Paris Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Paris
Paris featuring heritage elements, a fountain and heritage architecture
8th Arrondissement which includes heritage architecture and street scenes
Paris
Paris
As well as being one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris is a bustling and exciting metropolis.

When you walk down the avenues and boulevards of Paris, everything you could possibly want is always just a few steps away. From legendary galleries and museums whose names are renowned across the world, like The Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, to striking modern buildings and great places to shop and explore, the city offers endless opportunities.

More than two million people reside in the French capital, making it a remarkably diverse place where you can find an enchanting blend of historical and cultural influences. Even if you're here for just a brief stay, you can find so many different sides of Parisian culture just by wandering from street to street.

Of course the Paris skyline is famous throughout the world in its own right, lined with iconic buildings that you'll recognise from countless paintings and photographs. From the medieval religious grandeur of Notre Dame cathedral to the civic showpieces of Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding photo opportunities.

Venture out of the centre of town to the bohemian Montmartre district, home of the Moulin Rouge as well as the graceful Basilique du Sacre Coeur greeting you at the top of the famous steps. When you look out across the city from this vantage point, you'll see the towering modernist structure La Grande Arche among the rather different, glittering buildings that make up the city's La Défense business district.

The best way to get around the city is to use the Paris Metro system, a quick and cheap means of transport. Or you may prefer to explore the city on foot, losing yourself amid the beautiful buildings and down the narrow side-streets. Walking down the bustling Champs-Elysées is a thrill in itself, whilst the cosy bars of Le Marais and the charming spots you'll find in St-Germain-de-Prés and St-Michel are all worth taking the time to explore.

And of course no visit to Paris would be complete without enjoying a taste of the two things the French capital is most enduringly famous for: food and fashion. Whether you find yourself craving a coffee and a croissant at a pavement café or a fine dining experience at one of the city's myriad of great restaurants, you won’t be disappointed. And then when you've mustered up enough energy to go exploring the shops, head for the famous Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honouré where you'll find some of the world's leading fashion houses.

Where to stay in Paris

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Paris City Center

4/5(15 area reviews)

Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame are a few top attractions in Paris City Center. Hop around the city on the metro at Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro Station or Louvre - Rivoli Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and charming cafes.

Paris City Center
Marais - Pompidou - Notre Dame de Paris which includes a square or plaza and modern architecture as well as a large group of people

Marais

4.5/5(144 area reviews)

Travellers love Marais for its popular shops, and you can see more of Paris by jumping on the metro at Saint-Paul Station or Saint-Sebastien - Froissart Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Carnavalet Museum and Picasso Museum.

Marais
French Academy which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and signage

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

4.5/5(73 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Check out top attractions like Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Place Saint-Germain-des-Pres, and jump on the metro at Mabillon Station or Saint-Germain-des-Pres Station to see more of the city.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés
6th Arrondissement featuring a statue or sculpture and a park

6th Arrondissement

4.5/5(108 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in 6th Arrondissement. Check out top attractions like Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Sulpice Church, and jump on the metro at Saint-Sulpice Station or Mabillon Station to see more of the city.

6th Arrondissement
Les Invalides which includes heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a large group of people

7th Arrondissement

4.5/5(240 area reviews)

7th Arrondissement is highly notable for its charming cafes, and you might want to visit top sights like Eiffel Tower and Rodin Museum. See more of Paris by jumping on the metro at Solferino Station or Assemblee Nationale Station.

7th Arrondissement
Arc de Triomphe featuring street scenes, night scenes and a city

Champs-Élysées

You might enjoy the river views while in Champs-Élysées. Champs-Élysées is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Franklin D. Roosevelt Metro Station or Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau Station to see more of the city.

Champs-Élysées

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Paris

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1906
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
1105
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
197
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
43
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
19
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Took 2 weekends in Paris in summer 2019 - loved it! The hotel was fantastic. Eurostar from St Pancras was so easy. Cafes and restaurants in Paris were wonderful. We avoided the usually tourist traps and explored the city by foot - 100% recommend!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Loved the Marais quarter. Know Paris well so didn’t feel need to do lots of touristy things.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Integrated transport system makes Paris easy to get around and getting to places of interest is pretty straightforward.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Architecture, History, Restaurants, Total atmosphere.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very nice city with excellent food and wine, will definitely visit again. Do your search well when you book a place to stay...

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