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Paris is Always a Good Idea: 10 Reasons to Visit Paris


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03/16/23

Why Visit Paris?

Paris is always a good idea. The French capital is one of the most romantic cities in Europe and one of the world’s most visited cities.

There are endless reasons to visit Paris repeatedly: it is a beautiful and cultural city, very walkable, with great sights, and it has been a source of inspiration for many writers, artists, and filmmakers. ‘Paris is Always a Good Idea‘, Audrey Hepburn said. But why people love Paris so much? Why visit Paris?

As locals in Paris, we are lucky to enjoy the City of Light all year round, through its different seasons, events, and also different moods. We like to play explorers in our city and wander around the districts of Paris, from the most touristy to the most popular with the amazed eyes of the enamored stroller.

There’s always familiar air through the streets of Paris, which is never quite the same or quite another. Between a postcard panorama and the inhabitants’ reality, the eternal Paname, in perpetual motion, is constantly evolving, keeping the living traces of its history in its heart of stone.

If you wonder why Paris is the best place to visit or why you should go to Paris, this article is for you. Below, we share what we love most about Paris –  the top 10 reasons to visit Paris – completing the list with beautiful shots by fellow travel bloggers.

Because Paris is Always a Good Idea 

Paris is Always a Good Idea

NB: This post is dedicated to N, thanks for your courage and effort to become a Parisian!

Paris is Always a Good Idea

Seasons in Paris

Cherry Blossoms - Champ de Mars

What is the best time to visit Paris? All the seasons in Paris have their charm, and if you can visit the city more than once, try to do it under different seasons for a different Paris experience.

In Spring, the exuberance of flowering trees and cherry and apple trees’ beauty are all sweet promises.

Summer is the craziest season in Paris, the high season when everybody wants to come, and the locals can’t wait to leave. But summer is also the season of the best festivals, apéritif drinks on the terrace, and nights under the stars.

In autumn, Paris returns to tranquility and can cuddle its guests. The fall foliage in Paris parks is something to see, while the natural light playing on the other of the stone is exceptional.

When winter and the winter holidays come, Paris’s streets are all lit up to reveal their enchantment.

The River Seine, Paris’ Most Beautiful Avenue

Visit Paris Seine River
photo by Tom Mc Clive, July 2016 | A World of Flophouses 

The River Seine (La Seine in French) is Paris’ most beautiful avenue and one of the main reasons to go to Paris. The River Seine winds its way through the heart of Paris, bisecting it from east to west. It is the origin of the city, and Paris’s development is uniquely tied to the river.

A stroll along the Seine’s banks on a sunny day is a wonder: majestic historical buildings reflected on its waters, the typical Parisian rooftops, the bridges of the Seine, each one with a unique style . . . But also the iconic bouquinistes, improvised picnics by locals dangling their feet over the water, and even a crazy beach area in the summer!

At sunset, take a Seine night cruise to enjoy the City’s top monuments’ nocturnal revival: magical atmosphere guaranteed.

Beautiful Architecture

Visit Paris Montmartre
photo by Christopher Rudder, July 2011 | Rudderless Travel | 

From Roman times to the Middle Ages, from the Haussmannian creations to the contemporary buildings, Paris’s architectural richness is anchored in the form of contemporaneity that goes beyond the idea of ​​a city-museum.

Paris also offers visitors an interesting game of architectural contrasts that can only enhance its beauty: Pei’s pyramid in the Louvre’s classic courtyard, the ultramodern Centre Pompidou in front of Gothic Saint-Merry Church, or the Musée du Quai Branly at the foot of the Eiffel Tower are only a few examples.

Next time you visit Paris, watch it from above to admire the city’s landscape and its architectural blend. During the day, several landmarks offer breathtaking panoramic views of Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, Tour Montparnasse, or Arc de Triomphe. At night, admire the city’s skyline from some of the best rooftop bars in Paris, cocktail in hand, and gazing across the lights and landmarks that define the city.

With such magnificent architecture and views, it’s no wonder that Paris is on everybody’s Europe Bucket List!

