10 Most Popular Travel Destinations in the World

As per Mastercard's Global Destination Cities Index, more than half of popular tourist destinations are in Asia. 

Here are the top 10 popular tourist places in the world. 

1. Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. This extreme primate city was named "World's Best City" for four consecutive years by Travel + Leisure magazine.

In Bangkok, The historic Grand Palace and Buddhist temples including Wat Arun and Wat Pho stand in contrast with other tourist attractions such as the nightlife scenes of Khaosan Road and Patpong.

2. London

One of the world's most visited cities, London has something for everyone: from history and culture to fine food and good times. If you are looking to discover England’s traditional charms, you can stroll through Westminster Abbey, watch the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, or take a red double-decker bus tour around the city.

If you are a Art and history lover, you can check off famous institutions such as the British Museum and the National Gallery. Foodies can tuck into artisan delicacies at Borough Market, indulge in afternoon tea at the Ritz, and grab dinner on Brick Lane’s Curry Mile.

If you have children, you can ride the London Eye, pose with celebs at Madame Tussauds, and discover the magic of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

Central London boasts a roll call of iconic sights—Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden—all within walking distance of the Thames River. 

A ride on the London Underground takes you to East London’s hip neighborhoods, the pretty waterfront district of Greenwich, or the colorful markets, music venues, and bars of Camden Town. 

This amazing city offers endless options for day trips, including the magnificent Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, the historic cities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Bath, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, and even Paris.

3. Paris

Paris is the capital of France; a major European city. It is also known as the City of Light. Located in the north of France, this beautiful and romantic city is a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Paris' 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide and beautiful boulevards, and the River Seine.

The banks of the Seine from the Pont de Sully to the Pont d'Iéna have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. More than 36 million people visit Greater Paris annually. 

Beyond popular landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the 12th-century, Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral (top tourist attraction in Paris), the city is famous for its cafe culture and designer boutiques along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

One of the best value and most convenient ways to see the sights of Paris is with the Paris Museum Pass, a pre-paid entry card that allows entry into over 70 museums and monuments around Paris (and the Palace of Versailles) and comes in 2-day (€48), 4-day (€62) and 6-day (€74) denominations.

Paris is served by three international airports. It has the second highest number of Michelin restaurants in the world (after Tokyo). Paris’ dining is iconic: France’s reputation for its cuisine (the French word for ‘kitchen’) precedes it, and whether you seek a cosy neighbourhood bistro or a triple-Michelin-starred temple to gastronomy, you'll find every establishment prides itself on exquisite preparation and presentation of quality produce, invariably served with wine. Paris has a maritime climate with cool winters and warm summers. 

Paris is generally considered to be one of the safer cities in Europe and a very safe one to visit, and most travelers will not run into any problems. The biggest problem one may face while in Paris is pickpockets and scammers, of which there are many.

4. Dubai

Modern culture meets tradition in Dubai, which is famous for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and lively nightlife scene. Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower, dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline of this emirate. Burj Khalifa has been the tallest structure in the world 2008.

At the foot of Burj Khalifa lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. On artificial islands just offshore is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks.

Beautiful beaches, luxurious beach clubs, waterside restaurants and cool surfer cafes are just a few of the attractions of Dubai in the winter. 

After dark, Dubai sometimes seems like a city filled with lotus eaters, forever on the lookout for a good time. Its shape-shifting party spectrum caters for just about every taste, budget and age group. From flashy dance temples, sleek rooftop terraces and sizzling beach clubs to fancy cocktail caverns and concerts under the stars, Dubai delivers hot-stepping odysseys.

Dubai is steamy and sweltering most of the year. Best time to visit this interesting city is between November and March, when temperatures are moderate.

5. New York

The vibrant New York City comprises of five boroughs, which are located where River Hudson meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is also known as The Big Apple and The City That Never Sleeps. It blends big city splendor with small-town charm.

Cool, cosmopolitan, crowded and constantly evolving New York City has something for every taste and every traveler, from incredible art galleries and museums to some of the world’s best restaurants.

At the core of this charming city is Manhattan, a densely populated borough. Manhattan is a major commercial, financial and cultural center. Skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and sprawling Central Park are iconic sites in this borough. You will find Broadway theater in neon-lit Times Square.

You may visit New York any time of the year. Central Park is as beautiful in full bloom as it is blanketed in snow. Each season offers something just a bit different—and equally worth seeing.

