Things to Do in Paris: 5 Places

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Paris

Must-try foods in Paris

• Croissant au Beurre
  Croissant au BeurreA symbol of French breakfast culture, the 2026 trend emphasizes 'croissants de boulanger' made with high-quality AOP Charentes-Poitou butter. A perfect specimen must have a deep golden, flaky exterior that shatters when bitten, revealing a light, airy, and buttery honeycomb interior.
• Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée
  Soupe à l'Oignon GratinéeOriginally the 'soup of the poor' in the Les Halles market, this classic features slow-caramelized onions in a rich beef broth. It is topped with a thick layer of melted Gruyère or Comté cheese and crusty bread croutons, then broiled until bubbly and golden.
• Steak Frites with Sauce au Poivre
  Steak Frites with Sauce au PoivreThe definitive bistro staple. In 2026, the focus is on heritage beef cuts like 'onglet' (hanger steak) or 'entrecôte,' served with house-made, double-fried matchstick potatoes and a creamy peppercorn or Béarnaise sauce. Iconic spots like Bistrot Paul Bert remain the gold standard for this dish.
• Escargots de Bourgogne
  Escargots de BourgognePlump land snails baked in their shells with a vibrant green 'beurre maître d'hôtel'—a compound butter of garlic, shallots, and plenty of fresh parsley. They are a beloved appetizer, often enjoyed with a side of baguette to soak up every drop of the garlic butter.
• Duck Confit (Confit de Canard)
  Duck Confit (Confit de Canard)A masterclass in preservation and flavor, duck legs are slow-cooked in their own fat until the meat is incredibly tender and the skin is crisp and salty. It is traditionally served with 'pommes sarladaises'—potatoes sautéed in duck fat with garlic and parsley.
• Oeufs Mayo (Eggs with Mayonnaise)
  Oeufs Mayo (Eggs with Mayonnaise)A humble bistro classic that has seen a massive resurgence. The dish consists of perfectly soft-boiled eggs topped with a rich, house-made mustardy mayonnaise. The 'Association pour la Sauvegarde de l'Œuf Mayonnaise' (ASOM) even hosts an annual world championship in Paris to crown the best version.

Trip guide

• About Paris
  About ParisParis is a capital city with a documented history spanning over 2,000 years, originating as a Celtic settlement known as Lutetia on the Île de la Cité. The city’s architectural evolution includes the 12th-century Gothic style of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the 17th-century Classicism of the Louvre and Les Invalides, and the 19th-century Haussmann renovation.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Paris is from late April to early June or September to October, when the weather is mild and the city's parks are in full bloom or vibrant autumn color. Summer (July and August) brings heat and heavy crowds, while winter offers lower prices and festive lights despite being cold and damp. To avoid peak tourist season and high hotel rates, aim for the shoulder seasons or the late winter "off-peak" period.
• Getting around
  Getting around Paris

  • Air Travel (Charles de Gaulle & Orly) Major international flights land at CDG or Orly airports, which are connected to the city center via the RER B train line, RoissyBus shuttles, or official taxi ranks.
  • Eurostar and TGV High-Speed Rail High-speed trains arrive at central hubs like Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon, offering direct city-to-city connections from London, Brussels, and various European regions.
  • Paris Métro and RER Network The extensive underground system consists of 16 lines serving most city attractions; use the 'Bonjour RATP' app for navigation and purchase a Navigo pass for convenience.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Always initiate interactions by saying 'Bonjour' to shopkeepers and servers 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.
  • Keep your phone and wallet secured in zipped pockets or bags held in front of you to prevent pickpocketing in crowded Metro stations.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Paris

  • The opening of the new Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain at Place du Palais-Royal, a major architectural landmark designed by Jean Nouvel.
  • The 'La Caverne du Pont-Neuf' immersive installation by artist JR, which transforms the historic bridge into a 120-meter-long walk-through cave.
• 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.