World's top 10 cities revealed. Major European capital fails to make the cut
Paris has been named the world’s most attractive city for the fourth consecutive year in Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index, which ranks cities on tourism, sustainability, and safety. Europe dominates the top 10, with Madr...
By ET Online | Updated:
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Paris has had an eventful year, from hosting the Olympics to the reopening of Notre Dame this weekend, and now it’s been named the most attractive city in the world. This marks the fourth consecutive year the French capital has claimed the top spot in Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index.
The index looks at leading cities from around the world and ranks them on criteria including tourism, sustainability, economic performance and health and safety.
Europe dominates the 2024 rankings with six cities in the top 10. Madrid is at No.2, Rome and Milan are at No.4 and No.5, Amsterdam is at No.7 and Barcelona is at No.10.
London, which was at No.10 last year and recently topped an alternative World’s Best Cities index, only makes it to No.13 on the list, between Seoul at No.12 and Dubai at No.14.
While London ranks just after Paris for the best tourism infrastructure, it failed to break Euromonitor International’s top 10 for tourism policy, health and safety or sustainability.
Asia-Pacific cities performed strongly, with Tokyo ranking No. 3, Sydney at No. 8, and Singapore at No. 9. The yen’s record lows in 2024 boosted Tokyo’s appeal for both business and leisure, with nearly 13 million international visits, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. New York, ranking No. 6, is the only American city in the top 10, while Los Angeles is No. 18. Bangkok leads in tourism policy and drew the most international arrivals, with 32.4 million visits in 2024, surpassing last year’s leader, Istanbul, which recorded 23 million.
Euromonitor International notes several trends for 2024. Numerous destinations have simplified their visa processes, implementing electronic travel authorizations and expanding short-term visa-free entry.
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On the other hand, overtourism has become a big global headache too. To manage the overflow of visitors in the busiest tourist destinations, cities are introducing measures such as tourism-related taxes and restricted visiting hours.
Top 10 City Destinations for 2025
Paris
Madrid
Tokyo
Rome
Milan
New York
Amsterdam
Sydney
Singapore
Barcelona
Top 10 cities in international arrivals for 2025
Bangkok (32.4 million international trips)
Istanbul (23 million)
London (21.7 million)
Hong Kong (20.5 million)
Mecca (19.3 million)
Antalya (19.3 million)
Dubai (18.2 million)
Macau (18 million)
Paris (17.4 million)
Kuala Lumpur (16.5 million)
A complete guide to Europe for the first time visitor: 10-day itinerary and how much it will cost you
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Indian travelers planning to visit Schengen countries should apply for their visa at least 3 to 6 weeks before their intended travel date. Schengen visa applications can be submitted as early as 6 months before the travel date and no later than 15 working days prior to departure.
Key Information Indians Should Know 1. Choose the Correct Embassy - Apply at the embassy/consulate of the country where you plan to spend the most time. - If visiting multiple countries for equal durations, apply at the country you’ll enter first.
2. Required Documents - Visa Application Form: Available online or at visa centers. - Passport: Valid for at least 3 months after your return date, with two blank pages. - Travel Insurance: Covering at least €30,000 (~?2.6 lakh). - Flight Tickets: Confirmed round-trip reservations. - Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings or invitation letters. - Financial Proof: Bank statements for the last 3 months showing sufficient funds (~?7,000/day of stay). - Itinerary: A day-by-day travel plan.
3. Visa Fees and Processing Time - Fee: €80 (~?7,000) for adults; reduced rates for children. - Processing Time: Typically 15 working days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons.
4. Biometric Data Requirement - First-time Schengen visa applicants must provide fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
5. Travel Insurance - This is mandatory and must cover the entire trip duration.
6. Tips for Approval - Ensure all documents are complete and consistent. - Be clear about your travel purpose and return plans. - Avoid last-minute applications, especially during peak seasons like summer or holidays. - By planning ahead and following these guidelines, Indian travelers can enjoy a smooth visa application process and focus on exploring Europe.
Indian travelers planning to visit Schengen countries should apply for their visa at least 3 to 6 weeks before their intended travel date. Schengen visa applications can be submitted as early as 6 mo..
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How to Get There: Flights from India (Rs 30,000 - Rs 40,000 for one way trip). Charles de Gaulle Airport to city center: Use RER train (Rs 1,000) or shared shuttles (Rs 1,800).
What Not to Miss: - Eiffel Tower: Take a skip-the-line ticket for the best views (?2,500–?3,500). - Louvre Museum: Visit iconic artworks like the Mona Lisa (?1,200 entry). - Seine River Cruise: Evening cruises offer magical views of illuminated landmarks (?1,000). - Montmartre: Explore Sacré-Cœur Basilica and charming streets filled with artists. Stay: Budget hotels or hostels in areas like Montmartre or near Gare du Nord (Rs 5,000 – Rs 7,000/night).
How to Get There:Flights from India (Rs 30,000 - Rs 40,000 for one way trip).Charles de Gaulle Airport to city center: Use RER train (Rs 1,000) or shared shuttles (Rs 1,800).What Not to Miss:- Eiffel..
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How to Get There: High-speed Thalys train (~3.5 hours, Rs 7,000 – Rs10,000). Amsterdam Central to accommodation: Use trams or buses (day pass Rs 1,000).
What Not to Miss: - Anne Frank House: Book in advance for this moving experience (Rs 800). - Van Gogh Museum: Discover masterpieces of the legendary artist (Rs 1,500). - Canal Cruise: A scenic way to explore Amsterdam (Rs 1,000). - Jordaan District: Quaint streets, boutique shops, and cafes.
