Even first-time visitors experience a sense of familiarity when they arrive in Paris, with its instantly recognizable monuments, tightly packed bistro terraces, and chic boutiques. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum are three attractions rarely left off any itinerary—and for good reason. For more, add on a Seine River cruise, Montmartre walking tour, Moulin Rouge dinner show, and day trip to the Palace of Versailles. But for all its iconic scenery and artistic treasures, there’s something to be said for discovering the City of Light like a Parisian, with leisurely visits to cafés, boulangeries, and the narrow alleyways of ‘arrondissements’ (neighborhoods).
It’s hard to beat springtime in Paris. While flowers blossom in public parks like the Luxembourg Gardens and picnics and outdoor café meals become inviting once more, a busy festival calendar kicks off with things to do like the Fête de la Gastronomie and the French Open. Stick around for early summer to attend Paris Pride, the Fête de la Musique, and Bastille Day—just leave before August, when much of the city shuts down for a month-long vacation.
Served as it is by three airports—Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais—Paris is easy to get to. It’s also easy to explore from there, thanks to its extensive public transportation options, including numerous metro lines, RER commuter trains, buses, and low-cost bike rentals. To hop from Paris to other French or international cities, you can use one of the city’s six major train stations.
To venture beyond the typical Parisian stereotypes and to see a side of the city that many tourists miss, head to the city's northwest. There, the Belleville neighborhood boasts a diverse community (including one of the city's primary Chinatowns), vibrant street art, trendy coffee shops and restaurants, and an edgy ambiance that doesn't feel like it came from a postcard—and is all the better for it.
Attractions 212 | Tours 3,285 | Reviews 192,831 |
Jade worked in Paris’ La Défense neighborhood many moons ago and had an amazing time living in Ménilmontant, between the 11th and the 20th arrondissements (districts).
immerse yourself in the typical Parisian atmosphere. Order a coffee on the terrace of a bistro in Les Halles and contemplate the bustle of the city.
starts with brunch at Shouk, a Mediterranean restaurant in the 10th arrondissement. Then, follow Amélie’s footsteps down the Canal Saint-Martin, before meeting friends at Prune for a glass of wine (or two).
Montmartre. Escape the crowds in the Place du Tertre and get lost a little further down the cobbled streets for a more local experience.
visit the 19th arrondissement. I like to stroll along the Buttes Chaumont and the Canal de l'Ourcq, before stopping by La Paname, an incredible brewery that overlooks the canal.
go to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre or leave Paris for nearby Saint-Germain-en-Laye for a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower and La Défense from the Saint-Germain Castle.
Parisians are not always on strike, but make sure to check the local news before planning your day.
Paris is home to many unmissable attractions, from iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe to world-class museums including the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay. No visit is complete without strolling through atmospheric neighborhoods like the Marais and the Latin Quarter, or indulging in French baguettes, cheeses, and wine.
...MoreSee Paris' top attractions on your first visit to the City of Light: Go on a Seine River cruise to admire many highlights, including the Eiffel Tower, and plan a visit to the Louvre. Ascend to Montmartre for impeccable city views, and visit the iconic Moulin Rouge for an unforgettable cabaret show.
...MoreParis is known for its decadent culinary specialities, from croissants and freshly baked baguettes, to colorful macarons, hearty croque-monsieur sandwiches, and other timeless bistro fare. The best of French gastronomy is available in the City of Light, including hundreds of cheeses, exceptional wines (including Champagne), and cured meats.
...MoreParis offers an enormous range of entertainment options, from rarified opera and ballet performances to racy cabaret revues at iconic venues such as the Moulin Rouge. Its theaters host a range of plays, comedy nights, and concerts throughout the year, while the Stade de France hosts soccer and rugby games.
...MoreParis locals often bypass touristy neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter in favor of the Canal Saint-Martin district, where they picnic along the water and share bottles of wine in trendy bars. Other locals-frequented destinations include the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the hip Belleville district, and the boutiques of the Marais.
...MoreYes, Paris is expensive. It ranks among the world's most expensive cities, and luxury—from high-end department stores to Michelin-starred meals—is present at every turn. But there are cost-effective ways to explore the city: Enjoy panoramic views from Sacré-Coeur Basilica, window-shop on the Champs-Élysées, and see the cultural attractions of the Parc de la Villette.
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