The Most Visited Cities In Europe

Europe receives round 746 million worldwide arrivals yearly however what are probably the most visited cities in Europe? On this information, I believed it could be useful to stipulate the most well-liked cities in Europe as a result of this serves as an important place to begin for journey planning—particularly if you wish to do a multi-city journey.

Fast Word: This record of probably the most visited cities in Europe comes from a 2019 research completed by Euromonitor Worldwide and every metropolis’s native tourism workplace. These numbers are pre-pandemic so it’ll undoubtedly take a number of years for tourism to return to earlier ranges. I’ve additionally written a information on the perfect occasion cities in Europe in case you’re in search of the highest nightlife locations.

1. London, United Kingdom — 19.6 Million Annual Guests

London has been probably the most visited metropolis in Europe for a number of years — in reality, London is among the most visited cities on the planet.

London is certainly one of my favourite cities and it makes a wonderful first cease for a lot of vacationers for a number of causes.

First, London has a number of main airports so flights to/from London are plentiful they usually are likely to have the bottom ticket costs. Second, London is nice for first-time vacationers as a result of there isn’t any language barrier so it’s a pleasant method to ease into visiting a international nation. Third, London is just a implausible world-class metropolis with a lot to do, see, and eat. You’ll be able to simply spend per week or extra right here and by no means run out of issues to expertise.

LONDON TRAVEL TIPS: London Journey Information, London Journey Costs, London on a Funds, London Go Evaluate

Supply: https://knowledge.london.gov.uk/dataset/number-international-visitors-london

2. Paris, France – 19.1 Million Annual Guests

Paris has at all times been a significant vacationer vacation spot — and rightfully so. In truth, Paris has been nipping at London’s heels for a number of years and plenty of specialists anticipate Paris to be probably the most visited European metropolis inside a number of years. Moreover, France is probably the most visited nation in Europe.

Personally, Paris is my favourite metropolis (I lived there for a number of years so I could be biased) as a result of it’s completely jam-packed with well-known sights, museums, nightlife, and tradition. Paris additionally has a wonderful Metro system so getting round is fast and simple.

Moreover, Paris additionally boasts the best variety of trip rental flats together with a sturdy lodge and hostel stock.

PARIS TRAVEL TIPS: Paris Journey Information, Finest Issues To Do In Paris, Paris Journey Costs, Finest Funds Eating places in Paris, Paris Go Evaluate, The place To Keep in Paris, Finest Meals Markets in Paris

Supply: https://press.parisinfo.com/key-figures

3. Istanbul, Turkey – 14.7 Million Annual Guests

Istanbul has suffered from political instability and safety considerations for fairly some time however issues have calmed down significantly over the previous few years. This has made tourism in Instabul skyrocket and now the town is among the most visited cities on the planet—particularly for Europeans eager to expertise Istanbul’s “East meets West” vibe.

Supply: https://www.ktb.gov.tr/EN-249283/tourism-statistics.html

4. Rome, Italy – 10.3 Million Annual Guests

It’s no shock that Rome is among the most visited cities in Europe because it’s broadly thought-about the “world’s second most traditionally, educationally and culturally fascinating and exquisite metropolis”. Rome is one other heavy-hitting tourism vacation spot that may simply fill per week (or longer) go to.

Rome can be properly linked to Italy’s nice cities and areas — making it a wonderful first cease earlier than exploring the remainder of this superb nation.

ROME TRAVEL TIPS: Rome Journey Information, Issues To Do in Rome, Rome Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Rome, Rome Go Evaluate

Supply: https://www.esteri.it/en/

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands — 8.8 Million Annual Guests

Regardless of its comparatively small measurement, Amsterdam continues to be a significant European tourism vacation spot due to its stunning structure, beautiful canals, and liberal social insurance policies. It’s additionally persistently ranked probably the greatest locations to reside in Europe.

Amsterdam is actually one of the crucial costly cities in Europe — particularly with regards to lodging (which tends to occur when small cities obtain tens of millions of tourists). Over-tourism is an issue in Amsterdam so I like to recommend visiting through the low season if you wish to keep away from a few of the crowds.

AMSTERDAM TRAVEL TIPS: Amsterdam Journey Information, Amsterdam Journey Costs, Amsterdam Go Evaluate, Finest Hostels in Amsterdam

Supply: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/search-results/tagrepository/amstatisticsresearch?

