The Key To Getting The Most Out Of Your Next Trip To Paris: A Travel Guide

Paris, better known as The City of Love, is arguably the most beautiful city in the world. From iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, to side streets filled with hidden gem boutique stores and cafes, the city has so much variety. Still, many people feel intimidated when navigating the huge city. As a foreigner to Paris, it may seem like the city is set up for you to fail. However, once each area of Paris is broken down into the best hotels, restaurants, activities and once you get to know each of the sections, any traveler will feel much more confident when navigating Paris. 

The first, most important thing to know is that Paris is divided into 20 Arrondissements. One arrondissement is home to something entirely different and unique to the next one. While most of Paris is generally safe, the 19th and 20th Arrondissements are seen as the most dangerous and have the highest crime rates. It is not recommended for travelers, especially ones who are unfamiliar to Paris, to visit these districts, and particularly at night. It is crucial to remember that Paris is a large city and is known for its pickpockets, but with the proper precautions you can still enjoy your stay, worry-free. Paris is a beautiful city and has so much to offer and with this guide, planning your trip will be stress-free*. 

*Tickets for all activities can be found on each place’s website.

The 1st Arrondisment

Home to the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens, this district is a must-visit. Located on the right bank of the Seine, near the Île de la Cité—one of the river’s natural islands—it holds deep historical significance. It was once the site where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned before her execution and served as a Roman fortress for the regional governor.

One of the most iconic spots in the 1st arrondissement is Place Vendôme, located in the very heart of Paris. This elegant square, built under the orders of King Louis XIV, is home to luxury brands like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, and many more. At its center stands one of Paris’s most chic hotels: The Ritz. With gourmet restaurants, a relaxing spa, and boutique shops inside, it’s truly one of a kind.

Another highlight of the 1st is the Palais Royal. Here, you’ll find historic buildings—including a former palace—surrounded by a beautiful garden and dotted with vintage boutiques. It’s also home to the well-known Théâtre du Palais-Royal and a few small art museums.

Not far from there is the Hôtel Regina Louvre, another excellent accommodation option. Currently celebrating its 125th anniversary, the hotel is known for its enchanting views of the Eiffel Tower.

If you’re more focused on food, you won’t be disappointed. Pierre Hermé, one of the best pastry shops in Paris, is especially famous for its macarons. And for those with a sweet tooth, Angelina is a must. The wait can be long—up to 30 minutes or more—but their rich, velvety hot chocolate is worth it.

Looking for something heartier? Head to Le Soufflé, a cozy bistro with an impressively varied menu. From cheese soufflés to apple soufflés and everything in between, it’s a soufflé lover’s dream. If that’s not your thing, no worries—they also offer main courses, including fish, soups, and vegetarian-friendly salad options.

The 1st arrondissement has so much to offer and is an excellent starting point for your Parisian adventures. 

The 2nd Arrondisment

Meet the 2nd: the arrondissement of culture and business. While it's predominantly known as the business district, certain parts are filled with culture from all over the world. Take Rue Saint-Anne, a street that runs through both the 1st and 2nd—it’s a small Japanese district. With ramen restaurants, Japanese and Korean grocery stores, and small shops, it's essentially a mini Japantown right in Paris.

If you’re looking for something a little more French, the 2nd is home to the oldest pâtisserie in Paris: La Maison Stohrer, founded in 1730 by Louis XV’s pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer. On the very same street, Rue Montorgueil, you'll find boutique stores, cheese shops, produce stands, wine stores, and plenty of Parisians doing their daily shopping.

About a ten-minute walk from there is Chez Georges, Chef Julia Child’s favorite Parisian restaurant. Keep in mind that the menu leans more toward meat and fish, so it’s not particularly vegetarian-friendly. However, Pizzeria Popolare offers many vegetarian dishes and is one of the highest-rated Italian restaurants in Paris.

Besides its fantastic restaurants, the 2nd is also known for the Opéra Comique—a small but beautiful opera house with velvet seating and intricately painted ceiling murals. It definitely shouldn’t be missed. Another historically significant site is the Stock Exchange Building, located within the Palais Brongniart. Built under Napoleon’s supervision, the building is now used primarily for events and isn’t open to the public—but it’s still a great opportunity to admire its architecture and history from the outside.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the 2nd, Hôtel Westminster is a great family-friendly option and includes a business center, making it ideal for work trips. For a boutique hotel experience, Hôtel Filigrane & Spa is a wonderful choice. Decorated with vibrant colors that give the space a unique character, the hotel’s spa is set to open in just a few days.

