Paris – 7th arrondissement

As someone who grew up entirely in the United States, I've come to take for granted the idea of New York as "the city that never sleeps". Twenty-four hours a day you'll find action on the streets of the Big Apple, and many other American cities to boot. Don't most cosmopolitan areas work that way? Not in France, apparently. Paris definitely sleeps; and in February, she takes her sweet time getting out of bed. When you're in the midst of jet-lag and you're still waking up at 4 AM each morning, you're ready to rock those streets as soon as the sun even peeks its head above the horizon. But the rest of Paris? They're still dreaming of last night's dinner.

If you're looking for quiet introspection and a peaceful, taciturn look at the various architectural delights, you can get it in Paris; despite the fact that there are millions and millions of people crammed into this sprawling metropolis. The city streets are yours alone if you wander out before breakfast.

-David Driscoll