Paris: Travel guide to the city of light

Paris, also known as the City of Light, is one of the world’s top travel destinations, full of history, art and culture. From iconic landmarks to picturesque neighbourhoods and stunning gardens, Paris offers a rich experience for every visitor. Let’s explore the most important places worth visiting, to enjoy Paris in the best possible way.

Sights and points of interest in Paris

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, the iconic symbol of Paris, is arguably the city’s most famous landmark. Climb to the top for a stunning view of the city or enjoy a meal at the restaurant located on the second floor.

Notre Dame

Notre-Dame is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world. Although it was badly damaged due to a fire in the 2019, visiting its surrounding areas and gardens is still an unforgettable experience.

Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum is the largest and most visited art museum in the world. It hosts 35,000 works of art from around the world. Some of the museum’s most famous masterpieces are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Victory of Samothrace. Don’t forget to book your ticket online one week before because it is certain that you will not find last minute tickets. Also plan to allow several hours to explore this vast museum.

Picasso Museum

Picasso Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of works by the famous artist and is worth visiting if you are an art lover.

Orsay Museum

The Musée d’Orsay is located in a former railway station and houses works of art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is known for its collection of impressionist and post-impressionist artists such as Monet and Van Gogh.

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a monument dedicated to the great men and women of France. Tour the interior to see the tombs of celebrities such as Voltaire and Hugo.

Paris Opera (Palais Garnier)

The Paris Opera House is a masterpiece of 19th century architecture. Do not miss to visit its interior, with its impressive decoration and the famous chandelier. Mystery games are also organized at the Paris Opera. Book your ticket, search for clues and uncover hidden secrets.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées are two of the most famous and iconic spots in Paris, France.

The Arc de Triomphe was built after Napoleon Bonaparte’s order, in 1806, to honor the soldiers of the Grand Army and is decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from the battles of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. On the inner side of the pillars are engraved the names of 660 generals and more than 100 battles.

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In the center of the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, with its eternal flame rekindled every night. It is located on the Place Charles de Gaulle, where twelve avenues of Paris meet, also known as the Place de l’Étoile. For a relatively small fee you can climb up to the Arc de Triomphe. It should be noted here that for minors and adults between 18-25 years of age, citizens of the European Union, entry is free, as long as they show their police ID or passport.

The tomb of Napoleon I Hôtel des Invalides

The Napoleon’s tomb is one of Paris’ most important and imposing historical monuments, paying tribute to one of France’s most iconic military leaders.

It is located in the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, which is one of the most important and historic buildings in the French capital. The Hôtel des Invalides was founded in 1670 by Louis XIV as a hospital and home for war veterans. The building is known for its imposing architecture and impressive dome. Napoleon Bonaparte died in 1821 in his exile on the island of Saint Helena. In 1840, under the reign of Louis-Philippe, his body was brought to France, and a grand ceremony was held for his repatriation and burial at the Hôtel des Invalides. It is located under the central dome of the Saint Louis Cathedral (Église du Dôme), which is decorated with gold leaf and is one of the most impressive monuments in Paris. Around the tomb are bas-reliefs depicting Napoleon’s important victories and achievements.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

One of the most famous and luxurious department stores in the world is located in Paris. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is famous for its imposing stained-glass dome, which was built in 1912 and is one of the store’s most distinctive features.

The dome is 43 meters high and is decorated with Art Nouveau designs, lending an air of elegance and grandeur to the space. The department store houses a huge variety of products, from high-end clothing and accessories, cosmetics, jewelry, to homeware and gourmet food. It also has a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Paris, which is popular amongst tourists.

