Things to do in Paris: 5-day itinerary

Wandering through Paris is an endless treat. Whether you’re witnessing the sunset along the Seine, sampling delicious buttery pastries or taking in masterpieces at one of the city’s numerous museums, there is always something to catch your eye.

Join us as we explore iconic landmarks like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, cross bohemian neighbourhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais, and indulge in the city’s culinary scene.

Our itinerary below features the best things to do in Paris, from top attractions to recommended bars and restaurants and even day trip suggestions.

Day 1

Morning: Notre-Dame Cathedral

Begin your day at Île de la Cité, where you'll find the iconic Notre-Dame cathedral. While you can't go inside yet (the interior has been closed since the tragic fire of April 2019), you can still admire its striking Gothic exterior, capturing the flying buttresses and the two central towers. Renovations are due to finish in 2024.

Sainte-Chapelle

Slowly make your way west towards Sainte-Chapelle. This 13th-century chapel is renowned for its stained glass display. More than 1,000 biblical scenes are represented in the windows surrounding the building. You can rent an audioguide or download the Sainte-Chapelle stained glass app to learn more about these depictions. Inside the chapel, you'll also find a series of holy relics that once belonged to King Louis IX. Indeed, the chapel was originally built to showcase his private artefact collection, including the Holy Crown, which has since been moved to a safe in the Louvre. Visitors can enter the chapel for free on the first Sunday of the month between November and March. Another way to experience Sainte-Chapelle is to join one of the regular concerts. Tickets can be purchased at Fnac.

Shakespeare and Company

As you cross over to the left bank of the Seine, you'll enter the Latin Quarter. Right near the margin is the Shakespeare & Company, a legendary bookshop specialising in English books. It was named after another bookstore run by Sylvia Beach, which was a popular hangout for Hemingway’s ‘Lost Generation’.

Panthéon

It's easy to spot Paris' Panthéon thanks to its imposing neoclassical dome. The building was originally commissioned around 1750 as an abbey dedicated to Ste Geneviève. However, it was only completed in 1789. A few years later, it was turned into a mausoleum, similar to Rome's pantheon, to house some of the country's leading figures. Among the people buried here are Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. Between April and October, you can venture to the top of the dome (206 steps) to enjoy the panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Jardin du Luxembourg

Take a break from sightseeing at the Jardin du Luxembourg. The gardens are a popular retreat for Parisians and visitors alike. Stretching for 23 hectares, it offers plenty of space to lounge about. Take a stroll under the chestnut grooves, or grab one of the green metal chairs and find your own quiet corner. Scattered around the gardens are several buildings, including the Musée du Luxembourg (an art museum) and Palais du Luxembourg, which houses the French Parliament.

Église Saint-Sulpice

Just around the corner from the gardens is the Église Saint-Sulpice. Construction of this church began in 1646, but it took more than 100 years to be completed, resulting in a mix of architectural styles. Iconic features include the Italianate facade and the frescoes by Eugène Delacroix, which adorn the interior walls. On Sundays, you can hear the church's 18th-century organ playing in the background of the morning mass.

Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Next, head up to the Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the oldest church in Paris. The building you see today dates from the 11th century, but there was already an abbey here since the 6th century. It was the main worship site in the city until Notre Dame was erected. Over the years, it has undergone several restorations, with the Chapelle de St-Symphorien being the oldest section. The church hosts regular concerts, so be sure to check the calendar online in advance if you want to catch those.

Eiffel Tower

What better way to finish the evening than by visiting the Eiffel Tower? This iconic Paris attraction really comes alive at night when it's fully lit up. French civil engineer Gustave Eiffel designed the tower for the 1889 World Fair, and although there were plans to tear it down, the Iron Lady, as it's known, is still standing today. One way to save time in the queue is to book your tickets online. You can also get by faster by purchasing the stair tickets (it's about 360 steps to the first floor and another 360 to the second). If you want to make the most of your visit, you can always reserve a spot at one of the tower's two restaurants, which gives you direct access to the lifts. There's Madame Brasserie, where Parisian chef Thierry Marx serves anything from breakfast to dinner and the Michelin-starred Le Jules Vernes if you fancy treating yourself. You can also toast with a glass of champagne at the bar on the top floor. For the best shots of the Eiffel Tower in the background, head to nearby Jardins du Trocadéro.

