Paris Nightlife & bars

Paris is one of the most visited cities, not just in Europe but in the whole world — and for good reason. From seeing the Mona Lisa in the Louvre to climbing hundreds of steps up the Eiffel Tower to exploring the dark history of the Catacombs, there’s a long list of memorable attractions that you can only see and do here. But before all the locals and the many tourists in Paris get going for the day, it’s worth it to wake up for sunrise and enjoy the beautiful city at its most peaceful.

If you’re going to set your alarm early while on vacation, you don’t want to waste any time searching for the perfect sunrise spots in town while you’re still bleary-eyed. You’ll be in good hands following this expert guide to the best places to watch the sunrise in Paris, including the photo-ready esplanade of Place du Trocadéro and the movie-famous bridge of Pont Bir-Hakeim.

One of the most beautiful corners of the city, Paris’ Île-de-la-Cité is a treasure trove of grand architecture and poignant history. But the Île-de-la-Cité is so much more than a pretty island in the Seine—it was once the very inception of the entire city. Known as the “Birthplace of Paris”, the first settlement, a Celtic community dubbed Parisii, was right here, which later became the Roman town of Lutetia. Surrounded on all sides by the Seine River, visitors will find the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral alongside unforgettable landmarks like the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle. Whether you’re looking for the perfect picnic spot or on a mission to discover Paris’ history, these are the best things to do in Île-de-la-Cité.

Know Before You Go

How to get there: Visitors can easily reach Île-de-la-Cité via the Cité metro station and the Quai des Orfèvres bus stops.

How to get around: The Île-de-la-Cité is a walkable area of the city, and it takes just 15 minutes to cross.

Best time to visit: Plan to visit early in the morning, before the crowds gather to see Notre Dame. This area is particularly beautiful in spring when the flowers are blooming in the Square du Vert-Galant.

Best for: Famous landmarks, boutique shopping, and perfect picnic spots.

Top Things to Do in Île-de-la-Cité

The Île-de-la-Cité might be home to one of Paris’ most important sites, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, but there are countless other iconic landmarks to discover, too. Go inside the Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette was held prisoner, and prepare to be dazzled by over 1,000 stained glass panels at Sainte-Chapelle. But the real magic of the Île-de-la-Cité is taking it slow and exploring its nooks and crannies, like watching boats float by in the Square du Vert-Galant or taking a romantic walk across the Pont Neuf.

Le Marais is one of Paris’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. It blends charming medieval streets with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Located on the Right Bank of the Seine, it’s a dynamic mix of old-world Parisian charm and contemporary culture.

In a city as famous as Paris, one of the best ways to discover its hidden nooks and crannies is by dedicating time to strolling its streets. From the glitz and glamour of the Champs-Élysées to lesser-known hidden gems like Rue Montorgueil, there are endless beautiful streets in Paris to explore.