What is the most popular city
Every year it becomes easier and easier for people to decide on a city and country in which to spend their holidays. Borders are opening, visa processing is being simplified as much as possible. According to country visitor statistics, people from all over the world are becoming closer and friendlier to each other. Over the past 50 years, there have been dramatic improvements in the tourism industry. In some cities, the number of visitors is not in the tens or hundreds, but in seven-digit numbers.
The British company annually conducts research and publishes a list of cities that are in greatest demand among tourists. So, let's get acquainted with the most visited cities on the planet.
London, Great Britain
As the most visited European capital, London annually welcomes 18.8 million tourists who come here in the hope of discovering the secrets of the largest and most noteworthy city in Foggy Albion.
Curious travelers come to London again year after year, although it would seem that there are so many other interesting places in the world. The flow of tourists increased by 3 percent compared to the previous year.
The famous clock on the Tower of Parliament (Big Ben), the huge London Eye Ferris wheel, the Thames River, the largest in the UK, a fascinating exhibition of wax figures at Madame Tussauds, unique cultural and historical monuments attract tourists to the European capital like a magnet.
Bangkok, Thailand
The capital and largest city of Thailand has secured an honorable second place among the leading cities in the tourism industry. More than 9 million people live in Bangkok, plus over 18.2 million tourists come to admire this pearl of the East every year.
Some people will love the unique city of Bangkok from the first minutes of being in it, while others, on the contrary, will hate it. Huge high-rise buildings, business centers and unbearable heat make many visitors feel dizzy. The attention of tourists is drawn to the delightful Buddhist temples, numerous statues of Buddha and Naga and other works of art, including works of wood carvers.
Is it worth saying anything about the main attractions of the city, even if the official name of the city is listed in the Book of World Records as the longest name of the city, and it consists of 30 words.
Paris, France
About 16 million tourists come to the French capital every year. Historical architectural monuments stretch from the center to the west of the city, starting with the world-famous Louvre and ending with the Arc de Triomphe, located in the center of Star Square. Moving along the historical axis of the monuments, tourists will be able to stop at one of the boutiques or shops along the way and have lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes. Europe's largest business center, the Grand Arch of Defense, is located in the same area.
To admire the Eiffel Tower you will have to move to the left bank of one of the great rivers of France, the Seine. Erected in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is still considered a symbol of France. The height of this building reaches 320 meters; from the observation platforms, where many visitors strive to climb, an amazing view of the city opens. On the same bank of the river are the Pantheon, the Chaillot Palace on Trocadero Square, as well as the ancient university of France - the Sorbonne.
Paris is rich in attractions, which include not only architectural structures, but also streets, squares, and bridges. Not a single avid sightseeing lover can visit everything at once, because there are about 160 museums and 200 art galleries in the city, but I would also like to check out the local theatres, cinemas and restaurants.
Dubai, UAE
The futuristic metropolis, located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, is visited by 14.2 million tourists annually. Thousands of people dream of admiring the “Arabian miracle in the sands,” although not many will be able to afford to see this wonder of the world with their own eyes and enjoy a wonderful vacation. There is no city in the world with so many unique structures as Dubai. Let's get acquainted with the main ones.
The 828-meter Burj Khalifa tower is a small city containing parks, hotels, residential complexes, shops, swimming pools and restaurants. This building is considered the tallest in the world.
Dubai is famous for the famous man-made island called Palm Jumeirah. Its outline actually resembles a palm tree, which consists of a main trunk and 16 leaves. There are hotels, villas and shops throughout the island.
Dubai is home to the world's only 7-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab. The building, which looks like a sailboat, is located on an artificial island 280 meters from the shore. The hotel, 321 meters high, has only 202 rooms.
An indoor ski resort has been built in Dubai - this is a real fairy tale of the Arabian Peninsula. Just imagine, after the rays of the scorching sun, suddenly getting caught in snowfall and skiing down a 400-meter slope.
Istanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul welcomes 12.5 million visitors annually. Over the past decade, Istanbul has developed by leaps and bounds. Today it is one of the most cultural capitals in Europe.
