An insider’s tour of the City of Lights, featuring everything from the glittering Seine to gilded ancient buildings

The Seine and its graceful bridges, the Haussmann buildings’ homogeneous sandstone, the wealth of gilded historic monuments, and Paris’s glistening skyline have all contributed to making Paris the most iconic and romanticized metropolis on earth. 

Although the city wears its past—which includes monarchy, revolution, revolt, and artistic innovation—in a distinctive way, it is also turning more and more toward the future and the outside world.

Wandering through the Musée d’Orsay, getting lost in the Louvre, or darting in and out of Paris’s numerous medieval churches—many of which were repurposed as Republican temples following the Revolution—are all enjoyable pastimes for those interested in learning more about the city’s rich past. 

For those with more modern tastes, the less-visited outer arrondissements provide plenty of exploration opportunities, from boutique hotels and reimagined dive pubs in Pigalle to art venues on Belleville’s sloping alleyways.

View our interactive map below to view all the highlights in the area, then scroll down to read our recommended daily summary of the top attractions.

See our guides to the greatest hotels, restaurants, bars, nightlife, activities, free activities, and shopping in Paris for more ideas.