Top 10 unusual festivals in the world

If you want to seeking novelty for your trip can refer festivals and special events later.

1. Gold Rush Days At Sacramento, California, USA, on the International Labour Day is this ancient city celebrated festival Gold Rush Days again and turns the street  into a scene like in the Wild West movies from the 1850s..

 Gold Rush Days

 2. Day of the Dead, Mexico as creepy as it sounds, is commonly known as 'Dia de Muertos' in Spanish and is traditionally celebrated on 1st and 2nd of November in Mexico. This festival celebrates the lives of loved ones who have died while also reminding people about their own mortality. Skull is used as a symbol of the holiday. People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed and build private altars containing foods and beverages, as well as photos of the dead. This is done to encourage visits by the soul.

In those days, the kind of candy shaped coffins and skeletons, the puppets made ​​of paper filled in shops.

3. Loy Krathong festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand  has an unequalled charm and mystique, whether it is celebrated on a grand scale in a major city or quietly in a small village of just a few rude huts, but for a truly breathtaking experience, the north of Thailand is the place to go. Even from the end of Lent, the build-up starts with firecrackers banging and booming in the night and, gradually, there appear what seem to be moving orange stars in the sky. As Loy Krathong itself nears, coconut frond archways spring up at the gates of houses, earthen lamps glow in the night, and paper streamers and lanterns appear everywhere.

Loy Krathong festival take in three-day , which takes place around the full moon day of November

4. Thaipusam in India: This is the only weird festivals in name against India which has over 33 lakh Gods and Goddesses.  The festival is celebrated among the Tamils were in they celebrate the birth of Murugan, the Son of Shiva and Parvati. The participants go bald and then do weird stuffs like hooking up sharp things and then pulling heavy objects with the hooks. The general belief is that the more you receive pain, the more blessings are what you will get.

Thaipusam in India

5. Naked Festival in Japan: January in Japan is as cold as in other northern parts of the hemisphere. But the freezing temperature does not deter thousands of men running in the streets with nothing but a loincloth on them. Hadaka Matsuri is a festival for ritual purification held in different forms across Japan. In Inazawa, men in loin cloths struggle to touch a naked man called Shin-otoko for good luck. These naked festivals are fun events but with undertones of spiritual significance.

 The freezing temperature does not deter thousands of men running in the streets with nothing but a loincloth on them

 6. The Fringe Festival, Edinburgh is the world's largest art festival where visitors, artists, music and theatre mix together in a beautiful experience. This makes Edinburgh one of the most beloved places in UK. From 3 to 27 August, spanning 25 days, this year's festival will involve over 25,000 artists with over 40,000 performances!

The Fringe Festival originated when some artists weren't accepted to participate in the official Edinburgh's international festival

7. The Bristol International Balloon Festival is now in its 35th year and is Europe’s largest ballooning event. It’s a spectacular, free, four days of fun for the whole family from 8th – 11th August 2013. During the fiesta over 150 hot air balloons will take off from Ashton Court Estate at 6am and 6pm and light up the skies on Thursday and Saturday night with the famous nightglows. Fun activities on the

The event features four days of colourful hot-air balloon displays, attracting over half a million visitors to the scenic grounds of Ashton Court

8. Las Fallas, Spain one of Spain's most odd and crazy festival held every year in Valencia. Las Fallas means "the fires" in Valencian. The origin of Las Fallas dates back to the 16th century when the onset of spring season was celebrated as a pagan ritual. The focus of this festival is to create and destroy ninots(puppets or dolls), which are statues made out of cardboard,wood,paper-mache and plaster. These ninots are lifelike and usually demonstrate satirical scenes or poke fun at corrupt politicians and Spanish celebrities. Many ninots are several feet tall. The ninots remain intact until March 19th, after which men stuff them with fireworks.

All the streetlights are switched off and the ninots are set on fire at 12 am exactly

9. Inti Raymi - The Festival Of The Sun In Cusco Peru: Every year on the 24th of June, Cusco celebrates the festival of Inti Raymi. This festival was celebrated by the Incas as the Festival of the Sun where the God of the Sun Wiracocha is honored. The Inti Raymi symbolizes the eternal consecration of marriage between the Sun and his sons, the human beings. Inti Raymi was the most important festival of the Inca empire Tawantinsuyu which based its religion on the cult of the Sun. On the 24th of June they celebrate the winter solstice, in other words the beginning of the Sun's New Year.