6. Barcelona, Spain — 7 Million Annual Guests

Barcelona finds its manner onto most journey itineraries… and for good purpose. This Spanish has a vibrant meals scene, a plethora of distinctive historic structure, nice Mediterranean climate, stunning seashores, and a few of the greatest nightlife in Europe (many contemplate it the highest nightlife vacation spot on the planet).

BARCELONA TRAVEL TIPS: Barcelona Journey Information, Barcelona Journey Costs, Barcelona Go Evaluate, Finest Hostels in Barcelona

Supply: https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/turisme/en/estadistiques_enquestes

7. Prague, Czech Republic — 6.8 Million Annual Guests

It’s cliche to say however Prague actually appears like a “fairy story” metropolis — in case you take away many of the vacationers, that’s. And whereas Prague isn’t as low cost because it as soon as was, you’ll be able to nonetheless save fairly a bit in comparison with different cities on this record (particularly on meals and alcohol). Summers do get fairly busy so go to through the different instances of the yr if you wish to escape the crowds.

PRAGUE TRAVEL TIPS: Prague Journey Information, Prague Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Prague

Supply: https://www.praguecitytourism.cz/en/our-services/statistics

8. Vienna, Austria — 6.6 Million Annual Guests

Vienna is continually a high contender for probably the most livable metropolis in Europe so it’s no shock it’s a significant vacationer vacation spot. Vienna’s mixture of Artwork Nouveau, Gothic, and Baroque structure makes it one of the crucial stunning cities on the planet.

And you may’t go to with out spending a number of hours having fun with a espresso and conventional desserts on the many conventional Viennese espresso homes.

VIENNA TRAVEL TIPS: Vienna Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Vienna, Vienna Go Evaluate

Supply: https://www.wien.gv.at/english/administration/statistics/tourism.html

9. Milan, Italy — 6.5 Million Annual Guests

Milan is the style capital of Europe and the enterprise/finance capital of Italy. It undoubtedly has a extra buttoned-up vibe than the remainder of Italy, and it wouldn’t be my high Italian vacation spot, however it’s nonetheless an important metropolis in case you’ve already explored Italy’s different highlights.

MILAN TRAVEL TIPS: Milan Journey Information, Milan Journey Costs, Finest Issues to Do in Milan, Finest Hostels in Milan

Supply: https://www.milan.eu/tourist-information/facts-figures/

10. Athens, Greece — 6.3 Million Annual Guests

Athens is usually the jumping-off level to discover the well-known Greek Islands however it’s additionally the historic capital of Europe — in addition to the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and philosophy of Western civilization. And, after all, Athens is house to the Acropolis and Parthenon.

Whereas the town is protected, Athens as a complete is sort of drab and gritty so it’s not your typical “stunning European metropolis” that many individuals think about it could be.

ATHENS TRAVEL TIPS: Athens Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Athens

Supply: https://www.statistics.gr/en/statistics/-/publication/STO12/2019

11. Berlin, Germany — 6.3 Million Annual Guests

It was as soon as famously stated that “Berlin is poor however horny.” And whereas Berlin isn’t as low cost because it as soon as was, it’s nonetheless one of many least expensive main European cities. Berlin continues to be one of many hottest nightlife/clubbing locations on the planet however you’ll discover that the town presents a ton of different cultural actions as properly — together with many glorious museums.

BERLIN TRAVEL TIPS: Berlin Journey Information, Berlin Journey Costs, Berlin Go Evaluate, Finest Hostels in Berlin

Supply: https://about.visitberlin.de/en/current-figures

12. Moscow, Russia — 6 Million Annual Guests

Moscow nonetheless stays a little bit of a thriller to many Western guests — particularly since getting an entry visa is a little bit of a bureaucratic hurdle and the lengthy flight provides to the issue. However this huge metropolis presents so much to folks trying to get off the crushed tourism path.

Supply: https://www.mos.ru/en/information/merchandise/45937073/

13. Venice, Italy — 5.6 Million Annual Guests

The amazingly stunning metropolis of Venice is sinking so go to earlier than it’s too late. Venice is one other one of many small cities that undergo from over-tourism — particularly because it’s a preferred port for large cruise ships. Nonetheless, Venice empties out at evening so in case you keep within the metropolis in a single day you’ll be rewarded with a very completely different expertise.

