Why visit Paris?
From iconic bucket list attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles to picture-perfect pleasures such as a picnic by the Seine River, classes where you'll learn how to make croissants, and the seasonal enchantment of Christmas markets, you'll find so many appealing reasons to visit Paris.
Your first visit may seem magical, but even if you return many dozens of times as I have, you will never run out of new things to see and do. And honestly, every time I arrive in the city, I feel the thrill of the magic from my first Paris visit all over again.
Whether you fall in love with the jewel-like colors of medieval stained glass windows at Sainte-Chapelle, the addictive flavors of steak-frites with a glass of red wine in a cozy bistro, or the experience of stepping back in time as you wander through narrow medieval streets of the Marais neighborhood or explore the splendor of the spectacular Paris Opera House, you’ll create memories of your own special Paris.
As Audrey Hepburn famously said, "Paris is always a good idea."
So where to begin?
Start with our list of 10 irresistible reasons why you will love Paris - and then start planning your next trip!
Top photo: Flowers blooming in Tuileries Garden by the Louvre in May, (c) Paris Discovery Guide
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10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Paris Now!
1. Thrilling Iconic Tourist Attractions (Plus Some that Even Locals Miss)
Nothing beats the excitement of seeing the Eiffel Tower and other iconic Paris attractions for the first time. These are the sights Paris is known for, and for me, the thrill has never gone away, no matter how many times I see them.
But you'll find lots more reasons to visit Paris beyond just the most famous sites.
From Medieval masterpieces such as Sainte-Chapelle with its stunning stained glass to historical shopping arcades to fascinating neighborhoods to a hidden Roman arena where you can relax in the sun and watch a game of boules, Paris is packed with fascinating places to explore.
And don't forget about daily pleasures such as walking along the city's best food streets lined with markets practically overflowing with fresh produce and luscious cheeses, exploring the city's hundreds of beautiful parks and public gardens, and strolling along the Seine River. These are experiences that cost nothing and available for everyone - another reason why Paris is so popular.
10 Top tourist attractions in Paris you'll want to see
Easy Day Trips from Paris to Versailles, Giverny, D-Day Normandy Beaches, Disneyland Paris, & more!
Fun Ways to See Top Paris Attractions
2. Fun Things to Do in Paris
Explore the medieval streets of the Marais, lounge on a Paris "beach," tour the famous Les Puces flea market, or enjoy a concert in a magnificent Paris church or other exciting venue.
Take a cooking class, immerse yourself in digital art shows at Atelier des Lumieres, marvel at the beauty of cherry trees in bloom throughout the city during spring.
Find the coolest spots to see and photograph the Paris skyline - including a few you might not discover on your own.
Cruise down the Seine River, sail a boat in Luxembourg Gardens, and relax under the stars at an outdoor summer concert.
You'll never run out of fun things to do in Paris - or reasons why you should go for a visit.
Need More Inspiration?
Check out these iconic and lesser-known Paris scenes:
3. Paris Hotels & Apartments for Every Budget
Paris hotels and apartments are both more affordable than you might expect and perhaps also more expensive at the high end than you might imagine.
Spend relatively little on a budget-friendly hotel or splurge on a 5-star or "Palace" hotel for a few nights of accommodations - the choice is yours!
Hotels & apartments in every price range can be found in every central Paris neighborhood near top attractions.
Prefer an apartment? You can choose from budget to luxe.
Check out our guide to Paris hotels & aparthotels
Find deals, discounts, and bargains on Paris hotels & apartments
Booking.comCheck out the newest Paris hotels
4. Shopping ... Paris is a Shopper's Paradise
From the dazzling "Golden Triangle" of haute couture to Grands Magasins (big department stores) to trendy boutiques to the antique and vintage clothing in flea markets, shopaholics find plenty of places to stock up on Paris fashion.
In fact, for many fans of high-end and luxury goods, shopping may be the #1 reason why they visit Paris.
Need ideas? Check out my Paris shopping guide.
Don't miss the latest fashions in the Marais, designer outlets at La Vallée Viillage near Disneyland Paris, very affordable fashion in open air street markets, or Les Puces, the world's biggest flea market.
And be sure to indulge yourself at the famous twice-a-year Paris sales.
