Paris needs no introduction. The City of Light has captivated artists, writers, and romantics for centuries. From the Gothic splendor of Notre-Dame to the artistic treasure trove of the Louvre, from the cafe terraces of Saint-Germain to the bohemian streets of Montmartre, Paris is a living museum that also happens to be one of the world's great culinary capitals.
Top Attractions
Eiffel Tower
Gustave Eiffel's 1889 masterpiece was meant to be temporary - Parisians initially hated it. Today it's the world's most visited paid monument. The 324-meter iron tower offers three viewing levels, with restaurants on the first and second floors. Every hour on the hour after sunset, it sparkles with 20,000 bulbs for five magical minutes.
Visitor Information
- Admission: €18.80-29.40 depending on level (elevator)
- Hours: 9am-12:45am (summer), 9:30am-11:45pm (winter)
- Tip: Book online 2 months ahead for summit tickets
- Alternative: Climb the stairs to 2nd floor (€11.80) with no queue
Louvre Museum
The world's largest and most visited art museum houses 380,000 objects spanning 11,000 years. Yes, the Mona Lisa is here (smaller than you expect, crowds larger than you expect), but the Egyptian antiquities, Greek sculptures (Venus de Milo, Winged Victory), and French paintings deserve equal attention. The building itself - a former royal palace - is art.
Visitor Information
- Admission: €17 (free first Sunday of the month Oct-Mar)
- Hours: 9am-6pm (Wed & Fri until 9:45pm), closed Tuesdays
- Tip: Enter via Carrousel du Louvre underground mall to skip lines
- Duration: Allow 3-4 hours minimum
Musée d'Orsay
Housed in a magnificent Beaux-Arts railway station, the Orsay holds the world's greatest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Monet's water lilies, Van Gogh's self-portraits, Renoir's dancers, Degas's ballerinas - all the masterpieces you've seen in books are here, glowing under the station's original iron and glass roof.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
This Gothic masterpiece took 200 years to build (1163-1345). The 2019 fire damaged but didn't destroy this beloved landmark - restoration continues with the goal of reopening in 2024. Even from outside, the flying buttresses, rose windows, and gargoyles are magnificent. The nearby Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis are perfect for strolling.
Montmartre & Sacré-Coeur
The artistic heart of Paris sits atop a hill with sweeping city views. Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec once lived in these narrow streets. Today, artists still sketch in Place du Tertre, while the white-domed Sacré-Coeur offers free entry and one of the best panoramas in Paris. Come at sunset.
Palace of Versailles
Just 40 minutes from Paris, Louis XIV's palace is the ultimate expression of royal excess. The Hall of Mirrors, Marie Antoinette's bedroom, and 800 hectares of formal gardens with fountains and follies require a full day. On summer weekends, the Musical Fountains Show sets the gardens to Baroque music.
Paris Food Guide
Paris is the culinary capital of the world. From neighborhood bistros to three-star temples of gastronomy, from perfect croissants to cheese shops with 500 varieties, eating in Paris is a non-stop pleasure. The city has more Michelin stars than any other, but the best meals often happen at casual neighborhood spots.
Must-Try Dishes
Croissants
A perfect croissant is flaky, buttery, and slightly chewy inside. Best eaten warm from a boulangerie. €1.20-2.
Try: Du Pain et des Idées or Blé Sucré
Steak Frites
Perfectly cooked steak with crispy fries and béarnaise sauce. The ultimate Paris bistro classic. €18-30.
Try: Le Relais de l'Entrecôte or Bistrot Paul Bert
Croque Monsieur
The French take on a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, topped with béchamel and gruyère. €12-16.
Try: Café de Flore or any brasserie
Macarons
Delicate almond meringue cookies in endless flavors. Paris perfected these colorful confections. €2-3 each.
Try: Pierre Hermé or Ladurée
French Onion Soup
Caramelized onions in rich beef broth topped with crusty bread and melted gruyère. €12-18.
Try: Au Pied de Cochon (open 24/7) or Le Comptoir
Cheese & Wine
France has 400+ cheese varieties. Visit a fromagerie, point, and eat. Pair with a carafe of house wine. Varies.
Try: Fromagerie Laurent Dubois or any neighborhood shop
Practical Information
Getting Around
- Metro: 16 lines covering the entire city. €2.15 single, €16.90 carnet of 10
- Paris Visite Pass: Unlimited travel - €13.55/day (zones 1-3)
- Vélib: Bike-share with 1,400 stations. €5/day mechanical, €10 electric
- Walking: Central Paris is compact and best explored on foot
Budget Guide (Per Day)
- Budget: €80-120 (hostels, picnics, free museums)
- Mid-range: €180-300 (3-star hotels, bistros, museum passes)
- Luxury: €500+ (5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours)
Best Time to Visit
- Apr-Jun: Spring blooms, perfect weather, outdoor cafes
- Jul-Aug: Hot, locals leave, some closures but long days
- Sep-Nov: Autumn colors, cultural season, fewer crowds
- Dec: Christmas markets, festive lights, cold but magical
Interactive Map
Explore Paris's top attractions on the map. Click markers for details and directions.
Key Attractions on Map
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