Paris Travel Guide

The City of Light is renowned for its stellar art museums. Stroll along the banks of the Seine, one of the top things to do in Paris, and you’ll stumble on two of the most visited museums in the world — the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Whether you’re an art expert or a first-time visitor, both house priceless collections and famous pieces. However, the museums’ collections are devoted to different time periods and also differ in their size and scope. How’s a traveler to choose between two of the best museums in Paris? If you want to see what all the buzz is about, or are torn between seeing da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Monet’s Water Lilies, we’ve compiled some insider tips so you can confidently choose which museum is right for you.

Paris is always a good idea, and with 30 to 40 million visitors drawn to its enchanting streets each year, it’s clear everyone agrees. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to local Paris neighborhoods bursting with art and flavor, there’s an abundance of fun things to do in Paris.

Whether you’re a couple seeking romantic moments, a solo adventurer hunting for quirky experiences, or exploring with kids, this list of cool activities in Paris has something for everyone. Slip into your chicest outfit, grab a pain au chocolat, and uncover the City of Light with these 12 great experiences.

Ernest Hemingway famously called Paris a “moveable feast,” and with the city’s culinary treasures on both sides of the Seine, he wasn’t wrong.

If you’re wondering what food is Paris known for, prepare to be starry-eyed. From iconic croissants to famous galettes and crêpes, food in Paris is a dream for any food lover. To ensure your taste buds get the best of Paris, here are 10 must-try dishes to whisk your way through.

Whether it’s cheese tasting in Montmartre or authentic Chinese food in Belleville, these popular foods capture the essence of Paris’ must-eat cuisine.

What's are your top travel tips for visiting Paris?

1. Plan your itinerary carefully. You won't be able to experience all the things to do in Paris because there's so much to see. So prioritize must-sees.
2. Paris has a very convenient metro system, which is much cheaper and more efficient than taking taxis. Embrace it when walking isn't an option.
3. While many Parisians speak good English, learning a few basic French phrases in French will go a long way.
4. Indulge in the local cuisine. Paris is food heaven with bustling night markets, diverse cuisines, cozy bistros, and an up-and-coming street food scene.

What should I do on my first trip?

We love strolling along the Champs-Élysées, window shopping at the designer stores, taking in the grand architecture, and people-watching at one of the (usually pretty expensive) cafes. You'll get one of the best views of Paris at the top of the Champs-Élysées by climbing the Arc de Triomphe.

What are some hidden gems to see in Paris?

Tucked away among the hilly streets of the Montmartre neighborhood, the Vignes du Clos Montmartre is a tiny vineyard that produces 27 varieties of wine grapes. It's a beautiful hidden gem in Paris that you can visit on a guided tour during the annual grape harvest party. And art lovers should check out 59 Rivoli, a former artist squat that was legalized in 2006 and became one of the city's coolest gallery spaces.

Nothing compares to visiting Paris for the first time. From iconic landmarks to charming cobblestone streets, there's a reason the City of Light is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world.

In a city with so much to do, it isn’t always easy to decide which sights and attractions are worth seeing and which can be skipped. There are a few essentials, including exploring Paris at night to see the Eiffel Tower light up and seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum, but it’s equally worth it to venture out to other arrondissements to experience the full breath of Parisian culture. Here are the top things to do in Paris when traveling to this enchanting city for the first time.

Carol Perehudoff is an award-winning luxury travel blogger at Wandering Carol’s Seeking Elsewhere website. Check out her easy Paris guide for travelers.

It might be chilly, but there’s plenty to get excited about when visiting Paris in the colder months. The summer crowds have gone, and the longer nights mean the City of Light has all the more time to shine — and we’re not only talking about the dazzling Christmas lights and sparkling Eiffel Tower.

From bundling up in picturesque Parisian cafes to browsing buzzing Christmas markets, ice-skating at iconic landmarks, and seeing the spectacle of iconic cabarets, this winter guide has all you need. Here are eight top things to do in Paris during winter.

In spring, Paris bursts with colors and fun activities as its seasonal calendar kicks back into gear. The city is a botanical work of art, from the elegant Luxembourg Garden to cherry blossoms at the Eiffel Tower and Parc de Sceaux. Sainte-Chapelle’s ethereal spring concerts and Easter services, the Nuit des Musées, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival, and France’s largest traveling funfair are also highlights.

Add to that the mild spring weather for exploring Paris — with so much to see, the best things to do in Paris make spring the ideal time to visit France’s capital.

