HOUSTON – Houston ranked in the top 10 on a list of the best 46 places in the world to visit.
According to the New York Times' annual look at the best of the world locales, Houston ranks No. 7. The Times article is called "The 46 Places to go in 2013" and lists Rio de Janeiro as the No. 1 spot, saying "because the whole world will be there in 2014," referring to the Summer Olympic Games.
Cecile Reynolds is from Houston and said she was surprised to see Houston in the 7th spot.
"Are you serious?" she said. "What did they base it on? The wonderful warm weather we normally have?"
Stephanie Kline is visiting from Chicago for the Chevron Houston Marathon.
"It's a little surprising, coming from Chicago," she said. "But I can see why. Houston is a great city!"
The Times article said the great Houston Museum District is one of the reasons our city fares so well on its list. It also said the restaurants in town are a great asset, saying the city is "making a bid to be the state's cultural and culinary capitol as well."
Houston is one of only six U.S. locations to make the list, a fact the President of the Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau said is the perfect exposure.
"There's no way we could buy this kind of publicity," he said. "This is better because if we bought it no one would believe it. This is much better for us."
The New York Times story is online now and will hit newsstands Sunday .