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An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included

The best trips to Paris blend the new and the old. Here, a longtime Francophile shares which landmarks are worth visiting, plus a mix of classic and recently opened hotels, restaurants, bars, and more.

• Best Hotels and Resorts

Best Things to Do

Best nightlife.

• Best Restaurants

Best Time to Visit

How to get there, other neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

First-timers come to Paris seeking Eiffel Tower views, flaky croissants, snapshots of the Mona Lisa, and a proper taste of steak frites. Even seasoned visitors of the City of Light would agree: Cravings for that postcard version of the city don’t abate easily, but there’s so much more to see (and taste, and do). 

Luckily, part of Paris' enduring magic is how expertly it weaves the living museum of itself — the can’t-miss landmarks, historic cafes, and perfectly preserved artist studios — with the momentum of what’s new. A Michelin-starred restaurant with a deep-cut Champagne list beckons just beyond the Eiffel Tower; a kaleidoscopic Wes Anderson-inspired hotel sits on the corner of the Hôtel de Ville; and late-night wine and cocktails lure in chefs and industry folk until 5 a.m. at a bar beside Place de la République. You don’t have to choose between the old and new Paris. It’s all there — you just need to know where to look. 

To that end, I’ve curated a list of tried-and-true bonnes adresses to help you plan the perfect trip to Paris, from the city’s most luxurious hotels to convivial natural wine bars, expansive concept shops, museums of all kinds (everything from Picasso to perfume), and restaurants for every occasion. 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• It’s certainly a splurge, but there’s no place more emphatically Parisian than the Ritz Paris, where sumptuous suites and the Bar Hemingway beckon. 
• The superb lunchtime tasting menu at Michelin-starred Substance is inventive, surprisingly affordable, and conveniently around the corner from the Eiffel Tower. 
• Visit the former studio and gardens of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle at the intimate Musée Bourdelle, tucked away in the 15th arrondissement. 
• Spend your Sunday souvenir shopping at one of the world’s largest flea markets, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. 
• Mingle with local chefs, bar owners, and other industry folk over a nightcap at Cavalier, a natural wine and cocktail hot spot just off the Canal Saint-Martin.

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Cheval blanc.

Courtesy of Cheval Blanc Paris

Perched just over the Pont Neuf in the historic Samaritaine department store, this 72-room marvel is a beacon of luxury (of the LVMH variety). The location is as central as it gets and the spa is divine (it’s Dior), plus there’s a dreamy lap pool and sauna as well as an intimate new Japanese restaurant. 

Le Grand Mazarin

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

Step into your own Wes Anderson film at this Martin Brudnizki-designed property on Rue des Archives, smack in the middle of the bustling Marais . Here, 61 maximalist rooms and suites dazzle with velvet headboards, ornate tapestries, and objets d’art . Dip down to the subterranean pool to admire the Cocteau-inspired fresco, then treat yourself to the salted chocolate mousse at Boubalé .

The Ritz Paris remains in a class of its own. Classical music plays underwater at the pool here, while marble fireplaces, sumptuous drapes, peach-colored bathrobes, and over-the-top room service transport you to a bygone Paris — one where you might still find Marcel Proust scrawling notes in the tea room, or Coco Chanel checking in on her atelier. If you’re not looking to splurge on a stay, be sure to book in at Bar Hemingway and take a stroll around the covered arcade just to bask in the hotel’s history. 

Cour des Vosges

This sublime address feels like a well-kept secret: It’s discreetly tucked away in one of the arcades around the leafy Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest and most picturesque planned square. A spiral staircase (and a small elevator) lead to a dozen rooms and suites where exposed wood beams, curated libraries, and well-stocked bar carts welcome you home.

Saint James Paris

Fancy a visit to the French countryside, but short on time? Transport yourself there with a stay at this newly redesigned château hotel — the only one of its kind in the city — that borders the sprawling Bois de Boulogne (and the must-see Louis Vuitton Foundation ) in the ultra-private 16th arrondissement. Grab a martini at the sexy, wood-paneled Library Bar or steal away in the beautifully manicured gardens with a good book — and don’t miss the elegant Guerlain spa and lap pool. 

Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure

Visit a museum.

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to at least one museum — and luckily, the city has more than 130, dedicated to everything from impressionism to wine to the art of smoking. While droves of people will queue up for their selfie with the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, I’d encourage you to check out some of the quieter, quirkier museums — like Maison Fragonard’s perfume museum , Montmartre’s charming literary museum , or the kid-friendly fairground museum hidden in the Pavillons de Bercy — which are often located in less central neighborhoods and will bring you into more local Paris. 

When it comes to art museums, it’s hard to top Musée Picasso , housed in a 17th-century mansion with a superlative collection by the Spanish painter plus ever-rotating exhibitions. The Centre Pompidou is the city’s always-invigorating modern and contemporary art museum, which is set to close for major renovations in 2025. Musée Marmottan Monet , meanwhile, is home to the largest collection of the pioneering impressionist’s work in the world, and it's running an Olympics-inspired exhibition through September 2024. Impressionist lovers shouldn’t miss the Musée d’Orsay , a former Beaux-Arts train station where you can have a tête-à-tête with works by Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and more. 

Two other favorites: Spread across two Renaissance mansions and a beautiful courtyard, Musée Carnavalet explores the history of Paris through street signs and other fascinating relics of its past. Across the river, a few blocks from the Montparnasse Tower, Musée Bourdelle is a light-filled wonder of works by sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, a contemporary of Rodin whose former studio and gardens are a haven to walk around. 

Eat your way through Paris’ oldest food market.

At the heart of what is now the trendy Marais neighborhood, the Marché des Enfants Rouges has been operating since 1615 and retains much of its out-of-time charm. It’s a beguiling labyrinth of food and flower stalls: tried-and-true favorites include Chez Alain Miam Miam 's famous sandwiches, the seafood-focused small plates and natural wines of Les Enfants du Marché , and the carnivorous hedonism of The Butcher of Paris . 

Tour the city’s covered passages. 

The French know a thing or two about the art of shopping, as evidenced by the sublime elegance of the 19th-century covered passageways running throughout Paris. Less than two dozen of the nearly 200 original glass arcades remain, and are now home to rare bookshops, vintage postcard stores, artisan workshops, clothing shops, and wine bars. Trusted guide companies like Viator and Get Your Guide offer walking tours that hit the highlights (Galerie Vivienne, Passage Jouffroy, Passage des Panoramas, and more), or you can choose to wander them at your own pace.  

Hit the major landmarks.

No matter if it’s your first or 50th trip to Paris, you’ll always find yourself struck by the grandeur of the city’s famous landmarks. While some demand a visit, others, like the Eiffel Tower, best reveal their magic when glimpsed from afar (Rue de l’Université and Avenue de Camoens are two excellent viewing points). The Arc de Triomphe can be checked off your list from the Champs-Élysées, but it’s worth going up at least once to take in the spectacular views over Paris. Other main attractions, like the pristine white dome of Sacré-Cœur Basilica, should factor into part of your neighborhood explorations, as you trace your way up the steep steps of Montmartre for more panoramic views, vintage shopping, and charming museums. 

If time allows, hop on the RER C train and head toward the Château de Versailles (the station is Versailles Château–Rive Gauche), where you can immerse yourself in the gilded rooms and fairy-tale gardens of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. 

Learn the art of French savoir faire from local tastemakers.

“There’s nothing like being with a local,” says Clément Le Coz, co-founder of luxury travel agency Le Coup de Foudre , which curates bespoke itineraries around fashion, fine jewelry, antiques, literature, and just about any other creative pursuit. 

“Just getting a list of tips and places is the first step, but a moment to spend there with someone is incomparable,” he adds. Along with his wife, Justina Socas, the pair of them are devastatingly elegant — their team of in-the-know locals opens up a version of Paris that’s nearly impossible for visitors to access otherwise, including private visits to the Manufacture des Gobelins (a centuries-old tapestry factory) and lunch inside the mesmerizing atelier of La Maison Charles , a historic bronze manufacturer.  

“You’re providing a piece of history,” says Le Coz. “It’s not only taking people to a private showroom or introducing them to a fashion designer; it’s explaining the significance and the story behind it.” 

Best Shopping 

This three-story concept shop in the Marais always yields some new delight, be it a chic branded burlap tote, a pink ceramic dessert plate, or a perfectly tailored button-down shirt. It’s one of my go-to spots for souvenir shopping, and you can grab a coffee at their Used Book Cafe if you’re in need of a pick-me-up. 

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

Sundays in Paris are a quiet affair, as many restaurants and businesses are closed. To make the most of your day, head to the sprawling wonderland of the Saint-Ouen , where nearly 2,000 vendors comprise the largest secondhand market in the world.

Head to Marché Paul Bert Serpette for showrooms full of fabulous furniture; to Marché Dauphine to check out the retro spaceship centerpiece, plus vintage clothes, books, and records; and to Marché Vernaison for more than 200 vendors selling souvenir-worthy bric-a-brac. Local guides can help you find the best stalls —  Paris Flea Market is a great independent tour company leading small group and private tours. 

Shakespeare and Company

John van Hasselt/Corbis via Getty Images

Finish the book you brought to Paris? Lose yourself in the city’s legendary English-language bookstore , once frequented by literary luminaries like Allen Ginsberg and Anaïs Nin. It continues to be a welcome home for contemporary writers, hosting book talks with writers like Sheila Heti and Ottessa Moshfegh on a regular basis.

This multilevel concept store is a stone’s throw from the Marché des Enfants Rouges and feels a bit more off-the-radar than Merci. It was founded by the French federation of craft professionals and showcases hundreds of their unique handmade works, from statement necklaces to ceramic tableware.

Vintage Shops

There’s no shortage of exceptional vintage stores in Paris, from the bargain-bin kilo shops of the Marais to more curated boutiques and appointment-only showrooms. Some favorites include Sous Les Pavés, Le Vintage , a three-story funhouse of "Alice in Wonderland" proportions in Saint-Michel, specializing in 1960s Italian designers (think lots of Pucci) and meticulously restored lingerie. Vintage Inspiration Paris is a pint-sized treasure trove of Yves Saint Laurent blazers and Mugler dresses and bags up in Batignolles, while En Voiture Simone and Nice Piece are beacons of good taste in the Marais, drawing in Parisian It girls and A-listers alike. 

Pharmacie Citypharma

French pharmacies are a beauty and bargain lover’s paradise, and this is the best and biggest of the lot. From affordable retinols to brightening Caudalie products and Nuxe body oil, this two-story pharmacy in Saint-Germain-des-Prés makes for excellent souvenir shopping. 

Jon Hicks/Getty Images

Chambre Noire

Arrive early to secure a spot at this canal-adjacent watering hole — and know that you might end up staying until close. Here, hip expats, in-the-know visitors, and a good dash of French folks push together tables and knock knees on small stools as they crowd around bottle after bottle of natural wine from Austria, Germany, and, of course, France. Steal a spot on the terrace if you can — and order the olives, tortilla, and mushrooms. Just make sure you’ve marked the 4 Boulevard Jules Ferry location on the canal, as their wine shop sometimes comes up on Google Maps or Uber instead. 

Cafe La Perle

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place for people-watching than this corner cafe in the heart of the Marais. Grab a 14-euro carafe of house wine and a sidewalk stool in the early evening, then settle in to watch the parade of Parisians heading to apéro hour. Late at night, the crowd skews French and youthful, taking over the street, waving cigarettes around, and dodging scooters as they sort out their after-party plans. 

A favorite of locals and visitors alike, this Oberkampf gem is perpetually crowded. Fresh, seasonal small plates fly out of the kitchen until 11 p.m., and tables grow increasingly jubilant as magnums of wine start to crowd their tables. If you don’t mind a crowd, it’s a perfect bar no matter the weather — cozy and warm in winter, airy and flowing out onto the sidewalk in summer. 

Vinyl lovers looking for a place to groove will find it at Fréquence . While not exactly a dance bar, there are always people moving here — to what degree depends largely on the music and how packed the floor is. It’s a tiny space (which often means waiting in line to get in if you show up late), but the cocktails are reliably good, plus there’s wine and sake. The crowd thins as people rotate in and out of the downstairs smoking room. On weekends, it’s open until 4 a.m. 

Smack between Place de la République and Canal Saint-Martin, this late-night wine and cocktail bar is an industry hot spot that stays open until 5 a.m. most nights, welcoming in chefs and sommeliers who’ve just finished a shift nearby. Guest chefs whip up small plates from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; afterward, you can order cheese and charcuterie platters and oysters until the wee hours, parking yourself on the terrace in warmer weather. 

Best Restaurants 

The food around the Eiffel Tower tends to be overpriced and underwhelming — definitively not the case with one-Michelin-star Substance , which is helmed by 29-year-old chef Matthias Marc and offers a 65-euro tasting menu at lunch. Get a front-row seat to the spectacle at the chef’s counter, where he displays calm concentration and evident joy while transforming the products of his native Jura into sublime dishes (such as a transcendent gnocchi finished off tableside with Morteau sausage and vin jaune that brought me to tears). The wine list is impeccable — but if you’re feeling adventurous, trust the sommelier’s pairings. For those with time on their hands, the more immersive tasting menus — which can last three or four hours — are worth it.

Tucked down a winding private street just beside Père Lachaise, this Basque-inspired hideaway always feels like a party. In warmer weather, long tables stretch out underneath twinkling lights in what might be the city’s coolest courtyard, where locals smoke and sip on natural wine before finishing off with flan. 

Breizh Cafe

Courtesy of Breizh Cafe

It would be a crime not to eat a crepe during your trip to Paris, and you can find some of the best at Breizh Cafe . Their Brittany-style buckwheat galettes are so popular that they’ve opened up several outposts around the city — the best being their sun-soaked corner in the Marais, where they serve galettes with aged Comte, Jambon de Paris, and onions decadently caramelized in cider. 

Le Bistrot Paul Bert

Bistros abound in Paris, but none hold a candle to Paul Bert . It’s as much about the food (perfect renditions of French classics, from steak au poivre to cheese soufflé) as it is the service (our waitress was both exasperated and energetic, a delightful combination). The portions are deeply satisfying, and the wine list covers classic producers as well as up-and-comers. As such, it’s quite popular, so be sure to call ahead to book a reservation. 

Le Cheval d’Or 

A lot is happening behind the famous red facade of this freshly revamped Chinese bistro , where foodies flock for superb stuffed duck à l’orange and invigorating flavor combinations, like red pepper and rhubarb pork belly, or tofu and caviar consommé. It’s tucked away in Jourdain, a part of the 19th arrondissement that few tourists will make the trek for, so the crowd skews local and gourmand. 

Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

With so many restaurants boasting ever-rotating menus of small plates, there’s something comforting about a bistro serving up steak frites day in and day out. Le Relais de l'Entrecôte is a classic, first opened in 1959 and serving the same set menu ever since: fresh green salad with walnuts and mustard vinaigrette, followed by tenderloin steak in a drool-inducing secret sauce plus homemade french fries. Frankly, it’s perfect. Go for Sunday brunch, and wash it all down with their organic house red wine from Gaillac.

L’Avant Comptoir de La Terre

Few things bring a smile to my face faster than a gallon of cornichons sidling up to a big bowl of butter. That’s the permanent tableaux at Yves Camdeborde’s narrow bar in Saint-Germain-des-Prés , which sets my heart aflutter on every visit (no matter: a bowl of duck hearts is quick to fortify me). The meat-focused tapas menu is hearty, the wine list always has a few treasures, and best of all, it’s open on Sundays. 

Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure

Paris is a delight to visit all year round, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider booking a trip during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall), when the droves of summer tourists have left and holiday travel hasn’t yet kicked up. Flights and accommodations tend to be more affordable during these seasons as well, although you can often find great winter flights outside of Christmas and New Year’s timing. 

Fall has always been my favorite time to go — locals are returning from summer vacation and the city’s energy is completely refreshed. Plus, the warmth tends to linger for a bit. Winter , while typically gray and chilly, is charming, with holiday markets serving mulled wine around the city. In spring, cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom all around the capital, giving whole new meaning to la vie en rose . Summer sees the largest influx of tourists, but also promises of sunny promenades along the Seine and elaborate picnics in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. This summer will be an incredible opportunity to visit, as Paris will host the 2024 Olympic Games from July to August. 

The city’s two main international airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airport, offer easy and affordable access to Paris by public transit in under an hour. There are also plenty of taxis at the airport, and ride-share apps like Uber are popular.

Flights and accommodations are most pricey during summer and in December; I tend to fly with low-cost carrier French Bee , which is reliably comfortable and affordable (one-way flights start at just $189, plus there’s bottomless Champagne in their Premium class). 

Home to the city’s smaller Chinatown and two of its most spectacular parks, Belleville somehow has remained off the primary tourist circuit. It’s a local neighborhood, with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Come in the afternoon for a picnic and panoramic views in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont; stay for wine at Buttes Snack Bar and a big Laotian feast at the ultra-popular Lao Siam . Afterward, head to the famed Combat cocktail bar for a nightcap. 

Hike up to the city’s hilltop artist’s village for endless views over Paris, plus romantic hidden gardens, studio visits of famous French painters, and appointment-only vintage shopping. End the night by heading down the hill to the legendary Moulin Rouge to catch a cabaret show. 

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Art galleries, designer shops, and double-decker pharmacies full of discounted French beauty products abound in this chic and historic neighborhood, once the intellectual epicenter of the city. For culture, follow in Hemingway and Picasso’s footsteps at Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore; for retail therapy, head to Le Bon Marché , the city’s oldest (and most fabulous) department store. 

Paris is a walkable city — you’ll find yourself clocking 10,000 steps before noon most days. But if you’re heading all the way across town or just want to give your feet a break, the Métro is speedy and straightforward to use: You can purchase single-use tickets (though they are set to be phased out by 2025) or a refillable Navigo pass from an agent for longer stays. The bus network is also extensive and easy to navigate — the same tickets or Navigo pass work here, too. 

Taxis are fairly easy to come by in touristy areas, and ride-share apps like Uber work well here. Other reliable options include Bolt and G7 for reserving a taxi ahead of time.

Helpful apps to download include Le Fooding and Raisin for tracking down the best places to eat and drink, plus Google Translate , although by and large, the people in the service and hospitality industry will speak at least some English. To that point, don’t forget to say bonjour (hello) and merci ( thank you) — your effort will save you some trouble, promise.

Where to Go in 2024

Discover Paris

Plan Your Trip to the City of Light

Visit Paris and you'll discover a spectacular city packed with a dazzling array of famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, more museums than you can possibly visit in one trip, wonderful hotels and restaurants, and fascinating historic and modern neighborhoods to explore.

And that's just the beginning.  

Cruises along the tranquil Seine River and Canal Saint Martin, shopping destinations ranging from glitzy designer showrooms to street markets, non-stop summer concerts and festivals, tours and fireworks at the Palace of Versailles, and excursions to Disneyland Paris are just a few of the things you can experience here.

Whether you're planning your first Paris vacation or have traveled here dozens of times, you'll find plenty to explore and enjoy - and all the planning tips you need right here.

Welcome to Paris Discovery Guide, an independent travel website (www.parisdiscoveryguide.com) with everything you need to plan a memorable trip to Paris.

Top photo:  View of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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16 top local tips on what to do in Paris

Aug 10, 2023 • 12 min read

From cruising the Seine to strolling the city with the locals, here are the best things to do in Paris © Christopher Ames / Getty Images

Packed with iconic museums and monuments, together with low-key treasures cherished by locals,  Paris is a city that emanates "la belle vie"  (the good life).

Away from the highlights – the Louvre, Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower – Parisian life ticks along with a coffee on a terrace, a bike ride along the Seine, and wine-fueled lunches with friends in noisy bistros. Blending the blockbuster experiences with these local delights is the key to experiencing the best of Paris.

Here are the top things to do according to a local.

1. See the Eiffel Tower at night

Dodge the habitual daytime crowd zig-zagging up the Eiffel Tower ’s southern-pillar staircase or cruising by lift to the top-floor champagne bar, and experience Paris’ signature spire after dark instead. Even better: book at the Michelin-starred   Le Jules Vernes  and dine in the company of the most beautiful city panorama ensnared within Eiffel’s hypnotic metal web on the 2nd floor.

Detour : For smouldering, eyeball-to-eyeball views of the  Dame de Fer  (Iron Lady) herself, illuminated at night, enjoy a date night beneath the stars at the summer rooftop bar atop La Shangri-La Paris . Can't be in there? See it from the Seine, with Eiffel Tower views from fine-dining bateau   Ducasse sur Seine .

2. Be surprised by the artworks at Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection

There’s a secret to exploring the city’s recent art venue  addition, which opened in May 2021 in an 18th-century rotunda where the city’s grain market and stock exchange once were. Reserve tickets online, book lunch in the top-floor Halles aux Graines restaurant run by legendary French chefs Michel and Sébastien Bras, and keep your wits about you when admiring the contemporary art in this world-class collection by French billionaire François Pinault.

The exquisite "marble" replica of a late-Renaissance Giambologna sculpture in the central hall (actually a gargantuan, slow-burning wax candle by Swiss artist Urs Fischer), the pesky "pigeons" perched on the balustrade above, the "cushions" strewn on the occasional chair throughout are not what they seem. This mischievous new gallery has been designed to shock and surprise.

3. Sample local life at Paris' food (and flea) markets

Nothing reveals the backstreet grit and grind of local life quite like Paris’ stash of intoxicating markets. Most neighborhoods have one and Bastille’s morning street marché on Blvd Richard Lenoir is a brilliant introduction.

When hunger strikes, swing through the inconspicuous green metal gate on rue de Bretagne, 3e, in nearby Le Marais to uncover  Marché des Enfants Rouges . This is the city’s oldest covered market, dating from 1615, with a maze of food stalls cooking up Moroccan couscous, Japanese bento, Thai curries and other world cuisines. Order a stuffed- and sizzled-to-order toasted sandwich or galette (savoury crêpe) from gregarious Alain at  Chez Alain Miam Miam , then grab a pew to lunch with locals around communal tables.

To peek into the makings of a Parisian home, ride metro line 13 north to  Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen . A village in itself, this gargantuan nine-hectare flea market – Europe’s largest – is where thrifty Parisians gravitate at weekends to hunt down chintzy Louis XVI lamps, rare and wondrous vinyl, avant-garde fittings and furniture, antiques and other second-hand treasures for their city-sleek apartments.

4. Wander through Paris' history at Musée Carnavalet

With its photogenic twinset of hôtels particuliers (private mansions) smacking of 17th-century Parisian aristocracy and labyrinth of lavish rooms spanning time, the  Musée Carnavalet in Le Marais is an enchanting rendezvous with history. The architecture alone at Paris’ oldest museum, open since 1880, plunges you straight into the Renaissance.

Thanks to a four-year redesign costing more than €55 million, visiting the Musée Carnavalet is a sharp, immersive, chronological waltz through the glittering story of Paris, from prehistory to the terrorism-troubled 21st century. Some 3800 of 625,000 historical pieces – paintings, sculptures, furniture, signs, posters, models, coins, toys, musical instruments, erotica – adorn rooms perfectly styled to reflect each era. The most spectacular – the lavish painted ceilings, gilt and stucco of the Salons La Rivière (1652–56), Hôtel Wendel’s Art Deco ballroom, Fouquet’s Art Nouveau jewelry shop – are the Real McCoy, uprooted from their original location to the museum for safekeeping.

Planning tip:  Admission to the permanent collection is free and doesn't need to be booked in advance. End in the museum cafe, with tables enchantingly scattered in the manicured courtyard garden.

5. Explore Monet's artworks at museums across the city

Which art lover can resist Monet’s signature water lilies? Exhilaratingly gargantuan and immersive, his lilies fill two oval rooms – designed by Monet himself in the 1920s – at the  Musée de l’Orangerie in the  Jardin des Tuileries .

More Monet masterpieces rub shoulders with paintings by Cézanne, Degas, Renoir and Van Gogh in the  Musée d’Orsay , displaying world-class art from 1848 to 1914 in a resplendent 1900-built train station by the Seine. But the real gold lies off the trodden tourist trail, at the unsung  Musée Marmottan Monet . Quietly at home in an intimate, Empire-style hôtel particulier in the residential 16e arrondissement , this is where the world’s largest collection of canvases by Monet can be found.

6. Go on a treasure hunt at the Louvre

It would take nine months to simply glance at all 35,000-odd masterpieces at the  Musée du Louvre , home to one of the world’s finest collections of Western art. Instead you can join a  ThatMuse scavenger hunt to make best sense of the overwhelmingly gargantuan palace-gallery, built as a fortress for Philippe-Auguste in the 12th century and rehashed as a swish royal residence in the mid-16th.

Hunts are themed, a huge hit with families, and lead you into quieter rooms well beyond the over-crowded likes of Da Vinci’s celebrity Mona Lisa or Michelangelo’s Dying Slave . Count between two and three hours to track down, and snap a photo as evidence, up to 30 artworks – the "pieces of treasure".

Local tip: Decamp afterwards to  Café Le Nemours , one of Paris’ most mythical cafes with an elegant terrace beneath arches, for a coffee or organic Alain Millat peach juice and classic Parisian jambon et fromage baguette sandwich (or something fancier).

7. Admire Paris' iconic rooftops

Talk of inscribing Paris’ iconic rooftops on Unesco’s World Heritage List has been rumbling for years. Begin your rooftop foray at ground level on  place des Vosges , laid out as Place Royale in Le Marais in 1612. It's the city’s oldest square – and the most handsome. This is an ideal spot to admire Paris’ signature roofs from below, originally tiled in slate from the nearby Loire Valley and, from the mid-19th century, with cheaper sheets of shiny seagull-grey zinc.

A 10-minute walk away on trendy Rue Vieille du Temple, 3e, fashionistas hobnob over cocktails, barbecued meats and weekend brunch at  Au Top , a hidden rooftop with an insane 360-degree panorama.  Le Perchoir Marais is the other unmissable rooftop in the neighborhood.

Local tip:  Other Parisian-packed venues to swoon over the city’s romantic skyline: the viewing terrace of department store  Galeries Lafayette , Perruche above  Le Printemps , cocktail and DJ hub  Le Perchoir in the 11e, and farm-to-fork  Le Perchoir , at home on Europe’s largest urban farm in the 15e on – guess what – a rooftop.

8. Take a leisurely stroll like a Parisian flâneur

When 19th-century town planner Georges Eugène Haussmann bulldozed the medieval city’s cobweb of dank, narrow alleys in the 1850s to create an elegant, light-filled capital of broad tree-shaded boulevards and squares, he clearly had Parisian flânerie (strolling at leisure) in mind. Left-bank  St-Germain des Prés , right-bank  Le Marais and  Jardin du Luxembourg are classic areas for slow, indulgent walks.

For monumental grandeur around every corner, kick off on the viewing platform of  Arc de Triomphe , stroll shop-lined  Champs-Elysées to obelisk-pierced  Place de la Concorde , and cut through  Jardin des Tuileries to arch-pierced Place du Carrousel. Admire the Louvre, with its striking glass pyramid, then duck beneath the arches to Place Colette with its flashy metro-station entrance threaded with 800 Murano glass beads.

Continue into  Jardin du Palais Royal to frolic around Daniel Buren’s signature black-and-white striped columns, browse its upmarket boutique-clad arcades, chill over freshly roasted coffee at hidden  Café Kitsuné , and flop on a park bench to watch Paris go by in gorgeous slow motion.

Planning tip: Join up with  Explore Paris on a wildly creative themed walking tour of Paris such as operatic strolls with a singer in Montmartre, Chinese Belleville, or gourmet walks in Goutte d’Or.

9. Experience village life in Montmartre

Gorging on the spectacular Paris vista that unfolds from the steps of the pearly-white domes of the  Sacré-Coeur Basilica – or atop the 300 more steps spiraling up inside the church dome – is a veritable Montmartre moment. But to get under the skin of this fabled quarter of ivy-clad cottages, windmills and artist cafes, it pays to duck down hidden alleys and squares, and explore less-visited streets on the backside of the Butte (as the Montmartre hill is known).

Local tip: Reserve a table at clandestine cocktail bar  Le Très Particulier , with walled summer garden, in a 19th-century mansion on Ave Junot. Mooch a couple of doors downhill to Villa Leandré at No 23, one of the picturesque cul-de-sacs in Paris with flowery cottage gardens fronting 1920s, terraced brick houses. Another 15 minutes brings you to La Cité Pilleux (45 rue Ganneron, 18e), an equally bucolic dead-end lane with old industrial workshops re-spun as pretty little dwellings.

10. Tour the historic Cimetière du Père Lachaise

Gawping at ornate tomb art while paying your respects to 70,000 rich, famous and infamous buried in the world’s most-visited  cemetery is a riveting urban walk. The historic graveyard, open since 1804, is one of central Paris’ biggest green spaces, with 5300 trees and shrubs, and magnificent 19th-century sculptures by artists such as David d’Angers, Hector Guimard, Visconti and Chapu.

To scout out the iconic graves of 1960s rock star Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf et al, scan the QR code inside the cemetery’s Blvd de Ménilmontant entrance to access a map; or hook up with entertaining cemetery historian Thierry Le Roi. His two-hour  guided tours are legendary in their own right.

Local tip:  Visit on a sunny day after the rain to experience this unexpected green oasis at its most lush.

11. Take in the views from Arc de Triomphe's viewing platform

The Arc de Triomphe 's sky-high viewing platform is dramatically less crowded than the Eiffel Tower, but with views to rival. The 50m-high (164ft), Roman-style, triumphal arch commemorating Napoléon’s 1805 victory at Austerlitz is also the best spot to get your head around Paris’  Axe Historique (Historical Axis) – a line of historical monuments forming a perfect east-to-west axis through central Paris.

Admire astonishing vistas stretching from the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées (all east), to the Arc de Triomphe’s modern counterpoint, 1980s-built  Grande Arche de la Défense (west). Peer down to watch cars twirling around the city’s busiest roundabout encircling the arch and spinning off along one of eight leafy Haussmannian avenues.

12. Cruise the Seine

Paris’ geographical and spiritual heart is the Seine – it all began on its island twinset after all, with early settlers arriving on Île de la Cité around the 3rd century BCE. Cruising the river with Bateaux-Mouches or aboard a hop-on-hop-off  Batobus river boat – part of the city’s public transport system – is a memorable experience. Admire scenic Unesco World Heritage-listed riverbanks, islands, summertime beaches and 37 bridges spanning every architectural era.

Sunset drinks are a rite of passage at floating bar and guinguette (dance hall),  Rosa Bonheur sur Seine – as is a dose of contemporary street art a short walk west along the quay to bohemian barge-gallery  Fluctuart . To stay on the Seine 24/7, check into floating hotel,  Off Paris Seine .