The 2nd arrondissement is a great way to add depth to your trip and expand your knowledge of Parisian history. With culture from all over the world, it’s completely different from any other arrondissement—and that’s what makes it so special.

The 3rd & 4th Arrondissements

Meet the 2nd: the arrondissement of culture and business. While it's predominantly known as the business district, certain parts are filled with culture from all over the world. Take Rue Saint-Anne, a street that runs through both the 1st and 2nd—it’s a small Japanese district. With ramen restaurants, Japanese and Korean grocery stores, and small shops, it's essentially a mini Japantown right in Paris.

If you’re looking for something a little more French, the 2nd is home to the oldest pâtisserie in Paris: La Maison Stohrer, founded in 1730 by Louis XV’s pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer. On the very same street, Rue Montorgueil, you'll find boutique stores, cheese shops, produce stands, wine stores, and plenty of Parisians doing their daily shopping.

About a ten-minute walk from there is Chez Georges, Chef Julia Child’s favorite Parisian restaurant. Keep in mind that the menu leans more toward meat and fish, so it’s not particularly vegetarian-friendly. However, Pizzeria Popolare offers many vegetarian dishes and is one of the highest-rated Italian restaurants in Paris.

Besides its fantastic restaurants, the 2nd is also known for the Opéra Comique—a small but beautiful opera house with velvet seating and intricately painted ceiling murals. It definitely shouldn’t be missed. Another historically significant site is the Stock Exchange Building, located within the Palais Brongniart. Built under Napoleon’s supervision, the building is now used primarily for events and isn’t open to the public—but it’s still a great opportunity to admire its architecture and history from the outside.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the 2nd, Hôtel Westminster is a great family-friendly option and includes a business center, making it ideal for work trips. For a boutique hotel experience, Hôtel Filigrane & Spa is a wonderful choice. Decorated with vibrant colors that give the space a unique character, the hotel’s spa is set to open in just a few days.

The 2nd arrondissement is a great way to add depth to your trip and expand your knowledge of Parisian history. With culture from all over the world, it’s completely different from any other arrondissement—and that’s what makes it so special.

The 5th Arrondissement

In the 5th Arrondissement, also known as the Latin Quarter, you’ll find many of France’s most prestigious educational institutions, including the Sorbonne and some of the country’s top high schools—take Lycée Henri-IV, for example. It’s also home to Shakespeare and Company, the most famous English-language bookstore in Paris. Built in 1951, this cozy, book-filled landmark should definitely be at the top of your bucket list for the 5th.

Looking for museums? The Gallery of Evolution houses more than 7,000 preserved animals and is a fantastic way to explore biodiversity. The Musée de Cluny – Musée National du Moyen Âge is dedicated to medieval art and offers a unique, educational experience that will add depth to your visit.

Another must-see is Saint-Séverin, a breathtaking church originally built in 1230 and later rebuilt and expanded between the 15th and 17th centuries after a fire. Not far from there is the Panthéon, one of the arrondissement’s most iconic landmarks. It’s the final resting place of many key figures in French history, including Marie Curie, Voltaire, and Rousseau.

If you’re looking for nighttime activities, don’t miss Paradis Latin, the oldest cabaret in Paris. Le Caveau de la Huchette is another standout—one of the city’s most famous jazz clubs and even featured in the film La La Land.

A final must-do is the Rue Mouffetard street market—an amazing way to experience Paris through food. The market is colorful, lively, and filled with delicious options from all around the world, though you’ll find it leans, of course, toward the French.

And if you’re after a Michelin-star experience, be sure to book a table at La Tour d’Argent. Known throughout Paris for its extravagant dishes and impeccable service, it’s the perfect way to cap off your time in the 5th.

The 6th Arrondisment

The 6th is known for its iconic cafés, including Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, famous for their croissants, hot chocolate, and classic croque-madames and croque-monsieurs—plus so much more, of course. Another great option is Café Louise, which serves some of the best Nutella crêpes in Paris. All of these cafés offer vegetarian-friendly options.

If you're looking for an area filled with great art galleries, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the place to be. Packed with museums, galleries, and cafés, it's a neighborhood you definitely don’t want to miss.

