Introduction to Paris
Called the “City of Lights”, Paris is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful and romantic cities. As the capital of France, Paris embodies French culture, fashion, cuisine, and art, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
With its bustling boulevards, charming cafes, iconic monuments and world-class museums, Paris casts a spell on visitors. Whether you’re strolling along the river Seine, people watching from a sidewalk café, or marveling at the Eiffel Tower, there’s an undeniable magic to Paris.
Paris enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are mild and delightful times to visit when the summer crowds have not yet arrived. Summers are warm and somewhat rainy at times, while winters are chilly but picturesque with seasonal holiday festivities.
The best way to get around is by metro, which is efficient and easy to navigate. Walking is also a great way to explore Paris’s charming arrondissements (neighborhoods). Taxis can be handy as well, though quite expensive. For sights farther out, trains like the RER make it fast and simple to reach destinations like Versailles or the airport.
With its world-famous art, food, history and unforgettable ambience, Paris offers discoveries galore. Come ready to embrace the City of Lights in all its splendor.
Top Neighborhoods to Explore
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts) that each have their own unique flair. Here are some of the top neighborhoods for visitors to explore:
Le Marais
Located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais is one of Paris’ most charming and vibrant neighborhoods. Known for its narrow medieval streets, historic buildings, trendy boutiques, and LGBTQ culture, Le Marais is perfect for strolling around. Don’t miss Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, and the Picasso Museum.
Montmartre
Perched on a hill in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre captivates with its winding cobblestone streets, scenic views, and historic sites. See the iconic white domes of Sacré-Coeur basilica, walk in the footsteps of artists like Picasso at Place du Tertre, and wander through the delightful streets. Don’t miss the Moulin Rouge cabaret.
Latin Quarter
Located on the Left Bank and centered around the Sorbonne University, the Latin Quarter brims with student life, quaint shops, cozy cafes, and lively nightlife. Stroll along the riverfront, get lost in the maze of streets, and soak up the youthful energy in this historic intellectual hub.
Champs-Élysées
The famous 1.2 mile avenue stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. See luxury stores, outdoor cafes, cinemas, and experience the vibrant energy of this iconic boulevard. The tree-lined street comes to life at night with illuminated fountains, cafes, and people watching.
Iconic Paris Landmarks
Paris is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world that should not be missed when visiting the city. From historic cathedrals to triumphal arches, Paris’ landmarks showcase the city’s rich history and architecture.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic landmark in Paris. Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair, it was designed by Gustave Eiffel and stands at 324 meters tall. The Eiffel Tower is constructed of iron lattice work and gives incredible views over Paris from its three platforms. At night, the Eiffel Tower sparkles with thousands of lights on the hour, making it one of the most romantic sights in the city.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental arch located at the western end of the Champs-Elysées. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor those who fought in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The Arc de Triomphe stands 50 meters tall and is engraved with names of French victory battles and generals. Beneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views down the Champs-Elysées.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is a medieval Gothic Catholic church built between 1163-1345. This iconic cathedral is known for its French Gothic architecture, statues of biblical kings, flying buttresses, and immense rose windows. Some of the most famous relics housed in Notre Dame include Jesus’ Crown of Thorns, a piece of the True Cross, and one of the Holy Nails. Though damaged by fire in 2019, restoration efforts continue on this beloved historic cathedral.
The Louvre
The Louvre was built as a fortress in the 12th century and is now one of the largest museums in the world. It houses over 380,000 objects and displays 35,000 works of art including ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Renaissance collections. Some of the Louvre’s most famous works include the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The Louvre’s glass pyramid entrance and modern architecture juxtaposed with the original château make it an impressive landmark.
Paris Museums
Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, making it a mecca for art lovers from around the globe. At the top of every museum goer’s list is likely the Louvre, located in the 1st arrondissement. This immense former palace contains over 35,000 priceless objects, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
For fans of Impressionism, the Musée d’Orsay is a must-see. Housed in a former railway station on the Left Bank of the Seine, this massive museum showcases works by Monet, Degas, Renoir, and other 19th century masters. Don’t miss Monet’s giant Water Lilies murals.
Those eager to take in Rodin’s thinking man sculpture and other works should visit the Musée Rodin, dedicated solely to the French sculptor’s oeuvre. And for an immersion into the world of Picasso, head to the modern and intimate Musée Picasso in the Marais, which contains over 5,000 of the artist’s works.
Beyond these most famous museums, Paris has over 130 museums housing everything from natural history and science, to fashion and decorative arts. You could spend weeks in Paris and still not see every museum and collection this city offers. For art lovers, Paris is truly an unparalleled open-air museum.
Paris Food Scene
Paris is world-famous for its cuisine, with countless restaurants, cafes, patisseries, and boulangeries serving up iconic French fare. When visiting Paris, be sure to sample some of the city’s signature dishes and flavors.