Viewers will be attracted by the spectacular performances of the colorful costumes, music, dance and performances fire to sacrificial

10. Dragon Boat Festival, China , also known as the Dwanwu Festival has been celebrated in China for more than 25,000 years! The Fifth day of the Fifth lunar month marks the beginning of the various events held and also boosts up the tourism industry. Legend says that a Chinese patriot, Qu Yuan threw himself into the Mi Lo river to protest against the corrupt government in the period of 475-221 BC. In order to save him and prevent the fish from eating him, the locals threw rice patties into the river. Ever since then rice dumplings or zongzi are prepared and eaten during this festival season. Other activities include drinking realgar wine and dragon boat racing.

The race begins with the rowing of boats to the rhythm of pounding drums

Top 10 most beautiful Desert on the world

1. Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang, China is one of the largest sand desert in the world. In 2008, a snowfall lasting 11 days has turned the desert into a white beach.

Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang, China

2. Lencois Maranhenses Desert in Brazil there are many salt lakes. Although containing 14% of the world's fresh water and has the largest rainforest in the world, Brazil has the honor of being one of the most beautiful deserts. Every year from July to September, the heavy rains to create the thousands of lakes in the desert. The white sand dunes with blue waters that visitors have to ask yourself is in the desert or on the coast.

Lencois Maranhenses Desert in Brazil

3. Salar de Uyuni Desert, Bolivia is the desert's largest salt water lake in the world. Located in the highlands of southern Bolivia, covering an area of ​​12,000 km2, Uyuni has 65 billion tons of salt and lots of salt  carpets spread. Lake surface reflects sunlight like a mirror. But lying at an altitude of 3,700 m and no inhabitants, it is difficult to reach this place.

Desert of Uyuni, Bolivia is the desert's largest salt water lake in the world

4. Farafra Desert in Egypt as opposed to yellow in most other places, sandy desert located in northern Egypt has attractive creamy white.

Farafra Desert in Egypt

5. Atacama Desert, Chile : Covering a total area of 105,000 sq km (40,541 sq mi), stretches 1000km (600mi) from southern Peru into northern Chile. Said to be the driest place on Earth, it receives almost no rainfall whatsoever. In fact, certain parts of the desert may not experience rainfall for hundreds of years. As a result of these harsh conditions, particularly in the lower Atacama Desert, plant and animal life is almost non-existent. The northern coastal areas, however, do receive a little more rainfall, and as a result, are less arid.

 Atacama Desert, Chileit receives almost no rainfall whatsoever

6. Namib Desert, Namibia/Angola :Covering an area of 81,000 km sq (31,274 sq mi), the Namib is a coastal desert, situated along the southwestern coast of the African continent. Stretching over 2000km (1200mi), the Namib crosses Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Characterized by its red sand dunes, that can reach heights of up to 1200ft (365m) or more, the Namib Desert is considered to be particularly old, even by geological standards.

Namib Desert, Namibia/Angola

7. Huacachina, Peru, America : Source Also known as the “Oasis of America”, Huacachina is an oasis around a natural lake in the desert. The oasis is in Southwestern Peru and has a population of 115 (1999). The oasis features on the back of the 50 Nuevo Sol note. A legend states that the lagoon was created when a beautiful princess was disturbed by a young hunter while bathing. She went away and the pool in which she was bathing, transformed into a lagoon. Her mantle became the surrounding sand dunes and she herself is rumored to have turned into a mermaid living in the oasis.

Huacachina, Peru, America : Source Also known as the “Oasis of America”

8. Black Desert of Egypt is located in the area formed by volcanic eruptions,distance to the white Desert Farafara is 100 km to the northeast. It is covered with small black stones.

 Black Desert of Egypt

9. Sahara Desert, North Africa :The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, spanning over 3.6 million square miles and running through several countries in Northern Africa including Egypt, Morocco, Niger, Chad, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Sudan, Mali, Algeria and Tunisia. It’s name, ‘Sahara’, is derived from the Arabic word for ‘desert’. The hottest temperature ever was recorded in the Sahara Desert - an astonishing 58 degrees Celcius. The vast majority of the Sahara is a large expanse of sand, though some mountain ranges and grasslands are present, sparse though they may be.

 Sahara Desert, North Africa

10. Antarctic Desert has largest humidity. The average rainfall in Antarctica is less than 5 mm, but at the same time, 98% of desert area is covered by ice and snow. As a result, severe weather here has dry, wet, cold makes people can not survive.

