London was just named the most visited city in the world by the Office of National Statistics. But the data is not without controversy.
However, a growing spat between the two cities' administrations suggests that, when it comes to comparisons between London and Paris, there are only lies and statistics.
With so many fascinating museums, the best theater scene in the world, more green space than any other European city, numerous top sporting venues, a low crime rate and much else besides, it's no wonder that people from all over the globe are flocking to London in record numbers.
A long, hot summer, Andy Murray's Wimbledon win, the birth of Prince George and blockbuster West Ends shows including "The Book of Mormon" were put forward as potential reasons for the surge in tourist numbers, along with the legacy of the Olympics from the year before.
Top London attractions such as the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral said visitor numbers were "through the roof" last summer, with an increase of 17% on 2012, the London Evening Standard reported.
St. Paul's welcomed 353,463 visitors between May and August, up by almost half on 2012.
The Office of National Statistics says London welcomed 16 million tourists in 2013 (Paris won in 2012, with 15.9 million), though that number is just a projection for the year, as the total figures for 2013 have not been finalized.'
/AzerTAc/