which city should you visit at least once in your life? Have you ever visited the 20 must-see cities on the planet? The famous American business magazine Forbes has unveiled a ranking of the world's must-visit cities. The ranking was drawn up by London-based market research company Euromonitor International, which evaluated over fifty criteria, taking into account economic performance, tourist infrastructure, attractiveness, health, safety, sustainability and more. And... Paris came out on top! Europe is also unanimous, with 7 European cities in the top 10!
1. Paris
Cock-a-doodle-doo! Paris takes first place in this ranking. With the French capital hosting the Olympic Games, it's sure to be a year to remember! Parisian memories, but not only... Here's another opportunity to explore emblematic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the banks of the Seine, the Louvre Museum... You can also take a trip on a bateau-mouche, stroll through Luxembourg, Montmartre, the Latin Quarter and the Marais. Once you've seen the must-sees over and over again, in three days or more, all that's left to do is discover the best addresses in each district, the ones that don't immediately stand out but are well worth the effort and often make up the soul of a city. A visit to the nooks and crannies of the capital is still, and always will be, a must-do, and should be done at least once in your life!
2. Dubai
Dubai and shopping often go hand in hand, but there's much more to discover in this city than shopping malls. Among must-sees, the Museum of the Future, as well as the Al Quoz and DIFC art galleries. For those who prefer to explore the city, walks or bike rides along the coastline offer a different perspective on Dubai. You can also meet the locals at the Jumeirah mosque or in the Al Fahidi center. If you're traveling with the family, the entertainment options are endless, from water parks and themed attractions to the world's deepest swimming pool. For those seeking relaxation, beaches, hotel pools, spas and the desert offer relaxation options. For spectacular entertainment, visit the Opera House, take in the permanent Pearl Show or admire the dancing fountains. Ultimately, the question is not so much what to do in Dubai, but how to manage to do it all!
3.madrid
Madrid is one of Spain's must-see places : to explore it is to plunge into the twists and turns of Spanish history and monarchy, symbolized by its palaces, cathedrals and squares that take us back to the era of the Habsburgs. It's also about reliving the Dos de Mayo uprising, when Madrid's inhabitants resisted Napoleon's invasion in the Malasaña district, which also saw the birth of Movida, a post-Franco counter-culture movement spearheaded by director Pedro Almodóvar. But Madrid is also home to its typical gastronomy, legendary soccer clubs and world-famous museums. It's essential to plan your stay in Madrid carefully, so you don't miss out on the must-sees. Between two explorations, there's nothing like a soothing (and refreshing in summer) stroll through the city's vast parks, such as Retiro, Casa de Campo or Madrid Rio. In short, it's a capital that's well worth discovering.
4. Tōkyō
Tōkyō is a city of many faces, where highly contrasting neighborhoods coexist harmoniously. You might discover a sanctuary nestled at the foot of a skyscraper, or a small alley lined with modest restaurants juxtaposed with modern buildings. This diversity creates a lively, eclectic mix, with each district possessing its own unique charm. The historic center around the imperial castle is home to offices, ancient temples and lively shopping areas. In the northeast, the atmosphere evokes nostalgia for the Shōwa era, while the west vibrates to the rhythm of the latest artistic and urban trends. One thing's for sure: you absolutely must visit Tōkyō, a city that is both ultramodern and deeply rooted in its traditions. Discover the 15 must-sees here!
5. Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the fascinating capital of the Netherlands, is a complex and endearing city. At once classic and modern, wise and wild, conservative and innovative, it will leave no visitor indifferent. Made up of a sumptuous mosaic of quarters each with its own distinct character, where vestiges of the Golden Age, architectural innovations, coffee shops, designer boutiques, patrician houses, brothels, sex shops, museums and historic canals rub shoulders in a peaceful atmosphere, the city is an unmissable, forward-looking port of call, where all the city's major museums have been renovated and offer splendid programming. In addition to famous museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum, there are also lesser-known but equally interesting museums, such as the Tropics Museum, a museum dedicated to street art or even a museum about Instagram-style selfies. Finally, of course, we can't recommend exploring the city enough by bike!
6. Berlin
Berlin is undoubtedly one of Europe's most dynamic cities. Since the fall of the Wall, Berlin has undergone a spectacular transformation. In Mitte, the historic heart of the city, which has regained its central position, major construction projects have changed and modernized the face of the city. Innovative and forward-looking, Berlin is not afraid to transform itself and change its silhouette. Music, art, fashion, trends, gastronomy, architecture, Berlin is up to date and attracts young people who come to vibrate with it. West Berlin, often overlooked by visitors attracted by contemporary Berlin, boasts a rich artistic and cultural dynamic, as well as a great historical and architectural heritage. In short, Berlin is a disjointed kaleidoscope of a city, severely scarred by the destruction and tragedies of the 20th century. It can't be visited like Prague or Florence, which can boast centuries of ancient stonework. Berlin can be visited like a building site. Take the opportunity to discover our dedicated article "What to do and see in Berlin in 3 days".
