Long heralded as an international hub for culture, fashion, art and gastronomy, Paris draws visitors from around the world to its café culture, designer shopping, museums and iconic landmarks. Stroll along the Seine, explore each unique arrondissement, and fall in love with this City of Light.

GETTING THERE & AROUND
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, the primary international airport located 17 miles from city center, and Paris-Orly Airport, 8 miles south of central Paris, serve the capital. Travel between CDG and the city via taxi, rideshare or rental car; bus; Métro; and RER (regional hybrid commuter rail network). Direct transport between Orly and the capital is provided by taxi, rideshare, bus and Orlybus (direct shuttle bus). Once in the city, the Métro proves the easiest way to get around; use the Navigo Easy Pass reloadable card and the Bonjour RATP app for easy ticket purchase, card loading, and schedule access and route planning.

LODGING
Cheval Blanc Paris
Located in a renovated Art Deco building on the banks of the Seine near Pont-Neuf, this 72-room hotel offers butler service, four restaurants, a kids’ club, marble-clad bathrooms, a 100-foot-long infinity pool and Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris.

Hôtel du Petit Moulin
Located in Le Marais, surrounded by galleries and trendy boutiques, this small gem with 17 guestrooms, each individually designed by fashion designer Christian Lecroix, promises a comfortable, unique stay. Guests enjoy breakfast in the vintage-style bistro and may access spa facilities and complimentary bikes at a nearby sister property.

Hyatt Regency Paris Ètoile
Directly connected to the Palais des Congrès de Paris, this 34-story property proves popular with both business and leisure travelers. Features include the 34th-floor Regency Club lounge, rooftop bar with panoramic views, fitness center, meeting space and easy access to the Métro.

DINING
Le Grand Véfour
Located in the arcade of the Palais Royal, this elegant, historical bistro (Napolean supposedly proposed to Josephine here) is known for its refined, classic dishes; exceptional, graceful service; and an excellent wine list.

La Maison Odette Paris
One simply cannot visit Paris without sampling from its many patisseries, and Odette specializes in choux (cream puffs) in a range of flavors. Located in the Latin Quarter and boasting views of Notre-Dame from its terrace, it makes a great spot to people-watch while you indulge.

L’Oiseau Blanc
This 2-Michelin-starred restaurant atop The Peninsula Paris features stunning views of the Eiffel Tower from its terrace and dining room. The contemporary French menu changes weekly and incorporates vegetables from Chef David Bizet’s own garden and the best of regional ingredients.

ATTRACTIONS
Flea Markets
Aside from the designer showrooms in the 8th arrondissement, Paris’ most well-known shopping venues may be its flea markets (marché aux puces). The largest, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, boasts 3,000 merchants across 45 acres. Smaller markets include marchés aux puces Rue d’Aligre, Porte de Vanves and Montreuil. Usually open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, they tempt with possible bargains and treasures of all kinds. Shop early, bring cash and prepare to bargain.

Marché des Enfants Rouges
This oldest covered market in Paris (circa 1600), located in Le Marais, proves a feast for the senses, with food vendors offering everything from French cheeses to fresh seafood and local wines. Come hungry and sample street foods from across the globe.

Palais de Tokyo Museum
This largest center for contemporary art in Europe, opened in 2002, celebrates living artists across multiple disciplines including painting, film, graffiti, performance art and sculpture. Also on site find several popular restaurants, club Yoyo for drinks and dancing after dark, a quirky gift shop, and an outdoor space overlooking the Seine.

Contributor Carley Thornell recommends Comptoir de Vie for fine dining without the suitcoat.

Writer Elyse Glickman shared the [RE]Store Space at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann offers ultimate one-stop shopping for curated vintage collections.

“Paris is always a good idea, of course, and Hemingway’s Bar at The Ritz more than lives up to the hype,” said frequent traveler Katherine Parker-Magyar.

Contributor Kristy Alpert lived in Paris, and when she’s back there, she always stops at La Grande Épicerie in Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche.