Paris needs no introduction - the City of Light has captivated travelers for centuries with its iconic monuments, world-class museums, charming cafés, and that indefinable je ne sais quoi that makes it eternally magical.

Why Visit Paris?

From first-time visitors to seasoned Francophiles, Paris offers endless discoveries:

  • Iconic Landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur
  • World-Class Museums: The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Rodin Museum
  • Culinary Paradise: From Michelin-starred restaurants to corner bistros and bakeries
  • Timeless Charm: Tree-lined boulevards, Seine bridges, and hidden courtyards
  • Art & Culture: Street art in Belleville, fashion in Le Marais, jazz clubs in Saint-Germain

Our Curated Paris Guide

Discover our hand-picked selection of the best spots across Paris - from iconic landmarks to local secrets:

Essential Neighborhoods

Le Marais

Historic Jewish quarter turned trendy hotspot. Vintage shops, falafels, beautiful Place des Vosges, and the best croissants in Paris.

Montmartre

Bohemian hilltop neighborhood with artists, the white-domed Sacré-Cœur, and charming cobblestone streets that inspired Picasso and Van Gogh.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Intellectual heart of Paris. Historic cafés (Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots), art galleries, and the best bookshops.

Canal Saint-Martin

Hip and relaxed - perfect for picnics by the canal, watching boats pass through locks, and exploring indie boutiques.

Latin Quarter

Student area since medieval times. Panthéon, Sorbonne University, Shakespeare & Company bookshop, and narrow medieval streets.

Practical Tips

Getting Around:

  • Metro is fast and efficient (buy a carnet of 10 tickets)
  • Walking is the best way to discover hidden gems
  • Vélib’ bike-sharing for longer distances
  • Avoid taxis during rush hour - traffic is brutal

Best Time to Visit:

  • Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, gardens in bloom, outdoor café season
  • Fall (September-November): Fewer tourists, cultural season begins, beautiful autumn colors
  • Winter: Magical Christmas markets, but can be gray and rainy

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Museum Pass for multiple attractions (skip ticket lines too!)
  • Many museums free first Sunday of the month
  • Lunch menus (formule) much cheaper than dinner
  • Picnic with market finds in Luxembourg Gardens

Must-See Landmarks

Eiffel Tower

Go at sunset for golden hour views. Book tickets online weeks in advance, or arrive right when it opens (9am) to avoid crowds.

Louvre Museum

World’s largest art museum. Focus on specific wings - it’s impossible to see everything. Wednesday/Friday open late with fewer crowds.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Currently under restoration after 2019 fire. You can view the exterior and the island (Île de la Cité) is still beautiful to explore.

Sainte-Chapelle

Hidden gem with the most stunning stained glass windows in Paris. Book online to skip the line.

Arc de Triomphe

Climb to the top for 360° views of Paris’s grand boulevards radiating outward. Sunset is spectacular.

Authentic Parisian Experiences

Morning Ritual

Start with coffee and a croissant at a neighborhood café. Stand at the bar like locals do - it’s cheaper than sitting.

Market Shopping

Visit a local market: Marché Bastille (Thu/Sun), Marché d’Aligre (daily), or Marché des Enfants Rouges (oldest covered market).

Seine Stroll

Walk along the Seine at sunset - cross the bridges, watch the boats, see the bouquinistes (book sellers).

Wine Bar Evening

Skip tourist restaurants. Find a small wine bar (bar à vin) in Marais or Belleville for natural wines and charcuterie.

Food You Must Try

  • Croissants: Buy from a real boulangerie (not a chain). Look for flaky, buttery layers
  • Jambon-Beurre: Simple ham and butter baguette - a Parisian staple
  • Steak Frites: Classic bistro dish with thin fries and béarnaise sauce
  • Crêpes: Sweet or savory - get them from a street stand in Montmartre
  • Macarons: Ladurée is iconic, but Pierre Hermé is better

Day Trip Ideas

Versailles (45 min): Opulent palace and gardens - book tickets online, arrive early

Giverny (1 hour): Monet’s house and the gardens that inspired his water lily paintings

Champagne Region (1.5 hours): Visit champagne houses in Reims or Épernay

Fontainebleau (1 hour): Less crowded than Versailles, stunning château and forest

Insider Secrets

  • The best view of the Eiffel Tower is from Trocadéro or Pont de Bir-Hakeim
  • Skip the long Louvre line - enter through the Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall
  • Free bathrooms are rare - duck into a café and order an espresso
  • Parisians eat dinner late - restaurants don’t fill until 8:30-9pm
  • Say “Bonjour” when entering shops - it’s considered rude not to greet
  • The Panthéon is underrated and has incredible views from the dome
  • Belleville Park offers amazing panoramic views without the crowds

Romantic Spots

  • Pont des Arts at sunset (yes, the love lock bridge - locks are gone but it’s still beautiful)
  • Luxembourg Gardens for a picnic or renting toy sailboats
  • Rue Crémieux - the most colorful street in Paris (perfect for photos)
  • Île Saint-Louis for ice cream from Berthillon
  • Dinner cruise on the Seine - touristy but genuinely romantic

Ready to fall in love with Paris? Explore our curated guide above and start planning your perfect Parisian escape. Don’t forget to say bonjour!