Exploring Paris: how to get around, what to visit, and how to live a unique and special experience

Visiting Paris is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on every traveler. The French capital dazzles with its elegance, romantic atmosphere, and immense cultural wealth. Every corner invites you to discover history, art, and beauty,whether on foot, by metro, or aboard the famous tourist buses.

Exploring Paris means choosing how to get around, deciding what to visit, and, above all, discovering the reasons that make you want to return again and again. The city offers so many options that each route becomes a different experience,from peaceful walks through its streets and parks to visits to world-renowned museums or viewpoints with unbeatable vistas.

Paris can be explored on foot, enjoying the charm of its streets, squares, and cafés. Strolling leisurely is an excellent way to feel the essence of the city: the artists of Montmartre, the bookstores of the Barrio Latino , or the bridges crossing the River Seine create unique, lively scenes.

For those who prefer to move quickly and efficiently, the Paris Metro is the perfect ally. With more than 300 stations across 16 lines, it allows easy access to virtually any point in the city. Its efficiency, frequency, and extensive network make it the ideal means of transport for traveling quickly, economically, and comfortably.

Travelers can also purchase the Navigo card, a rechargeable pass offering several options, such as unlimited rides for a specific period (weekly or monthly). This card is especially convenient for those who plan to use public transport frequently, as it grants access not only to the metro but also to buses, trams, and RER trains within the urban zones.

Another comfortable and scenic way to explore the city is by using the Big Bus tourist buses, perfect for those who want to make the most of their time without wasting a minute.

These double-decker buses offer “hop-on hop-off” routes, allowing passengers to get off at points of interest and rejoin the route later at any stop. The stops are located very close to the main tourist attractions, making visits easier without long walks. During the ride, passengers can enjoy an audio guide in several languages and an unrivaled panoramic view of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Getting around Paris is not only simple,it’s part of the experience itself. Each mode of transport offers a different perspective of the city and helps visitors understand why there are always reasons to return.

Main attractions of Paris

Although Paris boasts countless attractions, museums, monuments, and parks to visit, this article highlights information about some of the main icons that represent the spirit of the city.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the undisputed symbol of Paris,featured in films, advertisements, and books. It was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and today rises to 330 meters. From its platforms, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the city, both by day and by night. At its base stretch the Champ de Mars Gardens, ideal for relaxing, enjoying a picnic, or admiring the illuminated monument at dusk.

There are two ways to ascend the Tower: on foot, climbing over 600 steps to the second level, or by elevator, which reaches the very top. Climbing on foot allows you to appreciate the structure up close and usually involves shorter waiting times, while the elevator offers comfort and speed. In both cases, it’s best to book tickets in advance,especially if you want to go to the summit, as tickets often sell out.

The Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the most important and most visited museums in the world, housing more than 35,000 works of art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Its glass pyramid, located in the central courtyard, has become a modern icon of Paris.

Keep in mind that the Louvre is immense, with over 60,000 square meters of exhibition space. It’s recommended to spend at least three hours visiting its main galleries, though art lovers could easily spend an entire day exploring. Buying tickets in advance helps avoid long lines, and planning your visit with a map or digital guide enhances the experience.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Located on the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a gem of Gothic architecture and one of Europe’s most admired landmarks. Its importance lies not only in its architectural value,with stained glass windows, gargoyles, and rose windows,but also in its deep religious and historical significance, as it has witnessed coronations, solemn masses, and key moments in French history.

Despite the 2019 fire, it remains an essential stop on any visit to the city. Entry to the interior is free, and access usually involves only a short wait of around 15 minutes, without the need for prior booking.

Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées

Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Arc de Triomphe pays tribute to the victories of the French army. From its terrace, visitors can admire one of the most striking views of the city, with the Champs Élysées stretching out below.

To reach the top, visitors can climb up on foot through 284 steps, enjoying the internal structure and the views along the way, or take an elevator reserved exclusively for people with reduced mobility, which leads to the attic level that houses a small museum. From there, an additional 46 steps must be climbed to reach the panoramic terrace. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through the Paris Museum Pass, which grants entry to multiple monuments and museums.

Montmartre and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart

The Montmartre district preserves the bohemian spirit that made it famous. Its cobblestone alleys, cafés, and artists’ studios evoke the cultural life of bygone days. At the top of the hill, the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur offers a spectacular panoramic view of Paris. Entrance is free, and visitors can reach it either by climbing the staircase or by taking the funicular if they prefer to avoid the steep walk.

The Seine river

Cruising along the Seine by boat is one of the most charming experiences the city offers. The cruises allow you to admire the monuments throughout the day, standing out especially at night when illuminated buildings such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay can be seen from a completely different perspective. Several companies offer these trips both by day and by night, so it’s easy to book at any time thanks to the wide and continuous availability.

The tours usually last between one and two hours, and some include dinner or an audio guide in multiple languages. Sunset or nighttime cruises are the most popular, perfect for enjoying the city’s glow at a magical hour.

The Barrio Latino

Located on the left bank of the Seine, the Latin Quarter blends history, youth, and culture. It is home to the Sorbonne University, as well as numerous bookstores, cafés, and traditional restaurants. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a meal or a drink on one of its lively terraces, especially as evening falls.

After exploring, discovering, and experiencing Paris, one realizes that exploring the city is much more than moving around and visiting places,it’s about becoming the protagonist of your own story.

Recognizing the iconic sites so often seen in movies, advertisements, or on the pages of books , but now from your own perspective ,allows every corner to come alive with emotions and sensations of your own, making each experience unique and special.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       By Yanina Navarro