Local tip: Hopes are high that parts of the river will be clean enough to swim in by 2025. Until then, cool off on hot summer days at floating outdoor pool  Piscine Joséphine Baker .

13. Be intoxicated by Paris' cocktail culture

From glam hotel bars to clandestine speakeasies and upcycled hostess bars in South Pigalle, the craft-cocktail scene in Paris is intoxicating.  Paris Cocktail Week , held each year in January, is a brilliant introduction. Otherwise, DIY your initiation with a signature Serendipity at  Bar Hemingway in the Ritz – a teeny, chic, wood-paneled space where British-born bartender Colin Field has mixed cocktails for more than 25 years. Legend says Hemingway, wielding a machine gun, helped liberate the hotel bar during WWII – following which he knocked back 51 consecutive dry martinis.

Local tip:  Forgotten French liqueurs, zany homemade infusions and inventive syrups are at their finest at  Le Mary Céleste , one of Paris’ first bars to pair cocktails with modern French tapas dishes. For summer cocktails, follow a clued-in crowd to  Le Pavillon Puebla , a guinguette -styled party space in a rambling 19th-century mansion in beautiful offbeat city park  Parc des Buttes-Chaumont .

14. Eat quality local produce at grassroots restaurants

Grassroots produce – seasonal, locally grown, invariably organic and so freshly harvested that earth still clings to the roots – has never been so important in French cuisine. Chefs in Paris are working harder than ever with small regional producers to elevate taste and quality to even greater heights (not to mention supporting local economies).

The untouristed 10th arrondissement is becoming increasingly foodie with wildly successful, bistronomie addresses such as  Les Résistants and  L’Avant Poste .

15. Go shopping at designer boutiques

Be it your own made-to-measure Louis Vuitton trunk, a heavenly fragranced candle from the world’s oldest candlemaker , or the season’s latest from eco-conscious fashion store  Sézane , shopping in Paris is exuberant and exotic. Pick your quartier depending on personal style and goût (taste): Le Marais for workshop boutiques of independent upcoming designers and mainstream fashion, or around  Canal St-Martin in the edgier 10e for concept stores, pop-ups and alternative design boutiques.

Detour: After 15 years of restoration, to the tune of €750 million, historic department store  La Samaritaine is breathtaking in size and beauty. Drooling over the Seine-side building’s original art nouveau and art deco features, including the glass-topped central hall – all impeccably restored by Pritzker Prize–winning Japanese firm Sanaa – is completely fine.

16. Watch movies beneath the stars

Paris is one of the most  cinematic cities on earth. Film buffs can poke behind the scenes of art deco movie theater  Le Grand Rex , lose their soul in a silent B&W movie accompanied by a live pianist music at the  Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé , or follow in the footsteps of screen star Amélie Poulain in Montmartre.

Summer raises the curtain on romance with movies beneath the stars – deckchairs are scattered on the grass in Parc de la Villette during free film screenings mid-July to mid-August. MK2’s ground-breaking cinema hotel,  Hôtel Paradiso in the 12e has designer rooms sporting private cinema screens and a lush green rooftop garden hosting screenings after-dark.

Local tip:  Films screened on a 24m-long screen in the Louvre’s magnificent 16th-century courtyard during July’s four-day Cinéma Paradiso Louvre open-air film fest are always a rip-roaring success.

This article was first published July 2019 and updated August 2023

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12 Best Things To Do in Paris: The Ultimate 3-day Trip

Paris: named ‘the city of love’ by the greatest poets, writers, actors, and musicians who found inspiration in the beauty of this mesmerizing city. Whitestone townhouses ooze luxury, the smell of freshly baked croissants drifts through the air, and flowers hang at the sides of cobbled streets. Take a trip to Paris, France , for 2-4 days, spending your days visiting attractions, trendy neighborhoods, and delicious restaurants. Use this Paris guide to plan your trip to one of Europe’s best cities .

Day 1: All Around the Eiffel Tower

Channel your inner ‘Emily in Paris’ and start your day with a delicious coffee and freshly baked croissant at a boulangerie near your accommodation. Practice your French , and enjoy the satisfaction of those perfect warm layers of pastry!

Tip: On your trip to Paris, look for bakeries (Boulangerie) and pastry shops (Patisseries).

1. Arc de Triomphe

Start by taking the subway (1.90 EUR) to station ‘Charles de Gaulle – Etoile’. From here, walk to the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most iconic sights on any trip to Paris. The huge square arch sits at the western end of the famous road, ‘Champs-Elysees’, a wide avenue that’s been featured in many famous movies.

Completed in 1836, the monument honors the armies of the revolution and the empire, with beautiful carvings on the stone. There is a small museum inside the structure walls, which tells you a bit about the history of the Arc de Triomphe, plus interesting historical photos. 

Best of all, you can climb to the top! Nearly 300 stairs later, you’ll find a viewing platform with spectacular views over the city. At sunset, you’ll get beautiful colors in the sky, and at night you can watch Paris live up to its name as ‘the city of lights’. You can even see the Eiffel Tower lights; it’s covered in 20,000 bulbs!

Opening Times & Tickets: Open 10 am to 10.30 pm every day of the year. Tickets cost 16 EUR. Buy Tickets

Hotels near the Arc de Triomphe

Hotels in paris 😴.

2. Laduree Macarons

Beautiful colored meringues, filled with a variety of flavorsome filling; macarons are synonymous with France! Laduree is one of the most beautiful and famous shops in Paris, with shops all around the city.

One of the most elegant is on the Champs Elysees, just a 10-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe. Sit in and enjoy the neoclassical style interiors, as if you have gone back in time to dine on rainbow-colored macarons with Marie Antoinette.

Alternatively, you can choose your flavors and have them boxed up to take away. These make a delicious gift from your trip to Paris! See the location .

3. Pont Alexandre III

One of the most wonderful things about Paris is its two sides separated by the beautiful River Seine. And where there’s a river, you’ll always find some interesting bridges! Head towards the Seine (about 15 minutes from Laduree) to see one of the most beautiful bridges in all of Paris: Pont Alexandre III.

This is a very important bridge, known for its central location and amazing architecture. On the bridge, you’ll find numerous pillars topped with gold-winged horses. Plus, the bridge is lined with old-fashioned lamps, making it a particularly romantic place to walk at night as you cross the bridge looking onto the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais.

Tip: Want to explore more of the Seine? Spend a few hours walking along its banks or take a boat tour. Boat tours are a great way to learn about Paris and see it from a totally different perspective! If history tours aren’t really your thing, there are plenty of other options, such as a dinner cruise . 

Here are all your hotel options in Paris.

4. Musee d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay is 10 minutes from the Pont Alexandre III. Cross the bridge and follow the arty boulevard to discover the memorable art museum.

The long building, which was once a station, is impressive on the outside. However, the interior is truly breathtaking! Discover a vast open space with an arched glass roof covering incredible collections of artwork. Whether you like traditional art or modern, you’ll find something to enjoy in the Musee d’Orsay.

Opening Times & Tickets: Tuesday – Sunday 9.30 am to 6 pm. Tickets cost 16 EUR. If you’re an art lover, you might also want to check out a guided tour .

5. Eiffel Tower – A must-do in Paris

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic monuments globally, up there with the likes of the Statue of Liberty, the Taj Mahal, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa . It is an icon of Paris (and France !), towering above the city by day and lighting it up at night. 

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting this spectacular monument. You can find your way to the Eiffel Tower from the museum by following the skyline. As you go, grab a delicious lunch nearby or buy a baguette from the bakery and make your own picnic to eat under the tower. 

Simply marveling at the Eiffel Tower from below is an experience in itself. Wander around the structure, gaining a view from all angles, or head to the stairs in front of the Jardins du Trocadero to get some fantastic photos and an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower.

Tip: If you want to take photos of the Eiffel Tower, we recommend arriving at sunrise to get the best shot. After 9 AM, the area becomes very crowded with people. This is the most touristy area in all of Paris!

Get your tickets here

Climbing to the Top of the Eiffel Tower

Visiting the top of the tower is a little more expensive, but a great idea if you want to have a unique experience and get some excellent views on your trip to Paris.

You’ll find the beginning of these fantastic Parisian views on the first floor, with the added exhilaration of a transparent glass-bottomed floor to look down from.

On the second floor, as you get higher and higher, you’ll have access to Michelin-star restaurants, shops, and even a macaron counter to eat your treats from this remarkable location.

The very top is the most sensational of all, as you stand 276 meters up above Paris with only the tip of the tower and the sky above you. Grab a glass of champagne to toast the moment!

The ticket price is dependent on what you want to see. Most tickets include the use of the glass-walled lift. For example, a lift ticket up to the second floor is 17.10 EUR, and a ticket to the top is 26.80 EUR. If you don’t mind taking the stairs, cheaper tickets are available.

It gets very busy, so we recommend buying tickets online .

Opening Times

Every day from 9.30 AM – 10.45 PM.

Note: Maintenance work is carried out every year on the top from Jan 3 to Feb 4 (during this time, you can only access the first and second floors with stairs).

Hotels near the Eiffel Tower

Day 2: Montmartre (Best to do in Paris)

Montmartre is the prettiest area in all of Paris. What was once a tiny village on the hill, separated from the city, now forms the 18th district of Paris.

It used to be popular with artists, musicians, and poets who came here to paint and write, inspired by the beautiful Parisian scenery. It also went through a famous period of cabarets, brothels, and underground nightlife, known mainly for the Moulin Rouge.

These days, it keeps its beautiful village atmosphere and is a great place to stay when you visit Paris.

Join this popular walking tour in Montmartre

6. Basilica Sacre-Coeur

The Basilica Sacre-Coeur is the icon of Montmartre, a stunning white church that sits on the very top of the hill looking over Paris. Climb up the steep cobbled streets and zig-zagged blocks of stairs to reach the gardens below the church, where you’ll be met with views of the impressive three-domed church, which looks more like a palace!

You can access the central dome by climbing 300 steps to the top, where you’ll find even greater panoramic views of Paris.

Tip: Make sure to be here at 8 AM or earlier to avoid the massive groups of tourists.

Opening Times & Tickets: Visiting the Sacre-Coeur is free! It’s open from 6 AM to 10.30 PM every day. If you want to climb to the dome, the opening hours are 10.30 AM to 8.30 PM (summer) and 10.30 AM to 5.30 PM (winter).

7. Paris’ Prettiest Street (Rue de l’Abreuvoir)

Rue de l’Abreuvoir is known as ‘the prettiest street in Paris’, located on the charming hills of Montmartre. You could easily spend a morning walking around the area, getting lost down the streets, and taking photos of the beautiful houses and doorways.

However, visiting Rue de l‘Abreuvoir is an absolute must on your trip to Paris! This street is also one of the oldest, first mentioned in 1325, and home to ancient houses which date back to the 1930s. 

Read more: Montmartre, one of the most beautiful areas in Paris

The most famous house on Rue de l’Abreuvoir is ‘La Maison Rose’ (the pink house). This gorgeous pink house, with green shutters and a blanket of ivy behind it, is a famous cafe that used to be visited by many renowned writers, poets, and artists. Picasso even used to hang out at this very spot!

Tip: The reputation of this beautiful street means it can be busy. Visit first thing in the morning to get the best photo opportunities.

Hotels in Montmartre 😴

8. See the Moulin Rouge

Wander down the hill towards the Pigalle neighborhood, where you’ll find lots of picturesque spots and, of course, the world-famous Moulin Rouge. Montmartre was once known for its many windmills that sat on the hill here, one of which was home to the Moulin Rouge (Red Windmill) during the neighborhood’s time of underground nightlife and debauchery.

It was a famous time between the two world wars when people from all walks of life would gather to watch dancing, singing, and acrobatics.

These days you can still watch the Moulin Rouge show here, but you’ll need to book months in advance as it’s one of the most popular things to do in Paris.  

Day 3: Notre Dame, Louvre, and more

Get up and prepare yourself for a busy day of sightseeing on your trip to Paris! Day 3 is all about soaking up the unique Parisian culture, whether art, literature, or music.

9. Notre Dame Cathedral

Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral as early as possible to really observe the beauty without the crowds. If you can arrive before 8 AM, the sun is still behind the cathedral, and the square in front is almost empty.

This breathtaking religious building is another icon of Paris and a must-see on your Paris trip, mainly because it’s one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in the world (built between 1163 and 1245)! Admire the fascinating gargoyles and the gothic features, and climb the 422 steps to the top of the cathedral tower for magical views over the center of Paris.

Note: Since the 2019 fire that consumed Notre Dame Cathedral, the majority of the cathedral is still closed for repairs. You can, however, still visit the cathedral square and look at Notre Dame (be aware there is a lot of scaffolding covering the facade), and you can visit the crypt.

It’s still worth wandering around the parameters of Notre Dame, if not just to be close to this incredible icon of history in Paris. Hidden in a side street nearby is a beautiful little cafe called Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole. Stop here for a photo and a morning coffee before continuing your day. 

10. Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore might not look like much from the outside, but enter, and you’ll find a world of hidden treasures! Books are piled up from floor to ceiling, and great literature covers almost every surface. If you’re a book lover, this is a must-do on your trip to Paris. You can even enjoy a coffee and a cake here while you peruse the pages of ancient novels!

How to get there: Shakespeare and Company Bookstore is at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie. To get there, cross the bridge on the side of Notre Dame.

11. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous in the entire world! It’s known for housing the Mona Lisa and its unique triangular shape. Watch people of all ages outside trying to get the typical ‘Louvre’ photo and positioning the triangle in their hands (think Leaning Tower of Pisa style!). 

From Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, you can reach the Louvre within 15 minutes of walking. Because of the museum’s popularity, buying tickets online in advance is recommended. If you don’t feel like going into the museum, you can relax or take photos at the square or nearby park.

Opening times and entry fee: 9 AM – 6 PM every day (closed on Tuesdays). 17 EUR for tickets purchased online.

Hotels near the Louvre Museum

Paris Guide: Things to do near the Louvre Museum

Alternatively, start your walk through the oldest park in Paris: Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden). It extends from the Louvre all the way to Place de la Concorde. The Jardin Tuileries is a large public park with fountains, chairs, and grass to relax. Throughout the garden, you will find various art, like statues and a smaller version of the Arc de Triomphe.

From the Louvre, hop on the metro towards Gare de Lyon. From here, it’s a 5-minute walk to Rue Cremieux, one of the most fantastic, colorful streets in Paris! This sweet cobbled street is bordered by rainbow-colored Parisian houses, flowers, and bikes and is a lovely place to grab some photos on your trip to Paris. 

12. Le Marais

Spend the rest of your day in the trendy neighborhood: Le Marais. You can find everything you could possibly need in this beautiful little medieval neighborhood, whether it’s trendy vintage shops and restaurants, luxurious squares, or ancient, narrow medieval streets that could be straight from a novel.

On your walk, take a look inside the concept stores ‘Merci’ and ‘Papier Tigre’, or get a delicious dinner at restaurants like ‘Ober Mamma’ (Italian) or ‘PNY’ (burgers).

Please Note: This Paris guide excludes the arrival day. Due to all the possible arrival options and travel times, it’s best to add this yourself.

Hotels in Le Marais 😴

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Paris

France has one of the most internationally famous cuisines, and Paris is a hub for the most renowned restaurants and chefs worldwide. That being said, there is a way to eat for all kinds of budgets. Whether it’s Michelin-star restaurants, quirky hidden cafes, or great takeout food, there’s something for everyone! Some of our favorites were:

• Mastino (Italian)
• Scandle (Eco cafe)
• Holybelly 5 (Brunch)
• La Cantine de Sam (Delicious vegetarian food)
• Zia (Brunch)
• Pink Mamma (Italian)

Where to Stay in Paris

The best area to stay in Paris is Le Marais if you want access to everything right on your doorstep. You’ll be in the middle of trendy restaurants and shops and can walk or take the metro to most sights. However, most accommodations won’t go below €80 a night, so it might be worth searching in other areas nearby too.

Alternatively, find a hotel in Montmartre just outside the city center but full of character and charming streets and cheaper accommodation in general. Finally, stay in Saint Germain if you prefer to stay close to many restaurants and the main attractions.

How to visit Paris

Paris has an international airport with flights arriving from all over the world. From the airport, it’s easy to take the metro directly into the center. 

Getting around Paris

The Paris metro has over 300 stations and is one of the oldest in the world. Getting around Paris is super easy if you use Google Maps or ‘City Mapper’. City Mapper is ideal as it will tell you exactly which line you should take and in what direction. It also offers you combinations of bus, tram, and metro, depending on what’s easiest.

With the Navigo Easy pass, you can easily travel by metro. You purchase this at the station once and you can then always recharge it. For example, if you buy a package of 10 rides, you pay 14.90.

You can also purchase a 1-day, 2-day, 3-day or 5-day pass. If you follow this guide, you will need a 3-day pass for zones 1-3. The price for this exact pass is 33.90 euros per person (2023).

How much does Paris cost?

Paris can be visited on a budget if you’re happy to stay in cheaper accommodation, for example, apartments a little further out of the center or hostels. Consider renting an apartment on Booking.com with a kitchen so you can do a supermarket shop on your first day and prepare some meals at home to save on eating out in Paris. The following prices are at cafes and restaurants per person per day:

Costs of Traveling in Paris

Travel on a budget in Paris, from $430 − $530 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1080 − $1950 USD, and high-end from $1860 − $2650 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $60 − $200 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $8 − $50 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $10 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $30 − $50 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $40 − $80 USD
• Activities: $5 − $40 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to visit Paris

Paris is beautiful all year round! The summer months are the warmest and, therefore, the busiest.

Christmas is also the peak season when people enjoy the cold temperatures and festive Christmas lights. For that reason, visiting in the spring or September is a perfect time. During these months, enjoy mild weather, days of sunshine, and slightly quieter streets.

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Villefranche-sur-Mer: Visit the Most Colorful Town in South France

11 best things to do in bordeaux (wine capital of france), south of france: the ultimate 12-day travel itinerary.

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A quick Paris trip for us started with a hotel near the Eiffel Tower, we discovered that everything starts at the tower. Even the Bus from Charles de Gaulle airport goes to the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel tower is definitely the heart and soul of Paris!

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Paris, capital of France , is one of the most important and influential cities in the world. In terms of tourism, Paris is the second most visited city in Europe after London. In this travel guide, you’ll find out about the city’s top attractions , as well as useful travel advice on how to get to Paris and how to save money whilst traveling .

Paris Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• Getting to Paris
• Money-saving tips
• Where to Eat
• Where to stay in Paris
• 2-Day Paris Itinerary

Why Visit Paris?

The capital of France seems to have been designed specifically for the enjoyment of its visitors . Its streets, squares , buildings, gardens , and monuments  beckon tourists to return, and indeed, many do.

Some of the most memorable things to do in Paris include visiting the Eiffel Tower , the Arc de Triomphe , and Notre Dame Cathedral . During the evening, experiencing one of the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret shows,   strolling through some of the most picturesque neighborhoods , like Montmartre , or climbing the  Montparnasse Tower is a must.

It's always a good time to visit Paris. Depending on where you fly from, you can either make the most of the low-cost airlines flying into the city from other European cities or take one of its direct flights from further away destinations. If you have children, why not surprise them with a trip to Disneyland ?

How to Organize Your Trip?

Before traveling to this unique city, we suggest reading a little about its history and discovering useful information  about Paris, which will certainly help you organise your stay. 

Once you find out about the top attractions in Paris , the must-see museums , the best areas to stay,  and the typical French cuisine , all you’ll have to do is pack your suitcase and prepare to discover one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Need Accommodation?

If you still don't have accommodation booked, we recommend you visit our search engine, where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments  with the best rates guaranteed (with up to 75% discount). Besides, in most cases, you'll only have to pay once you get to your destination. 

• Hotels in Paris - Find the best deals online

top activities

Seine River Cruise Drift down the Seine River on a sightseeing riverboat during the day or at night—an unforgettable experience that offers unparalleled views of Paris .

Moulin Rouge Official Tickets Experience the glamour of Moulin Rouge with tickets to the spectacular Féerie show . Enjoy French champagne and dazzling performances at this world-class venue.

Ticket to the Musée d'Orsay Manet, Renoir, Monet... Buying a ticket to the Musée d'Orsay will give you the chance to see some of the most famous impressionist paintings in the world.

Lunch at Madame Brasserie, The Eiffel Tower's Restaurant At this  lunch at Madame Brasserie you'll enjoy an exquisite menu in the restaurant on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower , with Paris at your feet!  

Disneyland Day Trip Discover the magical world of Disneyland Paris on this day trip from Paris! The tour includes return transportation and entry to 1 or 2 of the parks .

Private Tour of Paris By booking our private walking tour of Paris, a professional guide will be exclusively at the service of you and your friends or family.

Paris Hop On Hop Off Bus, Big Bus A Paris Big Bus tour is one of the most comfortable & enjoyable ways to explore the city. Discover the city hopping off & back on at any of its stops .

Palace of Versailles Day Trip + Train Tour the halls of France's most famous palace with this Palace of Versailles Day Trip + Train. The guide will also show you around the impressive gardens.

Arc de Triomphe Ticket Visit one of the most emblematic monuments in Paris with the official-price ticket to the Arc de Triomphe . You'll have access to the viewpoint and exhibition !

Day Trip to Bruges Bruges is the most visited city in Belgium and one of the most fascinating medieval cities in Europe . Discover the city on a walking tour and on a canal cruise.

Tour of the Palace of Versailles Discover Versailles , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s most famous palace on this half-day trip from Paris. See the iconic palace gardens!

Eiffel Tower 3rd Floor Entrance This entrance to the 3rd floor of the Eiffel Tower gives you access to one of the best viewpoints in Paris. You'll get spectacular views of the City of Light .

Free Walking Tour of Paris Immerse yourself in "The City of Lights" with  a guided tour around the French Capital , discovering the Louvre, the Seine and Notre Dame. What's more, it's free!

Montmartre Free Walking Tour Take a free tour through the narrow streets of the most cultural and artistic of Paris' districts , where Picasso and Van Gogh sought out inspiration.

Paris Crazy Horse Cabaret Ticket Be enthralled by an unforgettable show and book your Paris Crazy Horse Cabaret Ticket. You'll experience Paris' most famous and glamorous cabarets.

Paris Pantheon Ticket Discover the fascinating Paris Pantheon, the final resting place of Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Alexandre Dumas and other distinguished French citizens.

Dinner Cruise on the Seine Admire the remarkable monuments of Paris lit up while you savor a gourmet dinner on a panoramic Seine cruise  – an unforgettable experience!

Louvre Museum Guided Tour Explore the most-visited museum in the world  and find out about its greatest artworks with a professional English-speaking guide.

Opera Garnier Ticket By booking a ticket to the Opera Garnier in Paris , visitors will explore the interior of this beautiful Neo-Baroque building at their leisure– a must-see!

Claude Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny Tour Giverny is a picturesque village located one hour away from Paris. Visit Claude Monet’s house and beautiful garden and dive into the Impressionism movement.

Bel Canto Dinner + Opera Show Looking for different plans in Paris ? At this dinner with an opera show at Bel Canto  you'll be treated to a delicious  menu while enjoying  opera performances!

Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie Ticket Visit two of the most beautiful monuments in Paris on the same day and  save money with this ticket to the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie .

Montmartre: Paris Lost Lovers Quest On this Lost Lovers Puzzle Hunt in Montmartre , you'll solve puzzles on an app that'll take you on a walking tour through the bohemian district of Paris!

Access  the Eiffel Tower and admire breathtaking views over Paris . You'll be able to go up to the 2nd floor and take in the immense beauty of this city!

Conciergerie Ticket A royal medieval palace turned into a prison during the French Revolution : discover the history of the Conciergerie during your visit!

Paris Open-Top Big Bus Night Tour On this open-top Big Bus night tour of Paris , you'll have a spectacular view of the City of Light. You'll see the city's most iconic monuments lit up!

Eiffel Tower Tickets and Seine Cruise With priority access , climb directly to the Eiffel Tower’s observation decks and admire breath-taking views over Paris and then enjoy a relaxing cruise.

Saint German des Prés Classical Music Concert Enjoy the best classical music with a concert in the church of Saint Germain des Prés , located in the heart of the historic centre of Paris.

In this perfume workshop in Paris , we'll teach you how to make your own Eau de Toilette following the techniques of Fragonard experts.

Mont Saint Michel Day Trip Visit Mont Saint Michel : a UNESCO World Heritage site, place of pilgrimage and one of France’s most popular and emblematic landmarks.

Sacré-Coeur Basilica Guided Tour Discover one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris , located in Montmartre, with this Sacré-Coeur Basilica Guided Tour. An architectural work of art awaits!

Vincent Van Gogh Walking Tour On this guided tour you'll walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh . We'll visit Auvers-Sur-Oise to discover the place where the painter spent his final year . 

Paris Hop-On-Hop-Off Boat Sail along the Seine River on board a Batobus , Paris’ hop-on hop-off boat, and disembark and embark as many times as you wish for 24 or 48 hours .

Centre Pompidou Tickets With your Centre Pompidou tickets , you'll see one of the best collections of modern and contemporary art in the world. Dive into Paris' rich art culture!

Stade de France Tour This Stade de France tour takes you to Saint-Denis, where you can find this icon of sport which has played host to World Cup finals in both Football and Rugby.

Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Ticket With this ticket to the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac , you'll visit one of the most outstanding anthropological collections in Paris!

Paris Mysteries & Legends Free Tour On this Paris Mysteries & Legends Free Tour , you'll learn about the city's countless squares and alleyways that have witnessed murder, plagues and war!

Paris Archaeological Crypt Ticket Learn about Notre Dame and venture underneath the church to explore the remains of the Île de la Cité with this Paris Archaeological Crypt Ticket !

Ticket for the Ballon de Paris Generali With your  ticket to the Ballon de Paris Generali , you'll enjoy the best views of the French capital from a tethered balloon anchored in the André Citroën Park

Paris City Tour, Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower Admire Paris’ most famous landmarks during a panoramic city bus tour, a one-hour scenic cruise along the Seine and skip the line access to the Eiffel Tower.

Chateau de Vincennes Ticket Discover the fascinating history of  Château de Vincennes , one of France's magnificent medieval treasures , when you buy this ticket.

Galeries Lafayette Fashion Show Ticket Paris is one of the world's top fashion capitals . At this fashion show at Galeries Lafayette , you'll get to experience the world of fashion for yourself!

Chapelle Expiatoire Ticket Dedicated to Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, the  Chapelle Expiatoire is an incredible place to visit when in Paris. Discover these locations!

Go City Paris All-Inclusive Pass The Go City Paris Pass gives you access to more than 70 Paris attractions, including Versailles , the Louvre Museum , a cruise on the Seine , and the Eiffel Tower .

Emily in Paris Free Tour On this  free tour of Emily in Paris ,   we'll see some spots where this popular Netflix show was filmed, such as Gabriel's restaurant and the   Offices of Savoir .

L'Orangerie Museum Ticket With this ticket to the L'Orangerie Museum you'll admire an impressive collection of impressionist paintings, including some of Monet's best-known works .

Enjoy a night on the town in the city of lights , allowing yourself to be carried along by the rhythm of the music, and the shots, of course!

Montparnasse Tower Ticket Want an incredible 360º view of Paris?  View the French capital from the top of Montparnasse Tower, 200 metres from the ground and right in the city centre.

Seine River Cruise from the Eiffel Tower + Lunch Get ready for a Seine River cruise that starts right at the Eiffel Tower , enjoy delicious French cuisine, and see Paris from an unbeatable vantage point.

Notre Dame Guided Tour Discover what happened in the Notre Dame fire, explore the interior of its "little sister" and tour the Ile de la Cité, the oldest part of Paris.

Lunch Cruise on the Seine Enjoy a delectable 3-course meal and admire the panoramic views of Paris from the Seine. The perfect way to discover this romantic city.

3 Day Trip to Normandy, Mont Saint Michel & Loire Valley Discover the highlights of Normandy like Mont Saint Michel and the Loire Valley including its famous Châteaux on a three-day trip from Paris.

Loire Valley Castles Day Trip Visit three of the Loire Valley’s most-famous castles: Château de Chambord, Château de Cheverny, Château de Chambord and experience life during the Renaissance.

Louvre & Eiffel Tower Tour This full tour of Paris includes a cruise on the Seine , a skip-the-line entry to the Louvre Museum and a climb to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

Normandy D-Day Beaches Day Trip Immerse yourself in the history of the Second World War, visiting key battle locations and memorials on this day trip to the D-Day Beaches of Normandy .

Grevin Museum Paris Ticket At the Grevin Museum in Paris, you will find wax figures of Kylian Mbappe, Emmanuel Macron, Jean-Paul Gaultier and other famous celebrities.

Paris Bike Tour Spend a fun-filled day cycling through the French capital and discover the City of Lights’ most emblematic landmarks on this bike tour of Paris .

Hard Rock Cafe Paris Lunch or Dinner Enjoy a delicious experience at one of the most popular places in the French capital with this Hard Rock Cafe Paris Lunch or Dinner, near the Opera Garnier.

Père Lachaise Cemetery Tour Take our fantastic tour of Pere Lachaise Cemetary, the resting place for many notable figures from the past, such as Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf.

Paris Layover Tour Take advantage of your airport wait to explore the City of Love with this Paris Layover Tour. Discover the most famous locations around the French capital.

Paris Gourmet Bus Tour Sample the local cuisine and visit the must-see sights of the city of lights with this Paris Gourmet Bus Tour. Explore the French capital on a luxurious bus.

Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour Find about the Parisian art of living with this Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour. You'll enter a traditional wine cellar to learn how to taste the best French wines.

2 Day Trip to Normandy, Saint Malo & Mont Saint Michel Set off on a 2-day tour and discover the magnificent landscapes of Normandy  including the region's must-sees like Saint-Malo and the iconic  Mont Saint Michel .

Versailles Bike Day Tour Explore the magnificent Palace of Versailles , the main residence of the French Royal Family from 1682 until 1789, on a full day-tour by bike!

Paris Tour for Families Our family tour of Paris is the perfect way to explore the essential landmarks of French capital if you have young children.

UNESCO Headquarters Guided Tour Discover the history of the United Nations agency with this UNESCO Headquarters guided tour . Explore its conference rooms, courtyards, gardens and corridors!

Classical Music Concert at Saint-Sulpice Don't miss this classical music concert at the Church of Saint-Sulpice . Listen to an incredible repertoire in one of the most outstanding temples in Paris!

Dinner at Madame Brasserie, the Eiffel Tower's Restaurant This dinner at Madame Brasserie provides for an unforgettable evening  as you see  Paris illuminated from the restaurant on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower .

Classical Music Concert in Paris: La Madeleine Enjoy a classical music concert in one of the most famous churches in Paris : La Madeleine! Choose between any of the concerts on our programme list.

