Euromonitor Reveals Istanbul and Antalya as Top 10 Global City Destinations

In a major global recognition of Türkiye’s booming tourism sector, Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025 listed Istanbul and Antalya among the top 10 most visited cities in the world. This achievement highlights not just visitor numbers, but also the strength of Türkiye’s travel strategy and international appeal.

At Best Invest | Forbes Global Properties, we closely follow such global benchmarks, as tourism performance plays a direct role in shaping international real estate demand and long-term investment value across Türkiye.

📊 Standout Rankings in Global Tourism

According to the latest data from Euromonitor International — a leading authority in travel and tourism analytics — Istanbul ranked fifth worldwide in terms of international arrivals in 2025. With approximately 19.7 million visitors, Türkiye’s largest city is now firmly positioned among the world’s most sought-after urban destinations.

Meanwhile, Antalya entered the top 10 at eighth place with around 18.6 million international visitors, reaffirming its status as one of the Mediterranean’s strongest tourism and lifestyle hubs.

🌍 What’s Behind Türkiye’s Rise?

Several key factors are driving these record-breaking numbers:

  • Istanbul’s global appeal — A rare fusion of history, culture, gastronomy, and modern city life, attracting both short-term visitors and long-stay international residents.

  • Antalya’s resort and lifestyle strength — Luxury resorts, beaches, golf tourism, and expanding residential communities continue to attract foreign buyers and investors.

  • Strategic tourism development — Strong infrastructure investments, improved air connectivity, and international promotion have significantly boosted Türkiye’s visibility.

These same dynamics are reflected in growing foreign property interest, a trend we observe firsthand at Best Invest | Forbes Global Properties, particularly in Istanbul and Antalya.

🧭 Beyond Visitor Numbers

Euromonitor’s index evaluates more than arrivals alone. It also considers:

  • Tourism infrastructure

  • Economic performance

  • Cultural and sporting events

  • Safety and health standards

  • Sustainability initiatives

This broader perspective highlights why cities like Istanbul and Antalya are not only popular travel destinations, but also increasingly attractive for real estate investment and lifestyle migration.

✨ What This Means for Türkiye

Having two Turkish cities in the global top 10 sends a powerful message to international investors. It confirms that Türkiye is competing at the highest global level — not only in tourism, but also in urban development, lifestyle quality, and long-term value creation.

For international buyers working with Best Invest | Forbes Global Properties, this recognition reinforces confidence in Türkiye as a destination for both luxury living and strategic property investment.

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Istanbul ranks 5th globally with approximately 19.7 million visitors.

  • Antalya ranks 8th globally with around 18.6 million visitors.

  • Strong tourism performance continues to support real estate demand and investment confidence across Türkiye.

🤍 Looking Ahead

As global interest in Türkiye continues to grow, choosing the right location and property becomes more important than ever. Whether you are exploring lifestyle options or evaluating long-term investment opportunities, working with a trusted local expert can make all the difference.

Best Invest | Forbes Global Properties is here to guide you through Türkiye’s most desirable destinations with insight, discretion, and a portfolio tailored to international buyers.