Antarctic Desert has largest humidity

Top 10 most beautiful lake in the world

 One of the most beautiful landscapes is the lakes which are also gifts of nature. Basically, they are water bodies which are somewhat like a basin surrounded by land from all sides. As water in a lake is in still position and lakes are not considered as a part of oceans. Moreover, lakes are found in mountain regions, volcanic regions or along with the rivers.

10. The Well-Known Plitvice Lakes in Croatia

The Plitvice Lakes are certainly amongst the top-rated tourist attractions in the country of Croatia. However, this is actually a formation of smaller lakes rather than one big lake – the formation is connected to a breath-taking waterfall that will surely draw your attention. The Plitvice Lakes are so beautiful that they have been voted as part of the UNESCO World Heritage. If you love lakes and you want to make a world tour of the most appreciated ones, or you are a professional photographer and you want to make the best out of what nature has to offer then you should definitely put the Plitvice Lakes on your list to visit.

The Well-Known Plitvice Lakes In Croatia

9.The  Five Flower Lake in China

It is found in Jiuzhaigou Valley of China and is a national park. Also a nature reserve which is known for colorful water lakes, waterfalls and peaks which are snowcapped. Because of colorful leaves which are blue, dark green, light yellow, etc in color and gathered at front side of lake, Five Flower Lake got its name and color.

Five flower lake in China

8. The Como Lake in Lombardy, Italy

A place where you can stroll amid palm trees and blooming rhododendrons while admiring snow-capped mountains has got to be magical, right? Blessed with a superb microclimate, Lake Como in Northern Italy is the kind of place that leaves you searching for fancy words to capture its exquisiteness—but a simple “bellisima” (beautiful) is a start. Get on the water by hiring a vintage Riva speedboat to take you on a tour of the lake’s villas and villages.

7. The Peyto Lake Located in Canada

The Peyto Lake is popular all around the world not only for its beauty, but also for its unique colors that gradually change according to season. Just like the above-mentioned Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, the Peyto Lake is another popular destination especially amongst professional photographers who want to shoot some breath-taking, unique photos. If you are in Canada and you are anywhere near Alberta, make sure to visit the Peyto Lake as you will surely not regret it!

The Peyto Lake

6. The Pichola Lake in  Udaipur, India

Maharana Udai Singh chose to build his City Palace here in 1559. Since then, Lake Pichola, one of a chain of lakes in Udaipur, has enjoyed an elevated status—even though it was artificially created in the 14th century. Adding to its allure are two islands, each with its own palace, that don’t need Instagram filters to look spectacular when silhouetted at dusk. Sail across the lake to visit Jag Mandir Island Palace, where royals used to hold parties, and have your own royal meal.

The Pichola Lake

5. The Shangrila Lake, Skardu in Pakistan

Also known as Lower Kachura Lake is located at the Shangrila Resort in Skardu. One of the most beautiful natural lakes and due to same reason, it is a famous tourist destination which even has an extra unusual restaurant which has been built on body of an airplane.

The Shangrila Lake, Skardu in Pakistan

4. The Malawi Lake in Africa

This lake has become a natural reservation not too long ago, and it is considered one of the largest, deepest and most beautiful lakes in the entire Africa. As statistics reveal, the Malawi Lake is actually situated on the ninth place in the top 10 largest lakes in the world. What makes this lake unique is not only its outstanding appearance, but also the fact that it is the home of many different species of fish. This is why the lake is protected and cherished.

The Malawi Lake in Africa

3. The Tahoe Lake  in  California and Nevada

Lake Tahoe is so beautiful that a ski resort with slopes overlooking the body of water named itself Heavenly. Driving around this crystal-clear alpine lake (the largest in North America) is enthralling, with the viewpoint at Emerald Bay a definite must. Then take the Heavenly Gondola up the mountain for a hike with a lake view. Both California and Nevada lay claim to its shoreline, (and you can ski in both states on the same day at Heavenly), making it not only a multi-season playground but also a destination for gamblers and nightlife lovers who flock to its Nevada casinos.

 The Tahoe Lake  in  California and Nevada

2. The Melissani Lake Located In Greece

Greece is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the entire world, given its outstanding tourist destinations, crystal clear waters and the numerous sandy beaches. However, there is another aspect that makes Greece popular nowadays, and that is the Melissani Lake. In a nutshell, this is basically a cave lake that is located in Kefalonia, and it is entirely surrounded by caves and forests. It is like a lost paradise located right in the middle of the nature.