Traditional French Bakery Tour Do you know the boulangeries of Paris ? In this visit to a typical French bakery , we'll discover one of these places that characterise the capital.

Fontainebleau Forest Hiking Tour Venture into the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest on this 8-mile hike . You'll discover the unique biodiversity of one of the largest forests in France!

Tootbus Sustainable Bus Tour During this sightseeing tour of Paris , you can enjoy the city's iconic landmarks on board the eco-friendly Tootbus . Hop on or off whenever you want!

Aura Invalides Ticket Looking for a unique experience in Paris ? With your Aura Invalides ticket , you'll enjoy a journey of light and sound beneath the iconic Invalides Dome !

2 Day Trip to Mont Saint Michel & the Loire Valley Castles Travel back in time to the Middle Ages and Renaissance period on a 2-day trip to Mont Saint Michel and visit the impressive Loire Valley Castles .

Paris Segway Tour Ever been on a Segway? Spend a fun-filled two hours discovering the City of Lights on a two-wheeled electric vehicle with a guide.

Paradis Latin Dinner and Cabaret Let the glamour of the  French CanCan  seduce you as you enjoy  Paradis Latin , a   grand cabaret  in the heart of the Latin Quarter of Paris .

Quartmaster's Apartments Hôtel de la Marine Ticket With this ticket to the Hôtel de la Marine , you'll visit a spectacular  18th-century palace located in the central Place de la Concorde in Paris

Eiffel Tower Professional Photoshoot Capture lasting memories in Paris with a private photo shoot against the iconic Eiffel Tower backdrop. Let us preserve your special moments in this iconic spot.

How to Become a Parisian in 1 Hour Show Ticket With this  ticket to the show How to Become a Parisian in an Hour? you'll enjoy a  monologue performed by the  comedian Olivier Giraud .

Paris Vintage Sidecar Tour Explore Paris' top attractions in a fun retro motorcycle & sidecar tour , experiencing the City of Light in a truly captivating way.

Musée de l'Armée Ticket With this ticket to the Musée de l'Armée or the Army Museum , you'll visit the exhibition  Hôtel National de des Invalides , an architectural jewel in Paris.

Marie Antoinette Pass The  Marie-Antoinette Pass will give you access to 4 symbolic monuments in Paris connected to the French monarchy's past. Plus you'll save money!

​ Come and discover the Yves Saint Laurent Paris Museum before it opens to the public , for an exclusive guided 1 hour and 15 minutes tour.

Macaron Workshop at Galeries Lafayette Do you love baking? Join this macaron-making workshop at Galeries Lafayette and learn how to make these sweets in Paris' most famous department store!

Paris Pedicab Tours This bike cab tour of Paris will take you around the French capital aboard an environmentally friendly means of transport, the greenest way to discover Paris !

Belleville Neighborhood Food Tour If you like trying local products , this food tour through the Belleville neighborhood is for you! We'll sample  Parisian specialities  and see significant sites!

Paradox Museum Paris Ticket Looking for something different to do in Paris? With this ticket to the Paradox Museum , your mind will be blown by incredible optical illusions .

Giverny Monet + Shopping Day Trip Leave Paris behind on this day trip to Giverny and visit the  Monet House & Gardens . Learn about impressionist paintings and shop at the  McArthurGlen outlet !

Rodin Museum Ticket With this  ticket to the Rodin Museum in Paris , you can see  The Thinker , The Kiss  and other iconic sculptures in  Hôtel Biron and its  beautiful gardens .

Paris Citroën DS Tour Do you want to discover the French capital differently ? On this Paris tour in a  Citroën DS,  we'll discover the city of lights in a vintage vehicle .

Day Trip to Brussels and Bruges Join us on a captivating day trip to Brussels and Bruges , where we'll delve into the picturesque charm of the Belgian capital and the "Venice of the North".

Night Bike Tour Spend an unforgettable evening contemplating the beautifully lit landmarks of Paris on this 4.5-hour bike tour , including a boat cruise along the River Seine.

Paris Helicopter Tour Flying over Paris is a unique way to discover the French capital. Unforgettable views of Versailles, the Bois de Boulogne and the Eiffel Tower from a helicopter

Eiffel Tower Climb There's a reason the Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world : climb up more than 700 stairs to enjoy unforgettable views of Paris!

Basilica of Saint-Denis Ticket Discover the first example of Gothic architecture in the world: explore the magnificent Medieval Basilica of Saint Denis  located just outside of Paris.

Paris Christmas Bike Tour Merry Christmas! Or as the French would say, Joyeux Noël! Explore the city of light during the most special time of year with this Paris Christmas bike tour .

Christmas Bus Tour in Paris On our Christmas Bus Tour in Paris , you'll discover how the City of Light decks the halls for the most magical time of the year.

Roland Garros Stadium Tour On this guided tour of the Roland Garros stadium, you'll be able to take look inside this iconic site where so many tennis champions have made history .

Galeries Lafayette Guided Tour On this guided tour, you'll visit  Paris' most famous department store ,  Galeries Lafayette , outside of its opening hours. It dates back to 1912!

Paris Duck Boat Tour Explore Paris in a unique way on our duck boat/bus tour ! You'll discover  Paris's iconic landmarks both on land and in the water . An absolute must!

Saint-Louis en l'Île Classical Music Concert Immerse yourself in the world of classical music at the enchanting Saint-Louis en l'Île church in Paris , nestled on the picturesque island of Saint-Louis .

Le Marais Free Tour Do you want to discover Medieval Paris ? For this, take this free tour of Le Marais , one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the French capital .

Choco-Story Paris Museum Ticket Delve into the rich history behind the cacao bean at the Choco-Story Paris Museum ! With your ticket , you can explore interactive exhibits and sample sweets .

The most complete guide of Paris

This guide gives you an overview of what to see and do in Paris during your stay . It also provides historical background, and other useful information, as well as  our opinion, advice, and suggestions on how to make the most of your holidays in Paris .

The information provided in this guide was updated in  October 2022 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please do not hesitate to  contact us .

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My niece and I attended this terrific workshop. We learned a lot and had tons of fun. The bread and pastries were amazing. It was great to get behind the s...

Long considered the paragon of style, Paris is perhaps the most glamorous city in Europe. It is at once deeply traditional – a village-like metropolis whose inhabitants continue to be notorious for their hauteur – and famously cosmopolitan.

What to do in Paris

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The city’s reputation as a magnet for writers, artists and dissidents lives on, and it remains at the forefront of Western intellectual, artistic and literary life. The most tangible and immediate pleasures of Paris are found in its street life and along the banks and bridges of the River Seine. Cafés, bars and restaurants line every street and boulevard, and the city’s compactness makes it possible to experience the individual feel of the different quartiers .

In terms of where to go in Paris, you can move easily, even on foot, from the calm, almost small-town atmosphere of Montmartre and parts of the Quartier Latin to the busy commercial centres of the Grands Boulevards and Opéra-Garnier or the aristocratic mansions of the Marais . The city’s lack of open space is redeemed by unexpected havens like the Mosque and the place des Vosges , and courtyards and gardens of grand houses like the Hôtel de Soubise . The gravelled paths and formal beauty of the Tuileries create the backdrop for the ultimate Parisian Sunday promenade, while the islands and quaysides of the Left and Right banks of the River Seine and the Quartier Latin’s two splendid parks, the Luxembourg and the Jardin des Plantes , make for a wonderful wander.

Paris’s architectural spirit resides in the elegant streets and boulevards begun in the nineteenth century under Baron Haussmann. The mansion blocks that line them are at once grand and perfectly human in scale, a triumph in city planning proved by the fact that so many remain residential to this day. Rising above these harmonious buildings are the more arrogant monuments that define the French capital. For centuries, an imposing classical style prevailed with great set pieces such as the Louvre , Panthéon and Arc de Triomphe , but the last hundred years or so has seen the architectural mould repeatedly broken in a succession of ambitious structures, the industrial chic of the Eiffel Tower and Pompidou Centre contrasting with the almost spiritual glasswork of the Louvre Pyramide and Institut du Monde Arabe . Paris is remarkable, too, for its museums – there are nearly 150 of them, ranging from giants of the art world such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Pompidou Centre to lesser-known gems such as the Picasso, Rodin and Jewish museums – and the diversity of entertainment, from cinema to jazz music, on offer.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for France, created by local experts

14 days  / from 3860 USD

An active walking tour out of the way in France

Your trip starts with an in-depth introduction to France in Paris: several unique day excursions connect you with local Parisians to show you their city and way of life. Afterwards continue south to start a few days walking journey through Southern France before ending around Avignon.

10 days  / from 2411 USD

Southern France – Walks in the Alpilles and Lavender fields

Start your tour in the coastal city of Marseille, exploring Cassis on the way. Around the Alpilles in Provence, you will be provided with detailed walking materials to explore the area on foot, from both Les Baux and St Remy. End your tour in famous Avignon.

12 days  / from 2948 USD

Tasting Eastern France

A delicious yet active journey through Eastern France. Start your trip in Lyon with some unique food tours before setting off on a 4-day walk across the Beaujolais region. Almost every day ends with a wine tasting in your guesthouse, soothing for body and soul.

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower

It may seem familiar from afar, but close up the Eiffel Tower is still an excitingly improbable structure; an ascent to the top is an unforgettable experience. You can skip the line with priority access .

2. Wander around the Parc Rives de Seine or take a cruise on the Seine

Join the joggers and cyclists, have a picnic or just soak up the wonderful views on the Parc Rives de Seine, a scenic riverside loop that takes in both the Right and Left banks. Better still, enjoy a cruise on the river itself.

3. Marvel at Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle 's stunning stained-glass windows rank among the greatest achievements of French High Gothic.

4. See amazing art at the Museé Picasso

A fabulously restored Marais mansion is the setting for this unrivalled collection of Picasso's paintings, sculptures, drawings and ceramics. Book priority entrance to bypass the queues.

5. Discover the Musée d'Orsay

France's greatest collection of Impressionist (and pre- and post-Impressionist) art is found at the Musée d'Orsay , housed in a beautiful converted railway station.

6. Check out cutting-edge modern art at the Centre Pompidou

The Pompidou 's radical "inside-out" architecture looks just as ground-breaking as it did when it first opened in the 1970s, and its modern art museum is a knockout.

7. Appreciate stunning sculptures at the Musée Rodin

Rodin's stirring sculptures are shown off to their best advantage in the sculptor's elegant eighteenth-century mansion and garden .

8. Love the Louvre

You could easily spend a whole day (and more) exploring the world-class Louvre 's collections, including famous Italian Renaissance paintings and ancient Greek and Roman sculpture.

9. Explore the Foundation Louis Vuitton

Frank Gehry's astonishing "cloud of glass" in the Bois de Boulogne holds an inspiring collection of contemporary art. Premium access will allow you to use a separate entrance and covers entrance to temporary exhibitions.

10. Take the train to Versailles

The ultimate French royal palace, awesome in its size and magnificence, and boasting exquisite gardens that are free to visit. Go by train for a stress-free trip.

11. Take a boat trip in Paris

Most tourists are keen, rightly, to take a boat trip on the Seine. One good option is the Batobus; otherwise Bateaux-Mouches is the best-known operator. Leaving from the Embarcadère du Pont de l’Alma on the Right Bank in the 8e, boats take you past the major Seine-side sights, such as Notre-Dame and the Louvre, complete with commentary. Night-time cruises use dazzling lights to illuminate the streetscapes – much more fun for people on board than passing pedestrians. The pricey lunch and dinner trips are best avoided. Bateaux-Mouches has many competitors, all much of a muchness, including Bateaux Parisiens , Vedettes de Paris and Bateaux-Vedettes du Pont-Neuf.

Another option, which takes you past less-visited sights, is to take a canal boat trip . Canauxrama offers a number of narrated cruises on the St-Martin, Ourcq and St-Denis canals, along with the Seine and the River Marne. Paris Canal is the company to offer cruises that ally the charm of Canal Saint Martin, and its locks, to the majesty of the major monuments on the Seine. With Paris Canal, you can Cruise Paris differently, from Musée d’Orsay to Bassin de la Villette.

Paris has an awesome emotional gravity: Parisians rarely want to escape, while most visitors find themselves yearning to return. Its power derives from the city’s rare beauty, of course, and its celebrated style and romanticism, but also from its unique history as the beating cultural heart of Europe over much of the last thousand years.

As such, the best places to visit in Paris range from grand monuments to exquisite, secretive little nooks and defined communities revolving around the local boulangerie and café. There are nearly 150 art galleries and museums on offer, brasseries and restaurants line the streets, and after dark, the city’s theatres, concert halls and churches host world-leading productions of theatre, dance, cinema and classical music.

Lying in its shallow river basin, Paris is still confined within its historic city limits and divided into twenty arrondissements, centred on the royal palace and museum of the Louvre , which spiral outwards in a clockwise direction. At its widest point, the city is only about 12km across – roughly two hours’ walk.

At the hub of the circle, in the middle of the River Seine, is the island from which all the rest grew: the Ile de la Cité , defined by its Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame .

On the north or Right Bank ( rive droite ) of the Seine, which is the more bustling and urban of the city’s two halves, the longest and grandest vista of the city runs west from the Louvre: this is La Voie Triomphale – comprising the Tuileries gardens, the glamorous avenue of the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe .

North of the Louvre is the commercial and financial quarter, where you can shop in the department stores on the broad Grands Boulevards, in the little boutiques of the glass-roofed passages, or in the giant, underground mall of Les Halles.

East of the Louvre, the elegant Marais and Bastille quarters are alive with trendy shops, cafés and bars. Further east, the Canal St-Martin and Ménilmontant are good places to go for cutting-edge bars and nightlife.

The south bank of the river, or Left Bank (rive gauche), is quieter and less commercial. The Quartier Latin is the traditional domain of the intelligentsia – from artists to students – along with St-Germain , which becomes progressively more chichi until it hits the grand district of ministries and museums that surrounds the Eiffel Tower . As you move south towards Montparnasse and the southern swathe of the Left Bank, however, high-rise flats start to alternate with charming bourgeois neighbourhoods.

Back on the Right Bank, many of the outer arrondissements were once outlying villages. Hilly Montmartre , with its rich artistic associations and bohemian population, is the most picturesque, but Belleville and Passy, have also retained village-like identities – working-class in the east, wealthy in the west.

Central Paris has lots of wonderful gardens, notably the Jardin du Luxembourg , but the best big parks are the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne, at the eastern and western edges of the city, respectively.

The region surrounding the capital, beyond the boulevard périphérique ring road, is known as the Ile-de-France. It’s dotted with cathedrals and châteaux. Nearby sights, such as the Gothic cathedral at St-Denis and the astonishing royal palace at Versailles , out in the suburbs, are easy to get to, while full day-trip destinations include the stunning cathedral town of Chartres and Monet’s lovely garden at Giverny .

An equally accessible outing from the capital, and practically a must-see if you are travelling with children, is that most un-French of French attractions, Disneyland Paris .

The entertainment nexus of Montparnasse , with its evocative literary and artistic associations, divides the well-heeled opinion-formers and powerbrokers of St-Germain and the 7e from the relatively anonymous populations to the south. The three arrondissements to the south of Montparnasse have suffered from large-scale housing developments, most notably along the riverfronts to both east and west, but villagey areas such as rue du Commerce in the 15e, Pernety in the 14e and the Buttes-aux-Cailles in the 13e are worth a foray. On the fringes of the city proper, hard up against the périphérique ring road, are three fantastic parks : André Citroën, Georges-Brassens and Montsouris.

Montparnasse

Like other Left Bank quartiers , Montparnasse trades on its association with the wild characters of the interwar artistic and literary boom. Many were habitués of the cafés Select , Coupole , Dôme , Rotonde and Closerie des Lilas . The cafés are all still going strong on boulevard du Montparnasse , while the glitterati have mostly ended up in the nearby Montparnasse cemetery . The quarter’s artistic traditions are maintained in a couple of fascinating art museums, while elsewhere you can ascend the Tour Montparnasse , Paris’s first and ugliest skyscraper, and descend into the bone-lined catacombs .Paris Guide - The 12e arrondissement

South of Bastille, the relatively unsung 12e arrondissement offers an authentic slice of Paris, with its neighbourhood shops and bars and traditional markets, such as the lively Marché d’Aligre . Among the area’s attractions are the Promenade Plantée , an ex-railway line turned into an elevated walkway running from Bastille to the green expanse of the Bois de Vincennes , and Bercy , once the largest wine market in the world, its handsome old warehouses now converted into cafés and shops.

A symbol of revolution since the toppling of the Bastille prison in the 1789, the Bastille quarter was a largely working-class district up until the construction of the new opera house in the 1980s. Since then, it has attracted artists, fashion folk and young people, who have brought with them stylish shops and an energetic nightlife, concentrated on rue de Lappe and rue de la Roquette.

The Beaubourg quartier centres on the Centre Pompidou , one of the city’s most popular and recognizable landmarks and one of the twentieth century’s most radical buildings. The area around the Centre Pompidou is home to more contemporary art. Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint-Phalle created the colourful moving sculptures and fountains in the pool in front of Église St-Merri on place Igor Stravinsky . This squirting waterworks pays homage to Stravinsky – each fountain corresponds to one of his compositions ( The Firebird , The Rite of Spring and so on) – and shows scant respect for passers-by. To the north are numerous commercial art galleries , occupying the attractive old hôtels particuliers on pedestrianized rue Quincampoix , while to the west is the rather less alluring Les Halles underground shopping and leisure complex.

Centre Pompidou

The opening of the Centre Pompidou in 1977 gave rise to some violent reactions; since then, however, it has won over critics and public alike. Architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers freed up maximum space inside by placing all infrastructure outside: utility pipes and escalator tubes, all brightly colour-coded according to their function, climb around the exterior in crazy snakes-and-ladders fashion. The transparent escalator on the front of the building, giving access to the Musée National d’Art Moderne , affords superb views over the city. Aside from the hugely popular museum there are two cinemas, performance spaces, a library, the excellent Galerie des enfants on the first floor, which stages regular exhibitions and workshops, and the new, free Galerie de Photographies on the basement level, which organizes three exhibitions a year drawn from the centre’s archive of photographs.

Musée National d’Art Moderne

The superb Musée National d’Art Moderne presides over the fourth and fifth floors of the Centre Pompidou, with the fifth floor covering 1905 to roughly the years 1970–1980, while the fourth floor concentrates on contemporary art. Thanks to an astute acquisitions policy and some generous gifts, the collection is a near-complete visual essay on the history of twentieth-century art and is so large that only a fraction of the 50,000 works are on display at any one time. Since the opening of the museum’s sister site in Metz in 2010 and a new “pop-up” gallery in Málaga, Spain, many more of the museum’s holdings have been brought out of storage and put on display.

Fifth floor

On the fifth floor, Fauvism, Cubism, Dada, abstract art, Surrealism and abstract expressionism are all well represented. There’s a particularly rich collection of Matisses, ranging from early Fauvist works to his late masterpieces – a standout is his Tristesse du roi , a moving meditation on old age and memory. Other highlights include a number of Picasso’s and Braque’s early Cubist paintings and a substantial collection of Kandinskys, including his pioneering abstract works Avec l’arc noir and Composition à la tache rouge . A whole room is usually devoted to the characteristically colourful paintings of Robert and Sonia Delaunay, contrasting with the darker mood of more unsettling works on display by Surrealists Magritte, Dalí and Ernst.

Fourth floor

The fourth floor is given over to contemporary art , featuring installations, photography and video art, as well as displays of architectural models and contemporary design. Established French artists such as Annette Messager, Sophie Calle, Christian Boltanski, Daniel Buren and Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster often feature, alongside newer arrivals such as Anri Sala.

Atelier Brancusi

On the northern edge of the Pompidou Centre, down some steps off the sloping piazza, in a small separate building, is the Atelier Brancusi , the reconstructed home and studio of Constantin Brancusi. The sculptor bequeathed the contents of his workshop to the state on condition that the rooms be arranged exactly as he left them, and they provide a fascinating insight into how he lived and worked. Studios one and two are crowded with Brancusi’s trademark abstract bird and column shapes in highly polished brass and marble, while studios three and four comprise the artist’s private quarters.

Commonly referred to as the Beaux Quartiers , Paris’s well-manicured western arrondissements, the 16e and 17e, are mainly residential and have few specific sights, the chief exceptions being the Musée Marmottan , with its collection of late Monets, and Frank Gehry’s extraordinary new building, the Fondation Louis Vuitton contemporary art centre, set in the Bois de Boulogne. Bordering the area to the west is the Bois de Boulogne , with its trees, lakes, cycling trails and the beautiful floral displays of the Parc de Bagatelle. Further west still bristle the gleaming skyscrapers of the purpose-built commercial district of La Défense , dominated by the enormous Grande Arche.

One of the most scenic stretches of the river, between the Musée du Quai Branly and Musée d’Orsay, was recently made into an attractive promenade known as the Berges de Seine ; it's particularly appealing on weekends in the warmer months, where you can eat out on a sunny terrace, listen to occasional concerts, play a game of chess over a cup of coffee or simply relax in a deckchair and enjoy some of the best views the city has to offer. A busy programme of activities includes free exercise classes, tai chi and various workshops, while children (and grown-ups) can draw on a huge slate wall with chunky chalks, plus there’s a kids’ climbing wall and Velib’ bikes for all ages. Near the Pont de l’Alma are five small floating gardens , each on a different theme: one is an “orchard” planted with apple trees; another is planted with meadow grasses. Picnic tables and benches are dotted all along the promenade, and riverside restaurant-bars offer a good selection of food and drink. For more information, see paris.fr/berges .

Traditionally working class, with a history of radical and revolutionary activity, the gritty eastern districts of Paris, particularly the old villages of Belleville and Ménilmontant , are nowadays among the most diverse and vibrant parts of the city, home to sizeable ethnic populations, as well as students and artists, attracted by the low rents. The main visitor attraction in the area is the Père-Lachaise cemetery , final resting place of many well-known artists and writers. Visiting the modern Parc de Belleville will reveal the area’s other main asset – wonderful views of the city below. Another park well worth seeing is the fairy-tale-like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont .

Père-Lachaise cemetery

Père-Lachaise cemetery , final resting place of numerous notables, is an atmospheric, eerily beautiful haven, with little cobbled footpaths, terraced slopes and magnificent old trees which spread their branches over the tombs as though shading them from the outside world. The cemetery was opened in 1804, after an urgent stop had been put to further burials in the overflowing city cemeteries and churchyards. The civil authorities had Molière, La Fontaine, Abelard and Héloïse reburied here, and to be interred in Père-Lachaise quickly acquired cachet. A free map of the cemetery is available at all the entrances or you can buy a more detailed one at shops on boulevard de Ménilmontant. Among the most visited graves is that of Chopin (Division 11), often attended by Poles bearing red-and-white wreaths and flowers. Fans also flock to the grave of Jim Morrison (Division 6), lead singer of The Doors, who died in Paris at the age of 27, and to Oscar Wilde ’s tomb (Division 89), which is topped with a sculpture by Jacob Epstein of a mysterious Pharaonic winged messenger. You can also visit the graves of Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust, Corot, Balzac and Modigliani.

In Division 97 are the memorials to the victims of the Nazi concentration camps and executed Resistance fighters . Marking one of the bloodiest episodes in French history is the Mur des Fédérés (Division 76), the wall where the last troops of the Paris Commune were lined up and shot in the final days of the battle in 1871.

The Bassin de la Villette and the canals at the northeastern gate of the city were for generations the centre of a densely populated working-class district, whose main source of employment were the La Villette abattoirs and meat market. These have long gone, replaced by the huge complex of La Villette, a postmodern park of science, art and music.

The Villette complex stands at the junction of the Ourcq and St-Denis canals . The first was built by Napoleon to bring fresh water into the city; the second is an extension of the Canal St-Martin built as a short cut to the great western loop of the Seine around Paris. The canals have undergone extensive renovation, and derelict sections of the quais have been made more appealing to cyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians. A major new arts centre, Le 104 , has also helped to regenerate the area.

In terms of climate spring is deservedly the classic and best time to visit Paris, with bright days balanced by rain showers.

Paris in high summer is usually hot and can be uncomfortably humid, especially between mid-July and the end of August, when many Parisians flee south, leaving the city to the tourists.

In autumn things can be pleasingly mild and gratifyingly uncrowded (except during the autumn fashion show and trade-fair season, when hotels fill up early), but on overcast days – all too common – it can feel very melancholy.

Winter can be harsh, with icy winds cutting down the boulevards and snow not uncommon; the winter sunlight, on the other hand, is the city’s most flattering light.

Paris has an extraordinarily vibrant festival schedule; just a few are listed here. For details of the following and more, check at tourist offices or parisinfo.com .

• Festival de Films des Femmes - Held at the Maison des Arts in Créteil, just southeast of Paris (M° Créteil-Préfecture).
• Festival Jazz à St Germain - Big names and new talent from around the world, performing in all manner of venues, in late May.
• Festival Chopin - Chopin recitals by candlelight or on weekend afternoons from mid-June to mid-July in the lovely setting of the Bois de Boulogne’s Orangerie.
• Fête de la Musique - Free concerts and street performers all over Paris to coincide with the summer solstice (June 21).
• Gay Pride - Held on the last Sat of June.
• Bastille Day - July 14 is celebrated with official pomp in parades of tanks down the Champs-Élysées, followed by firework displays; the evening before there is dancing on the place de la Bastille.
• Paris Quartier d’Été - A programme of free music, theatre and cinema events around the city from mid-July to mid-Aug.
• Tour de France - The race finishes along the Champs-Élysées on the third or fourth Sun of July.
• Festival du Cinéma en Plein Air - Free films in the Parc de la Villette from end July to end Aug.
• Rock en Seine - Three-day music festival in late Aug in a lovely Seine-side park on the western edge of the city.
• Festival d’Automne - Major festival of contemporary theatre, music, dance and avant-garde arts, held from Sept to Dec in around 25 city venues.
• Nuit Blanche - In early Oct, the “sleepless night” persuades Parisians to stay up all night for a stunning programme of arts events and parties.
• Festival les Inrocks - International indie rock – in all its forms, from folk to electronica – with big names playing a range of venues in early Nov.

Even outside the Michelin-starred temples to high cuisine, of which the city has many, a huge number of Parisian restaurants remain defiantly traditional, offering classic cuisine bourgeoise based on well-sauced meat dishes, or regional French cuisines.

You can find a tremendous variety of foods, from Senegalese to Vietnamese, however, while the so-called bistronomy movement sees accomplished chefs rejecting over-fussy concoctions in favour of more experimental cuisine, focusing on fresh flavours – and even, shockingly, giving a starring role to vegetables – usually served in less elaborate settings and at lower prices.

Where to eat

Luxurious, hushed restaurants decked with crystal and white linen; noisy, elbow-to-elbow bench-and-trestle-table joints; intimate bistros with specials on the blackboard; grand seafood brasseries with splendid, historic interiors; artfully distressed boho cafés – Paris has them all.

And today, many of the city’s most talked about restaurants are the relatively relaxed so-called neo-bistros, where the focus is very much on creative food, not on traditional service or old-school decor, while a new breed of hipster coffee houses, akin to those you’d find in east London or Brooklyn, has cropped up to serve the needs of caffeine heads not satisfied with the city’s characteristically bitter brews.

Eating out in restaurants tends to be expensive, with three-course evening meals rarely costing less than €45. Lunchtime set menus (known as menus or formules ) can still cost as little as €15, however. The big boulevard cafés and brasseries, especially those in more touristy areas, can be significantly more expensive than those a little further removed.

Reservations

For the more upmarket or fashionable places, and at weekends, it’s wise to reserve. Generally you will only need to do this a day or so in advance, but the most renowned places may require booking up to several weeks (or in some cases, months) ahead.

Traditionally Paris’s gastronomic reputation was largely lost on vegetarians , who had to subsist on salads, omelettes and cheese-filled baguettes. Nowadays, however, most places will often offer at least one or two non-meaty dishes, and some of the new breed of chefs are turning their attention to the fresh flavours and possibilities of vegetables.

There are a number of exclusively veggie restaurants, along with salons de thé , coffee houses and tapas bars offering lighter dishes; neo-bistros and hipper restaurants, along with the ethnic places, are also a good bet. Useful French phrases are Je suis végétarien(ne) (“I’m a vegetarian”) and Il y a quelques plats sans viande? (“Are there any non-meat dishes?”).

Many of Paris’s most historic market streets, such as rue Mouffetard (5e) and rue des Martyrs (9e) are lined with food shops, now, not stalls, but this is still one of the world’s great cities for outdoor food shopping. A few of the more classic or unusual markets are recommended below; for a full list, arranged by arrondissement, see the town hall site, paris.fr , under “Marchés Parisiens”.

• Marché d’Aligre Place d’Aligre, 12e; M° Ledru-Rollin. Historic street and covered food market in the square; one of the cheapest and most popular in Paris. Tues–Sat 9am–1pm & 4–7.30pm, Sun 9am–1.30pm.
• Marché Bastille Bd Richard Lenoir, 11e;M° Richard Lenoir. Huge, authentic street market, with lots of regional produce. Thurs & Sun 7am–2.30pm.
• Marché Belleville Bd de Belleville, 11e;M° Belleville. Lively, noisy neighbourhood market selling a good range of fresh ethnic food. Tues & Fri 7am–2.30pm.
• Marché Edgar-Quinet Bd Edgar-Quinet, 14e;M° Edgar-Quinet. A vast range of fresh produce, from artisan cheese to fresh crêpes. Wed & Sat 7am–2.30pm.
• Marché des Enfants Rouges 39 rue de Bretagne, 3e;M° Filles-du-Calvaire. Covered food market abounding in eating outlets and produce. Tues, Wed & Thurs 8.30am–1pm & 4–7.30pm, Fri & Sat 8.30am–-1pm & 4–8pm, Sun 8.30am–2pm.
• Marché Monge Place Monge, 5e;M° Place Monge. Fabulous (and quite pricey) produce set around the pretty Monge fountain; organic stalls on Sundays. Wed, Fri & Sun 7am–2.30pm.
• Marché Montorgueil Rue Montorgueil 1er;M° Etienne-Marcel. Market stalls, artisan produce and gourmet food stores spread along this foodie street. Tues–Fri, plus Sat & Sun mornings.
• Marché Raspail / Marché Bio Bd Raspail, 6e;M° Rennes. The city’s main organic market, also selling herbal remedies and artisan produce. Sun 9am–3pm.

The Parisian love of style and fierce attachment to small local traders have kept alive a wonderful variety of speciality shops. The nineteenth-century arcades, or passages , in the 2e and 9e arrondissements, are particularly rich in intriguing boutiques, while the square kilometre around place St-Germain-des-Prés is hard to beat for anything from books to shoes, and from antiques to artworks.

