Paris holidays & city breaks

What to do in Paris

Here’s the short of it – you're not going to be stuck for things to do during your city break to Paris. The City of Lights, as it’s affectionately known, really does have something for everyone, from star attractions (Tuileries Garden) to hidden gems (Galerie Vivienne).

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the world's greatest towers. If you’re a first-timer to the city, enjoy a more visceral experience by taking the lift to the top and gazing down upon the city. Head up after dark for a different, twinkly take on the skyline – and sip a glass of bubbly at the top-floor champagne bar while you’re there.

Hungry? Splurge on a meal at the second-floor Le Jules Verne restaurant or enjoy a bite at the less pricey 58 Tour Eiffel on the first floor.

The Louvre

Paris is home to well over 100 museums, but the crowning glory is undoubtedly the Louvre, one of the most visited museums in the world and home to masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres’ Une Odalisque.

If you've got cash to spare, book a private tour with your own dedicated art expert, skipping the queues and dodging most of the crowds in the process. Otherwise, visit in the evening, when the popular museum is quietest.

The Arc de Triomphe

Standing proudly amid chaotic traffic, the Arc de Triomphe is a symbol of Paris. Anchored in the star-shaped Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc is more than just monument – it’s also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and doubles up as a viewing platform.

For a small fee, you can trek up the 284 steps to the top, where you'll be treated to sweeping views over the city. Aim to visit at sunset to see it in all its stunning glory.

Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur

Discover the history of Paris at the arty, village-like Montmartre, thick with festival atmosphere and bohemian spirit.

Nowadays, the steep cobblestones leading up to the Sacré-Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris) can feel like something of a tourist circus – but veer off the main drags and you'll find hole-in-the-wall bars and buzzing cafés. Once home to struggling artists, absinthe dabblers and can-can dancers, this is a place where hints of the past still linger in the streets.

Centre Pompidou

In contrast to Montmartre, it’s all about the future at the Centre Pompidou, a colossal cultural hub/contemporary art gallery whose unique façade is as much a talking point as the shows and objects inside.

Its collection includes progressive modern and contemporary works like Louise Bourgeois’ Precious Liquids, Piet Mondrain’s New York City and Marc Chagall’s Les Mariés de la Tour Eiffel.

Where to stay in Paris

For families

One of Paris’ top neighbourhoods for families is Saint-Germain, which is near the Jardin du Luxembourg. A trendy, upmarket area with lots of cafés and galleries, it can be a charming base for families.

While Paris’ metro system makes the city easy to navigate without the need to stay right in the thick of things, if you do want to be within walking distance of some key sights, try looking at hotels around the Eiffel Tower. This will put you close to the Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin, or look to the 1st arrondissement, which is where you’ll find the Louvre.

For food and drink

The 11th arrondissement, which includes neighbourhoods such as Bastille and streets such as Oberkampf, should be the first place foodies look for accommodation. This area is known for its restaurants and bars. There are classic French food establishments, Mexican bars, pizzerias, bakeries and fine-dining restaurants that are booked up months in advance.

Another great place is Canal Saint-Martin, with an array of restaurants serving Argentine, Italian, Japanese and Korean cuisines. It’s also home to few health food joints too. For fine dining, stay around the Louvre, where there are Michelin-starred restaurants and some slightly less eye-wateringly-expensive options with great tasting menus.

For nightlife

The 11th arrondissement is a great place to kick-start any evening, with craft beer bars, rooftop cocktail spots and trendy speakeasies. Look around Rue Oberkampf for a great selection of bars, clubs and live music venues.

South Pigalle has a fun nightlife scene, with bars that range from basement dives to tiki-style joints, with some elegant cocktail bars thrown into the mix. It’s also home to the Moulin Rouge, where you can get the full can-can experience. Le Marais is another neighbourhood for party animals in Paris, and there’s a big LGBTQ scene here.

For culture

Stay in the 1st arrondissement to be within walking distance of the Louvre – one of Paris’ biggest cultural attractions – Notre-Dame, the Champs-Élysées and the Centre Pompidou. Around the Eiffel Tower, you’ll be near the Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin and Musée du Quai Branly.

If you stay in Le Marais, you’re still only across the river from Notre-Dame and also in the same neighbourhood as the Musée Picasso, Maison de Victor Hugo and the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme.