Paris

Paris is a city that lives up to every romantic cliché while remaining utterly contemporary. Start at the Eiffel Tower, but consider visiting at Trocadéro for the best view of the iron lady. The Louvre is a behemoth of human creativity; focus on one wing to avoid fatigue, or head to the Musée d'Orsay for Impressionist masterpieces housed in a stunning former railway station. For a quintessential Parisian atmosphere, wander the winding streets of Montmartre up to the Sacré-Cœur, where artists still gather in Place du Tertre. The Marais district offers a glimpse of medieval and Renaissance Paris, with its narrow alleys and the beautiful Place des Vosges. Don't skip a walk along the banks of the Seine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can browse the green stalls of the 'bouquinistes' selling vintage books and posters. Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its own personality—from the intellectual Latin Quarter to the chic shops of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It is a city designed for flâneurs—those who wander aimlessly to soak in the beauty of the everyday.

Eating in Paris is a daily art form. Start your morning at a local boulangerie with a 'tradition' baguette or a buttery croissant—look for the 'Artisan Boulanger' seal to ensure everything is made on-site. For lunch, a 'formule' (fixed-price menu) at a local bistro usually offers the best value and a taste of seasonal French cooking. Classics like Steak Frites, Duck Confit, and Escargot are staples for a reason. For cheese lovers, visit a 'fromagerie' and ask for a selection; remember that unpasteurized cheeses offer the most authentic flavor. Parisian pastry shops (pâtisseries) are like jewelry stores. Try the macarons at Pierre Hermé or the mont-blanc at Angelina. For a more casual experience, grab a crepe from a street vendor in the Latin Quarter. In the evening, the wine bar culture is thriving; places like Septime La Cave or Frenchie Bar à Vins offer incredible selections by the glass and small plates. Remember that in France, dining is meant to be slow. Most restaurants won't bring the check until you ask for it ('L'addition, s'il vous plaît'), allowing you to savor the wine and conversation.

Beyond the Eiffel Tower, the Canal Saint-Martin is where the locals hang out. It’s perfect for a picnic by the water or a drink in one of the many hip bars lining the canal. Another hidden gem is the Coulée verte René-Dumont (Promenade Plantée), an elevated park built on an old railway viaduct that inspired New York's High Line. It offers a lush, quiet walk through the 12th arrondissement, far above the city streets. For a touch of quirky history, visit the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in the Marais. One of Paris's most beautiful secrets is its collection of 'Passages Couverts'—19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcades. Passage des Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne are particularly stunning with their mosaic floors and vintage boutiques. For a panoramic view without the crowds of the Eiffel Tower, head to the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store; it’s free and offers a clear shot of the Opera and the Eiffel Tower. Finally, the Père Lachaise Cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful park where you can find the graves of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison among ornate tombs and winding paths.

The Paris Metro is one of the densest and most efficient in the world. Instead of paper tickets, get a Navigo Easy card and load it with 'carnets' (10 trips) for the best value. Most attractions are walkable, but the metro is your friend for longer distances. A crucial piece of etiquette: always say 'Bonjour' when entering a shop and 'Merci, au revoir' when leaving. It is considered rude to begin a conversation without a greeting. Also, keep your voice down in public spaces; Parisians tend to speak more quietly than many tourists. Water in Paris is excellent; look for the ornate Wallace fountains or the newer sparkled water fountains in parks to refill your bottle for free. To save on meals, do as the locals do: buy a baguette, some cheese, and a bottle of wine, and have a picnic on the Pont des Arts or the banks of the Seine. In restaurants, tap water ('une carafe d'eau') and bread are always free. Tipping is not required as a service charge is included, but leaving a Euro or two for good service is appreciated. Lastly, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas; keep your bag zipped and close to your body.