Europe obtained over 747 million worldwide arrivals in 2024 (surpassing pre-pandemic ranges) however what are probably the most visited cities in Europe? In this information, I believed it might be useful to stipulate the preferred cities in Europe as a result of this serves as an incredible start line for journey planning—particularly if you wish to do a multi-city journey.
The Most Visited Cities in Europe
Quick Note: This checklist of probably the most visited cities in Europe comes from a 2024 examine executed by Euromonitor International, one other Top 100 Cities in The World examine, and every metropolis’s native tourism workplace. In 2024, Europe noticed record-level tourism numbers so Europe has formally recovered from the pandemic journey stoop. I’ve additionally written a information on the finest occasion cities in Europe should you’re searching for the highest nightlife locations.
1. Paris, France – 50 Million Annual Visitors
Paris is formally probably the most visited metropolis in Europe after narrowingly lagging behind London for the previous few years—moreover, France stays probably the most visited nation in Europe.
Personally, Paris is my favourite metropolis (I lived there for a couple of 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 wonderful Metro system so getting round is fast and straightforward.
Additionally, Paris additionally boasts the very best variety of trip rental flats together with a strong resort and hostel stock.
PARIS TRAVEL TIPS: Paris Travel Guide, Best Things To Do In Paris, Paris Travel Prices, Best Budget Restaurants in Paris, Paris Pass Review, Where To Stay in Paris, Best Food Markets in Paris
Source: https://press.parisinfo.com/key-figures
2. London, United Kingdom — 40 Million Annual Visitors
London has been probably the most visited metropolis in Europe for a number of years but it surely has lately been changed by Paris. That mentioned, 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 a language barrier so it’s a pleasant approach to ease into visiting a overseas nation. Third, London is just a implausible world-class metropolis with a lot to do, see, and eat. You can simply spend per week or extra right here and by no means run out of issues to expertise.
LONDON TRAVEL TIPS: London Travel Guide, London Travel Prices, London on a Budget, London Pass Review
Source: https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/number-international-visitors-london
3. Rome, Italy – 35 Million Annual Visitors
It’s no shock that Rome is without doubt one of the most visited cities in Europe because it’s broadly thought of the “world’s second most historically, educationally and culturally interesting and beautiful city”. 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 wonderful nation.
ROME TRAVEL TIPS: Rome Travel Guide, Things To Do in Rome, Rome Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Rome, Rome Pass Review
Source: https://www.esteri.it/en/
4. Istanbul, Turkey – 20 Million Annual Visitors
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 town is without doubt one of the most visited cities on this planet—particularly for Europeans desirous to expertise Istanbul’s “East meets West” vibe.
Source: https://www.ktb.gov.tr/EN-249283/tourism-statistics.html
5. Barcelona, Spain — 16 Million Annual Visitors
Barcelona finds its means 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 among the finest nightlife in Europe (many contemplate it the highest nightlife vacation spot on this planet).
BARCELONA TRAVEL TIPS: Barcelona Travel Guide, Barcelona Travel Prices, Barcelona Pass Review, Best Hostels in Barcelona
Source: https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/turisme/en/estadistiques_enquestes
6. Lisbon, Portugal — 14 Million Annual Visitors
Lisbon is a scorching vacation spot, and it has skyrocketed up the ranks of Europe’s most visited cities. Lisbon is a laid-back metropolis with coastal vibes well-known for its pastel buildings, café tradition, and charmingly gritty vibe. It’s additionally very pleasant within the pockets when in comparison with different Western European cities — meals and lodging are each fairly priced, and points of interest are about common.
LISBON TRAVEL TIPS: Lisbon Travel Guide, Lisbon Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Lisbon
Source: https://www.visitlisboa.com/en
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands — 8.9 Million Annual Visitors
Despite its comparatively small dimension, Amsterdam continues to be a serious European tourism vacation spot because of its stunning structure, pretty canals, and liberal social insurance policies. It’s additionally constantly ranked the most effective locations to dwell in Europe.
Amsterdam is definitely probably the most costly cities in Europe — particularly in the case of 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 throughout the low season if you wish to keep away from among the crowds.
