Paris, the capital of France, is a beautiful city renowned for its romantic allure and culture richness. Paris is also knows as the “City of Light”, as it entices traveller with its grand boulevards, world-class cuisine and vibrant cultural scene.
Top Attractions
Eiffel Tower
You have to visit the Eiffel Tower upon visiting Paris. It is an iconic symbol of Paris and one of the most renowned structures in the world. You can experience mesmerising views from the observation decks on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd levels. The summit offers a panoramic view of Paris. As well as this, you can dine at the Eiffel Tower’s restaurants, embark on guided tours to learn about its heritage and history, and enjoy the sparkling lights at night.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is one of the largest and most famous art museums in the world. It houses over 35,000 artworks, including masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. The museum is divided into departments, each representing something different such as Egyptian antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities, Islam art, sculptures, decorative artis, paintings, prints and drawings, photography and the list goes on.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The meaning of “Notre-Dame de Paris” is “Our Lady of Paris”, which is a masterpiece of French gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals internationally. It is located on the Île de la Cité, a small island in the heart of the Seine River. What stands out about this cathedral is its three large rose windows, particularly the north and south windows which are celebrated for their stunning stained glass.
Cultural Experiences
Centre Pompidou
An art museum with modern and contemporary art, with an architectural design.
Palace of Versailles
Visit the lavish palace and explore it beautiful and mesmerising gardens.
Sainte-Chapelle
Admire this chapel’s stunning stained glass windows, reflecting biblical scenes.
Opera Garnier
Explore the ornate interior of this historic opera house.
Culinary Delights
Paris is a gastronomic paradise, offering everything from casual cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Bistros & Brasseries
These places serve classic French dishes in a cost and comfortable atmosphere. What you are most likely to encounter here are signature dishes such as Coq au Vin. Boeuf Bourguignon and Steak Frites.
Recommended spots: Le Procope, Bistrot Paul Bert, Brasserie Lipp.
Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred Restaurants
When visiting Paris you will see the abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants around the city, offering exquisite dining experiences. At this restaurants you will be served signature dishes such as Foie Gras, Duck a l’Orange and Escargots de Bourgogne.
Recommended spots: La Meurice, L’Ambroisie, Guy Savoy.
Patisseries & Boulangeries
Parisian patisseries are known across the globe for their delicate and delicious creations. Signature dishes include Macarons, Éclairs and Tarte Tatin.
Recommended spots: Ladurée, Pierre Hermé, Pâtisserie Stohrer.
Transportation Links
Metro
Experience one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, with 16 lines and over 300 stations. Trains come every few minutes and they are also affordable, with options for single tickets, day passes, and multi-day passes.
Walking & Biking
Paris is becoming an increasingly bike-friendly city, with available bike lanes and bike-sharing programs. As well as this, Paris is also a very pedestrian-friendly city with many attractions and restaurants located within walking distance of each other. By walking you can gain more of the city’s vibes, architecture and the feeling of its street life.
Travel Tips
Language
It’s good to know some basic French phrases because while many Parisian do speak English, making an effort to speak French comes across as respectful. It maybe advisable to have a translator on you or use your phone such as Google Translate for more assistance.
Safety
Even though Paris is generally known to be safe, be aware of pickpockets by keeping your valuables and personal items secure, as well as remaining aware of your surroundings.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Paris is during spring and fall, where the weather is mild which is perfect for sightseeing. You may need to pack some more layers but it will be worth it. During the summer the weather is usually warm and occasionally hoy, therefore lightweight clothing and sun protection are essentials to pack in your luggage. The winter is cold and rainy, therefore warm and waterproof clothing will be necessary.
Conclusion
Overall, Paris is a great destination as it has countless attractions to see, rich history, a very artistic flair, delicious cuisine, style and culture. Embark on a journey towards culinary delights and mesmerising views.