Paris Tops List of World's Most Congested Cities

A recent study by Deluxe Holiday Homes has ranked the world's most overcrowded cities, with European capitals dominating the list. The study evaluated the number of visitors per square kilometer and population to determine the cities with the highest levels of congestion.

Why this matters: This ranking highlights the growing issue of over tourism, which can have devastating effects on local ecosystems and infrastructure. As cities struggle to manage the influx of visitors, it's essential to consider sustainable tourism practices to preserve these destinations for future generations.

Paris claimed the top spot as the most congested city in the world, with a staggering 351,429 visitors per square kilometer. The City of Light also had a visitor-to-population ratio of 1708%, indicating there are over 17 tourists for every local resident.

Coming in second place was Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The picturesque city boasted 85,045 visitors per square kilometer and an even higher visitor-to-population ratio than Paris at 3279%. This means Bern sees nearly 33 tourists for every permanent resident.

Rounding out the top four were two major American cities - Chicago in third place and New York City taking the fourth spot. While exact visitor density figures were not provided for these cities, their inclusion among the most congested destinations is unsurprising given their global popularity.

The Deluxe Holiday Homes study aimed to identify the destinations that travelers seeking less crowded and more tranquil experiences may want to avoid. The results provide insight into the most popular and heavily-visited tourist hotspots around the world.

In other travel news, a new train route connecting some of Europe's most exciting cities is set to launch in 2025, offering an efficient and scenic way to traverse the continent. Additionally, Venice has officially implemented its new tourist tax as part of efforts to manage the impact of high visitor volumes on the historic Italian city.

The ranking of the world's most congested cities serves as a valuable resource for travelers planning their next trips. While Paris, Bern, Chicago, and New York undoubtedly offer world-class attractions and experiences, those seeking a more relaxed and less crowded getaway may want to explore alternative destinations.

Key Takeaways

• Paris is the most congested city, with 351,429 visitors/km2.
• Bern, Switzerland ranks 2nd, with 85,045 visitors/km2.
• Chicago and New York City also make the top 4 most congested cities.
• Overtourism can harm local ecosystems and infrastructure.
• Travelers seeking less crowded destinations may want to avoid these cities.