With more than 650 miles of subway track and the largest fleet of busses in North America, NYC’s public-transit system is the easiest way to get around. A single MetroCard ride (good for all subway and bus routes, plus access in and out of New Jersey on the efficient PATH train) costs $2.75; a seven-day unlimited MetroCard costs $31.

January is the coolest month with an average temperature of 36°F (2.2°C). July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 83°F (28.9°C).

New Yorkers are portrayed as brash and rude. But as TripAdvisor explains, "New Yorkers are unfailingly proud of their great city, and this pride can, at times, come off as arrogance." Contrary to popular belief, most New Yorkers are happy to help you explore their home.

6. Singapore

Also known as Lion City, Little Red Dot and Garden City, this island city-state has multicultural population. Chinese account for more than 75% of Singapore's multi-racial population, with Malays and Indians making up much of the remainder. You can say that Singapore is a microcosm of Asia. Its territory consists of one main island along with 62 other islets.

More than 5.6 million people live in Singapore, which is covered with tropical flora, parks and gardens. The city is spread over 739.1 square kilometers. 

Combining the skyscrapers and subways of a modern, affluent city with a medley of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences and a tropical climate, with tasty food, good shopping and a vibrant night-life scene, this Garden City makes a great stopover or springboard into the region.

Its colonial core centers on the Padang, a cricket field since the 1830s and now flanked by grand buildings like the City Hall, with its 18 Corinthian columns. In Singapore's circa-1820 Chinatown stands the red-and-gold Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, said to house one of Buddha's teeth.

Singapore is one of the safest major cities in the world by virtually any measure. But as the local police say, "low crime does not mean no crime" — beware of pickpockets in crowded areas and don't forget your common sense entirely. There are neither gangs nor incidences of gang-related violence in the country since the late 80s.

7. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, which is officially known as the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and popularly known as KL, is the capital of Malaysia. More than 1.73 million people live in Kuala Lumpur, which is spread over 243 square kilometers.

Today's KL-ites are separated by barely a handful of generations from the tenacious Chinese and Malay tin prospectors who founded the city, carving it out of virgin jungle. By the time the British made it the capital of Peninsular Malaysia in the late 19th century, erecting grand colonial buildings, KL had only been in existence for a couple of decades.

Since then, the city has been the scene of history-defining moments for Malaysia. Stadium Merdeka was where, in 1957, the country’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, punched his fist seven times in the air and declared independence.

Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic centre of Malaysia. It was named as one of the New7Wonders Cities together with Vigan, Doha, Durban, Havana, Beirut, and La Paz. It is famous for its gleaming skyscrapers, colonial architecture, charming locals, and a myriad of natural attractions.

Protected by the Titiwangsa Mountains in the east and Indonesia's Sumatra Island in the west, Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen climate classification Af), which is warm and sunny, along with abundant rainfall, especially during the northeast monsoon season from October to March.

Temperatures in Kuala Lumpur tend to remain constant. Maximums hover between 32 and 33 °C (90 and 91 °F) and have never exceeded 38.5 °C (101.3 °F), while minimums hover between 23.4 and 24.6 °C (74.1 and 76.3 °F) and have never fallen below 14.4 °C (57.9 °F).

Many large worldwide hotel chains have a presence in the city. One of the oldest hotels is the Hotel Majestic. Kuala Lumpur is the sixth most visited city in the world, with 8.9 million tourists per year. Tourism here is driven by the city's cultural diversity, relatively low costs, and wide gastronomic and shopping variety.

In KL, you will find a skyline punctuated by minarets, Mogul-style domes and skyscrapers; you will find colourful, food-stall-lined streets shaded by a leafy canopy of banyan trees.

This alpha world city's modern skyline is dominated by the 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers, a pair of glass-and-steel-clad skyscrapers with Islamic motifs. The towers also offer a public skybridge and observation deck. 

The city houses British colonial-era landmarks like the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Bukit Bintang shopping district, the Kuala Lumpur Tower, Petaling Street (Chinatown), the Merdeka Square, the House of Parliament, the National Palace (Istana Negara), Batu Caves, the National Museum, Islamic Arts Museum, Central Market, KL Bird Park, Aquaria KLCC and the National Monument, are among the numerous popular tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur.

The entertainment hub of the city is mainly centred in the Golden Triangle encompassing Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Ampang Road. 

Trendy nightclubs, bars and lounges, such as Marini's on 57, Skybar at Traders Hotel, the Beach Club, Espanda, the Hakka Republic Wine Bar & Restaurant, Hard Rock Cafe, the Luna Bar, Nuovo, Rum Jungle, No Black Tie, the Thai Club, Zion club, Zouk, and many others are located here.