Croissants and Pastries
Wake up like a true Parisian with a flaky, buttery croissant and café au lait. Parisians take their pastries very seriously, and a trip to a patisserie is a must. Indulge in decadent treats like the macaron, a light almond meringue cookie sandwiched with buttercream or ganache. The elegant mille-feuille features layers of puff pastry and pastry cream. And you can’t miss the eclairs, profiteroles, and colorful tarts at the city’s pastry shops.
Boulangeries and Baguettes
Parisians make multiple trips to the boulangerie each day to pick up freshly baked baguettes. The perfect baguette has a crispy crust and light, airy interior. Pair your baguette with some French cheeses and charcuterie for a picnic lunch. Le Grenier à Pain and Poilâne are two of the most famous bakeries. Or visit award-winning baker Phillipe Conticini’s patisserie for baguettes made with champagne and truffles.
Cheese and Charcuterie
With hundreds of varieties, cheese is an integral part of French cuisine. Sample mild cheeses like brie and camembert, or pungent blue cheese like Roquefort. Visit specialist fromageries like Marie Quatrehomme or Barthélémy for cheese pairings and tastings. France’s charcuterie also shines – try saucisson sec (cured sausage), jambon de Paris (ham), pâté, and foie gras.
Crêpes
For a quick bite, grab a savory crêpe filled with cheese, ham, and egg. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a crêpe drizzled in chocolate or lemon. Crêpes are ubiquitous in Paris – hunt down the best at street vendors or specialized crêperies. Breizh Café focuses on savory buckwheat galettes from Brittany. Meanwhile, the Latin Quarter’s Crêperie Josselin is famed for its sweet creations.
Cafés and Bistros
Parisian cafés are perfect for people watching. Sip an espresso orKir Royal while soaking up the scene. Classic brasseries like Le Train Bleu hearken back to turn-of-the-century Paris with old word decor. For a more modern bistro, Le Comptoir du Relais dishes out French comfort food like steak frites. Make reservations for top restaurants like L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and L’Arpège that define haute cuisine.
With its cozy cafés, bustling bistros, and world-class patisseries, the cuisine is a highlight of any trip to Paris. Savor the buttery pastries, crusty baguettes, pungent cheeses and rich sauces that make Paris a true movable feast.
Paris Nightlife
Paris comes alive at night, with bustling bars, clubs, cabarets, and live music venues. Visitors can experience the city’s vibrant nightlife scene in several neighborhoods.
The Marais district contains chic cocktail bars, lively gay clubs, and hidden basement speakeasies. Head to rue Oberkampf and rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud for trendy bars packed with young Parisians.
For a classic Parisian night out, café-lined Saint-Germain-des-Prés offers literary cafés like Les Deux Magots and intellectual pubs like Le Pub de la Butte. The area also contains jazz clubs like Caveau de la Huchette that host swinging live music every night.
Montmartre’s quartier pigalle is home to the iconic Moulin Rouge cabaret theater, with its spectacular can-can shows and French grandeur. The neighborhood also has small concert halls, cozy wine bars, and the vibrant Rue de Steinkerque.
No Paris night out is complete without live music at a authentic jazz club. Check out New Morning in the 10th arrondissement or Duc de Lombards near Les Halles for stellar lineups in an intimate setting.
For electronic dance music, head to massive clubs like Rex Club located along the Seine. Just outside the city limits, you can find even bigger venues like La Machine du Moulin Rouge hosting world-famous DJs.
With its endless options, Paris’ nightlife offers something exciting for everyone once the sun goes down.
Shopping in Paris
Paris is a shopper’s paradise, with stores to satisfy all tastes and budgets. The city’s shopping scene ranges from world-famous haute couture houses to quirky neighborhood boutiques and flea markets.
The most famous upscale shopping can be found along the Champs-Élysées and in the Triangle D’Or neighborhood. The Champs-Élysées features flagship stores from leading French and international brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Sephora. Meanwhile the Triangle D’Or is home to prestigious haute couture houses and jewelry stores like Chanel, Dior, Hermès, and Van Cleef & Arpels. This is the place to find unique couture creations and one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories.
For more affordable and eclectic finds, explore the Marais and the areas around Montmartre. The Marais is known for its independent boutiques selling stylish fashions, home decor, and gifts. The streets around Montmartre also boast lots of charming specialty shops with retro and bohemian flair.
Paris also has some incredible department stores not to be missed. Galeries Lafayette offers a magnificent setting and expansive selection under one roof, while Printemps and Le Bon Marché are also renowned for their upscale wares. For discounted and past-season items, check out the outlet shops on the city outskirts.
