Perennially chic and eternally cool, Paris is a city that offers contemporary-meets-traditional French culture, stunning architecture and one of the richest histories in Europe. From its palatial museums, grand designer shops and high-end restaurants, to the intimate cafes, bustling bars and petites boutiques, Paris will never go out of style.
Take in the view from the Sacré-Coeur
Experiencing the most spectacular view of Paris gives you a real sense of its timeless beauty. Head to Montmartre and climb the steps to the iconic, white Sacré-Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) church. It sits at the highest point in Paris and offers a view that rivals the Eiffel Tower’s - but won’t cost you a cent.
Cruise down the Seine
Another good way to get your bearings is to take a cruise on the Seine. Tours range from simple one hour tourist trips to themed excursions with dinner and drinks. One of the easiest and most popular options is to board at Notre Dame for a short excursion that cruises past the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Île Saint-Louis.
Spend the day at Musée d’Orsay
Often overlooked by the throngs that head to the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay boasts an enviable collection from the impressionist, post-impressionist and art nouveau periods. Housed in the former Gare d’Orsay railway station, the museum offers a breathtaking view of the painting, sculpture and design that gave birth to modern art. Works by artists including Gaugin, Monet, Degas, Manet and Toulouse-Lautrec are proudly displayed here.
Window shop on the Champs-Élysées
One of the most famous shopping strips in the world, the grand Champs-Élysées, with its designer stores and corresponding price tags, stretches for almost 2km. The opulent retailers may not suit everyone’s taste or budget, but if you start at Place de la Concorde and stroll up the length of this impressive avenue, bordered by the gorgeous Jardins des Champs-Elysées, you’ll end up at the Arc de Triomphe.
Explore the Île Saint-Louis
One of two natural islands on the river Seine, Saint-Louis is connected to the rest of the city by four bridges. Most tourists only see the island during a river cruise, but devote an hour or two to marvel at the 17th century mansions, discover the cute shops and enjoy a sorbet or ice cream from the famous Berthillon.
Sip a cocktail at Harry’s New York Bar
It’s over 100 years since a New York bar was dismantled and rebuilt, brick for brick, on Rue Daunou in Paris. If you love cocktails, some of the world’s most famous concoctions were invented at Harry’s, including the Bloody Mary, and you’ll add your name to a list of previous clients that includes Hemingway, Sartre and Blondin.
Sample the best falafel in town
With its narrow streets, hip bars and vintage emporiums, Le Marais is best compared to Soho in London. Once you’ve finished browsing the little cake shops, artisan perfumiers and quirky art boutiques, grab a delicious bite at the famous L’As Du Fallafel in the Jewish quarter.
Take a chocolate walk around Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Saint-Germain-des-Prés has gained a sweet reputation as the city’s chocolate hot spot. You can spend a sumptuous afternoon touring chocolateries and patisseries including Henri le Roux, known for his exquisite salted butter caramels; Ladurée, purveyors of the city’s most delightful macarons; and Un Dimanche a Paris, a chocoholics paradise.
Visit the Palais Garnier
In the heart of Paris, Palais Garnier is an architectural stunner, built at the request of Napoleon III in 1861. It inspired the Phantom of the Opera and if you want a taste of Paris grandeur at its best, book to see a ballet or Opéra national de Paris performance. Plus, you can reside in style less than 800 metres away: Hilton Paris Opera extends the classic Parisian elegance with crystal chandeliers, marble columns, bronze statues and stunning works of art as well as beautifully-appointed guest rooms and suites.
Dine at the Eiffel Tower
This instantly recognisable landmark is an undoubted tourist trap, but its legendary romance is also undeniable. If you’re looking for the ultimate way to round off a Parisian break, arrive just before sunset and, after a glass of fizz in the Champagne Bar, have dinner at the fashionable 58 Tour Eiffel on the first floor.
