Europe obtained over 747 million worldwide arrivals in 2024 (surpassing pre-pandemic ranges) 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 incredible 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 probably the most visited cities in Europe comes from a 2024 research executed by Euromonitor Worldwide, one other Prime 100 Cities in The World research, and every metropolis’s native tourism workplace. In 2024, Europe noticed record-level tourism numbers so Europe has formally recovered from the pandemic journey droop. I’ve additionally written a information on the most effective social gathering cities in Europe in the event you’re searching for the highest nightlife locations.

1. Paris, France – 50 Million Annual Guests

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 just a few 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 superb Metro system so getting round is fast and straightforward.

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

PARIS TRAVEL TIPS: Paris Journey Information, Greatest Issues To Do In Paris, Paris Journey Costs, Greatest Price range Eating places in Paris, Paris Cross Evaluate, The place To Keep in Paris, Greatest Meals Markets in Paris

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


2. London, United Kingdom — 40 Million Annual Guests

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 one in all 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 they usually are inclined 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 approach to ease into visiting a overseas nation. Third, London is solely a unbelievable 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 Price range, London Cross Evaluate

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


3. Rome, Italy – 35 Million Annual Guests

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 traditionally, educationally and culturally attention-grabbing 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 properly linked to Italy’s nice cities and areas — making it a superb 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, Greatest Hostels in Rome, Rome Cross Evaluate

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


4. Istanbul, Turkey – 20 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 without doubt one of the most visited cities on the earth—particularly for Europeans desirous to expertise Istanbul’s “East meets West” vibe.

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


5. Barcelona, Spain — 16 Million Annual Guests

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 a few of the finest nightlife in Europe (many take into account it the highest nightlife vacation spot on the earth).

BARCELONA TRAVEL TIPS: Barcelona Journey Information, Barcelona Journey Costs, Barcelona Cross Evaluate, Greatest Hostels in Barcelona

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


6. Lisbon, Portugal — 14 Million Annual Guests

Lisbon is a sizzling 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 moderately priced, and sights are about common.

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

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


7. Amsterdam, Netherlands — 8.9 Million Annual Guests

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

Amsterdam is actually one of the costly cities in Europe — particularly on the subject of lodging (which tends to occur when small cities obtain hundreds of thousands of tourists). Over-tourism is an issue in Amsterdam so I like to recommend visiting in the course of 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 Cross Evaluate, Greatest Hostels in Amsterdam

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


8. Milan, Italy — 8.2 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, but it surely’s nonetheless an incredible metropolis in the event you’ve already explored Italy’s different highlights.

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

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


9. Vienna, Austria — 8.2 Million Annual Guests

Vienna is consistently a prime 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 stunning cities on the earth.

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, Greatest Hostels in Vienna, Vienna Cross Evaluate

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


10. Prague, Czech Republic — 7.5 Million Annual Guests

It’s cliche to say however Prague actually looks like a “fairy story” metropolis — in the event 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 in the course of the different instances of the yr if you wish to escape the crowds.

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

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


11. Athens, Greece — 6.5 Million Annual Guests

Athens is commonly 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, after all, Athens is dwelling to the Acropolis and Parthenon.

Whereas town is secure, Athens as a complete is form 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, Greatest Hostels in Athens

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


12. Berlin, Germany — 6.3 Million Annual Guests

It was as soon as famously mentioned 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 earth however you’ll discover that town affords a ton of different cultural actions as properly — together with many wonderful museums.

BERLIN TRAVEL TIPS: Berlin Journey Information, Berlin Journey Costs, Berlin Cross Evaluate, Greatest Hostels in Berlin

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


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 big cruise ships. Nonetheless, Venice empties out at night time so in the event 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, Greatest 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 purpose — it’s a energetic metropolis that’s each inexpensive by Western European requirements and boasts excellent tradition, structure, artwork, and wonderful nightlife. Nevertheless 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 generally be a shock to many guests searching for “outdated” Europe. That mentioned, it’s a metropolis overflowing with power and old-world attraction that’s price trying out.

