Neither Paris nor New York: This is the most visited city in the world in 2024, and it’s located on two continents at once
Located at the crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years, this destination has seen a surge in visitors making it the number one destination.
People are traveling in record numbers once again to destinations around the globe. New York City welcomed roughly 11.7 million international visitors in 2023 and Paris 15.5 million according to Euromonitor data.
However, their numbers don’t come close to matching those that made the trek to see this city that has been at the crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years.
Neither Paris nor New York: This is the most visited city in the world in 2024, and it’s located on two continents at once
Istanbul was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and before that the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and Byzantine under the name Constantinople. The sprawling metropolis in Turkey is the largest in Europe and straddles the Bosphorus into Asia. Last year, it received 20.2 million international travelers.
In 2024 Travel + Leisure readers named it the best city in Europe and the travel magazine dubbed it the best place to go in 2024. And it’s no wonder, with the numerous sights like the Dolmabahce and Topkapı palaces, the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar for tourists to visit.
As well as its historic neighborhoods such as the Sultanahmet for the historic monuments within waling distance of one another. There is also the Beyoğlu which contains the contemporary art and culture in the old home of the Christian and foreign communities.
And it isn’t just the sights for the eyes that attracts people to Istanbul but also the tastes and smells of the city’s cuisine the fuses the east and west across the Bosphorus. You can check out the Kadıköy district on the Asian side of Istanbul, considered one of the city’s foodiest neighborhoods. It is also known for its nightlife as well as its vibrant daytime attractions.
These are just a few of the districts that Lonely Planet recommends taking in while in this bi-continental city. As well Travel + Leisure says that its luxury hotels could easily be said to rival those of London and Paris.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.