VENICE TRAVEL TIPS: Venice Journey Information, Venice Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Venice

Supply: https://www.comune.venezia.it/en/content material/tourist-report-daily-estimate-visitors-venice

14. Madrid, Spain — 5.6 Million Annual Guests

Spain’s capital and largest metropolis, Madrid is a high vacation spot for good purpose — it’s a full of life metropolis that’s each reasonably priced by Western European requirements and boasts excellent tradition, structure, artwork, and glorious nightlife. However it’s additionally a reasonably trendy metropolis so that you’ll uncover that a lot of the structure is from the twentieth century — which might typically be a shock to many guests in search of “outdated” Europe. That stated, it’s a metropolis overflowing with power and old-world allure that’s value testing.

MADRID TRAVEL TIPS: Madrid Journey Information, Madrid Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Madrid, Finest Issues To Do in Madrid

Supply: https://www.madrid-destino.com/en/madrid-in-numbers

15. Dublin, Eire — 5.5 Million Annual Guests

Dublin is a small but vibrant metropolis that has a manner of charming its guests — due to its pleasant locals. Dublin additionally has a massive scholar inhabitants and a very good pub tradition so the nightlife presents one thing for everybody. Town is pretty small so it’s a really manageable metropolis to discover on foot. Nonetheless, Dublin is pretty costly (particularly meals and alcohol).

DUBLIN TRAVEL TIPS: Dublin Journey Information, Dublin Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Dublin, Dublin Go Evaluate

Supply: https://www.visitdublin.com/

16. Florence, Italy — 5.1 Million Annual Guests

Together with Rome, Florence is a must-see Italian vacation spot and it’s solely a 1.5 highspeed prepare trip away from Rome. And whereas Florence is a well-liked day-trip vacation spot, it’s greatest skilled for a number of days — plus the crowds skinny out at evening. And also you’ll want a number of days to soak up all the town’s magnificence and its scrumptious meals.

FLORENCE TRAVEL TIPS: Florence Journey Information, Florence Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Florence

Supply: https://www.visitflorence.com/tourist-info/

17. St Petersburg, Russia — 4.5 Million Annual Guests

Saint Petersburg is called the “Cultural Capital of Russia” and it’s filled with grandiose 18th and Nineteenth-century structure. Town can be house to 221 museums together with the world-famous Hermitage Museum and the Russian Museum. Saint Petersburg feels way more European than Russian (go to Moscow if you wish to full “Russian” expertise).

Supply: https://studyinrussia.ru/en/life-in-russia/discover-russia/cities/saint-petersburg/

18. Brussels, Belgium — 4.3 Million Annual Guests

House of the European Union, Brussels is a kind of cities that everybody has heard about however it doesn’t have many must-see sights. Brussels has a popularity for being considerably boring and costly (due to all the federal government leaders) however the metropolis is beginning to appeal to extra of a inventive class so it’s slowly shaking off its stodgy picture.

If nothing else, you’ll have a gradual provide of wonderful beer. And chocolate. And fries. And waffles. And beer. And chocolate. And beer.

BRUSSELS TRAVEL TIPS: Brussels Journey Information, Brussels Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Brussels

Supply: https://go to.brussels/web site/en/article/tourism-observatory-annual-report

19. Munich, Germany — 4.2 Million Annual Guests

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is house to centuries-old classically German buildings and a number of museums. Munich can be identified for its annual raucous Oktoberfest. Talking of Oktoberfest, Munich can be a beer drinker’s paradise so don’t overlook to spend a while in one of many metropolis’s many beer gardens.

MUNICH TRAVEL TIPS: Munich Journey Information, Munich Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Munich

Supply: https://www.munich.journey/en/matters/about-us/data-facts-and-market-research

20. Hamburg, Germany — 4 Million Annual Guests

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest metropolis. Hamburg has lengthy been certainly one of Europe’s largest ports, and like most port cities, Hamburg is slightly tough across the edges. However Hamburg has undergone a significant transformation over the previous few years and it’s now usually thought-about Germany’s hippest metropolis. Now you’ll discover loads of new eating places, bars, and golf equipment.

HAMBURG TRAVEL TIPS: Hamburg Journey Information, Hamburg Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Hamburg

Supply: https://advertising.hamburg.de/facts-figures-tourism-in-hamburg.html

21. Budapest, Hungary — 4 Million Annual Guests

Typically known as the “Paris of the East,” Budapest is one other certainly one of Japanese Europe’s nice locations that’s more and more turning into certainly one of Europe’s most visited cities. It has elegant boulevards. It has stunning structure. However it has way more grit and edge due to its years underneath communist rule. It’s additionally reasonably priced and certainly one of Europe’s greatest nightlife locations.

BUDAPEST TRAVEL TIPS: Budapest Journey Information, Budapest Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Budapest

Supply: https://www.budapestinfo.hu/statistics-and-analyses

22. Tallinn, Estonia — 4 Million Annual Guests

Positioned between Stockholm and St. Petersburg, Tallinn presents an alluring mixture of Nordic and Russian cultures. Tallinn nonetheless has a number of medieval buildings (with a mixture of Soviet-era buildings) and it’s certainly one of Europe’s most full walled cities. Tallinn is among the hottest day journeys from Helsinki and due to a lately constructed cruise ship docks, Tallinn does get overrun with vacationers — so staying in a single day helps provide you with a greater expertise.

Supply: https://www.visittallinn.ee/eng/skilled/statistics-surveys/studies/tourism-reports

23. Lisbon, Portugal — 3.6 Million Annual Guests

Lisbon is a sizzling vacation spot and I believe will probably be shortly transferring up within the ranks of Europe’s most visited cities. Lisbon is a laid-back metropolis with coastal vibes that’s well-known for its pastel buildings, café tradition, and charmingly gritty vibe. It’s additionally very pleasant on the pockets when in comparison with different Western European cities — meals and lodging are each priced fairly and sights are about common.

LISBON TRAVEL TIPS: Lisbon Journey Information, Lisbon Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Lisbon

Supply: https://www.visitlisboa.com/en

24. Copenhagen, Denmark — 3.2 Million Annual Guests

You don’t want to go to Copenhagen for various hours to comprehend why the Danes are a few of the happiest folks on the planet and why Copenhagen is certainly one of Europe’s “must-visit” locations. Town has so many issues going for it — a mixture of stunning outdated and state-of-the-art structure, an important meals scene, loads of sights and museums, tons of espresso retailers, a full of life craft beer scene, loads of tradition, a lot of buying, a wonderful biking tradition, and pleasant locals.

COPENHAGEN TRAVEL TIPS: Copenhagen Journey Information, Copenhagen Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Copenhagen

Supply: https://www.wonderfulcopenhagen.com/wonderful-copenhagen/analyses-insights/reports-and-insights

25. Edinburgh, Scotland — 3.1 Million Annual Guests

Edinburgh is an attractive, youthful metropolis in Scotland that has a magical medieval Previous City, a sublime Georgian New City, and the spectacular Edinburgh Fortress. It additionally attracts 1000’s of tourists throughout its Edinburgh Competition every August. It’s additionally a really welcoming metropolis with pleasant locals and glorious Scottish pubs and bars.

EDINBURGH TRAVEL TIPS: Edinburgh Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Edinburgh

Supply: https://www.etag.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/facts-and-figures-2012.pdf

26. Heraklion, Greece — 3 Million Annual Guests

Heraklion is a port metropolis and the capital of the Greek island of Crete. And regardless of its comparatively excessive customer numbers, most individuals spend little time in Heraklion as a result of they use the town as a primary cease for exploring the remainder of the area.

Supply: https://www.heraklion.gr/en/customer

27. Kraków, Poland — 2.9 Million Annual Guests

Krakow is an attractive, old-school little metropolis in Poland that additionally has a popularity for being a celebration city due to its low cost costs and huge college scholar inhabitants. And whereas Warsaw is the official capital of Poland, Krakow is the nation’s cultural and mental capital.

KRAKOW TRAVEL TIPS: Krakow Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Krakow

Supply: https://conference.krakow.pl/english/ccb_en/….tourists_have_visited_krakow.html

28. Warsaw, Poland — 2.8 Million Annual Guests

Largely destroyed throughout WWII, Warsaw is the sprawling and rebuilt capital of Poland that’s simply beginning to be found by guests. Warsaw doesn’t have a big tourism infrastructure so it takes slightly extra effort and planning to get probably the most out of your go to.

Supply: https://warsawtour.pl/en/contact-us/

29. Frankfurt, Germany — 2.7 Million Annual Guests

Frankfurt is a largely trendy metropolis that’s extra of a business-centric metropolis than a touristic vacation spot. And whereas there are some good museums and sights, Frankfurt wouldn’t be certainly one of my high German locations.

Supply: https://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en/Press/Publications/Statistics

30. Stockholm, Sweden — 2.7 Million Annual Guests

The attractive metropolis of Stockholm is simple on the eyes and tough on the pockets. Stockholm is definitely a metropolis unfold over 14 islands and over these islands, you’ll discover lots to do. The one factor that retains Stockholm from being a extra well-liked metropolis is its comparatively distant location.