Other atmospheric and rewarding places for browsing include the aristocratic Marais, the trendy Bastille quartier, the quirky Abbesses quarter of Montmartre, and the broadly bohemian Oberkampf and Canal Saint-Martin areas of northeastern Paris. For haute couture the traditional bastions are avenue Montaigne, rue François 1er and the upper end of rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré in the 8e.

The traditional shopping heart of the city, Les Halles, is very commercial, and mostly downmarket. The most atmospheric places for book shopping are the Seine quais , with their rows of mostly secondhand bookstalls perched against the river parapet. The quartier Latin is the home of most of the city’s best independent bookshops.

If you’re looking for a one-stop hit of Paris fashion, the department stores are probably the place to go. For more picturesque browsing, make for the streets around St-Sulpice métro , on the Left Bank: you’ll find rich pickings if you wander down rues du Vieux Colombier, de Rennes, Madame and du Cherche-Midi – the last is particularly good for shoes. The home of couture and designer labels is the wealthy, manicured “ golden triangle ” off the Champs-Élysées, especially av François 1er, av Montaigne and rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré. Younger designers have colonized the lower reaches of the latter street, between rue Cambon and rue des Pyramides. On the eastern side of the city , around the Marais, Canal St Martin and Bastille, the clothes, like the residents, are younger, cooler and more relaxed. Chic boutiques cluster on rue Charlot, rue du Poitou and rue Saintonge in the Haut Marais , and young, trendy designers and hippy outfits congregate on Bastille streets rue de Charonne and rue Keller. There’s also a good concentration of one-off designer boutiques around the foot of Montmartre – try rue des Martyrs, and the streets around rue des Trois-Frères. For more streetwise clothing, the area surrounding the Forum des Halles is a good place to browse; Rue Etienne Marcel and (pedestrianized) rue Tiquetonne are good for clothes with a young, urban edge.

Paris is one of Europe’s great centres for gay men, with the scene’s focal point in the Marais, the “pink triangle” around rue Sainte-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie. Lesbians have fewer dedicated addresses, but the community is becoming more energetic and visible.

The high spots of the festival calendar are the annual Marche des Fiertés LGBT, or gay pride march, which normally takes place on the last Saturday in June, and the Bastille Day Ball – open to all – held on the quai de Tournelle, 5e (M° Pont-Marie) on July 13. For information, check Têtu ( tetu.com ), France’s main gay monthly magazine.

Paris’s fame as the home of decadent, hedonistic nightlife has endured for centuries, and today the city has a vibrant bar and club scene and a world-class live music programme. World music and jazz are particularly strong, with gypsy jazz being very popular, but you’ll find everything from house and electro-lounge to home-grown indie rock and chanson .

Pariscope is the traditional first port of call for listings , and the online lylo.fr offers a pretty good run-down of gigs, searchable by genre. For more detail, try parisbouge.com and the arts and music magazine Nova ( novaplanet.com ). To find the latest club nights pick up flyers – or word-of-mouth tips – in the city’s trendier shops, music stores, bars and cafés.

Other than online, the best place to get tickets is Fnac ( fnac.com ) – there are branches in the Forum des Halles (Porte Pierre-Lescot, 1er; Mon–Sat 10am–8pm;M° Châtelet-Les Halles) and on the Champs-Élysées (74 av des Champs-Élysées, 8e; Mon–Sat 10am–11.45pm, Sun noon–11.45pm;M° Franklin-D.-Roosevelt). It can also be worth checking billetreduc.com for cut-price tickets at the more mainstream venues.

Paris’s history has conspired to create a sense of being apart from, and even superior to, the rest of the country. To this day, everything beyond the capital is known quite ordinarily as province – the provinces. Appropriately, the city’s first inhabitants, the Parisii , a Celtic tribe that arrived in around the third century BC, had their settlement on an island: Lutetia, probably today’s Île de la Cité. The Romans conquered the city two centuries later, and preferred the more familiar hilly ground of the Left Bank. Their city, also called Lutetia, grew up around the hill where the Panthéon stands today.

This hill, now known as the Montagne Ste-Geneviève, gets its name from Paris’s first patron saint, who, as legend has it, saved the town from the marauding army of Attila in 451 through her exemplary holiness. Fifty years later Geneviève converted another invader to Christianity: Clovis the Frank, the leader of a group of Germanic tribes, went on to make the city the capital of his kingdom. His newly founded Merovingian dynasty promptly fell apart under his son Childéric II.

Power only returned to Paris under Hugues Capet , the Count of Paris. He was elected king of France in 987, although at the time his territory amounted to little more than the Île de France, the region immediately surrounding Paris. From this shaky start French monarchs gradually extended their control over their feudal rivals, centralizing administrative, legal, financial and political power as they did so, until anyone seeking influence, publicity or credibility, in whatever field, had to be in Paris – which is still the case today. The city’s cultural influence grew alongside its university , which was formally established in 1215 and swiftly became the great European centre for scholastic learning.

The wars and plagues of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries left Paris half in ruins and more than half abandoned, but with royal encouragement, the city steadily recovered. During the Wars of Religion the capital remained staunchly Catholic, but Parisians’ loyalty to the throne was tested during the mid-seventeenth-century rebellions known as the Frondes, in which the young Louis XIV was forced to flee the city. Perhaps this traumatic experience lay behind the king’s decision, in 1670, to move the court to his vast new palace at Versailles . Paris suffered in the court’s absence, even as grand Baroque buildings were being thrown up in the capital.

Parisians, both as deputies to the Assembly and mobs of sans-culottes, were at the forefront of the Revolution , but many of the new citizens welcomed the return to order under Napoleon I. The emperor adorned the city with many of its signature monuments, Neoclassical almost-follies designed to amplify his majesty: the Arc de Triomphe, Arc du Carrousel and the Madeleine. He also instituted the Grandes Écoles, super-universities for the nation’s elite administrators, engineers and teachers. At the fall of the Empire, in 1814, Paris was saved from destruction by the arch-diplomat Talleyrand, who delivered the city to the Russians with hardly a shot fired. Nationalists grumbled that the occupation continued well into the Restoration regime, as the city once again became the playground of the rich of Europe, the ultimate tourist destination.

The greatest shocks to the fabric of the city came under Napoléon III. He finally completed the Louvre, rebuilding much of the facade in the process, but it was his Prefect of the Seine, Baron Haussmann , who truly transformed the city, smashing through the slums to create wide boulevards that could be easily controlled by rifle-toting troops – not that it succeeded in preventing the 1871 Commune , the most determined insurrection since 1789. It was down these large boulevards, lined with grey bourgeois residences, that Nazi troops paraded in June 1940, followed by the Allies, led by General Leclerc, in August 1944.

Although riotous street protests have been a feature of modern Parisian life – most famously in May 1968 , when students burst onto the streets of the Quartier Latin – the traditional barricade-builders have long since been booted into the depressing satellite towns, known as la banlieue, alongside the under-served populations of immigrants and their descendants. Integrating these communities, riven with poverty, unemployment and discontent, is one of the greatest challenges facing the city and is one that a new administrative entity, the Métropole du Grand Paris , incorporating some four million people from the immediate suburbs and due to come into effect in 2016–17, hopes to address. Meanwhile, the city’s Socialist and first woman mayor, Anne Hidalgo , is continuing the green policies of her popular predecessor, Bertrand Delanoë , creating a more cycle-friendly environment, and planning to reclaim for pedestrians more of the riverbank, as well as the city’s famous squares, place de la Bastille and place de la Nation. In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shootings in January 2015 – when seventeen people, including well-known journalists of the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, were shot dead by three self-confessed jihadists from the Paris area – the city experienced a renewed sense of unity and solidarity, which prompted the mayor to put the city forward as a candidate to host the Olympic Games in 2024.

Top image: Sainte Chapelle © Jan Willem van Hofwegen/Shutterstock

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Paris Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Paris. Poets, artists, playwrights, writers, journalists, and more have all written about their love of this city. It’s a place that exudes culture, sophistication, class, and style. Like the millions before me, I fell in love with this city the first time I visited.

Settled by Gallic tribes around the 3rd century BCE, the region was conquered by the Romans a couple of centuries later, turning it into a prosperous settlement. By 508, Paris was made the capital of the Merovingian dynasty. The city was sacked by Vikings in 845 but recovered to repel further Viking incursions. By the 12th century, Paris was the economic and cultural hub of all of France.

Today, Paris is one of the few iconic cities in the world that truly lives up to its hype. I’ve spent years visiting the city, have organized tours here, and even lived here for a bit. It is one of my absolute favorite places in the world. As Hemingway said, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” He wasn’t wrong.

As iconic as it is, Paris is also gigantic, with thousands of years of history and a plethora of things to see and do, from world-class museums to Disneyland Paris . It would take a lifetime to explore it all. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can see the highlights over just a few days.

This travel guide to Paris can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to the City of Light!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Paris

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Paris

1. Scale the Eiffel Tower

Built for the 1889 World Fair, the 300-meter tower is an engineering feat that was originally hated by locals. They called it “the metal asparagus” and hoped it would be torn down. Now, it’s the most famous symbol of the city and every local will tell you they love it. It’s a beautiful building. If you’re going to go up to the top, get there early to avoid the lines. Tickets range from 16-26 EUR but I strongly suggest paying for direct access via an elevator that takes you to the top. It’s worth spending the money on as the line can take upwards of an hour on busy days. You can also get joint Eiffel Tower and river cruise tickets which help you save if you plan on doing both activities. Post-COVID, I would get your tickets in advance because the crowds and lines for tickets are really long.

2. Tour the Palace of Versailles

Visiting the famed 17th-century palace requires a whole day (don’t skip Marie Antoinette’s home or the spacious gardens that are located here). Originally, a hunting lodge, Louis XIV built this opulent palace to get the nobles out of Paris so they wouldn’t plan any coups. It was expanded over the years and filled with tons of allegorical statues and symbols reminding people that the power of the state rested with the king! The palace gets super crowded so try to go during the weekday, though summer weekends are the best time to visit the gardens, as the fountains are set to music then. Admission to the palace is 18 EUR and admission to the entire complex (including the gardens) is 27 EUR. For a more in-depth experience, this Versailles tour is led by a local expert guide and includes round-trip transportation from Paris at a time that avoids most of the crowds.

If you want to beat the crowds (which I highly recommend), skip-the-line tickets are available for 55 EUR. Since upwards of 10,000 people visit per day, skipping the line will save you a ton of time. The wait to get tickets can last hours.

3. Explore the Louvre

The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world, with thousands of square feet of space and millions of artifacts and works of art (including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo). To see it all, you need at least two full days, but you can do the highlights in a full afternoon (especially if you take the Louvre Highlights Tour , which includes skip-the-line entry). Admission costs 17 EUR, while timed skip-the-line tickets are an additional 17 EUR. Due to capacity restrictions, you MUST get your ticket in advance. They sell out these days so if you don’t get your ticket in advance, you run the risk of showing up and being denied entrance.

Moreover go on Wednesday night when the museum is open until 11pm. There’s hardly anyone there after 7pm.

4. Wander the Latin Quarter

A historic area near Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter is filled with tiny, winding streets that turn at weird angles to open into little cafe-lined squares. I love wandering around here; it always feels like you’re stepping back a few hundred years in history. There are a lot of restaurants, bars, and jazz clubs here too. If you’d like to learn more about the area, this in-depth walking tour meanders through the Latin Quarter and includes skip-the-line tickets to the incredible Sainte-Chapelle, my favorite church in the city (read more below!). The tour is a perfect way to connect with a local guide who can share their insider tips and help you make the most of your visit.

5. Visit Sainte-Chapelle

This is my favorite church in Paris. Built in 1238 by Saint Louis, it was meant to house holy relics he found during the Crusades as well as serve as the Royal Chapel. I find this tiny Gothic chapel to be far more beautiful than the nearby Notre Dame. The (mostly) original interior décor is exquisite, including some of the few remaining examples of original stained glass in France. It’s absolutely beautiful. Entry costs 11.50 EUR and is likely to sell out so book your ticket in advance . Ticket holders skip the line too!

Other Things to See and Do in Paris

1. go museum hopping.

Paris has hundreds of museums worth seeing. Make sure to check out the Musee D’Orsay for great impressionist work, the amazing Rodin Museum, Holocaust Museum (one of the best in the world), Musee D’Orangerie (more impressionist work), and the interesting sewer museum. A Paris Museum Pass is the most affordable way to see them all as it provides access to over 50 museums in Paris and the surrounding region. A two-day pass costs 52 EUR, a four-day pass costs 66 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 78 EUR. It’s a must if you’re going to see at least 3 museums while in the city. Get it, save money, and (importantly) get to skip all the long lines that plague the city these days.

2. Stroll down the Champs Elysees

This is one of the most famous streets in the world and stretches from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre. It’s lined with expensive shops and restaurants and is always busy, but it’s a great place to club hop at night or shop during the day. Come in the very early morning to see the place utterly deserted. It makes for great photos. You can also take a guided tour if you want to learn more about the street and its history.

3. Visit the Panthéon

Located in the Latin Quarter, this Neoclassical building was originally built as a church but was turned into a state burial site for France’s heroes, including Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Louis Braille, and Voltaire. Admission is 11.50 EUR . Like everything else, you’ll want to buy a ticket in advance to avoid the lines.

4. Relax in Jardin Du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden) is the largest public park in Paris, covering 56 acres. The garden, which was first created in 1612, contains over a hundred statues, monuments, and fountains, all scattered throughout the grounds. The park was neglected for years until the French Revolution, after which Jean Chalgrin (the architect of the Arc de Triomphe) set about restoring and expanding the park. In the morning, you’ll see lots of runners exercising here. At lunch on a nice day, join park-goers in having a picnic.

5. Admire the view from Montmartre

Home to starving artists for over a century (since the Belle Époque in the 19th century), the neighborhood of Montmartre offers a stunning view of Paris, arty cafés and bars, cobblestone streets, and the only winery within the city limits (Vignes du Clos Montmartre). It’s one of the hipper parts of Paris, even if it has lost some of its old grandeur. It’s great for those wanting to visit the hangout spots of folks like Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. The iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica sits at the top of the hill. Climb the steps or sit on the sloping lawn and admire the views at dusk. Entrance to the basilica is free.

If you want to learn more about this iconic neighborhood, guided walking tours are the best way to do so (there’s a lot of history in this area and all the signs are in French) and include a visit to the basilica.

6. Visit Notre Dame

Paris’s Gothic masterpiece was constructed between 1163-1334. Climb from the north tower to the south to appreciate the masonry and get a close-up view of the Gallery of Chimeras, the fantastic birds and beasts gazing over the balustrade. The outside facade has been cleaned up in recent years, but the inside has a bit of that old Gothic grimy charm. To climb the tower, it costs 10 EUR. NOTE: Notre Dame is currently closed due to the 2019 fire.

7. Stand under the Arc De Triomphe

This monument stands in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle and is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Inaugurated in 1836, the arch is dedicated to those who died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. For 13 EUR, visitors can climb 284 steps to the top of the Arc for stunning panoramic views and information about the city’s history. I think it’s one of the best views – and photo spots – in the city.

8. Celebrate Bastille Day

Every July 14th, a series of spectacular events in Paris celebrates the infamous storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution. The Bastille was a medieval armory and fortress and represented royal authority in Paris. Its capture was one of the biggest milestones of the Revolution. These days, there’s a huge televised parade and a never-ending fireworks display (head to Champ de Mars or the Jardins du Trocadéro for the best views of it all).

9. Experience the Cinema en Plein Air

Every July and August, Paris rolls out an inflatable screen in the Parc de la Villete for this major outdoor cinema event in the 9th arrondissement. It’s hugely popular with locals who tend to bring food and wine! It’s free to attend too.

10. Visit Maison du Victor Hugo

This beautiful apartment dates to 1605. Its most famous resident was the writer Victor Hugo (author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame ), who moved here when he was 30. His old apartment is now a museum dedicated to his life and writing. The museum is quite small, but Hugo lovers (like me) will find it very interesting. Each room is designed to showcase a specific period in his life, from his childhood to his death. Admission is free.

11. Climb through the Paris Catacombs

Underneath the city of Paris, you’ll find a honeycomb of tunnels, originally constructed as mining tunnels. The French resistance used these tunnels during World War II and rave parties flourished there during the 90s. Within this maze of tunnels lie the famous Catacombs of Paris, an ossuary containing the remains of over 6 million Parisians. This burial site was created in the 18th century due to public health concerns about overflowing cemeteries. It’s one of the freakiest and coolest sites in Paris. This walking tour with a local historian includes skip-the-line access (lines can regularly stretch around the block), while last-minute tickets cost 14 EUR, when available (they are often sold out, however).

12. Listen to Paris’ famous jazz music

Whether you prefer modern clubs or classic jazz joints, you shouldn’t leave Paris without tasting the music that attracted some of the best musicians and artists to the city. There is an especially abundant amount of good jazz clubs in the city. Le Duc des Lombards, which opened in 1984, is one of the most famous jazz clubs in the city. Harry’s Bar also has a lot of great music there too.

13. Take a walking tour

There are dozens upon dozens of companies covering all aspects of life in Paris, and it can be hard to make sense of all those endless Viator and TripAdvisor listings. Some are free, like New Europe’s tour, and go around the center of Paris, giving a historical overview of the city. Walks offer amazing in-depth tours starting from about 55 EUR. You’ll get specialized guides and skip the lines to big attractions, like the Louvre. I wrote a whole guide to the best walking tours in Paris!

14. Walk amongst the tombstones

The Pere-Lachaise Cemetery is Paris’ largest and most famous cemetery. In fact, it’s the most visited cemetery in the world and a peaceful, hauntingly beautiful area worth exploring. Look closely to spot the famous graves (Jim Morrison, Chopin, and Oscar Wilde are all buried here.) The cemetery was built in 1804 but locals considered the cemetery too far from the city. For that reason, Père Lachaise only had 13 graves its first year, however, administrators devised a plan to transfer the remains of Jean de La Fontaine and Molière, two of Paris’s most famous artists, to Père Lachaise. After that, everyone wanted to be buried here! You can read more about the cemetery here .

If you want, take a guided tour of the cemetery . You’ll learn a ton and won’t miss out on the most popular (and interesting) tombs. There’s no signs here so, without a tour, you won’t really learn much.

15. Visit the Mémorial de la Shoah

Despite having an excellent exhibit on France, anti-Semitism, and the Holocaust, the Mémorial de la Shoah never draws a lot of people. It’s a real shame, as there is a lot of in-depth information and a great collection here. I’ve been to many Holocaust museums, and this is one of the best and most detailed in the world. I highly recommend it. Admission is free.

16. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Parisian cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city, sampling the best eats Paris has to offer, all while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, this tour is for you! Food tours range from 89-109 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in France, check out these guides:

Paris Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm ranges from 40-75 EUR per night, depending on location and how popular the hostel is. Double private rooms start at 97 EUR per night, but are more often in the range of 155-200 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Expect prices to be on the higher end during the summer travel season.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start around 120 EUR per night for a room with a double bed. You’ll get normal basic hotel amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee/tea maker, and occasionally free breakfast. For a more mid-range three-star hotel, expect to pay at least 150-180 EUR per night. Expect prices to rise in the summer.

On Airbnb, the private rooms start at 65 EUR, while full apartments start at 150 EUR per night (but usually cost at least double that if you don’t book early). Prices will be double this in the summer.

Food – Food in France has a long history and is intricately intertwined with the culture. Fresh bread (especially baguettes), tasty local cheeses, and plentiful wine may be stereotypical staples of the cuisine, but they really are some of the must-eat foods in the country. Be sure to try croque monsieur (a hot ham and cheese sandwich), pot-au-feu (beef stew), steak frites (steak and fries), and if you’re real adventurous you can sample traditional delicacies like frog legs, escargot (snails) or foie gras (a fattened duck or goose liver).

If you’re on a budget, pick up some ingredients at the local market and have a picnic in one of the city’s many parks. Creating your own meal costs around 7-10 EUR and is a fun way to take in the city as you relax.

Pre-made sandwiches from the city’s takeaway shops, crepes, or fast food generally cost between 6-12 EUR (a combo meal at McDonald’s is around 10 EUR). If you want to eat at a restaurant (the French are known for their culinary skills, after all!), try doing a “prix-fixe” meal. It’s a set menu that offers you a deal on a 2-3 course meal for about 22-35 EUR for lunch.

A cheap meal at a casual restaurant costs around 15-18 EUR, while you should expect to pay between 30-50 EUR for dinner at a nice restaurant including wine. Try to avoid the tourist areas, where prices are around about 10-30% higher.

Beer costs 6-7 EUR, a glass of wine is 4-6 EUR, and cocktails are around 10-13 EUR. A cappuccino/latte is around 4 EUR while bottled water is 2 EUR.

Some of my favorite places to eat in the city are Bouillon Pigalle, Café Marlette Martyrs, Père & Fils, Bong, Crêperie des Arts, Le Dit Vin, Five Tea Or’normes, Florence Kahn, Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, Juveniles, Clamato, Wine Therapy, and La Recyclerie, Septime La Cave, Le Barav, and L’Assiette.

For an in-depth list of tons of restaurants and bars, check out my guidebook to Paris , which goes in-depth into the city!

If you’re cooking for yourself, expect to pay about 50-60 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, bread, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Paris Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Paris, my suggested budget is about 70 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking your own meals and having picnics, taking public transit to get around, limiting your drinking, and doing most cheap or free activities like free walking tours and free museums.

A mid-range budget of about 150 EUR per day covers staying in a private Airbnb room, eating out for most of your meals at cheap fast food places, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities like going up the Eiffel Tower and visiting the Louvre.

For a “luxury” budget of 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, take more taxis, drink more, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Paris Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Since Paris is expensive to visit, it’s important to find ways to save money. Luckily, there are A LOT of ways to save money while still experiencing the city’s beauty, charm, and cuisine. If you want to lower your costs, here are some high-impact ways to save money in Paris:

• Buy a metro card – Paris has over 300 subway stations, so it’s easy to get around the city using public transportation. A day pass is 13.20 EUR while a 10-ticket pass or “carnet” costs 16.90 EUR (both of these are much cheaper than paying the 1.90 EUR for an individual ticket). The day pass, called ParisVisite, also provides discounts to some major Parisian landmarks.
• Have a picnic – With so many beautiful parks and outdoor gardens, it would be hard not to take advantage of picnicking. Eating in Paris is cheap when you do your own shopping. Buy some bread, cheese, and meat at the local shops and have an outdoor picnic. It’s fun and costs a fraction of what a meal in a restaurant would.
• Get the Paris Museum Pass – This prepaid card provides access to over 70 museums and monuments around Paris. A two-day pass costs 52 EUR, a four-day pass costs 66 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 78 EUR. This is perfect for the museum hopper. Since most people visit lots of museums in the city, you’re pretty much guaranteed to save money.
• Get the Paris Pass – This is a super-sized version of the Paris Museum Pass and is for people who want to do heavy sightseeing in a short period of time. You can purchase a two-day pass for 109 EUR, a three-day pass for 129 EUR, a four-day pass for 149 EUR, or a six-day pass for 169 EUR. It includes a TON of sights (75+ attractions), the ability to skip lines, and a hop-on, hop-off bus tour (in addition to everything in the Paris Museum Pass). You can order your pass here .
• See museums for free – All national museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month. If you happen to hit this day, be aware of potentially large crowds and long lines.
• Dine out during lunch – Food in Paris is not cheap. It costs you an arm and a leg to eat here, but during lunch, many restaurants offer a pre-fixe menu for 10-20 EUR. It’s the same food you would buy for dinner but at half the cost. When I eat out in Paris, I do so during lunch so I can still eat amazing French food without it eating my entire wallet!
• Cook your meals – The best way to save money on the road is to cook your own meals. Many hostels, campsites, and guest houses have kitchens. No kitchen? Pack your own container and silverware and make some sandwiches and salads on the go.
• Stay with a local – I highly recommend trying to find a host on Couchsurfing (or similar apps) so that you can get a kitchen, a place to stay, and a local friend to show you around. The community here is very active and friendly!
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to get a great overview of Paris, take a free walking tour with New Europe Tours. These 2-3 hour tours will give you a good overview of the city, help you get your bearings, and give you someone to ask for cheap eats and things to do! Just don’t forget to tip your guide at the end!
• Remember that water is free – When you order water at a restaurant, make sure you ask for tap water. They’ll try to provide bottled water and charge you for it, but tap water is free and safe to drink.
• Bring a water bottle – Since the tap water here is safe to drink you should bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe. There are water filling stations throughout the city.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris has lots of awesome hostels and budget hotels. Here are some of my recommended places to stay in Paris:

• St. Christopher’s Canal
• Les Piaules
• Generator Hostel
• St. Christopher’s Gare du Nord
• Hôtel Thérèse

For more hostel suggestions be sure to check out my list of the best hostels in Paris.

How to Get Around Paris

Public transportation – The Paris public transport system is one of the world’s most comprehensive and efficient. Every other block has a metro (subway) stop. A single-use metro/bus ticket costs 1.90 EUR (2 EUR if you buy it on the bus).

A “carnet” of 10 single-use tickets costs 16.90 EUR. You can get a one-day to five-day pass (a ParisVisite) for all modes of public transportation (bus, metro, trams, and suburban trains called the RER) for between 13.20-42.20 EUR. It also gives you discounts to some major Parisian landmarks. You can buy tickets at any metro station.

( Note: There are cheaper day passes available if you are under 26, as well as discounted prices on weekends and holidays, but they are only explained on the French website. If you can speak passable French and are under 26, you can ask for those reduced fares instead.)

The RER is an above-ground train that has five lines serving Paris and Ile-de-France. It works exactly like the metro and uses the same tickets, although you’ll have to use your ticket in the automatic barriers on your way out of the station as well (unlike the metro). If you have a connecting journey with the metro, you can use the same ticket.

There are 64 bus lines in Paris’s metro network. If you already have your single-use metro/bus ticket, it costs 1.90 EUR. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy a ticket on the bus for 2 EUR. Your ParisVisite pass also works on the bus.

There are four tram lines in Paris that navigate the city’s perimeter. They work on the same ticketing system as the metro, RER, and bus.

The airport RoissyBus to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) costs 12 EUR each way. The bus to Paris-Orly (ORY) costs between 9.50-12.10 EUR depending on which bus you take/where you are going in Paris.

Bike-sharing – Velib’ is Paris’s public bike-sharing program. A single trip is 3 EUR, while a one-day pass is 5 EUR and a 3-day pass is 20 EUR. If you’d like to take out an electric bike, a one-day pass is 10 EUR.

E-scooters – Electric scooters have quickly become a popular way to get around in Paris. There are a few different companies, including Lime and Tier, but most cost around the same price: around 1 EUR to unlock the scooter, .15-.20 EUR per minute thereafter.

Taxi – Taxis in the city are expensive (rides cost a minimum of 7.10 EUR regardless of where you are going). With the metro running late into the night, there’s little reason to take them. Avoid them if you can.

Uber – Uber is available in Paris but, again, it’s largely unnecessary as the public transportation is so great.

When to Go to Paris

Summer is the most popular (and most expensive) time to visit Paris. Average daily summer temperatures are in the low 20°Cs (high 70°Fs). While the weather is great, that also means the crowds are huge and wait times for major attractions are long. This is the most crowded time of year. (And, keep in mind, most French people leave during August for vacation.) If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to book your accommodation and activities in advance.

I think the best time to visit is May-early June and September-October. During these times, there are fewer crowds, prices are lower, and the weather is still sunny and warm. Temperatures are often around 20-23°C (68-73°F) making this a good season to stroll around outside without tons of layers on or the sweltering sun beating down on you.

Winter can be dark and chilly, but while the weather may not be perfect, Paris is particularly beautiful in the winter. It’s also the best time to find cheap airfare and hotel deals. Although Paris is never free from tourists, it does get less crowded at this time of year. This can be a great time to visit if you plan on spending most of your time in museums and historic sites. It’s also the rainiest during this time. Expect daily highs around 7°C (44°F).

How to Stay Safe in Paris

Paris is very safe, and the risk of violent crime is very low. That said, as in all major cities, petty theft and pickpocketing are pretty rife here, especially on crowded public transportation and in busy tourist areas. Avoid flashing your valuables and always keep your possessions secure and out of reach.

There’s a lot of tourist scams here, especially one involving people getting you to sign a petition and then demanding money. Simply avoid anyone urging you to sign a petition by politely declining their offer.

If you’re worried about getting scammed, you can read about common travel scams to avoid right here.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions occur (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night if intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, I’d google solo female travel blogs as they can best give advice for Paris. To be extra safe, avoid walking around at night by yourself in certain neighborhoods, including Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, Jaures, and Les Halles.

Generally, your biggest issues in Paris will be tourist scams and petty theft.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Paris Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of France.

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

While I have a lot of free tips on Paris, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, maps, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc.), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Paris that I got from living and running tours here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.

Paris Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling France and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Paris

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

13 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See and Do in Paris

The Best Walking Tours in Paris

Life in Paris, Part 3: Nothing Lasts Forever

The 10 Best Day Trips from Paris

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Paris travel guide | the complete guide to the best of paris, france.

The COMPLETE guide to everything you need to know about visiting Paris, France.

Paris will always be our favorite city. It was our home for a few years and we’ve visited multiple times — so we love helping people explore the city. In this Paris Travel Guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Paris — from what to see, where to eat, and the best neighborhoods to explore.

Quick Guide

Daily costs to visit paris.

• How Long To Visit Paris
• The Good and Bad Things About Paris
• Best Time to Visit Paris
• Where To Stay In Paris (Neighborhood Guide)
• Best Hostels and Hotels in Paris
• Major Sights and Attractions
• Other Fun Experiences
• Best Parks and Gardens in Paris
• Best City Views of Paris

Best Cheap Eats in Paris

Best coffee shops in paris.

• Best Markets and Market Streets
• Best Boulangeries in Paris
• Best Dessert Spots in Paris
• Best Day Trips from Paris

Getting Around Paris

First things first… how much money do you need to visit Paris? Well, this city isn’t a cheap destination but it can still be somewhat of a budget-friendly destination if you’re careful about how you spend your time.

The average cost per day for budget travel will be around €80/day but frugal travelers might spend around €40/day. That said, you can easily spend a little less or quite a bit more depending on your travel style. Check out our  Paris Travel Cost Guide to get a better estimate of travel costs.

I also highly suggest buying a local SIM Card so you have fast, reliable, and affordable mobile data for your phone. Check out my Guide To The Best SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in France

How Long To Visit Paris: 5+ Days

Paris is one of those cities that can’t be experienced in a day or two. You honestly need a minimum of four days but you can also spend well over a week and feel like you’re just scratching the surface.

Personally, we suggest you spend at least five days in Paris — this will let you experience a few different areas of the city without having to travel at a breakneck pace.

