Paris Travel Guide
Contents
- Paris — The City of Light
- Paris and Its Antipode
- The City
- Top Things to Do in Paris
- Do and See
- Dining in Paris
- Cafés in Paris
- Bars & Nightlife
- Shopping
- Tourist Information
Paris — The City of Light
Paris has inspired writers, artists, photographers, and filmmakers for centuries, yet its atmosphere remains impossible to fully capture. Long tree-lined boulevards, grand architecture, vast parks, and intimate streets combine to create a city that feels both monumental and deeply personal.
Set along the River Seine, Paris is an open-air museum layered with history. From Gothic cathedrals and Renaissance palaces to modern cultural institutions, the city balances permanence with constant reinvention. Wandering without a fixed route remains one of the most rewarding ways to experience Paris, particularly after dark.
Paris and Its Antipode
Every place on Earth has an antipode — the point directly opposite it on the globe, connected by a straight line passing through the Earth’s core.
Paris’s antipode lies in the southern Pacific Ocean, far from any major landmass. This land-to-ocean antipode mirrors Paris’s historic orientation outward, shaped by trade, exploration, and global cultural exchange rather than geographic isolation.
The contrast between a dense European capital and open ocean on the far side of the planet highlights Paris’s long-standing role as a centre of ideas, art, and movement.
The City
Paris is instantly recognisable for its iconic skyline and cohesive urban design. Landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame Cathedral anchor the city, while neighbourhoods like Le Marais, Montmartre, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés offer distinct local character.
The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, spiralling outward from the historic centre. Each arrondissement reveals a different rhythm — from grand ceremonial spaces to lively residential streets, markets, and cafés.
Top Things to Do in Paris
Eiffel Tower
Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower stands 324 metres tall and offers panoramic views over the city.
Musée du Louvre
One of the world’s largest museums, housing masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Arc de Triomphe
A monumental arch honouring those who fought for France, located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
A Gothic masterpiece completed in the 14th century and long considered the spiritual heart of the city.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
A historic, bohemian district crowned by the white-domed Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Seine River Cruise
Boat cruises along the Seine provide views of Paris’s monuments from a unique perspective.
Palace of Versailles
A former royal residence located outside the city, renowned for its Hall of Mirrors and extensive gardens.
Musée d’Orsay
Housed in a former railway station, featuring the world’s largest collection of Impressionist art.
Do and See
Panthéon
A neoclassical monument housing the tombs of notable French figures.
Centre Pompidou
A high-tech architectural landmark and home to Europe’s largest modern art museum.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
The world’s most visited cemetery and final resting place of artists, writers, and musicians.
Champs-Élysées
A grand avenue stretching from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
Le Marais
A historic district known for museums, boutiques, nightlife, and vibrant street life.
Jardin du Luxembourg
A large public park surrounding the French Senate, popular for walking and people-watching.
Dining in Paris
Parisian cuisine is celebrated for its quality, presentation, and range. From traditional bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, dining in Paris reflects both culinary heritage and contemporary innovation.
- Hôtel du Nord
- L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre
- Le Voltaire
- Epicure
- Pierre Gagnaire
- Allard
- Le Balzar
- L’As du Fallafel
- Goumard
Cafés in Paris
Cafés are central to Parisian daily life, serving as places to eat, drink, read, and observe the city.
- Café de Flore
- Ladurée
- KB CaféShop
- Le Select
- Aux Folies
- Café de la Paix
