More than 700 million visitors arrived at Europe's airports from all corners of the planet in 2023. This number equals the number reached in 2019 pre-pandemic. Travelers from Brazil are part of this statistic and represent a good portion of tourism, mainly in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. With so many people arriving, it's difficult to visit some attractions, isn't it? If you are one of those who seek to avoid crowds, it is a good idea to pay attention to the list below. Discover the 10 most visited cities on the Old Continent.
1. Istanbul – 20.2 million
Istanbul It's breathtaking, it's not just my opinion that I'm in love with this city, but also with the thousands of tourists who land there! Each year, more than 20 million visitors take the opportunity to discover the charms of ancient Constantinople, which houses ancient attractions, good cuisine and a vibrant culture. A city with two continents – Asia and Europe, where visitors can explore its center, get lost in the Grand Bazaar, admire the beautiful mosques, sail along the Bosphorus Sea, dive head first into history in its museums and palaces.
Compared to 2022, the flow of tourists in Istanbul grew by 26%. There are so many people, that I was impressed, when I was there last year, by the intense traffic and the huge movement of people around the main attractions. But it is worth highlighting a curious fact about this large number of visitors in 2023. Around 1.5 million arrived in Turkey to take care of their health. With attractive prices, the country is a very popular destination in Europe and Asia for hair implants and dental treatment. It is very common to find advertisements and men with red bands and dots on their heads on flights from Istanbul.
2. London – 18.8 million
One of the most visited cities in the world and has long been among the top cities in Europe. London is incredible, vibrant, modern, elegant, busy and many other adjectives we could use to describe this megalopolis. Each year, around 19 million tourists arrive in the English capital, attracted by its vibrant culture, entertainment, history and much more. The high value of the pound sterling and a gastronomy that is beyond contested can be frightening, but the city pleases everyone and is super prepared to better welcome travelers with six airports – soon it will open its 7th airport, and many hotels in London they wait for you. Book your trip there by looking at airline tickets to London now.
3. Paris – 15.5 million
Beautiful, charming and enchanting, the City of Light surprises everyone who arrives there each year. And look, there are not a few visitors, no! Paris it received more than 15 million tourists in 2023. It is one of the most visited cities on the planet and lives up to all this fame. A walk through the French capital takes us back to the rich history of France and humanity.
Cultural and architectural cradle, Paris has several attractions ranging from world icons such as Eiffel TowerO Louvre Museum and the Notre Dame cathedral, even its gastronomy with delicious cafes and restaurants. Furthermore, the city is home to some of the best museums in the world and this year it is being transformed to host the Olympic Games again, but be prepared to find the main attractions always crowded. For some of them It's a good idea to buy tickets well in advance so as not to be left in the lurch. If you want to travel there, be sure to check out our travel tips where to stay in Parisit is worth highlighting that France is the most visited country in all of Europe.
4. Antalya – 16.5 million
Look at the surprise! In the south of Turkey, this resort on the Mediterranean Sea is a surprise on the list of the most visited cities in Europe as it is not a large urban center like the others. A popular destination among Germans, Russians and Brits, Antalya's fame today goes beyond European borders and attracts tourists from all over the world, in 2023 alone there were more than 16 million, around 30% more than the previous year.
The turquoise sea, mountains, waterfalls, countless resorts and the sun that shines 300 days a year make this city a special destination. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey, once declared: “There is no doubt that Antalya is the most beautiful place in the world.”
5. Rome
Like Istanbul, which was once the capital of a great empire, Rome does nothing less. For those who enjoy history, visiting the Italian capital is a must. The Eternal City (discover other nicknames for cities around the world) holds a large part of ancient treasures, a time when it was the center of the Empire that dominated much of the world.
In addition to the history, Rome, which attracts more than 10 million visitors a year, is beautiful. You can't help but fall in love with its alleys, cantinas, aromas, churches, fairs and many other attractions. But be prepared, with so many tourists competing for a photo at the main monuments is an arduous task. The famous Trevi Fountain, for example, is on the list of the most crowded attractions in Europe. Trying to take a photo there calmly is an almost impossible task. Take advantage and see airline tickets to Rome here.
6. Amsterdam
The largest city in the Netherlands is also one of the most touristy in Europe. Amsterdam receives more than 9 million visitors per year. Surrounded by canals, bridges and cycle paths, full of old buildings and breathtaking landscapes, Amsterdam is one of the main destinations in the world and has an intense cultural life. A boat trip along its canals, the Van Gogh and Anne Frank museums and a trip to the typically Dutch village of Zaanse Schans are unmissable attractions on a visit to the city.
7. Barcelona
A city that reinvented itself and recently positioned itself among the most visited in Europe. Barcelona It is the second largest city in Spain and today attracts around 9 million tourists. We can say that the 1992 Olympics put Barcelona on the tourist map, but that wasn't the only thing that made the city popular.
A vibrant culture, good gastronomy, breathtaking landscapes, beaches and good weather, and, of course, a unique architecture adorned by the contours of the genius Antoni Gaudí make the capital of Catalonia an incredible destination. There are so many tourists that you have to be careful when walking along the Ramblas, queuing for the main attractions and getting a photo of the Sagrada Familia. If you plan to go there, see our travel tip where to stay in Barcelona.
8. Prague
Following the global wave of tourism that reached record levels surpassing pre-pandemic numbers, the capital of the Czech Republic received just over 9.5 million visitors in 2023. Known as the “City of a Hundred Domes”, Prague It impresses visitors with its hospitality, monuments, buildings of immeasurable architectural value and breathtaking landscapes. For me, one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe and one that always makes you want to return. In addition to the various attractions and good cuisine, the lower prices than in other European countries are also important attractions.
9. Vienna
A city packed with lots of classical music, glamor and a rich history, that's how it is Vienna, the capital of Austria. Walking through its streets is like going back to the times of the Habsburg dynasty and being dazzled by imperial palaces, monuments, churches that are true works of art and museums that are spread across every corner. The city is also very popular with classical music lovers who flock to theaters and opera houses to watch a concert. It is worth noting that some of the most famous composers in the world are Austrian, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Schubert.
10. Milan
We close this Top10 of the most visited cities in Europe with Milanbut it could also be with Berlin, Athens It is Lisbon, as there is only a small difference in the total number of tourists these cities receive per year. There are more than 8 million.
Known worldwide as the capital of fashion, Milan attracts with its dynamic economy – the financial capital of Italy, historical attractions, parks, good cuisine and beautiful architecture. But be prepared, taking a photo of the beautiful Duomo is a task of patience with so many people. For your next trip see where to stay in Milan.
What did you think of the list? Have you visited any of these cities and encountered a lot of crowds? Leave your report below.