Paris: The Good & The Not-To-Good

Paris does a lot of things extremely well but it’s not a perfect city. In this section, we’ll cover the best and the worst that you’ll experience when you visit Paris.

• The Good Life: Our favorite thing about Paris is experiencing and soaking in the “good life” that Parisians experience every day.
• The Food: There is no doubt that Paris is home to some of the best food in the world. Ok, it’s usually expensive to eat in a nice restaurant but there are still some great values out there.
• The Wine: You can find great wine at just about every restaurant and the house wine is usually very good.
• Cafe Culture: One of our favorite things about Paris is simply enjoying have a meal or drink in a cafe — especially on a sidewalk cafe during a warm day.
• Architecture: Exploring Paris is like walking through a living and breathing museum. The architecture is amazing everywhere you look.
• The Metro: The Paris Metro is one of the best subway systems in the world. It’s fast, it’s extensive, and it’s affordable. You’re never more than about a five-minute walk from a metro station.
• The Shopping: Paris is one of the great shopping cities in the world.

The Not-So-Good

• Crowds: Paris is the most-visited city in Europe so the crowds at museums and other popular sights can get a little overwhelming. So pre-purchase tickets if possible or pick up the Paris Pass so you can skip most of the lines.
• Smelly Metro: While most Metro stations don’t smell bad, you’ll probably experience a few that have a distinct urine smell.
• Costs: As said before, Paris tends to be expensive and you can easily blow your budget on food and accommodation. So don’t be surprised when your hotel is tiny and expensive.
• Beggers and Pickpockets: Like most major cities in Europe, Paris isn’t immune to pickpockets and beggars. You probably won’t have any issues but it’s smart to keep your wits about you.

Best Time To Visit Paris

There is never a bad time to visit Paris as there is always something going on but each season does have its pros and cons. In this section, we’ll give you a brief overview of each season to help you choose the best time for your visit.

The summer is obviously the most popular time to visit because the weather is nice and the rain is light/infrequent. The average high temperatures from June to August is about 75 degrees but the city will have a few 80-90+ degree days each summer.

You’ll have to deal with all the crowds — which can get intense at the most popular attractions. Prices are also higher for accommodation and transportation (flights, trains, etc.). Also, August is traditionally a time when many Parisians take their vacations so some restaurants and independent shops might close down for 2-4 weeks (although this is becoming rarer).

Despite the crowds and elevated prices, summer is still a great time to visit. The streets are alive with activity, the cafes are buzzing, and the people watching can’t be beaten. It’s also a great time to spend hours in the city’s numerous parks and gardens.

September through early November is another great time to visit as the temperatures are still comfortable but the crowds aren’t at their summer peak. The average highs in September and October are still in the upper 60s and the rain doesn’t seem to really pick up until November.

And while the sidewalk cafes might not be as busy, inside the cafes still buzz with plenty of life.

If we had to choose, we’d visit in mid-September since it’s a nice balance between comfortable weather and fewer tourists.

Paris winters don’t tend to get too cold but they are usually fairly grey and rainy. Snow is rare. There might be a handful of below-freezing days but the high temperatures are usually in the low 40s or high 30s. You’ll want to pack for light rain and dress in layers.

November, January, and February are all slow months so you won’t have to fight the crowds. Prices are also lowest during these times.

Paris does get a bit busy during the Christmas season so prices will be higher than normal.

Be sure to dress properly. Check out these handy winter-packing articles:

• Winter Packing List for Europe
• Best Waterproof Boots for Men
• Best Waterproof Boots for Women
• Guide To Dressing For Winter in Europe

During March through mid-May, the weather starts to warm up and the city comes back to life. The flowers start blooming and people are out and about. Tourism doesn’t really start picking up until the middle of May so it’s still a nice time to experience the city before things get too crazy.

The temperatures average in the mid to upper 50s but April and May do tend to be a bit rainy.

Paris Neighborhoods & Where To Stay

Paris is divided up into 20 Arrondissements (i.e. neighborhoods/districts) and each has its own personality. In this section, we’ll talk about a few of our favorite/must-see neighborhoods and this should hopefully help you decide where to explore and maybe stay in. By the way, check out our in-depth Paris Neighborhood Guide if you want a more detailed rundown on each of Paris’ 20 Arrondissements.

Don’t forget that Paris has an excellent public transportation system so traversing the city is quick and easy. 

THE MARAIS (3RD/4TH)

It’s hard to beat the uber-cool Marais — it’s centrally located, full of bars and restaurants, has a lot of great shopping, and it has great energy. It’s also the most LGBT-friendly neighborhood. Additionally, the Marais has historically been Paris’ Jewish neighborhood so it’s the place to grab a great falafel.

In general, the southern area of the Marais has a bigger concentration of bars and nightlife so it can be a little louder at night. Things get a bit quieter as you go north.

Neighborhood Highlights:

Musée Picasso

• Musée national des Arts et Métiers
• Notre-Dame de Paris
• Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)
• Centre Georges Pompidou
• Maison de Victor Hugo

Check Out Hotel Prices for the Marais Hotels at Booking.com

BASTILLE (11 TH )

The Bastille has historically been a quiet working-class neighborhood but it’s recently become Paris’ new hip “it” neighborhood. These days young chefs are moving in and restaurants popping up every day. You’ll also find some nice budget-friendly nightlife around rue Oberkampf and the streets around the Place de la Bastille. Furthermore, every Sunday you’ll find the largest farmers market in the city.

The neighborhood isn’t touristy so you’ll get a real “local” feel when you stay there.

• Bastille Farmer’s Market

Check out Booking.com to get an idea of hotel prices in the 11th

THE LATIN QUARTER (5TH)

The Latin Quarter is classic Paris and there are parts that date back to the Middle Ages. It’s what people picture when they imagine visiting Paris so its one of the most popular areas to explore and stay. It’s full of tiny streets, cafes, shopping, and restaurants. It’s also home to many universities so there is a solid student population (although not many can afford to live there anymore).

Accommodation and food prices tend to be fairly expensive since so many visitors want to stay here — but it’s hard to blame them.

• Jardin des Plantes
• Arenes de Lutece
• Musée du Moyen Age
• Musée de l’Institut du Monde Arabe

Check Booking.com To See Average Hotel Prices for the Latin Quarter

SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS (6TH)

St. Germain is also classic, old-school Paris. It’s beautiful. It’s romantic. It’s the heart of Paris’ literary heritage. It’s also expensive. In fact, it’s probably one of the most expensive and most visited parts of the city. But you’re in the heart of everything (especially if you stay near the river).

• Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Palais du Luxembourg

Check Booking.com To See Average Hotel Prices for St. Germain

MONTMARTRE (18TH)

Montmartre is one of the most unique, romantic, and charming parts of the city. It’s located on a large hill in the northern part of the city and it’s topped with the Sacré-Cœur Basilica — the city views from the top of the hill can’t be beaten. This area was its own village until the late 1800s so it has a different feel than the rest of Paris. It’s also very hilly and has lots of stairs so it’s not great for anyone with mobility issues.

Some parts of Montmartre are very touristy but accommodation tends to be a little cheaper than central Paris since it’s not in the “center” of the city.

Once you go a bit north of Montmartre the neighborhood becomes a little rougher so it’s not the most ideal place to stay. Paris’ Red Light District (including the Moulin Rouge) is located in the very southern part of Montmartre but it’s pretty tame.

• Moulin Rouge

Check out budget-friendly hotels in Montmartre at Booking.com

Again, these are our favorite neighborhoods but there are plenty of other great neighborhoods in Paris that might be perfect for your travel style. Check out our Paris Neighborhood Guide to learn more about each neighborhood. 

Hostels and Hotels in Paris

Alright, Paris has a handful of good, but not great, hostels. And unless you’re spending big bucks, plan on staying in a very small hotel room that costs $120-$200+/night.

The average nightly cost for a bed in a hostel is around €30-€42 in the summer and €20-€30 in the winter. Check  Hostelworld  to get exact prices for your dates and read our guide to the Best Hostels in Paris for more information.

Top-Rated Hostels in Paris

• Les Piaules
• Le Village Hostel Montmartre
• The Loft Boutique Hostel Paris
• Generator Paris
• St Christopher’s Paris Gare du Nord
• 3 Ducks Boutique Hostel-Eiffel Tower

Budget-Friendly Hotels

Hotel prices are all over the place in Paris — from budget to five-star. We recommend searching on  Booking.com to find hotels in your price range — plus they make it easy to filter searches based on location, price, and rating. 

Best Things To Do in Paris

Paris has sooooo many things to see and do — it’s virtually impossible to cover everything (but we’ll do our best). In this section, we’ll cover the best and most popular things you’ll definitely want to consider checking out.

P.S. Don’t run yourself ragged trying to do it all. You’ll get burnt out. We’ve found they most people who didn’t like Paris were the ones who tried to “see it all.” Give yourself time to soak it all in. Consider picking up the  Paris Pass  so you can skip the lines and better utilize your sightseeing time.

Paris is the museum capital of the world but we recommend only visiting the ones that seem most interesting to you so you avoid museum burnout.

Musée d’Orsay

In our opinion, the Musee d’Orsay is the best museum in Paris. Sure, the Louvre is massive and more famous, but the d’Orsay shouldn’t be missed. It’s set in an old art nouveau train station and it contains an impressive collection — including one of the best collections of impressionist paintings from Renoir, Monet, van Gogh, and others.

The d’Orsay does get busy so get there early or visit later in the day on Thursday when it’s open until 9:45 pm. Visit Website .

The Louvre is easily the most famous museum in the world. It’s so huge that you can’t really see it all in one day — you wouldn’t want to try seeing it in a day anyway. It’s recommended to arrive early to beat the crowds or purchase your tickets online. Even if you don’t like art, you should still visit the grounds (Tuileries Gardens) to look at the impressive former palace.

Another tip is to visit on Wednesday or Friday night since it’s open late (9:45 pm). Visit Website .

Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is Paris’ modern and contemporary art museum. It houses works from everyone from Dalí to Warhol. Almost equally impressive (and somewhat bizarre) is the exterior design of the museum so take some time to appreciate that. Furthermore, take the escalator to the top of the museum for some excellent city views. Visit Website .

After years of being closed for renovations, the Picasso Museum is finally open. It’s the largest collection of Picasso’s works and it spans from his early life to the end of his career — it’s interesting to see how his style evolved. Visit Website .

Musée Rodin

The Rodin Museum has a nice collection of small Rodin sculptures housed in his former home but the real star is the beautiful sculpture garden — which showcases many of his famous works like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. We recommend visiting on a nice day so you can spend an hour or two wandering the gardens. Visit Website .

Hôtel des Invalides

This expansive museum chronicles France’s long and extensive military history. It’s also where you’ll find Napoleon’s opulent and gold-domed tomb. Visit Website .

Musée Carnavalet

The Musée Carnavalet chronicles the rich history of Paris. It’s a free museum so feel free to give it a quick look.  NOTE: The museum is closed for remodeling until sometime in 2019.

Musée National du Moyen Âge (Cluny Museum)

The Musée National du Moyen Âge is France’s national museum of the Middle Ages and it’s housed in an impressive medieval mansion. In this impressive museum, you’ll find a collection of weapons, artwork, artifacts, tapestries, and Roman bath ruins. Visit Website .

Musée du Quai Branly

There is more than just European art in Paris — enter the Quai Branly Museum. Here you’ll find non-European art with a strong focus on indigenous African, Oceania, and some South East Asia and American. Tip: Visit the rooftop terrace for amazing panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and the rest of the city.  Visit Website .

Major Sights & Attractions 

Eiffel tower.

Everyone already knows about the Eiffel Tower — it is the most famous landmark in the world, after all. Everyone needs to see it at least once. If you can, see it during the day and then again at night. P.S. The tower sparkles every night on the hour.

You should always buy your tickets ahead of time if you plan on going up the tower as the ticket lines get insane.

• Visit Website
• See On Google Maps

Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre

Spend a day exploring the hilly Montmartre neighborhood in the northern part of Paris. This bohemian neighborhood is ultra charming and offers some of the most breathtaking views of Paris. At the very top of Montmartre, you’ll find the iconic white Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The area around the Sacré-Cœur is touristy (it’s hard to find a good meal at a reasonable price) but it’s still a can’t miss destination.

• Visit The Sacre Coeur Website

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is easily one of the most famous churches in the world. It’s currently under construction after the devastating fire but you can still walk around to see the renovations of the exterior.

Sainte-Chapelle Chapel

Sainte-Chapelle may not be the biggest church in Paris but it has some of the most impressive stained glass windows in the world. The chapel, which dates back to 1248, always draws a crowd so get there early if you want to avoid the lines and the hoard of people inside.

Note: Sainte-Chapelle is located near Notre Dame so their visits can easily be combined.

Opéra Garnier

The Opéra Garnier isn’t on most people’s list of things to see but the decorations inside are truly amazing. It’s seriously some of the most opulent decorations we’ve ever seen. We highly recommend booking a guided tour so you can check it out — it was one of our favorite things we’ve done in Paris.

Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Elysées

No visit to Paris is complete without strolling along the Champs-Elysées as you head toward the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Yes, the Champs-Elysées is about as touristy as it gets but you should see it at least once (all its restaurants are way overpriced, btw). You can also visit the top of the Arc de Triomphe for some great city views.

• Visit The Arc de Triomphe Website

Other Fun Paris Experiences

Yes, there is more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, and Notre Dame. In this section, we’ve listed a few of our favorite activities that you’ll find interesting.

Walking Tours and Bike Tours

We always recommend taking some kind of tour since it’s an excellent way to learn about the city. There are multiple free walking tours and even more paid tours. We’ve also done a bike tour and thought that was a great way to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time.

Free Walking Tours

• Discover Walks Free Walking Tour
• New Europe Free Walking Tour
• City Free Tour – Paris

Montparnasse Tower

Central Paris only has one skyscraper — the Montparnasse Tower. Parisians hated it so much that they banned skyscrapers after it was built. We agree that it’s ugly and out of place… but the views from the top-floor observation deck are unbelievable. It’s a great way to see the city and it offers the best views of the Eiffel Tower.

Walk the Seine at Night

One of the best things about Paris is simply strolling its streets but it becomes even more magical at night when all the monuments and buildings are illuminated. For the most beautiful walk, we recommend strolling along the Seine as it passes many of the city’s architectural highlights.

As Paris expanded the city realized that cemeteries might not be the best use of space… so they dug up the bones of nearly 7 million Parisians and arranged them inside the city’s many miles of underground quarry tunnels. And now you can take a tour of these piles of bones. Yeah, it’s a bit bizarre and kinda creepy but it’s a very popular attraction. Note: They limit the number of people who can visit so the lines can get very long — it’s highly suggested that you arrive early.

Paris Plage s (Paris Beaches)

Parisians love the beach so much that every summer the city brings in tons of sand and turns the road that runs along the Seine River into a manmade beach — complete with beach chairs and umbrellas. So pack your most skimpy bathing suit and  soak up the Parisian sun between early July and September.  

Pari-Roller

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Sewer Museum (Musée des Egouts de Paris)

Paris has one of the first and most advanced sewer systems in the world and you can tour it. It’s certainly a unique, and maybe a little stinky, way to see the city.

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour & Seine River Cruise

Yes, these are uber-touristy but Paris is such a beautiful city that they’re kind of fun. The open-top bus tours give you a great overview of the city so they’re great to take at the start of your visit.

And a river cruise gives you a unique perspective of the city — we recommend taking one at night because all the buildings are beautifully illuminated.  

Best Parks, Gardens, & Green Space

Paris is one of the greenest cities in Europe so it’s not too difficult to find a way to get a little fresh air.

Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens)

There is a reason Parisians flock to the Luxembourg Gardens all year long. It’s simply beautiful — especially in the spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. On a nice day, you’ll find hundreds of visitors, locals, and university students enjoying a nice picnic or bottle of wine. See On Google Maps .

Jardin Des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden)

No visit to Paris is complete without strolling through the Tuileries Garden. This pristine urban garden stretches from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and it’s filled with fountains, sculptures, and you even have a decent view of the Eiffel Tower. See On Google Maps .

Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau isn’t a huge park but that doesn’t mean it’s not an impressive and beautiful part of central Paris. This “English” style park features plenty of leafy trees, a rolling lawn, winding walking paths, a small pond, statues, and interesting architectural elements. It’s a great place for a picnic or summer nap. See On Google Maps .

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Not many tourists venture to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont but it’s a charming, romantic, and hilly park in the 19th arrondissement that has nice views of the Sacre Coeur. It features an impressive grotto, an iron bridge, and a high cliff with a waterfall. It’s worth checking out if you’re in the area and especially on a nice day. See On Google Maps .

CIMETIÈRE DU PÈRE LACHAISE (Père Lachaise Cemetery)

Père Lachaise is a massive and leafy cemetery inside Paris that’s now home to many of the city’s most wealthy and famous citizens — including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Chopin, Édith Piaf, Proust, Gertrude Stein, and more. It’s a very beautiful cemetery so it’s a peaceful place to stroll for an hour or two. See On Google Maps .

BOIS DE BOULOGNE & BOIS DE VINCENNES

These two massive parks are known as the “lungs” of Paris. While we wouldn’t suggest visiting them if you’re only in Paris for a few days, we still think they’re both good places to explore for experienced/long-term visitors.

The Bois de Boulogne is the second-largest park in Paris. It was originally a hunting ground for royalty but these days its home to English gardens, an impressive greenhouse (Le Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil), lakes, lawns, botanical gardens, playgrounds, and tennis courts. It’s also a popular spot for prostitutes so don’t be surprised if you see a few working.

The Bois de Vincennes is the largest park in the city (twice the size of Central Park), and it’s located on the eastern edge of Pairs. It features multiple lakes, gardens, botanical gardens, arboretums, lawns, walking trails, greenhouses, theaters, horse racing tracks, and more.

Other Parks in Paris

Jardin des Plantes:  Originally created as a royal herb garden in 1626, this is now the largest botanical garden in Paris. The Jardin des Plantes is located on the 5th and it’s a short walk from the Seine. It’s best enjoyed during the Spring/Summer since that’s when the flowers are in bloom. See On Google Maps .

Parc de Belleville: This small neighborhood park is located way off the beaten path near the edge of Paris’ 20th arrondissement. Its best feature is its city and Eiffel Tower views. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to explore the diverse and up-and-coming Belleville neighborhood. See On Google Maps .

Parc de la Villette: This is another off-the-beaten-path park that even a lot of Parisians have never visited — probably because it’s located on the far northeastern edge of the 19th arrondissement. The park is full of post-modernist architecture and sculptures so it feels way different than other parks you’ve experienced. See On Google Maps .

Promenade Plantee: This three-mile stretch of abandoned elevated railroad tracks has been transformed into a peaceful plant-lined walking path. It’s popular with locals but still undiscovered by visitors. See On Google Maps .

Albert Kahn Museum Gardens: Just outside central Paris you’ll find the Albert Kahn Museum and its impressive gardens. This former home of banker and philanthropist Albert Kahn features a beautiful garden that is divided into multiple sections that are each modeled after different traditional gardens from around the world. See On Google Maps .

Channel Your Inner Parisian

The best way to experience Paris is by living life like the Parisians. Below are some things you should do

Sidewalk Cafe Drinks

Find a cute sidewalk cafe, order a drink, and watch the world go by for an hour or two. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Drinks Along The Canal St. Martin

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One of the hippest spots in Paris is found along the banks of the Canal St. Martin. During the warm summer nights, hundreds of hip Parisians gather along the canal for drinks and snacks. Don’t worry, you’re allowed to drink in public so bring a bottle of wine or few beers. Additionally, there are a handful of cool bars and restaurants in the area.

We recommend using the ultra-hip Chez Prune  restaurant as a reference point of where to hang out — don’t worry, you’ll see the crowds of people.

Drinks Along The Seine

Another great place to enjoy a bottle of wine is along the Seine River. The most romantic spot is a tiny part of the edge of the Ile de la Cité called  Square du Vert-Galant — it’s an amazing location in the middle of the Seine with spectacular views. If you’re looking for more places to drink along to the Seine, we suggest checking out this guide from  Discover Walks .

Velib Bike Rental

Paris continues to become more of a bike-friendly city every year so biking is a nice way to explore. Paris has an extensive bike-sharing program called Velib so you can find a bike station every few streets. They even have a pass specifically for visitors so renting a bike is super easy and affordable. Visit Website .

Best City Views in Paris

Paris looks amazing from every angle but it’s especially beautiful from above. Here are a few of our favorite places to gaze down upon the city.

Sacré-Coeur Basilica & Montmartre

The steps in front of the Sacré-Coeur offer amazing views from the north of Paris. You can climb to the top of the Sacré-Coeur’s dome for even better views. This is one of our favorite spots in Paris so it’s a must-visit.

Fancy some exercise? Climb a few hundred stairs to the top of Notre Dame. The views here are amazing because Notre Dame is at the very center of the city so excellent 360-degree views but you’re not so high up that you lose details.

While a bit “touristy”, the views from the top of the Tour Montparnasse (the only skyscraper in the city) are amazing. It’s our favorite view of the city and this attraction is overlooked by most visitors so it’s rarely busy.

Insider tip: Visit the tower’s bar/restaurant ( Le Ciel de Paris Restaurant ) for some excellent views for the price of an expensive cocktail.

Windo Bar At The Hyatt Regency Hotel

For a “treat yo self” moment head to  Windo at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. It’s super swanky and has excellent city views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Sure, it’s expensive but whatever.  See On Google Maps .

The observation decks on the Eiffel Tower offer some solid views of the city — but you can’t see the Eiffel Tower so it’s not our favorite spot… but its still one of those things you should experience at least once.

Galeries Lafayette

This department store in the middle of the city has a top floor that offers great city views and it’s all free.

If you visit the Centre Pompidou then you have to take the escalator to the top floor for stunning views. The museum’s cafe,  Le Georges , also has some really nice views of the city.

Arab World Institute (Institut du Monde Arabe)

One excellent view that not many people know about comes from the top of the Arab World Institute. This is my favorite view of the Seine and Notre Dame. The viewing platform is free for anyone — simply walk in and take the elevator to the roof. There is also a cafe up there that serves excellent mint tea.

Food, Alcohol, and Coffee in Paris

Everyone knows that Paris is famous for their cuisine but eating out is going to be expensive. But don’t worry because in this section we’ll cover some of the best places to get quality eats without spending a fortune.

We’ll also highlight some of our favorite bars and coffee shops as well.

Read More: Check Out Our Guide To the Best Budget Restaurants in Paris .

Here’s a tip: Any bakery that makes a great baguette will almost undoubtedly make a great sandwich and have other quality items.  And if you’re looking for an excellent baguette we highly recommend checking out Paris By Mouth’s Guide To The Best Baguette in Paris .

Grenier Au Pain Bakery [Sandwiches & Bakery]

We probably ate 30+ sandwiches from Grenier Au Pain Bakery — they won the “best baguette in Paris” a handful of times since they opened. We recommend the classic  Jambon – Beurre (ham and butter but it usually also has cheese). 

• See More Reviews
• 38 rue des Abbesses, 75018 (Main store – Montmartre)
• 127 rue Caulaincourt, 75018 (Montmartre)
• 33bis rue Saint Amand, 75015
• 52 avenue d’Italie, 75013
• 91 rue Faubourg Poissonnière, 75009

Le Coquelicot [Bakery/Sandwiches]

Le Coquelicot is another very solid bakery and sandwich shop — they’re another “best baguette in Paris” winner. Everything is solid.

• 24 rue des Abbesses,  75018 ( See On Google Maps )

Le Petit Vendôme [Takeaway Sandwiches & Classic French Sitdown]

Every day at lunch there is a line of locals out the door waiting to get their hands on Le Petit Vendôme’s famous sandwiches (takeaway only) — so join them! Or you can try finding a table inside for a menu of classic French dishes. We recommend the duck confit. 

• 8 Rue des Capucines, 75002 ( See On Google Maps )

Mmmozza [Italian Sandwiches]

Chow down on excellent Italian sandwiches made with high-quality meats and cheese ( € 5- €8 ). A solid option for lunch on-the-go.

• 57, rue de Bretagne 75003 ( See On Google Maps )

Urfa Dürüm [Turkish/Kurdish Sandwiches]

Urfa Dürüm has been a go-to spot for broke and hungry seeking quality Turkish kebab sandwiches. It was also a favorite spot of Anthony Bourdain. Everything, including the bread, is made fresh. Sandwiches are  € 6- € 8. Expect a line at dinner time but know how to crank the sandwiches out quickly. 

• 58 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010 ( See On Google Maps )

BREIZH CAFÉ [FRENCH CREPES]

Located in the trendy Marais neighborhood, Breizh Cafe is one of our favorite crepe restaurants in Paris. This place seems to be on everyone’s “top places to eat in Paris” list (and it’s pretty small) so you might want to make reservations. And save room for dessert. 

• 109 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 ( See On Google Maps )

LA CRÊPERIE JOSSELIN [FRENCH CREPES]

Can you ever eat too many crepes? Nope. It’s impossible. And if you head to the Montparnasse neighborhood (which is famous for its crepe places) you’ll find La Creperie Josseline — one of the best crepe places in Paris. We’ve eaten here a few times and never had a bad crepe. To save a bit check out their lunch special of a savory crepe + dessert crepe + drink.

• 67 Rue du Montparnasse, 75014 ( See On Google Maps )

Happy Caffe [Crepes, Sandwiches, & Breakfast]

This unassuming takeaway spot is a great place to stop for a quick and cheap lunch if you happen to be near the Louvre/Tuileries Gardens. The owners are super friendly and they’ll make you feel welcome.

• 214 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 ( See On Google Maps )
• Read More Reviews

CAFÉ DE L’INDUSTRIE [FRENCH BISTRO]

This was our go-to bistro when we lived in Paris. The service is fast and the prices are solid — the main dishes are €12-€17. They also have a weekday lunch special for around €13 (starter, main, and dessert). This restaurant is great for groups as it’s a large space and the atmosphere is great. 

• 15,16,17 Rue Saint-Sabin ,  75011 ( See On Google Maps )

CHARTIER [CLASSIC FRENCH]

The old-school Parisian restaurant opened in 1896 and they’ve been serving cheap meals ever since. Ok, you don’t don here for a gourmet meal — you go here for a cheap meal and a fun atmosphere. We recommend sticking with simple French dishes like chicken or steak & fries. 

• 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 ( See On Google Maps )

LA PETITE ROSE DES SABLES [CLASSIC FRENCH]

This little French restaurant is a true gem — it can literally only seat 8-10 people so make a reservation. It’s run by an ultra-sweet husband (chef) and wife (server) team who serves up classic homemade French dishes — and maybe a kiss goodbye at the end of the meal. 

• 6 rue de Lancry ,  75010 ( See On Google Maps )

BISTROT VICTOIRES [FRENCH]

Looking for classic French dishes at really good prices? Check out Bistro Victories. It’s Authentic, delicious, affordable, and the service is great. And, it’s near the Louvre so it’s one of the best value restaurants in the heart of Paris. 

• 6 rue de la Vrilliere ,  75001 ( See On Google Maps )

CHEZ GLADINES [CLASSIC FRENCH]

Chez Gladines is another budget-friendly neighborhood bistro that serves up hearty French classics — with an emphasis on dishes from the Basques region. 

• 64 rue de Charonne ,  75011 ( See On Google Maps )

L’AS DU FALLAFEL [KOSHER MIDDLE EASTERN]

Yes, this is probably the most famous “budget” restaurant in Paris and just about every guidebook calls it the “best falafel in the world” so it’s no surprise everyone loves it. It’s mainly a takeaway place (it costs extra to eat inside) so we suggest eating your delicious falafel outside. There is almost always a long line but it moves quickly.

• 32 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 ( See On Google Maps )

CHEZ LE LIBANAIS [LEBANESE]

This small takeaway restaurant serves up fresh and delicious Lebanese wraps and shawarma on fresh-made bread. Very affordable and extra tasty — especially for its prime Latin Quarter/Saint Germain location. 

• 35 rue Saint Andre des Arts ,  75006 ( See On Google Maps )

PHO 14 [VIETNAMEESE]

We are huge fans of Pho 14 and this bustling no-frills Vietnamese restaurant is totally worth the trip. Its high-quality and low prices make it a local favorite. It gets a little busy at peak times but the service is insanely quick so the line moves quickly. There are a handful of other pho restaurants on the same street but Pho 14 is the best.

• Quartier Chinois 129 avenue de Choisy ,  75013 ( See On Google Maps )

HIGUMA [JAPANESE / RAMEN]

Get your ramen fix at Higuma. This no-frills spot has been serving up large bowls of authentic ramen for super cheap prices for years. Don’t be put off by the lines as it moves quickly. 

• There are three locations  (all near the Louvre) 

PIZZA ROSSI [PIZZA]

Excellent quality Neapolitan-style pizza at very affordable prices. This used to be a tiny little spot but they recently expanded so there is a bit more room to eat inside now. 

• 24 rue Blondel ,  75002 ( See On Google Maps )

Joe Burger [Burgers]

When you’re craving a tasty burger and you’re on a budget then we recommend Joe Burger. A burger and fries will run you under €9.

• 49 rue Descartes ,  75005 ( See On Google Maps )

Looking for more cheap eats? Check out our guide to the best budget restaurants in Paris . 

Someone once said that finding street parking in Paris is easier than finding good coffee. Luckily, things are finally starting to change but you still have to seek out good coffee shops. Here are a few of the coffee shops we recommend checking out if you need to get your caffeine fix. 

KB CaféShop

Take a break from Montmartre’s tourist crowds and head down to the neighboring Pigalle neighborhood to visit KB CafeShop. The vibe is chill and there is a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating. They have a solid selection of coffee as well as smoothies, pastries, and some light breakfast and lunch options. 

53 Avenue Trudaine, 75009 ( See On Google Maps )

Lomi is another favorite coffee shop for Parisian coffee lovers. It’s a cozy spot with comfy chairs, a wide range of tables, and places to chill out. They even roast their own coffee on-site and have a few small things to snack on. It’s a nice place to spend an hour or two. 

3 ter Rue Marcadet, 75018 ( See On Google Maps )

Fondation Café

Located on the northern edge of the uber-cool Marais neighborhood, Fondation Café is a great little coffee shop on a quiet street that has nice music, a relaxed vibe, and the staff is super friendly (one of the owners is Australian). There is seating inside and outside so it’s a nice place to relax if you can find a seat. 

16 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 ( See On Google Maps )

The Caféothèque of Paris

This cozy coffee shop serves up excellent espresso drinks, filter/Chemex, and iced coffees. There is no wifi and they ban laptops on the weekend so that helps keep the chill vibe. They also roast their beans on-site and have a few pastries/desserts to nibble on. It does get a little crowded on the weekend since it’s located very close to Notre Dame and the Seine.