AMSTERDAM TRAVEL TIPS: Amsterdam Travel Guide, Amsterdam Travel Prices, Amsterdam Pass Review, Best Hostels in Amsterdam
Source: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/search-results/tagrepository/amstatisticsresearch?
8. Milan, Italy — 8.2 Million Annual Visitors
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, but it surely’s nonetheless an incredible metropolis should you’ve already explored Italy’s different highlights.
MILAN TRAVEL TIPS: Milan Travel Guide, Milan Travel Prices, Best Things to Do in Milan, Best Hostels in Milan
Source: https://www.milan.eu/tourist-information/facts-figures/
9. Vienna, Austria — 8.2 Million Annual Visitors
Vienna is continually a prime contender for probably the most livable metropolis in Europe so it’s no shock it’s a serious vacationer vacation spot. Vienna’s mixture of Art Nouveau, Gothic, and Baroque structure makes it probably the most stunning cities on this planet.
And you’ll be able to’t go to with out spending a couple of hours having fun with a espresso and conventional desserts on the many conventional Viennese espresso homes.
VIENNA TRAVEL TIPS: Vienna Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Vienna, Vienna Pass Review
Source: https://www.wien.gv.at/english/administration/statistics/tourism.html
10. Prague, Czech Republic — 7.5 Million Annual Visitors
It’s cliche to say however Prague actually looks like a “fairy tale” metropolis — should 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 checklist (particularly on meals and alcohol). Summers do get fairly busy so go to throughout the different occasions of the yr if you wish to escape the crowds.
PRAGUE TRAVEL TIPS: Prague Travel Guide, Prague Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Prague
Source: https://www.praguecitytourism.cz/en/our-services/statistics
11. Athens, Greece — 6.5 Million Annual Visitors
Athens is usually the jumping-off level to discover the well-known Greek Islands but it surely’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.
While town is protected, Athens as a complete is form of drab and gritty so it’s not your typical “beautiful European city” that many individuals think about it might be.
ATHENS TRAVEL TIPS: Athens Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Athens
Source: https://www.statistics.gr/en/statistics/-/publication/STO12/2019
12. Berlin, Germany — 6.3 Million Annual Visitors
It was as soon as famously mentioned that “Berlin is poor but sexy.” 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 affords a ton of different cultural actions as properly — together with many glorious museums.
BERLIN TRAVEL TIPS: Berlin Travel Guide, Berlin Travel Prices, Berlin Pass Review, Best Hostels in Berlin
Source: https://about.visitberlin.de/en/current-figures
13. Venice, Italy — 5.6 Million Annual Visitors
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. However, Venice empties out at evening so should you keep within the metropolis in a single day you’ll be rewarded with a totally completely different expertise.
VENICE TRAVEL TIPS: Venice Travel Guide, Venice Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Venice
Source: https://www.comune.venezia.it/en/content/tourist-report-daily-estimate-visitors-venice
14. Madrid, Spain — 5.6 Million Annual Visitors
Spain’s capital and largest metropolis, Madrid is a prime vacation spot for good purpose — it’s a energetic metropolis that’s each reasonably priced by Western European requirements and boasts excellent tradition, structure, artwork, and glorious nightlife. But 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 generally be a shock to many guests searching for “old” Europe. That mentioned, it’s a metropolis overflowing with power and old-world appeal that’s value testing.
MADRID TRAVEL TIPS: Madrid Travel Guide, Madrid Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Madrid, Best Things To Do in Madrid
Source: https://www.madrid-destino.com/en/madrid-in-numbers
15. Dublin, Ireland — 5.5 Million Annual Visitors
Dublin is a small but vibrant metropolis that has a means of charming its guests — because of its pleasant locals. Dublin additionally has a massive pupil inhabitants and a very good pub tradition so the nightlife affords one thing for everybody. The metropolis is pretty small so it’s a really manageable metropolis to discover on foot. However, Dublin is pretty costly (particularly meals and alcohol).
DUBLIN TRAVEL TIPS: Dublin Travel Guide, Dublin Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Dublin, Dublin Pass Review
Source: https://www.visitdublin.com/
16. Florence, Italy — 5.1 Million Annual Visitors
Along 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 couple of days — plus the crowds skinny out at evening. And you’ll want a couple of days to absorb all town’s magnificence and its scrumptious meals.