 The Melissani Lake Located In Greece

1. The Australia’s Pink Lake

Just like the name suggests, this particular lake is actually pink, due to a unique combination of chemicals found in the water and some bacteria, which apparently turns the water pink when they react. This is a salt lake located in the Western side of Australia, and its bizarre yet appealing color attracts tens of thousands of curious tourists from all around the world.

The Australia’s Pink Lake

Top 10 beautiful floating hotels in the world

With luxurious interiors and stunning sea views, the hotel will help tourists immerse themselves in nature and forget the troubles in the life.

 1. King Pacific Lodge in British Columbia, Canada

Built on a floating barge, King Pacific Lodge offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the feeling of new wilderness and still have the comfort of a five star hotel. It has served seafood dishes cooked Japanese style. Many delicious seafood delicacies are also available at its luxurious restaurant and Japanese-style massage is also available at the spa. On the outside, you may enjoy the serenity of sea and many wild animals including fishes in the sea. A three night stay in one of the suites costs 4,900 USD per person.

King Pacific Lodge in British Columbia, Canada

2. ReefWorld in Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Hotels friendly environment  first world's, Reefworld  built on the banks of the magnificent coral coast of Australia. With a full underwater spa facilities and rooms made ​​of glass wall, visitors will have the opportunity to see the largest coral reef Great Barrier world right in your bedroom.  A semi-submarine is also available for the non-swimmers to enjoy the view of ocean waters from under. An underwater viewing chamber is also available inside the hotel, where residents may enjoy the view from the inside. The average cost of staying in the hotel is 620 Australian dollars per night.

 ReefWorld in Great Barrier Reef, Australia

3. Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, India

Tourists will enjoy life in the royal family staying 5 star hotels most expensive in India and the world. With palace architecture, visitors will admire with eyestrain these murals carved  on the walls, the ceiling here. All the suites in this hotel are equipped with private pools. Delicious Indian food is also available at the hotel’s three restaurants adding to great experience.

Tourists will enjoy life in the royal family here

4. Aerohotel with Hanging Gardens

Designed by architect Russia - Alexander Asadov, Aerohotel as a product came out from a science fiction novel. With design spacecraft simulation, this hotel floating on the water thanks to a special tripod system, in order to avoid negative impacts on the ecosystem environment. Especially  is the garden, café and restaurant serving full of days and nights, here. This also is unique in the sense that it is a portable hotel. The Aerohotel can be taken anywhere where there is some water for the hotel to float on.

Aerohotel is unique in the sense that it is a portable hotel

5. Conrad Maldives in Rangali Island

As one of the most famous hotels in the world,Maldiver built on 2 private island located in the Indian Ocean. In addition part of building on island, where there are corridors beautiful wooden built on a large coral area. It was named a tropical paradise, with blue sea as Sapphire .
This ocean resort has everything including every hi-tech amenity that you may need. The hotel has an all-glass undersea restaurant, which is providing additional attraction to the public who can afford such kind of luxury. 21 water spa villas are also available for the people here providing special treatments for them.

Maldiver built on 2 private island located in the Indian Ocean

6. Floating and Rotating Hotel Tower in Dubai, UAE

This is one of the architectural masterpiece of steel and glass of Dubai, with 25 floors above water. With a body design can dial 1 degree per minute, anywhere in the hotel, you also can see all sides of the city.

Floating and Rotating Hotel Tower in Dubai, UAE

7. Dragon Inn Floating Resort in Semporna, Malaysia

Hotel architecture reminds visitors think of a traditional Bajau village of Malaysian palm leaf roofs and rustic wooden corridor. Delicious dishes are also available in the restaurants of the hotel, providing freshly caught seafood. This also is the most beautiful dive sites in the world.

Dragon Inn Floating Resort in Semporna, Malaysia

8. Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa in Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is considered as the capital of exotic travel locations due to the presence of much sought locations by tourist from all over the world. This lagoon resort is one of the loveliest floating resorts all over the world. It contains 44 over-water bungalows providing the view of beautiful ocean water along with a great 2,385 foot high Mount Otemanu. People may also enjoy a variety of water sports in the hotel. The resort is specially famous for providing great service for new couples on their honeymoon

 Bora Bora is considered as the capital of exotic travel locations

9. Punta Caracol in Panama, South America

Located on the Bay of Panama, Punta Caracol Hotel with gentle beauty of eco Carible waters. Tourists can delight in playing with dolphins, walking in the rain forest, fishing and scuba diving. This floating hotel delivers adventure-packed holidays for you and your family.. When exhausted from the fun of enjoying these sports, six ‘acqua lodges’ are avaialbel for resting, which are actually floating cabins lined with palm-leafed roofs. The resort is made fully eco-friendly too. Bamboo along with local woods and plants are used in construction of this beautiful resort. A double master suite in this hotel will cost you 578 USD.

