Paris Geography & Favorite Places
Parisian Neighborhoods & Geography
Paris is is divided into 20 municipal districts, called arrondissements, which spiral out from the city’s center in a snail-like shape. The map below gives a good overview of the 20 arrondissements and the locations of major monuments.
Most tourists visit the 1-9th + 18th arrondisement, but the others (especially the 11th, 14th and the 16th are well worth a stop if you have the time). A rough guide to the most popular arrondisements is below:
1st (Historic Center) - This is the historic center of Paris and spans part of the Right Bank (in French, the Rive Droit) and half of the Ile de la Cite (the “Island of the City” in the middle of the Seine river). Here, you will find the Louvre, Notre-Dame (still under repair after a devastating fire), the Conciergerie, Sainte-Chapelle, the Tuileries Gardens, the Orangerie museum and Place Vendome.
2nd (Hidden Passages)- Located just north of the 1st on the Right Bank, the 2nd is the smallest arrondisement in Paris and is well known for its covered walkways housing artisan shops (called passages or galleries). Some of the most picturesque covered walkways are the Passage des Panoramas and Gallerie Vivienne.
3rd and 4th (Marais) - The 3rd and 4th arrondisement are often collectively referred to as the Marais (though the 3rd was traditionally referred to as the Haute Marais). The Marais is filled with hip boutiques, galleries and gay bars. It is also home to the modern & contemporary art mecca, the Pompidou Center. It was traditionally the Jewish quarter (and still has many great Jewish and kosher restaurants) and the home of Victor Hugo. The fantastic Carnavalet Museum which documents the history of Paris is also here. The 4th also encompasses 1/2 of the Ile de la Cite and the tiny yet charming Ile Saint Louis, which is well-worth a morning walk.
5th (Latin Quarter) - Located on the Left Bank of the Seine (in French, the Rive Gauche), the 5th includes called Paris’s Latin Quarter so-named due to the many universities located here during the Middle Ages. Today, it is home to the Sorbonne, Church of Saint-Severin (which is adorned with rare Gothic stained-glass windows), the Cluny Museum (Paris’s museum of Medieval history), the National Museum of Natural History, the Panethon and the Jardin des Plantes Botanical Garden.
6th (Latin Quarter, Saint Germain) - The fashionable 6th arrondisement has that certain je ne sais quoi that draws visitors to Paris year after year—the historic Saint Germain neighborhood is filled with stylish boutiques and brasseries perfect for people watching and leisurely enjoying an espresso. This arrondisement is also home to the Luxembourg Garden, the Musee d’Orsay, the Abbey of Saint-Germain de Pres (Paris’s oldest church dating back to the 6th century) and iconic vintage booksellers.
7th (The Eiffel Tower and Rue Cler) - The 7th is home to Paris's most recognizable monument, the Eiffel Tower, as well as the beautiful Champs de Mars park at its base. The picturesque market street Rue Cler is also located in this arrondisement and is the perfect place to sample French delicacies including cheese, charcuterie and pate.
8th (Champs Elysees) - The grand 8th arrondisement is home to the fashionable Champs Elysees which is lined with many shops, and capped at either end by the Arc du Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. The Grand Palais, which is the home to cultural events and exhibitions, is also located here.
9th (Opera) - Paris's stunning Opera Garnier, complete with a Chagall ceiling, is located in the 9th arrondisement as are venerated department stores Printemps and the Galleries Lafayette. The northernmost portion of the 9th is called South Pigalle and is home to many gourmet restaurants and hip bars.
18th (Pigalle and Monmartre) - Ivory-domed Sacre Couer sits high above the rest of Paris atop 18th's charming Monmartre neighborhood, which features some of the best of Paris's Medeival architecture. In addition, the southermost part of the 18th is referred to as the Pigaelle, where the storied Moulin Rouge and other cabarets continue to entertain patrons in Paris's red light district.
Overview of Key Sites & Monuments
Introduction
Paris is filled with some of the greatest museums and monuments in the world. This section provides an overview of key sites grouped geographically and categorized into three columns as follows:
| Classic Attractions | GP Favorites | Additional Sites of Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Sites in this column are the most famous, must-see museums and monuments. Consider prioritizing these if you’re new to this city or have limited time. | Sites in this column are notable but slightly less known than Classic Attractions. The Going Places team thinks are worth a detour if you have additional time or interest. | Sites in this column are great candidates for a stop during a second trip or beyond as well as if they align with a particular area of personal interest. |
For an in-depth discussion of each site, including a direct link to ticketing information, hours and the best days and times to visit, please visit the corresponding neighborhood guide. Multi-site passes and tours are discussed in Getting To, From and Around Paris guide linked here.