FLORENCE TRAVEL TIPS: Florence Travel Guide, Florence Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Florence
Source: https://www.visitflorence.com/tourist-info/
17. Brussels, Belgium — 4.3 Million Annual Visitors
Home of the European Union, Brussels is a type of cities that everybody has heard about but it surely doesn’t have many must-see sights. Brussels has a fame for being considerably boring and costly (because of all the federal government leaders) however the metropolis is beginning to appeal to extra of a artistic class so it’s slowly shaking off its stodgy picture.
If nothing else, you’ll have a gradual provide of fantastic beer. And chocolate. And fries. And waffles. And beer. And chocolate. And beer.
BRUSSELS TRAVEL TIPS: Brussels Travel Guide, Brussels Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Brussels
Source: https://visit.brussels/site/en/article/tourism-observatory-annual-report
18. Munich, Germany — 4.2 Million Annual Visitors
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. Speaking 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 Travel Guide, Munich Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Munich
Source: https://www.munich.travel/en/topics/about-us/data-facts-and-market-research
19. Hamburg, Germany — 4 Million Annual Visitors
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 somewhat tough across the edges. But Hamburg has undergone a serious transformation over the previous few years and it’s now typically thought of Germany’s hippest metropolis. Now you’ll discover loads of new eating places, bars, and golf equipment.
HAMBURG TRAVEL TIPS: Hamburg Travel Guide, Hamburg Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Hamburg
Source: https://marketing.hamburg.de/facts-figures-tourism-in-hamburg.html
20. Budapest, Hungary — 4 Million Annual Visitors
Often known as the “Paris of the East,” Budapest is one other certainly one of Eastern Europe’s nice locations that’s more and more changing into certainly one of Europe’s most visited cities. It has elegant boulevards. It has stunning structure. But it has way more grit and edge because of its years beneath communist rule. It’s additionally reasonably priced and certainly one of Europe’s finest nightlife locations.
BUDAPEST TRAVEL TIPS: Budapest Travel Guide, Budapest Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Budapest
Source: https://www.budapestinfo.hu/statistics-and-analyses
21. Tallinn, Estonia — 4 Million Annual Visitors
Located between Stockholm and St. Petersburg, Tallinn affords 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 without doubt one of 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 offer you a greater expertise.
Source: https://www.visittallinn.ee/eng/professional/statistics-surveys/reports/tourism-reports
22. Copenhagen, Denmark — 3.2 Million Annual Visitors
You don’t want to go to Copenhagen for various hours to appreciate why the Danes are among the happiest folks on this planet and why Copenhagen is certainly one of Europe’s “must-visit” locations. The metropolis has so many issues going for it — a mixture of stunning previous and state-of-the-art structure, an incredible meals scene, loads of sights and museums, tons of espresso retailers, a energetic craft beer scene, loads of tradition, numerous buying, a wonderful biking tradition, and pleasant locals.
COPENHAGEN TRAVEL TIPS: Copenhagen Travel Guide, Copenhagen Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Copenhagen
Source: https://www.wonderfulcopenhagen.com/wonderful-copenhagen/analyses-insights/reports-and-insights
23. Edinburgh, Scotland — 3.1 Million Annual Visitors
Edinburgh is a fantastic, youthful metropolis in Scotland that has a magical medieval Old Town, a chic Georgian New Town, and the spectacular Edinburgh Castle. It additionally attracts 1000’s of tourists throughout its Edinburgh Festival every August. It’s additionally a really welcoming metropolis with pleasant locals and glorious Scottish pubs and bars.
EDINBURGH TRAVEL TIPS: Edinburgh Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Edinburgh
Source: https://www.etag.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/facts-and-figures-2012.pdf
24. Heraklion, Greece — 3 Million Annual Visitors
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.
Source: https://www.heraklion.gr/en/visitor
25. Kraków, Poland — 2.9 Million Annual Visitors
Krakow is a fantastic, old-school little metropolis in Poland that additionally has a fame for being a celebration city because of its low cost costs and huge 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 Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Krakow
Source: https://convention.krakow.pl/english/ccb_en/….tourists_have_visited_krakow.html
26. Warsaw, Poland — 2.8 Million Annual Visitors
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 probably the most out of your go to.
