There’s no elevator, just a long spiral staircase – but the climb is absolutely worth it. If you’re an EU resident under 26, entry is free. Otherwise, it costs €22 from June to September, and €16 from October to May. ➳ See all your hotel options in Paris The 1-hour tour takes you past landmarks like Notre Dame, Île de la Cité, Île Saint-Louis, and all the way to the Eiffel Tower before looping back. If you go in the evening, they time it so you can catch the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the dark – a magical bonus! ➳ Browse more tour companies via Get Your Guide Even though I’ve seen it dozens of times, it still gives me goosebumps. For the best view, just hop on the metro to Trocadéro and see the magic for yourself. Despite being right in the middle of Marais, it’s usually calm and quiet – the perfect spot to sit with a coffee, read a book, or just soak up the atmosphere. Fun fact: this is also where Victor Hugo, the famous French author of Les Misérables, once lived. His former home is now a museum open to visitors. If you’re into art, you’re also just a short walk from the incredible Musée d’Orsay – a museum housed in a former railway station, known for its impressive collection of Impressionist masterpieces and stunning architecture. Take your time here. Grab a coffee at a sidewalk café, browse the boutiques, and let the neighborhood’s charm do the rest. Tips! If you’re hungry I can highly recommend the cute café Maison Sauvage on Rue de Buci. Take your time to explore the village-like atmosphere, watch local artists at work in Place du Tertre, and soak up the bohemian vibe that once inspired artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. The easiest way to get here is by taking the metro to Anvers. From there, just follow the crowd and you’ll soon spot Sacré-Cœur at the top of the hill. You can climb the stairs for the full experience, or take the Montmartrobus if you’d rather skip the workout. ➳ Want more Montmartre tips? In my Best Photo Spots In Paris guide you’ll find at least 3 Montmartre spots to add to your list! ➳ Feeling hungry? Head to Boullion in Pigalle, a restaurant serving delicious traditional French dishes, all priced affordably. ➳ Read more: Trendy Restaurants In Paris As the sun sets, the area comes alive with people sitting along the water, sharing drinks, or dining on cozy terraces. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing – and to escape the more touristy parts of the city for a while. ➳ Ready for dinner? Canal Saint-Martin is home to many excellent restautants. Why not try Chinese at Gros Bao, or the charming wine bar Early June. End your evening with a drink at Le Comptoir General. Wander through the quiet alleys and discover the final resting places of iconic figures like Édith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison. Inside, you’ll find on of Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum is also home to temporary exhibitions, a library, rooftop views, and a bookshop worth browsing. Even if you’re not a modern art enthusiast, the panoramic view from the top floor is reason enough to visit – it’s one of the most underrated views in Paris. Tip: Book your ticket online to skip the line, and visit in the late afternoon for fewer crowds and beautiful light. But the real surprise? The inner courtyard. Tucked behind the grand façade is a peaceful little oasis, complete with a café surrounded by palm trees, fountains, and elegant pillars. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing with a coffee or light lunch, all without the crowds. You can either walk across the lower pedestrian level, which gives you beautiful photo spots and a quiet moment by the water, or ride Metro Line 6, which crosses the upper level of the bridge in open air. The moment the train glides over the Seine with the Eiffel Tower rising to your right is pure magic – and one of the most underrated metro moments in Paris. ➳ Read more: The 10 Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spots Some of my personal favorites are Crêperie Elo, La Droguerie and Crêperie Gigi – perfect for a quick bite or a sweet treat between sightseeing stops. Don’t miss the salted caramel flavor – it’s absolutely heavenly (and lives up to the hype). Go for a coffee, a glass of wine, or a light lunch – not necessarily for the food (which is, frankly, overpriced), but for the experience. Sit back, people-watch, and soak up the atmosphere. Some clichés are clichés for a reason. ➳ Read more: Trendy Restaurants in Paris Buy a few in one of their signature pastel boxes and you’ll instantly feel a bit more Parisian. Ladurée has several locations across the city, but my favorite is the one in Saint-Germain-des-Prés – perfect to combine with an afternoon stroll through this charming neighborhood. Simple? Yes. But somehow, when enjoyed at a corner café with the streets of Paris slowly waking up around you, it just feels perfect. A classic Parisian breakfast is served at pretty much every brasserie in Paris. I can highly recommend Le Plein Soleil in 11th arrondissement. The vibe is elegant but relaxed, making it a perfect spot for an afternoon glass of wine or sunset cocktails. