February 4th, 2019
International travel broadens the mind and awakens a sense of wonder. If you love to travel, there's a good chance you've been to one of the world's most popular cities. Those visiting all five of the top destinations would log some serious air miles—two of the cities are in Europe, two are in Asia, and one is in the United States.
This article will take you through the five most visited cities in the world. You'll get some basic information about the cities and a brief look at the interesting attractions that each one has to offer.
Let's get started with the fifth-most visited city, New York.
5. New York City, USA
New York City is the most populous city in the United States. Over 8.6 million people live there, and the city welcomes over 13.6 million international visitors every year.
If you're ever in New York City, one spot you wouldn't want to miss is the Empire State Building. This iconic skyscraper has been gracing the New York skyline since it was completed in 1931. Whether it's the unique Art Deco architecture that attracts you or the dizzying height you'll reach at the top of this 1,454-foot high landmark, don't leave NYC without paying a visit the Empire State Building.
You'll also want to see the Statue of Liberty. A centennial birthday gift from France, Lady Liberty is a symbol of freedom that welcomed over 10 million immigrants as they sailed past her to Ellis Island during the early 20th century. If you plan ahead, you'll be able to climb the stairs that lead up to the statue’s crown.
4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai gets 16.6 million international visitors annually. It's the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and is located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. Dubai has been one of the world’s most popular destinations since the early 2000s.
A place you must see if you visit Dubai is Palm Jumeirah, one of the city's many architectural wonders. It's a man-made island shaped to look like a palm tree. One of the largest artificial islands in the world, Palm Jumeirah features beautiful views and a wide range of high-end shops and hotels.
If you're a fan of tall buildings, the Burj Khalifa deserves a spot on your itinerary. Measuring 2,716 feet, the Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest tower, and it looms impressively over the Dubai skyline. If you think the Burj Khalifa looks cool from the outside, wait till you go inside. The view from one of its many observation decks is absolutely stunning, (or so we've been told).
Just a short drive from Downtown Dubai, visitors can get acquainted with the wonders of the Arabian Desert. You can ride a camel, but if you want something even more exciting, book an extreme-sports desert safari with off-road quad bikes and sandboarding.
3. Paris, France
In the 1920s, Paris, France was the place to be. Artists from all over the world converged on the city to take part in its rich culture. These days, Paris is still a very popular destination, attracting nearly 18 million international visitors each year.
When in Paris, don't miss the chance to view the city from the Eiffel Tower. You can ascend to any of its several observation levels, including the highest one located at the top of this 984-foot high iconic structure.
The Arc de Triomphe is another important Paris landmark. It dates back to the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, and in the Arc’s museum, you can learn all about its 200-year-old history.
Another fascinating place to visit in Paris is Les Catacombes. Situated beneath the Parisian streets, it's an ancient storehouse for the bones of six million plague victims that died in the city. If you're not too squeamish, you can tour part of the 1,864-mile tunnel network that makes up Les Catacombes.
2. London, UK
The city of London, located on the River Thames in the south-east of England, has been a major settlement for two thousand years. It probably got its fair share of visitors right from the beginning, but today, the city sees an amazing 20.4 million international visitors each year.
No trip to London would be complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace. The royal residence lets you peek into the world of kings and queens and get a true sense of the country's great history. Try to catch the inspiring pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, as this ceremony is a major highlight for many Buckingham Palace visitors.
Another interesting stop in London is Shakespeare's Globe theater. It's not the original, but it is darn close, carefully recreated to represent the type of venue that originally staged Shakespeare's plays.
Visiting Tower Hill will give you a taste of old London, with up-close access to amazing architecture, Crown Jewels, and other antiquities, all presented by costumed actors who serve as your tour guides.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
Buddha statue, Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, Thailand
Every year, Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, gets 21.98 million international visitors. Located in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand, Bangkok's population is over 8 million.
One of the most fascinating places to see when in Bangkok is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, or Wat Pho. The nearly 200-year old temple is famous for its the massive Reclining Buddha statue, and it is one of the largest temples in Bangkok.
Another must-see in Bangkok is Wat Arun. It's located on the Chao Phraya River and is one of the oldest attractions in Bangkok. The temple was designed to architecturally favor Mount Meru, the center of the universe in the Buddhist religion.
Sightseeing is fun, but Bangkok also offers some pretty amazing shopping opportunities. Siam Paragon is a huge mall with an impressive collection of shops and restaurants. It also has an aquarium, an art gallery specializing in Thai art, and a beautiful concert hall.