Paris hardly needs an introduction. A capital city that many dream of, Paris boasts an extraordinary cultural heritage well-known around the world. The Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre Hill with its basilica, and the Louvre Museum are among the essential landmarks to visit when you come to Paris. But did you know that it’s possible to see something else in Paris? Whether by day or night, after work or on the weekend, visiting Paris is an art form.
In our article, you will discover:
- How to visit all these must-see spots in a different way
- Our favorite unusual places you definitely shouldn’t miss
- Paris in all its facets and its evolution over time
We obviously reserve some surprises for you on how to optimize your time as a young student or professional while soaking up the city’s aura.
Let’s go! Follow the guide!
The must-see sites of Paris
If you’re coming to discover Paris, you can’t miss the city’s most beautiful monuments. Put on your most comfortable pair of shoes, and let’s go for a tour of our must-sees!
The Eiffel Tower
What would Paris be without its Eiffel Tower? Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, many members of the French elite of the time, including Guy de Maupassant, wished it would disappear. It is evident that, although it should have been destroyed in 1909, it still stands 135 years after that significant event. With its 330 meters in height and 7,300 tons of iron, the Eiffel Tower is a symbol of French influence abroad. Beyond that, today the Eiffel Tower is useful in telecommunications and also during major national festivities such as the July 14th fireworks.
If you want to admire it, you have two options: you can choose to go all the way up and immerse yourself in the history of the place, either to the 2nd or top floor, by foot or by elevator. Experience these breathtaking views over all of Paris for a ticket costing between 12€ and 30€. Alternatively, you can choose the free option of admiring the Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars. Why not take the opportunity to set up your picnic there during a beautiful spring or summer day?
The Arc de Triomphe and the Avenue des Champs-Elysées
Let’s leave the Left Bank for a moment by crossing the Iéna bridge heading towards the Arc de Triomphe. Our second must-see is located at the top of the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées. Before you go shopping, a visit to the monument is a must.
You might be tempted to cross the Champs-Elysées roundabout to get there but turn back. An underground passage was specially built to prevent you from losing a leg on this busy and dangerous thoroughfare.
Inaugurated in 1836, the Arc de Triomphe is certainly much smaller than the Eiffel Tower but it is impressive with its 50 meters in height and 22 meters in width. Before reaching the top, you will pass in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Established under the Arc de Triomphe since 1920, it houses the body of an unknown soldier who died in combat during World War I. Then, we hope you’ve trained your cardio to climb the 284 narrow steps. Rest assured, you can take a break in the museum room. It’s the perfect place (and time) to learn more about this monument. Finally, the highlight: its panoramic view of all of Paris. Little extra info, access to the Arc de Triomphe is free for those under 26 years old, people with disabilities, and job seekers.
The Louvre Museum
Let’s then head down the Avenue des Champs-Elysées to our next must-visit site: the Louvre Museum. Before you get there, we advise passing through the Tuileries Garden. A 25-hectare oasis of peace entirely redesigned in the 17th century by Lenôtre (not the pastry chef, the gardener).
Built on the site of the former Palace of the Kings, the Louvre Museum houses no less than 72,000 m² of art. Recognized as a universal museum, its collections span centuries of history. Housed in 8 departments, you can discover works from ancient Egypt, Renaissance paintings like the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci, and The Wedding at Cana by Veronese. Works illustrating the history of France, such as “Liberty Leading the People” by Eugène Delacroix, are also found here. Take your time and don’t rush as it will take several days if you want to visit all the museum’s rooms as they deserve. And you’re in luck, the Louvre is free for all individuals under 18, or under 26 years old residing in the European Union.
If the museum houses the most incredible artworks, it is also a work of art itself. Its interior, with its imposing staircases, wide corridors, vaults, and marble, mixes styles while maintaining harmony. Its facade showcases architectural richness in the pure Renaissance / neo-classical style, contrasting with the beautiful and iconic Louvre Pyramid, a symbol of modernity erected in 1989.
Be aware that many museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month. Some also offer nighttime openings, perfect for organizing a visit just after work or classes!
Montmartre
For our last must-see, we’ll take the metro! Line 12 towards the “Abbesses” stop. The steps to exit the metro are somewhat of a preview of what’s to come. Meanwhile, welcome to Place des Abbesses. A typical square with its carousel and the “I Love You” wall that immediately immerses you in the ambiance. Movie buff, does this remind you of something? Well spotted! Here we are, in the Montmartre district, at the heart of the film “Amélie”.
