For the list, US News looked at more than 700 destinations, taking into account reader votes with expert and editor analysis. 

Destinations are evaluated across 10 categories including sights, culture, food, nightlife, adventure and romance. 

The French capital outranked the competition for its world-renowned attractions, cuisine and charming atmosphere. 

Rounding out the top five spots is New Zealand's South Island with its breathtaking scenery and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, followed by Rome, Tahiti, and London. 

Read also: Paris tops ranking of world's healthiest cities

Editors also say they're also seeing an "unmistakable" trend in outdoor vacations and experiences. 

The top vacation destination for the US is Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park. The full results can be found on the US News and World Report site.

Here are the results:

World's Best Places to Visit                                       

1. Paris  

2. South Island, New Zealand 

3. Rome  

4. Tahiti, French Polynesia 

5. London 

Best Places to Visit in the USA

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

2. Yosemite National Park, California  

3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming  

4. Maui, Hawaii  

5. Glacier National Park, Montana