7. Rome
Rome is an open-air museum, a tourist city immortalized by its churches, cathedrals, basilicas and remains of Roman temples. A city of art and the art of living, it is also synonymous with the dolce vita. You can imagine it with its vespas wending their way through pedestrian lanes, terraces sprawling across pretty squares. An epic, monumental city, it is as chaotic as it is bewitching... Rome wasn't built in a day, but three days can be enough to visit Rome and fall under its spell. There's no doubt about it, you must set off to discover the famous seven hills, following in the footsteps of Romulus and Remus, the Borgias or Audrey Hepburn. From the Colosseum to the Forum and the Trevi Fountain, from Antiquity to the Baroque, a visit to Rome is a true journey through time!
8. New York
New York is a city that everyone knows. The setting for films, TV series and novels, it's inspiring and inspiring, exhausting because it's inexhaustible. We wouldn't claim it's the capital of the world, lest we fall into cliché, but we dare say it's got the makings. In New York, the city that never sleeps, the possibilities are endless! If you're passionate about art, you'll be spoilt for choice among the Big Apple's famous museums. For architecture buffs, a visit to the iconic monuments is a must, as is a crossing of the Brooklyn Bridge. Then it's on to endless art galleries, dozens of concert halls, hundreds of trendy bars, restaurants serving delicious world cuisine, stores for every budget and endless opportunities for socializing. In short, live your New York experience according to your desires, leaving Times Square behind to stroll past the charming houses of the West Village, read a book in Central Park, and simply let your instincts guide you. And you can also take inspiration from our itinerary tips for visiting New York in 4 days.
9. Barcelona
Barcelona, often associated with sun, party and Art Nouveau, offers much more than this simplified image. This multi-faceted city is full of surprises, from its history to its culture and gastronomy. It is the birthplace of the creative genius of Gaudí and the artist Miró, a city that passionately defends its centuries-old traditions and is home to the famous Barça soccer club. With its ceaseless dynamism, Barcelona attracts artists and creators from all over the world, contributing to the constant reinvention of its neighborhoods and emblematic landmarks. Barcelona is brimming with museums, churches and cathedrals, monuments and parks. Every alley is an invitation to stroll, every neighborhood a call to contemplation. All the more so as the city's sea air and sunny terraces tend to easily distract the visitor's attention... It's easy to conclude that visiting Barcelona means making choices! But if you can spare a few good days, you'll be able to see a number of cultural sites: the Catalan capital isn't all that extensive if you know how to manage your time well. Take a look at our itinerary tips for visiting Barcelona in 3 days.
10. London
Multicultural, dynamic and unusual, London is one of the world's most attractive cities. From history buffs to art lovers, from Gothic architecture enthusiasts to contemporary design experts, from lovers of bon mots and literature to science enthusiasts, from visitors who swear by "classic" places to the more adventurous who seek to get off the beaten track and live like the locals, there's something for everyone in London.. London is the place to be for cultural weekends, with its exceptional heritage ranging from Westminster to St. Paul's Cathedral and the London Eye, as well as for shopping, with its extensive and high-quality range of stores. All of London's districts are well worth a visit, revealing a contrast that is often astonishing. Museums, galleries, restaurants, gardens and markets offer so many opportunities that one visit will become the first of many... Take a look at our itinerary tips for visiting London in 3 days.
11. Singapore
Singapore is a small city-state nestled on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, which has harnessed its resources to become an economic and financial powerhouse. However, beyond its international business reputation, Singapore is constantly renewing itself. The city attracts more and more foreign visitors and is developing brilliantly to offer an ever more attractive destination. You can explore the subtle blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western cultures as you wander through the city's neighborhoods. A fusion of modernity and tradition that lends the city its unique charm. The "Lion City" quickly reveals its many facets: culture, entertainment, gastronomy, nightlife, shopping...
12. Munich
Munich' s museum district and numerous galleries are a delight for art lovers. The Altstadt, mostly pedestrianized, reveals the city's most beautiful and impressive buildings, accompanied, of course, by a bratwurst in one hand and a mug of Munich beer in the other. For sports fans, Olympia Park offers a multitude of activities on the site that hosted the 1972 Olympic Games. Nature lovers will be enchanted by the Englischer Garten and the banks of the Isar River, where Munich's residents gather at weekends. In the evening, Müllerstrasse vibrates to the rhythm of clinking beer mugs, while Maximilianplatz attracts night owls with its many nightclubs.
13. Milan
Milan is a must-visit city in Italy: today, it is the spearhead of the national economy, home in particular to the headquarters of the Stock Exchange, and a world reference in the fashion world alongside New York and Paris. Milan has chosen to look to the future while preserving its illustrious past. Discovering the city is full of surprises, and offers an immersion in refinement and a typically Milanese art of living. A harmonious blend of cultural heritage and modernity, Milan appeals to lovers of art, culture and architecture, as well as shopping and design enthusiasts. As the gateway to the Lake District, Milan is also an ideal starting point for exploring this superb region.
