A Complete Guide to Paris

Paris is a city that captivates you in every sense of the world. A waft of fresh croissants as you walk past your local boulangerie, the texture sensation as you bite into your first macaron, the sounds of street buskers as you meander through the local fruit markets… and that is just day one. This complete guide to Paris will prepare you for the city of romance like you’ve never seen it before: through the lens of a wannabe Parisian who will guide you through the highlights of Paris and make your first experience a memorable one. Here’s our guide to Paris!
Paris photo Diary | World of Wanderlust

Guide to Paris: Neighbourhoods


Paris is sectioned into twenty arrondissements, also know as neighbourhoods. Each of these has their own unique appeal, but if you’re looking for the creme de la creme, check out the below:

My favourite Hoods

Le Marais – Currently my favourite neighbourhood to stay and play in for its’ effortlessly chic boutiques, an abundance of cafes and great cheap eats. Best enjoyed on a Saturday when the streets are packed with locals and a buzz fills the air.

St Germain des Pres – The posh part of town and rightly so! Here you will find some of the most beautiful apartment architecture in the city and the ever fabulous Jardin du Luxembourg. There are loads of vintage shops in the area but expect to pay a premium; real estate is a little on the expensive side.

Latin Quarter – The best area for cheap eats and a has a great early evening vibe. Conveniently located just next door to St Germain.

Montmartre – Long the artist’s district, Montmartre offers the best panoramic view over the city and has retained much of its charm over the years. Some areas can be sketchy at night but I’ve personally never had any troubles when staying in the neighbourhood.

The 1st – Home to the Louvre and many of the cities’ main attractions, this is a great neighbourhood to stay in if you’re looking to hit up all the tourist attractions. Apartment rentals in this area are cheap and plentiful, so be sure to consider this as an alternative to hotels if you’re looking to save some cash.

Canal-Saint-Martin – Only recently have the canals caught my attention and I am so glad they did! This neighbourhood is great for an afternoon meander, especially if you like great pastries (head straight to Du Pain et Idees).

Read More:

A Guide to the Neighbourhoods of Paris

Hotel-Pavillon-de-la-reinePlaza Athanee Paris


Where to Stay


Boutique hotels & Apartment rentals are the secret to a perfect Paris getaway

Pavillion de la Reine – small luxury boutique hotel with a leafy exterior.

Les Tournelles less luxurious but extremely charming and perfectly positioned.

Nolinski Hotel Paris for contemporary luxury in the heart of the 1st arrondissement.

Plaza Athenee Parisfor uber luxury in the poshest part of town.

Air BnB – apartment rentals throughout the city.

Paris Perfect luxury apartment rentals decked out super Frenchy.


Paris Photo Diary | World of Wanderlust

Getting Around the Attractions


Paris is best explored on foot, by bike, and underground metro

The Sights to See!

Eiffel Tower

Arc de Triomphe

Champs Elysees

Notre Dame Cathedral

Saint Chapelle

The Louvre

Jardin des Tuileries

Sacre Coeur

Luxembourg Gardens

Seine River Cruise

Palais Garnier

Read More:

The Secret Passages of Paris

My favourite Patisseries in Paris | World of WanderlustParis_In_Spring

Beyond the Attractions


Falling in love with Paris is easy if you know where to look

Angelina Tea House – Still one of my favourite ways to pass time in Paris

Laduree Tea House – An icon in itself! Here you will find the famed macarons in abundance

Carette – The absolute best cafe in all of Paris if you ask me! Go to their Place des Vosges location for better service and more approachable pricing

Merci – Concept store in Le Marais with fabulous trinkets and French designers

Colette – Concept store mostly focused on fashion, tech and gift books

Place des Vosges – My favourite public square in Paris

La Cuisine Paris – Pastry classes (croissants, macarons, etc.)

Galerie Vivienne – My favourite hidden passageway of Paris (there are plenty to discover)

Shakespeare & Co. – Book shop for those who appreciate the lost generation (touristy but needs a mention)

Read more:

Where to find the best croissant in Paris

Where to find the best macarons in Paris

The Ultimate Sweets Tour of Paris

The 6 Best Afternoon Teas in Paris

Paris My Love | World of Wanderlust

Museums Guide


Paris is a living museum, first and foremost

Museums you can’t miss

The Louvre – The most famous museum in the world, specialising in renaissance art

Musee d’Orsay – A former train station full to the brim of impressionist art works

Picasso Museum – As the name suggests

Rodin Museum – Sculpture museum with beautiful gardens

Carnavalet Museum – History museum in Le Marais

Read More:

A Guide to the Museums in Paris

The easiest way to see Paris in a rush: The Paris Pass

The secret passages of Paris

A Day Trip to Versailles | World of WanderlustA Day Trip to Versailles | World of Wanderlust

Day Trip to Versailles


The Palace of Versailles is a walk through French History

If you have a day spare on your trip to Paris, then be sure to allocate a full day to visit the nearby Palace of Versailles and its magnificent gardens (seasonal). A wander through the palace will be an hour once inside, though do not be surprised if you spend longer in the line actually trying to get in! A visit to the gardens will take anywhere from a few hours to an entire day… there is much to discover!

Read more:

A Day trip to Versailles

The Top 7 Day Trips from Paris

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Brooke Saward
Brooke Saward

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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