Paris Travel Guide: Icons, Cafes and Rooftop Views

Paris rewards both big-ticket sightseeing and aimless wandering. Here is how to plan a first visit without rushing.

Top things to see and do in Paris

Eiffel Tower

Visit at sunset and stay for the lights that sparkle on the hour after dark.

The Louvre

One of the world’s largest museums. Choose a few galleries rather than trying to see everything.

Montmartre

A hilltop neighbourhood of artists’ squares, steep staircases and the white basilica of Sacre-Coeur.

Seine river cruise

A one-hour cruise is a relaxing way to see major landmarks from the water.

Latin Quarter and gardens

Wander old streets, bookshops and the formal Luxembourg Gardens.

Cafes and bakeries

Start the day with a croissant and a coffee, and finish it with a long dinner.

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October are mild and pleasant. Winter is cold but quieter; summer is warm and busy.

How to get there

Paris has two major international airports and extensive train links across Europe, plus an efficient metro inside the city.

Practical tips for Paris

• Pre-book major museums and monuments.
• Walk as much as you can.
• Learn a few basic French greetings.
• Watch your belongings in crowded places.

Dinner in the sky in Paris

After a day of sightseeing, there is no better way to end the trip than a table suspended high above the ground. FlyDining pairs a pre-set menu with open views, and each session seats up to 24 guests.

Sky dining connection. Paris has its own FlyDining page where you can see session timings, current prices and availability: FlyDining in Paris. Seats are sold only online at flydining.com.