14. Seoul
Seoul, a city rich in history, abounds in exceptional sites that illustrate its glorious past, many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But that's not all: Seoul is also one of the world's shopping capitals, where commercial activity seems to be non-stop. What's more, the city's many green spaces, diverse restaurant scene, lively student districts, huge business centers and unspoilt traditional quarters make it a truly fascinating place to visit. Nearby, a multitude of excursions are possible: the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, the islands of Incheon Bay, traditional villages, the historic site of Suwon... There's so much to discover!
15. Dublin
With its small-town atmosphere and village-like neighborhoods, Dublin is a unique capital city. This atmosphere can certainly be attributed to the influence of its many artists, writers, musicians, film-makers and painters, who have always described the city with tenderness and humor. Nightlife, once centered around the famous Temple Bar district, is now spreading further and further south. However, one constant remains: the music, which still echoes around every corner. It's thanks to music, and art in general, that Dublin retains its unique charm. Its eventful history, its street concerts, its lively pubs, its prestigious Trinity College, and its "Boys in Blue" matches at Croke Park, all contribute to its rich and endearing identity.
16. Ōsaka
Ōsaka is one of Japan's must-sees: with its economic vitality, it has played a central role since the 16th century, when Hideyoshi Toyotomi forced Sakai's inhabitants and merchants to settle here. Today, as Japan's third-largest city, it is the perfect embodiment of the archipelago's dynamism. While perhaps not as architecturally picturesque as Kyōto or Nara, Ōsaka has a real raw, urban charm. The city is characterized by its vast modern arteries and imposing towers. When night falls, it lights up with its many restaurants and bars. This energy can be felt in the city's shopping districts, captivating museums and panoramic viewpoints. A stroll around the castle grounds is also a must for discovering the city.
17. Hong Kong
Hong Kong first greets you with its view of the sea, surrounded by the Pacific islands. Gradually, it envelops you in its ceaseless whirlwind, characteristic of a city that never sleeps. Here, anything seems possible. Often compared to New York, Hong Kong nevertheless remains deeply attached to its traditions. This former British colony in southern China owes its prosperity to the continual flow of immigrants from the mainland, marked by the vicissitudes of history. Behind the spectacle of the latest shopping malls, ever larger, more luxurious and busier, lies the real China, authentic and palpable. You don't need to go to the border to find it. You'll understand the soul of Hong Kong in the dim sum restaurants where businessmen flock to breakfast at dawn. You'll capture the essence of Hong Kong in the traditional Chinese medicine stalls. In short, Hong Kong fascinates, bewitches, disturbs and captivates.
18. Vienna
On Earth Day 2020, Vienna became the world's first green metropolis. It is also one of the world's most livable cities. This major tourist destination boasts Baroque palaces, Gothic edifices, Art Nouveau buildings and grandiose squares with statues of emperors and musicians evoking its rich history. Other futuristic monuments stand in the heart of the business district or the fantastic MuseumsQuartier. Visitors will appreciate the excellence and variety of the cultural program and the incomparable wealth of the museums, where works by Bruegel or Klimt as well as those by Andy Warhol can be admired. You can also follow in the footsteps of Freud or Hundertwasser, to name but two inspiring Viennese artists. Art of living? The art of Viennese cafés, of course! And the joy of hiking in the forest, discovering the vineyards, strolling on the Danube island, and feasting. Because Vienna has fun, waltzes and skates. And that's why, from one visit to the next, Vienna lifts our spirits and lingers in our memories.
19. Los Angeles
Hollywood, Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills... so many names that make you dream and that all come together in the largest conurbation in the western United States. So many little worlds that you can cross on the same boulevard for dozens of kilometers. The car is the best ally for unlocking the secrets of this multi-ethnic melting pot. The demographic diversity of Los Angeles is reflected in the local cuisine, an audacious cocktail of flavors where Mediterranean ancestry, Asian spices, fast-food traditions, French cooking techniques and ancestral Mexican recipes meet. But even if bling-bling is everywhere, art and culture are on conquered ground. Alongside the great museums of the Miracle Mile, the opulent galleries of Beverly Hills and the more surprising Hispanic neighborhoods to the east, new museums open every year in Los Angeles! Los Angeles means sun, surf, rock and sun... So check out our article on What to see and do in Los Angeles in 3 days...
20. Lisbon
Lisbon, a magnetic city, harmoniously combines modernity and old-world charm, making it unique in the European landscape. Long overshadowed by destinations such as Barcelona and Rome, it is now booming as a tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world to its lively streets. Boasting a rich historical past, Lisbon's superb gardens, squares, museums and ancient buildings appeal to history buffs. A city that's both romantic and dynamic, it's full of picturesque and trendy terraces and bars where life is in full swing, to the rhythm of the streetcars that cross the city. For the more patient and curious, Lisbon's many neighborhoods reveal their secrets through narrow, labyrinthine streets, including the Alfama and the lesser-known corners of the historic center. Nightlife districts such as Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré and the Docks attract party-goers until the early hours. For the contemplative, a stroll along the Tagus offers spectacular views, with reflections of the Sea of Straw and the many Miradouros scattered over the seven hills.
