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Europe receives round 746 million worldwide arrivals yearly however what are essentially the most visited cities in Europe? On this information, I believed it will be useful to stipulate the most well-liked cities in Europe as a result of this serves as an ideal 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 a number of years for tourism to return to earlier ranges. I’ve additionally written a information on the finest occasion cities in Europe for those who’re on the lookout 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 — in truth, London is among the most visited cities on this planet.
London is one in every 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 a language barrier so it’s a pleasant solution to ease into visiting a overseas nation. Third, London is solely a improbable 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 Finances, London Move Evaluate
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 serious vacationer vacation spot — and rightfully so. In reality, Paris has been nipping at London’s heels for a number of years and plenty of specialists count on Paris to be essentially the most visited European metropolis inside a number of years. Moreover, France is essentially the most visited nation in Europe.
Personally, Paris is my favourite metropolis (I lived there for a number of years so I may 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 straightforward.
Moreover, Paris additionally boasts the very best variety of trip rental flats together with a strong lodge and hostel stock.
PARIS TRAVEL TIPS: Paris Journey Information, Finest Issues To Do In Paris, Paris Journey Costs, Finest Finances Eating places in Paris, Paris Move 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 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 the town is among 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 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 also be nicely related 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 Move Evaluate
Supply: https://www.esteri.it/en/
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands — 8.8 Million Annual Guests
Regardless of its comparatively small dimension, Amsterdam remains to be a serious European tourism vacation spot due to its stunning structure, beautiful canals, and liberal social insurance policies. It’s additionally persistently ranked among the finest locations to reside in Europe.
Amsterdam is actually one of the costly cities in Europe — particularly in terms of lodging (which tends to occur when small cities obtain hundreds of thousands of holiday makers). Over-tourism is an issue in Amsterdam so I like to recommend visiting throughout 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 Move 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 means onto most journey itineraries… and for good motive. This Spanish has a vibrant meals scene, a plethora of distinctive historic structure, nice Mediterranean climate, stunning seashores, and a few of the finest nightlife in Europe (many contemplate it the highest nightlife vacation spot on this planet).
BARCELONA TRAVEL TIPS: Barcelona Journey Information, Barcelona Journey Costs, Barcelona Move 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 really seems like a “fairy story” metropolis — for those who 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 throughout 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 continually a prime contender for essentially the most livable metropolis in Europe so it’s no shock it’s a serious vacationer vacation spot. Vienna’s mixture of Artwork Nouveau, Gothic, and Baroque structure makes it one of the stunning cities on this planet.
And you’ll’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 Move 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 prime Italian vacation spot, nevertheless it’s nonetheless an ideal metropolis for those who’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 nevertheless it’s additionally the historic capital of Europe — in addition to the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and philosophy of Western civilization. And, in fact, Athens is house to the Acropolis and Parthenon.
Whereas the town is protected, Athens as a complete is type 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 most cost-effective main European cities. Berlin continues to be one of many hottest nightlife/clubbing locations on this planet however you’ll discover that the 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 Move 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 loads to folks trying to get off the overwhelmed 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 preferred port for large cruise ships. Nonetheless, Venice empties out at night time so for those who keep within the metropolis in a single day you’ll be rewarded with a very totally 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 prime vacation spot for good motive — it’s a full of life metropolis that’s each inexpensive by Western European requirements and boasts excellent tradition, structure, artwork, and glorious nightlife. However 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 on the lookout for “previous” Europe. That stated, it’s a metropolis overflowing with vitality and old-world allure that’s price 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 means 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. The 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 Move 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 practice journey away from Rome. And whereas Florence is a well-liked day-trip vacation spot, it’s finest skilled for a number of days — plus the crowds skinny out at night time. 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 stuffed with grandiose 18th and Nineteenth-century structure. The town can also be house to 221 museums together with the world-famous Hermitage Museum and the Russian Museum. Saint Petersburg feels far 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 nevertheless 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 artistic class so it’s slowly shaking off its stodgy picture.
If nothing else, you’ll have a gentle provide of fantastic 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 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/subjects/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 a bit of tough across the edges. However Hamburg has undergone a serious 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 referred to as the “Paris of the East,” Budapest is one other one in every of Japanese Europe’s nice locations that’s more and more turning into one in every of Europe’s most visited cities. It has elegant boulevards. It has stunning structure. However it has far more grit and edge due to its years beneath communist rule. It’s additionally inexpensive 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
Situated 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 among 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 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 scorching 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 moderately and points of interest 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 appreciate why the Danes are a few of the happiest folks on this planet and why Copenhagen is one in every of Europe’s “must-visit” locations. The town has so many issues going for it — a mixture of stunning previous and state-of-the-art structure, an ideal meals scene, loads of sights and museums, tons of espresso outlets, a full of life craft beer scene, loads of tradition, a lot of procuring, 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 a stupendous, youthful metropolis in Scotland that has a magical medieval Outdated City, a sublime Georgian New City, and the spectacular Edinburgh Fort. 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 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 a stupendous, old-school little metropolis in Poland that additionally has a status 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 a bit of 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 prime 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 Move Evaluate
Supply: https://www.stockholmbusinessregion.com/globalassets/about-us/facts-and-figures/…..pdf
31. Good, France — 2.6 Million Annual Guests
Good is a stupendous metropolis within the South of France that’s been a favourite summer time trip vacation spot for Europeans for a whole lot 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 straightforward 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 lots to its guests — particularly in terms of stunning climate. Porto can also be a really inexpensive metropolis so it’s attracting many younger cooks and folks on the lookout for nice journey offers.
33. Bruges, Belgium — 2.5 Million Annual Guests
Regardless of its small dimension, the medieval fairytale city Bruges is among the hottest locations in Europe — in truth, 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 offers 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 every year — which is loads for a metropolis with a inhabitants of simply over 100,000. Reykjavik is a metropolis surrounded by unbelievable nature nevertheless 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 lots to see and eat on this laid-back metropolis so it’s price spending a number of days exploring — however be warned at Seville is one in every 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 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 well-liked vacationer vacation spot however in recent times it has exploded in recognition — together with increased costs. Now the “pearl of the Adriatic” sees hundreds of 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 In style Cities
The Savvy Backpacker is filled with useful recommendation about visiting the most well-liked and finest cities in Europe. Beneath are a few of my finest journey articles:
Keep Linked With Low cost Cell Knowledge in Europe
You not must lay our a fortune on cell information whereas touring round Europe due to the latest progress of inexpensive pay as you go SIM and eSIM information plans. Try my guides under 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 e book “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Finances”. He is been running a blog about price range journey in Europe since 2010.
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