Most Visited Cities in the World has become one of the biggest discussion topics after Euromonitor International released its 2025 Top 100 City Destinations Index. The latest tourism report highlights which global cities attract the highest number of international visitors—and it includes a remarkable achievement for Turkey. Both Istanbul and Antalya climbed into the world’s top 10 most visited cities, securing Turkey’s growing influence in global tourism.
In this long, detailed news article, you’ll find the updated rankings, key insights from Euromonitor’s report, and what Turkey’s success means for the future of international tourism.
The Global Tourism Landscape in 2025
Euromonitor International’s 2025 list offers a deep look into both popularity and cultural appeal. Paris ranked as the world’s most attractive city based on sustainability, culture, safety, and visitor experience. But when it comes to the actual number of visitors, Bangkok took the crown with more than 30 million international arrivals.
This year’s results show how global travel patterns are shifting, with Asian and Mediterranean destinations gaining impressive momentum.
Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World in 2025
Below is Euromonitor’s official list, based on international visitor volume:
10. Kuala Lumpur – 17.3 million visitors
Malaysia’s capital continues to grow as a major Southeast Asian hub, thanks to its modern skyline, shopping appeal, and strong airline connections.
9. Paris – 18.3 million visitors
Despite being No. 1 for overall attractiveness, Paris ranks ninth in total visitors, supported by its cultural richness, museums, and major sporting events.
8. Antalya – 18.6 million visitors
Turkey’s beloved Mediterranean destination makes a big impact with its beaches, resorts, and rising sports tourism. Antalya surpasses even Paris in visitor numbers.
7. Mecca – 18.7 million visitors
A central pilgrimage destination for millions of Muslims worldwide, Mecca maintains high visitor numbers each year.
6. Dubai – 19.5 million visitors
Luxury travel and global entertainment continue to drive Dubai’s strong position.
5. Istanbul – 19.7 million visitors
A major global metropolis, Istanbul ranks fifth, boosted by culture, gastronomy, and international events.
4. Macau – 20.4 million visitors
Often called the “Asian Las Vegas,” Macau attracts millions thanks to tourism entertainment and gaming.
3. London – 22.7 million visitors
Despite challenges related to sustainability scores, London continues to be a major tourist magnet.
2. Hong Kong – 23.2 million visitors
The city remains a major entry point into Asia with strong shopping and cultural attractions.
1. Bangkok – 30.3 million visitors
The world’s most visited city, driven by nightlife, culture, food, and affordability.
Turkey’s Global Tourism Success Confirmed
The inclusion of Istanbul and Antalya in the top 10 most visited cities in the world marks a significant milestone for Turkey:
- Istanbul – 5th with 19.7 million international visitors
- Antalya – 8th with 18.6 million international visitors
This is a strong signal of Turkey’s rapid global rise. Both cities surpass major European destinations, proving that Turkey’s tourism strategy, cultural investment, and event management are paying off.
Why Istanbul and Antalya Are Rising So Fast
Istanbul’s Strengths
- Diverse gastronomy
- Global-scale festivals and cultural events
- Increased international flight connectivity
- Strong digital tourism promotion
- Heritage sites combined with modern city life
Antalya’s Power
- World-class resorts and beaches
- High seasonal tourism demand
- Major sports tourism facilities
- Globally competitive hospitality standards
Together, these factors push Turkey forward as a leading tourism power across Europe and the Mediterranean.
The World’s Most Attractive Cities: Paris Leads Again
The same Euromonitor report also ranks global cities by attractiveness, using 56 criteria such as sustainability, infrastructure, culture, and safety. Paris leads due to:
- The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral
- Cultural vitality
- Strong performance in sports tourism, supported by PSG’s international popularity
Madrid, Tokyo, Rome, and Milan follow in the top five. Meanwhile, London dropped to 18th place due to sustainability concerns.
Turkey’s Growing Tourism Power in 2025
The latest findings confirm that Turkey is among the fastest-rising tourism countries in the world. With two cities in the global top 10:
- Turkey strengthens its brand in international tourism.
- Tourist volume continues to grow steadily.
- Global travel trends increasingly favor Mediterranean destinations.
With strong cultural identity, modern infrastructure, major global events, and expanding tourism capacity, Turkey is set to continue its upward movement in future rankings.
