With more than 2,000 years of history, Paris is renowned for its romantic charm. Located along the Seine in the center of the Ile-de-France region, it is a beautiful location for visitors worldwide. For Americans, it is among the top travel destinations in Europe — especially this year, with the dollar-euro exchange the best in 12 years.

There is so much to see in "The City of Light," as Paris is rich with art, history and iconic sights. However, there are some attractions you absolutely cannot miss.

The Eiffel Tower, located on Champ de Mars, has become the symbol of France. Created by Gustave Eiffel during the 1889 World Fair, it lights up at nightfall for an incredible view of the city. The structure includes an exhibition about the tower's history, a world-renowned restaurant, buffet and gift shop. A panoramic view from the top of the tower affords not only the best view of Paris but also Gustave Eiffel's preserved office as well as a magnificent view of Paris.

Created by Gustave Eiffel during the 1889 World Fair, the Eiffel Tower lights up at nightfall for an incredible view of the city.

Victor Hugo's house, or Maison de Victor Hugo, is also open to the public, with free admission from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located at 6 place des Vosges, 75004, the museum features Hugo's possessions, drawings and travel souvenirs, as well as some original interior decoration. Hugo lived in the home from 1832-1848 with his family, and he wrote a large part of "Les Miserables" while in residence there.

Your artistic cravings will be satisfied by an afternoon at the Musee d'Orsay, one of Paris' finest art museums, featuring the largest collection of works from 1848-1915, including originals by Cezanne, Manet, Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh. The artwork is housed in what used to be a train station, giving the museum an enormous arched ceiling and an abundance of natural light.

Musee d'Orsay, one of Paris' finest art museums, features the largest collection of works from 1848-1915, including originals by Cezanne, Manet, Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.

Modern art enthusiasts will delight in The Centre Pompidou, located on Rue Saint-Martin 4e, which hosts the biggest collection of modern art from 1900-present, save for New York's MoMa. The museum features works by Duchamp, Kandinsky, Dali, Magritte, Rothko, Pollock and more, with a back collection of 50,000 pieces.

Modern art enthusiasts will delight in The Centre Pompidou, which hosts the biggest collection of modern art from 1900-present, save for New York's MoMa.

Another famous Parisian site is the Louvre, the largest museum in Paris. A museum since 1793, it is best known for housing the Mona Lisa. The Louvre features Western art from the Middle Ages thru 1848, as well as collections of Ancient Oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Islamic, Etruscan and Roman art. The museum is open Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., and Saturday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Keep in mind that rooms begin shutting down a half-hour before the museum's official closing time.

Another famous Parisian site is the Louvre, the largest museum in Paris, which houses the Mona Lisa.

The Notre Dame Cathedral, a staple of art history and the inspiration for "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," is a must-see stop in Paris. The gothic church was started in 1163 and has witnessed a multitude of historical events, such as Napoleon's coronation in 1804 and Paris' liberation in 1944. While the Notre Dame is a famous visiting place for tourists, please be respectful, keeping in mind that the cathedral is still operating as a place of worship.

The Notre Dame Cathedral was started in 1163 and has witnessed a multitude of historical events, such as Napoleon's coronation in 1804 and Paris' liberation in 1944.

The Arc du Triomphe is an instantly recognizable French landmark. Located at the western end of the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe was completed in 1836 to honor those who fought for France. The Arc was particularly made to honor soldiers who died during the Napoleonic Wars. Now home to a memorial flame and The Unknown Solider, the Arc du Triomphe continues to be an active memorial in addition to a lasting part of Paris' landscape.

The Arc du Triomphe was created to honor soldiers who died during the Napoleonic Wars.

The Palace of Versailles is famous for its decadence, in addition to its artistic and historical value. Versailles began as Louis Xlll's hunting lodge, but his son expanded Versailles into a palace when he moved the government there in 1682. Kings continued to live in and enhance the palace until the French Revolution, and the palace was converted into a museum in 1837.

Versailles began as Louis Xlll's hunting lodge, but his son expanded Versailles into a palace when he moved the government there in 1682.

