Paris, the City of Light, is a destination that captivates with its history, art, and culture. From the world-famous Louvre Museum and the grand Eiffel Tower to hidden gems like Domaine National du Palais-Royal, the city offers something for every traveller. Strolling through the Champs-Élysées, admiring the architectural beauty of Palais Garnier, or taking in panoramic views from the Arc de Triomphe are just a few highlights.

Exploring Parisian cuisine is an experience in itself, whether indulging in a classic croissant from a local bakery or dining at one of the city’s renowned Michelin-starred restaurants. For those looking to venture beyond the city, a day trip to Versailles provides a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of French royalty, with its magnificent Hall of Mirrors and sprawling gardens.

Paris is a year-round destination, each season bringing its own charm. Whether visiting in spring when flowers bloom, during the summer festivals, in autumn for crisp walks along the Seine, or in the winter for the enchanting Christmas lights, the city’s magic is always present. Bon voyage!

Overview

Paris, the capital of France, is often dubbed the “City of Light” and is one of the most visited cities in the world. With its rich history, stunning architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant café culture, Paris offers an experience like no other.

Whether you’re strolling along the Seine, marvelling at iconic landmarks, or indulging in exquisite French cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting city.

Travel to and Around Paris

Travelling to Paris

Paris is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The city has three major airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais (BVA). CDG is the main international hub, with frequent flights from around the world.

We’ve often seen well-priced flights from London. If you are looking for suitable flight options, make sure to check out this article with top tips on how to find cheap flights.

The Eurostar train also provides a convenient option for travellers from London, arriving at Gare du Nord in just over two hours. We travelled to Paris as our first stop on our 2023 Interrail trip around Europe.

We found using the Interrail pass very convenient when using the Eurostar. If travelling by Interrail Pass, make sure you book your Eurostar as far in advance as possible, as there are limited seats for pass holders on any given train.

For those travelling from other European cities, the extensive high-speed rail network (TGV) offers a quick and comfortable alternative to flying. Additionally, buses and car rentals are available for those exploring France by road.

Travelling Around Paris

Paris has an efficient and affordable public transport system. The metro is the fastest way to get around, with 16 lines covering the entire city. Buses, trams, and RER trains are also available, making it easy to reach every corner of Paris.

Unlike London’s TFL, which allows contactless payments, Paris’s RATP does not offer this option. This can be frustrating for tourists who don’t want to commit to passes or load credit into the system.

Alternatively, for a more scenic experience, consider walking or renting a bicycle via the Vélib’ system. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber are widely available but can be expensive, especially during peak hours.

If you have limited time in Paris, you might want to consider this Paris Hop-on Hop-off bus tour.

Where to Stay in Paris?

Paris offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious five-star hotels to charming boutique stays and budget-friendly hostels. The best area to stay depends on your interests:

• Le Marais – A trendy district with historic architecture, great shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Known for its literary history, art galleries, and classic Parisian cafés.
• Champs-Élysées – Ideal for those who want to stay close to major landmarks and high-end shopping.
• Montmartre – Offers a bohemian charm with stunning views of the city.
• Latin Quarter – A lively area with student vibes, great restaurants, and historical sites.

We recommend booking accommodation through an aggregator like Booking.com or Agoda for the best rates. Use the widget below to find the best hotels in Paris for your specific dates.

During our most recent visit to Paris, it was important to be near good transport links. Some of the hotels we stood in include ibis Styles Paris Gare de l’Est and The Playce Hotel By Happy Culture.

Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences:

• Spring (March to May) – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds.
• Summer (June to August) – Warmer weather, extended daylight hours, but also peak tourist season.
• Autumn (September to November) – Fewer tourists, beautiful autumn foliage, and pleasant temperatures.
• Winter (December to February) – Cold but magical with festive decorations and fewer crowds at attractions.

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Things to Do in Paris

1. Explore Domaine National du Palais-Royal

A serene spot with beautifully manicured gardens and historic architecture, perfect for a quiet escape from the city’s hustle. The elegant arcades and iconic black-and-white columns provide a unique atmosphere, making it a favourite spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.

We enjoyed a morning walk here on our way to the Louvre.

