Paris Travel Guide 2026: Things to Do, Hidden Gems & Where to Eat

Paris never truly stands still, blending timeless history with contemporary style. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s always something new waiting around the corner: a café terrace glowing in the afternoon sun or a buttery croissant eaten by the Seine at sunrise.

This guide cuts through the noise, offering essential travel tips, hidden gems, and an insider’s ultimate food itinerary to help you experience the real Paris.

• The Louvre Museum: home to the Mona Lisa, pre-booking a timed-entry ticket is non-negotiable. For a quieter experience, aim for the early 9:00 AM slots or the extended Friday evening hours (until 9:45 PM).
• The Eiffel Tower: tickets sell out 60 days in advance for the most popular access: the Summit. For guaranteed access and an elevated experience, consider a special tour that includes entry, like our Eiffel Tower Reserved Access Tour with Champagne & Trocadéro Plaza.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: This is a place where you don’t just see history; you feel the depth of 850 years of Parisian life. To truly grasp this icon’s enduring legacy, our dedicated Notre Dame Cathedral & Île de la Cité Walking Tour is essential. Your journey begins with exclusive commentary from one of our master guides, providing the historical context you need. We then grant you 45-60 minutes to explore the grandeur at your own pace. This unique format ensures you get the expert insight and the personal time to be moved by the power of the cathedral’s rebirth. You can also add an upgrade to include admission to Saint Chapelle.

• Île de la Cité & Île Saint-Louis: stroll the cobbled bridges, find hidden bookshops, and stop for Berthillon ice cream.
• Montmartre: once home to Picasso and Renoir, it’s still a haven for artists and dreamers. Visit early morning or golden hour to skip the crowds and watch the city blush below Sacré-Cœur.
• Le Marais: Paris’s creative heart, filled with vintage boutiques, concept stores, and elegant mansions turned museums.

Tip: Join our Marais Highlights Tour with Victor Hugo & Bakery Stop to uncover centuries of art, architecture, and the best parisian delights you’ll ever taste.

The best way to know Paris is to slow down. Peek behind the famous façades to really connect with the city:

• Père Lachaise Cemetery Tour, Tales from the Graves & Crepes: visit Père Lachaise Cemetery to explore historic graves and the lives of iconic figures (like Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde).
• Passage des Panoramas: step into the 19th century inside this covered arcade lined with vintage shops and cafés.
• Canal Saint-Martin: grab a baguette and bottle of wine, sit by the water and watch Paris unfold like a film.
• Best of Paris: Royal Palais, Tuileries Gardens & Reserved Access D’Orsay Tour: enjoy a D’Orsay tour in Paris with reserved access, a walk through the Royal Palais and Tuileries Gardens, and expert cultural insights.
• Paris Darkest Tales: A Night of Secrets, Scandals & Legendary Bar Tour: explore Paris’ dark side with tales of haunted landmarks, infamous crimes, and secrets – ending at a legendary bar.

To ensure you find the very best pâtisseries and epicurean landmarks, consider a guided tour built for food lovers:

The Wickedly Delicious Dessert Tour of Montmartre: Indulge in Paris’ finest desserts on a guided Montmartre tour, exploring charming streets, historic cafés, and world-class patisseries while savoring exquisite sweets.

Paris Gourmet Walking Tour: Epicurean Flavors & Culinary Landmarks: Join a gourmet walking tour through the city’s culinary landmarks. Taste wine, pastries, and chocolate on this epicurean experience.

Staying ahead of the logistics will make your visit smoother, especially with new European travel requirements coming into effect.

Visa / Entry
EES System (New): Starting approximately October 2026, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will be introduced. Non-EU travellers will be required to register biometric data on their first entry into the Schengen zone. Expect possible slight delays at border control during the rollout.
Transportation
Metro: Use the Bonjour RATP app to buy and validate T+ tickets directly from your phone (on compatible devices). It’s the easiest way to get around Paris with tap-to-ride convenience.
Safety
Pickpockets: Be especially vigilant on the Metro (notably Lines 1, 4, 9, and RER B) and around major attractions. Wear bags across your body and keep phones and valuables secure.
Customs
Bonjour / Au Revoir: Always greet shopkeepers, café staff, and waiters with a polite “Bonjour Madame/Monsieur” when entering, and “Au revoir, merci” when leaving. This small gesture goes a long way in France.
Water
Free Sparkling Water: Look out for the city’s Wallace Fountains, which offer free sparkling (pétillante) drinking water. They are tall, dark green cast-iron fountains, often decorated with sculpted figures and a domed top, and are easy to spot on Paris streets. Carry a reusable bottle to refill as you explore.