MADRID TRAVEL TIPS: Madrid Journey Information, Madrid Journey Costs, Greatest Hostels in Madrid, Greatest 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 — because of its pleasant locals. Dublin additionally has a massive scholar inhabitants and a very good pub tradition so the nightlife affords 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, Greatest Hostels in Dublin, Dublin Cross 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 experience 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, Greatest Hostels in Florence

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


17. Brussels, Belgium — 4.3 Million Annual Guests

Residence 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 repute for being considerably boring and costly (because of 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 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, Greatest Hostels in Brussels

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


18. 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 overlook to spend a while in one of many metropolis’s many beer gardens.

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

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


19. Hamburg, Germany — 4 Million Annual Guests

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest metropolis. Hamburg has lengthy been one in all 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 of 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, Greatest Hostels in Hamburg

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


20. Budapest, Hungary — 4 Million Annual Guests

Typically referred to as the “Paris of the East,” Budapest is one other one in all Japanese Europe’s nice locations that’s more and more turning into one in all Europe’s most visited cities. It has elegant boulevards. It has stunning structure. Nevertheless it has rather more grit and edge because of its years underneath communist rule. It’s additionally inexpensive and one in all Europe’s finest nightlife locations.

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

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


21. Tallinn, Estonia — 4 Million Annual Guests

Positioned 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 one in all Europe’s most full walled cities. Tallinn is without doubt one of the hottest day journeys from Helsinki and because of a 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/stories/tourism-reports


22. Copenhagen, Denmark — 3.2 Million Annual Guests

You don’t want to go to Copenhagen for quite a lot of hours to comprehend why the Danes are a few of the happiest individuals on the earth and why Copenhagen is one in all Europe’s “must-visit” locations. The town has so many issues going for it — a mixture of stunning outdated 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, a number of buying, a superb biking tradition, and pleasant locals.

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

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


23. Edinburgh, Scotland — 3.1 Million Annual Guests

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

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

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


24. 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


25. Kraków, Poland — 2.9 Million Annual Guests

Krakow is a gorgeous, old-school little metropolis in Poland that additionally has a repute for being a celebration city because of 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, Greatest Hostels in Krakow

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


26. 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/


27. 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 one in all my prime German locations.

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


28. Stockholm, Sweden — 2.7 Million Annual Guests

The gorgeous 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 loads 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 Cross Evaluate

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


29. Good, France — 2.6 Million Annual Guests

Good is a gorgeous 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 repute for being costly, Good has loads of budget-friendly choices — together with a number of wonderful museums and straightforward practice entry to a number of seaside cities.

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

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


30. 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 affords loads to its guests — particularly on the subject of stunning climate. Porto can also be a really inexpensive metropolis so it’s attracting many younger cooks and folks searching for nice journey offers.

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


31. Bruges, Belgium — 2.5 Million Annual Guests

Regardless of its small measurement, the medieval fairytale city Bruges is without doubt one of the hottest locations in Europe — in actual fact, it most likely 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 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


32. 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 loads for a metropolis with a inhabitants of simply over 100,000. Reykjavik is a metropolis surrounded by unimaginable nature but it surely’s additionally a metropolis vigorous. It’s additionally a metropolis that’s tremendous costly so it would put a hurting in your pockets.

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

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


33. 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 loads to see and eat on this laid-back metropolis so it’s price spending just a few days exploring — however be warned at Seville is one in all Europe’s hottest cities in the summertime so it’s possible you’ll wish to go to within the spring or fall to flee the warmth.

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

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


34. 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 because of 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


35. 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 greater costs. Now the “pearl of the Adriatic” sees hundreds of thousands of tourists desirous 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 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 Related With Low-cost Cell Information in Europe

You not must lay our a fortune on cellular information whereas touring round Europe because of the expansion of inexpensive pay as you go SIM and eSIM information plans. Take a look at my guides under to see how one can get high-speed information for round $2-$4/day:

James Feess
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