Many people call Istanbul a city of contrasts due to the proximity of European bars and clubs, universities and theaters with constant prayers and colorful bazaars. To this day, the city has preserved the amazingly beautiful Sultan's palaces, historical buildings and temples, but tourists are more impressed by two architectural and religious monuments located in the busiest part of Istanbul, in the Sultanahmet district - the Blue Mosque and St. Sophia Cathedral.
The main symbol of the city is St. Sophia Cathedral, which was once the main church of Christians. Today, Hagia Sophia operates as a museum. But opposite is the Blue Mosque, one of the most beautiful architectural examples of Islam.
After getting acquainted with the main symbols of the city, you should definitely visit the main palace of the Ottoman Empire (Topkani Palace), the residence of the last sultans of the Ottoman Empire (Dolmabahce Palace), as well as the Galata Tower, one of the largest underground reservoirs that has survived to this day (Basilica Cistern).
In this article we decided to show you the most visited cities in the world. The rating data was based on indicators for 2015.
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1London: 18.82 million international visitors
The most popular and crowded capital of Great Britain occupies one of the leading places in the list of the most visited cities in the world. Britain's richest city became the most important and attractive city in the world during the Second World War. London is the most popular destination for tourists from all over the world and the first reasons why it is worth visiting London are places such as Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Tower Bridge and, of course, the famous clock tower Big Ben.
The city is home to most of the world's billionaires, who love it for its relaxing atmosphere. The city also has the best educational institutions and offers from the best medical institutions. More than 18.82 million people visit London every year, which is enough to earn the city a No. 1 spot on our Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World list. Now you know that London is the most visited city in the world!
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2Bangkok: 18.24 million international visitors
Bangkok is one of the TOP tourist cities in the world. The international system MasterCard named Bangkok the most global destination for foreign tourists, with more than 18 million tourists per year. The Thai capital also ranked 4th in cross-border spending and Bangkok was listed as the “best city in the world” in the world's leading travel magazine Travel & Leisure for four years in a row.
Bangkok is the main gateway for most international tourists to Thailand. Domestic tourists also occupy an outstanding number among other nationalities. The Thai Tourism Department recorded about 27 million locals from other cities in the country and 11.1 million foreign tourists. Hotels and hostels in Bangkok accommodate 15 million people, which is almost half the city - in total there are approximately 86,000 hotel rooms in Bangkok.
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3Paris: 16.06 million international visitors
Paris is the most beautiful city not only in France but in the whole world and is considered the most favorite place in the world that gives you the best romantic moments. Paris is the most spectacular city in France, despite its bad times during the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and the 2nd World War. Now Paris is famous for its probably the strongest recognition all over the world due to the most beautiful and attractive places such as the famous Eiffel Tower, which is the most popular place in the whole world.
This city is the heart of France and the birthplace of fashion business and tourism, which is the main reason why Paris keeps its standards high. Every year, Paris is visited by 16 million people and gives it an honorable third place in the list of “Top 10 most visited cities in the world.”
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4Dubai: 14.26 million international visitors
Dubai is the most densely populated capital of the United Arab Emirates, and it is located on the southeastern shore of the Persian Gulf. Tourism and entertainment are the most important part of the city's development and the Dubai government's strategy to maintain a constant flow of funds from around the world. Dubai is mainly based on tourist shopping, but the city also has several other both modern and ancient attractions for visitors.
The Dubai Mall is one of the largest in the world in terms of area and ranks eighteenth in terms of retail space. The Dubai Creek, which divided the oldest district of Deira from Bura Dubai and played the most important role in the economic activity and development of the city. The city of Dubai will also host EXPO 2020, which they are largely anticipating. The famous Burj Khalifa tower is also located in Dubai and is one of the tallest buildings in the world. Beautiful architecture, luxury and gloss make this city one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
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5Istanbul: 12.56 million international visitors
Istanbul is Turkey's most populous city, historically known as Constantinople and the center of the country's history, culture and economy. The city was historically known as the cultural center of the world, but the cultural scene stopped when the government shifted its attention towards the city of Ankara.