Want to add a bit of history to your trip? Head to the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens. While the palace itself isn’t open to the public, it sits right on the grounds of the gardens, which are open year-round and free to enter. The gardens are absolutely breathtaking—with flowers of every kind and color, the stunning Medici Fountain, a playground for children, and the Grand Basin, where model sailboats float while visitors relax on nearby benches and take it all in.

For a more hands-on experience, try Molinard, a one-of-a-kind perfume-making class. Whether solo or with a group, you’ll get the chance to craft the fragrance of your dreams.

If you're looking for a place to stay in the 6th, Relais Christine is a top choice. Tucked away in its own private courtyard, it offers a rare sense of tranquility in the heart of the city. The hotel also features a Guerlain Spa set beneath 13th-century vaults—an experience as luxurious as it is unique.

The 7th Arrondisment

The 7th is definitely one of—if not the—most popular arrondissements in Paris. For starters, it’s home to the world-renowned Eiffel Tower, where you can take a quick trip to the top and explore the historical museums and restaurants inside. Le Jules Verne, a top-rated Michelin-starred restaurant located on the second floor, is an unforgettable dining experience. At the very top, you’ll find a 360° panoramic view of the city and a champagne bar to toast it all.

Want to see Paris from the water? Hop on a Seine River Cruise with Bateaux Mouches, which offers both daytime and dinner cruise options. Tickets can be found directly on their website.

If you're in the mood for museums, start with the Musée d’Orsay, located inside a former railway station. It houses an incredible collection of French art from the mid-1800s to 1914, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, and decorative arts. Another must-see is the Hôtel des Invalides, which covers the vast history of the French military and also contains Napoleon’s tomb.

If shopping is more your style, stop by Le Bon Marché, one of the most highly rated department stores in Paris—and widely considered to be the first department store in the world. It offers everything from clothing and shoes to beauty services like a nail salon. Not far from there is Hugo & Victor, a dessert shop known for its high-end chocolates and baked goods like croissants and éclairs.

The 7th also has no shortage of incredible hotels. One of the best is Hotel Montalembert, which offers a gym, spa, babysitting services, and a thoughtful, attentive staff—everything you need to make your stay exceptional.

The 8th Arrondisment

Known mostly for housing the Champs-Élysées, the famous avenue lined with stores like L'Occitane, Zara, Louis Vuitton, Galeries Lafayette, Levi’s, Apple, and so many more, the 8th has a lot to offer. But it’s not just about shopping—it’s also home to a few of Paris’s most iconic landmarks: the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde (the largest square in Paris), and Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful bridges in the city and a perfect spot for photos. These three are absolutely not to be missed.

If you’re more interested in fashion, don’t skip La Galerie Dior—a museum that creatively tells the story of Dior through its many iconic designs. For a different kind of artistic experience, visit the Musée Jacquemart-André, a private museum inside the former home of Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart. The couple spent their lives collecting stunning works of art and furniture, and today, their home offers a glimpse into their world. The building itself—inside and out—is absolutely breathtaking. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.

Feeling hungry? For something sweet, stop by La Maison du Chocolat, a luxury chocolate boutique. If you’re in the mood for something more filling, Nozomi Sushi is a five-star spot widely considered to have the best sushi in the 8th.

Need a place to stay? The 8th is perfect. Among its many great hotels, Prince de Galles stands out for its exceptional attention to detail. From a helpful concierge to extra care for guests with allergies, the level of service is unmatched. La Villa Haussmann is another fantastic option, with rooms that exceed most standards of quality.

The 8th is one of the most visited arrondissements in Paris—and clearly, it’s easy to see why.

The 9th and 10th Arrondissements

The 9th Arrondissement offers a wide variety of experiences—especially for shoppers. It’s home to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, a massive department store with everything from restaurants and boutiques selling Parisian trinkets and wall art to clothes, shoes, and more. One of the most unique stops inside is the Jellycat Café, an experience that delights both kids and adults. Here, you can “bake” a Jellycat plush of your choosing—maybe a brioche, maybe a macaron. It’s truly one of a kind.

If you're interested in a guided overview of the city, hop on the Toot Bus, which takes you through the streets of Paris past iconic landmarks, all while you listen along to an engaging audio guide.

For something more cultural, head to the Palais Garnier, the historic opera house that seats 1,979 guests and hosts concerts, operas, and dance performances. You can also tour the opera house during the day for a small fee and admire the beauty inside at your own pace.

