The World’s Top 10 Cities To Visit, According to a New Report

The world’s top tourist destinations continue to evolve, blending history, architecture, culture, innovation, and entertainment in ways that consistently impress travelers. The “Top 100 City Destinations Index,” by the data analytics company Euromonitor International, analyzed the cities that attract the most international visitors in key categories such as tourism infrastructure and policy, sustainability, health, and safety. From storied capitals to trendsetting global hubs, these are the world’s 10 best cities for travelers to visit based on data from 2025.

10. Seoul, South Korea

The global rise of “K-culture,” driven by K-pop music, film, television, and fashion, has sparked increased interest in Korean tourism in recent years, helping Seoul to land at No. 10 on the list of the world’s best cities to visit. From K-Star Road (Seoul’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame) to Myeongdong, a hub for K-pop merchandise, K-culture hot spots are drawing young fans in droves. 

In addition to its pop culture appeal, Seoul boasts a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern amenities. The modern skyscrapers that extend across Seoul’s skyline are interspersed with ancient palaces, remnants of the Joseon dynasty that ruled the region for more than 500 years. Tourists can explore neighborhoods of preserved traditional houses (called hanoks) and world-class shopping districts like Gangnam, among many other highlights.

9. Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport was ranked the world’s best airport in 2025, but there are plenty of reasons why Singapore should be more than just your stopover point in Southeast Asia.

Clean, organized, and easy to navigate, this fascinating city-state is known for its bold architectural landmarks, such as the Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, one of the world’s most expensive skyscrapers ever built. New to the city in 2025, Rainforest Wild Asia spans more than 30 acres and offers immersive walking trails where visitors can view native wildlife.

8. Barcelona, Spain

Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is a tourism mainstay known for its sunny beaches, acclaimed food scene, and distinct Catalan culture. The city is expected to see continued tourism growth in 2026, especially among international travelers, which has resulted in overtourism concerns.

As the city aims to meet those challenges, Barcelona’s coastal charm, walkability, and outdoor-focused lifestyle continue to attract visitors from around the globe, whether they’re enjoying tapas on a patio, relaxing in a sunny park, or taking a stroll down La Rambla. Top attractions include the world-famous Sagrada Familia basilica and other Antoni Gaudí works such as Casa Batlló and Park Güell. 

7. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam marked its 750th anniversary in 2025, drawing locals and tourists alike with a full calendar of events, including festivals, sports events, and appearances by the royal family. Like Barcelona, Amsterdam is facing record growth in tourist visits, but if you can brave the crowds, you’ll find plenty to enjoy — from historic neighborhoods and world-famous art museums like the Rijksmuseum to vibrant nightlife and social events — all packed neatly into a compact, walkable layout.

One of the best times to visit is during tulip season. From mid-March through early May, the city and countryside come alive with brilliant blooms. Take a boat ride through Amsterdam’s famous canals for some of the best views. 

6. New York, New York

New York City is a perennial tourism magnet — and the only U.S. city to land in the top 10 of the world’s top cities to visit. From winter holiday displays to summer days spent in Central Park and some of the world’s best dining and theater throughout the year, the Big Apple boasts endless appeal across its five boroughs. 

Following a record-breaking holiday travel season in 2025, there’s much to look forward to in New York in 2026. The city will host the official FIFA World Cup Fan Village at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, and New York will also undoubtedly be a hub for celebrations as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

5. Milan, Italy

Milan seamlessly blends contemporary fashion and design with old-world architecture (see: the Duomo di Milano) and historic art (The Last Supper), creating a unique atmosphere for tourists searching for the best of both worlds.

Twice a year, the city takes center stage during Milan Fashion Week, and in 2025, the events welcomed more than 260,000 visitors to the city. Milan is home to some of the most prominent designers in the world — including Prada, Versace, and Armani — and draws visitors year-round, even if only to window-shop after enjoying an aperitivo.

4. Rome, Italy

With the chance to walk where gladiators once fought in the Colosseum and where Roman politicians met in the Roman Forum thousands of years ago, it’s easy to see why so many tourists flock to Rome. Among the ancient ruins are surprises around every turn, from hidden piazzas and hole-in-the-wall cafes to family-run restaurants and stunning modern architecture. 

Visitors also have easy access to Vatican City, an independent city-state entirely surrounded by Rome. It is home to iconic attractions such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. The summer of 2025 saw record-breaking numbers of tourists — more than 38 million — for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year. 

3. Tokyo, Japan

Euromonitor’s report ranks Japan’s capital city as the best destination to visit in Asia. As the world’s most populous metropolitan area, Tokyo is a global economic hub that welcomes millions of international travelers for both business and leisure. Its robust metro system and high-speed railway connection to other cities make traveling a breeze, something visitors and locals alike appreciate in this sprawling city. 

Tokyo has several new and exciting openings to look forward to in 2026. Among them is the Tokyo Dream Park entertainment complex, the renovated Edo-Tokyo Museum, and the highly anticipated PokéPark Kanto, the world’s first Pokémon theme park.

2. Madrid, Spain

Madrid’s bustling plazas, tree-lined promenades, and outdoor tapas restaurants bring a lively charm to the city that tourists can’t get enough of — reflected in its ranking as the second-best city in the world to visit in 2025.

Visitors can explore some of the most famous museums in the world, such as the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, together known as the “Golden Triangle of Art.” Meanwhile, sports fans arrive in droves to cheer for Real Madrid, the city’s beloved football team.

1. Paris, France

For the fifth consecutive year, Paris ranks as the best city in the world to visit, according to the Euromonitor survey. The French capital enchants travelers year-round with highlights such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, while others come for exciting events around the ever-evolving city. Paris experienced a post-Olympics tourism boom following the 2024 Summer Games, with an estimated 18.3 million international visitors exploring the city in 2025.

Many visitors came to see the newly reopened Notre Dame Cathedral after five years of renovations following a 2019 fire. Also in 2025, the Seine River officially opened for summertime swimming following the Olympic cleanup of the famed river. But even if you’re not up for a dip in the Seine, there are plenty of world-class museums, shops, historic neighborhoods, and renowned culinary experiences that promise an unforgettable experience.