According to the international research company Euromonitor International, Istanbul took the crown as the most visited city in 2023. A whopping 20.2 million foreign tourists set foot in the city. And it’s expected that this number will only climb higher in 2024.
No surprises there: Istanbul brims with awe-inspiring historical and cultural marvels. Travelers from all corners of the globe flock to explore Istanbul and experience the convergence of European and Asian cultures. Turkey’s recently easing visa requirements for tourists from Canada and the USA also influenced the surge in tourist numbers.
The Turkish authorities are closely monitoring and endeavoring to preserve the cultural heritage. With the influx of people, popular attractions require more meticulous upkeep. For instance, Hagia Sophia Cathedral sees an annual footfall of 3.5 million visitors. Hence, the decision was made to impose an entrance fee of 25 euros, with only worshippers being granted free entry.
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