Paris travel tips
A guide to exploring the City of Light — from iconic landmarks to hidden gems across its arrondissements.
Central Paris (1er–6e)
Places to Visit
- Eiffel Tower: the iconic iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars.
- Louvre Museum: world's largest art museum, home to the Mona Lisa.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: medieval Gothic cathedral on Île de la Cité.
- Sainte-Chapelle: stunning 13th-century chapel with stained glass windows.
- Jardin du Luxembourg: elegant gardens with fountains and the Luxembourg Palace.
- Palais Royal: serene gardens surrounded by arcaded galleries and boutiques.
- Pont Alexandre III: the most ornate bridge in Paris with gilded sculptures.
- Musée de l'Orangerie: Monet's Water Lilies in two oval rooms in the Tuileries.
Brunch
- Café Kitsuné: Japanese-French café in the Palais Royal gardens, great matcha and pastries.
- Claus: "the breakfast store" — artisanal jams, granola, eggs and fresh juices.
- Carette: elegant tearoom on Place des Vosges with classic French pastries.
Restaurants
- Bouillon Chartier: historic Parisian brasserie with affordable classic French cuisine.
- Café de Flore: legendary Saint-Germain café, a literary and artistic landmark.
- Rue Montorgueil: pedestrian street lined with bakeries, cheese shops and cafés.
Shopping
- Galeries Lafayette: iconic department store with a stunning Art Nouveau dome.
- Le Bon Marché: the world's first department store, with curated luxury goods.
- Rue de Rivoli: major shopping street with international and French brands.
- Le Marais: trendy boutiques, vintage shops and concept stores.
Montmartre & Northern Paris (9e–18e)
Places to Visit
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica: white-domed basilica atop Montmartre hill with panoramic views.
- Place du Tertre: charming square filled with artists and portrait painters.
- Musée d'Orsay: Impressionist masterpieces in a former railway station.
- Moulin Rouge: legendary cabaret at the foot of Montmartre.
- Canal Saint-Martin: tree-lined canal with iron footbridges, perfect for a stroll.
Brunch
- Hardware Société: Australian-style brunch with avocado toast and specialty coffee.
- Le Pantruche: cozy bistro with weekend brunch featuring French comfort food.
Restaurants
- Pink Mamma: multi-story Italian restaurant with rooftop terrace.
- Le Refuge des Fondus: quirky fondue spot where wine is served in baby bottles.
Shopping
- Grands Boulevards: covered passages with vintage bookshops and boutiques.
- Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen: one of the world's largest flea markets.
Left Bank & Southern Paris (5e, 13e–14e)
Places to Visit
- Panthéon: neoclassical monument housing the remains of distinguished French citizens.
- Catacombs of Paris: underground ossuaries holding the remains of millions.
- Quartier Latin: historic student quarter with bookshops and lively streets.
- Jardin des Plantes: botanical garden with natural history museum and zoo.
- Rue Crémieux: colorful pastel-painted street, one of the most photogenic in Paris.
Brunch
- Season: healthy brunch bowls, fresh juices and homemade granola near the Panthéon.
- Café de la Nouvelle Mairie: natural wines and simple brunch plates on a quiet square.
Restaurants
- Rue Mouffetard: one of Paris's oldest market streets with food stalls and bistros.
- Shakespeare and Company Café: café next to the legendary English-language bookshop.
Shopping
- Boulevard Saint-Michel: bookshops, fashion stores and student-friendly shops.
- Rue Daguerre: charming pedestrian street with local shops and markets.
Western Paris (7e–8e, 16e)
Places to Visit
- Arc de Triomphe: monumental arch at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.
- Musée Rodin: sculptures including The Thinker in an elegant mansion garden.
- Palais de Tokyo: contemporary art museum with cutting-edge exhibitions.
- Trocadéro: esplanade with the best frontal view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Petit Palais: free fine arts museum with a beautiful inner garden café.
Brunch
- Carette Trocadéro: elegant terrace brunch with Eiffel Tower views.
- Café de l'Homme: upscale brunch at the Palais de Chaillot overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
Restaurants
- Rue Cler: gourmet market street near the Eiffel Tower.
- Le Comptoir du Panthéon: classic French bistro with terrace views.
Shopping
- Champs-Élysées: Paris's most famous avenue with flagship stores.
- Avenue Montaigne: haute couture and luxury fashion houses.
- Decathlon Champs-Élysées: flagship sports store with wide range of gear.
Useful Phrases
- Bonjour: Hello / Good morning
- Bonsoir: Good evening
- S'il vous plaît: Please
- Merci (beaucoup): Thank you (very much)
- Excusez-moi: Excuse me
- Pardon: Sorry
- Où est… ?: Where is… ?
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît: The bill, please
- Parlez-vous anglais ?: Do you speak English?
- Au secours !: Help!
- Je voudrais…: I would like…
- Combien ça coûte ?: How much does it cost?
- C'est délicieux: It's delicious
- Un café, s'il vous plaît: A coffee, please
- Bon appétit: Enjoy your meal
- Bonne journée: Have a nice day
- Au revoir: Goodbye
- Quel est le mot de passe Wi-Fi ?: What is the Wi-Fi password?
- Une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît: A table for two, please
- Je ne comprends pas: I don't understand