We have also included all of our recommendations in the Google Map below, which you may download to your phone or access on your computer for ease of planning and navigation.
Overview of Sites
| Classic Attractions | GP Favorites | Additional Sites of Interest |
|---|---|---|
|
Louvre Notre-Dame Cathedral Sainte-Chapelle Pont Neuf Banks of the Seine Courtyard of Palais Royal Tuileries Gardens |
Ile St. Louis Place Vendome Conciergerie Orangerie Museum Forum des Halles Place Vendome and Ritz Paris Passages of the 2nd |
Louvre Wine Museum St. Eustache Church Deportation Memorial Paris Archaeological Crypt |
| Classic Attractions | GP Favorites | Additional Sites of Interest |
|---|---|---|
|
Eiffel Tower Champs de Mars Rue Cler Musee d’Orsay Latin Quarter Luxembourg Garden |
Place du Trocadero Rodin Museum Cluny Museum St. Suplice Church Pantheon Montparnasse Jardin des Plantes Deacroix Museum Rue de Buci |
Catacombs National Maritime Museum Quai Branly Museum Army Museum Saint Germain-des-Pres Church Grand Mosquee de Paris Arab World Institute |
| Classic Attractions | GP Favorites | Additional Sites of Interest |
|---|---|---|
|
Champs Elysees Arc de Triomphe Opera Garnier |
Jaquemart-Andre Museum Fragonard Perfume Museum |
Grand Palais Petit Palais and Museum des Beaux Arts Paris Ferris Wheel La Defense and La Grand Arch |
| Classic Attractions | GP Favorites | Additional Sites of Interest |
|---|---|---|
|
Carnavalet Museum |
Place de Voges Picasso Museum Pere Lachaise Cemetary Victor Hugo’s House The BHV |
Jewish Art and History Museum Holocaust Memorial |
| Classic Attractions | GP Favorites | Additional Sites of Interest |
|---|---|---|
|
Sacre Coeur Monmartre Neighborhood |
Dali Museum Place du Tertre |
Pigalle and Moulin Rouge |
Best of Where to Eat in Paris
Every bite in Paris was absolutely delicious, but here are our favorites. All of these recommendations are included in our Google Map above and the majority are featured as stops along our neighborhood guides.
Sit-Down Meals
Classic Brasserie Food
Allard (6th) - Chef Alain Ducasse’s old-school bistro with an 80 year old history serving very traditional French dishes (highlights are snails, frog legs and duck with olives)
Reservations are needed and available online via The Fork here. They may be made 90 days in advance.
Bistrot Paul Bert (11th) - This classic brasserie has exploded in popularity and serves up delicious beef dishes often just barely cooked.
Reservations are only available by phone at +33 (0)1 43 72 24 01, but unfortunately the restaurant rarely answers their phone. We recommend asking your hotel concierge to help secure a reservation.
Bistrot Des Tournelles (6th) - Named the best bistro in Paris in 2023, this tiny restaurant has the most incredible romantic ambiance with perfectly executed twists on French classics. We especially loved the mushrooms, leeks and the crème brûlée.
Reservations are needed and available online via the restaurant’s website here two months in advance.
L'Ami Jean (7th) - We've been to this restaurant during multiple Paris trips after it was recommended to me by a Parisian friend. We can't get enough of the truly soulful French cooking, crammed yet convivial tables and chaotic yet charming shouting by the chef and staff.
Reservations are needed and available online via the restaurant’s website here four months in advance.
Au Pied de Cochon (1st) - This is a delicious and useful restaurant if you ever need to eat outside normal dining hours as it is open 24/7 for French classics. This is a perfect post-theater or opera spot.
Reservations are recommended and available online via the restaurant’s website here six months in advance.
La Bourse et La Vie (2nd) - Absolutely delicious elevated French Classics by Daniel Rose.
Reservations are strongly recommended and available online via the restaurant’s website here three months in advance.
Le Bon Georges (8th) - Absolutely delicious; if you like steak tartare to steak hache, you can't beat what they are serving here! They use super high quality beef from a local butcher. They're also known for their incredible wine list.
Reservations are recommended and available online via the restaruant’s website here six months in advance.
Le Petit Leutitia (6th) - I am almost nervous to recommend this because I don't want it to get even busier, but this meal was one of our favorites during our trip. The ambiance was simply incredible and the food was amazing. We particularly enjoyed the artichoke and mushrooms here and the steak au poivre was the best we had. The absolute star of the show? The profiteroles!
Reservations are needed and may be made via email (fill out the form on their website) or by phone by calling 01 45 48 33 53 or whatsapp 06 14 30 56 04.
Les Parisiens (6th) - Upscale bistro in a charming hotel in Saint Germain. Be sure to stop by the James Joyce Bar for cocktails and music before dinner.
