Europe receives round 746 million worldwide arrivals yearly however what are essentially the most visited cities in Europe? On this information, I assumed it will be useful to stipulate the most well-liked cities in Europe as a result of this serves as an important start line for journey planning—particularly if you wish to do a multi-city journey.
The Most Visited Cities in Europe
Fast Observe: This record of essentially the most visited cities in Europe comes from a 2019 examine carried out by Euromonitor Worldwide and every metropolis’s native tourism workplace. These numbers are pre-pandemic so it is going to undoubtedly take just a few years for tourism to return to earlier ranges. I’ve additionally written a information on the finest celebration cities in Europe if you happen to’re searching for the highest nightlife locations.
1. London, United Kingdom — 19.6 Million Annual Guests
London has been essentially the most visited metropolis in Europe for a number of years — the truth is, London is likely one of the most visited cities on this planet.
London is one in every of my favourite cities and it makes a superb 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 and so they are inclined to have the bottom ticket costs. Second, London is nice for first-time vacationers as a result of there isn’t a language barrier so it’s a pleasant solution to ease into visiting a international nation. Third, London is solely a unbelievable world-class metropolis with a lot to do, see, and eat. You may simply spend every 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 Price range, London Go Assessment
Supply: https://information.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 lots of specialists anticipate Paris to be essentially the most visited European metropolis inside just a few years. Moreover, France is essentially the most visited nation in Europe.
Personally, Paris is my favourite metropolis (I lived there for just a few years so I is perhaps biased) as a result of it’s completely jam-packed with well-known sights, museums, nightlife, and tradition. Paris additionally has a superb Metro system so getting round is fast and simple.
Moreover, Paris additionally boasts the very best variety of trip rental residences together with a sturdy resort and hostel stock.
PARIS TRAVEL TIPS: Paris Journey Information, Finest Issues To Do In Paris, Paris Journey Costs, Finest Price range Eating places in Paris, Paris Go Assessment, 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 issues for fairly some time however issues have calmed down significantly over the previous few years. This has made tourism in Instabul skyrocket and now town is likely one of the most visited cities on this planet—particularly for Europeans desirous 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 likely one of the most visited cities in Europe because it’s broadly thought-about the “world’s second most traditionally, educationally and culturally attention-grabbing and exquisite metropolis”. Rome is one other heavy-hitting tourism vacation spot that may simply fill every week (or longer) go to.
Rome can also be nicely related to Italy’s nice cities and areas — making it a superb first cease earlier than exploring the remainder of this wonderful nation.
ROME TRAVEL TIPS: Rome Journey Information, Issues To Do in Rome, Rome Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Rome, Rome Go Assessment
Supply: https://www.esteri.it/en/
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands — 8.8 Million Annual Guests
Regardless of its comparatively small measurement, Amsterdam remains to be a significant European tourism vacation spot due to its stunning structure, beautiful canals, and liberal social insurance policies. It’s additionally constantly ranked the most effective locations to reside in Europe.
Amsterdam is actually some of the costly cities in Europe — particularly relating to lodging (which tends to occur when small cities obtain thousands and thousands of holiday makers). 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 number of the crowds.
AMSTERDAM TRAVEL TIPS: Amsterdam Journey Information, Amsterdam Journey Costs, Amsterdam Go Assessment, Finest Hostels in Amsterdam
Supply: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/search-results/tagrepository/amstatisticsresearch?
6. Barcelona, Spain — 7 Million Annual Guests
Barcelona finds its means onto most journey itineraries… and for good cause. This Spanish has a vibrant meals scene, a plethora of distinctive historic structure, nice Mediterranean climate, stunning seashores, and a number of the finest nightlife in Europe (many take into account it the highest nightlife vacation spot on this planet).
BARCELONA TRAVEL TIPS: Barcelona Journey Information, Barcelona Journey Costs, Barcelona Go Assessment, 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 really appears like a “fairy story” metropolis — if you happen to take away a lot 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 12 months 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 consistently a high contender for essentially 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 some of the stunning cities on this planet.
And you’ll’t go to with out spending just a few 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 Assessment
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 if you happen to’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 commonly 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 dwelling to the Acropolis and Parthenon.
Whereas town is secure, Athens as an entire is sort of drab and gritty so it’s not your typical “stunning European metropolis” that many individuals think about it will 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 attractive.” 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 this planet however you’ll discover that town presents a ton of different cultural actions as nicely — together with many glorious museums.
BERLIN TRAVEL TIPS: Berlin Journey Information, Berlin Journey Costs, Berlin Go Assessment, 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 problem. However this huge metropolis presents loads to folks seeking 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 endure from over-tourism — particularly because it’s a well-liked port for large cruise ships. Nonetheless, Venice empties out at night time so if you happen to keep within the metropolis in a single day you’ll be rewarded with a totally 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 cause — 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. Nevertheless it’s additionally a reasonably fashionable metropolis so that you’ll uncover that a lot of the structure is from the twentieth century — which may typically be a shock to many guests searching for “outdated” Europe. That stated, it’s a metropolis overflowing with vitality and old-world appeal that’s value trying out.