Explore the Latin Quarter, one of Paris’ best neighborhoods, filled with medieval charm, rich intellectual history, and historical landmarks. As you wander through the winding streets, discover the neighborhood’s unique merging of lively street life and academic tradition.

Uncover the Latin Quarter’s medieval past at the Musée de Cluny, a treasure trove of medieval art and artifacts housed in a Gothic mansion. Continue to Saint-Severin Church, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that offers a serene escape from the bustling streets. Step into the Panthéon, where you will find the final resting place of many of France’s esteemed figures.

Discover a literary haven at the iconic Shakespeare and Company, a hub for international writers and thinkers. Find a peaceful retreat in the midst of the bustling Latin Quarter at the Jardin des Plantes, a lush botanical garden with adjoining nature history museums. The Latin Quarter, Paris, offers some of the best things to do in Paris, inviting you on an adventure filled with stunning views, fascinating discoveries, and lasting memories.

The Place of Versailles is one of the world's most impressive palaces and a top attraction among the many things to do in Paris. Each area of the palace is beautifully designed, from the spectacular Royal Apartments to the famous Hall of Mirrors to the landscaped gardens with intricate pathways and gorgeous fountains.

As you explore the palace, you’ll get the chance to learn about the history of the Palace of Versailles and the opulent French royalty. Escape the hustle of Paris and enjoy a quiet rest in the gardens or in the hidden retreats of Grand Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet. This comprehensive guide helps you make the most of your visit to the Palace of Versailles.

All eyes will be on the City of Light this summer as it prepares to host the 2024 Olympics, exactly 100 years since it last did so. As millions of spectators gather to watch around 10,500 athletes perform at 35 venues between July 26 and August 11, followed by more at the Paralympics, expect the atmosphere to be electric and the crowds to be massive. As you explore these things to do in Paris, if you haven’t managed to bag those all-important event tickets, there will be plenty of opportunities to watch the action for free, and if you’re there for the sights, top venues like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Catacombs aren’t going anywhere. Here are the best things to do in Paris during the Summer Olympics.

The Eiffel Tower is an architectural masterpiece that has become a symbol of Paris recognized around the world among the many things to do in Paris. Since its construction in the late 19th century, the Eiffel Tower has delighted visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the City of Light. It’s a must-visit, especially if it’s your first trip to Paris.

The iconic 330-meter-tall tower sits in the city’s 7th arrondissement, right on the Seine River. You’ll be able to see all of Paris’ other iconic landmarks from its second-floor observation deck, like the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Coeur Basilica, Notre-Dame, and the Grand Palais. There’s a champagne bar at the top, restaurants on the first floor, and even gorgeous gardens you can explore for free. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Embark on an enchanting journey through 9,000 years of history and culture when you visit the impressive Louvre Museum in the heart of Paris. Since opening the former royal collection to the public following the French Revolution, the Louvre Museum has grown to become the largest art museum in the world, with an impressive collection that you can easily lose yourself in.

Admire the iconic glass pyramid and the grand halls as you explore the Louvre's vast collection. See artifacts from ancient civilizations in the Near East collection. Admire stunning Greek and Roman sculptures. Discover the star of the show, "Mona Lisa," and other masterpieces by Da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio, and see iconic French works like "Liberty Leading the People."

With such an expansive collection, some 380,000 items spanning millennia, this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Louvre to ensure you make the most of your visit to the world's most visited museum and the best things to do in Paris.

As the high temperatures drop and summer crowds disperse, Paris transforms for the fall season, with all the romance, history, and culture it’s famous for even more appealing against a backdrop of stunning autumnal hues. Discover it all with the help of this guide to Paris in the fall.

Explore the vibrant colors of Paris’ thriving art scene at Art Basel and indulge in delicious fair food and classic rides at the annual Fête à Neu-Neu. Embrace the spookier side of Paris and explore the underground labyrinth of the Paris catacombs. Visit the Louvre without the endless lines of the peak summer season, or head out to the countryside for the grape harvest and the fall scenery. In this roundup of seven great things to do in Paris in the fall, you'll find all that and more.

Journey beneath the bustling streets of Paris into the Catacombs, an underground labyrinth of tunnels steeped in history. These former limestone quarries hold the remains of over six million Parisians, lending the space an eerie atmosphere.

A visit to the Catacombs will take you along the dimly lit paths of the city’s expansive ossuary — a far cry from the iconic silhouette of the Eiffel Tower and the hidden treasures of the Louvre. As you explore these things to do in Paris, you'll see the painstaking efforts to arrange millions of bones, along with the engineering and architectural feats that make the Catacombs a unique feature of the city.