The city is filled with numerous shopping centers from the historical era to the modern era. One of the oldest and most crowded buildings is the Grand Bazaar, which has been in operation since 1461. Mahmutpasha Bazaar is a long open-air market between the Egyptian and Grand Bazaars. The city is also famous for its historic seafood restaurants, and some of the city's most prestigious and most popular seafood restaurants are located along the Bosphorus shorelines.
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6New York: 12.27 million international visitors
The most historic and populous city in the United States, it remains too busy both during the day and at night: the city offers many pleasures and entertainment for its visitors. New York is a showcase for its finances, publishing and its largest real estate industry. The city also has the world's best colleges and universities, hospitals and many world famous places such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge.
A city that has gone through several changes over several decades and has shown the best in areas such as research, arts and fashion, finance and commerce, media and entertainment, technology and education. More than 12 million tourists from all over the world come to New York every year, which places it at number 6 on the list of “Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World.”
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7Singapore: 11.88 million international visitors
Singapore, which is also referred to as the "Garden City", "Lion City" and "Red Dot" is an international city and sovereign state in Southeast Asia and the only city on the Island of the Worlds. The city is home to a wide variety of ethnic and cultural nations from around the world as it has multiple religions, languages and cultures.
Eating and shopping is a national pastime of the country, and the strong emphasis on food and restaurants attracts tourists from Australia to visit the most interesting food routes. The diverse range and availability of food is the strongest reason why foreigners love to visit this place. Singapore is also famous for being portrayed as a cultural heritage and arts hub and is recognized as a gateway between East and West.
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8Kuala Lumpur: 11.12 million international visitors
Kuala Lumpur is the most populous city and capital of Malaysia. Greater Kuala Lumpur, along with its Klang Velley area, is included in the list of the fastest growing capital cities in the East Asia region. Tourism in this city plays a key role in the development of the city and economy. The city is home to the world's largest hotel chains, such as the Hotel Majestic, the oldest hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
A bigger reason for the attraction for tourists is the city's diverse culture, wide gastronomic scene and, of course, shopping, which is an excellent alternative compared to other cities at relatively low costs. The most attractive places for tourists are Parliament House, Merdeka Square, State Palace and Petaling Street. Almost 11,120,000 people - this is the number of international tourists visiting Kuala Lumpur every year, which entitles this city to place 8 on our list of “Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World”.
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9Seoul: 10.35 million international visitors
Seoul is the capital of South Korea and the second largest metropolitan area in terms of area, with a population exceeding 26 million people. The oldest existing city faced enormous losses during the Second World War and the Korean War. The best attractions in the city are Namsan Mountain Park, Korea War Memorial, Seoul Tower and Changdeokgung Palace. Regardless of the city's population, the city has the largest number of parks, the most famous of which is Namsan Park.
Seoul is also the leading tourist city of the entire globe with not only beautiful places but also wonderful climatic conditions. The city also ranks top due to its industries such as textiles, electronics, steel and iron manufacturing. The city of Seoul has over 10 million visitors annually and helps the city be number 9 on the list of "Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World".
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10Hong Kong: 8.66 million international visitors
Hong Kong is an autonomous territory and special administrative region of the Republic of China in the Asian Pacific. The city is the most significant financial center in the world and is listed with the highest scores according to the World Financial Indicator, and is also classified as the most competitive economy in the world. The city is also popular for its free trade and low tax rates.
Hong Kong International Airport is the premier logistics hub in Asia, serving 47 million passengers. Hong Kong is also called the place where "East meets West", reflecting a cultural heritage of a mixture of Chinese roots.
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Conclusion
It was an article entitled “The Most Visited Cities in the World.” Thank you for your attention.
There are places on Earth where many travelers strive to visit. And the number of such travelers is not in the thousands, but in the millions. What attracts them to such places? Rich historical and cultural heritage, exoticism, chic, wanderlust?
The international research company Euromonitor International annually publishes the results of its research in the tourism field - a ranking of the most visited cities in the world. This year Euromonitor International published its TOP 100 most visited cities in the world in 2011. The leader of the ranking was Chinese Hong Kong, second place went to Singapore, and third place went to the capital of Great Britain, London.