Day 1 -Paris Tour Map

Day 2

Morning: Louvre Museum

With its iconic glass pyramids, the Louvre is one of the world's most visited museums. Spend the morning admiring the thousands of artworks stored inside this historic building, originally built as a fortress and later converted into a royal palace in the 16th century. When it opened as a museum in the 18th century, the Louvre stored about 2,500 pieces. Today, it has over 30,000. Among the highlights are antique statues like Venus de Milo, Michelangelo sculptures and numerous paintings, including Da Vinci's masterpiece Mona Lisa. Save time by booking tickets online or making a time-slot reservation using the Paris Museum Pass.

Jardin du Palais Royal

Take a slight detour to Jardin du Palais Royal to capture the iconic black-and-white striped columns designed by Daniel Buren, tour the boutique shops under the arcades or grab a coffee at Café Kitsuné. The imposing palace facing the garden houses the Conseil d'État. While it's not open to visitors, it is still worth capturing its neoclassical facade.

Afternoon: Jardins de Tuilleries

Slowly make your way to the Jardin des Tuileries. Dotted with sculptures and fountains, this 28-hectare garden gained its current appearance thanks to André Le Nôtre, the same architect who envisioned the Versailles Gardens. On the west end of the garden is what remains of the Palais des Tuileries, a 16th-century palace that was partially destroyed amidst the turmoil of the Paris Commune. The building (which was home to figures like Napoléon) has since been converted into two museums, the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Jeu de Paume.

Musée de l'Orangerie

Monet's large-scale Water Lilies are the highlight of the Musée de l'Orangerie. The collection fills two oval rooms on the top floor, built exactly according to the artist's directions. Meanwhile, downstairs is dedicated to early modern artists such as Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso and Matisse. The adjoining photography gallery Jeu de Paume, housed in the palace's former tennis court, is also worth the visit. Both museums are free on the first Sunday of the month.

Place de la Concorde

Just around the corner from the Musée de l'Orangerie is the city's biggest square, Place de la Concorde. Standing here, you can capture the Seine, the Champs-Élysées, and even the Eiffel Tower rising on the opposite margin. Established in the 18th century, the square has been the centre of many events, including the French Revolution, when thousands of people were guillotined here. Among them was Marie Antoinette. The grand obelisk in the middle of the square was a gift from Egypt and dates back over 3,000 years.

Champs-Élysées

From the square, take a stroll along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This iconic Paris boulevard is lined with a string of luxury shops and showrooms. Even if you're not planning to shop here, it's worth following the tree-shaded path linking Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.

Arc de Triomphe

Follow the underground tunnels towards the Arc de Triomphe. This triumphal arch was erected to celebrate Napoléon’s victory at Austerlitz. Climb up to the top for a 360-degree view of the city. The arch is a fantastic place to get your bearings, as it stands in the middle of the city's historical axis. To the east, you can spot Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, and on the west is the Grande Arche de la Défense.

Day 2 - Paris Tour Map

Day 3

Morning: Rue Cler

Kick off the day at Rue Cler, a street packed with speciality food stores and cafés. Many Parisians head here for their weekly groceries. Stop by A la Mère de Famille for some artisanal chocolates, get your fill of French cheese at La Fromagerie, or simply enjoy a coffee at one of the terrace cafés.

Hotêl des Invalides

Continue your tour at the Hôtel des Invalides. King Louis XIV built this large complex in the 17th century to house disabled war veterans. The building now houses the Army Museum (which features Napoleon's tomb), two churches and the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, which showcases military models of French towns.

Musée Rodin

Just opposite the Invalides are the romantic gardens of Musée Rodin. The French artist Auguste Rodin donated his private collection (including sketches, paintings and sculptures) to the state in 1908. The 18th-century mansion where the museum is now was where Rodin had its private workshop. His artwork is showcased across the mansion but also scattered around the rose-filled gardens, where you'll find his famous masterpiece Le Penseur (The Thinker).

Afternoon: Musée d’Orsay

When visiting Musée Rodin, you can purchase a combined ticket with Musée d’Orsay. Housed in an old railway station, this museum features a fantastic collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Artists showcased here include Monet, Manet, Cézanne and Van Gogh. Even if you don't visit the museum, it's worth capturing its Art Nouveau facade.

Place Vendôme

Cross over the river and make your way north towards Place Vendôme. The square and the surrounding arcades date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Napoléon got married in one of the buildings here in 1796. These days, you'll mostly find high-end boutiques, restaurants and the iconic Hôtel Ritz Paris.

