Travelling to Europe is a real adventure, with 44 countries to choose from and 24 official languages spoken. Europe receives approximately 746 million visitors internationally each year and typically accounts for 50% of the world’s tourist arrivals.
This is no surprise given that the continent is packed with history, is fairly easy to travel to and is relatively safe. Here we discuss the most-visited cities within Europe and what makes them so popular.
London, United Kingdom
With over 19 million annual visitors, London is at the top of this list and has been the most visited city in Europe for several years. Firstly, getting to London is easy due to there being several airports and numerous flights each day. There are also frequent trains to London Kings Cross each day from a variety of locations in the country.
London is a world-class city and spending just a weekend here isn’t enough. Not only is there the London Eye, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, but some of the best bars and restaurants in the whole of the country. Also, if you like museums, there are over 192 museums in the city, including the National History Museum.
Paris, France
Like the aforementioned city on this list, Paris also sees around 19 million tourists annually and is likely to surpass London in years to come. Paris has an excellent transport service, with the metro being quick, easy and inexpensive.
The culture in Paris is like no other, with a thriving nightlife scene, unique bars and amazing sights. The most famous landmarks here include the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, with both offering stunning panoramic views of the whole of Paris, should you be able to reach the top.
Istanbul, Türkiye
Tourism in Istanbul has suffered in previous years due to security concerns and political instability, but it seems things have started to improve. Tourism here has now skyrocketed with around 14 million visitors each year.
Istanbul is a unique destination, especially for Europeans seeking an accessible city and wanting to experience the ‘East meets West’ vibe. The city is best known for its grand assortment of mosques, incredible architecture and welcoming residents. You can also visit one of the many Turkish baths in Istanbul if you want to enjoy some relaxation in a traditional environment.
Rome, Italy
Rounding off this list is the iconic city of Rome, which attracts around 10 million people to its magical streets each year. Having been a human settlement for nearly three millennia, Rome is a cultural hub and is rich in history.
Rome may not have as many modern attractions as the others on this list but who needs them when sites like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain are within walking distance. Rome also attracts many devoted Christians from all over the globe who want to visit the Vatican – the home of the Catholic Church.
Rome is also not too far from the coast, meaning you can easily escape to the beach if the weather permits it. This combination of a relaxing summer holiday and a cultural city break is what makes this city so popular all year round.