9 Most Visited Cities According to the Mastercard Global Cities Index ...

1. Bangkok

Bangkok visitor numbers have surged since the film ‘Lost in Thailand’ created a sensation in China. An incredible 15.98 million tourists visit Bangkok each year, making it number one on the list of most visited cities in the world. The reason for the Thai capital’s popularity can be boiled down to its affordable prices, endless shopping opportunities, and exotic palaces and temples. It’s also a popular stopover for tourists heading to Australia, and Thai beach resort areas like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi.

2. London

London once owned the spot at the top of the list of most visited cities in the world, but was just barely beaten this year by Bangkok. The city’s rich history and the UK’s royal family drew in 15.96 million tourists in 2012. Convenient public transport makes it easy for tourists to visit world-famous sites like Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London.

3. Paris

The world has been in love with Parisian culture since the days of the Sun King (Louis XIV), and it doesn’t look like things are going to change anytime soon. Conveniently located in the heart of Europe, millions of Europeans flock to Paris for romantic weekends and special occasions. Add to that all the long distance travellers from other continents, and Paris attracted nearly 14 million visitors in 2012. Undoubtedly, its major attractions included the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, and Louvre Museum.

4. Singapore

The ultra-modern city-state of Singapore brought in 11.75 million tourists in 2012, earning it a spot at number four on the list of most visited cities. Popular with business travellers, Singapore is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist cities as well, thanks to high-profile events like the Singapore Grand Prix. The city has a wide range of attractions, including an impressive zoo, endless shopping opportunities, and Sentosa Island.

5. New York

The Big Apple enjoys a steady stream of domestic and foreign tourism, as well as business travellers. Despite the city’s notoriously high hotel prices, New York still brought in 11.52 million visitors in 2012. Visitors from around the world soak up the sights of Times Square, Broadway, and the Manhattan skyline. Each of the city’s five boroughs offers a different aesthetic and atmosphere that keeps many visitors coming back again and again.

6. Istanbul

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul once marked the end of the silk route. Today, the bazaars and marketplaces that rose to prominence during this remarkable time in world history are still thriving. With so much history and culture behind it, Istanbul is easily one of the most popular tourist cities in the world. Still affordable despite its popularity, there are a myriad of mosques, temples, palaces, and bazaars to explore in Istanbul.

7. Dubai

Dubbed the ‘shopping capital of the Middle East,’ Dubai is quickly rising the ranks of popular tourist cities thanks to a wealth of modern and ancient attractions. The city alone boasts 70 shopping malls including Dubai Mall, the world’s largest mall. There are also several notable souks that still operate within the city that sell everything from spices to gold. Ideally located for tourists from Europe, Asia, and the rest of the Middle East, Dubai’s tourist numbers are growing rapidly each year.

8. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur’s unmistakable skyline attracted 9.2 million visitors in 2012, making it eighth on the list of the most visited cities in the world. The city combines buildings of towering heights with beautiful green landscapes and a tropical environment. Just outside the city are several major temples, caves, and other places of cultural interest.

9. Hong Kong

As one of Asia’s financial and shipping capitals, Hong Kong is a magnet for business travellers. However, it’s quickly gaining ground as one of the most popular tourist cities as well. The city’s colonial past means that English is widely spoken here, making it easier for visitors from Europe, Australia, and the Americas to explore the region. A series of boats criss-cross different parts of the city, revealing a bustling financial centre, ancient fishing villages, historic temples, plenty of shopping, and breath-taking views from island mountain tops.

Completing the top 20 are: 10. Barcelona; 11. Seoul; 12. Milan; 13. Rome; 14. Shanghai; 15. Amsterdam; 16. Tokyo; 17. Vienna; 18. Taipei; 19. Riyadh; and 20. Los Angeles. The top 9 most visited cities didn’t surprise me but seeing Taipei at number 18 and not seeing Las Vegas at all did. Any surprises for you?