Important Gardens of Paris

• Jardin des Tuileries: These gardens are located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. They are ideal for a relaxing walk and offer a great view of the city.
• Jardin du Luxembourg: The Luxembourg Gardens are a favourite destination for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a stroll through the beautiful gardens and if you have extra time, pay a visit to the Luxembourg Palace.
• Jardin des Plantes: One of the oldest and most important botanical gardens in the world. The Jardin des Plantes was established in 1626 as a royal medicinal garden by Louis XIII and opened to the public in 1640. It was originally created for the cultivation of medicinal plants and the training of physicians. Over time, it expanded and developed as a center for botanical research and education. Today, it covers an area of ​​about 28 hectares (280,000 square meters). The Jardin des Plantes includes several themed gardens, such as the Rose Garden (Roseraie), the Japanese Garden and the Alpine Garden (Jardin Alpin). It hosts a wide variety of plants from around the world, organized into collections that are accessible to visitors for educational and research purposes. The Jardin des Plantes greenhouses are among the most impressive buildings in the garden, with exotic plants from tropical and subtropical regions. The greenhouses include the Grande Serre, the Old-World Greenhouse (Serre des Milieux Arides) and the New Caledonian Greenhouse (Serre de Nouvelle-Calédonie). The Jardin des Plantes Zoo, known as the Ménagerie, is one of the oldest zoos in the world, opened in 1794. It houses various species of animals, including endangered species, and serves as a conservation and education center. The garden also houses the National Museum of Natural History (Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle), which includes several exhibitions on natural history, geology and paleontology. The best-known collections include the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, the Mineral Museum (Galerie de Minéralogie et de Géologie) and the Museum of Paleontology and Anatomy (Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie comparée).

Important bridges of Paris

• Pont Alexandre III: This bridge is one of the most decorated and well-known bridges in Paris, offering great views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.
• Pont Neuf bridge: The Pont Neuf is the oldest stone bridge in Paris and connects the Île de la Cité to both banks of the Seine.
• Alma Bridge (Pont de l’Alma): The Alma Bridge is a historic bridge over the Seine, built in 1854 to commemorate the Battle of Alma. Today it is best known for being the site of Princess Diana’s death in 1997. Near the bridge is the Statue of Liberty, an unofficial memorial to Princess Diana.

Travel tip: Enjoy an evening cruise on the Seine with an aperitif, enchanted by the evening beauty of Paris!

Important Squares of Paris

• Place de la Concorde: The largest square in Paris, the Place de la Concorde, is located between the Ceramic Gardens and the Champs-Élysées. Dominating the center of the square is the Luxor Obelisk, an Egyptian monument over 3,000 years old.
• Place des Vosges: Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris, known for the uniformity of its architecture and the garden in its center. It is located in the heart of the Marais and is surrounded by elegant buildings with shops and cafes..
• Place de la Bastille: Place de la Bastille is historically significant as the site of the famous Bastille prison, which was destroyed during the French Revolution. Today, the square houses the Opéra de la Bastille and is a center for cultural events and demonstrations.

• Place de la République: The Place de la République is a large square known for the statue of Marian, a symbol of the French Republic. It is a popular spot for social gatherings and demonstrations.
• The Fontaine place de la contrescarpe: Place de la Contrescarpe is a small, charming square located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, also known as the Quartier Latin. The square is close to Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris, known for its traditional shops, cafes and restaurants. It is a lively and popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The Place de la Contrescarpe has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Its name comes from the term “contrescarpe”, which refers to the outer slope of a fort, indicating its defensive importance at the time. The square is known for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It is surrounded by cafés, bistros and bars, making it the perfect place to sit and enjoy the daily life of Paris. It became our favorite square, which we visited 2-3 times. It should be noted here that between 17:00-21:00 the café bistros around the square have happy hour on drinks, which means that you will drink beer and drinks for 5-6 euros. Café des Arts was one we liked the most.

Important streets and districts of Paris

Graphic Quarter of Montmartre

Montmartre is one of the most picturesque districts of Paris, known for its artists and the iconic Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Wander the narrow streets, discover small cafes and wonderful art shops. Be prepared to climb a lot of steps. Montmartre is built on a high point and that is also what makes it so beautiful.

