Seine-Sational

Paris is a city that must be experienced first-hand. Though perennial monuments like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe are a must, as are world-renowned museums such as the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay, there are wonders to be found on every corner of this city. From the trendy bars, boutiques and galleries of Marais to the artsy and bohemian feel of Montmartre to the grandiose elegance along the Seine, there is plenty for all tastes.

Be it for shopping, dining or sightseeing, it is hard to find a better place than Paris, the world’s most visited city. Here are some of our top picks.

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Le Marais is a historic district situated on the Right Bank of the Seine, spread across the 3rd and 4th Arrondissements. This is a trendy district with beautiful architecture dating back to the 17th century. Now home to a vibrant LGBT community, it is famous for its many museums, art galleries and historic sites, such as Paris’ oldest square, Place des Vosges, the site of Victor Hugo’s former residence.

The Musee d’Orsay was originally a railway station, and the building itself demands a visit. But it holds a mesmerizing collection of mainly French paintings, sculptures and photography, including the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, with works from artists such as Van Gogh, Cezanne, Renoir and Monet.

The Eiffel Tower is the very symbol of Paris itself, and it attracts nearly 7 million visitors each year. The tower was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Exposition to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. It towers over the city at 1,063 feet and weighs over 10,000 tons, making it both an imposing monument and an engineering marvel.

Boat cruises on the Seine embark at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and take you through the heart of the city, where you can admire the prestigious monuments and landmarks and the stunning architecture from bridge to bridge and bank to bank.

When it comes time to refuel, do as the French do and watch the world stroll by at a sidewalk cafe.

Cafe De Flore, a famous literary cafe in Saint-Germain des-Pres, once hosted the likes of Pablo Picasso, Albert Camus and Simone de Beauvoir. Or head to Rue Oberkampf, where you’ll find several cafes that, like Cafe Charbon, transform into chic bars at night. Originally a dance hall built around 1900, this spacious cafe attracts a hip urban crowd.

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