GOOD TO KNOW: Why is Paris also known as ‘The City of Light’ or ‘City of Lights’? This is because, in the past, it was a famous center of education and ideas. Also, Paris was one of the first cities to adopt street lighting. In 1828, Paris started lighting the Champs-Elysées with gas lamps.

The Capital of Haute Couture and Fashion

Shopping Paris - Le Bon Marché
Shopping is one of the favorite reasons to visit Paris

Paris is always a good idea, also for great shopping. Thanks to fashion designers like Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, or Yves Saint Laurent, Paris is today the capital of haute couture and fashion.

There is great shopping in the city, especially in the famous Golden Triangle of Paris (Champs Elysées – Avenue Georges V – Avenue Montaigne). The most prestigious international labels display their best creations.

More modest budgets will prefer the Grands Boulevards with its huge Art-Déco shopping malls or the streets of Le Marais, with their trendy shops and vintage shops.

Paris is a Cultural City

Skip the line Cité des Sciences
photo by Norbert Micus, October 2016 | France Bucket List

If you like arts and culture, you will quickly understand why Paris is the best place to visit. Paris is a source of inspiration for cinema, literature, music, but it also inspires the most cultured visitors with its artistic and cultural program.

The city counts 153 museums, with worldwide known names like the Louvre Museum or the Orsay Museum. If you are looking for more peaceful places to cure your thirst for art, other museums like the Modern Art Museum or the Musée des Arts et Métiers are also interesting.

Paris always attracted great creators looking for inspiration and fame. Today, people can visit the work of artists like Picasso, Dali,  Zadkine, or Monet in beautiful, intimate museums, or even in their original workshops.

For a more local experience, visit the Musée Carnevalet, which offers a fascinating glimpse into Paris’s history. Or explore some smaller museums like the Paris Sewer Museum or the (oh so Parisian) Perfume Museum.

Finally, don’t miss the theatres’ programs, the two opera houses, neighborhood cinemas, auteur cinemas, and cabarets. And the art & photography galleries that punctuate the streets of Le Marais offer many free exhibitions of absolute tranquility.

Art in Paris
photo by Cindy Baker, October 2016 | Travel Bliss N

The City of 100 Villages

Passage de l'Ancre - Paris

One of the reasons why Paris is the best place to visit is its capacity to wonder first-timers and more experienced visitors.

Paris is the city of the Haussmannian buildings and boulevards. Still, it is also the city of a hundred villages: flowery alleys, country villas, and bucolic dead ends are a total change of scenery and the curious walkers’ joy.

In the heart of the city of stone, try to venture off the beaten path, and you may find a Paris stuck in time, exotic and out of the ordinary. These micro-neighborhoods such as Butte Bergeyre, Mouzaïa, or the Butte aux Cailles are all wonderful places – far from the urban rush – waiting to be discovered.

The Green Spaces: Out of the City without Leaving the City

Parcs of Paris

Paris boasts more than 450 parks and gardens, true verdant settings to breathe fresh air and places of happy memories.

The best parks in Paris include popular names like the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris 6 or the Tuileries Gardens in Paris 1. Still, there are also lesser-known places like Parc des Buttes Chaumont or the Promenade Plantée, waiting to be discovered. Adventurous walkers will head to the Petite Ceinture for one of the most quirky explorations in Paris. 

The Café Culture in Paris 

Parisian Cafe

The Parisian cafe, complete with the row of round tables facing outward to the sidewalk, is something of an icon and one of Paris’s best pleasures. Even though the weather in Paris can be capricious, there will always be someone parked there with a newspaper, an espresso, or a café crème.

Parisian cafes were the meeting place of the French Enlightenment in the 17th century, and they were the stage of passionately engaging intellectual chats during the roaring twenties. People like Hemingway or Sartre made these public spaces their workplaces, and some of their masterworks were born in Parisian cafes.

What to do in a Parisian cafe? You should people-watch. Just sit on the row of tiny, round tables facing outward, order your coffee (or another drink), and take all the time you need to relax, watching the world go by.

