Paris City Breaks

Must-see sights

Paris is packed with things to see and do, but these highlights are a good place to start.

• Eiffel Tower – Finished in 1889, this iron lattice tower serves up great views of the city from its observation decks. It took just over two years to build and was initially only intended to be a temporary structure for the World's Fair.

• Louvre Museum – This former royal palace is now the world's largest art museum, and is home to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo sculpture.

• Notre-Dame Cathedral – A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is a symbol of Paris. It’s over 850 years old and rich in history – this is where Napoleon held his coronation.

• Montmartre – Once one of most run-down parts of Paris, this neighbourhood is now considered one of the prettiest. It’s where all the Bohemian artists hung out and it still has an arty feel today. Wander the cobbled streets, visit the artisanal shops, then head up to the hilltop Sacré-Cœur for some of the best city views around.

• Top tip – Plan your visits in advance for discounts, book priority tickets to avoid long queues and join guided tours to get all the extra insight – check out our experiences.

Museums and galleries

Paris is full of art, and there are plenty of museums where you can see masterpieces up close.

• Musée d'Orsay – Set inside a grand old train station, this museum focuses on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists. You’ll find the big names like Monet, Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh and Manet. Plus, the big clock windows are ideal for a photograph.

• Centre Pompidou – You won’t miss this building thanks to the exposed pipes and rainbow colour scheme. Inside is the National Museum of Modern Art, where iconic works from artists like Picasso, Dalí and Matisse share space with more modern pieces.

• Musée Rodin – Nestled in a beautiful mansion with peaceful sculpture gardens, this place is dedicated to the master sculptor, Auguste Rodin. Marvel at The Thinker and The Kiss, then walk the rose-lined paths surrounded by his works.

Top tip – If you prefer to visit when it’s quieter, go during the week or early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds – especially at major museums like the Orsay or Pompidou.

Shopping

Here’s where you’ll find the best spots for some shopping in Paris.

• Designer buys – Fashion houses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dior all call this city home – head to the Champs-Élysées or Avenue Montaigne for the designer boutiques and flagship stores.

• Department stores – Galeries Lafayette has over 100 brands to shop and it’s all housed inside a beautiful stained-glass domed building. It sells everything from cosmetics and clothes to technology gadgets. Head up to the rooftop for one of the best views in the city. Or over in the 7th arrondissement, Le Bon Marché brings a quieter, more laidback shopping experience with high-end labels and homeware.

• Budget buys and vintage finds – For retro items and antiques, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is the place to go. With thousands of stalls selling everything from vintage Levi’s to old-school art prints, it’s the ideal spot to pick up a bargain or find a collectible.

• Top tip – If you’re seeking out more low-key, streetwear shops, go to Le Marais and the area between Palais Garnier and Pigalle. Both are packed with trending stores, up-and-coming local designers and one-off items.

Events and festivals

If you want to experience Paris like a local, then time your trip with one of these events.

• Bastille Day, 14th July – A major national celebration commemorating the day the Bastille was stormed, starting the French Revolution. As the capital city, Paris sees a military parade on the Champs-Élysées, a big fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower, and live music.

• Paris Plages, July-August – Every summer, riverside spots along the Seine and Bassin de la Villette are transformed into little beaches with sand, deckchairs and fun extras like volleyball courts, watersports and outdoor cinemas.

• Paris Fashion Week, Feb-Mar and Sept-Oct – Twice a year, the fashion world takes over Paris for a week of runway shows, glamorous parties and the latest trends. While the main shows are invite-only, you’ll see plenty of couture on the streets.

• Christmas Markets, Nov-Jan – In the festive season, Christmas markets pop up across the city, with the best ones in Montmartre, La Défense and along the Champs-Élysées. Stroll past stalls selling handmade gifts, seasonal snacks and drinks.

Daytrips

There’s plenty to see in Paris, but you might want to plan in a few extra days to visit some of these nearby places, too.