With frequent sales events throughout the year, expansive shopping malls like Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC are also among the biggest tourist attractions in the city, hosting a wide range of upmarket labels from all over the world.

Crime is not rampant in Kuala Lumpur. The perception of crime is high, but in recent years the Malaysian police have managed to reduce crime significantly in and around urban Kuala Lumpur. 

Reports of violent crime against foreigners are uncommon but instances of pick pocketing and bag snatching have risen in recent years. Police presence, particularly around tourist areas and at night has increased in recent years. Kuala Lumpur is generally safe for travellers (it is locals who are often the targets of crime).

8. Istanbul

Historically known as Constantinople and Byzantium, Istanbul is a major city in Turkey. It is the economic, cultural, and historic center of Turkey. It straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. It is a magical meeting place of East and West.

Istanbul is the most-populous European city by population within city limits (14,804,116). More than 12.56 million people visit this city annually. Istanbul has a borderline Mediterranean climate (Csa), humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and oceanic climate (Cfb), due to its location in a transitional climatic zone.

During the summer months, high temperatures average around 29 °C (84 °F). Rainfall is uncommon; there are only about fifteen days with measurable precipitation between June and August. The summer months also have the highest concentration of thunderstorms.

Winter is colder in Istanbul than in most other cities around the Mediterranean Basin, with low temperatures averaging 1–4 °C (34–39 °F).

Istanbul's biggest attraction is its historic center, partially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cultural and entertainment hub can be found across the city's natural harbor, the Golden Horn, in the Beyoğlu district.

Istanbul's Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races. The Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.

Istanbul has numerous shopping centers, from the historic to the modern. The Grand Bazaar, in operation since 1461, is among the world's oldest and largest covered markets. 

Mahmutpasha Bazaar is an open-air market extending between the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar, which has been Istanbul's major spice market since 1660. 

Galleria Ataköy ushered in the age of modern shopping malls in Turkey when it opened in 1987. Since then, malls have become major shopping centers outside the historic peninsula. 

People living in Istanbul have an infectious love of life and generosity of spirit. This vibrant, inclusive and expanding community is full of people who work and party hard, treasure family and friendships, and have no problem melding tradition and modernity in their everyday lives. 

Joining them in their favourite haunts – çay bahçesis (tea gardens), kahvehans (coffeehouses), meyhanes (Turkish taverns) and kebapçıs (kebap restaurants) – will be a highlight of your visit.

As with most European cities, but especially in crowded areas of Istanbul, watch your pockets and travel documents as pickpockets have devised all sorts of strategies to obtain them from you. Do not rely too much on the 'safe' feeling you get from the omnipresence of policemen. Taksim Square, Sultanahmet Square, Istiklal Avenue, Kadikoy Square etc. are observed by security cameras monitored by police 24/7 non-stop.

Also be wary of men in Taksim who splash water on the backs of your neck. When you turn around, they will try to start a fight with you as another man comes in and robs you. These men tend to carry knives and can be very dangerous.

Slums which host number of scammers are located between Suleymaniye and Ataturk avenue. Appearance in these areas even during daylight could result in aggressive behavior of locals who could try to throw away strangers from their territory. Avoiding these dangerous urban blocks is highly recommended.

Istanbul is home to three of the biggest clubs in Turkey and arguably European football: Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, and Galatasaray. It is advisable not to wear colours associating yourself with any of the clubs--black and white, blue and yellow, and red and yellow, respectively--particularly on the days of matches between the sides due to the fearsome rivalry they share.

Be respectful of the Turkish flag. Don't put it on places where people sit or stand, don't drag it, don't wrinkle it, don't contaminate it, don't use it as a dress or uniform. Not only will Turks be very offended, furthermore the desecration of the Turkish flag is a punishable offence. The flag is extremely important and well respected in Turkey.

9. Tokyo

Tokyo, which is officially known as Tokyo Metropolis, is the capital of Japan. It is one of its 47 prefectures. Around 38 million people live in Greater Tokyo Area, which is the most populous metropolitan area in the world.

The former city of Tokyo and the majority of mainland Tokyo lie in the humid subtropical climate zone (Köppen climate classification Cfa),^[57] with warm humid summers and generally cool winters with cold spells. The region, like much of Japan, experiences a one-month seasonal lag, with the warmest month being August, which averages 26.4 °C (79.5 °F), and the coolest month being January, averaging 5.2 °C (41.4 °F). The record low temperature is −9.2 °C (15.4 °F) on January 13, 1876 while the record high is 39.5 °C (103.1 °F) on July 20, 2004.