52 Rue de l’Hôtel de ville, 75004 ( See On Google Maps )

Coutume Café

This is a super hipster and cozy coffee shop with excellent coffee and cold brew. The breakfast/brunch options are tasty but expensive so it’s not the place to go eat on a budget. It does get busy, especially on the weekends, so visit during the off-peak times if you want a more chilled atmosphere. 

47 Rue de Babylone, 75007 ( See On Google Maps )

Near the hip Canal St. Martin area you’ll find an equally-hip Ten Belles coffee shop selling quality coffee. The friendly staff is largely from England so no issues with any language barrier. It’s a small joint with limited seating but there is some outdoor seating. There is no wifi so it’s a nice place for a reading a book or meeting a friend. They also have a small selection of sandwiches, salads, and scones.

10 Rue de la Grange aux Belles, 75010 ( See On Google Maps )

Café Oberkampf

This cozy cafe is a great place to get excellent lattes, espresso, pour-overs, and some tasty breakfast/brunch options. The vibe is super chill and the food is fresh. It’s another “no laptops” cafe with no wifi. 

3 Rue Neuve Popincourt, 75011 ( See On Google Maps )

Kozy Bosquet

Kozy has solid coffee but they’re more known for their weekend brunch offerings (granola bowls, pancakes, etc.). They have a smaller menu during the week. Kozy is located fairly close to the Eiffel Tower so it’s not a bad place to stop while you’re out sightseeing (but that also makes it fairly touristy). 

79 Avenue Bosquet, 75007 ( See On Google Maps )

Matamata Coffee

This cozy and quiet little coffee shop has a nice relaxed vibe but, considering its central location, it can get full during peak times. But the coffees and teas are delicious. They also have a nice selection of freshly made baked goodies to enjoy and some light breakfast/lunch options. 

58 Rue d’Argout, 75002 ( See On Google Maps )

Best Farmers Markets & Market Streets in Paris

Of course, the best way to save money on food is by making meals for yourself. Luckily, Paris has some amazing farmer’s markets. Additionally, just about every neighborhood will have a few high-quality produce stores that sell much better stuff than what you’ll find at the grocery store. 

MARCHÉ BASTILLE

The biggest and best open-air market in Paris — with over 100 stalls selling fresh and prepared food. 

• Boulevard Richard Lenoir, 75011 ( See On Google Maps )
• Thursday, 7am-2.30pm // Sunday, 7am-3pm.

MARCHÉ D’ALIGRE & Marché Beauvau

Locals have been flocking to the Marché d’Aligre and the Marché Beauvau since 1866. These are basically the same markets but Marché d’Aligre is open-air and Marché Beauvau is covered. The quality is great the prices are solid. 

• Place d’Aligre, 75012 ( See On Google Maps )
• Marché d’Aligre:  Tuesday-Saturday 8am-5pm // Sunday 8am-1pm
• Marché Beauvau:  Tuesday-Friday 9am-1pm & 4-7:30pm // Saturday 9am-1pm & 3:30-7:30pm // Sunday 8:30am-1:30pm

MARCHÉ AUX ENFANTS ROUGES

Head to the Marais to find the oldest covered market in Pairs — it’s a bit hidden behind nondescript metal doors so you might miss it if you don’t know what you’re looking for. They specialize in ready-to-eat meals but also have fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, and flowers. 

• 39 rue de Bretagne, 75003 ( See On Google Maps )
• Tuesday-Friday, 8.30am-1pm & 4-7.30pm //Saturday, 4-8pm // Sunday, 8.30am-2pm

RUE CLER Market Street

Any foodie already knows about the Rue Cler — it’s arguably the most famous market street in Paris. The entire street is lined with specialty shops selling high-quality cheese, meats, and produce. 

• Open Tuesday-Saturday

Best Bakeries (Boulangeries) in Paris

Ahh yes. Who doesn’t love a fresh croissant or a pain au chocolat? Or a warm baguette with butter? Well, get ready for a carb overload because Paris is filled with excellent boulangeries. Below are a few of our favorites but you can find good bakeries on just about every street.  

Du Pain et Des Idées

This is easily one of the most loved bakeries in Paris (both for their baked goods and the beautiful shop) so do yourself a favor and make the journey. They’re especially famous for their pain des amis (friendship bread) but you can’t really go wrong with anything here so pick whatever looks good.

34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 ( See On Google Maps )

What happens when a pastry chef from a three-star Michelin restaurant opens his own bakery? Blé Sucré, that’s what. This place is a bit of a hidden gem since it looks like an ordinary bakery that you find all over the city but they make some of the best baked goods in Paris. And the prices are affordable. Try the chocolate croissant. 

7 Rue Antoine Vollon, 75012 ( See On Google Maps )

Best Baguette in Paris Winners

Every year bakeries compete for the title of “best baguette in Paris” and here are a few of those past winners. Also, places with great baguettes usually also make excellent sandwiches. 

• Pain Pain:  88 Rue des Martyrs, 75018 ( See On Google Maps )
• Le Grenier à Pain: Multiple locations ( See On Google Maps )
• Au Levain d’Antan:  6 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 ( See On Google Maps )
• Mahmoud M’Seddi Boulangerie:  215 Boulevard Raspail, 75014 ( See On Google Maps )
• Brun Boulangerie Patisserie:  193 Rue de Tolbiac, 75013 ( See On Google Maps )
• La Parisienne:  48 Rue Madame, 75006 ( See On Google Maps )
• Aux Délices Du Palais Paris:  60 Boulevard Brune, 75014 ( See On Google Maps )

Best Patisseries & Dessert Shops in Paris

Do you have a sweet tooth? Well, Paris is truly heaven because everywhere you look there are shop windows filled with delicious-looking desserts. The main downside is that the best places tend to be fairly expensive but… whatever, you only live once. 

By the way, it’s impossible to list out every great patisserie and dessert shop in Paris — so we’re not even going to try. That said, this list contains many of our favorite spots but there are dozens of other great dessert places in Paris.

Yes, Paris is known for delicious pastries (don’t worry, we’ll mention plenty of places to get them later in this article) but one of our absolute favorite things to eat in Paris is ice cream and sorbet from Berthillon. It’s insanely good. Get multiple scoops.

Yes, there are hoards of tourists lined up in front of the shop all day but it’s worth the wait. Note: They’re closed in August but other cafes around Berthillon also sell their ice cream (but get it from Berthillon if you can). 

31 rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile, 75004 ( See On Google Maps )

Pierre Hermé

Pierre Hermé is a legend in the macaron world so you should treat yourself to as many as you can afford. They have many traditional flavors but Pierre Hermé often has a few more “creative” flavor combinations than other shops. And yes, they sell plenty of other excellent desserts if macarons aren’t your thing. There are multiple locations throughout the city. 

See All Their Locations on Google Maps

Ladurée is one of the most well-known macaron shops in the world. Yes, it’s touristy but you should visit and try some of these tasty creations. They also have a wide range of other goodies but the macarons are the main event. There are multiple locations throughout Paris. 

Angelina is famous for their ultra-decadent hot chocolate. It’s basically like drinking a melted chocolate bar. Yes, this place is listed in all the guidebooks and it’s touristy but it’s something you really need to try. You might have to make reservations since this place is so popular.

See All Their Locations On Google Maps

This old-school pastry shop/tea salon is beautiful and the desserts are top-notch — the macarons, hot chocolate, and just about everything is great. It’s more expensive if you eat there so we suggest taking your treats to go if you’re on a budget. They also have food but why would you fill up on that when you’ve got so many desserts to try.

4 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 ( See On Google Maps )

La Maison du Chocolat

La Maison du Chocolat has excellent chocolate (some of the best in Paris) but they also have excellent macrons. I mean, everything is excellent.

See All Their Locations on Google Maps   

This legendary patisserie was founded in 1886 and it continues to be one of France’s dessert powerhouses. We recommend the eclairs but they make a lot of other solid treats. 

30 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 ( See On Google Maps )

La Patisserie Cyril Lignac

The list of amazing pastry shops in Paris seems to never end… Next on our list is the amazing La Patisserie Cyril Lignac. Everything is lovely and delicious — from their croissants and macaroons to eclairs and cakes. Kind of pricy though. 

Pierre Marcolini

This high-end Belgian chocolate shop isn’t cheap (ok, it’s expensive) but they make some of the best chocolate in Paris. They have lots of exotic flavor combinations that you’ll not find at other chocolate shops if that’s something you’re into.

Stohrer, which opened in 1730, holds the honor of being the oldest pastry shop in Paris so you know they’ve got to be doing something right. This old-school spot makes a wide range of goodies and treats. It’s worth a visit. 

51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 ( See On Google Maps )

Best Paris Day Trips

One of the great things about Paris is the huge number of day trips that are within a 30min-two hour train ride from the city. Below is a list of our favorite places to visit but if you want a more in-depth look at these trips we recommend checkout out our guide to the best Paris day trips . 

The Palace of Versailles is the most popular Paris day trip. This opulent royal residence is easily one of the most over-the-top buildings in the world. Versailles is connected via the RER regional train and the journey will take 60-90 minutes. A round-trip ticket costs about 7€ so traveling there isn’t expensive. 

Tips for visiting: Go to any metro station and buy a ticket for  Versailles -Château – Rive Gauche. There are three stops for Versailles but only  Versailles-Château – Rive Gauche will get you to the chateau so pay attention to the signs (or ask someone). As mentioned before, you’ll take an RER train (which is different than the Metro).

Buy your tickets ahead of time or get there early as a lot of people visit so the lines can get crazy. 

FONTAINEBLEAU

Fontainebleau is a chateau that’s nearly as impressive as Versailles but only gets 10% of the visitors. The journey takes about 45 minutes via the RER D train that departs from the Gare de Lyon. We visited in the winter and only saw a handful of people there. Plus, the little town is cute and has some nice cafes and restaurants. 

Made famous by Monet’s gorgeous water lily paintings, Giverny is a wonderful place to visit during the spring and summer. Strolling through his gardens is like walking through one of his paintings! By the way, the gardens are closed in the winter and don’t open until late March. 

You’ll take the train to Vernon (45 minutes from Paris) and from there you’ll transfer to a bus to Giverny (about a 20-minute ride) — don’t worry, the bus will be waiting after each train.

• Visit The Official Website

Provins is a quaint medieval town located about 90 minutes southeast of Paris and a  wonderful  day trip from Paris. Trains run hourly from the normal train platforms at the Gare de l’Est. The highlights of the city are the old watchman’s tower that provides impressive views for miles and the ancient ramparts/city walls that you’re free to explore. 

• Visit Provin’s Official Website

Rouen is another very popular day trip from Paris. This charming town in Normandy is about an hour and a half north of Paris. It’s famous for its brightly colored half-timbered buildings, a gorgeous cathedral, and an old astronomical clock tower. Rouen is also known for being where Joan of Arc was executed and you can visit a tower where she was held (la Tour Jeanne d’Arc).

Trains to Rouen leave twice an hour from the Gare Saint Lazare train station.

• Visit Rouen’s Official Website

Reims is the capital of the Champagne region and is home to many champagne houses — many of which offer tours. Reims is also home to a beautiful cathedral where French kings were once crowned. We visited the Pommery and Mumm Champagne houses and thought both were nice tours. If you have more time, you can also visit the actual vineyards.  

• Visit Reims’ Official Website

Amiens is about an hour train ride north of Paris in the Picardy region of France. It is most famous for having the tallest cathedral in France, beautiful floating gardens ( hortillonnages ), and the mansion where Jules Verne spent a large portion of his life.

• Visit Amiens’ Official Website

The city of Lille is a great place to visit for a day (or even longer). It’s connected to Paris via the high-speed train (TGV) so it’s only about an hour ride. We love the Flemish-style architecture, excellent Belgian beer, and hearty food (fries, beef stew, etc.). We suggest buying train tickets in advance since they can be expensive if purchased last minute. 

• Visit Lille’s Official Website

MONT SAINT MICHEL

This magnificent abbey of Mont St. Michel is one of the most impressive parts of France — pilgrims have been visiting since 709 A.D and it’s one of France’s most visited sights. The main downside is its distance from Paris — it is about a 3.5-hour train ride so visiting will take up your entire day. 

Domaine de Chantilly

The Domaine de Chantilly is an impressive castle that’s only a 25-minute train ride from the Gare du Nord in Paris. Exploring the impressive estate with its huge art collection and the beautiful gardens is an excellent way to spend the day.

Paris has one of the best public transportation systems in the world and it’s well-connected to the rest of Europe via its multiple train stations and airports. 

Getting Into Paris From CDG Airport

Via Train: One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get from the CDG airport to Paris is by train — which is called the RER-B. The RER-B is well-marked so just follow the signs. 

• Cost:  €10 one-way
• Runs:  5am-11:50pm
• Time:  Around 30-45 minutes
• Frequency:  About every 10 minutes
• Tip:  The train starts running about 5 am but the ticket window doesn’t open until around 6 am. Bring exact change so you can use the automated machine.
• Tip:  Hold on to your ticket! You’ll need it to exit the RER and you can use it to transfer to the Metro(Subway).
• Tip:  This is a popular train for pickpockets.

Via Taxi:  A standard taxi ride will cost €50 to €70 to get into central Paris. The ride will take around 35-60 minutes to get to/from the airport. Remember, only take official taxis from the designated taxi stand so you don’t get ripped off by a private car. 

Using The Paris Metro

The Metro is the Paris subway system. It’s great and you’re never more than around a five-minute walk from one of its 380 stations. And it’s affordable. 

• You can also buy Monthly  or  Weekly Navigo Packages .
• Single Ride:  €2.10
• Pack of 10 Single Rides:  €16.90 (this is usually the best deal)
• Operating Hours: 05:30 am – 01:15 am (02:15 am on Friday and Saturday nights).
• Caution: There are a lot of stairs and long walkways so carrying a lot of luggage can be difficult.
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Welcome to Paris, the City of Light, which we invite you to discover in all its glory with Paris by The MICHELIN Guide! Showcasing the 'best of the best' among Paris's restaurants and hotels, this Guide includes daily recommendations from our experts. From all the central neighbourhoods to the suburbs of Greater Paris, our selection is constantly updated with the latest news. Discover the openings that everyone is talking about: Paris's best bistros and brasseries, Michelin-Starred restaurants that are among the cheapest in France and Bib Gourmands offering amazing value for money. And that's not all: day after day, we also recommend here the best bakeries, brunch spots, cocktail bars, spas and more – allowing you to experience Paris like a real Parisian. On the terraces of legendary Parisian cafés and tea rooms, enjoy croissants, chocolate éclairs, Paris-Brest, tarte Tatin, macarons and other Parisian sweet treats. Our specialist hotel experts also compile the best hotels in Paris. From luxury hotels to affordable hotels, including the best located hotels in Paris and those with the most beautiful views, we have everything you need to plan a magical trip to Paris, and to make the most of the 2024 Olympic Games! Where to go out in Paris? With us, you can explore all the districts one by one, discovering major historical and cultural highlights as you go: the 1st arrondissement, with the iconic Louvre museum and the Jardin des Tuileries; Le Marais, straddling the 3rd and 4th arrondissements; the 6th arrondissement, dominated by Saint-Germain-des-Prés, home of the existentialist movement of the 1940s and 1950s; The Golden Triangle, the centre of Parisian luxury, with its countless haute couture houses, luxury boutiques and palaces; the 9th arrondissement, from Butte Montmartre to the Palais Garnier, via SoPi, Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette, along with shopping arcades like Passage Jouffroy and Passage Verdeau; and last but not least, the best trendy restaurants and bars in the 11th arrondissement, across districts like Oberkampf and Bastille. Our Inspectors search Paris with a fine-tooth comb, to exclusively unearth the city's best restaurants and hotels, as well as its best-kept secrets – from hidden terraces and discreet rooftop bars to delicatessens and Parisian markets popular with the greatest chefs. Across the Inspector's many recommendations, our Paris Travel Guide provides you with the perfect opportunity to taste local specialities against a backdrop of good French wines. As we're sure you know by now, this Guide is specially designed to help you have a perfect stay in Paris, to optimise your trip and to guarantee you a trouble-free experience. For the 2024 Olympics, a full-on holiday or just a long weekend , The MICHELIN Guide will help you (re)discover the best places in Paris.

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42 best things to do in Paris right now

By Rosalyn Wikeley and Antonia Bentel

For a city swarming in oh-la-la clichés, curating an itinerary that doesn’t feel too Emily in Paris is always a challenge. While there is of course an abundance of off-beat, insider spots to fluff your feathers into, as if doing so will immediately morph you into a bona fide bobo (bourgeois bohemian) Parisian and lift you into some cultured, more discerning league, missing the hot ticket attractions that, let’s face it, are the very essence of the City of Lights would be une erreur. We’re not suggesting you swing a selfie stick to the Eiffel Tower but rather gorge on this city’s world-leading cavalcade of museums, monuments and age-old markets. They sit as splendidly on an itinerary alongside those lesser-known spots – the hammams, the pocket-sized vineyards, the concept stores – as they do amid the city’s Haussmann maze.

So once you’ve checked into one of the best hotels in the French capital and have configured your trip around the city’s best restaurants (who wouldn’t), why not flesh out your plans with our editors’ curation of the 42 best things to do in Paris.

What are the best free things to do in Paris?

The good news is that you don't have to break the bank to enjoy Paris — there is plenty to experience for those travelling on a budget. You can find refuge from the buzzing streets with walks down the Promenade Plantée or stroll through the bustling organic farmer's market on Boulevard Raspail and even window shop at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen. Even a few museums and galleries, including the excellent Carnavalet and Petit Palais, are free to visit.

How many days should I spend in Paris?

We recommend spending three to five days in Paris to give yourself time to soak in everything this  beautiful city has to offer. From cycling down the Seine and learning to make a pastry at La Cuisine Paris to dancing at the city’s oldest jazz club, Le Bal Blomet, keep reading for the best things to do in Paris.

What are the best things to do in Paris at night?

There's a reason why Paris is known as the City of Light. Yes, it was initially because it was one of the first in  Europe to install street lamps, but now it has more to do with how its iconic landmarks beautifully sparkle at night. One of the best things to do in Paris at night is to catch metro line 6 from Bir-Hakeim to Passy station for the most magical panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. It sparkles at the beginning of every hour for five minutes, until the last show at 11pm, so time your journey perfectly (tip: sit on the right side for the best views). You can also book a dinner cruise along the Seine River. For a more cultural experience, the Musée d'Orsay is open late on Thursdays, and the Louvre is open late on Fridays – when the queues are far shorter and most famous artworks less crowded. There's also plenty of entertainment, from the vibrant  bar scene to glamorous shows at the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse cabarets.

The best thing to do in Paris

1. Walk amongst the dead at the Père Lachaise Cemetery

One might believe the suggestion to stroll through the world’s most visited and celebrated cemetery to be morbid – and how mistaken they would be! Nestled in the depths of eastern Paris, the Père Lachaise Cemetery serves as the final resting ground for some of the world’s most beloved artists, politicians, and writers, including Edith Piaf, Balzac, and Oscar Wilde. Even the late Jim Morrison of The Doors has been laid to rest here, with his crypt serving as a point of pilgrimage for dedicated fans. Make your way through the cobbled pathways dotted with intricate and ornate gravestones and take in the solemn, calm atmosphere.

Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France Website: paris.fr

2. Taste the magical creations of Cédric Grolet

When it comes to celebrity pâtissiers in Paris , one superstar outshines all the others. Cédric Grolet has a style so unique and a technique so precise that it’s hard to know if his creations are works of art or culinary magic. He’s most famous for his hyper-realistic fruits, glossy red apples and blush-pink peaches, which are anything other than what they first appear. Each is a masterclass in pâtissierie, a lacquered chocolate skin breaking to reveal an apple and cinnamon mousse or tangy peach compote, the recipe changing with the seasons. Pick them up from his small boutique at the Meurice, but expect long lines unless you get there early.

Address: La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet, 6 rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris Website : cedric-grolet.com

3. Dance at the city’s oldest jazz club

Paris has moved to the rhythms of jazz for just short of a century thanks to legendary clubs like Le Bal Blomet, which opened in 1924 in the neighbourhood of Montparnasse. Founded by Jean Rézard de Wouves, a politician-turned-musician from Martinique, it quickly became the place to dance to  Caribbean  sounds in the roaring Twenties. Ernest Hemingway, Joséphone Baker, Joan Miró and Simone de Beauvoir are just some of the famous names to have graced the dancefloor. After being threatened with closure in 2011, it went through an extensive restoration and played a leading role in Damien Chazelle’s Netflix show  The Eddy , in which a jazz club owner struggles to keep his business afloat.

Address: 33 rue Blomet 75015 Paris Website: balblomet.fr

4. Visit Versailles

OK, it’s a little outside Paris, but RER B from St Michel will soon whizz you there. Versailles packs all the palatial oomph one could hope for, with its famous Hall of Mirrors (where the Treaty of Versailles was signed), Italianate gardens and abundance of gilded, excess-driven rooms that put France on the road to revolution. Once you’ve absorbed all the elaborate sconces, chandeliers and muralled panelling, head to The Grand Trianon (Louis XIV and his mistress’ pink marbled escape within the palace walls) and the Petit Trianon (gifted to Marie Antonette by Louis XVI) for more condensed, though no less opulent scenes. A wander around Marie Antoinette’s commissioned ‘peasant village’ shines a light on just how out of touch the King and Queen were with their subjects in 18th-century France. Beyond Versailles golden gates, pull up a wicker chair at Au Petite Marquis for snails lathered in garlic and charcuterie boards.

Address: Palace of Versailles, Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France Website: chateauversailles.fr

5. Admire famous paintings hidden in the city’s churches

When it comes to seeing art, Paris can be a bit overwhelming, to say the least: visitors are confronted with a dizzying 130 museums to choose from. But sometimes famous artworks can crop up in unexpected places. Eugène Delacroix’s painting  ‘La Pietà’  hangs in a corner of the church of Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement, just a few steps from the Picasso Museum. In the 7th arrondissement, the church of Saint François-Xavier displays a  16th century ‘Last Supper’ by Venetian painter Tintoretto , and Rubens’s  ‘The Disciples of Emmaüs’  was recently returned to the church of Saint-Eustache after a restoration.

Address: Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement - 68 rue de Turenne 75003; Saint François-Xavier - 12 Place du Président Mithouard 75007; Saint-Eustache - 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache 75001 Websites: saintdenys.net ; sfx-paris.fr ; saint-eustache.org

6. Cycle along the Seine

In the past few years, ambitious urbanism plans have made cycling in Paris easier and safer, and a growing number of Parisians are choosing to get around on two wheels. One of the most beautiful cycling routes runs along the banks of the Seine, which were pedestrianised in 2017 and are now lined with cafés, playgrounds and sun loungers. Rent a Vélib’ (Paris city  bike ) for the day and start by the Pont de Sully. Head west on Voie Georges Pompidou and take in some of the city’s most spectacular sights past the Île Saint Louis, Notre Dame and the Hôtel de Ville.

Address: Voie Georges Pompidou, Paris Website: velib-metropole.fr

7. Visit Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

They come with wide smiles, empty bags flung over their arms waiting to be filled with various treasures from the sprawling Saint-Ouen flea market, just outside the city’s northern limit. This is where London  antiques dealers, collectors and those simply keen for a bargain come to scour the relics of bygone eras. And it’s not all brass chandeliers and gilt mirrors, Saint-Ouen is a warren for all whims, from mid-century tables and vintage Chanel to psychedelic prints from the seventies. It would require weeks, even months perhaps, to browse each and every stall and stand in 14 different areas of alleyways and warehouses here – it’s vast. It’s best to attack it from Porte de Clignancourt (line 4 on the metro) – easy access to the market’s artery road, rue des Rosiers. With opening times from 10am-6pm on weekends and 11am-5pm on Mondays (excluding August), this is a weekend reverie for magpies and photography buffs. Those spurred on by the thrill of a bargain should also check out the Puces de Vanves, to the south of the city, where trestle tables overflow with bric-a-brac, glassware and china

Address: Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt Transport: Metro: Porte de Clignancourt

8. Check out Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac

If you’re a little Louvre’d out but still have an appetite for some serious art, head to Austrian gallerist, Thaddaeus Ropac’s namesake gallery in Pantin, a stone’s throw from Hermés and Chanel. The white-on-white walls of this former copperware factory are adorned with a remarkable collection of works from artists such as Georg Baselitz and Robert Rauschenberg. The building’s sense of endless minimalism serves as the ultimate canvas for knock-out installations and greatly contrasts the wonky, sprawling antiquity of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Address: Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac Paris Marais, 7 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris Website: ropac.net

9. Be at one with nature on the Promenade Plantée

The Promenade Plantée is a magnificent stretch of greenery, perched high above the melee of motos and pedestrians that make up Parisian street life. Opened in 1988, this raised park was the direct inspiration for  New York’s Highline . Sometimes called La Coulée Verte (the name is a veritable debate amongst Parisians), this five-kilometre walkway is one of Paris’ most underrated outdoor spaces. Running from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, the pathway is a refuge from the buzzing boulevards below, in both rain and shine. The Promenade is also perfect for one’s inner voyeur: certain raised platforms provide excellent  views into the sprawling Haussmannian apartments that flank the Promenade.

Address: 1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris, France Website: paris.fr

10. Spend an afternoon at Archive 18-20 Le Marais

More taste-maker hub than concept store, Archive 18-20 in trendy Le Marais houses art, fashion, books and a cool restaurant under one vast, glass roof. Industrial pipes track above a beautifully curated scene of normcore coats, cult home décor trinkets orderly spread across vast tables and a small, minimalist café that half of Paris fashion week is known to descend upon.

Address: Comptoir 18-20, 20 Rue des Archives, 75004 Paris Website: archive1820.com

11. Explore the old and the new at the Palais-Royal

Perhaps there is nothing more Parisian than spending an afternoon at the Palais-Royal. The park (once home to the French royal family) is a delightful mélange of the new and the old. The Colonnes de Buren, a permanent, interactive art exhibition installed in the 1980s and set in the courtyard of the old palace, allows visitors to walk amid and climb atop of the columns (and snap a few Insta-worthy pictures, too). To the left of the Colonnes are the plane tree-lined paths and manicured royal rose gardens, which grant park-goers the opportunity to spend a moment amongst perfectly executed natural beauty. Bring a book and sit in one of the green reclining chairs scattered around the park. For a pick-me-up, head to the Chichi Café Kitsuné for a crisp cookie and foamy cappuccino.

Address: 2 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France Website: en.parisinfo.com

12. Go back in time at the Musée de la Vie Romantique

This lovely, quirky museum can be found at the end of a charming, cobbled lane burrowed into the underbelly of Montmartre. The former home of the painter Ary Scheffer, the Musée de la Vie Romantique allows visitors to imagine themselves as guests at one of Paris’ most well-regarded literary and art salons. The museum’s permanent collection features works and artefacts from notable attendees of these salons, such as painter Delacroix, composers Liszt and Chopin, and writer George Sand, who lived with Scheffer in this picturesque pink Parisian villa. After making your way through the enchanting, dainty interior, take a moment to rest in the courtyard tearoom, surrounded by a magnificent array of wildflowers.

Address: Musée de la Vie Romantique, 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris Website: museevieromantique.paris.fr

13. Go for a walk along Canal St Martin

Paris’ original hipster neighbourhood , Canal St Martin is stitched together by a series of cast-iron footbridges crossing the canal and thrums with independent cafés that slip effortlessly into bar mode, come 6pm. Chez Prune is one of them. Pull up a chair here for fuss-free cheeseboards and wine, and a sense of the neighbourhood’s trendy, understated character (world’s away from the croissant-poodle Parisian clichés laid on for tourists in more central arrondissements). Once considered a no-go zone, this stretch that straddles the 10th and 11th arrondissement is now ablaze with small galleries, quirky plant stores and concept stores such as Centre Commercial. Drop your bags at Luke Edward Hall’s eccentric Parisian guesthouse, Hotel les deux Gares, then head straight to Holybelly for an Aussie-Parisian hipster brunch.

14. Stroll through the organic farmer’s market on Boulevard Raspail

Hemingway once said that Paris is a moveable feast. If this is true, the organic farmer’s market on the Boulevard Raspail is ongoing proof, every Sunday, week after week. Piles of fresh produce, mouth-watering spits of roasting chickens, and beautifully laid out displays of cheeses surround you as you move from stall to stall, enticing you to not only look but also taste. Certain vendors are more than happy to share their bounty with you, so it is worth dusting off your best French skills to ask for a nibble or two before you buy (just make sure to say merci beaucoup ).

Address: Boulevard Raspail, Notre-Dame-des-Champs, Montparnasse

15. Channel your inner fashionista at Foundation Louis Vuitton

An impressive glass structure designed by eminent Canadian architect, Frank Gehry, Fondation Louis Vuitton seems to float, cloud-like, above the Bois de Boulogne. Visitors and Parisians are lured to the outer stretches of the 16th arrondissement with the museum’s knock-out modern and contemporary art exhibitions (such as Egon Schiele and Jean-Michel Basquiat). The privately-owned Fondation curates only two of these annually (tickets get swiped up quickly), while keeping an eyebrow-raising permanent collection – Ellsworth Kelly and Bertrand Lavier’s works, and the like. True to LVMH form, the ground floor restaurant, Le Frank, puts your classic, often clinical museum eatery to shame, with its swishy menu and extraordinary, light-filled architectural structure crowned by suspended ‘fish lamps.’

Address: Fondation Louis Vuitton, 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75016 Paris Website: fondationlouisvuitton.fr

16. Pick up something special at La Boutique de Cara

There are consignment stores then there are consignment stores . This is the latter, a moth-free, beautifully curated boutique off Rue de Turenne in the Marais, which remains one of Paris’ best-kept secrets. Rails strain with a mix of classic and more avant-garde pieces from across the decades: Chanel jackets , Celine dresses and Chloé shirts, and below them, vintage Gucci boots and Bally pumps that have walked Paris’ ‘Bobo’ neighbourhoods. These are clothes that tell stories and promise less damage to your wallet and your fast-fashion conscience. It’s worth noting that cash offers can sometimes bag a bargain and that the immaculately dressed shop assistants will not mince their words if you ask their opinion on that Burberry hat or Dior sunglasses .

Address: La Boutique de Cara, 80 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France Website: @laboutiquedecara

17. Splurge at Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS

Following 16 years of slumber, landmark department store La Samaritaine has once again opened its Art Deco Doors to chic choppers, with its spruced-up historic innards worth coming for alone. Beloved by nearly all Parisians, La Samaritaine’s spicy 900 million dollar makeover by LVMH caused quite a stir in the city, lifting the store into a decidedly more luxurious league. The French luxury goods group’s first Parisian hotel, Cheval Blanc Paris , is connected to the building, peering out over the Seine and funnelling its guests into La Samaritaine via secret doors. True to LVMH form, both the Art Deco and Art Nouveau sections of the building are dotted with avant-garde art installations and luxury fashion, jewellery and homeware brands worthy of their central, Seine-hugging spot.

