In This Article

Dreaming of art, fashion, fine cuisine, and timeless beauty? Head to Paris! The City of Light is one of the world’s most iconic destinations—where centuries of history, world-class museums, romantic cafés, and breathtaking architecture await at every turn. Whether you’re strolling the Seine, visiting the Louvre, or sipping wine on a sidewalk terrace, Paris enchants in every season.

Paris, France Highlights:

  • For First-Timers: See the Eiffel Tower sparkle – Iconic by day and magical by night—don’t miss the evening light show from Trocadéro or the Seine.
  • For Art Lovers: Explore the Louvre Museum – Home to the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces from antiquity to the 19th century.
  • For Romantics: Wander Montmartre – Cobblestone streets, artist studios, and sweeping views from the steps of Sacré-Cœur.
  • For Foodies: Dine in Le Marais – Try bistros, boulangeries, and falafel shops in one of Paris’s trendiest neighborhoods.
  • For Fashion Shoppers: Hit the Champs-Élysées – High-end boutiques, flagship stores, and views of the Arc de Triomphe.

Best Time to Visit Paris

The best time to visit Paris is in spring (April–June) or fall (September–October), when the weather is mild and the city is alive with festivals, open-air cafés, and gardens in bloom. Summer is bustling and festive, while winter is quieter, especially magical around Christmas.

How to Get to Paris

  • By Air: Fly into Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports, both with easy train and taxi service into the city.
  • By Train: Paris has several major train stations, including Gare du Nord (Eurostar), Gare de Lyon, and Gare Saint-Lazare, with high-speed access across Europe.
  • By Metro: The Paris Métro is fast, affordable, and efficient—ideal for exploring every arrondissement.

Where to Stay in Paris

  • Recommended for First-Timers: Hotel Le Six (6th Arr.) – Elegant boutique hotel in Saint-Germain, near cafés, museums, and metro lines.
  • For Romance: Hôtel Plaza Athénée (8th Arr.) – Lavish 5-star hotel with Eiffel Tower views and haute couture surroundings.
  • For Budget Travelers: Hotel Joke – Astotel (9th Arr.) – Playful, comfortable, and centrally located near Montmartre and the Opera.

Best Things to Do in Paris

First: For Art Lovers: Admire Impressionist masterpieces at the Musee d'Orsay

For Art Lovers: Admire Impressionist masterpieces at the Musee d'Orsay

Courtesy of wjarek - Fotolia.com



Admire Impressionist masterpieces and explore art in a romantic riverside setting.                 

Second: For First-Time Visitors: Enjoy the view from the Eiffel Tower

For First-Time Visitors: Enjoy the view from the Eiffel Tower

Courtesy of siraanamwong - Fotolia.com



Climb to the top and enjoy sweeping views on an exciting sightseeing trip.                 

Third: For Culture Seekers: See the Mona Lisa at Musee du Louvre

For Culture Seekers: See the Mona Lisa at Musee du Louvre

Courtesy of orpheus26 - Fotolia.com



See the Mona Lisa and wander grand galleries during a cultural fall visit.                 

Fourth: For Artists: Walk on cobbled streets in Montmartre

For Artists: Walk on cobbled streets in Montmartre

Courtesy of richie0703 - Fotolia.com



Walk cobbled streets and discover artists’ studios on an unusual weekend escape.                 

Fifth: For Families: Stroll on elegant pathways at the Luxembourg Gardens

For Families: Stroll on elegant pathways at the Luxembourg Gardens

Courtesy of Aliaksandr Kazlou - Fotolia.com



Stroll elegant pathways and relax by fountains during a peaceful spring outing.                 

Sixth: For Sightseers: Cruise under bridges on River Seine

For Sightseers: Cruise under bridges on River Seine

Courtesy of Beboy - Fotolia.com



Cruise under bridges and admire city lights on a romantic evening trip.                 

Seventh: For Trendsetters: Explore trendy boutiques in Le Marais

For Trendsetters: Explore trendy boutiques in Le Marais

Courtesy of Frank Boston - Fotolia.com



Explore trendy boutiques and savor pastries on an easy, stylish afternoon adventure.                 

Eight: For Architecture Fans: Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe

For Architecture Fans: Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe

Courtesy of davis - Fotolia.com



Climb to the top and view Parisian boulevards on a quick sightseeing stop.                 

Ninth: For Literary Fans: Browse books in Saint-Germain-des-Pres

For Literary Fans: Browse books in Saint-Germain-des-Pres

Courtesy of wjarek - Fotolia.com



Browse old bookshops and sip coffee on a relaxed retirement stroll.                 

Tenth: For History Buffs: Explore historic Ile de la Cite

For History Buffs: Explore historic Ile de la Cite

Courtesy of tilialucida - Fotolia.com



Visit Notre-Dame and walk medieval lanes during an exciting historic visit.                 

Where to Eat in Paris

  • Recommended for a Classic Meal: Le Comptoir du Relais – Buzzy Saint-Germain bistro with French favorites and a prime sidewalk terrace.
  • For Pâtisserie: Pierre Hermé or Angelina – Indulge in macarons, éclairs, or the legendary hot chocolate.
  • For Food Markets: Marché Bastille or Marché d’Aligre – Sample cheese, wine, pastries, and Parisian street snacks.

If you are interested in local events:

  • For Art Lovers: Nuit Blanche (October) – A city-wide night of free art installations and performances.
  • For Fashion Fans: Paris Fashion Week (February/March & September) – See the latest runway trends on and off the catwalk.
  • For Summer Fun: Paris Plages (July–August) – Temporary beaches along the Seine with lounge chairs and concerts.

Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–60 Minutes of Paris:

  • For History: Palace of Versailles (45 min) – Tour gilded halls, manicured gardens, and fountains of France’s royal legacy.
  • For Art: Giverny (1 hr) – Visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens that inspired his famous water lilies.
  • For Gothic Architecture: Chartres Cathedral (1 hr) – Marvel at stained glass masterpieces in one of France’s best-preserved cathedrals.
  • For Castles: Château de Fontainebleau (1 hr) – A stunning royal residence with grand halls, parks, and Napoleonic history.
  • For Family Fun: Disneyland Paris (45 min) – A magical Disney experience with European flair and easy train access.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Why is Paris considered a romantic destination?
    • Whether you are planning a honeymoon, anniversary vacation, or a long weekend getaway, Paris is one of Europe's most romantic places to visit.
  • What attractions can visitors explore in Paris?
    • Visitors can choose from many great museums, historic attractions, charming cafés, and beautiful parks to explore on their trip.
  • Which museums in Paris are worth visiting?
    • See famous paintings at the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, or the Musée de l'Orangerie.
  • What iconic landmark should visitors see in Paris?
    • A visit to the Eiffel Tower is a must for anyone traveling to Paris.
  • Where can I find more information on visiting Paris?

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming gardens. Hôtel Ritz Paris – A luxurious stay in the heart of the city. Visit the Jardin des Tuileries – Enjoy a peaceful stroll through one of Paris' most famous gardens.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for sightseeing and river cruises. Le Meurice – A historic hotel with stunning city views. Take a Seine River cruise – Experience breathtaking views of Paris from the water.
Fall (September-November) – Fewer crowds and beautiful autumn scenery. Shangri-La Hotel Paris – A luxury hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower. Explore Montmartre – Wander through charming streets and visit the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Map:


Plan Your Trip