Palais Garnier

French architect Charles Garnier designed this lavish opera house in 1860. The on-site museum is filled with posters, backdrops and costumes from previous performances. You can schedule a 90-minute tour of the building or visit at your own pace with an audio guide. If you want to catch a show here, be sure to book tickets in advance.

Galeries Lafayette

End your evening at the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette. More than a shopping mall, this Parisian building stands out thanks to its impressive glass dome and gilded balconies. It's worth heading up to the 8th floor for a panoramic view of the city, stretching from the Eiffel Tower to the Montmartre district.

Day 3 - Paris Tour Map

Day 4

Morning: Bourse de Commerce

Open in 2021, the Pinault Collection is one of the city's latest attractions. Housed in the city's former stock exchange office, it is the contemporary art collection of billionaire François Pinault. The pieces are spread across three floors and include anything from paintings and sculptures to photography and video installations. Visitors can also book a table at the Halles aux Graines restaurant on the top floor.

Centre Pompidou

Continue your modern art tour at the Centre Pompidou. The museum's collection includes more than 100,000 pieces. These cover a variety of movements, such as fauvism, cubism, surrealism and pop art. Noteworthy artists on display include Matisse, Picasso and Andy Warhol. Even the external façade stands out with its industrial-like pipes running up and down each floor. The ticket also gives you access to the rooftop.

Place des Vosges

While away the rest of the morning at Place des Vosges, one of the oldest squares in the city. Established in 1612 as Place Royale, it gained its current name in 1800. The surrounding houses all feature ground-floor arcades. One of them houses the Maison de Victor Hugo. This small museum depicts the life and work of the renowned French author.

Afternoon: Marché Bastille

A few minutes from the square is the Marché Bastille. It's worth browsing through the stalls of this traditional street market, which sells anything from baked bread to cheese and truffles.

Le Marais

Take your time exploring the medieval streets of Le Marais nearby. This picturesque neighbourhood is full of trendy bars, independent boutique shops and a handful of museums. Stock up on souvenirs at Bring France Home before touring the Picasso Museum or the Musée Carnavalet, which covers the history of Paris.

Canal de Saint-Martin

Go for a walk along the Canal St-Martin. The shaded towpaths are an ideal spot for a picnic or an evening drink at one of the terraced bars. Pick a seat along the banks and watch the boats sail in and out of view.

Montmartre

Hop on the metro from Colonel Fabien to Anvers. From there, it's a short walk to Montmartre. This hilly district was a favourite spot for many artists who lived here during the 19th century. You can still find many painters making a living on the streets here. The main attraction, however, is the Basilica Sacré-Cœur, with its imposing white dome rising above it all. The surrounding steps offer a stunning panoramic view of the city. Other attractions include the Musée de Montmartre, a museum that showcases the life of Montmartre over the years and the iconic cabaret Moulin Rouge.

Day 4 - Paris Tour Map

Day 5

Day Trips from Paris

• Versailles: If you can only squeeze one day trip from Paris, we recommend heading to Versailles. Catch the RER train early in the morning to allow plenty of time to explore the Château de Versailles and its ample gardens. This Baroque masterpiece was the seat of the royal court from 1682 up to the French Revolution. The palace was built during the reign of Louis XIV to depict France's monarchic power. The lavish interior includes frescoes, stained glass, chandeliers and woodcarvings. Meanwhile, the gardens are dotted with hundreds of statues, fountains and curated flower beds.

• Giverny: Impressionist painter Claude Monet spent much of his time in this small village in Normandy. The garden he planted served as inspiration for many of his artworks, including the water lilies featured in the Musée de l'Orangerie. It’s only open from April to October. You can catch a train here from Gare St-Lazare to Vernon. Then, walk up to the gardens or hop on a shuttle bus.

• Fontainebleau: Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the Fontainebleau forest, which features a variety of walking trails and rock climbing areas. Inside is also a splendid château filled with luxurious rooms. You can easily reach Fontainebleau via train from Gare de Lyon.

• Reims: Located in the Champagne region, Reims is a small town surrounded by vineyards. It’s worth visiting the cellars of Moët & Chandon on the outskirts to learn more about champagne and enjoy a tasting overlooking the vines.

• Chartres: The main attraction in this small town southwest of Paris is a medieval cathedral known as Cathédrale Notre-Dame. The 13th-century building is renowned for its wonderful stained-glass collection covering over 100 windows. Other noteworthy attractions include the Centre International du Vitrail and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. You can drive here or catch a train from the Montparnasse district, which takes little more than an hour.