Located on the Bay of Panama, Punta Caracol Hotel with gentle beauty of eco Carible waters

10. Soneva Gili by Six Senses in Male, Maldives

From the Male capital of  Maldiver, visitors can take a 15-minute boat ride to the hotel was one of the most beautiful places in the world. 40 villas are available for people, which are constructed by the use of recycled materials. Rooftops, open-air baths, sundecks and a variety of entertainment centers add to the attraction of the hotel. The Six Senses Spa in the floating hotel also offers great exotic therapies. Price included breakfast room and travel expenses will cost your around $ 6200.

Six Senses, price included breakfast room and travel expenses will cost your around $ 6200

15 Things to do when in Paris

Paris has too many famous places to visit , the following list will help you have a clear plan with memorable experiences.

1. Explore the Orsay Museum

Orsay Museum is the former Orsay railway station of the city of Paris. Today, the museum exhibits the collection of artwork by Impressionist painter famous as Van Gogh, Degas, Gaugin ...

Orsay Museum

2. Stroll in the Royal Palace gardens

Get away from the noise and bustle is the peaceful gardens and elegant shops hidden behind the walls of the palace was built in the 17th century. It is also home to the class perfume brands in the world such as Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Pierre Hardy ...

Trees road  in the Royal Palace gardens

3. Stroll the Luxembourg Gardens

Nothing says Paris like the Luxembourg Gardens. Bordered by Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, these lovely gardens are beloved by Parisians longing to bask on a lawn chair in the sunshine or enjoy an impromptu picnic. Children of all ages race their sailboats in the basin behind the Sénat, romp in the enclosed children's' playground, take in a puppet show, or ride the city's oldest merry-go-round. A favorite circuit for joggers and amblers, the many paths are also perfect for an afternoon stroll past espaliered orchards and the old apiary, where beekeeping is taught and the honey is sold in the fall. Don't miss the excellent art exhibits at the renowned Musée de Luxembourg.

Luxembourg Gardens

4. Visit Ile Saint-Louis

Saint Louis bridge behind Notre Dame cathedral gardens leading to Ile Saint-Louis like an oasis, a perfect place for those who like to walk around with the old villas have a large front and quiet yard of century 17.

Saint Louis bridge

5. Visit the Museum Rodin

Once the great sculptor's studio, this stately 18th-century mansion is one of Paris's most beautiful museums and contains more than 6,000 of Rodin's sculptures, including his great masterpieces The Thinker, The Kiss, The Burghers of Calais, and The Gates of Hell, along with 8,000 drawings and gouaches. The lovely grounds of the Museum Rodin, complete with a fountain, rose gardens, and a pleasant outdoor cafe make for a delightful afternoon outdoors. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and a cycle of exhibits on contemporary works.

 Museum Rodin

6. Take a boat tour Bateau Mouche

Nothing can be compared by looking at the city of Paris, graceful bridges and the most famous sights of the city with a relaxing boat trip lasts 2-4 hours.

Take a boat ẹnjoy Paris is experience not to be missed

7. Explore the Promenade Plantée and Promenades des Berges

This three-mile walkway of verdant gardens atop the Viaduc des Arts, a former railway, includes flower gardens, climbing rose arbors, fountains, sculptures, and some wonderful vistas of Paris streets and architecture seen close-up. A refreshing respite, the Promenade Plantée a great place for an early morning jog or shopping at the artisan galleries housed under the arches below.
The brand new Promenades des Berges along the Seine that begin just in front of the Musée d'Orsay has something for everyone. In summer, take in an outdoor movie, live music, or have a drink at the floating cocktail lounge while enjoying gentle breezes from the Seine.

Promenade Plantee street

8. Le Fumoir

Any restaurant-bar located near the Louvre Museum should be a tourist trap or overpriced. Remarkably, the consistently excellent Le Fumoir is neither. Under head chef Henrick Andersson, Le Fumoir serves brunch and dinner daily, and stays open late for a fine martini — or three. Try the stand-out appetizer, herrings marinated in xérès (sherry) with creamed cucumber on spiced bread. The restaurant's decor is discreet, clubby chic, with dark leather and smooth lacquer, and the book-lined rear dining room is wonderfully intimate. With Wi-Fi and a generous spread of international newspapers and magazines, it's also the ideal place to lay your plans for attacking the city's sights, many of which lie within striking distance (the front door of the Louvre is steps away).

