Almost 17 million visitors came to the city in 2013 – up 9 per cent on 2012 when the capital hosted the Olympic and Paralympic games.
Of these, more than 1.88m were from the US and almost 1.87m from France.
Last year Mayor Boris Johnson renewed a deal with then New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg to promote each other’s cities to “culture hungry” travellers in a bid to maintain transatlantic tourism.
Tourism continues to be a key driver for the capital’s economy with £11.2 billion spent in hotels and visitor attractions.
Mayor Johnson said the figures were “a tribute to the outstanding mix of culture, art, music and sport” to be found in the capital.
Kit Malthouse, Chair of London’s promotion and tourism agency London & Partners, added: “The wealth and breadth of the city’s cultural offering is incredible.
“From exhibitions showcasing the greatest artists and the world’s most famous fictional detective, to spectacular river festivals – the city offers something for everyone, young and old.”