1. Hong Kong, China
The dynamically developing city with a population of about 7 million inhabitants was visited by 21.8 million tourists during the year.
Hong Kong is the largest business center in Asia and the world, a rapidly developing city. A place where the fusion of east and west has brought the city to undisputed global leadership in many areas.
The city is extremely attractive for travel and tourism. Many tourists and business people are attracted by its diverse infrastructure, architecture, customs and culture. Those who have not yet visited Hong Kong should consider traveling to this wonderful city.
2. Singapore, Singapore.
This small island city-state is filled with wonder at every turn. There is something to see here - color, a mixture of styles and eras.
The City believes Singapore has achieved this high level of performance through innovation, inclusion and productivity.
There are more attractions in Singapore, hotels have improved, and for the rich - holidays in style and splendor. Recently, the fabulous Marina Sands Resort Sky Deck complex, many different shopping centers and casinos have opened here.
The main new highlights of Singapore are Universal Studios and the extraordinary Helix Bridge, as if from another planet.
3. London, UK.
Following the Asian leaders in the tourism industry is the most visited European city - London, the capital of Foggy Albion. This interesting and large city with a population of 8.2 million people was visited by 15.1 million tourists.
Every year the flow of tourists wishing to visit this major industrial and cultural center of the world increases. Over the year, the number of tourists visiting London increased by 3%. The steady increase in travelers shows continued interest in the UK capital.
In London, there are attractions at every turn. The city is history itself. British Museum, British Library, Tower, Big Ben, Madame Tussauds, etc. – one could go on and on about the various sights and monuments that attract travelers from all over the world like a magnet.
4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This city with a population of 1.8 million people was visited by 13.3 million tourists during the year. Kuala Lumpur is a modern metropolis with skyscrapers and one of the most beautiful airports in the world.
Well, the famous Twin Towers or Petronas Towers are known all over the world. They seem to have become the calling card of the city. Each skyscraper is 451.9 meters high, 88 floors, and on the 41st floor the towers are connected by a glass bridge. From here you can enjoy an amazing panorama of the entire city.
Ancient temples and beautiful parks coexist next to skyscrapers.
5. Macau, China.
Macau is a former Portuguese colony of the People's Republic of China. As part of the People's Republic of China, Macau has significant autonomy, which will continue until at least 2049.
With a population of 0.5 million people, the city was visited by 12.9 million tourists. Tourism accounts for 2/5 of Macau's total GDP. Since 2010, the gambling business brings more than 70% of budget revenues.
Macau is a global gambling center and is famous for its casinos and nightclubs. High-speed hydrofoils transport tourists from Hong Kong to Macau, where bars, restaurants, casinos, and hotels await them. Since 1995, Macau has had its own international airport.
6. Bangkok, Thailand.
The city is diverse, as they say, a city of contrasts. There are many architectural masterpieces, temples and countless Buddha statues. There are also huge high-rise buildings, skyscrapers and business centers here.
Although it is not formally welcomed by law in Bangkok, it is this city that attracts a large number of sex tourism enthusiasts.
In addition, the original name of the city is Krun Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintarayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Nopparat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Avatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Vitsanukam Prasit - which translates to “the city of angels, the great city, the city - the eternal treasure, the impregnable city of the God Indra, the majestic capital of the world, endowed with nine precious stones, the happy city, full of abundance, the grand Royal Palace, reminiscent of the divine abode where the reincarnated god reigns, the city donated by Indra and built Vishwakarman" .
7. Antalya, Türkiye.
Antalya is valued for its natural beauty and ancient and rich history. The city was founded in 159 BC. e. Greek king of Pergamum Attalus II.
In recent years, Antalya has become a “mecca” for European tourists. The historical center of the city is colorful with a combination of elements of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Antalya can be considered the heir of ancient civilizations. Here you can see historical monuments from the times of Alexander the Great, Apostle Paul, Emperor Hadrian, Sultan Aleadin Keykubat.
Antalya's typically Mediterranean climate, comfortable resorts with modern infrastructure, entertainment, beautiful nature and beaches attract many European travelers every year. And for good reason – here you can have a good rest and there is something to see.