Paris is truly a shopper's paradise.
5. Paris Museums & Cool Street Art
The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou may be the most famous Paris museums - but almost 150 other museums and monuments offer exhibits on every topic you can imagine.
Be sure to also look at art on the streets - everything from classical sculpture to the latest creations by sometimes-edgy street artists. Start with a guided bike tour of Paris's open-air urban art "museum."
And don't forget - check out the many special museum exhibitions in Paris each month.
6. Delicious Food & Wine Everywhere
From haute cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants to the trendiest bistros serving local fare based on what's fresh, Paris will please your palate.
Stop by a bakery for fresh croissants and pain au chocolat, sample macaroons from Hermé or Ladurée, sip tea at Mariage Frères' tea room or indulge in a decadently rich hot chocolate at Angelina. Meander down one of Paris's epic food streets such as Rue Mouffetard (5th arr, Latin Quarter), Rue de Lévis (17th arr near Parc Monceau), or Rue des Martyrs (9th arr, close to Montmartre).
Explore your favorite cuisine and discover new favorites on a food tour.
Try different kinds of French cheese and discover your new favorites. Order a fromage and charcuterie platter, or stop by a Latin Quarter bistro for the famous melted cheese dish, raclette.
Dig into steak-frites at a brasserie. Savor the couscous in a North African cafe. Become addicted to Nutella crepes. Stop at the nearest chocolatier for an afternoon treat.
Try the onsite cafe at whatever museum you're visiting - most are quite good.
And remember - wine and French food are meant for each other.
Experience wine & cheese on a gourmet tour of Paris
7. Beautiful Parks & Gardens Where You Can Relax and Play
Luxembourg Gardens and Tuileries Garden are famous for their statues and beautiful flowers. Kids love to sail their toy boats across pools, go for pony rides, and even watch a puppet show.
Visit a hidden Roman arena in the Latin Quarter, the elevated Promenade Plantées, with views high above the city, historic Jardin du Tuileries across from the Louvre, the almost-hidden Palais Royal Garden, and Jardin des Plantes with its small menagerie, maze, and spectacular flower gardens filled with cherry blossoms in the spring, roses all summer, and dahlias and colorful fall foliage during the autumn.
And that's just the beginning of the gorgeous parks you can explore in Paris!
8. Day Trips from Paris to Famous Places
Versailles, Monet's garden at Giverny, Disneyland Paris, and several chateaus are less than an hour from Paris.
Go a little farther and you can visit the medieval city of Bruges, famous World War II battlegrounds, Mont Saint-Michel, and even London - and be back in Paris by evening.
Why visit Paris? Aside from all the pleasures of being there, it's the perfect base for fantastic day trips to so many other fascinating places.
Find out about more day trips from Paris
9. Fun Places in Paris for Kids and Teens (& their Parents)
Planning a trip to Paris with kids or teens?
Fortunately, Paris has LOTS of attractions and activities that are fun for the entire family - including teens.
And great news - most are inexpensive or even free for kids under 18.
And of course, kids love Disneyland Paris, just a short train ride from the city.
Find out how to get there from Paris
10. "Hidden" Paris - There's Always More to Explore!
After you've seen the most famous Paris attractions, what's left?
Plenty - it's time to explore lesser known market streets, indie designer boutiques, cool bistros and brasseries.
Relax on a scenic cruise up Canal Saint-Martin, visit excellent (and uncrowded!) smaller museums (including some that you may enjoy even if you don't normally love museums) find the parks where Parisians hang out.
All of these non-touristy places are even more reasons to go to Paris.
Pin Now, Read Again Later
More Articles about Visiting Paris
- Your First Day in Paris - What to do & see while jet-lagged
- Top 10 Paris Attractions - Don't miss these iconic Parisian landmarks and places
- Paris Hotel Guide - Where to Stay in Each Part of the City
- Skip the Line Tickets - Where to get them
- Paris Concerts - Schedule and tickets - from classical to rock
- Easy Day Trips from Paris - Versailles, Giverny, Mont Saint Michel, D-Day Normandy Beaches, Disneyland Paris, Champagne tastings, Loire Valley castles, London, Bruges, & more!
- Where to Stay on Your First Trip to Paris - Best neighborhoods based on your specific interests