Address: Samaritaine, 9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris Website: dfs.com

18. Visit Montmartre’s vineyards and taste Parisian wine

Montmartre’s maze of cobbled streets hides surprises at every turn. One of them is this small vineyard that remains a little-known attraction, perhaps because it’s not usually open to the public. Owned by the city of Paris, the Clos Montmartre was created in 1933 and comes to life every second weekend of October when the Fête des Vendanges (the Grape Harvest Festival) sees the streets below the Sacré-Coeur packed with stall after stall run by winemakers and artisanal producers from around the country. Enter the festival near Place du Tertre to pick up a souvenir glass and a splash of the Clos’ own wine before tasting your way from Alacse to Burgundy, fuelling up on saucisson or snails along the way. A tour of the vineyard followed by a wine tasting can also be booked on the website of the Museum of Montmartre, which sits around the corner and is also worth a visit.

Address: rue des Saules, 75018 Paris Website: museedemontmartre.fr

19. Relax with a hammam at the Mosque

France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with particularly strong Moroccan and Tunisian communities, and Paris is home to several elegant hammams where Parisians like to retreat for a little pamper session. La Grande Mosquée, one of the country’s biggest mosques built in 1926, houses a hammam (open to women only) as well as a café and a  restaurant . A steam bath in its colourful alcoves, followed by a gommage (scrub) and a massage is the perfect way to unwind. Afterwards, head to the leafy courtyard for a cup of mint tea and freshly made baklava.

Address: 2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris Website: la-mosquee.com

20. Dive into Parisian history at the Musée Carnavalet

After years of renovation, the ​​Musée Carnavalet finally reopened to much acclaim in 2021. It’s truly the Parisians’ museum, dedicated entirely to the history of the city from its Roman origins right the way through to the Belle Epoque and World War II. The permanent collections hold an astonishing array of artworks and artefacts: a slipper supposedly belonging to Marie-Antoinette, ancient iron-work street signs, and paintings depicting the violent end of the Paris Commune. The timeline is easy to follow as you move from room to room, only the extensive coverage of the Revolution a little heavy for those not wishing to become au fait with the day-by-day unfolding of the most tumultuous moment in French history. Perhaps most memorable of all is a full recreation of the Fouquet jewellery store, exactly as it stood in 1901, in all its Art Nouveau glory.

Address : 23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris Website : carnavalet.paris.fr

21. Time your trip for the fête de la musique

Parisians mark their calendars months in advance for the fête de la musique, held each year on the 21st of June. Yet until you’ve experienced the festival in full swing, it’s hard to comprehend its scale. For one night, and only night only, the entire city turns into an open-air concert. Anyone with an instrument can play live in the street, the strains of a saxophone meeting drums and guitars. Restaurants bring in jazz quartets, and lindy hop sessions go down in the side streets. After parties run long into the night, bars blasting music from outdoor speakers. Where to start depends on what you’re looking for; once the night is underway, you can follow your ears (or the crowds). The Marais always has a reliable mix of classical corners and pumping street parties, with more formal stages set up in the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg.

Website: fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr

22. Marvel at Musée Picasso Paris

One of the main draws for those diving into Le Marais (Paris’ old Jewish quarter), along with life-changing falafel and cool boutiques, is Musée Picasso. Set in the perfectly Parisian Hôtel Salé, the museum’s symmetrical facade, sweeping Baroque staircase and zhuzhed-up 17th-century rooms are worth coming for alone. Having pre-ordered tickets online, with strict time slots, visitors are taken on a journey through Picasso’s artistic evolution, from his Cubist era, via his surreal works (among many) and through to his late paintings – doable within the hour and best combined with a light lunch on the museum’s rooftop café followed by a happy descent into Le Marais’ labyrinth of independent stores. The ever-changing series of exhibitions at this museum rarely fail to please, with most shining light on various facets of Picasso’s life and how these fed into his work.

Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris Website: museepicassoparis.fr

23. Spend the afternoon at Musee du Louvre

The former royal palace, the Louvre remains the world’s most-visited museum, and perhaps the most overwhelming cultural escapade to embark on without some semblance of a plan. It would take months to tick off its 35,000 artworks and artefacts, so it’s worth considering how you’d like to navigate its warren of masterpieces – the famous works are a great place to start or the theme-based tours available on the Louvre’s website. Whether you’re admittedly just dropping in to shimmy your way through the crowds for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, or are a bona fide art enthusiast beelining for its latest exhibition, the Louvre’s architectural skeletons (both the old and new sections) are a marvel to pace through.

Address: Louvre Museum, 75001 Paris Website: louvre.fr

24. Try some delicacies at Stohrer

Weaving through Rue Montorgueil’s abundance of stalls and freshly-baked whiffs is a bucket-list Parisian experience in itself – an artery street connecting the 1st and 2nd arrondissements, whose stretch of boulangeries, patisseries , fruit and vegetable shops, and increasingly, some high-end designer boutiques, are fleshed out every Thursday and Sunday by a lively food market that can only be described as a sensory assault. It’s also home to Stohrer – Paris’ oldest boulangerie, whose founder was the pastry chef to the former King of Poland and famously invented rum baba. Rows of macarons, fruit tarts and chocolate pastries are dialled up by the spectacular setting, where illustrated mirrors, chandeliers and a frescoed ceiling spin their occupants into a decadent, pre-Revolutionary Paris.

Address: Stohrer, 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris Website: stohrer.fr

25. Become acquainted with Belleville

Flying blissfully under the radar for most city visitors, the arty, anti-establishment enclave of Belleville has its own distinct rhythms to central Paris and is well worth metro-ing northeast for. Its hilly streets (reminiscent of Montmartre, just without the tourist circus), are dotted with eye-popping galleries, unbuttoned cafés and bars that lure in punters with the promise of live jazz and affordable cocktails. Head to La Bellevilloise (filling the vast bones of a once workers cooperative) for their Sunday jazz brunch or The Dancing Goat on Avenue Gambetta for superlative coffee and paired back, but bobo Parisian interiors. For something more traditional but still nodding confidently to the district’s working-class roots, tuck into the menu at Le Baratin, having browsed the antique trinkets at Marché Place des Fêtes.

26. Escape the chaos in Jardin du Luxembourg

This neat, Italianate park, straddling Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter was commissioned by Queen Marie de Medici in 1612 and serves as a green exhale for Parisians living in the 6th arrondissement. It’s also prime picnic territory – on the benches alongside the pond or geometric wood, from which you can people watch or take in the mix of English, Italian and French landscaping. Don’t leave without checking out the Medici fountain or the pétanque talent on the courts, and children are usually treated to puppet shows, rides and remote control boats along the fountains.

Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris Website: jardin.senat.fr

27. Marvel at the pretty Palais Garnier

A bejewelled paean to Napoleon III’s architectural taste, Le Palais Garnier opera gazes proudly down its namesake avenue, its exterior festooned with pillars and busts. Those who’ve watched Phantom of the Opera will be familiar with the lobby’s sweeping marble Grand Staircase, as well as the lavish gilding, onyx balconies and blood-red theatre seats. You don’t have the be dressed up to the nines with a ticket to Tosca to behold Palais Garnier’s resplendent architectural beauty – you can simply take a self-guided tour or book onto one of the Phantom of the Opera specials (booking online is mandatory).

Address: Palais Garnier, Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris Website: operadeparis.fr

28. See the Sainte-Chapelle's glittery interiors

The first thing to know about this spectacular Ile de la Cité chapel, aside from its Gothic good looks and famous stained-glass windows, is to book a timed ticket slot in advance to avoid the queues. As you smugly breeze past the crowds to embark on your self-guided tour of Louis IX’s jewel box of a chapel, you’ll clock the surrounding splendour of the Palais de Justice. Louis IX commissioned the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle to house his religious treasures – the most famous being the Holy Crown. Too often, tourists flock to nearby Notre Dame and miss this world heritage site, with its mesmerising 15-foot high stained glass windows and ‘wall of light’ – a rose window formation whose luminosity belies a depiction of the end of our age.

Address: Sainte-Chapelle, 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris Website: sainte-chapelle.fr

29. Shop along Le Petit Ceinture

For a greener, lesser-known side to Paris, walk its ‘Little Belt’ – an abandoned 19th-century railway line that, unlike New York’s High Line, has a Secret Garden appeal to it. Romantically dishevelled, the tracks that once pulled a steam train around the city have succumbed to moss and wildflowers. A long walk through these overgrown stretches of obsolete track on the fringes of the city delivers on all the street art you could hope for, with soaring graffiti walls and a variety of untamed, (glorious in summer) blooms, (an official nature trail exists between the Porte d’Auteuil and the Gare de la Muette).

30. Explore a concept store

Le Marais may be the epicentre of Paris’ concept store scene, but Merci is one of the originals. You’ll be hard-pressed to scoot around this shop without picking up a stylish homeware item, cashmere scarf or dry flower bouquet. You’d think with so much existing under one roof –  fashion , art, design pieces, second-hand books – that a sort of happy chaos would unfold. Wrong. Sharp minimalism holds sway, with pieces presented on tables or rails with the precision of a Japanese potter. Stay for raspberry tart and coffee at the retro film-themed café, where screens flash up scenes from classics such as La Piscine and Les Enfants du Paradis.

Address: Merci, 111 Bd Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris Website: merci-merci.com

31. Meet the dead in Les Catacombes

Open to the public since 1809, Paris’ Catacombs are a spine-chilling visit. The story goes that in the 19th century, an abandoned quarry’s underground warren of tunnels was used to house the bones of corpses during a cemetery overcrowding crisis. These tunnels that weave and wiggle breath the city have near mythical status for its residents, where the Resistance gathered for clandestine meetings during the Second World War, and now where row upon row of skulls and various other bones of long-deceased Parisians decorate the walls, with mosaic-like effect. Ensure you bring a jumper – as the tunnels descend, skulls flicker in the light and your voice echoes, it begins to get a little cold…and spooky.

Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris Website: catacombes.paris.fr

32. Be mesmerised at The Crazy Horse

Those at the pruder end of the cabaret scale may want to bypass the Crazy Horse for the Moulin Rouge. Here, it’s all nude performances, taking audiences on a titillating whistle-stop-tour of this city stalwart’s history. Expect surreal aerial routines, cleverly choreographed burlesque and all the traditional, foot-tapping cabaret numbers that lean into the roaring twenties theme.

Address: The Crazy Horse, 12 Av. George V, 75008 Paris Website: lecrazyhorseparis.com

33. Be blown away by the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

Crowning the highest hill in Paris’ bohemian Montmartre neighbourhood with its white domes, Sacré-Coeur has one of the most knock-out panoramic views over the city. Visitors can clamber up its famous white steps, with its dome bearing down on the capital, and enter quietly inside where a vast mosaic ceiling humbles those beneath it. Just behind the Sacré Coeur lies the Place du Tertre – a square filled with artists sketching portraits of tourists perched on rickety stools and buskers competing with one another for crowds.

Address: The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris Website: sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

34. Window shop at Galerie Vivienne

Evocative of 19th-century Paris in all its gaslit, mosaic splendour, Galerie Vivienne is more opulent than your average shopping arcade. Designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy, this passage couverts just behind the Bibliothèque Richelieu and continues to draw in the well-heeled shopper with its high-end fashion boutiques, wine cellars (Legrand Filles & Fils), bookshops and time-warp cafés. It’s a great place to beeline for as soon as the Parisian sky moves through its shades of grey but fresh air is on the agenda. Don’t miss the upscale preloved fashion store, and La Marelle, and be sure to look up at the impressive glass and steel ceiling before you spill out into the Palais-Royal gardens.

Address: Galerie Vivienne, 4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris Website: galerie-vivienne.com

35. Feel inspired at Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris

Stepping into this 16th arrondissement mansion (YSL’s headquarters for almost 30 years), is like slipping into the elegant, effervescent world of this legendary fashion designer. A series of light-filled, beautifully-curated rooms filled with sketches, fashion and film showcase Saint Laurent’s creative process and capture the energy and excitement of the couture house during its meteoric ascent. Continually rotating exhibitions tap into the museum’s extensive archives, unearthing fresh YSL content for those returning (expect plenty of Le Smoking, and as-he-left-it touches that offer you a privileged glimpse into this sartorial genius’ life and work).

Address: Musée Yves Saint Laurent, 5 Av. Marceau, 75116 Paris Website: museeyslparis.com

36. Spot curiosities at Deyrolle

This eye-popping cabinet of natural history curios is legendary for its exotic, and eccentrically-curated taxidermy. Founded in 1831 by famed entomologist Emile Deyrolle, the Left Bank institution famously burnt down in 2008, though a subsequent extensive restoration programme brought it back to its original bell jar and wooden-cased splendour. Visitors can weave through its maze of taxidermy and natural history specimens, observing these creatures up close – from bears to rare butterflies and extinct mammals.

Address: Deyrolle, 46 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris Website: deyrolle.com

37. Wander through Centre Pomipdou

Love it or loathe it, Centre Pompidou’s ‘guts out’ exterior (industrial pipes, air ducts, structural steel n’ all) has become an icon of the city’s contemporary movement. Its opening in the 70s caused quite a stir, considered by many an architectural blemish on the capital’s Haussmann uniformity, with its architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers even placing the lifts and escalators on the building’s exterior. The effect on its innards, though, is quite spectacular, with vast, airy spaces serving as the perfect industrial canvas for contemporary works. The Musée National d’Art Moderne spans the top two levels (expect everything from Marcel Duchamp to Matisse); contemporary art from the 1960s onwards can be found on level 4; and the mezzanine’s Galerie d’Enfants is where to take the bored-looking sprogs for some interactive exhibitions (with free admission on the first Sunday of every month).

Address: Centre Pomipdou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris Website: centrepompidou.fr

38. Munch at Marché Des Enfants Rouges

Of all Le Marais’ cultural-foodie offerings, Marché Des Enfants remains one of the most authentic. Paris’ oldest market takes its name (the red children) from the red-clad orphans who once resided just beside it. Locals and tourists mingle under the vast green iron and glass ceiling, browsing the market’s bounty, pulling up chairs at one of the makeshift restaurants , or simply soaking in the energy.

Address: Marché Des Enfants Rouges, 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris Website: paris.fr

39. Amble around the magical Musée Rodin

Dotted around the gardens of this achingly handsome Parisian mansion, previously Hôtel Biron, are some of Auguste Rodin’s most famous works, including, perhaps his most famous, The Thinker . Inside, the sculpture’s life and work are honoured (within resplendent 18th-century rooms, with their soaring ceilings and vast windows pulling in that soft Parisian light). This dances along the busts, drawings and sculptures, and visitors can get a sense of the aesthetically soothing setting within which Rodin worked and taught others. Meander through the garden, pausing to admire the Gates of Hell before settling into a tasty lunch at the museum’s new café, L’Augustine.

Address: Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris Website: musee-rodin.fr

40. Look over the rooftops from Institut du Monde Arabe

Designed by Jean Nouvel, Paris’ Institut du Monde Arabe in the 5th arrondissement may, at first glance, appear simply a cubic, contemporary structure. But look a little closer, and its exterior is crafted from hundreds of elaborate mashrabiyas – a clever interplay of new-meets-old. The institute is dedicated to celebrating and educating visitors on the Arab world, with an ever-changing raft of cultural events, workshops, performances and art exhibitions, and a 9th-floor café worth sticking around for… particularly for the views across the city rooftops.

Address: Institut du Monde Arabe, 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris Website: imarabe.org

41. Get lost in Parc Buttes-Chaumont

Yes, the Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg are postcard-pretty. But for something a little more off-grid and dishevelled (by Parisian standards), head to Parc Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement. Far from the manicured beds and orderly topiary of the city’s inner parks, this vast, hilly patch of green lies on abandoned quarries, with grottos, waterfalls, a suspension bridge and a large artificial lake. The Temple de la Sibylle crowns the park atop a jagged, man-made cliff that surges from the curiously blue lake below, and there’s even a sliver of a vineyard hidden alongside it (Butte Bergeyre vineyard).

Address: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 75019 Paris Website: paris.fr

42. Uncover an underrated museum

Once the home and atelier of sculptor and Rodin pupil Antoine Bourdelle, this off-the-beaten-track museum peers into the Left Bank’s 20th-century soul. Compact and utterly charming, Musée Bourdelle showcases the sculptor’s work and creative process, with rooms left as they were all those years ago. Spot the students and artists quietly sketching Bourdelle’s larger sculptures in the airy hall or outside in the pocket-sized rose garden.

Address: Musée Bourdelle, 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris Website: bourdelle.paris.fr

• Attractions and Landmarks

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Paris for beginners; a basic visitors guide for the City of Light

T wenty-four years ago, we spent nine days in Paris, working out of a Frommer’s Guidebook. That self-guided trip worked, but about half the time, we were either confused about our whereabouts or lost. This time, we were in France for two weeks, where our river cruise would include 5 days in Paris and 10 days cruising the Seine River to Normandy. All our days would be directed by professional guides, something new to treasure at this stage in our lives. 

From this trip, I’ve tried to outline a first-time Paris visitor’s guide. It’s wise for travelers to outline their key targets in advance - is your trip devoted to seeing the sights, touring the museums, fine arts and fashion, food and wine, sports, or the Parisian laid-back lifestyle?

Before our Grand Circle Cruise (from Paris down the Seine River to Normandy and the D-Day beaches), we had booked the pre-trip tour of Paris. So, off we went, flying from Sacramento to Atlanta, then on to Charles DeGault Airport, and then shuttled to the Citadines Center Saint Germain Hotel. Just blocks down the Seine River from Notre Dame Cathedral; only a few blocks further downriver is the Louvre Museum.   From this location on the river, we could virtually walk to about 80% of the critical destinations we wanted to revisit.

Paris, with an estimated population of almost 2.2 million and a metro area of approximately 12 million, makes up 20% of the total French population. The city is the fifth most populated in the European Union and one of the more densely populated cities in the world. With scores and scores of major attractions, many are within short walking distance. The city was among the first to electrify and expand its street lights, earning it the title “City of Light.”

For centuries, Paris has been a center of the world’s finance, diplomacy, commerce, fashion, gastronomy and culture. We have seen many of the key attractions the City of Light offers, spread amongst the city's 20 arrondissements (districts). The city’s Metro (subway), the second largest in Europe, will get you quickly around the city within a few blocks of your destination, all hours of the day.

On our first evening of our Paris pre-trip, some of our fellow travelers booked dinner and a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge, quite a stunning performance. We chose to explore restaurants blocks from our hotel, choosing a lovely sidewalk café near a Metro entrance/exit, allowing us to people-watch Parisians; all in all, it was a lovely evening.

Museums? It’s said you could do a different museum every day for a year and not run out of destinations to visit. Start with the Louvre or the d’Orsay Museum. If fine arts or museum experience is your primary focus, it helps to build a target list in advance with so many choices. The Trip Advisor app is always helpful, as is the Paris official website.

At the Louvre, the largest and most visited museum in the world, take the time to home in on the Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s statue of David. Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa in the early 1500s by an Italian noblewoman, eventually acquired by the French nation and permanently displayed in the Louvre since 1797.

Musée d'Orsay is found on the Left Bank of the Seine. Sited in the former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built 1898-1900, the museum holds mainly French impressionist and post-impressionist art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. While still a vast museum, it feels more intimate than the Louvre.

With one full day in Paris, we took in the Louvre (briefly), the Musee d'Orsay,  the Eiffel Tower, and the Palace of Luxenberg and Luxenberg Gardens, though we hiked over 10 miles that day. With lovely sidewalk cafés at almost every intersection, there is no lack of libation stops along your way.

The Eiffel tower is visible from many locations in the city. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair and designed to last just 20 years, the tower was so famous and profitable that it was never removed. Take an evening stroll along the river (or a river cruise) and admire the Eiffel Tower with sparkling, twinkling lights at night for a truly memorable experience.

Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral (meaning "Our Lady of Paris"), referred to simply as Notre Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral built on an island in the Seine River, a fine example of French Gothic architecture. Attributes such as the pioneering use of ribbed vault ceilings and flying buttresses, beautiful rose windows, and over-achieving sculpture set it apart from other cathedrals nationwide.

A devastating fire in April 2019 has closed the cathedral to a complicated and expensive renovation, not to be completed until sometime late in 2024. One can still circle the cathedral to see the construction work progressing.

On another full day, we visited the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on the summit of the  butte  of  Montmartre . This beautiful church is one of the more popular tourist destinations in the city, while the Montmartre District offers intriguing shops and restaurants circling the hills.

Once again, first-time visitors should organize their thoughts and plans before venturing into this lovely City of Light - and plan a series of stops for food and drink to enjoy the laid-back Parisian lifestyle so closely aligned with hundreds of outdoor sidewalk cafés.

For more information

Grand Circle Cruises,  GCT.com ; Paris official visitor site,  parisjetaime.com ; TripAdvisor travel app.

Contact Tim, [email protected]; where are you traveling?

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Paris for beginners; a basic visitors guide for the City of Light

Paris   Travel Guide

Courtesy of James Farley | Getty Images

Why Go To Paris

The City of Light draws millions of visitors every year with its unforgettable ambiance. Of course, the divine cuisine and vast art collections deserve some of the credit as well. The gentle River Seine rambles through the city, flanked by stately museums, centuries-old churches, and blocks of Rococo- and Neoclassic-design architecture, further enhanced by cascading trees and glowing streetlamps. Peppering the Seine's cobbled walks and graceful bridges are impossibly chic Parisians, probably on their way to the market, cafe or cinema.

Containing world-class museums, fashion, cuisine and an atmosphere all its own, Paris is also a city of "many splendors," as Ernest Hemingway recalled in his memoir, "A Moveable Feast." Visit the beloved Musée d'Orsay , shop the biggest designers on the Champs Élysées or hit the boutiques in Le Marais , take in the view atop the Eiffel Tower , or even plan a day trip to Versailles Palace . But don't miss out on the simple pleasure of meandering the marvelous arrondissements (districts), or snacking on street crepes either.

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• # 1 in Le Bristol Paris
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Best Things to Do in Paris

• # 1 in Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
• # 2 in Musée du Louvre
• # 3 in Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris)

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Paris Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Paris is from June to August and September to October. Both summer and fall have its ups and downs. From June to August the weather in Paris is just about  parfait (perfect). Average highs are in the high 70s and there are long days of sunshine. Unfortunately, summer is also the most crowded time – and the most expensive. For lower travel rates and significantly shorter lines at attractions , plan a visit in the fall. The seasonal foliage is known to stun, though the city's spring blooms are pretty famous too. If a travel deal is all that you're after, a visit during the winter will surely shave off travel expenses. Keep in mind though that Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, seeing upward of 30 million travelers yearly. So no matter what time you visit, there will always be tourists and some crowds. 

Weather in Paris

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

"Parlez-vous Français?" Parisians adore their native tongue – and will like you better if you try to speak it. " Bonjour" is hello, " au revoir" is goodbye, "s'il vous plaît" is please and " merci" is thank you.

Coffee is a leisurely affair When you order a café in Paris, sit down and stay awhile. It's not common to see Parisians touting cups of Starbucks around town. If you're simply looking for a quick jolt of caffeine, order an espresso from the bar.

Don't toss your ticket Hold on to your metro ticket until you exit the station (for proof of purchase). If you're caught empty-handed, you could be liable for a hefty fine.

Consider a guided tour Sightseeing through Paris on your own can be a daunting challenge. Enlist the help of a local via a guided tour to make the most of your time here.

How to Save Money in Paris

Grab breakfast at the  boulangerie Sitting down at restaurants in Paris (especially alfresco) will always be more pricey than getting things to go. Bakeries, or boulangeries , tend to sell quiche and oftentimes light sandwiches, perfect for a quick (and cheap) meal.

Be here the first Sunday of the month May be tricky to plan, but you'll sidestep admission fees to the Louvre , Musee d'Orsay , parts of Centre Pompidou as well as Versailles and Musee Rodin during certain months.

Walk Paris is big and shouldn't be traversed entirely on foot, however, a number of top attractions are within a mile of one another (such as the Musée d'Orsay, Louvre, Notre Dame, etc). If you map out ahead of time how far each attraction is from one another, you'll likely save some metro money.

Culture & Customs

There's this idea that Parisians stick up their noses to Americans – that they're notoriously unfriendly and even rude. This is a stereotype. Like anywhere you visit, there's a chance you may run into friendly and unfriendly locals during your journey. A great way to bridge the cultural divide is to learn a little bit of the language.

While many Parisians know English (especially in tourist areas and hotels), a little effort from your end really can go a long way. Pleasantries are highly regarded in French culture. A " bonjour"  (hello or good day) or " bonsoir"  (good evening) here and there will not only show that you're trying on their turf, which the French appreciate, but enhance your own cultural experience. " Merci" is thank you and " s'il vous plaît" is please. If you're at a loss for words, politely ask the waiter or shop attendant  "P ouvez-vous m'aider?" (Can you help me?) or "P arlez-vous anglais?" (Do you speak English?). Another helpful phrase: " Excusez-moi" (Pardon or excuse me). If you are introduced to French people in social situations, stick to a handshake unless the person you are meeting initiates the  les bises, or   the greeting where people lightly kiss each other on the cheek once or twice. If you aren't comfortable, merely stick out your hand for a handshake.

Speaking of trying to blend in... Paris is one of the most fashionable cities in the world. Everyone from Coco Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix got their start in fashion in Paris – and their influence remains. Blend in with the locals by dressing stylishly, though don't feel pressure to dress to the nines. Parisians do dress casually but wearing items such as activewear, sweatshirts, running shoes, flip flops or even some shorts (denim cut-offs, for example) around town is not commonplace here as it is in the U.S. Parisians like to keep it simple and chic, opting for a black leather bag over logo-ladden designer bags and incorporating soft-spoken color palettes into their wardrobe. You won't see a whole lot of French people wearing neon. 

France uses the euro, and major credit cards are accepted at most establishments in Paris. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is before you go. Keep in mind the exchange rate when you tip and make purchases. Some smaller bakeries or bistros may only take cash, though, so keep some euros on hand just in case. Most restaurants and cafes will include a 10 to 15 percent service charge ( service compris ) on the bill. You can leave some additional change for exceptional service, if you wish. Taxi drivers tend to expect a 5 to 10 percent tip, though usually rounding to the nearest euro or two will often suffice. You may also encounter fees to use the bathroom in some restaurants and bathroom attendants in many bars in Paris. If the fee isn't collected ahead of the use of the facilities, it's polite to leave 50 cents to a euro for the attendants.

What to Eat

Similar to many other international cities, Paris offers a surplus of restaurants that serve up everything from Asian fusion dishes to nouveaux bistro fare. And because France invented a widely adopted style of cooking, the food in Paris is trè s bien . Look for upscale establishments in the 1er arrondissement (1st district) and in Marais, as well as around Champs-Elysées and the Eiffel Tower . The 2ème arrondissement has a number of cheap eateries and cafes, as does Montmartre.

No matter where you choose to dine, you should sample some French staples like soupe à l'oignon gratinée (French onion soup), croque-monsieur (a grilled cheese and ham sandwich smothered in more melted cheese), steak frites (steak and french fries) and coquilles St - Jacques (seasoned scallops topped with cheese and bread curmbs served in a shell). Those with a sweet tooth should save room to try some of the following French desserts: macarons, pain au chocolat (chocolate croissants), puits d'amours (large puff pastries filled with vanilla cream and drizzled with caramel sauce) or crêpes (fixins' range from Nutella to bananas and berries).

For a meal on the go, pick up a baguette sandwich at a traiteurs or grab a quick savory crêpe at a crêperie or crepe stand. Chocolat chaud (hot chocolate), café crème (coffee with cream) and other drinks can be enjoyed at any of the city's many cafes. And if you want to save some euros, head to the local grocer and pick up some snacks for the day. Cheaper bistros and brasseries abound, but for some French fine-dining, splurge at Guy Savoy , Bistrot Paul Bert or Chez Andre , among other pricey yet delicious dining establishments.

Famed foodie Julia Child wrote "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" because French meal preparation is an art. Even the art of perfecting French specialties (wine, cheese, pastry) are a reflection of the time and care put into a meal. Likewise, linger over your French fine-dining experience, realizing that the food is meant to be savored rather than gulped. And remember, elbows off the table! For a crash course in the Paris dining scene, sign up for a guided food tour .

Paris is fairly safe, though you should be wary of pickpockets, especially on the metro and around the most popular tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre . Visitors should also be very alert while at the Gare du Nord train station: Pickpocketing tends to be pretty common here. Thieves also tend to target tourists on their way from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), so pay particularly close attention to your luggage and bags while taking public transportation to and from CDG.

Getting Around Paris

The best way to get around Paris is on foot and by metro. The elegant arrondissements are practically made for pedestrians. Still, Paris is very big, so you should take the efficient metro to travel long distances. The Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens or RATP system, which runs the metro, also offers several bus routes around the city. Those traveling to Paris by plane can arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), about 22 miles northeast of the city center, or Paris Orly Airport (ORY), about 11 miles south of the city.

To get to Paris from CDG, you can take a bus (No. 350 or No. 351), hop an RER train (an airport shuttle from CDG takes passengers to the Terminal 2 RER station and the nearby Roissypole RER) or hop on the  RoissyBus . Travelers with a late arrival time can also take advantage of the Noctilien night bus, which runs to Paris from midnight to 4:30 a.m. For those coming into ORY, travelers can take an airport shuttle to the nearest RER station (Pont de Rungis) or hop on the Orlyval shuttle train that goes to the Antony RER station. Both RER stations go straight to Paris. Taxis are another option, but can be quite costly averaging anywhere from 30 to 55 euros (around $33 to $61); driving is not recommended.

If you're traveling from other French or European cities, you can also take the train to Paris.  SNCF rail  and  TGV high-speed trains  run throughout France (the former also travels to other European countries). The city has six main train stations, all of which also act as bus stops and metro stations, so you'll be able to get from the station to your hotel quite easily. You can also take the Channel Tunnel (aka the "chunnel") underwater rail service via Eurostar from London .

Entry & Exit Requirements

A United States passport is required for U.S. residents traveling to Paris; children of all ages must have them, too. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your date of departure. U.S. citizens do not need a visa unless they plan on staying longer than 90 days. Visit the U.S. State Department's website for the latest information on exit and entry requirements.

The soaring Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited landmarks in the world. 

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Home > Paris Travel Guide

Paris Travel Guide

The paris travel blog to plan your trip to paris.