Stay: Hostels or budget hotels in De Pijp or Oud-West neighborhoods (Rs 6,000– Rs 8,000/night).
How to Get There:High-speed Thalys train (~3.5 hours, Rs 7,000 – Rs10,000).Amsterdam Central to accommodation: Use trams or buses (day pass Rs 1,000).What Not to Miss:- Anne Frank House: Book in adva..
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How to Get There: Thalys train from Amsterdam (~2 hours, Rs 4,000–Rs 6,000). Local transport: Trams and buses with day tickets (Rs 600).
What Not to Miss: - Grand Place: A UNESCO site known for its stunning architecture. - Atomium: Visit this iconic structure for unique panoramic views (Rs 1,000). - Manneken Pis: A quirky landmark with an interesting history.
Food Experience: Don’t miss Belgian fries, waffles, and pralines.
Stay: City center hotels or apartments near Grand Place (Rs 5,000 – Rs 7,000/night).
How to Get There:Thalys train from Amsterdam (~2 hours, Rs 4,000–Rs 6,000).Local transport: Trams and buses with day tickets (Rs 600).What Not to Miss:- Grand Place: A UNESCO site known for its stunn..
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How to Get There: Short train ride from Brussels (~1 hour, Rs 800– Rs 1,200). Walk or rent a bike to explore this compact city (Rs 500/day).
What Not to Miss: - Historic City Center: Explore cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. - Belfry of Bruges: Climb for panoramic city views (Rs 1,000). - Canal Tour: Enjoy scenic boat rides through picturesque canals (Rs 800).
Stay: Boutique hotels or hostels in the old town (Rs 5,000– Rs 6,500/night).
How to Get There:Short train ride from Brussels (~1 hour, Rs 800– Rs 1,200).Walk or rent a bike to explore this compact city (Rs 500/day).What Not to Miss:- Historic City Center: Explore cobblestone ..
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How to Get There: Flight from Brussels (Rs 6,000– Rs 10,000). or Take a Thalys or ICE train from Brussels to Cologne (Köln) (~2 hours). Transfer to an ICE train from Cologne to Munich (~4.5 hours). Cost: Standard fares start at €60–€100 (Rs 5,500– Rs 9,000). Advance bookings can secure discounts (as low as €40).
What Not to Miss: Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, Hofbräuhaus beer hall.
Day Trip Option: Neuschwanstein Castle (Rs 8,000 guided tour).
Stay: Near Hauptbahnhof or Marienplatz (Rs 6,000– Rs 8,000/night).
How to Get There:Flight from Brussels (Rs 6,000– Rs 10,000).orTake a Thalys or ICE train from Brussels to Cologne (Köln) (~2 hours).Transfer to an ICE train from Cologne to Munich (~4.5 hours).Cost:S..
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How to Get There: Train from Munich (~2 hours, Rs 2,500– Rs 4,000).
What Not to Miss: Mozart’s Birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Gardens.
Day Trip Option: Sound of Music tour (Rs 6,000).
Stay: Old Town Salzburg (Rs 6,000– Rs 8,000/night).
How to Get There:Train from Munich (~2 hours, Rs 2,500– Rs 4,000).What Not to Miss:Mozart’s Birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Gardens.Day Trip Option: Sound of Music tour (Rs 6,000).Stay: ..
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How to Get There: Train from Salzburg (~5 hours, Rs 4,000– Rs 6,000).
What Not to Miss: - Lake Zurich: Take a boat ride for breathtaking Alpine views. - Old Town: Wander through medieval alleys and historic landmarks. - Bahnhofstrasse: Luxury shopping street and cafes. - Rhine Falls: A day trip to Europe’s largest waterfall (Rs 4,000 round trip).
Stay: Budget hostels or hotels near Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Rs 6,000– Rs 8,000/night).
How to Get There:Train from Salzburg (~5 hours, Rs 4,000– Rs 6,000).What Not to Miss:- Lake Zurich: Take a boat ride for breathtaking Alpine views.- Old Town: Wander through medieval alleys and histo..
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How to Get There: Train from Zurich to Lucerne (~1 hour, Rs 1,000– Rs 1,500). Use Swiss Travel Pass (Rs 4,000/day) for unlimited travel.
What Not to Miss: - Chapel Bridge: Iconic covered bridge with historic significance. - Mount Titlis: Cable car rides, glacier parks, and stunning Alpine views (Rs8,000 day trip).
Stay: Hotels or guesthouses in Lucerne (Rs 7,000– Rs 9,000/night).
How to Get There:Train from Zurich to Lucerne (~1 hour, Rs 1,000– Rs 1,500).Use Swiss Travel Pass (Rs 4,000/day) for unlimited travel.What Not to Miss:- Chapel Bridge: Iconic covered bridge with hist..
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How to Get There: Flight from Zurich (Rs 8,000– Rs 12,000). Water taxi or vaporetto from Marco Polo Airport (Rs 2,000).
What Not to Miss: - St. Mark’s Basilica: Marvel at Byzantine architecture (Rs 1,000 entry). - Gondola Ride: A quintessential Venetian experience (Rs 10,000 for 30 mins per gondola). - Grand Canal: Explore via vaporetto (water buses).
Stay: Hotels in Mestre or near Piazza San Marco (Rs 7,000– Rs 10,000/night).
How to Get There:Flight from Zurich (Rs 8,000– Rs 12,000).Water taxi or vaporetto from Marco Polo Airport (Rs 2,000).What Not to Miss:- St. Mark’s Basilica: Marvel at Byzantine architecture (Rs 1,000..
After retirement, everyone wondered what her 'Amma' would do next. Kerala woman left for a Europe trip the very next day, leaving everyone inspired2026-06-13T05:51:32Z
