Things to Do in Paris: 10 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Paris

Must-try foods in Paris

• Baguette de Tradition
  Baguette de TraditionDistinct from the standard baguette, the 'tradition' is protected by French law and must be made on-site with only four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. In 2026, it remains the ultimate Parisian staple, judged annually in the 'Grand Prix de la Baguette' to find the city's best crust and crumb.
• Croissant au Beurre
  Croissant au BeurreA quintessential Parisian pastry known for its delicate, flaky layers and rich buttery aroma. While found everywhere, the highest-quality versions in 2026 are celebrated for using AOC Charentes-Poitou butter and achieving a perfect 'honeycomb' interior.
• Oeuf Mayo
  Oeuf MayoOnce a humble bistro starter, this dish of hard-boiled eggs with mustardy mayonnaise has seen a massive resurgence. It is now a cult favorite in Parisian neo-bistros, often elevated with toppings like trout roe, chives, or seasoned salts.
• Steak Frites with Sauce au Poivre
  Steak Frites with Sauce au PoivreThe quintessential Parisian bistro meal. In 2026, the trend has shifted toward high-quality, dry-aged beef cuts served with hand-cut, double-fried matches of potatoes and a rich, creamy peppercorn sauce that locals use to soak up every bit of bread.
• Soupe à l’Oignon Parisienne
  Soupe à l’Oignon ParisienneA deep, savory broth filled with caramelized onions, topped with a thick slice of toasted baguette and a generous layer of melted Comté or Gruyère cheese. It remains a legendary late-night comfort food in historic brasseries around Les Halles.
• Paris-Brest
  Paris-BrestA ring of choux pastry filled with praline-flavored mousseline cream and topped with flaked almonds. Originally created to commemorate a bicycle race, it is currently one of the most 'Instagrammed' and reinvented desserts in high-end Parisian patisseries.

Trip guide

• About Paris
  About ParisParis, the capital of France, is situated on the Seine River in the Île-de-France region. Originally a settlement of the Celtic Parisii tribe known as Lutetia, it became a Roman city before evolving into a center of French governance and culture. Historical Heritage The city contains five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the banks of the Seine and the nearby Palace of Versailles.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Paris is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (April to June) or fall (September to October), when you can enjoy mild temperatures and blooming gardens or autumn foliage. While summer offers the warmest weather, it brings heavy crowds and peak pricing, whereas winter is the most affordable "off-peak" period despite being cold and damp. For the ideal balance of pleasant weather and manageable tourist levels, aim for May or September.
• Getting around
  Getting around Paris

  • International Air Travel Most visitors arrive via Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports, which are connected to the city center by the RER B train line, RoissyBus shuttles, or official taxi ranks.
  • Paris Métro and RER The extensive underground rail network consists of 16 Métro lines and 5 RER commuter trains, providing rapid access to nearly every corner of the city and major suburbs like Versailles.
  • Walking and Velib' Bike Share Paris is a highly walkable city with a robust public bicycle sharing system called Velib' Métropole, offering thousands of electric and mechanical bikes at stations located every few blocks.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Always greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' upon entering and 'Merci, au revoir' when leaving to avoid being perceived as rude.
  • Request 'une carafe d'eau' at restaurants to receive free tap water instead of paying for expensive bottled options.
  • Validate your transport ticket before boarding trains and keep it until you exit the station to avoid heavy fines from inspectors.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Paris

  • JR at the Pont Neuf: A monumental public art installation by artist JR wrapping the iconic bridge (June 2026).
  • Fondation Cartier: The grand opening of its new Jean Nouvel-designed headquarters at the Palais-Royal, featuring over 600 works.
• Visit Paris Region↗
  Visit Paris RegionThe official tourism website for Paris and the Île-de-France region, providing travel guides, event information, and visitor services.