Istanbul Was the Most Visited City in the World in 2023
March 28, 2024 · Türkiye · 10-minute read
Istanbul is not only significant in historical and geographic terms — it was also the most visited city in the world for international travelers in 2023.
Istanbul, Türkiye’s storied center of history and culture, has demonstrated its strong appeal on the global tourism map. Beyond its historical and geographic significance, it was the most visited city in the world for international travelers in 2023.
Istanbul tops the list of the world’s most visited cities
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has said that international tourism is on track to recover to around 90% of pre-pandemic levels and is likely to return to its pre-pandemic peak. According to data published in December 2023 by market research firm Euromonitor International, Istanbul (Türkiye) welcomed more international visitors than any other city in the world in 2023, followed by London (United Kingdom) and Dubai (UAE). Antalya, another Turkish city, came in at No. 4. Euromonitor’s ranking draws on 55 metrics across 6 pillars, including infrastructure, health and safety, sustainability, and performance.
According to the report, global travel continued its strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023, with the number of trips up 38% and projected to reach 1.3 billion by year-end. With its rich tapestry of culture and history, and ongoing efforts to raise service quality and the visitor experience, it is no surprise that Istanbul was the most visited city in the world in 2023, with more than 20.2 million international arrivals, up 26% year on year.
Its blend of culture, history, and architecture makes Istanbul a must-see for travelers from around the world. Landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, a striking fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture; the Blue Mosque, where architectural artistry meets spirituality; and the Grand Bazaar leave a lasting impression on visitors. The meeting of Eastern and Western cultures, clearly reflected in the diverse traditions and lifestyles of local residents, also makes Istanbul an ideal destination for travelers who love to explore. Istanbul’s peak season for international visitors typically runs from June–July through September–October each year.
Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar
Tourism momentum supports the Istanbul real estate market
Türkiye’s appeal rests on its transport infrastructure and its tourism, leisure, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sectors. Istanbul, the bridge between the continents of Asia and Europe, has emerged as a hub for real estate investment opportunities. Türkiye’s residential real estate market was estimated at US$99.05 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$168.11 billion by 2029, a compound annual growth rate of 11.16% over 2024–2029.
The Turkish real estate market is benefiting from a range of factors, with tourism among the most important drivers. A growing tourism sector not only creates demand for property but also stimulates infrastructure investment and improves the business environment. Supportive policies and flexible investment rules have attracted a large number of foreign investors. In particular, direct real estate investment as a route to Turkish citizenship has become an attractive option for many international buyers. This has helped lift property values in tourist areas and major cities such as Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum, strengthening the standing and long-term growth potential of the Turkish real estate market as a whole.
Turkish real estate investment: a route to second citizenship with significant benefits
Real estate investment for Turkish citizenship is one of the most attractive citizenship-by-investment options available today. By investing at least US$400,000 in real estate, investors and their families (spouse and children under 18) can apply for Turkish citizenship with full citizenship rights. A Turkish passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 116 destinations and can make it easier to apply for visas to European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Greece, and others). Investors may also be eligible for certain special visa categories to live and work in the United States, subject to US eligibility requirements.
Processing is relatively fast, at around 12 months. The program attracts strong interest from investors worldwide because its requirements are simpler than those of many other programs:
- No medical examination required.
- No asset declaration required.
- Open to applicants of most nationalities.
- No upper age limit; no education, work experience, or language requirements.
- No requirement to reside in Türkiye.
Under the program rules, real estate purchased for Turkish citizenship must be valued by an independent third party to protect foreign investors. After 3 years, investors may resell the property without affecting the Turkish citizenship already granted. The local real estate market is also active and may offer growth potential, supported by a developing economy and tourism sector.
If you are interested in the Turkish citizenship by investment program, contact IMM Group or leave your details below. Our experienced advisors will provide detailed guidance and help assess the prospects of your application. We are committed to keeping your personal data confidential and will use the information you provide solely to advise on your family’s application.
IMM Group
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