The City of Light draws millions of visitors every year with its unforgettable ambiance. Of course, the divine cuisine and vast art collections deserve some of the credit as well. The gentle River Seine rambles through the city, flanked by stately museums, centuries-old churches, and blocks of Rococo- and Neoclassic-design architecture, further enhanced by cascading trees and glowing streetlamps. Peppering the Seine’s cobbled walks and graceful bridges are impossibly chic Parisians, probably on their way to the market, cafe or cinema.
Containing world-class museums, fashion, cuisine and an atmosphere all its own, Paris is also a city of “many splendors,” as Ernest Hemingway recalled in his memoir, “A Moveable Feast.” Visit the beloved Musée d’Orsay, shop the biggest designers on the Champs Élysées or hit the boutiques in Le Marais, take in the view atop the Eiffel Tower, or even plan a day trip to Versailles Palace. But don’t miss out on the simple pleasure of meandering the marvelous arrondissements (districts), or snacking on street crepes either.
Rankings
The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on analysis of expert and user opinions.
Paris is ranked as:
#1 in Best Places to Visit in June
#2 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe
#2 in Best Summer Vacations
#3 in Best Destination Wedding Spots in Europe
#4 in Best Places to Visit in Europe
#5 in World’s Best Places to Visit
#6 in Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
#8 in Best Honeymoon Destinations
Best Things To Do in Paris
If it’s your first time to Paris, you’ll probably want to spend some time at the world-renowned Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame, but don’t miss out on other notable city jewels such as the Musée d’Orsay, the Luxembourg Gardens or Le Marais. There’s no way you’ll get to do it all – museum-touring, shopping, cemetery-perusing, district-exploring, opera-attending – so plan your own itinerary, group sightseeing nearby attractions together and see Paris on your own terms. How we rank Things to Do.
Best Things to Do in Paris
#1 Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris)
#2 Musee du Louvre
#3 Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
#4 Le Marais
#5 Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur)
Best Hotels in Paris
#1 Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
#2 Hôtel Plaza Athénée
#3 Le Bristol Paris
#4 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
#5 Ritz Paris
