The most luxurious tourist cities in the world

A recent study by gaming company CasinooftheKings analyzed over 50 of the largest tourist destinations worldwide to determine which cities are the best in terms of luxury experiences. The study considered various factors, including the number of five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, spas, and luxury experiences available in each city. Using data from TripAdvisor and Booking.com, the company calculated an overall score for each city based on the density of these luxury establishments. It's easy to guess who took the top spot: Paris, with a perfect score of 100, is undoubtedly the world's most equipped capital for high-end and ultra-luxury establishments and experiences. The French capital boasts as many as 161 five-star hotels per 100 km², in addition to more than 167 spas and wellness centers – a density of luxury establishments that possibly makes it the capital of global luxury. A spokesperson from CasinooftheKings commented on the study, noting that, although many of the most visited cities in the world prioritize accessibility and therefore lack an exorbitant concentration of five-star experiences, there are still luxury districts within these cities that cater to exclusive travelers. Examples include cities like Milan and Rome – which have 16 and 12 Michelin-starred restaurants, respectively, in their historic centers, even though they are not in the ranking. The study results suggest that luxury travelers are increasingly opting for these "high-density prestige zones", which offer both iconic landmarks and exclusive experiences.

In second place, unexpectedly, is Melbourne, with a score of 98. The Australian capital stands out for its luxury offerings, particularly in the hotel sector, with the second-highest density of five-star hotels among the cities in the study, at 118.9 per 100 km². Although the density of spas in Melbourne is significantly lower than in Paris, it still offers a wide range of luxury experiences with a strong combination of culture, art, and gastronomy. Barcelona, with a score of 95, ranks third on the list. The Spanish city is celebrated for its lively atmosphere, breathtaking architecture, and gourmet food scene. With 31 Michelin-starred restaurants, Barcelona boasts the second-highest number on the list, ensuring visitors a wide selection of luxury culinary experiences. Additionally, the city offers a considerable number of spas and wellness centers, with a density of 149.9 per 100 km². To reach fourth place, we head to Asia: Kuala Lumpur has a score of 94, just one point below Barcelona. Known for its skyscrapers and bustling urban landscape, Kuala Lumpur has the most five-star hotels among the top 10 cities, with 243. However, due to the city's larger size, which is twice as big as Paris or Barcelona, the density of luxury accommodations is lower. Despite this, Kuala Lumpur still offers an impressive density of private luxury experiences, at 220.2 per 100 km², solidifying its position as one of the top luxury destinations in Southeast Asia.

Boston ranks fifth with a score of 92, thanks to its high density of five-star spas, which stands at 220.8 per 100 km². Although Boston’s luxury offerings are not as abundant in terms of hotels or restaurants, its spas are a major attraction for those seeking wellness and relaxation. The city’s luxury advantages lie in the wellness experiences available to tourists, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate rejuvenation and self-care. Moving back to Europe, Amsterdam, with a score of 89, takes sixth place. The Dutch capital is known for its picturesque canals, vibrant culture, and sophisticated charm. Amsterdam boasts 31 Michelin-starred restaurants and offers a respectable number of five-star hotels, at 15.7 per 100 km². While the density of luxury hotels is lower than in other cities on the list, Amsterdam remains a highly appreciated destination for those seeking a mix of culture, history, and high-end experiences. Zurich, with a score of 88, ranks seventh. The Swiss city is famous for its luxurious lifestyle and thermal springs, with a high density of spas and wellness centers, at 63.1 per 100 km². While the density of luxury hotels is lower than Amsterdam’s, with 13.1 per 100 km², Zurich remains one of Europe’s top luxury destinations, offering high-level experiences both in relaxation and shopping.

The rest of the ranking is across the ocean: Vancouver ranks eighth with a score of 86. The Canadian city is famous for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and luxury accommodations. With a lower density of luxury hotels and spas compared to other cities on the list—12.2 and 51.2 per 100 km², respectively—Vancouver doesn’t offer the same number of luxury facilities. However, its combination of natural beauty and luxury experiences continues to make it a popular destination for wealthy travelers. San Francisco ranks ninth with a score of 84. The city offers a high number of Michelin-starred restaurants, surpassing Zurich and Vancouver, but its overall density of private luxury experiences is similar to Vancouver’s. While San Francisco remains one of the favorites for food lovers and those seeking cultural experiences, it ranks slightly lower compared to some of the other cities on the list. Miami closes the ranking of tourist cities for a luxury getaway in tenth place with a score of 81. The third U.S. city on the list, Miami offers a higher density of five-star hotels and Michelin restaurants compared to San Francisco and Boston, although it doesn’t provide the same variety of private luxury experiences, with only 53.6 per 100 km². Despite this, its vibrant lifestyle and luxury hotels make Miami a popular choice for luxury travelers seeking an exclusive vacation in the United States.