French Gastronomy

Escargots - Snails

Why go to Paris instead of another European capital? Paris and France are also well known for their cuisine. French cuisine and Paris food sound fancy, but in the end, it’s all about quality – fresh produce and creating a harmonious dish that elevates the quality of the main ingredient.

The City of Lights boasts over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants, but people with lower budgets can also have an amazing meal in a traditional brasserie or a Parisian bistro.

Food Tours are also a great way to discover a specific Arrondissement of Paris while tasting some of the city’s famous foods. Food tours in Paris usually last 3 to 4 hours and combine walking & sightseeing with gourmet breaks, so you get the best of both worlds.

All this without forgetting the French wine! Wine is one of France’s treasures; the wine regions of France produce between 7 and 8 billion bottles of wine per year! Wine-tasting tours (or just a glass in a trendy wine bar) are a great way to start a memorable night in Paris, especially if paired with a plate of cheese.

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The Sparkling Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower in Paris
photo by Alessandra Branco, October 2016 | An ex-pat diary |

Paris is always a good idea to see The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris and France. Perhaps is the Eiffel Tower what makes Paris one of the most romantic cities in Europe?

Despite all the controversy during its construction and inauguration for the World’s Fair (1889), today, we cannot imagine visiting Paris without climbing up to the Tower’s summit for some of the best views of Paris.

Since 1985, the Eiffel Tower is adorned with lights that sparkle for 5 minutes every hour on the hour. The sparkling has a reach of 80 kilometers, being this the signal for the nocturnal revival of monuments in Paris.

If you can afford it, book a hotel with Eiffel Tower views for a memorable Paris trip.

Eiffel Tower Paris
photo by Sheila Boudreaux, 2015 | No tour guide needed | IG 

DID YOU KNOW? According to YouTube, the Eiffel Tower is one of the Most Romantic Places to Propose in the World. Since YouTube’s launch in 2005, the Eiffel Tower is always on its Top 10 Locations for Proposals in the World, only beaten in France by Disneyland Paris (!)

The Perfect Base for Memorable Day Trips

Versailles Palace

Paris is always a good idea. But the city itself was not enough; there are many interesting places to visit near Paris: historical places, natural places, or picturesque small towns in the French countryside.

There are many beautiful castles to visit near Paris, and we recommend visiting the royal Château de Versailles, or Château de Fontainebleau whilst Château de Chantilly is much more intimate.

The list of best day trips from Paris includes the Mont Saint-Michel, Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, or the medieval town of Provins.

Have you visited Paris? Why is Paris a good place to visit, in your opinion?

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  • Meg Jerrard
    12/13/2017 at 11:56 pm

    Agreed that Paris is always a good idea! I love this time of year in Paris, Christmas markets and festive cheer. We did ice skating on the Eiffel Tower a couple of years back now which was epic and one of my fondest vacation memories!

    But definitely can’t beat the shopping, the views, the cafe culture, long strolls along the Seine. Paris is great at all times of year!

  • Hazel Tolentino
    12/12/2017 at 4:00 pm

    I have never been to Paris but I must admit that I really want to! Who doesn’t? I admire how it has preserved its beauty while not losing the style and romanticism. I believe there’s more to Paris than the Eiffel tower and I will take it from you. 🙂

  • Cathy
    12/12/2017 at 1:28 pm

    Paris is indeed one of the most romantic places, especially for couples! Met a lot of French people and they told me the same thing! But what is so attractive tho is the parks that’s outside the city but not actually leaving the city! Similar to Japan! It’s very cool to breathe some fresh air!

  • Rosie Fluskey
    12/11/2017 at 11:26 pm

    Paris truly is a stunning city. This is a fantastic guide full of things that I still haven’t had a chance to explore. The promenade plantee looks beautiful and unusual. I am visiting in July so I will be sure to find that and that wonderful roof top bar.