In 2014, Tokyo was ranked first in the "Best overall experience" category of TripAdvisor's World City Survey (the city also ranked first in the following categories: "helpfulness of locals", "nightlife", "shopping", "local public transportation" and "cleanliness of streets").

The Michelin Guide has awarded this mega-metropolis by far the most Michelin stars of any city in the world. Japanese cuisine has been added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. But that's not what makes dining in Tokyo such an amazing experience. 

What really counts is the city's long-standing artisan culture. You can splash out on the best sushi of your life, made by one of the city's legendary chefs using the freshest, seasonal market ingredients. You can also spend ¥800 on a bowl of noodles made with the same care and exacting attention to detail, from a recipe honed through decades of experience.

This alpha+ world city blends the ultramodern and the traditional. It dazzles you with its traditional culture and passion for everything new. Here you will find neon-lit skyscrapers and historic temples. 

The opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine is known for its towering gate and surrounding woods. The Imperial Palace sits amid large public gardens. The city's many museums offer exhibits ranging from classical art (in the Tokyo National Museum) to a reconstructed kabuki theater (in the Edo-Tokyo Museum).

As of March 31, 2008, 36 percent of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks (second only to Shiga Prefecture), namely the Chichibu Tama Kai, Fuji-Hakone-Izu, and Ogasawara National Parks (the last a UNESCO World Heritage Site); Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park; and Akikawa Kyūryō, Hamura Kusabana Kyūryō, Sayama, Takao Jinba, Takiyama, and Tama Kyūryō Prefectural Natural Parks.

A number of museums are located in Ueno Park: Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, Shitamachi Museum and National Museum for Western Art, among others.

There are also art works and statues at several places in the park. There is also a zoo in the park, and the park is a popular destination to view cherry blossoms.

Tokyo was ranked first out of all fifty cities in the 2015 Safe Cities Index. It is probably one of the safest big cities you will ever visit, and Japan in general is one of the safest places to visit in the world. Most people, including single female travellers, would not encounter any problems walking along the streets alone at night. Street crime is extremely rare, even late at night, and continues to decrease. However, "little crime" does not mean "no crime", and common sense should still be applied as anywhere in the world. 

Often the biggest risk is travellers taking Japan's apparent lack of crime too close to heart and doing things they would never do back home. The most common crime is sexual harassment on crowded trains; when people are pressed up against each other, hands can wander. However, locals are far more likely to experience this than tourists, as the latter are considered more aggressive and more likely to stick up for themselves, especially if they are Westerners. The best way to deal with any wandering hands is to yell "chikaan" which is a widely publicized Japanese term for sexual harassment, specifically groping on trains.

Small police stations, or Koban, can be found every few blocks. If you get lost or need assistance, by all means go to them; it's their job to help you! They may, however, have difficulties with English, so some knowledge of the Japanese language helps.

Take the usual precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas and trains. Also be aware that theft is more likely to occur in hangouts and bars popular with travellers and non-residents.

The realest and most immediate potential threat to your safety in Tokyo is likely to be found in the form of rip-off bars in red light and nightlife districts such as Kabukicho and Roppongi. While even these areas are almost never dangerous to casually walk around in, take note that large numbers of Japanese and African touts prowl the streets after dark looking for marks for their clip joint scams. If you are approached (as a tourist, most likely by an African) do not give in to promises of pretty girls or "happy endings." These men are extortionists and scam artists, charging customers exorbitant bills, often without providing the services promised. Some touts are persistent and may follow you for a few paces, though a firm "No, thank you" or simply ignoring them will usually shake them off in short order. On the open street, touts are annoying but harmless. Once inside their establishment, spiked drinks, threats of violence, beatings, seizure of personal documents and effects and more have all been reported. Just ignore them or say "no" on the street and you will be fine.