• Vaux-le-Victomte: Head southeast to visit the Baroque Château de Vaux-le-Victomte. Established in the 17th century, it was designed by French architect Louis Le Vau, who went on to work at Versailles. Don’t miss the carriage collection and the fountain displays in the garden held on the second and last Saturday of the month. The easiest way to get here is to drive, but you can also get a train to Melun and then a bus.

• Provins: This fortified medieval town southeast of Paris is a Unesco Heritage Site. It’s worth wandering through its medieval lanes and visiting attractions like the Church of Saint Quiriace, the Cesar Tower and the Grange aux Dîmes. Come between April and November to catch a range of medieval-themed activities from banquets to falconry displays. There’s a direct line from Gare de L’Est to Provins.

• Château de Chantilly: Surrounded by a glistening lake and curated gardens is this striking 19th-century château. The grounds include two museums, a hippodrome and three restaurants. If you want, you can combine your trip with a visit to the medieval town of Senlis, a few miles east.

Other things to do in Paris

• Cimetière du Père-Lachaise: More than 70,000 people are buried in this infamous cemetery on the east side of Paris. Among the most iconic figures are Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde. You can scan the QR code by the entrance for a map of the area.

• Mémorial de la Shoah: Erected in 1956, this museum focuses on Jewish history. The exhibitions cover the Holocaust and the German occupation of France during WWII. There is also a memorial inscribed with the names of several victims who were deported to Nazi camps.

• Atelier des Lumières: This 19th-century foundry once provided iron for the French railroads. Today, it houses a large museum dedicated to digital art, with projections taking over entire walls.

• Seine River cruise: Hopping on a boat is a wonderful way to explore the city. Take a scenic ride along the Seine with the hop-on-hop-off Batobus or the Bateaux-Mouches, enjoy a sunset drink aboard a floating bar like Rosa Bonheur sur Seine or dine in style at the Ducasse sur Seine.

• Coulée Verte René-Dumont: Also known as the Promenade Plantée, this 19th-century railway viaduct transformed into a terrace park in 1993. Maple trees, bamboo and roses now make up this stunning green corridor.

• Parc de la Villette: Stretching for 55 hectares, this large city park is home to a science centre, a cinema, and a concert hall for the Paris Philarmonic.

• Marche aux Puces de Saint Ouen: Located on the north edge of the city, this is one of the largest flea markets in Europe. There are thousands of stalls here selling anything from art prints to clothing and vintage furniture.

• Musée National du Moyen Âge: This national museum is dedicated to medieval art. On display are a variety of objects from that era, including stained glass, sculptures and tapestries. Visitors also have access to a 15th-century mansion and a frigidarium dating back to the Roman era.

• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: This large park on the outskirts of Paris is filled with waterfalls, grottoes and a Roman-style temple that offers fantastic panoramic views.

• Halle Saint-Pierre: Occupying a former market, this spacious gallery showcases temporary exhibits on primitive and Art Brut movements. It’s also worth browsing through their art bookshop.

• Paris Catacombs: Head underground to visit the city’s eerie catacombs. In the 18th century, these tunnels belonging to an old quarry were filled with exhumed corpses and bones taken from the city’s overcrowded cemeteries. It takes about an hour to explore the 1.5km section that is open to the public.

• Shopping: Fashionistas will love exploring the city’s shops and boutiques. You can find luxury brands along the Avenue Champs-Elysées, visit historic department stores like Galleries Lafayette and La Samaritaine or explore alternative brands along Le Marais or Canal St-Martin.

• Musée Jacquemart-André: Explore this mansion-turned-museum showcasing an impressive collection of art and decorative objects. Located in a grand 19th-century mansion, Musée Jacquemart-André offers visitors a unique and intimate setting to explore an extensive collection of art and decorative objects gathered by the wealthy couple Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemar.

• Petit Palais – Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris: While the Louvre is famous, the Petit Palais offers an impressive collection of fine arts in a less crowded environment. The building itself is a work of art

• Palais de Tokyo - Musee d'Art Moderne de Paris: This contemporary art museum is known for its unconventional exhibitions and avant-garde approach to art. It often showcases cutting-edge and experimental works.

• Explore the covered passages: Paris has several hidden covered passages, such as Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas. These are charming arcades with shops, cafes, and a vintage feel.

Racecourses in Paris

There are about six racecourses in Paris and its surroundings. Set inside the Bois de Boulogne park, the Longchamp Racecourse is the most famous, as it hosts prestigious events like the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Also in the area is the Auteuil, which is renowned for its diverse jumps section.