8. Shenzhen, China.
Shenzhen is distinguished by high-rise architecture, theme parks, and industry exhibitions. Most of all, the city is famous as one of the largest centers of the electronic and electrical industry. Many industry giants have located their factories here.
9. New York, USA.
And only in ninth place is the most visited city in America, the largest and most important metropolis in the world - New York.
New York, although not the most visited city in the world, remains a dream city for millions of tourists. During the year, the dream city with a population of 8.4 million people was visited by 8 million travelers.
New York is the world's most important financial, political, economic and cultural center. Here, travelers are interested in visiting the elite area of Manhattan, relaxing in beautiful Central Park, taking advantage of Broadway shopping, wandering around the amazing China Town, visiting Liberty Island and other famous symbols of the USA.
10. Istanbul, Türkiye.
Rounding out the top ten of the TOP 100 most visited cities in the world in 2011 is another beautiful Turkish city, Istanbul.
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest in Europe with a rich historical past. The city managed to be the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman empires.
With a population of 12.8 million people, 9.8 million tourists visited it.
Istanbul is rich in museums, palaces and various attractions, because throughout its history it was the residence of 10 Roman, 82 Byzantine emperors and 30 Ottoman sultans.
The capital of Russia, Moscow, with its own population of 12 million people, received 4.2 million guests over the year and took 27th place in the ranking. In 35th place is Kyiv, which was visited by 3.4 million tourists over the year. St. Petersburg is in 45th place - 2.9 million tourists.
The TOP 100 also includes Baku – 93rd place and 1.6 million tourists and Minsk – 98th place and 1.4 million tourists.
Tourists have become much less likely to visit Cairo, Tokyo, Sharm el-Sheikh, Damascus, and Aleppo. And at the same time, the flow of tourists to Istanbul, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Warsaw, Lima, Manila, Nairobi, Hanoi, Izmir and the Issyk-Kul region increased by more than 20%.
TOP 100 most visited cities in the world in 2011:
| Rating | City | A country | 2011 year, thousand. Human | Height V 2011 year, (%) |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong,China | |||
| United Kingdom | ||||
| Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia | |||
| Macau | China | |||
| Bangkok | Thailand | |||
| Antalya | Turkey | |||
| Shenzhen | China | |||
| New York City | USA | |||
| Istanbul | Turkey | |||
| Guangzhou | China | |||
| Paris | France | |||
| Dubai | United Arab Emirates | |||
| Shanghai | China | |||
| Miami | USA | |||
| Mecca | Saudi Arabia | |||
| Pattaya | Thailand | |||
| Rome | Italy | |||
| Las Vegas | USA | |||
| Barcelona | Spain | |||
| Taipei | Taiwan | |||
| Beijing | China | |||
| Los Angeles | USA | |||
| Phuket | Thailand | |||
| Budapest | Hungary | |||
| Amsterdam | Netherlands | |||
| Moscow | Russia | |||
| Orlando | USA | |||
| Prague | Czech Republic | |||
| Berlin | Germany | |||
| Vienna | Austria | |||
| Mugla | Turkey | |||
| Ho Chi Minh | Vietnam | |||
| Madrid | Spain | |||
| Kiev | Ukraine | |||
| Warsaw | Poland | |||
| Dublin | Ireland | |||
| Cairo | Egypt | |||
| Edirne | Turkey | |||
| Zhuhai | China | |||
| Chennai | India | |||
| Hangzhou | China | |||
| Buenos Aires | Argentina | |||
| San Francisco | USA | |||
| St Petersburg | Russia | |||
| Seoul | South Korea | |||
| Mexico City | Mexico | |||
| Tokyo | Japan | |||
| Toronto | Canada | |||
| Delhi | India | |||
| Sydney | Australia | |||
| Denpasar | Indonesia | |||
| Can't | Mexico | |||
| Lima | Peru | |||
| Suzhou | China | |||
| Bucharest | Romania | |||
| Mumbai | India | |||
| Brussels | Belgium | |||
| Punta Cana | Dominican Republic | |||
| Johannesburg | South Africa | |||
| Munich | Germany | |||
| Nice | France | |||
| Auckland | New Zealand | |||
| Lisbon | Portugal | |||
| Agra | India | |||
| Milan | Italy | |||
| Jaipur | India | |||
| Marrakech | Morocco | |||
