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 assumed it could be useful to stipulate the most well-liked cities in Europe as a result of this serves as a fantastic start line for journey planning—particularly if you wish to do a multi-city journey.
The Most Visited Cities in Europe
Fast Observe: This listing of probably the most visited cities in Europe comes from a 2024 examine achieved by Euromonitor Worldwide, one other Prime 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 hunch. I’ve additionally written a information on the greatest occasion cities in Europe in case you’re in search of 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 a number of years so I is likely to 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 simple.
Moreover, Paris additionally boasts the best variety of trip rental residences together with a strong resort and hostel stock.
PARIS TRAVEL TIPS: Paris Journey Information, Finest Issues To Do In Paris, Paris Journey Costs, Finest Funds Eating places in Paris, Paris Cross Overview, The place To Keep in Paris, Finest 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 nevertheless it has just lately been changed by Paris. That stated, 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 likely 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 just a incredible 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 Funds, London Cross Overview
Supply: https://knowledge.london.gov.uk/dataset/number-international-visitors-london
3. Rome, Italy – 35 Million Annual Guests
It’s no shock that Rome is among 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, Finest Hostels in Rome, Rome Cross Overview
Supply: https://www.esteri.it/en/
4. Istanbul, Turkey – 20 Million Annual Guests
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 among the most visited cities on the planet—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 motive. This Spanish has a vibrant meals scene, a plethora of distinctive historic structure, nice Mediterranean climate, lovely seashores, and among the greatest nightlife in Europe (many contemplate it the highest nightlife vacation spot on the planet).
BARCELONA TRAVEL TIPS: Barcelona Journey Information, Barcelona Journey Costs, Barcelona Cross Overview, Finest Hostels in Barcelona
Supply: https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/turisme/en/estadistiques_enquestes
6. Lisbon, Portugal — 14 Million Annual Guests
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 moderately priced, and sights are about common.
LISBON TRAVEL TIPS: Lisbon Journey Information, Lisbon Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Lisbon
Supply: https://www.visitlisboa.com/en
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands — 8.9 Million Annual Guests
Regardless of its comparatively small measurement, Amsterdam continues to be a significant European tourism vacation spot because of its lovely structure, pretty canals, and liberal social insurance policies. It’s additionally persistently ranked among the finest locations to reside in Europe.
Amsterdam is definitely some of the costly cities in Europe — particularly with regards to 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 throughout the low season if you wish to keep away from among the crowds.
AMSTERDAM TRAVEL TIPS: Amsterdam Journey Information, Amsterdam Journey Costs, Amsterdam Cross Overview, Finest 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 high Italian vacation spot, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a fantastic metropolis in case you’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/
9. Vienna, Austria — 8.2 Million Annual Guests
Vienna is consistently a high 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 some of the lovely cities on the 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 Cross Overview
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 really appears like a “fairy story” metropolis — in case 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 listing (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 Journey Information, Prague Journey Costs, Finest 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 nevertheless 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 house to the Acropolis and Parthenon.
Whereas town is protected, Athens as a complete is sort of drab and gritty so it’s not your typical “lovely European metropolis” that many individuals think about it could be.
ATHENS TRAVEL TIPS: Athens Journey Costs, Finest 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 stated 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 most cost-effective main European cities. Berlin continues to be one of many hottest nightlife/clubbing locations on the planet 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 Overview, Finest Hostels in Berlin
Supply: https://about.visitberlin.de/en/current-figures
13. Venice, Italy — 5.6 Million Annual Guests
The amazingly lovely 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 well-liked port for big cruise ships. Nevertheless, Venice empties out at night time so in case you 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 high vacation spot for good motive — it’s a vigorous metropolis that’s each inexpensive by Western European requirements and boasts excellent tradition, structure, artwork, and wonderful nightlife. But it surely’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 in search of “previous” Europe. That stated, it’s a metropolis overflowing with vitality and old-world allure 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 — 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 town is pretty small so it’s a really manageable metropolis to discover on foot. Nevertheless, Dublin is pretty costly (particularly meals and alcohol).
