We’ve visited Paris several times, and it continues to be one of our favorite cities in the world. This guide highlights how we like to explore it—slowly, comfortably, and with plenty of time for cafés, museums, Seine cruises, neighborhoods, and day trips that make Paris unforgettable.
Linda and I have been to Paris several times, and somehow this city manages to impress us every time. It’s beautiful, walkable, sophisticated, and endlessly interesting. Whether you’re into museums, café culture, river cruises, iconic monuments, or wandering neighborhoods that feel like a movie set, Paris delivers.
We’ve stayed in a few different areas over the years — from the polished elegance of the InterContinental Le Grand beside the Opéra Garnier to the intimate Hotel Westminster on Rue de la Paix, which became our base before a couple of barge cruises. Paris works whether it’s your first trip or your fifth. It’s a city that rewards taking your time.
Where to Stay in Paris
InterContinental Paris Le Grand (Opera District)
Elegant, historic, and perfectly located next to the Opéra Garnier. The grand lobby is a destination all on its own.
Hotel Westminster (Rue de la Paix)
A boutique, Old-World property that feels like classic Paris. We stayed here twice before European Waterways barge cruises because the pickup point was nearby.
Best Areas to Stay
1st Arrondissement: Central, walkable, close to the Louvre and Tuileries.
7th Arrondissement: Near the Eiffel Tower, elegant and quiet.
6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain): Classic cafés, galleries, river walks.
8th Arrondissement: Grand boulevards, shopping, and excellent transit.
A quick note: Montmartre is a joy to explore, but staying at the very top means lots of hills and stairs.
Getting Around Paris
Hop-On, Hop-Off Buses
This is our favorite way to start a trip to Paris. We ride the full loop first to get an overview of the city, and then begin hopping off at the places we want to explore more closely.
Two major operators run in Paris:
Metro & RER
Efficient and straightforward. The Metro is often the quickest way to get around, while the RER trains connect to the airports and day-trip destinations like Versailles.
Taxis & Uber
Easy, reliable options — perfect when your feet need a break.
Classic Paris Sights You Shouldn’t Miss
The Louvre Museum
The Louvre is massive, so we focus on a few highlights each visit: the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and the Egyptian collection. Even wandering the courtyards outside is worth the trip.
Musée d’Orsay
Home to the world’s greatest collection of Impressionist art. Standing behind the giant clock window is a moment that feels uniquely Paris.
Official Musée d’Orsay Website
Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
Strolling the Champs-Élysées is a classic Paris experience. The Arc’s rooftop offers some of the most impressive views of the city’s grand boulevards.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The exterior has been beautifully restored. Even from the outside, the flying buttresses and riverside views remain stunning.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
A hilltop neighborhood full of charm — artists’ squares, cafés, cobblestones, and sweeping skyline views.
The Neighborhoods That Give Paris Its Soul
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Home to legendary cafés, a rich literary history, and classic Left Bank atmosphere.
Le Marais
Bakeries, boutiques, and beautiful streets. A great area for casual wandering.
Latin Quarter
Bookstores, lively streets, and plenty of history mixed with student energy.
Île de la Cité & Île Saint-Louis
The heart of old Paris — riverside walks, cozy cafés, and a stop at Berthillon for ice cream.
Seine River Cruise
A nighttime Seine cruise is one of the most relaxing and memorable things you can do here. The bridges and monuments light up in a way that feels almost cinematic.
Dining in Paris
French classics: Onion soup, escargot, duck confit, steak frites.
Bakeries: Croissants and pastries that spoil you for life.
Prix fixe lunches: High-quality meals at great value.
Picnics: A baguette, cheese, and fruit in Luxembourg Gardens or along the Seine.
Day Trips From Paris
Palace of Versailles
The sheer scale of Versailles is breathtaking. The Hall of Mirrors, gardens, and fountains make this the most iconic day trip from Paris.
Giverny (Monet’s Gardens)
A peaceful world of water lilies, weeping willows, and Monet’s famous Japanese bridge. One of the most beautiful gardens in France.
Monet’s Garden – Official Website
Champagne Region
Reims or Épernay offer Champagne houses, cathedral visits, and rolling countryside. A relaxing, enjoyable escape from Paris.
Loire Valley Castles
If you’ve already seen the main Paris sights, the Loire’s castles — including Chambord and Chenonceau — make for an unforgettable day.
✈️ If You Go
Best Time to Visit:
April–June and September–October offer mild temperatures and pleasant walking weather.
Getting There:
Fly into CDG or ORY. The RER B provides a direct connection from CDG into the city.
Getting Around:
HOHO buses, Metro, RER, Uber, taxis, and plenty of walkable neighborhoods.
Currency & Language:
Euros. English is widely understood in major visitor areas.
Safety:
Paris is generally safe. Just be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.
Where to Stay:
InterContinental Paris Le Grand — grand and central
Hotel Westminster — boutique charm near Opéra
Saint-Germain or the 1st Arrondissement — easy, walkable bases
What to Pack:
Comfortable walking shoes, a lightweight jacket, and a small day bag.
Accessibility Notes:
The Metro involves stairs; buses, taxis, and Uber are easier on the knees.