| Sharm el Sheikh | Egypt | |||
| East Province | Saudi Arabia | |||
| Damascus | Syria | |||
| Vancouver | Canada | |||
| Jakarta | Indonesia | |||
| Burgas | Bulgaria | |||
| Aleppo | Syria | |||
| Venice | Italy | |||
| Manila | Philippines | |||
| Florence | Italy | |||
| Varna | Bulgaria | |||
| Nairobi | Kenya | |||
| Honolulu | USA | |||
| Athens | Greece | |||
| Hanoi | Vietnam | |||
| Christchurch | New Zealand | |||
| Abu Dhabi | United Arab Emirates | |||
| Rio de Janeiro | Brazil | |||
| Guilin | China | |||
| Melbourne | Australia | |||
| S?o Paulo | Brazil | |||
| Chiang Mai | Thailand | |||
| Washington DC | USA | |||
| Riyadh | Saudi Arabia | |||
| Baku | Azerbaijan | |||
| Izmir | Turkey | |||
| Nanjing | China | |||
| Sofia-City & Greater Are | Bulgaria | |||
| Issyk-Kulskaya Oblast | Kyrgyzstan | |||
| Minsk | Belarus | |||
| Kolkatta | India | |||
| Zurich | Switzerland |
Los Angeles - 4.84 million visitors
The City of Angels is the second most populous city in the United States after New York. It is called the “creative capital of the world”, as every sixth person here is associated with the creative industry. Add to this 841 museums and galleries. All this should encourage you to visit here.
Riyadh - 5.05 million visitors
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, attracts mainly businessmen rather than tourists. But even those who come to the city for work will find many places to relax after all their business has been resolved. City streets are full of greenery and trees.
Taipei - 5.19 million visitors
Another place that lovers of shopping will love. And for those who get tired quickly, we can suggest visiting several luxurious local parks, where you can feel unity with nature like nowhere else.
Vienna - 5.37 million visitors
Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a rich cultural heritage reflected in its architecture, which includes castles and baroque gardens from the late 19th century. At the mere mention of this city, thoughts of classical music come to mind. Don't be surprised if you fall in love and want to stay. Mercer research has shown that Vienna has been ranked number one city for quality of life for four years in a row (2009-2012).
Tokyo - 5.80 million visitors
Some six million people plan to visit Japan's capital this year, drawn by the heady mix of high-tech modernity and ancient history and culture. Described as one of the three "command centers" for the global economy (along with London and New York), Tokyo has famously been named the most expensive city for foreigners.
Amsterdam - 6.35 million visitors
Known for its canals, special cafes, culture, beautiful parks and red light district, Amsterdam has firmly established itself as one of the most tourist cities in the world.
Shanghai - 6.5 million visitors
Another city that combines tourism and a developing economy. The city has a population of 23 million, making it the most populous city in the world.
Rome - 6.71 million visitors
Tourism has always existed in the eternal city; it can be assumed that it began with Rome. It is impossible to list everything that is worth your attention. Just remember that in addition to the splendor of ancient architecture, there is a comfortable climate and excellent food.
Milan - 6.83 million visitors
Milan is the center of the beauty industry. But some visitors are disappointed by its drab, modernist architecture. The magnificent Duomo is the third largest church in Christendom, and visitors can buy a ticket to stroll on the rooftop, which offers stunning views of the city. Let’s not forget about La Scala and unforgettable Italian delicacies.
Seoul - 8.19 million visitors
Populous Seoul carries modern luxury and ancient architectural monuments. It is this combination that attracts a huge number of tourists. If you decide to visit the popular Gangnam area, made famous by rapper Psy, make sure to dress appropriately.
Barcelona - 8.41 million visitors
Barcelona, although the second largest city in Spain, is a winner in terms of relaxation, relaxation and comfort. Gaudi and Picasso, La Rambla and Piazza di Spagna, the beach and the sea - all this makes this city magical.
