Things to Do in Paris

Paris needs no introduction — the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Champs-Elysees define one of the world's most visited cities. Beyond the iconic landmarks, Paris rewards neighborhood exploration: Montmartre's artistic village, the Marais' boutiques and falafel, Saint-Germain's literary cafes, and Belleville's multicultural food scene. French cuisine is the foundation of Western gastronomy, and Paris remains its capital. The city is compact and extraordinarily well-served by the Metro. Peak season is June through September; spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal weather with manageable crowds.

Top Experiences

Eiffel Tower (book summit tickets 2 months in advance). Louvre Museum (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo — go on Wednesday or Friday evenings for smaller crowds). Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur for artistic atmosphere and city views. Seine river cruise at sunset. Musee d'Orsay for Impressionist art. Versailles day trip (45 min by RER C). Le Marais walking tour for medieval Paris. Patisserie crawl for croissants, eclairs, and macarons.

Getting Around

Paris Metro has 16 lines covering the entire city ($2.15 per ride, carnet of 10 available). Walking is the best way to absorb Paris. Buses complement the metro. Velib' bike-sharing is popular. Taxis and Uber are available but traffic is heavy.