City breaks are the holiday of choice for many travellers, with plenty of unique places to visit in Europe alone.
Across the globe, there’s an endless list of cities to visit, though there are some that leave you wanting more. So, which cities are at the top of the list for repeat visitors?
A study conducted by InsureandGo sifted through online reviews to identify the cities that tourists are most keen to revisit. Spain, Mexico and Germany all staked their claim in the rankings but it’s a city right here in the UK that stole the top spot.
The British capital, London is the place that people are itching to return to perhaps due to its impressive array of attractions. It’s incredibly walkable too, according to the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP).
It found that many London residents live within 100m of a car-free area, such as a square, park or pedestrian area, and there are plenty of pedestrianised areas in the city centre, such as Covent Garden.
The Big Smoke is renowned for its incredible history and architecture and boasts 190 museums, more than 850 art galleries and over 22,000 pubs and restaurants.
London attracts around 30 million visitors from around the world every year, compared to the 12 million that headed to Barcelona in 2023. According to Statista data, overseas tourists from the US make up the largest proportion of those headed to London followed by French, German, Spanish and Italian holidaymakers.
As for the most enticing landmark in the city, the British Museum was the most visited tourist attraction in London in 2023, welcoming roughly 5.8 million visitors. The Natural History Museum in South Kensington and the Tate Modern followed in the ranking that year, with around 5.7 million and 4.7 million visits, respectively.
Second on the list of the top most sought-after cities was Paris, France. Tourists are enamoured with the French capital, home to iconic attractions such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, along with numerous hidden gems worth discovering.
In joint third came New York City (US) and Barcelona, Spain. New York, the world’s most iconic city, also known as the Big Apple, made it to the top three. Tourists are drawn to its unique charm, whether it’s a bagel, the Staten Island ferry or the chance to feel like Carrie in Sex and the City.
Barcelona outdid Madrid as the country’s most popular city among returning travellers. The coastal city’s relaxed lifestyle and blend of metropolis and beaches leave tourists yearning for more.
Rome, Italy came in fourth place with its awe-inspiring historical landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, leaving many travellers eager to return.
The bustling city of Tokyo has left a lasting impression on many tourists, ranking fifth on the list. The Japanese capital is home to some of the world’s finest cuisine, fantastic shopping experiences and stunning temple complexes which, despite the long flight for British tourists, many find it worthwhile to revisit.
