Here at Time Out, we dedicate our working days to helping people discover hidden gems in the world’s best cities – shining a light on the incredible restaurants, bars, hotels and beaches worth visiting across the globe. Every year, millions of travellers journey to far-flung corners of the Earth to discover something new, or return to somewhere beloved. And while every city has its perks, some are attracting more visitors than others. A recent report by data analytics company Euromonitor International has identified the most-visited cities across the globe in 2024, and one Asian city took the top spot.
According to the data, Bangkok was the most visited city in the world in 2024, welcoming more than 32 million visitors over the 12 month period. If you ask us, the appeal of Bangkok is its variety: with bustling, frenetic streets and markets contrasted against calming, majestic temples.
The next Asian city to rank on the list of the most visited cities in the world in 2024 was Hong Kong, coming in fourth place with more than 20 million arrivals. Often referred to as “Asia’s World City”, Hong Kong is a glorious melting pot of cultures: gleaming skyscrapers rise into the sky above ancient temples, busy street markets sit alongside Michelin-starred restaurants, and the city is framed by beautiful, awe-inspiring country parks.
Coming in eighth place on the list is China’s Macau, which welcomed 18 million visitors last year alone. Once a Portuguese colony, Macau boasts a unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese architecture – home to the kinds of pastel-coloured churches, tiled plazas and cobbled laneways that define Portuguese cityscapes. It’s also a foodie’s paradise, serving up a delicious fusion of Portuguese and Cantonese flavours.
The final Asian city to make the list was Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, which welcomed more than 16 million global visitors in 2024. Traditionally dismissed as merely a stop-over destination, Kuala Lumpur is establishing its name as a destination in itself: for its modern buzz, historic temples, excellent foodie scene and the magical caves, waterfalls and parks on the city’s doorstep.
These were the top 10 most-visited cities in the world in 2024
1. Bangkok, Thailand
2. Istanbul, Turkey
3. London, United Kingdom
4. Hong Kong, China
5. Makkah, Saudi Arabia
6. Antalya, Turkey
7. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
8. Macau, China
9. Paris, France
10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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