To ensure a memorable and authentic experience, select a variety of essentials that balance sightseeing, culture, history, shopping, fashion, cuisine, and fun. Paris boasts an impressive array of museums, with The Louvre usually topping the list for first-time visitors. As the largest and most visited museum in the world, it showcases over 35,000 pieces of art and artifacts from both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
For stunning collections of post-impressionist and impressionist artwork, visit Musée d'Orsay or Musée de l'Orangerie. Wander through the stately 18th-century mansion that houses Musée Rodin and its beautiful grounds, featuring over 6,000 of Rodin’s sculptures, including his most famous work, The Thinker.
To explore modern art, the unique-looking Centre Georges Pompidou offers over 65,000 pieces and provides sweeping views of the city from its 6th floor. While the Hop On Hop Off bus is a great way to see the city, it can be slow due to heavy traffic. The best way to get around is on foot, though be prepared for long days of walking. The Metro is convenient for longer distances.
A more relaxing way to explore this magical city is by boat along the Seine, especially at night when Paris is beautifully illuminated. Stroll along the shady, tree-lined banks of the Seine, admire the majestic facades of elegant mansions, and enjoy the views from the many romantic bridges. On sunny days, the peaceful Luxembourg Gardens offer a lovely place to relax and watch the world go by. Amble through the historic streets and charming side streets of Le Marais for some of the best shopping in Paris, a variety of museums, restaurants, cafes, and the city's Old Jewish Quarter.
Experience the lively atmosphere of Paris’s oldest market street, Rue Des Martyrs. Over two hundred years old, this bustling marketplace offers everything from pastries to fish, fruit to bread, cheese, and chocolates. The Catacombs of Paris, an underground ossuary holding the remains of around six million people, date back to the 18th century.
The magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French Gothic architecture, is one of the most famous churches in the world. The first stone was laid in 1163, and it was completed in 1345.
Another popular landmark is the beautiful Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, or Sacré-Cœur, located at the highest point of the city in the arty area of Montmartre. Built in a Roman-Byzantine style, its glowing white colour stands out starkly on the city skyline, and the 360° views from the dome showcase Paris in all its glory.
Paris’ most iconic structures are, of course, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The Arc de Triomphe, located at the end of the famous shopping street, Champs-Élysées, offers incredible views from the top and is situated in the center of a multi-lane roundabout fed by 12 boulevards, pictured below. The Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of Paris, also provides mesmerising views from its viewing platforms.
