Poll: Istanbul trumps Paris as world’s best tourist hot-spot

The supposed romantic capital of the world, Paris, has been knocked off the number one spot of this year’s Travellers’ Choice Destinations awards with Istanbul now firmly in first place, after being voted for by millions of holidaymakers.

Breaking the top 10 for the first time, Istanbul swooped in to the number one spot, just ahead of Rome and London, in a survey conducted by TripAdvisor.com.

The city, which was once the seat of the Byzantine Empire, is described by the website as the meeting point of Europe and Asia, “where breathtaking ancient architecture coexists with modern restaurants and nightlife.”

Despite announcing record tourist figures for 2013, the French capital must breathe a sigh and say “C’est la vie,” it seems, as it has dropped to the seventh spot in this year’s list.

Paris was not the only destination to fall from grace, New York fell from second place last year to the 12th spot in 2014's list.

Voters placed Beijing, Prague and Marrakesh as the third, fourth and fifth most popular destinations respectively on this year’s list.

Rounding out the top 10 must see cities are Paris, Hanoi, Siem Reap in Cambodia and Shanghai.

James Kay, TripAdvisor spokesman, said: “These awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings by those that really matter - travellers themselves,” according to the Daily Mail.

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Number 1: Istanbul in Turkey - where tourists can see the Blue Mosque - was ranked the best destination in the world

Number 2: Italy's capital, Rome has been named the second best destination in the world

Number 3: London has once again been named a top destination

Number 4: China's Beijing - home to the Forbidden City - scooped fourth place in the awards

Number 5: The Czech Republic of Prague - where tourists flock to see Saint Guy Cathedral

Number 6: Morocco's Marrakech - famous for its souks - was ranked the sixth best destination in the world

Number 7: Paris fell from the number one spot to seventh place in this year's awards

Number 8: Ships pass in front of rock formations in Halong Bay, Hanoi - ranked the eighth best world destination

Number 9: Cambodia's Siem Reap - where tourists can visit Angkor Wat - ranked ninth in the global TripAdvisor list

Number 10: China's Shanghai just made it on to the list, scooping tenth place in the top destinations to visit in the world