    • WorldInParis
      12/15/2017 at 10:46 am

      Great, you will love Paris in July! Thanks for your comment,Rosie 🙂

  • Debbzie Leksono
    12/11/2017 at 9:35 am

    My reason to always go back to Paris is definitely their beautiful cafes and scrumptious patisserie. Just thinking about the crumbly croissants makes me want to book the next flight to Paris! Though I also love their parks and vintage architecture

    • WorldInParis
      12/15/2017 at 10:45 am

      Yes, a Parisian croissant is always a good idea, ha haa 😉

  • Dany
    12/10/2017 at 7:26 pm

    You’re indeed very lucky to live in Paris, and it’s lots of fun to play tourist in your own city, especially if it’s so iconic! I’d definitely love to see it from above, and I had no idea that you can see it from the rooftop bars, that’s a great idea, thank you!

    • WorldInParis
      12/15/2017 at 10:44 am

      There are some cool rooftop bars with great views over Paris, you should try one next time you come!

  • Sreekar
    12/10/2017 at 5:53 am

    Personally, I couldn’t have come across this at a better time. Heading down to Paris in a month and your tips are sure to be handy. Thanks. Will do that Siene cruise!

    • WorldInParis
      12/15/2017 at 10:43 am

      Great! I am sure you will love sailing along the Seine 🙂

  • Kate
    12/09/2017 at 11:43 am

    Paris is such an iconic city that I imagine you need at least a week or two to get a proper feel for the city and visit all of the well-known sights as well as your own exploring. Your love and enthusiasm for Paris definitely shines through in this post and casts the city in a really enticing light. I hope I can make it there one day when I finally get to Europe.

    • WorldInParis
      12/15/2017 at 10:42 am

      Thanks for your kind comment, Kate. Hope to see you in Paris soon 🙂

  • Nathan
    03/05/2017 at 11:43 am

    I still have never been to Paris! Your post is really making me want to go sooner rather than later. Great photos!

    • WorldInParis
      03/06/2017 at 10:54 pm

      Thank YOU Nathan! Hope you will make it to Paris soon 🙂

  • Laura
    02/27/2017 at 9:00 am

    How can you NOT love Paris? It’s a city with a rich history, combined with a wonderful atmosphere. I’m a regular visitor, and always dream of going back.. I love your photography! Makes me daydream instantly!

    • WorldInParis
      02/27/2017 at 12:40 pm

      Thanks for the comment Laura. Actually the pictures are not mine, but our readers’. This was a contest hold during the “Month of Photography” in November and these pictures are the bests (according to our jury) 😉

  • Arni
    02/04/2017 at 2:40 pm

    I have fond memories of Paris. The first time I visited was with my husband who was then my fiance. My many trips to France after that, I was just passing through. One of my biggest regrets is not spending time to stop for a few days during those trips to France. I have always longed to travel to Paris on my own, perhaps a gastronomical trip immersing myself more in french cuisine, lingering in cafes . On verra bien.

    • WorldInParis
      02/25/2017 at 8:03 pm

      Hope you will make it, Arni. Paris (for a first, second, third time . . .) is always a good idea? 😉

  • Kerri
    01/09/2017 at 11:03 pm

    Couldn’t agree more. Love this city so much – it’s variety, it’s food, the places to see, the streets to uncover….so much to love about it all.

  • Marge
    12/09/2016 at 9:39 pm

    I don’t want to just go to France, I want to live there. Ever since I watched Before Sunset, I have been in love with Paris. I even imagine myself living in an apartment pretty much like the one where Delpy’s character was residing. Also, I want to learn another language and I have already set my sights on learning French. I hope I can do this in the near future. I would definitely check out the spots that you mentioned here.

  • Gypsycouple
    12/09/2016 at 12:03 pm

    Such an amazing bunch of reasons to like Paris, a city everyone wants to love and few ever get to know intimately 🙂 Thanks for sharing

  • Vyjay
    12/08/2016 at 7:27 am

    Paris is so charming and elegant, its love grows and grows on you till it has you in thrall. The city is mesmerising and pull you into its fold again and again. Everything about the city is enchanting.