• Palace of Versailles – Just a short train ride from the city centre, you can tour the massive palace which was the home of the French royal family before the revolution. Then, you can walk through the vast gardens.

• Giverny – Walk through Monet’s actual garden, with lily ponds, flower arches and the pink house.

• Fontainebleau – A grand château with fewer crowds than Versailles. Add a walk in the nearby forest and you’ve got the ideal daytrip.

• Reims (Champagne region) – Sip your way through the birthplace of Champagne – expect cellar tours, tastings and an impressive Gothic cathedral.

• Disneyland Paris – Around 40–50 minutes from central Paris by train, this is a top attraction for little ones and adults. Explore the rides, catch a character parade and grab a photo with your favourite Disney character.

• Bruges, Belgium – If you’re happy to travel a little further, you can be in Bruges in two-and-a-half hours. Spend the day here exploring the historic streets, take a boat trip on the canals and fill up on beer and waffles.

Activities

Add a bit of action to your sightseeing with these fun activities to do in the city.

• Climb the Arc de Triomphe – Skip the lift and take the stairs for a 360° view that includes the famous Champs-Élysées stretch.

• Bike along the Seine – Rent a bike or join a guided tour and ride past iconic Paris monuments, bridges and parks. You could also pick up a baguette from a boulangerie and plan a picnic stop along the way.

• Explore the Catacombs – A network of tunnels lined with bones that run under the streets of Paris.

Couple’s holidays

Paris is known as the City of Love, so it’s a great option for a romantic getaway.

• Seine cruises – Sail past the city’s prettiest sights on a candlelit dinner cruise.

• Romantic strolls – Montmartre, the Île Saint-Louis and tucked-away gardens are ideal for romantic walks.

• Boutique stays – Paris is packed with stylish, intimate hotels with beautiful rooms, private balconies and the best views.

• Art, wine and views – Visit Musée Rodin to see The Kiss, share a bottle of wine while you’re serenaded in the Latin Quarter, then end the day watching the Eiffel Tower twinkle.

Family holidays

There are plenty of things that make Paris ideal for a family holiday, with interesting museums, parks and food stalls on every corner.

• Carousels and boat rides – Hop on a vintage carousel or take a Bateaux Mouches cruise for a sightseeing tour.

• Jardin d’Acclimatation – This old-school theme park has mini rollercoasters, playgrounds and splash zones, perfect for little ones.

• Hands-on museums – The Cité des Sciences and Musée en Herbe are made for little ones that love to learn.

• Foodie fun – Pain au chocolat, Nutella crêpes and colourful macarons are just a few of the treats you can try in this city.

Group holidays

From a birthday trip to a girls’ weekend, Paris is a great option for a group holiday.

• Nightlife – Rooftop bars in Pigalle, wine bars in Le Marais or full-on club nights in Bastille – there’s something for every taste.

• Cooking classes and wine tastings – Try a croissant-making class or go straight to sipping Bordeaux in a Parisian wine cellar.

• Picnics – Grab your friends and head to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont or along Canal Saint-Martin to join the locals for a laidback afternoon.

• Daytrips to Versailles or Disneyland – Whether you’re into culture or fun, these daytrips are perfect for big groups and making new memories together.

LGBTQ+ holidays

Paris is a popular choice for an LGBTQ+ holiday, thanks to its open-mindedness, creative scene and a culture that values self-expression.

• Le Marais district – The city’s LGBTQ+ hub. You’ll find rainbow flags, laidback cafés, queer bookshops and some of the best people-watching in Europe.

• Paris Pride, June – Known locally as Marche des Fiertés, this colourful parade fills the streets with music, floats and a love‑is‑love atmosphere.

• Queer-friendly nightlife – Expect late nights at clubs like RAIDD and Le Dépôt, alongside inclusive parties at places such as Flash Cocotte.