Continuing the walk towards… the Basilica of the Sacred Heart! A landmark emblematic of the capital, access is earned, unless you’re lazy, in which case you can take the funicular and not the endless staircase. Once at the top, enjoy the breathtaking view over the right bank of Paris. Behind the basilica lies one of the most famous squares in Montmartre and France: Place du Tertre. With its typical Parisian bistros, painters and caricaturists, you are immediately transported to another time. This is where scholars from all eras gathered: Auguste Renoir, Edith Piaf, and even Pablo Picasso.
This district has a real soul and architecture of a French village, like those found in cliché films. Its cobblestone streets, small colorful houses among which you will find the famous Maison Rose, a small restaurant whose façade is everywhere on Instagram: wherever you go, there is an artistic essence. Montmartre was a neighborhood frequented by artists, coming and going in one of the oldest cabarets still in operation, the Lapin Agile. It too has adorable architecture. Dalida also chose to live in the heart of the neighborhood, while others preferred to settle in Villa Léandre, a cul-de-sac with small bourgeois, flowered houses.
Off the beaten path in Paris
Paris is not just about its well-known grand monuments. If you want to step out of the usual and explore places where only Parisians go, this next section is for you.
The parisian markets
If Paris could sing, it would undoubtedly sing a beautiful song about its markets. They might not be often seen, but the capital is teeming with them. For our first favorite market, let’s stay in Montmartre and head to the Marché Saint-Pierre. Located at the base of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, on the square of the same name, welcome to the temple of fabric and “coupons” as they say in the jargon. If you like making your own clothes or just want to get into sewing, this is the place to go.
Leaving sewing and fashion for another quintessentially French trait, head to the Marais district where a culinary stop you shouldn’t miss awaits. Located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, between Place République and the Centre Pompidou, our must-visit is the Marché des Enfants-Rouges. Foodie paradise exists, and it is here! Opened in 1615 at the request of King Louis XIII, it originally served to supply the neighborhood with food. Though it almost became a parking lot in the late 1990s, it has regained its splendor. The oldest market in Paris now hosts about ten stalls that blend wonderfully. French, Moroccan, Caribbean, and Japanese cuisines, a cheesemonger, a wine merchant, a greengrocer, and even a florist. You will definitely find what you want in the 2,000 m² of the Marché des Enfants-Rouges.
Lastly, our favorite market is a bit different from the others. Nestled in the middle of the Île de la Cité, a few streets from Notre-Dame Cathedral, it is as historic as the neighborhood that houses it. Opened in the early 19th century, the former “Marché aux fleurs et aux Oiseaux” (Flowers and Birds Market), renamed “Marché aux fleurs Reine Elizabeth II” (Elizabeth II Flowers Market) in honor of the monarch, consists of several florist pavilions. Orchids, wild plants, shrubs, and other cut flowers: it’s a paradise for those with a green thumb. But this place is also a favorite for strolling before or after visiting the most beautiful of cathedrals or a tour along the Seine quays. A timeless bucolic escape in the heart of Paris.
The covered passages
But what truly characterizes the City of Light are its covered passages. Created mostly in the 19th century (it’s as if Paris was born at this time), they were originally designed to offer the bourgeoisie a comfortable and covered shopping experience, away from the elements that could spoil an outdoor shopping session. They could be compared to our current shopping malls, smaller and with more charm. Although there were originally about 70, today only 20 remain in the 2nd and 9th arrondissements.
Our favorite covered passage is undoubtedly the Galerie Vivienne. The most elegant of the Parisian passages has a name. In the neoclassical style, it was opened in the early 1820s. With its dome, large glass roof, and mosaic floor, its bookstores, cafes, and old-fashioned tea rooms, you’re transported back in time. Magical and especially, it’s a unique setting perfect for relaxing after classes or work.
Our second favorite passage is the Passage des Panoramas. Located in the center of Paris, between the Grands Boulevards and Rue Montmartre, it houses almost exclusively restaurants and eateries. French, Italian, Japanese, or Argentine cuisine, there’s something for everyone. This passage reflects its residents: cosmopolitan and that’s what we love. Facing it is the Passage Jouffroy. Two gems opposite each other on the street but also in their offerings. The latter was the home of tailors, hairdressers, or milliners, who had their workshops there. Bright, thanks to its large glass roof and light-colored mosaic floor, it now houses bookstores, cafes, and toy stores, which have managed to keep the soul of the place intact.
You can freely stroll through these passages. However, if you wish to learn more about their history, free guided tours are organized by associations during the European Heritage Days in September.
Green and flowered Paris
Who said that Paris was just concrete? Certainly not us! The capital is full of green spaces, whether they are small parks or real places of life filled with grass.
Among the essentials are the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes. These two vast green spaces straddle Paris and some neighboring towns. They are prime locations if you want to take a stroll, organize your lunchtime picnic, or even attend a festival or one of the many cultural or community events held throughout the year. We have even dedicated an article to these and other green spaces, perfect for biking.