STOCKHOLM TRAVEL TIPS: Stockholm Journey Costs, Stockholm Go Evaluate

Supply: https://www.stockholmbusinessregion.com/globalassets/about-us/facts-and-figures/…..pdf

31. Good, France — 2.6 Million Annual Guests

Good is an attractive metropolis within the South of France that’s been a favourite summer time trip vacation spot for Europeans for a whole bunch of years. And whereas Southern France has a well-earned popularity for being costly, Good has loads of budget-friendly choices — together with a number of glorious museums and simple prepare entry to a number of seaside cities.

NICE TRAVEL TIPS: Good Journey Information, Good Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Good

Supply: https://en.meet-in-nice.com/key-figures

32. Porto, Portugal — 2.5 Million Annual Guests

Whereas Lisbon will get the best variety of vacationers in Portugal, the marginally shabby but stunning metropolis of Porto nonetheless presents lots to its guests — particularly with regards to stunning climate. Porto can be a really reasonably priced metropolis so it’s attracting many younger cooks and folks in search of nice journey offers.

Supply: https://www.investporto.pt/en/sectors/tourism/#:~:textual content=Thepercent20Greaterpercent20Portopercent20Areapercent20represents,overpercent2Dnightpercent20stayspercent20sincepercent202014

33. Bruges, Belgium — 2.5 Million Annual Guests

Regardless of its small measurement, the medieval fairytale city Bruges is among the hottest locations in Europe — in reality, it in all probability will get extra guests than this record makes it appear since many individuals go to as a day journey. You’ll be able to simply see the town in a day however visiting in a single day provides you a greater (and fewer touristy) view of the town.

BRUGES TRAVEL TIPS: Bruges Journey Costs

Supply: https://www.visitbruges.be/en

34. Reykjavik, Iceland — 2 Million Annual Guests

Tourism to Reykjavik has exploded over the previous few years and now they’re getting over two million guests annually — which is so much for a metropolis with a inhabitants of simply over 100,000. Reykjavik is a metropolis surrounded by unbelievable nature however it’s additionally a metropolis vigorous. It’s additionally a metropolis that’s tremendous costly so it’ll put a hurting in your pockets.

REYKJAVIK TRAVEL TIPS: Reykjavik Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Reykjavik

Supply: https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en/recearch-and-statistics/numbers-of-foreign-visitors

35. Seville, Spain — 2 Million Annual Guests

Seville is Spain’s fourth-largest metropolis and it’s one of many most-loved locations in Southern Europe. There’s lots to see and eat on this laid-back metropolis so it’s value spending a number of days exploring — however be warned at Seville is certainly one of Europe’s hottest cities in the summertime so chances are you’ll need to go to within the spring or fall to flee the warmth.

SEVILLE TRAVEL TIPS: Seville Journey Information, Seville Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Seville

Supply: https://www.visitasevilla.es/en/professionals/research-statistics

36. Lyon, France — 1.6 Million Annual Guests

Lyon is the meals capital of France — which is saying so much for a rustic well-known for its meals. Lyon can be a hub for artwork, tradition, winemaking, and commerce. Lyon has many museums in addition to a youthful vibe due to its massive college inhabitants. Many guests additionally really feel like Lyon is extra pleasant and welcoming than Paris.

Supply: https://presse.lyon-france.com/en/tool-box/key-figures

37. Dubrovnik, Croatia — 1.5 Million Annual Guests

Dubrovnik (and the remainder of Croatia) hasn’t historically been a wildly well-liked vacationer vacation spot however lately it has exploded in reputation — together with increased costs. Now the “pearl of the Adriatic” sees tens of millions of tourists eager to discover the walled Previous City of this stunning metropolis so go to within the low season if you wish to keep away from the crowds.

DUBROVNIK TRAVEL TIPS: Dubrovnik Journey Costs

Be taught Extra About Europe’s Most Widespread Cities

The Savvy Backpacker is filled with useful recommendation about visiting the most well-liked and greatest cities in Europe. Under are a few of my greatest journey articles:

Keep Related With Low cost Cellular Knowledge in Europe

You not must lay our a fortune on cell knowledge whereas touring round Europe due to the latest development of reasonably priced pay as you go SIM and eSIM knowledge plans. Try my guides under to see how one can get high-speed knowledge for round $2-$4/day:

James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the writer of the ebook “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Funds”. He is been running a blog about finances journey in Europe since 2010.

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