Bangkok topped the list in 2025 with 30.3 million international arrivals, followed by Hong Kong, London, and Macao, according to Euromonitor International's annual ranking.
Quick answer: 1. Bangkok, Thailand, 2. Hong Kong, China, 3. London, United Kingdom, 4. Macao, China, 5. Istanbul, Turkey, 6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 7. Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 8. Antalya, Turkey, 9. Paris, France, 10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
International tourism continues to rebound strongly, and Asia-Pacific cities dominate the list of the world's most-visited urban destinations. Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Macao lead the way, reflecting the region's continued appeal to global travelers. London remains Europe's top gateway, while Istanbul, Dubai, and Antalya showcase the appeal of the Middle East and Mediterranean. This list ranks the ten most-visited cities in the world by the number of international tourist arrivals in 2025, based on the annual Top 100 City Destinations Index published by Euromonitor International, a global market research company. The data counts all international arrivals by land, air, and sea for both tourist and business purposes.
Bangkok reclaimed its position as the world's most-visited city with 30.3 million international arrivals in 2025. The Thai capital's appeal spans its legendary street food scene, ornate temples, vibrant nightlife, and a booming hotel sector. The 'White Lotus effect' and Thailand's relaxed visa policies for many nationalities have further boosted arrivals.
Hong Kong saw 23.2 million international arrivals in 2025, nearly three times its entire population. The city's rebound from the pandemic-era restrictions has been dramatic, driven by its status as a global financial hub, shopping destination, and gateway to mainland China. The new Kai Tak Sports Park and improved flight connectivity have added to its appeal.
London remained Europe's most-visited city with 22.7 million international arrivals, cementing its position as the continent's primary gateway. The city's cultural attractions — the British Museum, Tower of London, West End theatres, and a world-class dining scene — continue to draw visitors from every continent. London's five international airports provide extensive global connectivity.
Macao, the world's largest gambling destination, attracted 20.4 million international arrivals. The former Portuguese colony's unique blend of European and Chinese heritage, UNESCO-listed historic center, and massive casino resorts make it a major draw for tourists from mainland China, Hong Kong, and across Southeast Asia.
Istanbul, the only city spanning two continents, welcomed 19.7 million international visitors. The city's unique position straddling Europe and Asia, its Ottoman and Byzantine heritage (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace), and its vibrant bazaars and food scene make it one of the world's most compelling urban destinations.
Dubai attracted 19.5 million international arrivals, a reflection of its continued investment in tourism infrastructure, including the world's tallest building (Burj Khalifa), artificial islands, luxury resorts, and year-round sunshine. The city's status as a global aviation hub, anchored by Emirates Airline, makes it accessible from virtually every continent.
Mecca received 18.7 million international visitors, driven almost entirely by religious tourism — the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to Islam's holiest city. Saudi Arabia's recent expansion of the Umrah visa and tourism reforms have made it easier for pilgrims to visit year-round, contributing to the steady growth in arrivals.
Antalya, on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, drew 18.6 million international visitors, making it the second Turkish city in the top ten. The resort city is a major destination for European sun-seekers, particularly from Germany, Russia, and the UK, drawn by its all-inclusive resorts, ancient ruins, and turquoise coastline.
Paris, the world's most-visited city in the overall Euromonitor Top 100 City Destinations Index (which scores tourism infrastructure, sustainability, and economic performance), ranks ninth by sheer arrival volume with 18.3 million international visitors. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame, and Parisian cafés remain an enduring draw, and the 2024 Summer Olympics boosted the city's global profile.
Kuala Lumpur rounds out the top ten with 17.3 million international arrivals. The Malaysian capital's appeal lies in its affordability, diverse culinary scene, modern skyline anchored by the Petronas Twin Towers, and a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultural influences. The city's status as a regional aviation hub also drives transit stopovers.
| # | Name | Country | Region | Key attractions | Visa policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangkok, Thailand | Thailand | Asia | Temples, street food, nightlife | Visa-free for 93 countries |
| 2 | Hong Kong, China | China (SAR) | Asia | Shopping, dining, skyline, Disneyland | Visa-free for 170 countries |
| 3 | London, United Kingdom | United Kingdom | Europe | Museums, theatre, historic sites | Visa-free for 90 countries (ETIA coming) |
| 4 | Macao, China | China (SAR) | Asia | Casinos, heritage, dining | Visa-free for 130 countries |
| 5 | Istanbul, Turkey | Turkey | Europe / Asia | Historic sites, bazaars, cuisine | Visa-free for 110 countries |
| 6 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | United Arab Emirates | Middle East | Shopping, luxury, Burj Khalifa | Visa-free for 90 countries |
| 7 | Mecca, Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia | Middle East | Hajj, Umrah, religious sites | Special pilgrimage visa |
| 8 | Antalya, Turkey | Turkey | Europe / Asia | Beaches, resorts, Roman ruins | Visa-free for 110 countries |
| 9 | Paris, France | France | Europe | Art, architecture, cuisine, fashion | Schengen visa |
| 10 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Malaysia | Asia | Petronas Towers, street food, Batu Caves | Visa-free for 160 countries |
Cities are ranked by the total number of international arrivals in 2025, including all inbound visitors arriving by air, land, and sea for both tourism and business purposes. The data comes from Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025, which compiles arrival statistics from national tourism boards, airport authorities, and immigration data. The figures are estimates and may differ from individual city or country reports due to differences in counting methodology. Rank 1 is the city with the most international arrivals.
Euromonitor publishes two separate rankings. This list is purely by the number of international arrivals. The overall Top 100 City Destinations Index scores cities on tourism infrastructure, sustainability, economic performance, health and safety, and other quality metrics — Paris topped that index in 2025.
The figures include all international arrivals regardless of length of stay, including same-day visitors and cruise passengers. They count both tourist and business travel.
Asian cities, particularly Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Macao, have strongly rebounded after pandemic-era border closures. Before the pandemic, Bangkok and Hong Kong were also at the top, but the gap between Asian and European cities has narrowed as travel patterns have shifted.
New York City is a top destination but receives fewer international arrivals than these cities — approximately 13 million in 2025. The US is geographically farther from most international travelers compared to European and Asian hubs, and the city's ranking is based on air arrivals rather than including land border crossings.
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