Reservations are strongly recommended and available online via the restaurant’s website here three months in advance.
Fine Dining
L’Arpege (6th) - We were lucky enough to dine at Alain Passard’s L’Arpege during our time in Paris. The food was absolutely incredible as was the service. We will put together a deep dive on our experience here.
Reservations are a must and are available well in advance here; should the website not have your preferred date/time, we recommend calling the restaurant directly as they have additional availability by phone.
Restaurant Guy Savoy (6th) - We celebrated a milestone birthday at Restaurant Guy Savoy who truly made our evening spectacular. The food was absolutely delicious (we did the tasting menu) and we even got to chat with Chef Guy Savoy himself during our meal. He also greeted us upon entry which was so kind. There are plenty of shows throughout the meal, so save room for the legendary cheese cart and dessert trolley.
Reservations are a must and may be requested by completing the form here. We recommend reaching out as far in advance as possible.
Quick Bites
Food Halls/Markets
Ground Control (12th) - Part food hall, part entertainment venue, Ground Control surprises and delights. Open Wednesday - Sunday year round, the venue hosts concerts, cultural events and a rotating cast of food stands and trucks. La Residence is one of the longest standing residents of Ground Control and employs refugee cooks in France.
Food Society (14th) - We love this giant food market filled with restaurants, bars and featuring frequent concerts and cultural events.
Beaupassage (6th) - This open air food court in the 6th includes a 10,000 sqm courtyard featuring art as well as several restaurants and bars—we highly recommend a stop at Allenotheque, Michelin starred Yannick Alleno’s wine bar.
Creperies
Breizh (multiple locations, we love the one in the 6th)
Au P'tit Grec (5th)
Creperie St-Germain (6th)
Sandwiches/Pitas/Etc.
Chez Alain Miam Miam (two locations in the 4th) - We recommend you arrive at the location outside the Marche des Enfantes Rouge before 12:30 PM and get your sandwich to go to enjoy in Square du Temple - Elie Weisel
JANET by Homer (4th) - A classic NY-style deli in Paris
La Baguette du Relais (4th) - Come hungry for steak frites in sandwich form by the legendary Relais du Entrecôte family
Miznon (4th) - No list would be complete without the incredible Miznon - go for their beef bourgoinon in a pita
Healthy - Wild & The Moon (Multiple locations)
Coffee
Noir (Multiple Locations; best on the Ile Saint-Louis)
Le Peloton (4th)
Coutume (7th, food also looked amazing!)
Cafe Kitsune (Many locations, we loved the location near the Palais Royal)
Cuppa Gallery (6th)
The Beans on Fire (18th, in Monmartre)
Bakeries & Patisseries
Des Gateaux et du Pain Claire Damon (6th) - Our absolute favorite bakery throughout the trip; the bread is amazing as are the pasties. Be sure to pick up some of their delicious jam created in partnership with Christina Ferber.
Carette (4th, 16th, 18th) - Absolutely delicious hot chocolate and pastries. Our favorite location is in Place Vendome. Also operates as an all day cafe.
Stohrer (18th) - My parents absolutely love this pastry shop as do the teams at Eater and CN traveler. They're particularly well known for their Baba au Rhum.
Pierre Herme (Many locations) - Pierre Herme has perfected the macaron. These are perfect for a quick treat or to bring home to friends and family.
Ritz Paris Le Comptoir (1st) - We enjoyed 12 different pastries from Le Comtoir as part of our tea experience at the Ritz's Salon Proust (highly recommend) and they were all so delicious. We especially loved the palmiers and the Cedric Grolet (Multiple locations) - Cedric Grolet is a legend in the pastry world and visiting one of his shops in Paris is a must-do.
Mamiche (9th, 10th) - Very traditional delicious bakery.
Patisserie Gilles Marchal (18th) - These pastries are like tiny works of art.
Chocolate & Confectionary
Jean-Charles Rochoux (6th) - This was our favorite of the group. Absolutely delicious.
Jacques Genin (Multiple locations) - In addition to chocolates, their caramels and pate de fruits are incredible!
Edwart Chocolatier (Multiple locations) - We brought bars of this chocolate home for family and friends. They also have an outpost conveniently located in Le Epicerie Grand Paris as well as at CDG if you need to pick up a last minute souvenir (or some gourmet sweet treats for your flight)!
Patrick Roger (Multiple locations) - Patrick Roger’s famously intricate chocolate sculptures may look too beautiful to eat but once you try a bite of this shop’s tuffles, you may disagree.
