Paris Holidays

Big city energy

Museums, macarons and the Mona Lisa? Say less. Paris is basically the blueprint for city breaks. It’s the kind of place where you can tick off world-famous landmarks, discover hidden wine bars and get serenaded by street performers all in the same afternoon. But not all trips here have to be the same. Come for the City of Love and it’s all candlelit bistros and Montmartre’s romance. Or, meet her alter-ego – the City of Light – and check out the edgy bars and underground clubs in Canal St-Martin and the Latin Quarter. Whether you’re here for high fashion, gritty history or viral hot chocs, get ready to romanticise your life – okay Emily…

Iconic sights

France’s capital is stacked with icons. You’ve got the Eiffel Tower doing its hourly sparkle, the Louvre casually housing the world’s most famous painting and the Arc de Triomphe holding space in the Champs-Élysées. But Paris even makes small moments feel magic, too – watching locals playing pétanque in the park, sipping an espresso at a streetside café and catching the sunset from the steps of Sacré-Cœur. It’s giving main character vibes from every angle.

A muse and a moment

Creatives have been obsessed with Paris since forever. Writers, painters, fashion designers, film directors – it’s their muse for a reason. Dive into Montmartre’s boho art scene, browse indie bookshops in the Latin Quarter or pay a visit to legends like Jim Morisson and Edith Piaf in Père Lachaise Cemetery. Every arrondissement has its own personality, so you should deffo visit as many as possible and pick your fave.

Nightlife

You best believe that the City of Lights shines bright well into the evening. Happy Hour is just called ‘afterwork’ here, so keep an eye out for any signs to score yourself a deal on drinks. Café Marly is an iconic venue with a rather exclusive location, right next to the Louvre. The prices are higher here but it’s a special spot for a cocktail or two. To drink in the surroundings, head to the Les Ombres restaurant’s terrace bar – it’s got a completely unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower. For dancing, it’s all about L’Arc on the Champs Élysées. It stays open until around 6am and is a hot spot with some celebs. If you’re after more of a chilled one, take a seat for one of Paris’ numerous concerts, cabarets and shows. The Palais Garnier venue puts on ballet, the Opéra Bastille belts out classical music recitals or the Palais des Sports also has concerts and theatre shows. You can’t beat the sequins and show-stopping performances at Moulin Rouge, though.

You can read our ultimate guide to Paris' nightlife for some more after-dark tips.

Getting around

Want to tick off as many sights as possible or just pick a pace that suits you? Paris is a super accessible city and there are plenty of ways to get around. The Paris Metro system is a popular pick for locals and tourists. With its extensive network of lines, it provides easy access to all the major attractions and neighbourhoods around the city. You’ll need to buy a ticket or a travel pass in advance. Single-use tickets can be bought at the stations' ticket machines or at any Metro station's ticket office. But, if you plan to use public transport throughout your stay, it’s easier and better value to get a Paris Visite travel pass, which offers unlimited travel on the Metro, buses and RER trains. Remember to always keep hold of your ticket, as you'll need it to exit the station.