Flanked by the historic Château de Chantilly (about 1 hour north of Paris), the Chantilly Racecourse is renowned for flat racing. The course hosts famous races like Prix du Jockey Club and Prix de Diane. These three are the most famous, but you can also add the following to your list: Deauville, Maisons-Laffitte and Saint-Cloud.

Things to do with kids in Paris

Paris is a great destination for families. The city offers plenty of attractions and activities for children. Most museums are free for kids under 18, and some offer special family workshops like the Centre Pompidou and Musée d’Orsay. If you’re planning to visit the Louvre, you can try ThatMuse, a fun scavenger hunt around the museum’s galleries. The city also has plenty of parks and gardens where kids can roam free, including the Jardin des Plantes (housing a zoo), the Jardin de Luxembourg and the Jardin des Tuileries. This last one hosts a small fairground in the summer.

Of course, one of the main draws is Disneyland Paris, a large amusement park filled with rides and magical Disney characters. Other places worth visiting include the Parc de la Villette, which features an interactive science museum and a planetarium, the Musée en Herbe (an art museum for children) and the Parc Astérix.

Where to eat in Paris

• Hollybelly: This lively café is the ideal spot for breakfast or brunch. Some dishes change with the season, but highlights include the savoury stack (pancakes with eggs, bacon and Bourbon butter) and the pecan cake.

• Stohrer: Founded in 1730, Stohrer is one of the oldest pastry shops in Paris. You can sample a variety of traditional cakes here, but among the favourites are the baba au rhum (sponge cake topped with a rum-flavoured syrup) and the puits d’amour (vanilla and caramel puff pastry).

• Frenchie Bar à Vins: Adjoining the Michelin-starred restaurant Frenchie is this cosy wine bar serving small dishes to share, from ceviche to bacon scones.

• Pink Mamma: If you’re in the mood for some Italian food, try this lively trattoria near the Moulin Rouge. Beyond the Italian treats (which include handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza), the restaurant is also home to a speakeasy called No Entry.

• L’Avant Poste: This farm-to-table restaurant makes the most of seasonal ingredients. Visitors can order à la carte or choose the tasting menu, a six-course meal that takes you on a journey through several French regions.

• La Jacobine: This traditional restaurant serves classic French dishes like coq au vin and onion soup. It’s conveniently located near Notre Dame, making it a great spot for a sightseeing break.

• Au Petit Fer à Cheval: Set in the lively Marais district, this tiny bistro has been around for more than 100 years. The menu features a mix of snacks and substantial dishes like filet mignon and duck confit.

• Le Pantruche: This gourmet-style bistro offers set menus, including a special lunch deal for under €20. You can also order à la carte. Make sure to leave room for the grand Marnier souffle.

• David Toutain: Chef David Toutain runs this two-Michelin-star restaurant near Invalides. The space also has a green star thanks to its commitment to sustainability. Guests can choose from a variety of tasting menus (four at lunch and two at dinner). Both of these can be paired with wine or soft drinks for an additional cost.

• Yam’Tcha: This Michelin-star restaurant is led by one of the city’s top female chefs. The menu offers a fusion of flavours, mixing French and Asian-style dishes.

• Le Verre à Pied: This small bistro on the 5th arrondissement serves a variety of snacks, including vegetarian options.

• Marché des Enfants Rouges: Founded in the 17th century, this is one of the oldest food markets in Paris. Beyond the fresh produce stalls, you’ll also find a variety of stalls serving anything from Moroccan to Italian treats.

• Le Cinq: Set inside the Four Seasons Hotel, Le Cinq is one of the few restaurants in Paris with three Michelin stars. Guests can enjoy their meal in an opulent dining room adorned with plants, chandeliers and ornate mouldings. Reservations are highly recommended.

• Les Canailles Menilmontant: This casual eatery offers a mix of fish and meat dishes. Visitors can opt for the set menu, which includes a starter, main and dessert. Highlights include the rump steak and the baba au rhum.

Where to drink in Paris

• Le Baron Rouge: This cosy wine bar is the ideal spot for an aperitif before dinner. You can pair your drink with a cheeseboard, a plate of charcuterie or oysters (available on weekends) when they’re in season.

• Bar Hemingway: Set inside the iconic Ritz, this cocktail bar is named after the American writer who was a regular here. Menu highlights include the apple-brandy-based Serendipity and the Dry Martini.

• Le Barav: Whether you're drinking on the spot or taking a bottle home, this place has over 200 labels to choose from. If you decide to stick around, you can sample their food menu too, which includes anything from carpaccio to French cheese.