DUBLIN TRAVEL TIPS: Dublin Journey Information, Dublin Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Dublin, Dublin Cross Overview
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 greatest skilled for a number of days — plus the crowds skinny out at night time. And also you’ll want a number of days to absorb 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. Brussels, Belgium — 4.3 Million Annual Guests
House 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 popularity 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 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
18. 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 overlook 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
19. 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 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, Finest 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 every of Jap 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 lovely structure. But it surely has rather more grit and edge because of its years underneath communist rule. It’s additionally inexpensive and one in every of Europe’s greatest nightlife locations.
BUDAPEST TRAVEL TIPS: Budapest Journey Information, Budapest Journey Costs, Finest Hostels in Budapest
Supply: https://www.budapestinfo.hu/statistics-and-analyses
21. Tallinn, Estonia — 4 Million Annual Guests
Situated 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 every of Europe’s most full walled cities. Tallinn is among the hottest day journeys from Helsinki and due to 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/studies/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 among the happiest folks on the 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 lovely previous and state-of-the-art structure, a fantastic meals scene, loads of sights and museums, tons of espresso outlets, a vigorous craft beer scene, loads of tradition, a number 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
23. Edinburgh, Scotland — 3.1 Million Annual Guests
Edinburgh is an attractive, youthful metropolis in Scotland that has a magical medieval Outdated City, a sublime Georgian New City, and the spectacular Edinburgh Fort. It additionally attracts hundreds of tourists throughout its Edinburgh Competition every August. It’s additionally a really welcoming metropolis with pleasant locals and wonderful 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
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 an attractive, old-school little metropolis in Poland that additionally has a popularity 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 Journey Costs, Finest 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 a bit 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 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
28. Stockholm, Sweden — 2.7 Million Annual Guests
The gorgeous 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 lots to do. The one factor that retains Stockholm from being a extra standard metropolis is its comparatively distant location.
STOCKHOLM TRAVEL TIPS: Stockholm Journey Costs, Stockholm Cross Overview
Supply: https://www.stockholmbusinessregion.com/globalassets/about-us/facts-and-figures/…..pdf
29. Good, France — 2.6 Million Annual Guests
Good is an attractive 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 popularity for being costly, Good has loads of budget-friendly choices — together with a number of wonderful 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
30. Porto, Portugal — 2.5 Million Annual Guests
Whereas Lisbon will get the best variety of vacationers in Portugal, the marginally shabby but lovely metropolis of Porto nonetheless affords lots to its guests — particularly with regards to lovely climate. Porto can also be a really inexpensive metropolis so it’s attracting many younger cooks and other people in search of nice journey offers.
31. Bruges, Belgium — 2.5 Million Annual Guests
Regardless of its small measurement, the medieval fairytale city Bruges is among the hottest locations in Europe — in truth, it in all probability will get extra guests than this listing 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 lots 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 lively. It’s additionally a metropolis that’s tremendous costly so it would 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
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 lots to see and eat on this laid-back metropolis so it’s value 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
34. Lyon, France — 1.6 Million Annual Guests
Lyon is the meals capital of France — which is saying lots 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 standard vacationer vacation spot however lately it has exploded in recognition — together with larger costs. Now the “pearl of the Adriatic” sees hundreds of thousands of tourists desirous to discover the walled Outdated City of this lovely metropolis so go to within the low season if you wish to keep away from the crowds.
DUBROVNIK TRAVEL TIPS: Dubrovnik Journey Costs
Study Extra About Europe’s Most In style Cities
The Savvy Backpacker is filled with useful recommendation about visiting the most well-liked and greatest cities in Europe. Under are a few of my greatest journey articles:
Keep Linked With Low cost Cell Information in Europe
You not must lay our a fortune on cell knowledge whereas touring round Europe because of the expansion of inexpensive pay as you go SIM and eSIM knowledge plans. Take a look at my guides beneath 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 ebook “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Funds”. He is been running a blog about finances journey in Europe since 2010.
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