Montmartre is a neighborhood renowned for its artistic and bohemian charm. Having been the muse for legendary artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, Montmartre has a rich artistic history and and is one of Paris's loveliest neighborhoods.

Spend time exploring the lively artistic streets and quaint hidden corners of Montmartre. Visit the stunning Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, with its imposing architecture and panoramic views of Paris. Stroll through the bustling Place du Tertre, where artists gather to capture the essence of Paris on canvas.

If you appreciate art, history, and classic Parisian charm, discover the best things to do in Paris and places to visit with this Montmartre neighborhood guide.

Each neighborhood in Paris is brimming with culture, history, and iconic landmarks. If you can’t visit them all, exploring the five in this list will enlighten you on what gives the city its eternal allure.

You’ll uncover Paris' rich history in the Marais and the Jewish Quarter, and experience the intellectual buzz of the Latin Quarter, home to renowned universities and famous bookstores adored by academics for centuries. Find iconic cafes frequented by literary greats in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Roam the 1st arrondissement to relax in the Jardin des Tuileries, see the grandeur of Palais Royal, and visit the famous Louvre Museum. And discover Montmartre’s bohemian and amazing city views.

This guide gives you an idea of what to expect in these five wonderful Paris neighborhoods and what things to do in Paris when you get there.

Embark on a weekend getaway and discover the rich landscapes, cuisines, history, and culture France has to offer beyond its capital. You can immerse yourself in the fairytale allure of Strasbourg or marvel at the imposing châteaux of the Loire Valley. Savor world-renowned wines in Bordeaux and sip on the finest champagnes in the Champagne region. Discover the essence of French cuisine in Lyon or relish the breathtaking lake and mountain views in Annecy. Whether you are looking for a tranquil escape or want to explore another vibrant city, you’ll find it in this guide to 12 of the best things to do in Paris and beyond for an unforgettable weekend getaway.

When it rains in Paris, there’s no reason to be trapped in your hotel room; there are plenty of things to do in Paris that let you uncover the charm of the city while staying dry. Brighten up your day by exploring the artistic treasures at the Louvre Museum, the works of impressionist masters at Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou’s cutting-edge modern and contemporary art. Experience the ethereal beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, the tranquility of the Panthéon, and the grandeur of Palais Garnier. Stroll through the charming covered passages and hunt for rare novels in cozy bookstores. Master the art of French cuisine at a cooking class, or if you'd rather, let someone else do the cooking on a dinner cruise along the Seine. Don’t let the rain disrupt your trip; here are 12 things to do in Paris when it gets wet.

Paris in summer transforms as the warm weather brings people from around the world to explore the charming streets, iconic landmarks, and delectable culinary scene. Visit the eye-catching Eiffel Tower and experience Parisian history at the famous Moulin Rouge. Unwind at the lush Tuileries Garden or while sipping an apéro on the Seine. Journey through Paris’ rich aromas and flavors on a wine and food tour, and explore iconic neighborhoods on a guided bike tour. Discover the best things to do in Paris with this curated summer guide.

Considering the palace alone contains over 2,000 rooms, planning ahead is worth it. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to plan your day trip from Paris to Versailles, including what to see inside and beyond the palace, transportation options, and tips on tickets and tours.

From the world’s most visited museum to the symbolic Eiffel Tower, there’s a seemingly endless list of must-see places to visit in Paris. Maybe you already know where you want to go — be it the Louvre, Disneyland Paris, or Avenue des Champs-Élysées — or perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed with choices.

With sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris has been an itinerary-topping destination for generations of travelers. Though the glittering City of Light can be a pricey destination, affordable things to do in Paris aren’t hard to find if you know where to look. In fact, some of the city’s most famous landmarks, like the Arc de Triomphe and Musée d'Orsay, are the most budget-friendly.

With a little insider knowledge, enjoying Paris on a budget without skimping on Paris’ main attractions is easy. This guide covers the top 10 cheap things to do in Paris, including highlights like the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, Montparnasse Tower, and Villa Savoye.

Ever wonder why Paris is called the City of Light and the City of Love? Here, we’ll explore the myths behind the nicknames and other fun facts about Paris. With its profound history and vibrant culture, the French capital captivates travelers from all over the world. Did you know that visitors spend around 35 million nights in Parisian hotels each year? That’s roughly 95 millennia. Whether it’s the food, the sights, the atmosphere, or the history, Paris has something for everyone. If it's your first time in Paris and are wondering what makes it one of the top European destinations, delve into the details of these little-known facts about Paris.