Did you think Paris was the most visited city in the world? It’s not anymore.
The City of Light attracts many tourists every year and is at the top of the wish list for many international travelers, but it is no longer the most visited city in the world.
Istanbul has stolen the crown, welcoming an incredible 20.2 million visitors in 2023. This made it the city with the highest number of international arrivals in the world.
Right behind is London, which received 18.8 million international visitors, followed by Dubai. Another Turkish city, Antalya, came in 4th place, while Paris fell behind in 5th place, according to recent data.
One of the reasons Istanbul attracts so many visitors is that it is a great destination to visit year-round, and its coastal location spanning the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara means there is a welcoming breeze during the summer months.
Additionally, it is one of the few cities in the world shared by two continents, with a European half and an Asian half. This means you can experience the unique historical and cultural riches of both Europe and Asia in just one city.
Some of Istanbul’s cultural highlights include the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Meanwhile, more consumerist tourists will love the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar, with its hustle and bustle and the noise of shopkeepers doing everything to attract your attention.
Crossing to the European side of the city, you can climb to the top of the Galata Tower, which was built as a watchtower, where you can enjoy incredible views of the city.
You can also explore Bagdat Street, which is one of the busiest streets in Istanbul and is home to a number of luxury boutiques and sophisticated restaurants.
If you visit Istanbul during the spring or summer months, another amazing experience is taking a ferry ride to the Princes’ Islands. This is a cluster of 9 islands in the Sea of Marmara.
Most of them do not allow cars, but you can get around the islands by horse and old-world carriages. They are a great place to relax on the beach and a popular day trip destination for locals.
Budget-Friendly City for Travelers
Istanbul is a great destination for budget travelers. High-quality food, for example, is a great example of this. A single ticket for the tram or bus costs only 20 Turkish lira (65 cents in dollars), and the public transportation system is an easy and effective way to get around the city. And the 3-star hotel you would pay for in Paris can turn into a 5-star in Istanbul, especially if you travel off-season.
Source: Travel Off Path