• Sherry Butt: Treat yourself to a cocktail or a whiskey flight at this retro bar near Place des Vosges.

• Septime La Cave: Set just around the corner from the Michelin-star restaurant Septime is this sister bar and wine shop. They focus on natural wines, which can be paired with small plates like beef ham or pork terrine.

Where to stay in Paris

• Ritz Paris (5 stars): Located in the 1st arrondissement, Paris’ central district, the Ritz is a classic choice if you feel like splurging on your stay. Expect palatial rooms, fine dining restaurants, boutique shops and a spa, all within easy reach of the city’s top attractions. Many famous figures have stayed here over the years, including Marcel Proust, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Coco Chanel, who give names to some of the hotel suites.

• Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal (5 stars): Overlooking the Jardin du Palais Royal, this luxurious hotel features 59 rooms and suites, some of which come with a private balcony. Other facilities include a gym, a spa, and a restaurant serving anything from brunch to dinner.

• Hotel Montalembert (5 stars): Established in 1926, the Hotel Montalembert is among the first 5-star boutique hotels on the Left Bank. It is only a few steps from the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre. Small pets are welcome, and guests can access the spa of the sister estate, Hôtel Bel Ami.

• Hotel le Six (4 stars): Set in the family-friendly 6th arrondissement, this hotel is conveniently located near the Jardin du Luxembourg. There are connecting rooms available, which can take up to 7 people. Additional facilities include a restaurant, a library bar, a spa and a small winter garden.

• Hôtel Regent's Garden (4 stars): This hotel’s hidden garden offers a quiet respite from the crowds. The nearest attraction is the Arc de Triomphe, but there are metro stops nearby if you want to venture further afield. Guests can choose between rooms and an apartment facing the garden. Every afternoon, there is a complimentary open bar in the hotel lobby.

• Hôtel Henriette (3 stars): This charming boutique hotel offers the ideal base to explore the Latin Quarter. The friendly staff will gladly offer recommendations of things to see in the area. Rooms vary from single to double and twin. There are also connecting options for families.

• Hôtel Exquis (3 stars): A riot of colours and patterns fills the walls of this quirky three-star hotel. Located in the 11th arrondissement, the Exquis is ideal for those who want to make the most of the city’s food scene, as it’s near many bars and restaurants. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast for an additional fee.

• JO&JOE Paris Nation: This modern hostel offers a mix of dorms and private rooms. Facilities include a rooftop terrace, which doubles as a bar and a pizza restaurant. From here, you can easily walk to the Père-Lachaise cemetery, where you’ll find the graves of iconic figures such as Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison.

Best time to visit Paris

The best time to visit Paris is around spring or summer. This is when the city really comes alive with festivals and outdoor events like movie screenings and concerts. The sun is usually shining, meaning you can make the most of the terrace cafés, walks along the Seine and picnics at local parks. You can even sunbathe in the temporary sandy stretch erected along the Bassin de la Villette known as Paris Plages.

Autumn is also a good time to come if you want to see the city covered with orange leaves. Winter is a lot cooler, with temperatures often reaching as low as 3ºC. This makes it the perfect time to retreat inside and explore some of the city’s wonderful galleries and museums. There are usually fewer crowds around this time, too, and the prices of hotels are much lower than in the high season.

Paris Festivals

• Nuit Blanche: Visit Paris around early June to catch the Nuit Blanche art festival. During this evening, many of the city’s museums and galleries are free, and each neighbourhood welcomes a variety of performances, exhibitions and concerts.

• Paris Jazz Festival: Jazz fans will enjoy this annual music festival held every summer at the Parc Floral de Paris.

• Fête de la Musique: On the 21st of June, the city celebrates World Music Day and the summer solstice with a variety of free concerts. Aspiring musicians and professional players come together to play all day long.

• Cinéma Paradiso Louvre: This open-air cinema festival takes over the Louvre’s courtyard every year in early July.

• Bastille Day: Held on the 14th of July, Bastille Day is the biggest party in Paris. It celebrates the storming of the Bastille, which was a turning point during the French Revolution. The whole city comes alive with a series of events, including a military parade on the Champs-Élysées and a fantastic firework display near the Eiffel Tower.

• Paris Fashion Week: Paris celebrates fashion week twice a year: one around spring/summer and another around fall/winter. Fashion enthusiasts gather in the city to witness the latest collections by top designers in a series of shows held across Paris.