes thousands of years of human history. Roman Coliseum, The Forum, the Fontana di Trevi, the Pantheon – I could go on forever. And let’s not forget Vatican City and great Italian wine.
Visiting a place that’s on the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World has both its advantages and disadvantage. The fact that so many foreigners travel to these locations means that there truly must be something worthwhile to see. But at the same time it also means that there will be thousands upon thousands of tourists there, making it rather overrun. They each still count as must visit before you die cities. I definitely have each one of them on my personal “my visit” list.