Paris travel guide: best things to do, see and experience

Posted on March 28, 2025 by Emily

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There is a reason why Paris is one of the world’s most visited cities. With visitor numbers for other cities like London trailing in its wake, Paris is more than just a destination. For many people, it’s a fantasy borne of countless movies and novels. Whether your fantasy is the food, music, art, haute couture, literature or film, if it’s culture you’re after, there’s a corner of Paris for you.

Paris in the spring

Deciding when to visit Paris can make all the difference to your experience, but there’s no time quite like spring.

April in Paris is written into history, thanks to Ella Fitzgerald’s breezy tune about the city’s ‘chestnuts in blossom’. And Doris Day’s romantic comedy about a New Yorker’s spring expedition to the city of love.

To visitors, spring in Paris is synonymous with budding flowers and mild temperatures, perfect for city strolls. The city’s gardens, such as the Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens, come to life with vibrant colours. And if you’re looking for something fun, spring hosts the Foire du Trône, a traditional funfair, and the Nuit des Musées, where museums open their doors for free in the evening.

If you’re planning a trip soon, read on to uncover our picks of the best places to visit.

Things to do in Paris

The Eiffel Tower

Almost certainly the most iconic landmark of Paris, the Eiffel Tower stands at 330m tall and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. At night it’s illuminated light shows are a highlight of any Paris trip.

Best times to visit:
To avoid long queues, visit early in the morning or late in the evening. Sunset is particularly magical, as the tower lights up every hour on the hour.

Insider tips:

Book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance to skip the queues.
If you’re feeling fit, opt for the stairs to the second floor viewing platform. It’s an exhilarating 674 steps and a less crowded experience with stunning views on the way up.
Head to the Trocadéro Gardens for stunning views – and a great photo opportunity of the Eiffel Tower.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is home to some of the world’s most iconic artworks – like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, to name but a few. As one of the most visited Paris museums, it houses over 35,000 artworks, spanning centuries of history.

Tips for a smooth visit:

Arrive early or book a Louvre Museum guide to show you around.
Visit on a Wednesday or Friday evening when the museum stays open until 9pm. It’s a great way to avoid the crowds, giving you the chance to view at a leisurely pace.
Plan your must-see exhibits in advance, or plan a couple of visits throughout your Paris trip – the Louvre is enormous, and you won’t be able to see everything in one go.

Notre-Dame cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Notre-Dame cathedral is an iconic landmark and a spectacular place to visit. In 2019, the cathedral was gutted by a devastating fire but an estimated €850m restoration project followed, and the cathedral is back open to the public, looking better than ever.

During your visit, you’ll get to see:

Gothic architecture: ribbed vaults, pointed arches and intricate stonework.
stained-glass windows: admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, which are a highlight of the cathedral’s interior.
nave: the nave is the central space of Notre-Dame. where religious ceremonies have taken place for generations.
gargoyles: these are a distinctive feature of both the inside and outside of the cathedral and are well worth a look.
the Parvis Notre-Dame (also known as Place Notre-Dame): the square in front of the cathedral is a great place to soak in the Parisian atmosphere.

Best neighbourhoods in Paris

Part of the charm of Paris comes from its unique neighbourhoods – also known as arrondissements. Each of Paris’s 20 arrondissements offer distinctive personalities with bags of charm.

Whether you’re looking for historic streets, trendy boutiques, or vibrant nightlife, choosing the right neighbourhood can transform your visit.

Le Marais – trendy and chic

Once the aristocratic centre of Paris, Le Marais – or ‘4^th arrondissement’ – is now a bustling hub of fashion, art, and café culture. Its cobbled streets are lined with designer boutiques, independent shops, and mouth-watering pâtisseries. The area is also home to the historic Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square, and the Musée Picasso for fans of the late artist Picasso.

Why stay here?

Perfect for Paris shopping and nightlife lovers.
A mix of classic and contemporary Parisian culture.
Easy access to sites like Notre-Dame and Centre Pompidou.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés – classic Parisian elegance

Enjoy a taste of old-world Parisian charm in Saint-Germain-des-Prés – also known as the ‘6th arrondissement’.

Known for its literary past, it was once a popular hang-out for writers like Hemmingway, Fitzgerald and Sartre. Today it’s loved for its café culture and timeless elegance. Sip an espresso at the famous Café de Flore or explore the Louvre Museum, a short walk away.

Why stay here?

A central location with easy access to major sights.
Home to iconic Parisian cafés and bookstores.
A quieter, more sophisticated alternative to more touristy areas.

Latin Quarter – lively and historic

A hotspot for students and history lovers, the Latin Quarter – AKA the ‘5th arrondissement’ – is one of Paris’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. With its medieval streets, lively bistros, and world-famous Sorbonne University, this district is brimming with energy.

Visit the Panthéon with its impressive architecture. It’s the final resting place of prominent French figures like Marie Curie, Émile Zola, Voltaire, Rousseau and Victor Hugo.

Or browse the Shakespeare and Company bookshop and take a riverside stroll along the Seine.

Why stay here?