In terms of markets, food lovers shouldn’t miss the bustling open-air markets. Venture to Rue Cler, Rue Montorgueil, or Rue Mouffetard for fresh produce, cheese, charcuterie, and other French delicacies. For antique treasures and bric-a-brac, don’t miss the Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market.
Whether you’re looking for luxury labels, indie designers, or vintage items, Paris’ diverse shopping scene has something for every taste and budget. Just be ready to give your credit card a workout!
Romantic Things to Do
Paris is known as the city of love, making it a dream destination for couples looking to spend quality time together. From strolling along the river Seine to sipping wine at a sidewalk cafe, Paris offers endless opportunities for romance.
Cruise the Seine River
A relaxing Seine river cruise is a quintessential Parisian experience. Glide past the city’s iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral while snuggling up with your loved one. Many cruises offer live music, champagne, and multi-course meals for a special touch.
Picnic at the Eiffel Tower
Pack a picnic basket filled with French cheese, charcuterie, baguettes, and wine and head to the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower. Share the delicious food while admiring the spectacular views of the Iron Lady herself. Make sure to reserve a spot ahead of time during peak season.
Kiss at the Pont des Arts
The pedestrian Pont des Arts bridge is known as the “Love Lock Bridge” for its tradition of couples attaching a padlock and throwing the key into the Seine. Capture a romantic kiss with your sweetheart in front of thousands of sparkling padlocks.
Dine Along Rue Cler
Transport yourselves out of the bustling city to the quaint cobblestone street of Rue Cler. Sit outside at a charming French bistro for an intimate dinner together. Savor classic French dishes and sip cocktails while soaking up the romantic ambience.
Take in the View from the Steps of Sacré-Cœur
As the sun begins to set, make your way to the iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica perched high over Montmartre. Relax on the white stone steps with spectacular panoramic views of the glittering Eiffel Tower and cityscape. End your day wrapped in each other’s arms as the city lights begin to twinkle.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Paris is a magical city for kids to explore. Many of the top museums and landmarks offer fun activities and exhibits for children. And with spacious parks throughout the city, there are plenty of places for kids to run around.
Kid-Friendly Museums
Some of Paris’ top museums have interactive exhibits and workshops perfect for kids. The Louvre has themed trails and workshops where children can sketch artworks or create their own mosaics. The Pompidou Center has an entire floor dedicated to children’s workshops and activities related to modern art, design, and architecture. The City of Science and Industry is essentially a giant interactive science museum with exhibits on space, technology, and more.
Parks and Gardens
Kids will love running around the Tuileries Garden or Luxembourg Garden, two beautiful green spaces in central Paris. The Jardin d’Acclimatation is an amusement park on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, with rides, farm animals, and puppet shows. Parc Asterix is a full amusement park just outside the city.
Family Entertainment
Watch acrobats and musicians at the lively street shows at Montmartre. Take a relaxing boat cruise on the Seine River. See a show at the grand Palais Garnier opera house, or an interactive exhibit at the Cite des Enfants. End the day with a ride up the Eiffel Tower to see the city lights.
Getting around Paris is easy with kids, thanks to the metro’s stroller access and the hop-on, hop-off bus tours. Many attractions offer discounted family tickets, and most restaurants are very welcoming of children. With so much to see and do, Paris makes for an unforgettable family trip.
Day Trips from Paris
Paris makes a great base to take easy day trips to nearby towns and attractions. The excellent rail network in France means you can visit farther flung destinations without the need for a rental car. Here are some of the top options for day trips by train from Paris:
Versailles
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Château de Versailles, the famous palace and gardens built by Louis XIV. Versailles is about a 30-40 minute train ride from central Paris. Spend the day exploring the massive palace, wandering through the elaborate gardens, and people watching near the famous fountains. Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors and Marie Antoinette’s estate.
Giverny
Art lovers shouldn’t miss a quick train trip to Giverny, the home of painter Claude Monet. It’s about a 45 minute train ride from Paris. Tour Monet’s house with its iconic green shutters and Japanese garden. Then stroll through the colorful gardens and lily ponds that were the inspiration for Monet’s famed water lilies paintings.
Reims
For a taste of French champagne country, take a 45 minute TGV train ride from Paris to Reims. Here you can tour the magnificent 800-year-old Reims Cathedral where generations of French kings were crowned. Visit some of the top champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot for a cellar tour and tasting.
Loire Valley
The lovely Loire Valley with its regal châteaux and vineyards is just a 2 hour train ride from Paris. Base yourself in a charming town like Amboise or Blois for a few days to fully explore the area. Top châteaux to visit include Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, and Azay-le-Rideau. Don’t miss cycling between the châteaux surrounded by vineyards.
With its central location and excellent rail links, Paris makes an ideal jumping off point for many easy and memorable day trips. Versailles, Giverny, Reims, and the Loire Valley should top any first-time visitor’s list for day trips from the City of Light.