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 means of charming its guests — due to its pleasant locals. Dublin additionally has a massive pupil 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 Assessment
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 practice journey away from Rome. And whereas Florence is a well-liked day-trip vacation spot, it’s finest skilled for just a few days — plus the crowds skinny out at night time. And also you’ll want just a few days to soak up all 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 named the “Cultural Capital of Russia” and it’s stuffed with grandiose 18th and Nineteenth-century structure. Town can also be dwelling to 221 museums together with the world-famous Hermitage Museum and the Russian Museum. Saint Petersburg feels rather 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
Residence of the European Union, Brussels is a type of cities that everybody has heard about however it doesn’t have many must-see sights. Brussels has a status for being considerably boring and costly (due to all the federal government leaders) however the metropolis is beginning to entice extra of a inventive class so it’s slowly shaking off its stodgy picture.
If nothing else, you’ll have a gentle 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/website/en/article/tourism-observatory-annual-report
19. Munich, Germany — 4.2 Million Annual Guests
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is dwelling to centuries-old classically German buildings and a number of museums. Munich can also be identified for its annual raucous Oktoberfest. Talking of Oktoberfest, Munich can also be a beer drinker’s paradise so don’t neglect 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 one in every of Europe’s largest ports, and like most port cities, Hamburg is somewhat tough across the edges. However Hamburg has undergone a significant transformation over the previous few years and it’s now typically 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 one in every of Japanese Europe’s nice locations that’s more and more changing into one in every of Europe’s most visited cities. It has elegant boulevards. It has stunning structure. Nevertheless it has rather more grit and edge due to its years below communist rule. It’s additionally reasonably priced and one in every of Europe’s finest 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 one in every of Europe’s most full walled cities. Tallinn is likely one of the hottest day journeys from Helsinki and because of a just lately constructed cruise ship docks, Tallinn does get overrun with vacationers — so staying in a single day helps offer you a greater expertise.
Supply: https://www.visittallinn.ee/eng/skilled/statistics-surveys/experiences/tourism-reports
23. Lisbon, Portugal — 3.6 Million Annual Guests
Lisbon is a scorching vacation spot and I think it is going to be rapidly 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 moderately 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 quite a lot of hours to appreciate why the Danes are a number of the happiest folks on this planet and why Copenhagen is one in every 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 outlets, a full of life craft beer scene, loads of tradition, plenty of purchasing, a superb 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 a phenomenal, youthful metropolis in Scotland that has a magical medieval Outdated City, a sublime Georgian New City, and the spectacular Edinburgh Citadel. It additionally attracts 1000’s of holiday makers 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 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 a phenomenal, old-school little metropolis in Poland that additionally has a status for being a celebration city due to its low cost costs and enormous college pupil 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 somewhat extra effort and planning to get essentially 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 fashionable 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 one in every 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 straightforward on the eyes and tough on the pockets. Stockholm is definitely a metropolis unfold over 14 islands and over these islands, you’ll discover a lot to do. The one factor that retains Stockholm from being a extra fashionable metropolis is its comparatively distant location.
STOCKHOLM TRAVEL TIPS: Stockholm Journey Costs, Stockholm Go Assessment
Supply: https://www.stockholmbusinessregion.com/globalassets/about-us/facts-and-figures/…..pdf
31. Good, France — 2.6 Million Annual Guests
Good is a phenomenal metropolis within the South of France that’s been a favourite summer season trip vacation spot for Europeans for a whole bunch of years. And whereas Southern France has a well-earned status for being costly, Good has loads of budget-friendly choices — together with a number of glorious museums and simple practice 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 a lot to its guests — particularly relating to stunning climate. Porto can also be a really reasonably priced metropolis so it’s attracting many younger cooks and other people searching for nice journey offers.
33. Bruges, Belgium — 2.5 Million Annual Guests
Regardless of its small measurement, the medieval fairytale city Bruges is likely one of the hottest locations in Europe — the truth is, it in all probability will get extra guests than this record makes it appear since many individuals go to as a day journey. You may simply see town in a day however visiting in a single day provides you a greater (and fewer touristy) view of 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 every year — which is loads 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 is going to 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 may be a lot to see and eat on this laid-back metropolis so it’s value spending just a few days exploring — however be warned at Seville is one in every of Europe’s hottest cities in the summertime so you could 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 loads for a rustic well-known for its meals. Lyon can also 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 fashionable vacationer vacation spot however lately it has exploded in recognition — together with increased costs. Now the “pearl of the Adriatic” sees thousands and thousands of holiday makers desirous to discover the walled Outdated 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 Common Cities
The Savvy Backpacker is filled with useful recommendation about visiting the most well-liked and finest cities in Europe. Under are a few of my finest journey articles:
Keep Linked With Low cost Cell Information in Europe
You not have to lay our a fortune on cellular information whereas touring round Europe due to the current progress of reasonably priced pay as you go SIM and eSIM information plans. Try my guides beneath to see how one can get high-speed information for round $2-$4/day:
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the creator of the ebook “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Price range”. He is been running a blog about funds journey in Europe since 2010.
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