Gourmet Shops for Picnic Supplies
Caracteres de Cochon (4th) - Ham and butter sandwiches
La Fermette (2nd) - Storied cheese shop on the Ile Sant Louis
Marche Au Enfants Rouge (4th) - Bustling outdoor food market
Barthelemy (6th) - Incredible cheese shop in the 6th that is rumored to be Ina Garten’s favorite when she visits Paris
La Grande Epicerie de Paris (6th) - Fantastic gourmet grocery store that is part of Le Bon Marche
Best of Where to Drink in Paris
There are so many wonderful places in Paris to enjoy a beer, cocktail or glass of wine. Wine bars have become incredibly popular with young Parisians who enjoy wines made in both the traditional style as well as light and funky natural wines. When the weather is nice, the best place for a drink is a beautiful terrace, a spot along the Seine or a bench in one of Paris’s many gardens with a bottle of wine, a beautiful view and perfect people watching. When the sun goes down or it is cold out, check out the below:
Chez Nous (6th) - Fantastic, casual wine bar with a great bottle selection overlooking the Pont Neuf. Splitting a bottle of champagne on their terrace is the perfect way to spend the evening.
Bar Etna (6th) - Just down the street from Chez Nous, Bar Etna attracts a bit of a younger, natural wine loving crowd.
Sherry Butt (4th) - Created by the founders of the famed Experimental Cocktail Club, Sherry Butt is a fun, dimly lit cocktail lounge in the Marais. Popular later in the evening.
Piano Bar at Harry’s New York Bar (1st) - Harry’s is perhaps too famous for its own good as tourists and visitors alike line up outside to order an expertly crafted cocktail in a vintage Americana setting. The downstairs piano bar feels straight out of the post-war period. Get up too quickly and you might mistake a patron for a young Hemingway.
The Cambridge Public House (3rd) - Named one of the Best Bars in the World, we really enjoyed cocktails at The Cambridge Public Hourse.
Les Ambassadeurs (1st) - Located inside the beautiful Hotel de Crillon, join for live music on the weekends.
Any terrace on Rue de Buci (6th) - For sure touristy but an absolutely unmatched people watching experience.
Any terrace on Cr du Commerce Saint-Andre (6th) - Adorable, pedestrian only cobblestone street. Brasserie Des Pres normally has the longest line.
Wine Bars of the 11th (11th) - Walking around the hip 11th Arr. you will see throngs of stylish young Parisians spilling out onto the sidewalks enjoying glasses of wine—it is in this neighborhood that young Parisians’s love of wine is most evident.
Parcelles (3rd) - Delightful wine bar with seasonal food menu.
James Joyce Bar (6th) - Located in the beautiful Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain hotel, the James Joyce bar features expertly crafted cocktails that are best enjoyed while listening to one of their live music sets.
Best of Where to Shop in Paris
See our table of luxury goods pricing in Europe vs. U.S. here for the latest prices and best deals on luxury goods abroad.
Department Stores
Printemps (8th) - Visit Printemps over Galleries Lafayette which is often swarmed with tourists
Le Bon Marche (6th) - My favorite department store in Paris. They have a great mix of luxury goods and possible souvenirs. Many brands like Le Labo and Byredo have Le Bon Marche exclusives. It is also nice they have Le Grand Epicerie nearby to pick up some gourmet treasures.
BHV Marais (4th) - This is a great stop for souvenir shopping. They have a huge home and posters section, a ton of classic French brands, etc.
Samaritaine (1st) - Samaritaine is as much an Art Nouveau masterpiece as it is a luxury shopping experience. Everyone should visit at least to ogle.
Art Galleries
Marche de La Creation (14th) - Open air art market
Viaduc des Arts (12th) - Art market
59 Rivoli (4th) - Squatter's building turned art gallery
Home Goods
Marin Montagut (6th) - Beautiful paper goods, gifts and ceramics.
Astier de Villatte (6th) - Very upscale ceramics store
Fleux (4th) - There are a bunch of these stores over a couple of blocks with quirky and stylish home decor
Ailleurs (12th) - Artisinal home goods
Faiencerie de Gien (Multiple locations) - Storied ceramics store
Alix D. Reynis (6th) - Ceramics store
La Tresorerie (10th) - Home good store
Beauty
Officine Universelle Bully 1803 (Multiple locations) - Legendary perfumer. They personalize lip glosses, perfume boxes, among other things. I picked up the Amber scent.
La French Beauty (4th) - Amazing beauty store with a focus on natural products.
Biologique Recherche Ambassade (6th, 8th) - Pick up your favorite BR products at a lower price + VAT refund! Also fun for a skin analysis and facial.
Liquids Perfume Bar (3rd) - Small perfume shop where different fragrances are grouped by scent rather than brand.
Also see our guide to French pharmacy shopping here.