Among the Most Beautiful Tourist Cities in the World (2024)

Identifying the most beautiful cities in the world is not an easy task. However, it is possible to determine the most beautiful tourist cities by recording the number of visitors they attracted throughout the year, according to the World Tourism Organization. In this way, the opportunity to identify the most beautiful tourist cities—or the most beautiful cities in the world in general—becomes accessible to everyone.

In this article, you will discover the 20 most beautiful cities in the world, the ones that attract the most tourism, and which are located within some of the world’s most stunning countries.

The Most Beautiful Cities in the World

20- Bali, IndonesiaBali is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Indonesia, rich in natural beauty, history, and heritage, making it one of the best cities in the world. It attracts tourists, photographers, and artists alike.It offers stunning beaches such as Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Kuta, as well as rice terraces in Ubud, the peaceful island of Lombok, lush green mountains, and historical landmarks like palaces, museums, and art galleries.Tourism in Bali attracted 8.3 million travelers last year.

19- Osaka, JapanOsaka is Japan’s second-largest and one of its wealthiest cities. With history dating back to the 16th century, it is famous for its castle, family attractions like Ferris wheels, open-air amusement parks, and the world’s second-largest film studio.The city also offers diverse accommodation, restaurants, and nightlife, with excellent transportation links.Tourism in Osaka attracted 8.42 million travelers last year.

18- Pattaya, ThailandKnown for its authentic Asian traditions and mixed cultural heritage, Pattaya is one of Thailand’s most famous cities. It is home to temples, gardens, luxury houses, and stunning beaches.It is the third most visited city in Thailand, after Phuket and Bangkok.Tourism in Pattaya attracted 8.67 million travelers last year.

17- Barcelona, SpainLocated between the Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees, Barcelona is famous for its 4 km coastline, pleasant weather, cultural heritage, football club, and museums. It is also the birthplace of artists like Picasso and Miró.Tourism in Barcelona attracted 8.69 million travelers last year.

16- Palma de Mallorca, SpainRanked by The Sunday Times as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Palma offers beaches, hills, history, shopping, and cultural events.It is famous for yacht-making, luxury hotels, and its old town.Tourism in Palma attracted 8.78 million travelers last year.

15- Milan, ItalyMilan, Italy’s fashion capital, is famous for luxury boutiques, modern architecture, and landmarks like the Duomo Cathedral, La Scala Opera House, and the Navigli nightlife district.Tourism in Milan attracted 8.81 million travelers last year.

14- Hong Kong, ChinaA major Asian trade hub and fashion capital, Hong Kong is made up of around 200 islands, offering a mix of skyscrapers, shopping, film culture, and natural beauty.Tourism in Hong Kong attracted 9.03 million travelers last year.

T13- Mecca, Saudi ArabiaMecca is the holiest city in Islam, birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and home to the Kaaba, Zamzam well, and other Islamic sites. Access is limited to Muslims, yet it attracts millions annually for Hajj and Umrah.Tourism in Mecca attracted 9.18 million travelers last year.

12- Phuket, ThailandThailand’s largest island, Phuket is famous for its 30 beaches, romantic scenery, smaller islands, and boat trips in Phang Nga Bay.Tourism in Phuket attracted 9.29 million travelers last year.

11- Antalya, TurkeyAntalya is Turkey’s top coastal city with beaches, ancient sites, and family attractions like Aqualand and Dolphinland.Tourism in Antalya attracted 9.42 million travelers last year.

10- Seoul, South KoreaA city of contrasts, Seoul combines modern skyscrapers, fashion, history, temples, palaces, rivers, and parks. Key attractions include City Hall, Jongmyo Shrine, and Han River.Tourism in Seoul attracted 9.54 million travelers last year.

9- Istanbul, TurkeyA city connecting Europe and Asia through the Bosphorus, Istanbul boasts mosques, palaces, Ottoman tombs, Byzantine churches, and traditional baths.Tourism in Istanbul attracted 10.7 million travelers last year.

8- Tokyo, JapanJapan’s capital and largest city, Tokyo is famous for its skyscrapers, history, temples, and resilience against disasters.Tourism in Tokyo attracted 11.93 million travelers last year.

7- Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaThe Malaysian capital, famous for cultural diversity, Batu Caves, Petronas Twin Towers, shopping, gardens, and festivals.Tourism in Kuala Lumpur attracted 12.58 million travelers last year.

6- New York, USAOne of the most famous cities in the world, New York is home to the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Central Park, and countless museums.Tourism in New York attracted 13.13 million travelers last year.

5- SingaporeA multicultural island nation with luxury hotels, diverse food, shopping malls, nightlife, and festivals.Tourism in Singapore attracted 13.91 million travelers last year.

4- Dubai, UAEKnown for modern architecture like Burj Khalifa and Palm Islands, Dubai also offers deserts, beaches, shopping malls, and traditional souks.Tourism in Dubai attracted 15.79 million travelers last year.

3- Paris, FranceThe French capital, famous for the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and rich culture.Tourism in Paris attracted 17.44 million travelers last year.

2- London, EnglandBritain’s capital, known for Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, and multicultural atmosphere.Tourism in London attracted 19.83 million travelers last year.

1- Bangkok, ThailandThailand’s capital, offering temples, royal palaces, skyscrapers, nightlife, markets, and river cruises.Tourism in Bangkok attracted millions of travelers last year, making it the most visited city in the world.