Things to do in Paris
Grand boulevards, neighbourhood bakeries and long dinners with friends. This is our guide to the sights, food and districts that make Paris worth every visit.
Neighbourhood life in Paris
Step away from the big sights and Paris becomes a city of small streets, local cafés and bicycles parked outside apartment doors.
The best things to do in Paris
There are few cities where simply walking around counts as one of the best things to do, but Paris is one of them. The French capital rewards you for slowing down: a coffee on a café terrace, a stroll along the Seine, an hour in a covered passage you stumbled upon by accident.
Of course, the classics are classics for a reason. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre and the Arc de Triomphe all deserve a place on a first visit. Combine them with time in the neighbourhoods and you get the best of both worlds. Paris is also the natural starting point for a wider trip around France, with fast trains to the south and the Alps.
Breakfast, Parisian style
A croissant and a coffee at the counter is the quickest way to feel like a local. Add a macaron or two if you are in a celebratory mood.
What to see in Paris on your first visit
If you only have a long weekend, plan your days by area rather than by attraction. The city is compact, the Métro is quick, and many of the big sights sit within walking distance of each other.
The Left Bank: the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay and the cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
The historic centre: the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame.
Le Marais: narrow streets, small galleries, falafel and some of the city's best boutiques.
Montmartre: the Sacré-Cœur, steep lanes and wide views across the rooftops.
Book tickets for the most popular museums and viewpoints in advance, especially in summer and during school holidays. It saves you a lot of time in queues.
Bakeries in Paris worth crossing town for
Bread and pastry are a serious business in Paris, and a good boulangerie is something locals are fiercely loyal to. Look out for a crisp baguette tradition, buttery croissants and seasonal tarts in the window.
We have tracked down five of the best bakeries in Paris, from classic patisseries to modern bakers putting their own spin on French favourites.
The daily baguette
Parisians buy their bread fresh, often twice a day. Arrive early in the morning or just before dinner for the best choice.
Where to eat in Paris with friends
Eating out is one of the great pleasures of Paris, and you do not need a Michelin star to eat well. A classic bistro with steak frites, a plate of oysters and a carafe of house wine can be just as memorable.
For tables that suit a group, from lively brasseries to stylish dining rooms, see our guide to nine places to dine with friends in Paris. Book ahead for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
Steak frites
The bistro classic. Ask for it saignant if you like your steak rare, à point for medium.
Oysters
Oysters are at their best in the colder months, when brasseries pile them high on ice.
A glass of wine
Wine bars are a relaxed alternative to a full dinner. Order a few small plates and share.
Where to stay in Paris
Where to stay in Paris depends on what kind of trip you want. Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter feel classic and central, Le Marais is lively and walkable, while Montmartre is quieter and more village-like, with more hills to climb.
Staying close to a Métro line makes a big difference. Most visitors from the UK arrive on the Eurostar at Gare du Nord, so areas with a direct Métro connection from there are a practical choice.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
Spring and early autumn are the best time to visit Paris for most people. From April to June and in September and October, the weather is usually mild, the parks are at their prettiest and it is pleasant to spend whole days outdoors.
July and August are warm and busy with tourists, while many Parisians leave the city on holiday. Winter is cold and grey, but December brings Christmas lights, festive shop windows and fewer crowds at the big museums.
Frequently asked questions about Paris
How many days do you need in Paris?
Three to four days is a good amount of time for a first visit to Paris. That gives you time to see the main sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Montmartre without rushing, and still leaves room for long lunches, a museum or two and an evening walk along the Seine.
How long is the Eurostar from London to Paris?
The Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord takes around two and a half hours. Because both stations are in the city centre, the train is often as quick as flying door to door. Check current timetables and arrive in good time for security and passport checks.
Is Paris safe for tourists?
Paris is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing is common in crowded places. Keep an eye on your phone and wallet on the Métro, around major sights and in busy stations. As in any big city, stick to well-lit streets at night and check the latest travel advice before you go.
Can you drink tap water in Paris?
Yes, tap water in Paris is safe to drink. Restaurants will happily bring you a free carafe of water if you ask for une carafe d'eau, and there are public drinking fountains around the city where you can refill a bottle.