Here is the list of the 20 most popular tourist destinations around the world (in 2016). Read on and get travel inspiration for your next big trip.
Bangkok, Thailand
With 21.47 million annual visitors, the capital of Thailand is the first Asian city to join the top destinations list. Bangkok attracts travelers with its unique culture, food, a wide range of attractions, and low prices. However, you can still look at the list of free things to do in Bangkok and budget accommodations in the city if your budget for the trip is not very big.
How to get around in Bangkok? Read here.
London, United Kingdom
London used to be at the top of the list before Bangkok took the lead. With 19.88 million visitors it is in the second spot. When you visit London you can meet for a date near Big Ben, follow Harry Potter to Hogwarts or visit one of London’s quirky museums.
The capital of Great Britain is very popular, although it is a rather expensive tourist destination. However, you can always find free things to do in the city and budget accommodations.
How to get around in London? Read here.
Paris, France
Unlike all the other destinations, Paris has lost a number of visitors in the recent years. Nevertheless, with 18.03 million visitors, it is still a very popular city among travelers. There is definitely much to see in the capital city of France.
Furthermore, if you are on a low budget, there are things you can do in Paris for free. Plus, you can find inexpensive places to live.
How to get around in Paris? Read here.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is the only Middle Eastern destination on this list. Every year Dubai is becoming more and more popular. With 15.27 million visitors a year, Dubai leads the middle east region. The capital of the United Arab Emirates is one of the top destinations for luxury travel in the world. Even people with a limited budget can have fun in the city. There is a variety of things you can do in Dubai for free, as well as many budget accommodations in the city.
How to get around in Dubai? Read here.
New York City, USA – 12.75 million visitors
New York City is the only American city on the list. It also tops the list of the most popular New Year destinations in the USA. There are a lot of cool things you can do in New York. Plus, there are a lot of things you can learn from New Yorkers. The city isn’t the cheapest travel destination. However, you can always find cheap accommodations and free things to do, even in New York.
How to get around in New York? Read here.
Singapore – 12.11 million visitors
This city in Southeast Asia lies at the crossroads of the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore offers fantastic food, unique culture, and a world-leading airline. These are just some of the attributes that make Singapore so popular among travelers. You can read more about the must-see places in Singapore by clicking here. Plus, you can find free activities throughout the city. You can always find a cheap accommodation to spend the night in the city if you have a small budget.
How to get around in Singapore? Read here.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 12.02 million visitors
Kuala Lumpur is an important link between Asia and the Middle East. There a lot of places in Malaysia, which you should see at least once in a lifetime. There are also loads of attractions in the capital city, as well as things to do here for free. If you are on a low budget, you will also be glad to know that there are a lot of budget accommodations in Kuala Lumpur.
How to get around in Kuala Lumpur? Read here.
Istanbul, Turkey – 11.95 million visitors
Its location at the crossroads between Europe and Asia is one of the features, which makes Istanbul a very popular tourist destination. In fact, it is expected that the capital of Turkey might reach the top of the list by 2020. It is also a popular place for budget travelers. The city offers a wide variety of free things to do and cheap accommodations, including choices of Couchsurfing hosts. The Turkish are very hospitable! And, of course, there are many other places to visit in Turkey, apart from Istanbul. Just pick the one you like, and set sail!
How to get around in Istanbul? Read here.
Tokyo, Japan – 11.70 million visitors
Tokyo is one of the largest shopping cities in the world. However, that is not the only thing that attracts travelers to the capital of Japan. Unique oriental culture, food and various attractions make the city one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Also, Japan is one of the most family-friendly countries in Asia.
Seoul, South Korea – 10.20 million visitors
Seoul is not only the center of modern technologies nowadays, but it is also an attractive tourist destination. Plus, Seoul becomes more and more popular every year. The capital of South Korea offers its visitors a vivid nightlife, with prices affordable even to students. It also places among the top destinations in the world, which people most want to visit.
Other Popular Cities in 2016
Hong Kong, China – 8.37 million visitors
Barcelona, Spain – 8.20 million visitors
Amsterdam, Netherlands – 8 million visitors
Milan, Italy – 7.65 million visitors
Taipei, Taiwan – 7.5 million visitors
Rome, Italy – 7.12 million visitors
Osaka, Japan – 7.02 million visitors
Vienna, Austria – 6.69 million visitors
Shanghai, China – 6.12 million visitors
Prague, Czech Republic – 5.81 million visitors
With the rise of crime and terrorism I expect London, Paris and Istambul to drop from the list and some safer destinations to rise.
You are probably right. Tourism has gone down in some European countries already, and the decline may continue. In many ways it is getting harder to travel the world freely. Although, the challenge in many ways makes it worthwhile. Personally, I’ll opt for Tokyo or Osaka from the list above.