Hong Kong - 8.72 million visitors
The densely populated former British colony of Hong Kong attracts more than 8 million visitors. The third largest financial capital of the world is of interest not only to workaholics, but also to tourists. For guests from the West, even the smallest thing will seem like an immersion in a fairy tale.
Kuala Lumpur - 9.20 million visitors
Like Singapore, Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur owes its economic development to this influx of visitors. A huge number of business trips from all over the world are sent here. But there is also a huge amount of entertainment for tourists. For shopaholics, as many as 66 huge shopping centers are ready to withstand the onslaught.
Dubai - 9.89 million visitors
The most famous Arab city is by far the most visited in the Middle East. Tourism is growing rapidly thanks to the developed economy. Depending on your mood, you can enjoy the splendor of modern buildings, such as the 829-meter Burj Khalifa, or go to the market in the old quarter.
Istanbul - 10.37 million visitors
Istanbul is home to 13.9 million people, and almost as many come every year to get a piece of the atmosphere of this place. “A clash of cultures between East and West” may sound like a cliché, but Istanbul combines European and Arab influences like nowhere else on Earth.
New York - 11.52 million visitors
It is not only America's largest city, but also the second largest financial center in the world. New York also has the most recognizable skyline. Walking through Manhattan and Central Park you can feel déjà vu, because you have already seen all this a million times in many films.
Singapore - 11.75 million visitors
The next city on this list is the state of Singapore, a cluster of 63 islands around the Malay Peninsula. This place was important for trade in recent centuries.
After the legalization of gambling several years ago, two huge casino resorts were built. Don't forget about Soaring Singapore - the world's largest Ferris wheel.
Paris - 13.92 million visitors
Paris, like London, will remain at the top of this list for many years to come. Sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Champs-Elysees attract millions of tourists every year - and the city's name is still virtually synonymous with romance.
London - 15.96 million visitors
London is just a little behind Bangkok. But the combination of its status as the world's leading financial center, hundreds of years of history and a huge selection of tourist attractions ensures that visitors will return again and again.
Bangkok – 15.98 million visitors
Throughout 2013, Bangkok plans to welcome approximately 16 million tourists. This figure mainly consists of guests from neighboring Asian countries, but there is also a decent percentage of visitors from non-CIS countries. And it's not just sex tourism. Bangkok's most popular attractions include floating markets and a large number of stunning temples, such as the famous Temple of Dawn.
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If you have saved up a certain amount for travel, then you need to spend it wisely, because all the savings for six months will evaporate during the trip in 5 days. We present to you the best cities in Russia for tourism and recreation, on which you wouldn’t mind spending your hard-earned or unexpectedly donated funds.
Kazan
The right to open our rating is given to Kazan: after all, the city is already 1000 years old, and we have respect for our elders. Despite its age, the capital of Tatarstan is only getting younger over the years, acquiring new attractions. For example, the famous Kul-Sharif Mosque, into which representatives of absolutely all religions can enter, or the Palace of Farmers, as if teleported to Kazan from another country.
3 things to do in Kazan:
– walk along the pedestrian Bauman street, one of the best in Russia;
– make a wish at the Syuyumbike tower, which comes true despite its tilt;
– eat chak-chak, Turkish delight, sherbet and other treats that surprise not only with their names, but also with their taste.
Where to stay in Kazan:
Saint Petersburg
Let the residents of St. Petersburg not be offended by us because we did not put their city first on the list - it already has a lot of regalia and titles. You can travel to the Northern capital all year round: it is beautiful both under the infrequent sun and under frequent rains. Someone will say that St. Petersburg is a city of bridges, and they will be right: they are here. Someone will say that this is a city of palaces, and they will also be right: there are several dozen of them here. And the cathedrals and temples of St. Petersburg belong to 42 denominations, although it would seem that there are not that many of them.
What to do in St. Petersburg first:
– visit the Hermitage and become the first tourist in history to tour all its halls;
– climb the colonnade of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and see the city from above;
- stay up half the night and watch the bridges being built.
