Enter
Introduction
Istanbul surprised the world by becoming the most visited city in 2023, according to a report by Euromonitor International. Turkey’s cultural capital welcomed 20.2 million international travelers, overtaking popular destinations such as London, Paris, and Bangkok. This record figure was made possible thanks to relaxed visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. and Canada, as well as a rich cultural heritage and a unique fusion of Asian and European cultures.
Quick take
Istanbul led 2023 with 20.2M international travelers.
It overtook London, Paris, and Bangkok.
Visa relaxations for U.S. and Canadian travelers helped boost arrivals.
Aya Sofia is cited as a major draw (about 3.5M visitors annually).
Antalya’s position in the top 4 highlights Turkey’s growing appeal.
Details from the report
Aya Sofia and the impact of entry changes
Impressive attractions, such as Aya Sofia, which draws roughly 3.5 million people each year, play a major role in attracting tourists, despite innovations such as the introduction of a 25-euro entry fee.
How other cities ranked
London ranked second with 18.8 million visitors, which is not surprising given the return of tourist traffic to pre-pandemic levels. Dubai, which attracted 16.8 million tourists, ranked third, demonstrating its popularity as a global tourism hub. Antalya, another Turkish city, took fourth place, underlining Turkey’s growing appeal to international travelers.
Top 10 most visited cities in 2023
Here is the list of the most visited cities in 2023:
1. Istanbul, Turkey
2. London, United Kingdom
3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. Antalya, Turkey
5. Paris, France
6. Hong Kong
7. Bangkok, Thailand
8. New York, USA
9. Cancun, Mexico
10. Mecca, Saudi Arabia
These figures not only highlight shifts in global travel preferences, but also position Istanbul as a key destination that attracts tourists with its culture, history, and hospitality. Istanbul’s authorities can expect even greater interest in the city in 2024.
What to do
The text highlights Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage and its unique fusion of Asian and European cultures, and points to iconic sights like Aya Sofia as major drivers of interest.
1-day itinerary
This short news item focuses on the 2023 rankings and the reasons behind Istanbul’s popularity. For trip planning, you can start here: Istanbul.
2-day itinerary
The article emphasizes that Istanbul stands out through its culture, history, and hospitality. If you want to broaden the context, the same ranking includes Dubai, Paris, and Cancun via the links in the list above.
Source
Source: Timeout.com
FAQ
Why was Istanbul the most visited city in 2023?
The text cites 20.2M international travelers, visa relaxations for the U.S. and Canada, and Istanbul’s strong cultural appeal.
How many international travelers visited Istanbul in 2023?
The article reports 20.2 million international travelers.
Which report is mentioned?
A report by Euromonitor International is referenced in the text.
How did visa rules affect Istanbul’s numbers?
The text notes relaxed visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. and Canada.
What landmark is highlighted as a major attraction?
Aya Sofia is mentioned, attracting roughly 3.5 million people annually.
Does the article mention an entry fee?
Yes, it mentions the introduction of a 25-euro entry fee (in the context of Aya Sofia).
Which city ranked second in 2023?
London ranked second with 18.8 million visitors.
Which city ranked third, and with how many visitors?
Dubai ranked third with 16.8 million tourists, according to the text.
What does Antalya’s position in the top 4 suggest?
The article says it underlines Turkey’s growing attractiveness for international travelers.
Which cities appear in the top 10 list?
Istanbul, London, Dubai, Antalya, Paris, Hong Kong, Bangkok, New York, Cancun, and Mecca.
What does the ranking say about travel preferences?
The text says the data highlights shifts in global travel preferences.
Why is Istanbul presented as a key destination?
Because it attracts tourists with culture, history, and hospitality, as stated in the text.
What does the article expect for 2024?
It says Istanbul’s authorities can expect even greater interest in 2024.
What external source is cited?
The article cites Timeout.com as the source.
Where can I start planning a trip to Istanbul?
Use the destination page link included in the article: Istanbul on Admiral.Travel.