• LGBTQ+ culture & history – Paris has long been a haven for queer creatives, including Oscar Wilde and James Baldwin. You can still feel that legacy today – from walking the neighbourhoods they once lived in to visiting exhibitions at places like the Maison Européenne de la Photographie or the Centre Pompidou.

Local food

Paris is a great choice for food lovers – from tasting menus to delicious pastries picked up on the go.

• Classic French dishes – You’ll spot favourites like coq au vin, with regional classics also appearing on menus.

• Street food and market snacks – If you’re after good food on a budget, head to one of Paris’s many local food markets. Stock up on artisanal cheeses, fresh bread and seasonal fruit. Or, snack on the go with a warm crêpe, a croque monsieur or a filled baguette.

• Pastry perfection – Fill up on croissants and pains au chocolat for breakfast, or for something sweet later, grab a macaron or a slice of tarte tatin from a patisserie.

• Local delicacies – If you’re feeling adventurous, try escargots (snails with garlic butter) or foie gras – both French delicacies that come with a love‑it‑or‑hate‑it attitude.

Local drinks

Drink like the locals – whether that’s a glass of bubbly or a rich hot chocolate.

• Red wine and rosé – French people take their wine seriously, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Ordering a simple verre de vin is usually good value, tastes great and goes with just about anything. From a bold Bordeaux to a chilled Provence rosé, you can’t really go wrong.

• Kir Royal – This sparkling cocktail mixes Champagne with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur). It’s sweet, bubbly and ideal for apéro hour.

• Pastis – An anise-flavoured aperitif that’s an acquired taste but very traditional. Usually served diluted with water, it’s a southern French staple that’s made its way into many Parisian cafés.

• Hot chocolate at Angelina – It’s thick, velvety and very rich. Add whipped cream if you want to turn it into a proper dessert.

Nightlife

From cocktails with Eiffel Tower views to late nights around the Champs‑Élysées, Paris knows how to stay up after dark.

• Happy hour – After-work drinks are a daily ritual in Paris, so afternoons are often when you’ll find the best deals – even if they don’t call it happy hour. Keep an eye out for signs outside brasseries and wine bars, especially around Le Marais and Canal Saint‑Martin.

• Café Marly – Right next to the Louvre, Café Marly features arches, columns and has an arty atmosphere. It’s an expensive option, but it’s ideal for premium pre-dinner cocktails with great museum views.

• Les Ombres Terrace Bar – Set on top of the Musée du Quai Branly, this rooftop delivers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

• L’Arc – For a proper night out, L’Arc near the Champs-Élysées is a great option. Expect a VIP crowd, luxury interiors and a dancefloor that stays lively until 6am.

• Moulin Rouge – This famous show features feathers, sequins, champagne and camp cabaret. It’s an iconic Paris experience.

• Evening shows and concerts – Head to the Palais Garnier for ballet in one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses, catch a classical concert at Opéra Bastille or see touring acts and some theatre at Palais des Sports.

Bike

Paris has its own bike scheme called Vélib. You can pick up and drop off bikes all over the city, and they’re easy to use – just download the app and you can pay, unlock and lock everything on your phone. Paris is surprisingly walkable, but getting from west to east takes around two hours on foot, so exploring by bike is a quicker way to see more without rushing.

Metro

Just like the London Underground, Paris’ Metro is a popular choice for hopping between arrondissements. It’s quite straightforward to use and handy maps show you where to get off for different attractions and sights. Unlike other cities, you can’t just tap your bank card, so you’ll need to buy a single-use ticket from machines in the station. If you’re planning on using the public transport regularly, you can buy tickets in bulk for cheaper on the app or get a travel pass which you can use on the Metro, buses and RER trains.

Taxi

Taxis in Paris can be pricey, but they’re useful for quick, one‑off journeys, especially if you’re travelling with luggage. You can flag one down on the street or find them at taxi ranks, and the fares run on a meter so it’s best to check it’s switched on at the start of your journey. If you’re not confident speaking French, it’s also worth having your destination written down to avoid any confusion. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are also available.