When it's time to eat, try Chez Delphine, a popular French restaurant and bar with vegan options on the menu. Another great choice is Django, a cozy spot tucked inside what used to be a guitar shop. It’s well-known for its rustic charm and impressive list of natural wines.

The 10th Arrondissement, on the other hand, is a quieter, more residential part of the city, home to many Parisians and fewer tourists. It's known for its bohemian cafés and laid-back atmosphere—perfect if you’re craving a slower-paced day away from the crowds.

The 11th-18th Arrondissements

The 11th is an up-and-coming area, filled with hip restaurants and art galleries. One gallery that comes highly recommended is the Atelier des Lumières, an immersive art experience that brings famous works—like Starry Night—to life with light projections and calming music. It’s a beautiful way to see art from a different perspective.

The 11th is also home to one of the best open-air markets in all of Paris—the Bastille Market. With fresh produce, flowers, meats and fish, baked goods, cheeses, clothing, and even kitchenware, it’s a vibrant, lively stop that shouldn't be missed. The market is open Thursdays and Sundays year-round.

The 12th is a quieter, more residential arrondissement, mainly home to families.

The 13th is known for its diverse communities and is home to Paris’s Chinatown. Here, you’ll find shops selling silk, Chinese delicacies like lacquered duck and dim sum, as well as plenty of supermarkets and tea shops. The Butte aux Cailles, a charming street in the 13th, is also well-known for its creative street art and graffiti.

The 14th focuses more on traditional French culture. It’s home to the Paris Catacombs, a fascinating (and eerie) underground labyrinth. It also houses the Paris Observatory, which is currently under construction.

The 15th, like the 12th, is primarily a residential area. The 16th, however, is known for its beautiful architecture, foreign embassies, and unbelievable views of the Eiffel Tower—it’s one of the most picturesque parts of Paris.

The 17th borders the 8th, making it very close to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s a charming arrondissement with narrow streets packed with wine bars and bohemian eateries, perfect for a more local, off-the-beaten-path experience.

The 18th is home to Montmartre, a hilltop neighborhood full of charm and character. Here, you’ll find the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, one of the most famous Catholic churches in Paris. Also nearby is the Wall of Love, a touching art installation where “I love you” is written in over 250 languages. And of course, the iconic Moulin Rouge cabaret show—an unforgettable experience that belongs on any Paris itinerary. While the 18th offers a lot of amazing activities, it’s worth noting that the area can be less safe at night, so it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings.

Activities Outside Paris

If you're looking to take a day trip outside of Paris, Versailles is highly recommended. Just a 50-minute bus ride from the city, Versailles was once the residence of King Louis XIV and offers an unforgettable glimpse into the history of the French monarchy. The Palace of Versailles and its gardens are open to the public, and purchasing an entrance ticket grants access to both. Visiting both the palace and the gardens is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Another excellent option is a trip to the Fondation Monet in Giverny, which is around a 90-minute bus ride from Paris. This is the garden and home of Claude Monet, where you can see firsthand the breathtaking inspiration behind some of his most famous works. The foundation is closed in winter but reopens in April, making it a perfect springtime getaway for art lovers.

Protecting Yourself Against Pickpockets

As wonderful as Paris is, it does have its downsides, with pickpockets being the most notable. They tend to target areas heavily populated by tourists, like the Louvre and Notre Dame. However, there are several precautions you can take as a tourist to ensure your safety and enjoy a worry-free vacation.

• Never put anything of value—like wallets, loose change, or jewelry—in your back pocket. It’s the easiest place for a pickpocket to target.

• Leave your passport in the hotel safe. This is the safest option, especially since your passport is a crucial travel document. Just remember to take it with you when you leave!

• Use the inside pockets of your jacket to store valuables. This adds an extra layer of security if you need to carry important items with you.

• Don’t carry more than you need. Less is more when it comes to avoiding theft.

• If you're carrying a purse or handbag, hold it tightly under your arm or keep it close to your body for extra security.

Finally, always be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded tourist spots.

There’s a reason Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. Its elegance and beauty are unparalleled. From world-class shopping and iconic landmarks to delicious French pastries and stunning architecture, Paris truly has so much to offer. By familiarizing yourself with the city’s different areas and staying aware, you can ensure that your trip is stress-free and unforgettable. Bon voyage!