But there are still others, lesser known, starting with the Petite Ceinture. This urban forest, as we like to call it, is set on an old railway line that once crossed the city of Paris. Straddling 10 districts, it is a favorite walking spot for Parisians. It is a diverse place where you can find incredible biodiversity mixed with street art, community gardens, and third places. Among them is La Recyclerie, which offers cultural workshops of all kinds and social gatherings, and Le Hasard Ludique, which offers a real neighborhood life.
Our other favorite green spot is the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery. Yes, it’s a cemetery, but not just any! It has an aura that envelops you the moment you pass through the gates. Within its 43 hectares lie 70,000 plots, home to both anonymous individuals and recognized personalities and artists. Oscar Wilde, Molière, Henri Salvador, Sarah Bernhardt, Marie Trintignant, Gaspard Ulliel, and Thierry Mugler are just some of the names. No fewer than 500 artists, singers, actors, composers, writers, sculptors, or iconic fashion figures are buried here. Picnicking isn’t allowed, but the cemetery offers its visitors the chance to wander along its paths in this unique place. A haven of art, culture, and history, far removed from the museums you might usually visit. You can wander alone, with family, or with friends, at your own pace and discover tomb after tomb. However, guided tours can be organized; either with a guide or simply with an audio guide, depending on your preferences and needs.
Relaxation and workspaces for young professionals
We just talked about the Père Lachaise Cemetery. This place is a true haven of tranquility and serenity, perfect for relaxing and letting your imagination wander after a hard day’s work, especially when the weather is nice. But when rain and clouds roll in, it’s much nicer to rest in a café rather than a park. At Colivys, we’re thoughtful and cool, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite cafes for both resting and working!
Yes, because cafes can also be an option if you want to focus in a different environment from your usual workplace. Sometimes noisy or crowded, it can be hard to sit for hours. That’s why we’ve found other cool places like coworking spaces. These modern, work-dedicated places are popping up everywhere. Less cozy than a café, they have the advantage of offering everything you can find in a traditional office, with a relaxed vibe that’s beneficial: WiFi, interactions with other members, and networking opportunities. Whether on the Left Bank or Right Bank of the Seine, there’s definitely a coworking space for you. You can even find our top 10 favorite spaces in Paris and the Île-de-France.
Lastly, our final option might appeal more if you’re a student. Whether modern or rustic, with wooden beams or breathtaking ceiling heights, reserved for students or open to all: Paris has over 70 libraries (including our top 10 must-discover without waiting) where you can work in near-sacred silence. While libraries are often thought of as places to study, know that you can also go there to break from your daily routine, apply for new jobs, or simply to enhance your general knowledge. Some major museums like the Musée d’Orsay or the Musée de l’Orangerie even have their own libraries, reserved for researchers.
Activities and events for students
Because life in Paris is also about fun, let’s end this article on what we love most here: events, temporary or not. Exhibitions, festivals, activities related to the Olympics: Paris transforms by offering entertainment for everyone throughout the year.
Music lovers take note
Festivals are organized during all 12 months of the year, but the season officially begins in spring. We Love Green, Lollapalooza, Rock en Seine, and Solidays are the capital’s flagship music festivals. But they aren’t the only ones to move to the rhythm of your favorite sounds! The city of Paris also organizes lesser-known, somewhat more discreet but equally great festivals! Among our favorites are Yardland, the Festival Banlieues Bleues, and Fnac Live, which offers 3 days of free concerts on the forecourt of the Paris City Hall. Whether you love rap, techno, jazz, or pop, there’s definitely a festival for you 😉
Art and history enthusiasts
Yes, music is an art, but now we’re going to talk about another art found in places imbued with poetry. Some Parisian monuments are open every day but the first Sunday of the month, they offer something special. Something that others don’t have. We’re talking about free admission! Between the Musée de l’Orangerie and its collection of impressionist paintings, the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée Rodin with its wonderful sculptures, and more confidential museums like the Sainte-Chapelle are accessible for free. If you’re an art student, know that you can also get free admission to certain Parisian museums and monuments like the Opéra Garnier or the Catacombs. We’re not going to finish this article without telling you that if you’re under 26, the majority of cultural places in Paris and France are free. Yes, you read that right. So, if with this you still say culture is inaccessible, we can’t do much more for you! Just remember to book your slot, you never know, with the crowds… 🫣
You get it, Paris has everything to please you. Whether you’re here to work or to enjoy, every corner has something unique, something to teach you, something to amaze you. We hope your stay in Paris will be as memorable as what we’ve described in this article 💕