Are you planning a trip to Paris? This Paris Travel Guide has more than 100 Paris Travel articles sorted by topic for easy navigation.

If you are looking for general Paris Travel Information, use this Paris Guide as a starting point to navigate our Paris Travel Blog .

If you still need some reasons to visit Paris (or perhaps have a partner who needs some help getting on the same page as you), click here to read why Paris is always a good idea.

PARIS TRAVEL PLANNING

Paris is a big city, with many interesting things to see and do. If you are visiting Paris for the first time, a bit of planning is necessary. In this section of the Paris Trip Guide, you will find articles to help you plan the perfect trip to Paris. When to go, what to see, and how much it costs.

Paris Trip Planner

How Much Does a Trip to Paris Cost? (+ Paris Budget Calculator)

Paris Checklist (for First Time and Second Time in Paris)

Paris Pass Comparison

Best Travel Insurance for Paris and France

Transportation Strikes in Paris

How to Plan a Honeymoon in Paris

Pre-trip Checklist

FREE Paris Planning Challenge

Plan a Day Trip from London to Paris with Eurostar

DISTRICTS & NEIGHBORHOODS OF PARIS

Paris is divided into 20 Arrondissements or Districts, each one with a different history and soul. In the Paris Arrondissement Guide, you will find the 20 Districts of Paris explained. Then, if you want to learn more about a specific district of Paris, click on our Paris by Arrondissement guides.

Paris Arrondissements Explained

Best Arrondissements to Stay in Paris

1st Arrondissement of Paris Guide

2nd Arrondissement of Paris Guide

3rd Arrondissement of Paris Guide

4th Arrondissement of Paris Guide

5th Arrondissement of Paris Guide

6th Arrondissement of Paris Guide

7th Arrondissement of Paris Guide

8th Arrondissement of Paris Guide

20th Arrondissement of Paris Guide

Best Neighborhoods in Paris

Things to Do in Le Marais

Things to Do in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Things to Do on Ile de la Cité

Things to Do in the Latin Quarter

Things to Do on Ile Saint Louis

Montmartre is the most popular area to visit by tourists. This hillside village was annexed to Paris in the 19th century, and since then, it was a popular place to go on weekends to breathe fresh air, drink, and dance at the guinguettes.

Because living in Montmartre was cheap, the area was home to many artists who lived a bohemian life of working and night entertainment in the cabarets.

Our articles will take you to the old Montmartre, with the must-do sights but also to our favorite spots to play, eat, and sleep.

Old Montmartre Walking Tour + Map

Best Restaurants in Montmartre

Best Boutique Hotels in Montmartre

Secret Map of Montmartre

Interesting Facts about the Sacré Coeur, Montmartre

Interesting Facts about the Moulin Rouge Paris

Unique Things to Do in Montmartre

BEST TRAVEL ITINERARIES

Our series of Travel Itineraries will help you organize your days in Paris so you can get the most out of the city during your limited time. The guides come with a map with the main stops and local tips.

How to Spend a Layover in Paris

One Day in Paris – Itinerary + Map

Paris in 2 days Itinerary + Map

Paris in 3 days Itinerary + Map

Paris in 4 days Itinerary + Map

Paris in 5 days Itinerary + Map

Paris in 6 days Itinerary + Map

Paris in 7 days Itinerary + Map

How to Spend a Romantic Weekend in Paris

PARIS WALKING TOURS

Apart from the Paris Itineraries with different durations, this blog also has some walking tours covering a specific topic. These self-guided walking tours usually last a few hours and come with a map for your convenience.

Following Hemingway’s Steps in Paris

Old Montmartre Walking Tour

Street Art Paris 13 Walking Tour

French Revolution Walking Tour

MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN PARIS

This section covers the top sights in Paris – monuments, museums, parks, and shows –  and they come with our best tips for getting the most out of them.

Opéra Garnier

Best Seine Boat Tours

Paris Plages

Best Parisian Cabarets Quick Guide

The Catacombs of Paris

Covered Passages of Paris

Paradis Latin Cabaret Show + Dinner

The Tuileries Garden

Scavenger Hunt in the Tuileries Garden

Treasure Hunt in the Luxembourg Gardens

Sainte Chapelle’s Stained Glass Windows

Best Places to Picnic in Paris

Royal Squares of Paris

Atelier des Lumières Paris

The Panthéon in Paris

Château de Vincennes

The Conciergerie

Musée Carnavalet

Unmissable Paris Museums – List and Admission Conditions

Paris Hop-on Hop-off Tours

Jardin des Plantes

THE EIFFEL TOWER

The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris and France and a must on any first trip to Paris. Whether you decide to climb up or admire it from another point of view, check out the articles below for the best Eiffel Tower experience.

Best Eiffel Tower Views

Is it worth going up to the Eiffel Tower?

Eiffel Tower District Quick Guide

Best Hotels with Eiffel Tower View

Best Apartments with view of Eiffel Tower

How to go from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Eiffel Tower

How to go from Orly Airport to Eiffel Tower

Best things to do near the Eiffel Tower

LOUVRE MUSEUM

Perhaps the most famous museum in the world, the Louvre Museum is another of the mus-sights in Paris. We are Louvre frequent visitors; we just love it, and we have to go at least twice a year! Check out our Louvre Museum quick guide and learn the history behind this fantastic museum and our best trips.

Louvre Museum Guide

How to Visit the Louvre in 2 Hours or Less

All about the Louvre Palace

Skip the Line at the Louvre

Treasure Hunt at the Louvre Museum

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN PARIS

Apart from the main attractions, Paris has many other wonderful sights and activities, usually far from crowds. Below, we describe our favorites, but there are many more!

Even if this is your first time in Paris, we recommend adding a couple of these sights to your Paris bucket list so you can also see the lesser tourist sight of Paris, usually with a more local feeling.

Musée des Arts Forains

Vampires Museum in Paris

Picpus Cemetery

The Sewer Museum

Biking along Canal de l’Ourcq

Musée de l’Homme

Musée du Parfum

Chapelle Expiatoire

Best Free Museums in Paris

Promenade Plantée, the Coulée Verte of Paris

La Petite Ceinture Paris

Carrières des Capucins –  Best Underground Tour in Paris

Marin d’Eau Douce Self–Guided Electric Boats

Paris-America Shared History

Paris Underground Guide

2024 Olympics Location List

Festival des Lumières (Paris Lights Festival)

Where to find Emily’s Paris

Hidden Gems in Paris

Arenes de Lutece

Zadkine Museum, Paris

Where to see Roman ruins in Paris

Tour Jean Sans Peur

Paris in Medieval Times

Statue of Michel de Montaigne

Montparnasse Cemetery

PARIS BUCKET LIST

Fan of bucket lists? So we are! Our Paris Bucket Lists cover different topics, and they are a great way to ensure you do not forget anything interesting in the city for the topics you enjoy most.

50 Best Things to Do in Paris

Checklist for Paris first-timers and for the second time in Paris

Fun Things to Do in Paris at Night

Best Covered Walkways in Paris

Best Rooftop Bars in Paris

Fun Things to Do in Paris with Kids

Best Photography Spots in Paris

Best Romantic Things to do in Paris

Cherry Blossoms in Paris

Best Christmas Markets in Paris

Top Places Related to Napoleon in Paris

Chasing Monet in Paris

Best Books about Paris

Fun Things to Do When it Rains in Paris

Best Views of Paris

Famous Buildings in Paris

Famous Landmarks in Paris

Explore the famous Château de Versailles – a jewel of French Baroque architecture – and the grounds! Versailles Estate is huge, with many things to see and do. The guides below will help you plan your Versailles visit, so you are sure to get the most out of Versailles Palace and its Gardens!

Versailles Palace and Gardens Quick Guide

Inside the Palace of Versailles

Versailles Gardens – Map and Top Sights

How to Travel from Paris to Versailles – All Ways

How to Visit Versailles by Bike

La Machine de Marly – The Eighth World Wonder

Fountains of Versailles

Versailles Skip the line Tips

Hameau de la Reine, Versailles

Best Hotels near Palace of Versailles

Le Potager du Roi

SIDE TRIPS FROM PARIS

If you visit Paris for more than two days, we encourage you to travel beyond the capital and explore a bit of the French countryside. From magnificent châteaux to picturesque small towns, there are beautiful day trips from Paris very easy to organize on your own.

Best Day Trips from Paris

Best Small Towns Near Paris

Easy Weekend Getaways from Paris by Train

Best Castles Near Paris

Basilica of Saint-Denis

Provins Medieval Town

Moret-sur-Loing

Monet’s House and Garden in Giverny

D-Day Landing Beaches of Normandy

Château de Chantilly

Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier – The Icon of Modern Architecture

Château de Malmaison – Joséphine’s Dearest Home

Château de Villiers – Beautiful Hotel-Château Near Paris

Van Gogh’s Church at Auvers-sur-Oise

Hot Air Balloon over Fontainebleau

Paris to Fontainebleau Day Trip – Things to Do and Best Tips 

Best Hotels near Disneyland Paris with Free Shuttle Bus

Mont St Michel Day Trip from Paris

Champagne Day Trip from Paris

Disneyland Paris Crowd Calendar

Transportation Paris – Disneyland Paris

Château de Pierrefonds

Transportation Disneyland Paris – Eiffel Tower

Day Trip to Disneyland Paris – Tips for Adults

Day Trip to Loire Valley

Best Disneyland Paris Rides

Train Travel from London to Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris Wait Times

Disneyland Paris Guide

FOOD & WINE IN PARIS

All about food in Paris : things to eat in Paris, French food festivals, French wine, Parisian bistros, and more! Learn also about the best food tours in Paris, a great way to explore the city from a gastronomic point of view.

Paris Food Guide

Best French Food Festivals in Paris

What to Eat in Paris

Cheap Eats in Paris

Best Parisian Desserts – Born and Perfected in Paris

Where to Find the Best Crêpes in Paris

Best Bistros in Paris

Best Food Tours in Paris

Wine Regions in France

Best Wine Packaging for Travel

Best Small Wine Coolers

All About the Parisian Baguette

Café Gourmand – The Dessert Trend in Paris You Need to Try!

Escargots in France

Traditional French Breakfast

Café culture in Paris

Best Paris desserts

RESTAURANTS IN PARIS

If you are in need of restaurant addresses proposing good French cuisine or something else, our Restaurant Guides provide just that, organized by district or neighborhood. Learn what to eat in Paris and the best places to find it!

Best Restaurants in Paris 3

Best Restaurants in Paris 5

Best Restaurants in Paris 7

Le Chalet des Iles

Most Romantic Restaurants in Paris

WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS

Where to stay in Paris? This is the one thing you don’t want to get wrong on your Parisian trip! From the best district to stay in Paris to the perfect kind of accommodation for you, find our best tips and some great proposals for all budgets.

Best Districts to Stay in Paris

Best Airbnbs with Eiffel Tower View

Best Historic Hotels in Paris

Best Hostels in Paris with Private Rooms

Best Quirky Hotels in Paris

Furnished Apartments Paris

Where to Stay in Paris

Best Hotels near Charles de Gaulle Airport

Best Hotels in the Marais

Best Hotels near the Louvre Museum

Best Hotels in the Latin Quarter

Best Hotels in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Best Hotels near Paris Gare du Nord

TIPS & TRICKS

In this section, we share the best local tips and hacks to navigate Paris and its main tourist attractions, and it’s a great complement to the Paris Travel Planning section.

Top Insider Tips for Visiting Paris

London vs Paris, which city is better?

Skip the Line in Paris

Tourist Pass Comparison

Paris Museum Pass Review

Is Paris Safe?

Ways to Avoid Crowds in Paris

Best Prepaid SIM Cards for France

Upcoming France and Paris Transit Strikes

French Culture Shock: Cultural differences between the US and France

Americans in Paris – Things to Know Before Visiting Paris for the First Time

How to Visit Paris Without Leaving Home

How well do you know Paris? Find the answer with our Paris Quiz!

Can you drink tap water in Paris?

What is Paris famous for?

Best Paris combo tickets

SEASONS IN PARIS

When to visit Paris? What is the best season to explore the City of Lights? The truth is that each season has its charm, and we tell you the best ways to make the most of every month with seasonal activities and our best local tips!

Best time to go to Paris

Seasons in Paris

Spring in Paris

• Paris in March
• Paris in April
• Paris in May

Summer in Paris

• Paris in June
• Paris in July
• Paris in August

Fall in Paris

• Paris in September
• Paris in October
• Paris in November
• Halloween in Paris

Winter in Paris

• Paris in December
• Paris in January
• Paris in February
• Christmas in Paris
• New Year’s in Paris

GETTING AROUND PARIS

This section tells you how to get around Paris, from the best way to get to the city, from the airports to the different ways to navigate the city.

Learn how to use the Parisian metro and the alternative ways to explore the city other than by foot!

Also, be informed of the coming transportation strikes and learn the best tips to survive them.

Metro of Paris Quick Guide

Paris by Bike Quick Guide

How to Travel from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris

How to Travel from Orly Airport to Paris

How to Get to Eiffel Tower from CDG Airport

How to Get to Eiffel Tower from ORY Airport

How to Get to Disneyland Paris from CDG Airport

How to Get to Versailles from Paris

How to Survive the Parisian Metro in the Summer

PACKING LISTS

Paris Packing List Fall-Winter for Women

Paris Packing List Spring-Summer for Women

Paris Packing List Fall-Winter for Men

Paris Packing List Spring-Summer for Men

What to Take in your Day Bag for Exploring Paris

Best Anti-Theft Travel Bags

Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpacks

Best Gifts for Business Travelers

Travelon Anti-theft Bags

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Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. It costs you nothing more (in fact, if anything, you’ll get a nice discount) but helps us to go on creating incredible Paris content for you. We trust all products promoted here and would never recommend a product that isn’t of value. World in Paris is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no expense to you.

About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

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Paris travel guide 2024 Olympics: knowing the famous and beautiful Parisian City Kindle Edition

• Print length 59 pages
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• Publication date April 15, 2024
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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CZ2MZGSD
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 15, 2024
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
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A New England Traveler’s Guide to Paris, France

What’s left to say about a city that has it all? Turns out, quite a lot in 2024.

From day trips to weekend getaways, our biweekly Traveler newsletter shows you the best of New England and beyond.

Setting out at sunset on the Seine. / Photo by Prasit Rodphan/Alamy Stock Photo

Few cities in the world instantly entice the senses and inspire the soul like Paris. Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain, the Marais—this roll call of enchanting neighborhoods conjures images of quaint sidewalk cafés, verdant gardens, exquisite museums, intimate restaurants, and sun-splashed rooftops. With the Olympics beginning later this summer, the cosmopolitan capital has never looked more vibrant and prepared to welcome visitors. Wait, the French…welcoming? Indeed, even the Seine has undergone a massive cleaning and is set to host aquatic events, mon dieu! Whether you want to witness the Games or visit before the crowds start flowing in, there are a wealth of new attractions, restaurants, and hotels at the ready to experience the “City of Light” like never before.

The Louvre on a sunny day. / Photo by Bruce Beck/Alamy Stock Photo

One of the city’s newest—and most offbeat—attractions is Maison Gainsbourg , a Left Bank museum showcasing the provocative work of famed French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg (add on a visit to his historic house across the street for the full experience). To admire another lesser-known gem, head for Île Saint-Louis , the smaller of the two islands on the Seine. Here you’ll find narrow streets lined with 17th-century buildings featuring elaborate façades and quiet courtyards that offer a glimpse into the Paris of yesteryear. Stopping at Berthillon , which has been serving delicious ice cream since 1954, is a must. Prefer to actually get on the water? Try water skiing or wakeboarding on the river—yes, that’s really a thing—just outside of the city with the Ski Nautique Club .

If you still need to scratch some of the city’s most iconic sights off your bucket list, fear not. Several legendary spots are reopening their doors this year, including the Grand Palais : An architectural masterpiece originally built for the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition will once again host the arts, as well as some Olympic competitions. Speaking of comebacks, Notre Dame Cathedral , which tragically burned in 2019, is set to reopen later this year after a painstaking $900 million-plus renovation.

No French sojourn would be complete without a stroll through the legendary Louvre , of course, but we recommend at least a few hours at the Musée d’ Orsay as it celebrates the 150th birthday of impressionism with an immersive new exhibit, “Tonight with the Impressionists.” Don a virtual reality headset to step back in time to 1874 and witness one of the first exhibitions of the movement featuring works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne.

Strolling the Rue des Francs Bourgeois. / Photo by Lana Rastro/Alamy Stock Photo

On the Right Bank, the Marais is where you can find trendy boutiques lining the Rue des Francs Bourgeois . To seek out the best bargains, peruse the network of stalls, alleys, and showrooms at the Marché aux Puces , open on weekends and Mondays. It covers close to 20 acres and is one of the oldest flea markets in the world.

A Thai crèpe from Restaurant Thiou in Hôtel Norman. / Photo by Yann Deret

Tempting bistros are seemingly around every corner, but why not sample a bit of everything at the new gastronomic hall Communale Saint-Ouen ? This is no ordinary food court—Parisians gather here to listen to live music; sample street food, pastries, and cheeses; and sip fine wine and craft beers. For a more romantic atmosphere, slide into a booth at Le Christine , where chef Mehdi Bencheikh’s inspiring menu features creative French cuisine. Or take it to the next level at Dans Le Noir , which offers a truly unique experience: dining in almost complete darkness. When it’s time for a nightcap, the elegant Bar Hemingway remains a popular haunt, just as it was for F. Scott Fitzgerald.

A plush room at Hôtel Norman. / Photo © MrTripper

Just a short stroll from the Arc de Triomphe, the new Hôtel Norman is a boutique property conceived by architect Thomas Vidalenc. Ideal for couples or families, amenities at the intimate 37-room hotel include the Spa by Omnisens and Restaurant Thiou, which serves up sumptuous Thai dishes from the legendary Parisian chef Apiradee Thirakomen. La Fantaisie is another new boutique property, this one with a rooftop bar, café, and 63 tastefully appointed rooms and 10 suites—many offering breathtaking views of the bustling Montmartre and the city beyond.

GETTING THERE

Nonstop flights from Boston to Paris are available on several carriers, including Air France, Delta, and JetBlue.

First published in the print edition of the May 2024 issue with the headline, “Paris, France.”

• 2024 Olympics
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Café pastel opens at back bay’s raffles boston, brings pastry, the real victim in the karen read case my friend john o’keefe, why i left my dream job at wbz morning news, for sale: a homey painted lady inn and burger bar on cape cod, in this section.

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Paris Olympic Games 2024: Everything you need to know to enjoy your trip to France

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Reading time: 0 min Published on 15 March 2024, updated on 26 April 2024

For the first time since 1924, Paris is preparing to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. From 26 July 2024 and for 45 days, the City of Light and the whole of France will be celebrating this global event, bringing together 10,500 athletes and 4,400 para-athletes. The 13 million ticket holders who have gone on sale will be in for a spectacular and emotional time. Provided they have planned ahead. Buying tickets, accommodation, transport... We tell you everything you need to know to enjoy a hassle-free competition.

10 million tickets for sale on a single website

If you're eagerly anticipating the 2024 Olympics and wish to attend any of the events, it's important to exercise caution. Only purchase tickets for the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Paris 2024 from the official website official website , which follows a strict and monitored procedure. The “Official Ticketing of the Paris 2024 Games” is an exclusive, 100% digital, and secure platform operated by the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, catering to spectators worldwide. Avoid purchasing tickets through any other sales channels. Be wary of third-party websites offering tickets and report any such scams on the Signal Conso Platform for consumer fraud. If you're a fraud victim, file a preliminary complaint with the police Pré-Plainte .

Important information: Beware of purchasing tickets or packages outside of official channels, you run the risk of paying a significantly higher price than the face value, buying a counterfeit or electronically resold ticket, and being denied access to Olympic venues. Consider yourself warned: Paris 2024 will not issue any refunds in case of fraud.

Hospitality Options

In addition to individual tickets, there is an official program called “Hospitality Paris 2024” offering packages open to all. These packages guarantee tickets to attend the majority of Olympic sporting events, combined with access to hospitality services on competition sites or in the heart of cities (accommodation, transportation, gastronomy, tourist activities, etc.). Hospitality offers and Paris 2024 travel packages are available on a dedicated official and secure website, as well as through a global network of sub-distributors established by On Location , the official hospitality provider, in collaboration with Paris 2024 and its official hospitality program.

Important information: The unauthorized sale or resale of tickets and packages by actors at retail points or on websites outside of official channels is a crime according to French law (Article 313.6.2 of the Penal Code).

10 million tickets and a strict schedule

The lottery for the sale of individual tickets closed on April 20, 2023. Since May 9, 48-hour purchase slots are gradually being sent by email only to the lucky winners drawn in the lottery. If you have registered for the lottery in this phase, regularly check your email inbox (including your spam folder). The lucky winners will receive a message two days before their designated purchase slot with a limk to access the sale. Be wary of any other solicitations (such as contests with tickets as prizes or invitations sent by email), as they would be illegal.

Important information:

After an initial phase dedicated to the sale of packages, a second phase for individual tickets started on May 11, 2023. All of the events of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are available for purchase including all the iconic finals, not to mention tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies.

Since sales are happening in real-time, it’s best to log in at the beginning of your allocated 48-hour slot to maximize your chances of getting the desired tickets. In case of unforeseen circumstances preventing you from attending the reserved events, it will be possible to resell your tickets, but only on the dedicated official platform. A tab will be added to facilitate ticket resale. Please note that any resale outside this circuit is strictly prohibited.

A final chance to take part in the 2024 Olympic Games will be offered at the end of 2023, for individual sales without a draw, but on a "first come, first served" basis.

In addition, sales of the 3.4 million tickets for the Para Olympic Games (August 28 to September 8) will take place in autumn 2023.

France has officially become the proud host nation of the next Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024 (the Games of the 33rd Olympiad), receiving the flag from Tokyo. Set to take place exactly 100 years after France’s last summer Games, Paris 2024 will be the largest event ever organised in the country, running from Friday 26 July until Sunday 11 August 2024. It promises to be an inclusive, interactive and sustainable celebration of sport: the first fully gender-balanced and carbon-neutral Olympics, featuring the first-ever Olympic events open to general public participation.

Let's discuss accommodation options for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games

Whether you've secured tickets for the events or are simply traveling to France to be at the center of the action, finding suitable accommodation in Paris or other host cities should be a top priority. It's wise to plan ahead as the Olympic Games period (July 26th to August 11th, August 28th to September 8th for the Paralympic Games) coincides with France's peak summer season, which is in high demand. You have a range of options including bed and breakfast, hotels, luxury palaces, youth hostels, furnished apartments, campgrounds, or mobile homes. To secure accommodation, you can contact the Paris Tourism Office , go through a real estate rental agency, or explore specialized websites.

Important information: The star rating system for hotels can vary from one country to another. A 3-star hotel in France may not correspond to the criteria of a 3-star hotel in another country… To check the rating of your accommodation, consult the dedicated platform published by Atout France , the French tourism development agency, also the publisher of France.en. By booking a Travel package or Hospitality package, you may have accommodation included. These Travel packages can be found on the Hospitality Travel Packages website.

Coming to France requires planning!

Regardless of the mode of transportation chosen to come France, make sure to complete the necessary formalities. To find out if a visa is required for your stay in France, simply provide some information on the official website for visas to France: France-Visas . Beware of fake administrative websites! Do not be fooled by the use of the Marianne logo or the colors blue-white-red: some fake sites may mimic official websites. It’s essential to verify the website’s internet address: official French administration URLs end with “.gouv.fr” or “fr” and never with “.gouv.org”, “gouv.com” or “-gouv.fr”. Please note that a website in “.fr” does not guarantee its official status.

For more information on the 2024 Olympics read: The Paris Olympics: on track for 2024!

By Redaction France.fr

The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…

The Paris Olympics: on track for 2024!

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More From Forbes

Mother’s day gift guide 2024: the best spa getaways for moms who travel.

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The sauna in Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge at the Seaside Ocean Resort & Spa.

For moms who travel, a spa getaway is the perfect excuse to send mom on a glamorous vacation that’s uniquely all about her. Exceed mom’s expectations this Mother’s Day with one of the best spa getaways on Earth.

The Preserve Resort & Spa in Richmond, Rhode Island features the OH! Spa Beauty & Bentley Experience ... [+] for Mother’s Day.

Preserve Resort & Spa - Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2024

New England-based travelers within 15 miles of the Preserve Resort & Spa can purchase the OH! Spa Beauty & Bentley Experience. With the experience, guests are chauffeured from home by a private driver in a custom Bentley Bentayga and taken to OH! Spa (an extension of the Forbes Travel Guide 5-star Ocean House spa ) for luxurious treatments. The solo package ($800) features a 90-minute custom massage with chocolate foot scrub enhancement and a 90-minute custom facial. The couples package ($1,000 per person) includes a 90-minute custom massage and a 1-hour private couples suite rental with a steam sauna and a whirlpool. Both come with chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of Prosecco. At the end of the spa experience, the Bentley will return guests home. Reservations can be made here.

Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa - Mother's Day Gift Guide 2024

The farm-to-sea treatments at Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge are a fantastic reason to treat mom to sunshine and sea air at the Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa in Oceanside, California, a beachfront destination north of San Diego. In addition to the standout facials and massages, moms can choose from a menu of IV therapy treatments that go the extra mile to provide complete wellness, including the IV therapy that helps hydrate, combat fatigue, restore skin glow and the craniosacral therapy, which uses touch and intention to help mom unwind restrictions to motion in the cranial rhythmic impulse.

VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa - Mother's Day Gift Guide 2024

Inside Spa VEA at Newport Beach, a Marriott Resort & Spa.

A long spa weekend for mom at VEA Newport Beach , a Marriott Resort & Spa, is a perfect spa destination to get glowy. The Sunday Funday package allows guests to sleep in late, get that deep tissue massage at Spa VEA , enjoy the hotel’s Sunday brunch, or lounge poolside with a discounted late checkout until 5 p.m. Use promotional code “ARN” at checkout .

Inside the Penthouse suite at the Four Seasons Las Vega

Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas - Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2024

A Forbes Travel Guide verified luxury hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas delivers the ultimate luxury spa vacation. Choose from several great day packages for Mother’s Day at The Spa, including the Divine Relaxation ($530), a 50-minute full-body exfoliation and a 50-minute body wrap. The Easy Escape ($320), a 25-minute express facial, followed by a 25-minute spot treatment massage and a 25-minute Decadence & Delight manicure at the adjacent Nail Bar. On Mother’s Day, the Four Seasons' signature brunch will be elevated with marinated steak and herb-spiced chicken carving stations, personalized omelets, and decadent pastries. Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas recently completed a redesign of all guestrooms and suites, including the Penthouse and Presidential specialty suites. Take advantage of a 25 percent room discount (or indulge in one of the new especially suites) with “Suite Dreams” at checkout.

The Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona Switzerland sits on the sparkling shores of Lake Maggiore

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Apple s iphone ai plans confirmed with new software upgrade, packers complete safety overhaul with georgia s javon bullard, hotel eden roc, switzerland - mother’s day gift guide 2024.

Located on the South side of the Alps along Lake Maggiore, the Hotel Eden Roc is a slice of heaven on Earth. The hotel is Switzerland’s only beach resort and has everything from fantastic water sports and boat charters to a wild mountain landscape and The Garden of Eden, a retreat for healing and basking in the sun. Each spa experience is tailored to the needs of the guest and features organic or certified natural products. In keeping with the rich natural landscape, the Moving Mountains massage relaxes muscles and joints with a full-body deep tissue massage with a combination of hot and cold stone therapy. The Swiss Pine massage uses Swiss pine oil and massage rollers of locally grown pine to relax and release blockages and improve circulatory function. A bonus to this spa getaway is the upcoming Safari del Gusto 2024: Edizione Lago Maggiore on May 10. This culinary journey begins with an aperitif at the hotel, followed by a walk through the grounds to sample the flavors and textures of the lakeside restaurants.

One&Only Mandarina spa in Mandarina, Mexico features a healing ritual in a volcanic rock garden for ... [+] renewal and spiritual regeneration.

One & Only Mandarina, Mexico - Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2024

The luxury beach resort of One & Only Mandarina is set among the cliffs of a coastal rainforest in Mexico. The lush experience is elevated with spa treatments inspired by indigenous and pre-Hispanic culture as well as the expansive natural wonders of Mandarina. Designed to connect you with the movements of the rainforest, the Temazcal healing ritual is led by Mexican Curanderas, healers in the community. The ceremony uses hot stories, herbs and chanting to stimulate detoxification and purify the mind. The well-being journeys are a wonderful way to celebrate Mother’s Day. From clay remedies and hiking through the rainforest, to massages and cleansing ceremonies, if you’re looking for something truly different, One & Only Mandarina is the destination.

The indoor pool at the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa.

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa - Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2024

The name alone beckons a Mother’s Day gift for mom. Just 45 minutes from Paris in the gorgeous French countryside, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa features a 16,000-square foot spa and overlooks the Champagne vineyards. The indulgent treatments at the Royal Champagne spa include luxurious massages and other treatments using Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian techniques. The resort also has indoor and outdoor heated pools, a sauna and a mosaic-tiled Hammam. Mom can book personalized yoga sessions and spin classes, or enjoy a guided nature walk through the vineyards.

The stunning outdoor firepit at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa.

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa - Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2024

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is an idyllic spa getaway for mom this Mother’s Day. The resort sits on the beach with stunning views, and offers everything for a resort staycation to myriad on-site restaurants and outdoor dining options — even MELT, the poolside ice cream parlor. Eau Spa is a jaw-dropping 42,000-square-foot playground for glamorous pampering treatments and relaxation nooks for a total melt. Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Girls Getaway package, including two nights’ accommodations, a $500 credit for spa treatments at Eau Spa and a complimentary cocktail or mocktail at Breeze Ocean Kitchen or Stir Bar & Terrace. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is a Forbes Travel Guide verified-luxury five-star resort.

The spa at The Park Hyatt St. Kitts is a glorious oasis of indulgent relaxation and pampering for ... [+] mom.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts - Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2024

Nestled within Christophe Harbor on Banana Bay with unobstructed views of the crystal clear Caribbean Sea and neighboring Nevis, the Park Hyatt St. Kitts offers some great packages this Mother’s Day. Among them, the Escape to Park Hyatt includes an upgraded suite and luxurious amenities for two including a rum tasting experience, a one-day cabana rental, cooking demonstration, wellness activity, Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary 50-minute couples massage in the Sugar Mill, and daily breakfast. The resort offers three signature dining experiences: an all-day restaurant at Great House, Fisherman's Village ocean-to-table dining for lunch and dinner, and Stone Barn's fine dining experience. The Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch in Great House offers live entertainment, international buffet, sushi station, local favorites and a decadent dessert experience.

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