  • Jerny
    12/08/2016 at 2:34 am

    If ever I’ll be in Paris, I sure would love it too! I’ll be sure to contact you as well for a full tour, would that be possible? 😀

    • WorldInParis
      12/09/2016 at 9:36 am

      Of course! I am on the Silver Guides list 🙂

  • Christina
    12/07/2016 at 4:14 am

    Oh, so many reasons to love Paris. Nice to hear a local’s point of view about one of my favorite cities in Europe. Next time I visit, I would like to experience the parks in the city. They look like a world away from the hustle and bustle that I experienced in my previous visit.

  • Andi
    12/07/2016 at 4:05 am

    Paris will always be one of the most wonderful places in the world. With rich culture and awesome places. I would like to try authentic french cuisine aside from strolling those amazing places. The pictures are stunning and makes me want to go very soon!

  • Sophie
    12/07/2016 at 1:56 am

    Oh I can’t wait to experience Paris! Love your photos, too 🙂

  • Thelittlelai: Beyond limits
    12/06/2016 at 11:25 pm

    Who would not love Paris? The reasons you have provided and everything you have written about this beautiful place has really encourage me to save money, so I can go there real soon. Thank you so much for sharing about your wonderful experience in Paris.

  • Christine Maguire
    12/06/2016 at 7:07 pm

    Paris is so beautiful, I must go back soon. You chose really great photos to highlight how pretty the city is!

  • Zinga Hart
    12/06/2016 at 6:30 pm

    Gorgeous views of the tower!

  • Erica M Poyauan
    12/06/2016 at 4:28 pm

    Truly there are a lot of reasons to love and to enjoy Paris!

  • Jessica The Dining Traveler
    12/06/2016 at 4:19 pm

    I used to travel often to Paris for work when I lived in Brussels. I never tire of Paris, such a wonderful city! This post explains it perfectly!

  • Louiela
    12/06/2016 at 4:07 pm

    Whenever my friends step on Paris, one common word I hear from them is love… I haven’t been to Paris, but following your posts, I can feel your love for this place is contagious… I’ll be there, for sure, one day…

  • Marlene Marques
    12/06/2016 at 9:35 am

    Just LOVE Paris! And you’ve manage to mention all the reasons! ???? But I never knew that there were 153 museums in the city (!!!) Well, Just have to go back again and with a lot of more time. Wonderful idea with the contest photos.

    • WorldInParis
      12/06/2016 at 9:54 am

      Thanks for your kind comment, Marlene 🙂

  • Lara Dunning
    12/05/2016 at 11:43 pm

    Very engaging photos. I can see why people return again and again. I haven’t been yet, but I look forward to visiting. Hopefully soon!

    • WorldInParis
      12/06/2016 at 9:55 am

      Just make me know when you come! 🙂

  • neha
    12/05/2016 at 3:17 pm

    I had almost started rethinking my decision of visiting Paris after several posts of why they didn’t like it, didn’t feel at home etc. Your post reaffirmed my decision to visit here.

    • WorldInParis
      12/06/2016 at 9:55 am

      Ooohh, happy to know that I made you change your mind; ha haa 🙂

  • Nathan
    12/05/2016 at 4:58 am

    I can’t believe in all of my travels I’ve still never been to Paris! This post is incredible and makes me really want to plan a visit. Great photos!

    • WorldInParis
      12/06/2016 at 9:57 am

      Thanks Nathan, pictures come directly from a facebook photo contest, I also find them great! 🙂

  • Megan Jerrard
    12/04/2016 at 10:09 pm

    You have beautiful photography 🙂 I’m going to be a bit blasphemous and admit that Paris didn’t woo me in the way it does many others – I enjoyed my time there, though I think the city was so hyped up before hand that it was impossible for it to live up to the expectations I had created in my head. But I did enjoy the cafe culture and the sparkling Eiffel Tower … we had the pleasure of ice skating on the Eiffel Tower during winter one year – the views were incredible 🙂

    • WorldInParis
      12/06/2016 at 1:06 pm

      You are not blasphemous, you say what you think and I like it 😉

  • Trisha Velarmino
    12/04/2016 at 8:39 pm

    I miss Paris, I truly do. I keep on wondering how Paris can preserve its beauty. Paris is timeless, I love its priceless artistic treasure, I’m in love with its fashion and style., all its iconic architectures, glorious food, its wine and cafes. Oh! There are really more reasons to love Paris.

    • WorldInParis
      12/06/2016 at 1:07 pm

      Yes, If I think it longer I would add 10-15 reasons more to love paris, hahaha

  • Jessica {The Bohemian Diaries}
    12/04/2016 at 6:02 pm

    There is so much to love about Paris! It’s a city that you hardly have to sell because there is something for everyone to enjoy about the beautiful capital. Thanks for sharing!

    • WorldInParis
      12/06/2016 at 1:07 pm

      You are welcome 🙂 And thanks for your comment

  • SindhuMurthy
    12/04/2016 at 5:44 pm

    I had enjoyed reading your previous post on Promenade Plantée. This post comes as a complete roundup of Paris. Thanks for such an informative post and the wonderful photographs of Paris. I just hope I’ll be able to check this dream location off my list 🙂

  • Cristina
    12/04/2016 at 5:32 pm

    Love your list and will definitely follow some of your recommendations for my next trip to Paris. Great photos btw :).

  • Bart & Eena
    12/04/2016 at 1:59 pm

    The arts and culture of Paris never failed us and we will always want to go back there every single time for that. ❤️

  • Corinne
    12/04/2016 at 10:05 am

    I love Paris for all the reasons you mention, plus the cafe culture and the amazing food. I also love visiting the smaller cities and villages of France. I could seriously live there.

  • Indrani
    12/04/2016 at 8:50 am

    Very valid reasons! And I failed to decide for which reason I love it the most. 🙂 Not satiated event after my 5 day tour there, I hope to visit again.

  • anna
    12/04/2016 at 7:29 am

    Ahh! Agree with you on everything. We will always love Paris too!

  • LC
    12/04/2016 at 1:04 am

    To me, Paris is a city that you do either love or hate. I have to admit I’m on the other side of the fence about the French capital… but I truly wish I weren’t. Particularly when I read articles like this!

  • Carrie @ Two Small Potatoes
    12/03/2016 at 10:16 pm

    We visited Paris for the first time last May and I have to admit, my husband and I weren’t super excited. We’re not city people and if friends hadn’t asked us to meet them there, I’m not sure we would have ever visited, even though we’re living in Europe! Not only did I absolutely LOVE it, but my husband even enjoyed it. We packed in as much as we could in just 3 days, but it wasn’t nearly enough time. It just left us wanting to see more of your beguiling City of Light.

  • Tiffany
    12/03/2016 at 8:29 pm

    I loved all your reader’s photos. Such a great idea!

  • Kevin's Travel Diary
    12/03/2016 at 6:55 pm

    I also love Paris, I’m a bit soppy and just love the romantic feel of Paris!
    great post

  • Angela @ Dangtravelers
    12/03/2016 at 6:29 pm

    Paris will always hold a special place in my heart because my husband (of ten years) and I got engaged on the Eiffel Tower. Even if that wasn’t the case, we think it is just as romantic and culturally exciting as everyone said. Thanks for getting me excited to get back there!

  • Jennifer
    12/03/2016 at 4:18 pm

    I particularly love that shot by Tina Owts!

    Paris is definitely a beautiful city. I love the cafe culture, gorgeous buildings and larger than life monuments. Plus, things like French pastries and wine…oh, and the food. Yes, safe to say that I love France!

  • Carla Abanes
    12/03/2016 at 1:31 pm

    I love Paris too!! Never mind that is such a crowded city, I still love it! I will always long to come back. Hopefully soonest.

  • Cameron
    12/03/2016 at 12:15 pm

    We seriously need to get back to Paris soon. Keep debating about our next European trip. Perhaps it is time to head back to Paris…

  • Tina
    12/03/2016 at 8:18 am

    Great article! Thank you for the feature! Paris is magnificent!