Discover Paris: Insider Tips & Hidden Gems

Planning a summer trip to Paris? Here are 5 fun, local-approved things to do in Paris this August, including swimming in the Seine, outdoor movies, music festivals, and exhibitions.

Traveling to Paris in August? Skip the guesswork and avoid tourist traps! Discover what’s open in Paris this August with our local-approved 5x5 guide to food, coffee, drinks, museums, and more.

When you’re planning your trip to Paris, chances are you’re not prioritizing the 20e arrondissement - and we understand why. It’s out of the way, there aren’t many big tourist attractions… why bother? If you’re here for more than a few days, or you’ve been to Paris before, we’re here to tell you: It’s worth it. While there might not be massive churches or enticing museums, the 20e is where you can come to truly feel like a local. Relatively untouched by tourism so far, it feels the way the 11e once did. Young families hang out in the park, and side streets stay fairly quiet throughout the night. You can find incredible food, great nighttime vibes, and some of Paris’ most epic green spaces. It’s worth a visit (but perhaps grab an electric bike, if you choose to cycle up). Let’s get into it.

Ahh the 17e arrondissement of Paris. Quelle mystère! Okay, maybe it’s not mysterious per-se, but it’s definitely a bit of a zone of not-too-much-going-on-so-we-don’t-really-hang-out-there. That said, the 17e still has plenty to offer for locals, and certain travelers. So we’re going to help you maximize your time in the 17e district of Paris.

Okay, if you’re reading this, perhaps you’re already staying in the 16e of Paris and want to know the best things to do there. Or, you’re thinking of staying there, and want to know the best things to do there. Or you’re thinking of spending the day there and… well you get it. Look, there’s not much going on in the 16e! We wouldn’t really recommend staying nor spending too much time here, but if you decide that that’s something you’d like to do - it is a beautiful neighborhood after all - here are our best recommendations for how to maximize the time you spend in the 16e arrondissement of Paris.

If it’s your first time in Paris then don’t make the 15e a priority - this city has a lot to offer and the 15e is very residential. But, if you’ve been here before, you might want to check it out because there’s some great stuff to see here and some excellent food hidden away.

Ah, the 8e arrondissement. The arrondissement that gets us into a fair bit of trouble for saying - why are you here? But we stand by that question. The 8e arrondissement is full of… not much of anything. A couple monuments, a sad and crowded shopping street, and a beautiful park. That’s about it. Sprinkle in truly next to no good food and coffee (except for wildly priced Michelin restaurants) and you’ve got yourself a wasted day.

The 6e arrondissement is classic central Paris at its most elegant. The gem of the left bank, the 6e is a mix of literary history, cozy cafés, and art galleries. Home to the Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Sulpice, this quartier is the Paris of daydreams. Our advice will always be this: Let yourself wander. This is a neighborhood best experienced at a relaxed pace, with detours through bookstores, long pauses in the sun, and stops in various galleries.

The 4e arrondissement will plunge you into the heart of the Marais, known for being both the Jewish and Gay quarter of Paris. From rainbow-painted roads to kosher falafel, from the Centre Pompidou to Place des Vosges, this neighborhood has straight-up charm.

Paris 3e, otherwise known as the Haut Marais (the high Marais), used to be the beating heart of the culinary scene in Paris… then came the 11e, but we’ll get to that later. Because of this, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed with where to go in this district. Here are some of our top recommendations but, if you want all of them, be sure to grab our guide to Paris. You’ll get hundreds of incredible options, three full-day itineraries, several walking audio tours, and access for life. Never eat a bad meal in Paris again.

By July, summer is here and in full swing. The sun beats down on Paris, and most days are hot. The parks are packed with picnickers, the cafés are lively late into the night, and the city feels like one big festival. July brings with it Bastille Day, outdoor cinema, and several festivals. Bring your sunscreen & water bottle, and don’t expect air conditioning in the country's capital. We’re sweaty and we’re here to have fun. Here are our top rated things to experience in Paris in July - from obvious to obscure, and everything in between.

Unsure what to do in Paris in June? Want to know what the locals are doing, and what's happening off the beaten path? June is one of the best months to visit Paris, so you're in for a treat!

May in Paris is the sweet spot. The wisteria’s blooming, the days are growing longer, and the sun starts to set past 9pm. The city begins stirring in April, with scattered warm and sunny days. But by May, you’re pretty much guaranteed gorgeous weather. (Still, we always recommend a light layer and an umbrella!) Whether you're visiting to museum-hop, picnic like a local, or eat and drink your heart out, Paris in May will deliver.

It’s February, and you know what that means. Valentine’s day is only a few weeks away and, whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that romance is in the air. And lucky you, you’re spending it in Paris, one of the most passionate cities on Earth! We’ve put together a list of romantic recommendations around the city to make your date planning that much easier.

Your ultimate guide to the Paris 2024 Olympics! Get all the answers to your questions about travel restrictions, monument access, and local business hours during the Games. Learn how to navigate Paris, avoid disruptions, and discover hidden gems away from the crowds. Perfect for visitors before, during, or after the Olympics and Paralympics. Stay informed and experience the best of Paris with our expert tips!