To round off your essential tour of Paris, stop by Butte Montmarte, which houses the Roman Catholic church, Sacre-Coeur, at the top of its 222 steps. Sacre-Coeur was built in 1919, and entrance is free to visitors every day until 10:30 p.m. There is a picturesque carousel at the foot of the steps, and the top offers a beautiful view of Paris. Next to Sacre-Coeur is a village reminiscent of Old Paris, which served as inspiration to the likes of Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec and Pissarro, and it is only a short walk to the nearby Moulin Rouge.

To round off your essential tour of Paris, stop by Butte Montmarte, which houses the Roman Catholic church, Sacre-Coeur, at the top of its 222 steps.

Shopping in Paris is on everyone's bucket list and, again, the city does not disappoint. A wonderland of shops stretches along the world-famous Avenue des Champs-Elysees, delighting visitors all the way from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre. It is home to many restaurants, movie theaters and stores, where one can pick up cute souvenirs or the latest trend in fashion.

The Faubourg Saint-Honore district features more upscale designers like Versace, Hermes and Yves Saint Laurent, whereas the Marais district has more brand-name, lower-price-point stores and perfume shops. If you have an urge for affordable vintage wear, try Omaya Vintage at 29 Rue Jean-Pierre Tim baud.

A wonderland of shops stretches along the world-famous Avenue des Champs-Elysees, delighting visitors all the way from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre.

Finally, stop by one of these two famous bookstores for something to read while sipping that café au lait at a nearby bistro. Shakespeare and Company, founded in 1951 and located at located at 37 rue de la Bucherie, boasts rare editions and secondhand books, and was featured in Ernest Hemingway's memoir, "A Moveable Feast." Chantelivre (13 rue de Sevres Ge) was the first children's bookshop in Paris and now houses 75 percent of children's literature on the market. As always, be cautious of pickpockets, and practice politeness at all times. Make sure to greet storekeepers and say goodbye when you leave.

For more Paris sight-seeing, stop by the Pont des Arts footbridge, where couples attach initialed locks to the bridge and throw the key into the Seine. Or visit the Jardin du Luxembourg, which features 25 acres of gardens, statues, fountains and ponds. The Pere Lachaise Cemetery, home to the famous graves of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf, is often frequented by visitors. You can also check out La Pagode, a renovated Japanese pagoda that is now a beautiful independent cinema, with a tea garden next door.

For more Paris sight-seeing, stop by the Pont des Arts footbridge, where couples attach initialed locks to the bridge and throw the key into the Seine.

Dining in Paris, well known for its delicious cuisine, is a destination unto itself. Blocks of world-renowned restaurants dot each street and every corner. Favorite French staples include escargots, delicious cheeses, croquet monsieurs, macaroons, crepes and anything made at a local bakery (baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolates, etc.)

It's helpful to know Paris etiquette, as some customs differ from American culture. All prices will include service and tax charges, so there is no need to tip your waiter. You're always free to leave some change or a couple of euros as an extra thank you, but it's not frowned upon to leave nothing at all. Parisians dine late, usually from 7 p.m. onward, so keep that in mind when making dinner plans. Also, know that it will typically cost more to sit in outdoor seating.

Dining in Paris, well known for its delicious cuisine, is a destination unto itself.

An easy city for tourists to navigate, Paris offers many economical ways to tour the capital. The metro is the quickest and cheapest way to travel and operates every day from 6 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. and has digital route maps to chart your course.

An alternative to the metro, buses display their number and terminus on the front and sides, and bus stops will show which numbers stop there. Buses run 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day but Sunday. The Noctilien is a night bus that runs from 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. if you need transportation during hours when other forms of transportation are closed.

The French Regional Express (RER) train has fewer stops than the metro and is faster. Using the RER, you can cross the entire city of Paris in just 15 minutes! There are five RER lines within city limits, and several have metro connections. The RER runs from 6 a.m. until 12:30 a.m., the same hours as the metro.

An easy city for tourists to navigate, Paris offers many economical ways to tour the capital. The metro is the quickest and cheapest way to travel.

If you choose, you can also travel Paris by foot or bicycle. Bicycles can be rented at Velib stations throughout the city, and the first half-hour is always free. Taxis are also available, although they are more expensive than public modes of transportation.

With so much to do in Paris and the excellent exchange rate that lets you do more for less, why wait?