Hi, my husband and I are going to Italy and paris. can anyone give me the "must see" most popular things in
1. paris: what are the most center places which are near by to all the popular things to visit? and also a affordable budget hotel?

2. rome : what are the things to see there? most popular attraction? where to stay? how to get around the city?

3. venice: same question as rome

4. florence: same question as above.

thanks so much.
paula

I visited Paris for a week and found the best way to become oriented is to purchase a 3 day pass on the city bus. It stops at all the main attractions every 15 to 20 minutes. I suggest that you get a map and pen, then ride the complete route of the bus. It is amazing how easy you will find getting around Paris. Don't miss Napoleon's tomb or his apartment in the Louve. Near the tomb is the War Memorial. I almost didn't go in but all Americans should view this and plan to stay 2 hours. You will be amazed at the history, our history that is displayed there. Don't go to Notre Dame on a Sunday.. .. ..extremely crowded. The Church of Mary Magdaline is absolutely gorgeous and worth the visit. You can go to the top of the Arch de Triumph and the view of the modern Paris on one side with the Old Paris down the other side. Be sure and try the crepes offer by the street vendors, downtown. For goodies to take home, I found the vendors near Notre Dame to be willing to bargin and I found a few great bargins.
Have fun and don't miss Monet's Home, if you like art and it's history.

Hi I am also a first time visiter to rome and am wandering what are the best sites to visit apart from the sixteenth chapel I hear the lines are mad.