Source: https://warsawtour.pl/en/contact-us/
27. Frankfurt, Germany — 2.7 Million Annual Visitors
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 certainly one of my prime German locations.
Source: https://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en/Press/Publications/Statistics
28. Stockholm, Sweden — 2.7 Million Annual Visitors
The stunning 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 solely factor that retains Stockholm from being a extra standard metropolis is its comparatively distant location.
STOCKHOLM TRAVEL TIPS: Stockholm Travel Prices, Stockholm Pass Review
Source: https://www.stockholmbusinessregion.com/globalassets/about-us/facts-and-figures/…..pdf
29. Nice, France — 2.6 Million Annual Visitors
Nice is a fantastic 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 fame for being costly, Nice 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: Nice Travel Guide, Nice Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Nice
Source: https://en.meet-in-nice.com/key-figures
30. Porto, Portugal — 2.5 Million Annual Visitors
While Lisbon will get the best variety of vacationers in Portugal, the marginally shabby but stunning metropolis of Porto nonetheless affords a lot to its guests — particularly in the case of stunning climate. Porto can be a really reasonably priced metropolis so it’s attracting many younger cooks and other people searching for nice journey offers.
31. Bruges, Belgium — 2.5 Million Annual Visitors
Despite its small dimension, the medieval fairytale city Bruges is without doubt one of the hottest locations in Europe — the truth is, it in all probability will get extra guests than this checklist makes it appear since many individuals go to as a day journey. You can 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 Travel Prices
Source: https://www.visitbruges.be/en
32. Reykjavik, Iceland — 2 Million Annual Visitors
Tourism to Reykjavik has exploded over the previous few years and now they’re getting over two million guests annually — which is lots for a metropolis with a inhabitants of simply over 100,000. Reykjavik is a metropolis surrounded by unbelievable nature but it surely’s additionally a metropolis vigorous. It’s additionally a metropolis that’s tremendous costly so it’s going to put a hurting in your pockets.
REYKJAVIK TRAVEL TIPS: Reykjavik Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Reykjavik
Source: https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en/recearch-and-statistics/numbers-of-foreign-visitors
33. Seville, Spain — 2 Million Annual Visitors
Seville is Spain’s fourth-largest metropolis and it’s one of many most-loved locations in Southern Europe. There is a lot to see and eat on this laid-back metropolis so it’s value spending a couple of days exploring — however be warned at Seville is certainly one of Europe’s hottest cities in the summertime so you might wish to go to within the spring or fall to flee the warmth.
SEVILLE TRAVEL TIPS: Seville Travel Guide, Seville Travel Prices, Best Hostels in Seville
Source: https://www.visitasevilla.es/en/professionals/research-statistics
34. Lyon, France — 1.6 Million Annual Visitors
Lyon is the meals capital of France — which is saying lots 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 because of its massive college inhabitants. Many guests additionally really feel like Lyon is extra pleasant and welcoming than Paris.
Source: https://presse.lyon-france.com/en/tool-box/key-figures
35. Dubrovnik, Croatia — 1.5 Million Annual Visitors
Dubrovnik (and the remainder of Croatia) hasn’t historically been a wildly standard vacationer vacation spot however in recent times it has exploded in recognition — together with larger costs. Now the “pearl of the Adriatic” sees tens of millions of tourists desirous to discover the walled Old Town of this stunning metropolis so go to within the low season if you wish to keep away from the crowds.
DUBROVNIK TRAVEL TIPS: Dubrovnik Travel Prices
Learn More About Europe’s Most Popular Cities
The Savvy Backpacker is stuffed with useful recommendation about visiting the preferred and finest cities in Europe. Below are a few of my finest journey articles:
Stay Connected With Cheap Mobile Data in Europe
You now not must lay our a fortune on cellular knowledge whereas touring round Europe because of the expansion of reasonably priced pay as you go SIM and eSIM knowledge plans. Check out 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 e-book “The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To Europe On A Budget”. He’s been running a blog about price range journey in Europe since 2010.
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