10 Most Visited Tourist Destinations In The World (all images @ Pixabay)
As per the Global Destinations Cities Index, a study on the most visited cities in the world, conducted by Mastercard, Bangkok stays at top with 22 million international visitors. The study ranks cities based on the total international overnight visitor arrival and cross-border spending, and thus marking the most popular tourist destination in the world.
Bangkok, capital of Thailand, is vibrant with noise of tuk-tuks and several other activities like the night life, out of the map explorations which often gift the visitors gem of experiences, floating markets, and the countless sweet, sour, spicy and tangy street foods. Bangkok offers the casual comfort of megamalls and modern spaces, and at the same time it have its own collection of temples and shrines offering bliss.
While Bangkok, the city of angels, holds the first position, Paris, the city of love is close behind with 19.10 million international visitors. The city is expected to hold the number in the coming year as well. Also known as city of light, Paris will arrest your mind with its graceful and classic buildings, Parisian bridges and alluring boulevards. A cruise along River Seine, a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre will leave the visitors speechless. A stroll along the atmospheric bookstores and vintage shops, and scouring for uniqueness through the flea markets make the city more desirable.
London, the nerve centre of Europe comes in third position with 19.09 million visitors. London is mixture of gothic and modernity. The gothic styled architectures sprinkled with innovations offer grand and historical vibes. The taverns will charm the visitors to the contemporary art, theatre, and literature.
Dubai, the “City of Gold”, had 15.93 million international visitors. sky-high buildings, mega malls, lazy shopping sessions, fancy rooftop terraces, and serene worship places constitute to the beauty of this Arab land. Apart from the manmade beaches and aquariums, Dubai have some amazing beaches tucked into its fringes of lands offering calmness. Away from the ocean blue, awaits sand dunes and camel ride for another dimension of fun.
Singapore, the “Lion City” is made for the future. The city had 14.67 million international visitors. From little India to Chinatown, Singapore have it all. Street markets and fine dining, Singapore is a must visit for every gourmet. Famous botanic gardens and Orchard shopping malls, Singapore is a place of amusement.
Kuala Lumpur, the Garden City of Light had 13.79 million visitors. The lively energy in the city can the credit to Malay, Chinese and Indian community in the city. It offers the perfect blend of gleaming skyscrapers, mosques and temples. Kuala Lumpur is known for its celebration of contrast can be seen through its historical and modern lifestyle, which is visible through the high-fashion shopping malls and vibrant street markets.
New York, the city where dreams are made has welcomed 13.60 million international visitors last year. grand office buildings, Central Park, Indie bookstores, hipster cafes, the City that Never Sleeps have it everything to offer. Private galleries, and grid-like design, high-end boutiques and Guggenhiem, New York will get the visitors buzzing in excitement.
Istanbul, is the historical location that witnessed many ruling empires. Adorned with Byzantian churches and imperial mosques, the city had seen Greeks, Romans, Venetians and Ottoman rule. Along side the old and traditional buildings, lie tall and grand galleries, museums, and office buildings. The culinary diversities of the city is a mix of Asian and European flavour. Istanbul always found its place in the bucket list of Hodophile. 13.40 million international tourists visited the Turkish city.
Tokyo spikes amusement in visitors, as the city appears to live in future. Clean streets, chrome skyscrapers, and the vibrant crowd keeps Tokyo 24/7 active. The city have high living standards with smart electronics, and convenient technologies. While living in future, Tokyo have strong grip on its past. It have Edo-styled streets Yanezen and serene Meiji shrine. The real experience of Tokyo is past the trendy cafes and bold fashions, lying under the track-eateries and hidden shrines. The city had 12,93 million international visitors last year.
Antalya, a city lying gracefully along the Turkish Riviera holds the tenth position with 12.41 million international visitors. With a mixture of Mediterranean coastline and preserved Kaleici old quarters, Antalya can be considered as a romantic gateway. The city will take visitors down the memory lane with its finely restored Ottoman houses.