To avoid extra walking, you can go by metro from Rue de l’Abreuvoir, a picturesque cobbled street that you should definitely walk and photograph. Head towards Tertre Square. There you will meet countless cafes and many artists to paint your portrait. If you want to drink your coffee somewhere quieter, head towards the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, start going down the steps and look for small cafes in the narrow streets. The 2nd time we went up to Montmartre we literally holed up at The Beans on Fire cafe to avoid the crowd and enjoyed great coffee. Also, an excellent choice is the Les 5 Marches café cantine which, however, offers coffee until 11:00, because at that time, lunch begins for the French.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Street

This street is known for its cafes, such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, where Parisian intellectuals and artists used to meet. Walk the street, enjoy the atmosphere, take photos in front of the most famous cafes, but head to the sweet Saint Pearl for brunch where you will find more down-to-earth prices.

Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous and majestic boulevards in the world. It is approximately 1.9 kilometers long and 70 meters wide. It stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. It was created in 1667 by André Le Nôtre as an extension of the gardens of the Palace of the Ceramics. It gradually transformed into one of the most famous shopping and entertainment streets in

Accommodation in Paris

Paris offers many accommodation options for every budget. You can find luxury hotels, as well as more economical options such as small hotels and hostels. The Marais, Saint-Germain and Latin Quarter areas are popular for accommodation due to their central location and lively atmosphere.

Transportation

The most economical way to get around Paris is the metro. The metro network is extensive and covers all important areas of the city, with a ticket of 2.15 euros per journey. To save money you can buy a bundle of 10 tickets (for 10 routes) at a cost of around 17.35 euros. Otherwise, you can issue a card with unlimited journeys either daily (cost 13.95 euros) or for 2-3-5 days (22.95 euros, 30.90 euros and 44.45 euros respectively). We issued the weekly card, which you issue every Monday in most metros, for a price of 30.75 euros, a cost which we think is very beneficial if the days are convenient. For the weekly card you will need a small photo (you can take a photo at the automatic machines in most metros) and of course don’t forget to write your name on it, as control checks are frequent and strict.

Also, the Vélib bikes, which you will find everywhere in the center of Paris, are a great option to explore the city. The only disadvantage we encountered in this case is the cost of 150 euros requested as a guarantee for the use of the bikes, which is returned. In this case keep in mind the cost of the guarantee.

Food, drink, entertainment

• You will taste traditional French dishes at very affordable prices at “Bouillon Chartier”. There are several, scattered around the center of Paris and are popular with both tourists and locals. They offer an authentic French cuisine experience without having to spend a fortune.
• Another option is the wider area around the Georges Pompidou Cultural Centre. Every day, around 13:00-15:00 most café bistros in the area have happy hour and combine dishes from their menu at very attractive prices. Our favorite bistro in this area, which we visited 2 times to taste duck at a very affordable price is «Au Pere Fouettard».
• At «AU P’ TIT GREC», 68 Rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris, you will try large and the cheapest crepes, in one of the liveliest streets of Paris.
• At «Rosa Bonheur sur Seine» you will drink beer, wine in the company of a piece of pizza along the Seine and with the Pont Alexandre III bridge in the background, one of the most impressive in Paris.
• At «Da Vito» you will try wonderful pizzas (we still remember its taste), while opening the pizzeria’s refrigerator door you will find yourself at the speakeasy bar «moonshiner cocktail bar».

• At «Candelaria» you will try Mexican tacos, while looking for the toilet you will find yourself at the speakeasy bar for super cocktails.
• Strolling from the Canal ST Martin, where you’ll find many locals sitting along with a bottle of wine, you’ll find the garden of «Le Comptoir General» to enjoy a quite drink.
• At «Lavomatic» you’ll think you’re going to do your laundry and you’ll be looking for which laundry door will lead you to the speakeasy bar to enjoy your cocktail.
• «Le Caveau de la Ηuchette» the most famous underground jazz club in the heart of Paris. You will definitely come across a live show, which is worth waiting in line for to get in, drink and dance.

Paris is a true treasure full of history, art and culture. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, this city always has something new to offer. Enjoy every moment in the City of Light, beautiful Paris.

See more about our trip to the city of light in the highlight stories #PARIS on Ιnstagram

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