Le Fumoir

9. Enjoy lunch at the Paul Bert restaurant

Serving classic French fare with a gourmet twist in a bustling, high-energy atmosphere, Bistrot Paul Bert is a quintessentially Parisian bistro, and one of the best and most popular with the foodie crowd. Classics like golden pomme frites and côte de boeuf, a superb sole meunière, or more rarified dishes, like duck and roasted pear keep the crowds coming back. Ingredients are seasonal, the cheese plate overflowing, and the wine list superb. Best of all, it won't break the bank. What's not to love about that?Paul Bert restaurant space

Paul Bert restaurant space

10. Shakespeare and Company Bookshop

Time has not sundered the love-in between literature and Paris's Left Bank. The Shakespeare and Company bookstore, has long been a fixture of the affair. The original shop, which doubled as a library, publisher and boarding house for aspiring writers, was opened by American Sylvia Beach and was featured in Ernest Hemingway's memoir, A Moveable Feast. The store closed during World War II, and was reopened in its current incarnation in 1951 by George Whitman, whose daughter, Sylvia (named after Beach), runs things today. Out front, bookstands surround an ornate drinking fountain, erected in the 19th century to service the area's poor. Inside, there's an extensive stock of second-hand books. When you're done browsing, retire with reading matter to the nearby restaurant Le Procope. Once the haunt of luminaries like Voltaire, Rousseau and Verlaine, its walls are adorned with author-signed title pages, addressed like so many love letters to "Le Procope." The sumptuous set menu (€46 for three courses) is dubbed "The Philosophes."

Shakespeare and Company Bookshop

11. Saturday wine tasting at La Dernière Goutte

A convivial wine shop if there ever was one, Cuban-American owner Juan Sanchez and his staff of knowledgeable wine lovers at La Dernière Goutte host a popular tasting every Saturday from 11:30 am until closing. A favorite neighborhood cave of wine-loving expats and Parisians alike, all the wines on offer—mostly natural or biodynamic—are meticulously handpicked from small producers in every region of France. By the time you leave you'll know something more about wine, and you may even have met a new lifelong friend.

La Dernière Goutte is a convivial wine shop

12. Shopping in Saint-Honoré

All high-end fashion brand of France and the world have shops on Saint-Honoré Street, stretching from the Royal Palace to the Elysee Palace, will meet the needs of the fashion followers tireless .

Saint-Honoré Street

13. Pompidou Centre

Three decades into its life, it's clear that the Centre Pompidou has succeeded in its aim of being both art gallery and cultural hub. Its modern and contemporary art collection, with over 50,000 works and multiple temporary exhibitions, is one of Europe's most significant, and its public library and performance spaces throng with life — more than 6 million visit the Pompidou each year. The landmark building, designed by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano, wears its skeleton on the outside, with tubes and structures color-coded to denote their function — blue for air conditioning, green for plumbing, yellow for electricity, red for elevators. (Piano, who championed the revitalization of the Pompidou's environs, has his workshop a stone's throw away in the Marais.)

Pompidou Centre

14. Shopping in Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

A world unto itself, the 150-year-old market is the world's largest and most famous flea market. Within the Marché aux Puces‘s labyrinthine alleys and stalls can be found every imaginable curiosity and treasure at a price for every pocketbook—from vintage couture and antique luggage to gilded mirrors and burnished silver, there is truly something for everyone. Even if you don't love antiques, you'll still adore the market's ambiance, totally unique to Paris. Just opened in June, the new Village Vintage offers the best of mid-century modern fashions and furnishings, and all of Paris is flocking to Philippe Stark's stylish Ma Cocotte restaurant.

 This 150 year old market is one of the largest flea markets and most famous in the world.

15. View from the Eiffel Tower

Crowded though it may be, the Eiffel Tower is still Paris's most beloved monument, but there's much more here than a just spectacular view: ice-skating in winter, a treasure hunt for kids, special exhibitions, and fun gift boutiques. With world-famous restaurateur Alain Ducasse at the helm of the tower's eateries, there's even more reason to visit. Enjoy a glass of champagne at the top of the tower, lunch at the new 58 Tour Eiffel on the first floor, or an elegant dinner at Le Jules Verne. There are also two well-priced cafés with healthy salads and sandwiches.

The scenery around the Eiffel Tower