8. Paris, France
Paris is arguably the most iconic, recognizable city in the entirety of Europe. From the world famous sites of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe, to the beautiful parks, rivers, churches, and architecture, there is a lot to like about the capital of France. Yet, there are some factors that move Paris down from the very top spots on this list, and they will be discussed along in this page along with the many highlights.
Happiness: 21st — (World Happiness Report)
Historical Landmarks: 1st — 4 World Heritage sites close/in the city (the banks of the Seine, Palace and Park of Versailles, Palace and Park of Fontainebleau, Provins)
Sports: 8th — One club in the top French division, though it’s the current best club in France (PSG)
Schools and Education: 2nd — 9 universities in the global top 1000, including two in the top 50 (Sorbonne Universite and Universite de Paris)
Governmental Stability: 22nd
Crime: 51st — Moderate/high crime in all categories, especially with vandalism and mugging
Healthcare: 1st
Affordability: 48th — 70.8 rating on the Cost of Living index
Food: 1st — 127 Michelin star restaurants in the city, including 9 with 3 stars
Innovation: 2nd
Pollution: 41st — 63.4 rating on the pollution index
Climate: 18th — mid 40s in degrees Fahrenheit during the winter, mid 70s in the summer
Personal Note: I was able to visit Paris in the summer of 2017, and especially at this time of year, its status as one of the most visited cities in the world quickly becomes apparent. Around all the most famous attractions I visited, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the now-under construction Notre Dame Cathedral, the crowds of people were often overwhelming. Of course, those sites are essential to see when visiting the city, but along the less crowded, slightly more residential areas there was far less dominant foot traffic, which offered a nice change of pace. Paris is another very elegant and regal-feeling city, from its distinct architecture to incredible options for food, which I thoroughly enjoyed. In such a large city with so much history, there is a better balance between tourist and residential life than may be expected. Despite my limited time there, I quite enjoyed the city and fully understand its placement in this list, even if it may not be around the highest of my personal favorite cities.
