What is the Best Way to Explore Paris?

Exploring the beautiful city of Paris can be a very rewarding experience, but with so many options available it can be hard to know where to start. From historic monuments and museums to romantic restaurants and hip bars, there is something for everyone in this stunning French capital. To help you make the most of your time in the City of Lights, here are some suggestions on the best way to explore Paris.

Take a Walking Tour

One of the best ways to explore Paris is to go on a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide. Paris is a city best seen on foot with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleys – something you can easily miss if exploring by car or train. During a walking tour, a guide will bring some of the main sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Latin Quarter and Sacré Coeur to life giving you an insightful and entertaining overview of Paris as a whole. Taking a walking tour early on during your time in Paris is an excellent way to plan your itinerary and get an understanding of some of the lesser-known sites you would like to spend more time at.

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

For travelers looking to cover more ground and visit more sites in one day, then a hop on hop off bus tour might be the perfect option. Popular with tourists, hop on hop off bus tours make it easy to visit multiple sites including top attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Latin Quarter, Place de la Concorde, Montmartre and Rodin Museum. Bus tours run frequently throughout the day and offer interesting audio commentary on key points of interest. This is an ideal option for visitors who are short on time but still want to get a taste of what Paris has to offer.

Food Tours

Paris is home to some of the world’s best cuisine as well as boulangeries, wineries and chocolate boutiques – so it would make sense to incorporate at least one food tour while you’re here. Food tours are a fun and tasty way to get an understanding of French culture while learning some interesting culinary facts along the way. Most food tours will take you to some of the city’s most iconic restaurants, bakeries and bars helping you get an authentic French experience while sampling some delightful dishes in the process. A food tour is the perfect way to explore Paris’ culinary delights while getting off the beaten track and discovering some hidden gems.

Paris at Night

For those looking to explore Paris on an evening, there are plenty of great options available as well. Take a nighttime cruise along the River Seine for beautiful views of all the major monuments lit up against the night sky. Alternatively, why not try one of the excellent cabaret shows at the legendary Moulin Rouge? After dinner, head to the Champs-Elysées – one of Paris’ most famous boulevards – for some late-night people watching at some of the exclusive designer stores and cafes located here.

Rent a Bicycle

For those looking for an affordable and independent way to explore Paris, then renting a bike is an excellent option. Taking a bike tour around Paris helps you see more than you could on foot, while avoiding expensive and stressful taxi or train journeys. There are plenty of bike rental places scattered throughout Paris with varying levels of bike quality and cost. If possible, rent a GPS that comes with your bike for added security.

Exploring Paris can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with a little research and planning in advance your time in this amazing city can be truly rewarding. From walking tours with knowledgeable guides to delicious food tours, rentable bicycles and beautiful nighttime cruises – there are plenty of ways to explore Paris according to your budget and interests. TimeOut provides an excellent guide full of useful tips that can help with planning your perfect Paris experience.

An Insider’s Guide to Discovering Paris Beyond Tourist Traps

Paris, the epitome of romance, culture, and history, has enchanted visitors for centuries. But once you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, what else is there to discover? As a local, let me share some of the city’s hidden gems, special cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will give you a unique and unforgettable trip.

Local Gems

One of the best gems in Paris is the Musée Rodin. It’s a sanctuary of serenity compared to the busy tourist sights on the opposite bank of the Seine. Walking through the sculpture garden, you’ll see “Penseur,” the famous sculpture of Rodin, up close and personal.

Another gem is the hidden passage of Galerie Vivienne. This stunning nineteenth-century shopping arcade is a beautiful blend of vintage and modern architecture. The passage is full of small boutiques and cafes, and the mosaic floors and glass room are breathtakingly beautiful.

Cuisine Adventures

Talking about French cuisine goes beyond the quintessential baguette and croissant. A must-try is falafel at Chez Hanna in the lively Marais neighborhood. It might seem odd, but Paris is known for the best falafel in Europe, and Chez Hanna serves some of the best.

Another dining experience that you shouldn’t miss is Breizh Café in the hip neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Here you’ll find the most delicate galettes and crêpes, a perfect way to try classic Parisian flavors in a traditional way.

Cultural Experiences

Visiting Paris without attending a cabaret at Moulin Rouge is a missed opportunity to experience the city’s nightlife. This landmark establishment located at the foot of Montmartre boasts a history of over 100 years of gala evenings, glamorous costumes, and unforgettable performances.

Going to Latin Quarter, especially the Pantheon, is like taking a journey through time. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to soak in some of Paris’ ancient history and architecture, and the Pantheon’s crypt contains the tombs of some of France’s most famous citizens.

Local History

Paris boasts a rich history that goes beyond the well-known tales of the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. Go on a historical walking tour; you’ll learn about the French revolutyion and visit ancient buildings where important historical figures once lived. Walking through these streets will transport you back to the past.

Also, visit the Catacombs, the eerie underground cemetery where millions of Parisian bones and skulls are stored which are a silent witness to the many wars and plagues that developed Paris.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a unique way to see Paris, skip the sightseeing buses and try a bike tour through the city. Here, you’ll see hidden pedestrian streets and alleys of Paris and will discover quaint neighborhoods and small squares that are impossible to explore by foot or car.

Also, visit the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, the largest cemetery in the city and the resting place of many famous people, such as Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. It’s an unconventional walking tour, but it’s serene and peaceful.

In conclusion, Paris is a magical city that has delighted visitors for centuries and more. So, avoid “touristy” paths and let yourself be captivated by the city’s hidden treasures and historical secrets. Discover Paris through a local’s eyes, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime.