An insider’s guide to Paris

All eyes are on Paris this year for the highly anticipated 2024 Summer Olympics. While the City of Light has long been celebrated for its rich history, culture and romantic ambience, it is much more than what’s listed in every traveller’s guide.

Each of its 20 arrondissements is its own town, making the city perfect for leisurely strolls. Anne Hidalgo, Paris’s mayor since 2014, has vowed to make the city more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly while planting hundreds of thousands of trees. It’s also buzzing with an underground art scene that’s continually becoming more visible.

Get ready to fall in love with Paris’s joie de vivre and charm as you explore key tourist destinations and lesser-known gems that are truly worth visiting with our guide.

Top things to do in Paris

Iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower draw millions of visitors each year, but the Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées is another unmissable architectural gem. Built for the 1900 Paris Expo, the striking Beaux-Arts structure, which closed in 2021 for renovations, is set to temporarily reopen for Olympic fencing and taekwondo events before a full reopening in 2025. Opéra Garnier , also known as the Palais Garnier, is another 19th-century architectural masterpiece worth checking out. Beyond its opulent façade and lavish interiors, it is the perfect venue to enjoy world-class opera and ballet performances.

One of the best places to see Paris’s ever-growing green spaces is its 19th arrondissement. Begin with a stroll through one of the city’s largest parks, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, which was transformed from a former gypsum quarry and showcases exquisite landscape art. Rosa Bonheur , a charming restaurant with a spacious terrace at the heart of the park, hosts many cultural and community events over the summer.

Meanwhile, the more popular Jardin du Luxembourg in the Latin Quarter dates to the early 1600s when the construction of the Luxembourg Palace began as the residence of Marie de’ Medici. The building is now the meeting place of the French Senate, yet the 23-hectare park remains popular as a picnic spot.

Where to see art in Paris

For culture vultures, Paris is like an open-air museum celebrating both classic and avant-garde art, thanks to public installations that dot the city as well as world-class institutions like the Louvre and plenty of independent galleries. The 14th arrondissement, home to Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain , is a good place for arty exploration. Housed in a sleek glass-and-steel structure, the museum showcases thought- provoking exhibitions but is often overlooked due to its distance from other hotspots.

At Maison Gainsbourg in the 7th arrondissement, delve into the life and artistry of legendary musician Serge Gainsbourg through an immersive exhibition in his former home. Step into the world of 19th-century Parisian intellectuals and artists at Le Musée de la Vie Romantique , located at the foot of Montmartre. Browse mementos of George Sand and paintings and sculptures by Romantic-era artists inside the museum before wafting about the hip 9th arrondissement.

Where to eat in Paris

Paris has long been considered the world’s culinary capital. At the up-and-coming 19th arrondissement atop the hills of Belleville, you’ll find one of the city’s most coveted dining spots: Le Cheval d’Or , where Filipino Australian chef Hanz Gueco and his team shake up the Parisian dining scene with French-Chinese fusion cuisine.

For French classics done well, head across town to Jaïs in the 7th arrondissement. A beloved spot among the trendy crowd, this cosy, understated gem serves bistro-style favourites with a contemporary twist alongside an impressive wine selection. Meanwhile, Folderol, a wine and ice cream parlour near Boulevard Voltaire, is the perfect place for an apéritif or a post-meal treat.

Also not to be missed are Paris’s legendary speakeasies, like Serpent à Plume near Place des Vosges. Tucked beneath stone vaults, the bar features a quirky 1970s-meets-Aztec interior in which cocktails and French dishes are served. There’s even a jacuzzi under the staircase. You’d struggle to find a better starting point for a wild night out in Paris. 

Where to stay in Paris

Located at the foot of Montmartre in Pigalle, Hôtel Rochechouart is a portal back to the Roaring ’20s. The area, which used to be a popular late-night hangout for intellectuals and creative types a century ago, attracts a young, stylish crowd with its trendy restaurants and bars. Inside the hotel’s Art Deco façade, you’ll find tastefully designed rooms and public spaces in warm, natural colour tones. Maggie , the hotel’s rooftop bar, serves a herb-centric cocktail menu, delicious sharing plates and a panoramic view of the neighbourhood.

Alternatively, indulge in the lively atmosphere of the Latin Quarter at J.K. Place . Designed like a chic Parisian home and with just 29 rooms, this Seineside boutique hotel boasts plush furnishings, an exquisite selection of artwork and a spa that offers treatments using luxury skincare brand Noble Panacea’s products – perfect for unwinding after a long day of trotting around town.

Things to consider ahead of your visit

During the Olympics and in the weeks before and after, the city centre around the Seine will be very crowded while traffic restrictions will affect pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Be aware of your belongings amid the bustle and stay alert when wandering after hours. Want a breather? The 19th arrondissement, with its manicured parks, cafés and waterfront promenade, will offer respite.

What to pack for a trip to Paris

Looking for some comfortable sneakers to wear as you rack up those steps? Or perhaps a portable charger to keep you connected on the go. You can find all your packing essentials on the Cathay Shop.