The 7 cities you ‘must visit before you die,’ according to 50 travel experts—only one is in the U.S.

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Traveling is one of the most meaningful experiences you can have in life. It’s an opportunity to see the world differently and learn about new cultures.

But what are the cities you visit before you die? It can be hard to narrow down. As travel journalist of over 20 years, I recently interviewed more than 50 travel enthusiasts, experts and agents. I asked each of them for their No. 1 picks.

Here are the most popular answers:

1. Paris, France

Paris, the City of Light, was by far the overwhelming favorite.

“I love the ambiance, culture and overall romantic vibe,” says Susan Sherren, founder of luxury travel-planning service Couture Trips. But crepes and croissants barely scratch the surface of what the city has to offer.

The Eiffel Tower isn’t the only sight to see in Paris, although it is magnificent. Tourists can journey to the top and enjoy a glass of champagne for 45,80 euros.

D. Lentz | Getty Images

Paris is made for strolling and magical scenery, be it the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or lesser-known spots like the Musée de l’Orangerie, where you can see a large collection of Monet murals.

Love shopping? Head to the exclusive boutiques on Île Saint-Louis. On a honeymoon? Take a romantic cruise on the peaceful Canal St. Martin.

2. Rome, Italy

Kaleigh Kirkpatrick calls Rome her must-see destination thanks to its old-world attractions — and gelato!

Photo: Kaleigh Kirkpatrick

In addition to Rome’s many famous pizzerias (Kirkpatrick recommends Pinsere) and seeing its once-in-a-lifetime sights, she always tells clients to check out the underground ruins.

“Rome presently exists with three older ‘cities’ buried underneath, and archeologists have uncovered numerous churches, homes and aqueducts that tourists can visit,” she says.

Tap into Rome’s history by taking a tour of Parco degli Acquedotti, a public park right outside of the city center, or see the underground catacombs that date back to the second century.

3. New York City, U.S.

Just a short walk from the 9/11 Museum, New York City tourists can take a ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty.

Cmart7327 | E+ | Getty Images

On top of classic fixtures like the Empire State Building and Times Square, he recommends the 9/11 Memorial Museum, too: “It’s now as much a part of New York City history as the Statue of Liberty.”

Other sites to check out: the New York Public Library, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the New York Botanical Garden and the rotating schedule of award-winning Broadway shows.

4. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is beautiful from any angle, but especially from the peaks of the surrounding mountains.

Photo: Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography

Cape Town’s natural splendor is best witnessed in the Cape of Good Hope National Park, he adds, “which can be explored via kayak, or Boulders Beach, home to the infamous penguin colonies.”

If you aren’t looking for that kind of adventure, there are also a number of fun, low-key options: “The towering cliffs and peaks of the region are ideal for picnics in remote locations, while Long Street and Cape Malay come alive for dinner and nightlife.”

5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio’s natural beauty and vivid urban life make it Manny Salorio’s “must-see” destination.

Photo: Manny Salorio

You can spend your entire trip on the iconic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches or visit world-renowned destinations like Christ the Redeemer (the famous Art Deco-style statue of Jesus) and the Maracanã stadium, one of the world’s largest soccer stadiums.

The Tijuca National Park, the world’s largest urban forestland and home to over 350 animals, offers amazing sights on a Jeep or ATV tour.

And don’t forget to explore the city’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene, where you can dance to live Bossa Nova and Samba music.

6.Tokyo, Japan

For cosplay fashion, futuristic technology and Buddhist temples, head to Tokyo. The vibrant city is full of iconic sights, like the 2,080-foot-high Tokyo Skytree and the ancient Senso-ji temple.

Sensoji Temple’s kaminarimon — or “thunder gate” — was first constructed around 1,000 years ago.

Allan Baxter | The Image Bank | Getty Images

7. Istanbul, Turkey

Elaina Vieira says Istanbul should be on everyone’s travel list, especially because of its unique Byzantine architecture.

Photo: Zac Carroll

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