TIK-TALK: This summer’s top trending cities

New data from TikTok’s has revealed this summer’s most hyped cities. And with over a billion hashtag views on the ubiquitous social media app, the most popular travel destination is: Seoul, Korea.

The research used city names and the city hashtags and the prefixes #travel, #travelguide and #travel2023.

Highlight of the data include:

• Europe dominates TikTok’s most hyped cities, with five locations in the top 10, including Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rome, and Istanbul.

• Seoul is more popular than Paris on TikTok with over half a billion hashtag views.

Here’s the list:

1. Seoul: With over 1 billion hashtag views on TikTok, Seoul in South Korea has been named the most hyped TikTok destination to visit this summer. Visitors can explore the traditional markets and savour some bulgogi, or dive into Korea’s thriving entertainment scene at the NANTA theatre.

2. Paris: The City of Love comes in second place on the list. Paris has accumulated 481,305,224 hashtag views on TikTok, less than half of the views Seoul achieved. #Paristravelguide has a staggering 72 million views on TikTok, while the Eiffel Tower has 2.8 billion hashtag views, with creators keen to show the real magic of Paris, especially at night.

3. Barcelona: Spain’s cultural capital Barcelona is the third-most hyped city on TikTok, with 101,882,604 hashtag views. The world’s largest unfinished cathedral, Sagrada Familia, has 336.9 million hashtag views on TikTok, making it one of the city’s most viewed attractions.

4. Amsterdam: The fourth-most hyped city to visit this summer is Amsterdam, with 72,201,405 hashtag views. TikTokkers are flocking to the city for its picturesque canals and historic buildings, making it the perfect place for a summer city break. The historic Anne Frank’s House is the perfect activity for history buffs visiting Amsterdam, and with 67.4 million hashtag views on TikTok, it’s one of Amsterdam’s must-see attractions.

5. Singapore: Singapore rates with 62,890,900 hashtag views. The Garden City’s lush green spaces and futuristic skyline make it perfect for those wishing to experience a clean, modern city full of culture. Users on TikTok have encouraged foodies to indulge in the local cuisine, particularly the Hainanese chicken, which has over 30.4 million hashtag views on TikTok.

6. Bangkok: The sixth-most hyped city on TikTok is Thai city Bangok, which has 34,386,100 hashtag views, whether it’s to experience the nightlife or be fully immersed in the bustling streets and floating markets. Bangkok is steeped in history, so visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and admiring the spectacular Grand Palace is a must.

7. Rome: With 29,500,000 hashtag views, Rome is the seventh-most hyped city to visit on TikTok. Home to the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, Rome has no shortage of historical attractions, and, importantly, gelato and freshly poured espresso.

8. Istanbul: The Turkish city garnered 28,580,845 hashtag views on the platform, with TikTokkers falling in love with the breathtaking bazaars and tasty cuisine. From baklava to kumpir, the streets of Istanbul are heaven for foodies. #Istanbulstreetfood has 2.8 million views on TikTok and is the perfect place to start when looking for the city’s traditional cuisine.

9. New York: With 24,338,600 hashtag views, the Big Apple is another city for the foodies, and trying a New York-style pizza slice should be on everyone’s list. #NewYorkpizza has 10.7 million views on TikTok, and it uncovers some of the city’s most well-loved spots, some of which have been around for decades.

10. Tokyo: Japan’s vibrant capital, Tokyo, takes the number 10 spot amassing 23,666,700 hashtag views. A tranquillity lies beneath the energetic exterior, with the Hamarikyu Gardens, Shinjuku Gyoen National Park and Ueno Park just a selection of Tokyo’s serene green spaces, all of which have over 5 million hashtag views on TikTok.