The most visited cities in the world, from Paris to Kuala Lumpur

"Every year, millions of travellers chart familiar paths across the globe - be it for food, faith, fashion or simply to stand in the shadow of a landmark they've seen a hundred times on screen. According to Euromonitor International's City Destination Index, a handful of cities continue to rise above the rest, collecting more arrivals than anywhere else on earth. Some are expected, others less so, and together they paint a picture of how and why we travel today."

"Kuala Lumpur 's reputation is often reduced to the gleam of the Petronas Towers, but the city's rhythm is best understood at street level. In Jalan Alor, satay skewers smoke over open flames while plastic stools spill into the road. Mosques call to prayer beside Taoist shrines lit with red lanterns; Indian spices mingle with the sweetness of tropical fruit. It's this layering of cultures (Malay, Chinese and Indian) that draws travellers in."

"Paris has never fallen from the traveller's imagination. Over 17 million visitors still make their way here each year, proof that its spell endures. The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre remain fixtures, but it's the smaller moments that sustain its appeal: a croissant eaten on a wicker chair overlooking the street, a book discovered in the green boxes along the Seine, a wine glass catching the last light on a cafe terrace."

A handful of cities dominate international arrivals, reflecting reasons travelers visit: iconic landmarks, culinary scenes, cultural layering, and local lifestyles. Kuala Lumpur attracted more than 16 million visitors, with street-level food, mixed Malay-Chinese-Indian culture, and stopover appeal. Paris retained over 17 million visitors drawn to landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre and everyday Parisian moments. Macau welcomed 18 million visitors, combining neon casino appeal with Portuguese-influenced squares and pastel buildings. These cities show that travel choices balance major sights with sensory street experiences and cultural depth that reward lingering visitors.

Read at CN Traveller