Live in London because it's an English-speaking city that I think I would feel very comfortable in.
Visit Rome because I've never been a fan of Paris (no offense to any Frenchmen here, feel free to change my mind, I'll admit I don't know much of the city). It always struck me as very overrated. I'm indifferent to Madrid and Berlin currently (once again being open to having my mind changed). Rome, though, I've always wanted to visit because of the food and numerous historical attractions (Yeah IK I should be a fan of Paris for these reasons but I like Italian food a lot more and the Colosseum and Vatican always struck me as more interesting than the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral).
I would rather visit Moscow or Istanbul if they were options, though.
In regards to Paris, what I tell everyone is you basically have two Parises: Rive Gauche Paris (South of the River Seine, where you have the Latin Quarter, Boulevard Saint-Germain, Invalides, etc) and the Paris North of the Seine.
The part of Paris South of the Seine is absolutely magnificent, and makes a visit to Paris worth it. But I agree with you that I don't care for most of Paris North of the Seine either.
I also agree with you that I couldn't care less about the Eiffel Tower. However, I love Notre Dame, it's one of my favorite monuments in the world. I'd take it over the Colosseum or the Vatican any day.
I'll also point out that Paris isn't my favorite French city. My favorite is Lyon.
That being said, I think it's still the best of the major European capitals, even if it has flaws. It has more charm than London and is definitely more affordable.
And I actually found Rome kind of underwhelming. Other than the Roman ruins and the Vatican, I don't find there's a whole lot there. In Italy I definitely much preferred Florence.
Very interesting information!
Can you tell me about any landmarks in Paris that you find underrated that I perhaps wouldn't have heard of?
Also, about the Cathedral (it looks like non-Christians are allowed to visit), maybe you're right as in it'd be a good travel destination.
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