Paris is one of the most frequently visited European capitals. And with all of the things to do in Paris, that’s no surprise. In addition to famous French wine and cuisine, Paris has something to offer every visitor.
Honor the past
Home to almost 4,000 historical monuments, a tour of Paris is like a walk through the centuries. The Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower will likely be on your list. But learn the history behind Paris’ many common squares, like Place de Bastille, the center of political protest and social revolt. Place de la Concorde was the location of the guillotine that claimed thousands of lives in the 17th century.
Become an art aficionado
More than 153 museums dot the Paris landscape. In addition to the world-famous Louvre (home to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo), Paris also dedicates many museums to individual artists, such as Picasso, Rodin, and Salvador Dali. The Musée National d’Art Moderne and Musée Orangerie also contain stunning works from centuries past – and present.
Move fashion forward
One of the fashion capitals of the world, Paris is the place to shop ‘til you drop. Boutiques, department stores and shops dot the landscape. The ornate and beautiful Champs-Elysées is a boulevard of dreams come true for any born shopper. High streets like Avenue Montaigne and Faubourg Saint-Honoré are the meccas of Parisian couture.
Experience architecture through the ages
Just strolling through the city will bring you back in time, when architecture was an art form. Maintaining many of its ornate buildings, Paris is also home to some of the most breathtaking cathedrals of all time. The famous cathedral Notre Dame de Paris, built in the 12th century, is an architectural marvel. The Gothic Sainte-Chappelle chapel and Eglise de la Madeleine are also worth a visit.
Enjoy natural surroundings in an urban setting
Although Paris is a busy and modern metropolis, there are still plenty of opportunities to be surrounded by nature. Stroll through the Tuileries Gardens (Jardin des Tuileries), the Luxembourg Gardens, and the Jardin des Plants to get a hint of Paris’ natural beauty.
Find a neighborhood for every taste
Split into 20 arondissements (administrative districts), Paris is home to a wide variety of neighborhoods. Montmartre and Montparnasse are home to artists and creatives, and contain plenty of studios, cafes and galleries. The Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin) is filled with students, as many of the city’s finest schools are there. Le Marais is one of Paris’ most culturally (and architecturally) diverse areas.
Read about traveling around France by train.
