From Paris to Bucharest: The 10 Most Crowded Tourist Spots per Square Kilometer
Ever felt like you’re elbow-to-elbow with the entire world while trying to snap that perfect vacation pic? You’re not alone! Some tourist spots are so loved, they attract visitors at any time of the year. There’s a reason these spots are buzzing with energy and excitement year round. So, grab your patience and your best “excuse me” smile—we’re about to dive into the most crowded tourist hotspots where personal space is rare and selfies are a dime a dozen.
Paris
Paris ranks 1st on the list of the most visited cities with 351K visitors per km² annually. To put it into perspective, Paris’ visitor-to-population ratio is 17, as the city attracts tourists for its art, history, and gastronomy.
Known as the City of Light, Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. Crowds flock to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The charm of Paris lies in its bustling cafés, world-class art, and romantic ambiance. However, its popularity also means that tourists often encounter long lines and busy streets, especially during peak seasons like spring and summer.
Bern
Bern ranks 2nd most visited city with 85K visitors per km² annually. Bern is the smallest and the least populated city on the list, but has the highest visitor-to-population ratio of 3297%. This is the most extreme example of a small city’s population being outnumbered by its tourists. Visitors come to see its well-preserved medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and to enjoy the beautiful Aare River that curves around the city. The Bear Park and the Zytglogge, an ancient clock tower with moving puppets, are also popular attractions that can get crowded.
Chicago
With 81K visitors per km², Chicago is the 3rd most visited city on the list. Tourists are drawn to Chicago not only for its architecture but also for its rich culture, jazz music and arts, making it a highlight of American cultural experiences. Tourist hotspots include Millennium Park, where the reflective sculpture known as ‘The Bean’ is located, and the Willis Tower Skydeck, which offers panoramic views of the city. The Art Institute of Chicago and the Navy Pier also draw in large numbers of visitors, making these areas particularly congested.
New York City
New York City ranks 4th most visited city, with 80K visitors per km² annually. The city stands out with the highest annual number of visitors on the list (63 million), many of whom want to experience the New York City shown in movies and TV series.
The city that never sleeps, New York City, is synonymous with crowded tourist spots. Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty are just a few of the attractions that see millions of visitors each year. The city’s energy is palpable, with throngs of people exploring its diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, and iconic landmarks.
Stockholm
Having 76K visitors per km² annually, Stockholm is the 5th most visited city. This city attracts tourists with one of the “greenest” environments in the world, making it a leading example of a city in harmony with nature.
The capital of Sweden, Stockholm, is spread across 14 islands, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty and historic charm. The old town, Gamla Stan, with its narrow cobblestone streets, can be particularly crowded, as tourists gather to see the Royal Palace and the colorful buildings. The Vasa Museum and the open-air museum Skansen also attract large numbers of visitors.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam ranks 6th as the most visited city with 71.6K visitors per km² annually. It has one of the highest visitor-to-population ratios, getting 19 visitors per resident (second on the list).
Known for its artistic heritage and elaborate canal system, Amsterdam is a magnet for tourists. The Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the bustling flower market are often crowded, as visitors seek to experience the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Cycling through the city can be a great way to avoid the crowds on foot, although the bike lanes and bridges can still be packed with tourists and locals alike during peak times.
Budapest
Budapest is the 7th most visited city with 57.14K visitors per km² annually. The city attracts 30 million annual visitors with its cultural and historical scenes.
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is famous for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and the Danube River that runs through the picturesque city. The historic Castle Hill area, the Parliament building, and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath are just a few spots that can get crowded with tourists. The city’s beauty and affordable prices attract visitors year-round, with particularly high foot traffic during the summer months.
Los Angeles
The 8th most visited city is Los Angeles with 41.57K visitors per km² annually. As the home of Hollywood, Los Angeles draws in crowds looking to catch a glimpse of the entertainment capital of the world. Tourist spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, and the Santa Monica Pier are often swarming with visitors. The city’s beaches, such as Venice Beach and Malibu, also see a high volume of tourists seeking sun, surf, and sand.
Rome
Rome is 9th on the ranking with 27.13K visitors per km² annually and the largest area on the list. The Eternal City gets attention for its ancient history and modern urban life, attracting 35 million visitors yearly.
The Eternal City, Rome, is a treasure trove of ancient history and art. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, are some of the most crowded tourist spots on the planet. Visitors often have to navigate through dense crowds, especially during the high season, to explore these historic sites.
Bucharest
Bucharest rounds off the top 10 with 22.12K visitors per km² annually. It is highlighted for having the lowest visitor-to-population ratio on the list, attracting only double of its population. Romania’s capital, Bucharest, is growing in popularity among travelers, with its mix of communist-era architecture and elegant French-influenced buildings. The enormous Palace of the Parliament and the historic Old Town are key attractions that can become quite crowded. While not as overrun as other European capitals, Bucharest’s tourist numbers are on the rise, leading to busier streets and attractions.
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Source: Deluxe Holiday Homes
