A stylish guide to Paris’s famous sights and destinations

No matter your priorities when travelling—learning the history, seeing the sights, indulging in great food—Paris has something for every kind of traveller. And while it’s been memorialized in all sorts of films, musicals, television shows, and even books, there’s nothing like seeing the City of Lights in person. When choosing somewhere as popular as Paris for your next vacation, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. So much to see, so little time. That’s where we come in.

If you prefer to spend your vacation days hopping from museum to museum or restaurant to bar to café, we’ve got you covered there, too. You might even learn a historical fact or two about the city’s famous legends and architectural icons. From where to stay to the best parks for people-watching, and even a nature-inspired day trip, these are the 18 best sights and destinations to add to your Parisian bucket list.

Rodin Museum and Sculpture Gardens

It's no secret that Paris is one of the best places to view both historical and contemporary art. But rather than get a little taste of a lot of different artists, why not take a deep dive into one? At the Rodin Museum, you can view the largest display of the sculptor’s oeuvre.

Marin Montagut

It’s no vacation without a souvenir. For the home decor fanatics, head over to Marin Montagut. From tableware to poster prints to greeting cards, all hand-illustrated by the eponymous founder and owner, there’s something for everyone.

Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Unlike other art museums that are dedicated to traditional art forms like sculpture, painting, and photography, this museum is for the decorative arts. Furniture, pottery, fashion, and more all find a home in this stunning centre.

Le Peloton Cafe

It would be a shame to go to Paris and not pay tribute to one of the biggest sporting events of the country: the Tour de France. This cafe, named for the large pack of riders behind the leader, is central to the city’s cycling culture, and, as a bonus, the coffee is divine.

Fontainebleau

Not even an hour from the city centre, the forests of Fontainebleau offer a natural respite from bustling Parisian life. Known for its bouldering destinations as well as scenic hikes, this escape is worth a day trip.

Noglu

A shortened version of “no gluten,” the Noglu cafe is completely gluten-free, and based on taste alone, you’d never know it. Take an hour one afternoon and sample the menu.

Musee d’Orsay

While this museum isn’t the Louvre, many suggest it might be even better (blasphemous, we know). The Museum d’Orsay is less crowded but equally well-curated. The permanent collection boasts works by Manet, Renoir, Monet, and Van Gogh among other master painters.

Jardin du Luxembourg

One of the most beautiful gardens in the world, the Jardin du Luxembourg is 57 acres of beauty no matter where you look. While perfect for strolling and people watching, you can also ride horses, play lawn bowling, and take a boat ride around the the property’s pond.

Paris Catacombs

If you’re a fan of scary stories, horror movies, or weird history, the Catacombs underneath Paris are a must-visit. We recommend taking a guided tour in order to get all of the creepy historical facts as you wander the tunnels.

Palais de Tokyo

The Palais de Tokyo (Tokyo Palace) is a building dedicated to modern and contemporary art. As of 2012, it is the largest center of contemporary art in all of Europe.

Notre-Dame

This cathedral is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in the world. (It even inspired the famous musical/Disney film.) Go right at the turn of an hour to hear the famous bells toll.

Jardin des Tuileries

Situated between two of the most popular attractions in Paris—the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde—the Tuileries is a stunning public garden, perfect for a quick lunch or walk. It also holds great historical significance as the palace here was where Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette took refuge during the 1789 uprisings.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Occasionally referred to as the Brooklyn of Paris, the Saint-Germain neighborhood is where to go if you’re looking for all things cool and chic. The HB team cannot recommend the iconic café Les Deux Magots enough for any meal of the day (but especially brunch) and the countless shops for all kinds of vintage treasures.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

A surprising spot of nature located in the heart of Paris, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (named for the park’s hill where limestone was once mined), is one of the biggest original green spaces in the city.

Shakespeare and Co.

Since 1951, this quaint bookshop has been the hangout of famous literary figures like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jack Kerouac, and ­Allen Ginsberg, to name a few. Wander the stacks to find your next great read.

Sacré-Coeur Basilica

With a name that translates directly as Sacred Heart, this church is an architectural icon in Paris. Located at the top of the hill (the Butte Montmartre), it boasts one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the capital.

Rue Crémeux

If you’re looking for someplace a bit different to capture your Parisian photos, opt to take a stroll down the Rue Crémeux. This one-block pedestrian street in the 12th arrondissement features a row of quaint and brightly coloured homes to act as the perfect backdrop.

Pierre Hermé

Rather than brave the lengthy lines of Ladurée for traditional French macarons, head to Pierre Hermé instead. The treats are just as delicious (and slightly better priced).

Lead image credit: Pexels 

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