Tokyo is geologically unstable. It is prone to volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. On March 11, 2011, Japan was struck by its biggest earthquake ever which measured 9.0 on the richter scale, it was the 4th largest earthquake since record keeping began in 1900. Although the epicenter of the quake was 373 kms to the north, 130 kms west offshore Sendai, Japan's 6th largest city, the intensity in Tokyo was from 5 to 7 (moderate to very strong) on the merracalli scale, or 5- to 6- on shindo scale, the whole metropolitan area was completely halted. The rapid transit stopped working, people had to spend nights in train station, offices, shops etc, fires broke out in many places and the had long power cuts, luckily, Tokyo was not affected by the devastating tsunami. In 1923, Tokyo was struck by a Mag-8.3 earthquake, whose epicenter was just 50 kms away from the city centre. The city was completely destroyed, 143,000 people died and the whole city was put on fire. Tokyo lies near the juntion of 3 fault lines and many smaller ones are directly under the city. The area is near an active subduction zone and the elevation is not too high, so its prone to tsunamis also. To the west is Mt. Fuji, which has not erupted sice 1707 but can erupt anytime. So if you are in Tokyo, always be ready for earthquake, tsunamis, volcanoes. Japan has the world's best quake and tsunami warning system, if anything happens, it will warn you immediately.

10. Seoul

Seoul is the capital of South Korea. It is officially known as the Seoul Special Metropolitan City. The Seoul Capital Area houses around half of South Korea's population of 51.44 million people. The city's population includes 678,102 international residents.

Seoul has a climate on the humid continental climate (Köppen using the 0 °C (32 °F) isotherm.) Summers are generally hot and humid, with the East Asian monsoon taking place from June until September. August, the warmest month, has average high and low temperatures of 29.6 and 22.4 °C (85 and 72 °F) with higher temperatures possible. Winters are usually cold to freezing with average January high and low temperatures of 1.5 and −5.9 °C (34.7 and 21.4 °F) and are generally much drier than summers, with an average of 28 days of snow annually. Sometimes, temperatures drop dramatically to below −10.0 °C (14.0 °F), and on odd occasions as low as −15.0 °C (5.0 °F) in the mid winter period of January and February. Temperatures below −20.0 °C (−4.0 °F) have been recorded.

Seoul is a 24/7 city. Whatever you want, at any time of day or night, Seoul can provide. An early morning temple visit can lead to a palace tour followed by tea sipping in Bukchon and gallery-hopping in Samcheong-dong.

Soju (a vodka-like drink) and snacks in a street tent bar will fuel you for shopping at the buzzing Dongdaemun or Namdaemun night markets, partying in Hongdae or Itaewon, or playing online games at a PC bang. Follow this with steaming, soaking and snoozing in a jjimjil-bang (sauna and spa). By the time you look at your watch, it will be dawn again.

Modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets in this huge metropolis. Located on the Han River, Seoul Capital Area contains five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.

Seoul is surrounded by mountains, the tallest being Mt. Bukhan, the world's most visited national park per square foot. Modern landmarks include the iconic N Seoul Tower, the gold-clad 63 Building, Lotte World, the world's largest indoor theme park, Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, the world's longest bridge fountain and the Sevit Floating Islands.

The Lotte Cinema houses the world's largest cinema screen. Seoul's COEX Mall is the world's largest underground shopping mall. The birthplace of K-pop and the Korean Wave, Seoul received over 10 million international visitors in 2014.

Other notable tourist attractions in Seoul include futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a convention hall with curving architecture and a rooftop park; Gyeongbokgung Palace, which once had more than 7,000 rooms; and Jogyesa Temple, site of ancient locust and pine trees.

Seoul is a remarkably safe city given its size, comparable in safety to Hong Kong or Tokyo. Pickpocketing is not very common and violent crime is minimal if not almost unheard of.

If you happen to be a non-Korean male walking hand-in-hand with a Korean female, drunk older Korean men might give you a tongue lashing or occasionally worse. Note that this is far less of a problem than it used to be.

If you do end up in a fight, remember that Korean law is possibly different to your home country. Just because someone else started the fight does not provide you with legal protection if the attacker ends up hurt. As in anywhere else in the world, get out of such a situation as quickly as you can.

U.S. military personnel now have a curfew 1am-5am 7 days a week on the Korean Peninsula, although the curfew can be extended at very short notice. If you are a westerner then the American Military Police may request to see your ID and, if you refuse, may summon the Korean National Police, who have the right to demand it. (This is done to catch American military personel breaking the curfews.)

Although rare, crimes by American soldiers against Koreans can happen, and when they do they often receive a huge amount of national attention. If you are a westerner then you should exercise some extra care when such a case hits the media, although it is still highly unlikely you would be in any danger.

Large scale demonstration in Seoul against the government happen from time to time. Often they can result in a riot where there are pitched battles between protesters and riot police. People do get seriously hurt, so try and avoid getting too close to the action.