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but the view makes it well worth the splurge. Tip: Come just before sunset for golden light over the rooftops, and don’t forget to book in advance. The vibe is lively and fun, perfect for a night out with friends or a stylish dinner for two. Don’t miss the truffle pasta, it’s a crowd favorite for a reason. Tip: Pink Mamma is incredibly popular, so make sure to book a table in advance – especially if you want to sit under the glass ceiling on the top floor. ➳ Read more: Trendy Restaurants In Paris Start with a stroll along Rue Saint-Honoré, one of Paris’ most elegant shopping streets. Here, you’ll pass stunning window displays from fashion houses like Hermès, Chanel, and Christian Louboutin. Some displays are so creative they feel more like art installations than storefronts. The street stretches for nearly two kilometers and shifts name to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré as it moves westward – a nod to when this area was once considered the outskirts of Paris. If you prefer browsing high fashion under one roof, head to Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement. This is where you’ll find the legendary department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. Galeries Lafayette isn’t just a shopping destination, it’s an experience, especially around Christmas, when the iconic tree under the grand glass dome becomes a must-see. Here, vendors sell everything from vintage books and old magazines to art prints, postcards, and collectible posters. It’s a treasure hunt every time, and I’ve found some beautiful posters here over the years. Here you can gaze at the colorful stalls, buy some fresh products, or have a quick lunch or even a glass of wine. Here, you can take a peaceful stroll, enjoy a café au lait in one of the classic green chairs, or even watch a tennis match at the public courts. The atmosphere is relaxed and elegant, ideal for a slow Paris afternoon. Tip: From here, it’s only a 10-minute walk to both the Latin Quarter and Notre Dame Cathedral, so it’s easy to combine your garden break with a bit of sightseeing. Here, you can take a peaceful stroll, enjoy a café au lait in one of the classic green chairs, or even watch a tennis match at the public courts. The atmosphere is relaxed and elegant, ideal for a slow Paris afternoon. Tip: From here, it’s only a 10-minute walk to both the Latin Quarter and Notre Dame Cathedral, so it’s easy to combine your garden break with a bit of sightseeing. Because it sits on a hill, you’ll also get some surprisingly beautiful views over Paris, perfect for a lazy picnic in the sun. Grab some picnic-friendly snacks from a local market and settle in for a few relaxing hours. Tip: Take the metro to Colonel Fabien, then enjoy the short walk to the park’s entrance. Originally designed in the 16th century for the royal palace, the garden is now a public space filled with neatly trimmed hedges, gravel paths, fountains, and those classic green chairs where you can sit and people-watch for hours. There are also outdoor cafés and even small fairground rides in summer. The park is known for its romantic atmosphere, complete with curved paths, classical statues, and a small pond. It’s the perfect spot for a morning walk, a relaxed picnic, or just some quiet time away from the city’s busier spots. Tip: Parc Monceau is especially beautiful in the morning when the light is soft and the park is filled with joggers, readers, and Parisians walking their dogs. Take the metro to Monceau and enter through the beautiful iron gates. Don’t miss classics like steak frites, croque monsieur, duck confit, or a simple baguette with cheese and wine. For something sweet, try a freshly baked croissant, a macaron from Ladurée, or the iconic crème brûlée. And of course – a glass of French wine to end any day. ➳ Read more: Trendy Restaurants In Paris You’re also in easy walking distance from hotspots like Le Marais, République, and Canal Saint-Martin – and the metro connections make it super simple to reach the rest of the city. ➳ See all hotels in the 11th arrondissement A few hotel recommendations:
Le Petit OberkampfLa Fantaisie
Of course, you could spend a lifetime in Paris and never run out of things to see – but four days strikes a great balance between sightseeing and soaking up the atmosphere. ➳ Read more: My 4-Day Paris Itinerary By Plane: Paris has three main airports, but most international travelers arrive via Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY). Both are well connected to the city center via train, bus, or taxi, with CDG being the larger of the two. You can check flight options here. By Train: Paris is a major hub in the European train network, with several central stations like Gare du Nord (for Eurostar from London), Gare de Lyon, and Gare Montparnasse. High-speed trains (TGV) connect Paris to cities all over France and beyond – including Brussels, Amsterdam, Geneva, and Barcelona. By Bus: Long-distance buses are a budget-friendly option, with companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offering routes from all over Europe to Paris. Most buses arrive at Bercy Seine Station or Gallieni, both connected to the metro system.
Getting Around in Paris
Paris is a very walkable city, and many neighborhoods are best explored on foot – but the public transportation system is also one of the best in the world. By Foot: Central areas like Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre are perfect for walking. You’ll stumble upon hidden bakeries, beautiful courtyards, and charming squares you might otherwise miss. By Metro & Bus: The Paris Métro is fast, affordable, and easy to navigate. There are 16 lines covering nearly the entire city. You can also take buses, trams, and RER trains if you’re heading to the suburbs (like Versailles or Disneyland Paris). Buy single tickets in a ticket automat at the stations, or consider a Paris Visite travel pass if you’re planning to use public transport frequently during your stay. By Bike: Paris also has a great bike-share system. A few years back I wouldn’t have recommended biking in Paris, but since then the city has developed into a truly bike-friendly destination. There are now plenty of dedicated bike lanes, many of them completely separated from car traffic, making it both safer and more enjoyable to explore the city on two wheels. While summer has its charm, it can get hot and tourist-heavy, and many locals leave the city in August – meaning some smaller shops and restaurants might be closed. Winter, on the other hand, can be cozy and festive (especially around Christmas), but expect chilly temperatures and shorter days.
Summary
Paris is a city that truly lives up to the hype according to me. With its world-class museums, charming neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and mouthwatering food, there’s always something to discover – whether it’s your first time or your fifth. Paris never disappoints.
