Travel

What to See and Do in Paris

This detailed guide to what to see and do on your next Paris vacation covers classic (and underrated) Paris sights and attractions, where to eat and go out in the city of light, information on Paris tours and transportation, shopping, and more.

Classic Paris Sights and Attractions
Explore Paris Neighborhoods
Getting Around and Touring the City
Where to Eat in Paris
Where to Shop in Paris

Nightlife in the City of Light
Events in Paris
Enjoying Paris on a Budget
Sights and Attractions by Special Interest
Travel Videos: Visual Highlights and Tips for Top Sights

Classic Paris Sights and Attractions

The Eiffel Tower is probably Paris' most famed landmark. ©Simona Dimitru.

Some places in Paris are legendary for a good reason, and merit at least one visit. Find out what those essential sights and attractions are, and get insider tips on how to make the most of your visit.

Explore Paris Neighborhoods

Paris is full of charming, entirely distinct neighborhoods to amble and explore. These guides will help you look for the details in both classic and lesser-known quarters around the city of light.

Getting Around and Touring the City

Paris boat tours are a popular way to see top Paris sights. ©2006 Courtney Traub.

On a first visit, Paris may seem as sprawling and metropolitan as New York or London, but it's actually fairly compact and intimate as large cities go. Here's where you'll find information on getting around the city stress-free, including guides to using the Paris metro, suggestions for touring the city, and accessibility issues.

Where to Eat in Paris

©2007 Tjeerd. Some rights reserved under the Creative Commons License.

Reputed for its gastronomy, Paris can actually be very hit-and-miss when it comes to eating out. In this section we look at the best places to eat out or snack in the city of light, no matter what your budget is.

Where to Shop in Paris

©2006 Jenster181. Some rights reserved under the Creative Commons License.

For those with a passion for artisan wares, fashion, jewelry, antiques, or even rare books, Paris can be a real goldmine. In this this section, we'll help you zone in on shopping hotspots around the city, and provide insider tips on how to find deals.

Nightlife in the City of Light

A 1925 scene from La Java, a Paris bar and club. Collection J. Christophe.

Paris nightlife has a lot to offer, and a kaleidoscopic number of ambiances, from classic cabarets to edgy nightclubs and romantic movie theaters. Find out where to spend your after-dark hours in Paris in this section.

Events in Paris

Bastille Day in Paris. ©2006 Celesteh. Some rights reserved under the Creative Commons License.

In this section, find details on what's happening about town during your next trip to Paris, from festivals and holiday celebrations to concerts and trade fairs.

Enjoying Paris on a Budget

Paris can still be fully enjoyed on a budget.

Paris can be a very expensive city-- it is, after all, a world center for luxury goods, gourmet restaurants, opulent palace hotels and the like. So you may assume that visiting Paris on a budget isn't realistic, or would amount to a miserable, pauper-like experience. Luckily, a visit to Paris doesn't have to break the bank. It's entirely possible to eat well, find clean and decent accommodations, and enjoy discounted and free attractions while still having the sense that you're living it up in one of the world's most gorgeous cities.

Sights and Attractions by Special Interest

If you're visiting Paris with kids, are looking for great gay, lesbian, or queer-themed events around town, or are planning a trip for a special romantic occasion, make sure to check out this section, which gives details on Paris sights and attractions by special interest.

Travel Videos: Visual Highlights and Tips for Top Sights

If you need some visual inspiration before your trip, make sure to browse these colorful and inspired videos of some of the city's most beautiful and interesting sights and attractions. Expert travel guides introduce you to the history and highlights of places like Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe or the Musee d'Orsay, and give you tips on how best to enjoy these storied places.

Paris Travel