A new study has revealed the world's most overcrowded tourist destinations, with Paris topping the list. The research, conducted by Deluxe Holiday Homes, analysed tourist density per square kilometre and the visitor-to-population ratio across global cities. Europe dominates the top ten, claiming eight spots, while North America takes the remaining two.
Paris recorded 351,429 visitors per square kilometre and a staggering visitor-to-population ratio of 1,708 percent. Despite its reputation as a historic and romantic capital, the city has drawn sharp criticism from tourists on platforms like TripAdvisor. Complaints include long queues, pickpocketing, rude locals, and unsafe conditions on the metro after 9pm.
One traveller wrote: "If you want to spend a lot of money for waiting in the queues for hours, visiting every place with thousands of people, come to Paris. People are rude and you can't travel safely by metro after 9pm." Another added: "This city is well known for pickpocketing. Stolen mobile phone sellers, ill-mannered people, dirty areas, street fights and overcrowded areas."
However, Paris still has its admirers. Some visitors praise its exquisite views, culinary delights, and iconic cultural sites. One tourist described it as "like visiting a mausoleum" but praised the grandeur of historic monuments. Another regular visitor noted: "Though the art museums and the Eiffel Tower are the sites most tourists flock to, it's the casual locations and wide bridges that make the city truly a pleasure."