2. Visit the Louvre Museum

Home to the Mona Lisa, the Louvre is the world’s most famous museum, featuring an extensive collection of art spanning centuries. Beyond the Mona Lisa, visitors can admire ancient sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and artefacts from different civilisations. The museum is vast, so it’s best to plan your visit in advance.

We visited the Louvre when we were younger and benefited from free tickets.

Tip: If you are under 18 year old or under 26 year old resident of the EEA, you can also enter for free!

3. Walk Around Place de la Concorde

One of Paris’s largest squares, offering impressive monuments and fountains. The square is historically significant as the site where King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed during the French Revolution. Today, it is a picturesque spot linking the Champs-Élysées to the Tuileries Garden.

4. Stroll Along Pont Alexandre III

A beautifully ornate bridge with incredible views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. Adorned with gilded statues and Art Nouveau-style lamps, this bridge is one of the most romantic and photogenic in Paris.

5. Visit Petit Palais

The Petit Palais is a stunning art museum housing an impressive collection of fine arts, from classical sculptures to Impressionist paintings. Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, its Beaux-Arts architecture is worth admiring even if you don’t enter.

Entry to the museum’s permanent collection is free, making it an excellent cultural stop. The interior is beautiful and it’s worth going inside even for 30 minutes.

6. See the Grand Palais

A masterpiece of glass and steel, hosting major exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. The venue frequently showcases international art exhibitions, fashion shows, and contemporary installations.

During our visit the place was closed but still worth enjoying its magnificence from the outside.

7. See the Arc de Triomphe

An iconic monument honouring those who fought for France, offering breathtaking city views from the top. Climbing to the top provides a panoramic view of Paris, including a stunning sight of the Champs-Élysées.

When you are there it is one of those pinch me moments as you realise that you are at one of the world’s most recognisable touristic hot spots. From this spot we made our way towards the famous Eiffel Tower.

8. Relax at Jardins du Trocadéro

One of the best locations for a postcard-perfect view of the Eiffel Tower, especially at sunset. The fountains and symmetrical gardens add to its charm, making it a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

It’s a good spot to have a drinks with you and simply enjoy the views leading to the Eiffel Tower. There are some spots where you can buy refreshments but do be aware they will be overpriced.

We also saw a nice restaurant on the left side as you look towards the tower but prices might not be tourist friendly.

9. Experience the Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Whether you admire it from below or take the lift to the top, it’s an unforgettable experience. The tower lights up every evening, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors.

Entrance to the tower is very strict and passes through many security filters. Don’t be intimidated by it, it’s meant for your security.

In the past you could simply walk under the tower heading to the Champ de Mars park, nowadays you have to walk around the whole security wall they’ve put around it.

As you’d expect at the top you get some amazing views of the city and the great benefit of it similar to New York’s Empire State Building or Shanghai Tower is that it is central so you actually get to see the views of the city itself.

10. Enjoy Seine Cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower

Departing from the Eiffel Tower, a Seine River cruise offers a relaxing way to see Paris’s iconic landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, and Pont Alexandre III.

Tip: Opt for an evening cruise to see the city lights and the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling display—it’s a magical experience! And really romantic too!

11. Walk Through Champ de Mars

A vast green space perfect for picnics with an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower. Many locals and tourists gather here to relax, enjoy music, and appreciate the beauty of Paris.

That’s exactly what we did – sat down, enjoyed an ice cream and a good coffee on one of the available sun loungers in the park.

I’m pretty sure we even got some sun tan!

12. Discover Napoleon’s Tomb & Army Museum

Located in Les Invalides, this museum covers France’s military history and houses Napoleon’s tomb. It provides an in-depth look into French warfare, weaponry, and significant battles.

The architecture of the main building is stunning both on the outside and on the inside.

For us it also provided much needed shade and cool from the hot summer’s day outside! This is one place we didn’t visit during our many trips to Paris and finally we managed to find the time for a proper visit.

13. Unwind at Jardin du Luxembourg

A beautifully landscaped garden ideal for a peaceful stroll, with elegant fountains and sculptures. The palace within the garden adds to its regal charm, and many locals come here to relax and play chess.

We really enjoyed sitting on the bench by one of the fountains and soak in the sun and admire the wonderful gardens in front.

We absolutely suggest you take an ice cream to complement your experience.

14. Visit the Panthéon

A grand mausoleum housing the remains of famous French figures such as Voltaire and Victor Hugo. The neoclassical architecture and impressive dome make it a must-visit.

Once you walk in it is an absolutely impressive building showcasing the most solemn and impressive architecture one could expect.

15. Admire Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

Despite the ongoing restoration, Notre-Dame remains one of Paris’s most admired Gothic masterpieces. The intricate stone carvings and stained-glass windows are a testament to its historical and artistic significance.

In front of the cathedral there are some theatre style sitting areas where you can simply enjoy the architecture at your own leisure. We took the opportunity to do a few hyper-lapses with your phones.

16. Enjoy the views from Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Perched atop Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

This stunning white-domed church, completed in 1914, features Romanesque-Byzantine architecture, intricate mosaics (including France’s largest, the “Christ in Majesty”), and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.

We went early in the morning and enjoyed peacefully the church and the amazing views before the tourist crowds started.

17. Do a day trip to Versailles

A trip to the Palace of Versailles is a must when visiting Paris. Just a short train ride from the city, Versailles offers a breathtaking glimpse into the opulence of French royalty. The palace itself is an architectural masterpiece, with the Hall of Mirrors being its crown jewel.

Beyond the palace, the gardens of Versailles are equally stunning, featuring fountains, sculptures, and beautifully manicured lawns that stretch over 800 hectares. Read more about Versailles and other European Palaces here.

To make the most of your visit, consider arriving early to beat the crowds and purchasing your tickets in advance. Exploring the estate can take a full day, especially if you include the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Estate, which offer a more intimate look into royal life away from the grandeur of the main palace.

We suggest you bring some good walking shoes!

18. Visit the amazing Disneyland Paris

Just a short train ride from central Paris, Disneyland Paris offers a magical escape for all ages. No matter your age, you can experience thrilling rides, meet beloved characters, and enjoy spectacular shows.

We have visited Disneyland in the past separately and are looking forward to a visit together so we can experience this as grown-up children 🙂

Where we ate in Paris?

Paris is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to charming street cafés. Whether you’re indulging in a croissant from a local bakery or enjoying fine dining, the city offers endless culinary delights.

1. Enjoy a good Croque Madame at Germaine

Germaine is a great brasserie offering some local and typical French cuisine staples. Anything from snails to steak frites to the humble croque monsieur there will be something to excite you.

The food is unpretentious but plated in a very appetising way and prepared fresh to order. We also found the portions to be generous.

For starters I had the deviled eggs and Hristina had the snails. They were good and felt fresh.

For mains, Hristina had the octopus with rice and I had the croque madame with fries, a French classic! The main difference between a croque madame and a croque monsieur is the addition of a fried egg on top, making it a heartier version of the beloved French toasted ham and cheese sandwich.

Overall, the food was good and with the wine served alongside it made for a wonderful evening after a long day of exploring Paris.

2. Try some traditional French cuisine at affordable prices at Bouillon

Bouillon is a chain of French brasseries which offer really great French classic dishes at really affordable prices. For us it’s unbelievable the value this place provides. 

We went to Bouillon Pigalle where we waited 70 minutes on a queue (but it was worth it!) and because we liked it so much, we also went to Bouillon Chartier Gare de l’Est as it was close to our hotel on our return back to London through Paris.

We had a 3 course dinner with snails, french onion soup, followed by beef bourguignon and desserts. All the dishes were an absolute masterclass in cooking at amazing value! 

Sure, the snails might not be as large as at other places but who cares! You rarely see such great food. I guess the queue outside the venue should speak for itself

3. Try out some buttery-flaky pastry at Pain Pain

No trip to France would be complete without a trip to the bakery and pastry shop. In France, bakeries and pastry shops are works of art. Anyone living in the U.K. can attest to that.

One particularly good pastry shop was Pain Pain which offers a good selection of bakery products including their traditional style baguettes. They also offer an impressive choice of pastries, anything from croissants to custard filled tarts, the choice is yours!

We really enjoyed their pan au chocolat which was filled with a decent amount of chocolate and the pastry was flaky and buttery. Everything your cardiologist hates!

Final Thoughts

Paris is a city that captivates visitors with its timeless beauty, rich history, and cultural treasures. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, there’s always something new to discover. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Paris never fails to enchant. Bon voyage!

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