Paris

Romance, art & café culture

The City of Light rewards slow wandering. Grand boulevards, hidden courtyards, world-defining art and a café on every corner – Paris is as much about lingering as it is about landmarks. These are the picks that go beyond the postcards.

Good to know

arrondissements spiralling out from the centre like a snail’s shell

~130

museums and monuments, from the Louvre to tiny ateliers

+15cm

the Eiffel Tower grows taller in summer as its iron expands

the Louvre is the most-visited museum on Earth

Local tips

Book museum and monument tickets online in advance – the queues are real.
A Paris Museum Pass covers 50+ sites and skips most ticket lines.
Buy a Navigo Easy card or a carnet for the metro rather than single tickets.
A friendly “Bonjour” when you enter a shop or café goes a long way.

Browse Paris

Paris at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Arc de Triomphe Rooftop and Sainte-Chapelle
Where to stay: Canal Saint-Martin and Bastille (11th)
Local picks: 97 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Paris

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsWhere to Stay in Paris: Best Arrondissements for First-TimersWhere to stay in Paris? A local guide to the best arrondissements for first-timers, from Le Marais and Saint-Germain to…

Local tipsHow Many Days Do You Need in Paris? A Local’s GuideHow many days do you need in Paris? A local guide to the ideal trip length, what to do in…

Where to stay in Paris

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Le Marais

Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc Le Marais

Charming 3-star on a quiet Marais lane beside Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine, steps from St-Paul.

★ 4.5

Avenue Montaigne

Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Haute-couture icon on Avenue Montaigne with Eiffel Tower views and the Dior Spa.

★ 4.7

$$$

Saint-Germain

Hôtel Saint André des Arts

Boutique 4-star with a small spa in the heart of Saint-Germain, minutes from Notre-Dame.

★ 4.7

1st Arr.

Jardin des Tuileries

Paris’s oldest public garden, running from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Free.

★ 4.9

6th Arr.

Jardin du Luxembourg

The Left Bank’s grandest garden – palace, fountain, tree-lined allées and sailboats on the pond. Free.

★ 4.5

1st Arr.

Jardin du Palais-Royal

A serene arcaded garden hiding Buren’s striped columns – a photogenic oasis steps from the Louvre. Free.

★ 4.7

Le Marais

L’As du Fallafel

The legendary falafel window on Rue des Rosiers – expect a queue and a gloriously overstuffed pita.

★ 4.6

Arc de Triomphe

L’Hôtel du Collectionneur

Grand Art Deco 5-star near the Arc de Triomphe with a garden terrace and spa.

★ 4.6

$$$

Montparnasse

La Coupole

A vast 1927 Art Deco brasserie under painted pillars – oysters, lamb curry and the buzz of old Montparnasse.

★ 4.4

Odéon (6th)

La Jacobine

A hidden tearoom tucked in a quiet passage near Odéon and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Locals come for delicious pastries and a famous Aztec hot chocolate; it doubles as a restaurant of traditional French dishes. Tip: the raspberry macaron is superb.

★ 4.6

5th Arr.

La Tour d’Argent

A storied riverside table since 1582, famed for its pressed duck and Notre-Dame views from the dining room.

★ 4.9

$$$

6th Arr.

Lapérouse

A romantic 1766 townhouse on the Seine with gilded private salons – a Paris legend, reborn for fine dining.

★ 4.5

$$$

Faubourg Saint-Honoré

Le Bristol Paris

Legendary Oetker palace with a rooftop pool and 3-Michelin-star Epicure, on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

★ 4.5

$$$

Canal Saint-Martin

Le Citizen Hôtel

Intimate Art Deco hotel right on the Canal Saint-Martin; spacious rooms with canal views.

★ 4.7

Palais-Royal

Le Grand Véfour

An 18th-century jewel under the Palais-Royal arcades, where Napoleon and Colette dined – refined haute cuisine.

★ 4.6

$$$

Le Marais

Le Marais Food Tour: 11 Tastings & 2 Wines

Graze through the Marais – falafel, cheese, charcuterie, pastries and wine – with a guide on the city’s best food-walk turf.

★ 4.7

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Paris travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Paris?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Paris at a relaxed pace. See our Paris itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Paris?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Paris guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Paris?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay.

What is the best time to visit Paris?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Paris is worth visiting year-round.