Where to rent housing in St. Petersburg:
Nizhny Novgorod
The Volga River, which flows from afar for a long time, gave us not only the imperishable hit of Lyudmila Zykina, but also a scattering of miracle cities, one of which is Nizhny Novgorod. It is located so conveniently that you can get here by any means of transport, including river transport. In Nizhny, like in the aforementioned Kazan, there is a Kremlin, only it is made of red stone and no one has ever conquered it. And now it’s unlikely to conquer; after all, sieges of fortresses are not in fashion these days. And walking along the pedestrianized Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street and the Chkalov Stairs (if not up, then at least down) is in fashion here.
Everyone in Nizhny Novgorod should do this:
– climb inside the walls of the local Kremlin and see from there the confluence of the Oka and Volga;
– get to the other bank of the Volga by cable car;
– visit the Nizhny Novgorod fair and turn on the merchant mode there.
Housing in Nizhny Novgorod:
Moscow
Despite the “non-rubber” status, constant renovations, demonstrations and other events, Moscow remains one of the most popular cities for holidays in Russia. And no wonder: there are so many museums, monuments and squares here that to explore them you don’t need to take a vacation, but give up all work in principle and devote the rest of your life to travel. Most of all, people are drawn to the center of the capital, where there is a spacious and beautiful Red Square, a dazzling and outlandish St. Basil's Cathedral, a cheerful and welcoming Mausoleum.
3 must-do things in Moscow:
– go to the Tretyakov Gallery and touch eternal art;
– ride along the Moscow River on a river tram;
– buy something in GUM, TSUM and other shopping centers.
Where to stay in Moscow:
Sochi
Without the capital of the 2014 Olympics, our rating would be incomplete. And it doesn’t matter that the next Olympics will be in Korea, for us the Games will forever remain in Sochi. Today it is the main resort in Russia, and if previously it was a summer resort, now there is something to do here even in winter: Krasnaya Polyana opens its doors to skiers and those who consider themselves such.
They say that Sochi is the most elongated city in Russia. We didn’t go there with a rangefinder, but we can say for sure that Greater Sochi includes Adler, Khosta, Lazarevskoye and other famous resorts.
Let's do it in Sochi:
– let’s lie on the pebble beaches;
– let’s climb Mount Akhun to see half the planet;
– we’ll take a walk to 33 waterfalls in the Lazarevsky district - although these are not 33 heroes, they are also impressive.
Inexpensive housing in Sochi:
Yaroslavl
In Russia there is a special category of cities - pearl cities. Sparkling marketers take a city and say that it is the “pearl” of something. So, Yaroslavl is usually called the pearl of the Golden Ring. And it’s hard to argue with this: there are more than 800 architectural monuments in the city. Once upon a time, architects built merchant mansions, shopping arcades, and of course, here. And after many years, interesting museums were added to them, and all this splendor today delights thousands of tourists.
3 things to do in Yaroslavl:
– take a walk along the Volzhskaya embankment, one of the most beautiful in Russia;
– visit the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, where they once found the “Tale of Igor’s Host”;
– admire the design of the Church of Elijah the Prophet.
Where to stay in Yaroslavl:
Kaliningrad
This city is for those who want to travel around Russia and feel the European spirit at the same time. The breath of Europe has been preserved in Kaliningrad, because this city was once German, and then passed to Russia. As you might guess, all the attractions there also became Russian: this is the Cathedral, where Kant is buried, the Fishing Village, restored to its former appearance, and cozy burgher quarters. Near Kaliningrad there is the Curonian Spit - there is a national park where you can walk through the forest and bask on the sand.
What to do in Kaliningrad:
– go to the zoo, one of the oldest in Europe;
– look into the local Dancing Forest and make sure that it really dances;
– visit the Amber Museum and don’t steal anything from there.
Where to rent a house in Kaliningrad:
Vladivostok
After Kaliningrad on our list comes Vladivostok, because the expression “From Kaliningrad to Vladivostok” has not yet been canceled. Highbrow historians called this city the eastern outpost of the empire, and local residents called it Vladik. Today it is one of the best cities for tourism. In 2012, the APEC forum was held here (no matter what it was), and thanks to it, modern infrastructure appeared in Vladivostok. Its crowning achievement was the cable-stayed bridge across the Golden Horn Bay. Now it is one of the symbols of the city.