Paris, the capital of France, is a city that will leave you yearning to return again. The food, wine, culture, history, museums, monuments and music all make Paris special. This big city has thousands of years of history – it’s near impossible to see it all in one visit. You’ll fall in love with the City of Light and its many gifts.

 

Where To Stay
Staying farther outside of the city’s center can save you slightly on accommodations. I recommend spending a little extra to stay near the Eiffel Tower. The area near this famous tower is full of charm and is close to the metro, which makes it easy to get to other areas of the city. Plus, being within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower is magical. I'm a big, big fan of Hotel Ares Eiffel.

 

What To Do

• Musee du Louvre
  One of the world’s largest and finest museums, the Louvre is a must-see when visiting Paris. The Louvre is home to the famous Mona Lisa, Hammurabi’s Code, Venus de Milo and many other incredible works of art and pieces of history. The museum also features special exhibitions. Musee du Louvre is open daily, except Tuesdays from 09-18:00. The entrance fee is 17 EUR.

• Musee d’Orsay
  Home to mainly French art, the Musee d’Orsay, originally used as a train station, houses the largest impressionist and post-impressionist paintings in the world (thing Monet and Van Gogh). The museum is open daily, except Mondays, from 09:30-18:00.
• Tour Eiffel
  Famed engineer Gustave Eiffel designed and built this beautiful iron lattice tower in 1887. Visitors can take a trip to the top of the tower for 17 EUR. The tower is open daily from 09:30-23:00, with special evenings open until midnight.

• Notre Dame Cathedral
  One of the first buildings in the world to use the flying buttress, construction on this historic cathedral began in 1163. The cathedral’s towers and crypts are open to the public daily from 10-17:30 (18:30 during the summer). There are 387 steps to the top of the South Tower, and there is no lift available to guests. Tickets are 3 EUR.

• Arc de Tripomphe
  One of the most famous attractions in Paris, this monument is dedicated to those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The top of the Arc offers beautiful views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. It is open to visitors daily from 10-22:30 (23:00 in the Summer). Don’t try to cross the traffic circle to reach it! Access the Arc via the underground tunnel – the entrance is at the Wagram Metro exit.

• Catacombs
  The remains of approximately six million people fill this extensive underground ossuary. Open daily (except Mondays) from 10-20:00. Admission to the Catacombs and exhibition is 10 EUR.
• Pantheon Paris
  Many well-known artists such as Voltaire, Rousseau and Marat are laid to rest at this unique attraction located in the Latin Quarter. The Pantheon was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve. Pantheon Paris is open daily from 10-18:00, and admission is 7 EUR.
• Moulin Rouge
  The Moulin Rouge is arguable the world’s most famous cabaret. The original building opened in 1889, but it burned down in 1915 and was rebuilt into the building you see today. Visiting the Moulin Rouge during the evening provides the best photos since its neon lights are lit!

• Montmartre
  Paris's Eiffel Tower area tends to be busy during the day and much quieter during the evening. Tourists leave the area, and many shops and restaurants close very early. Montmartre, the area surrounding the Moulin Rouge, is filled with bars, nightclubs, and late-night restaurants. If you're looking for entertainment, this is the area.

• Sacré Cœur
  Sacré Cœur, or the Sacred Heart Basilica, was consecrated in 1939 and it situated perfectly atop Montemare Hill. If you climb the over 200 steps to its dome, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Paris (with the Eiffel Tower in the background).
• Paris’ Best Vantage Points
  Sacré Cœur, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe