With 2000 years of history and more recognizable landmarks than nearly any other city in the world, Paris is one of the world’s great cities. Whether your interests lie in the majestic architecture, stunning collections of historic art, world famous French cuisine, or the vibrant nightlife, there is something for every visitor. Unless you are planning an extended stay, expect to leave Paris with many sites unvisited and a full itinerary for your next visit.

Separated into the Right Bank (north side) and Left Bank (south side) by the Seine, Paris is also divided into 20 arrondissements, each of which have their own distinctive character. An extensive metro system makes getting around the city relatively easy but, without a doubt, the best way to discover the different flavours of Paris is on foot. So put on your favourite walking shoes and get ready to explore one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

In contrast to the formal and sober feeling permeating most of Paris north of the Seine, one of the main attractions of the Right Bank is the incredible collection of paintings and sculpture at the Musée Picasso. Also found in the Right Bank is the Centre National d’Art et de Culture Georges-Pompidou, one of the most visited sites in all of France. A large part of the much-loved Marais neighbourhood, formerly a 17th-century aristocratic haven and now Paris’ gay district, is contained by the Right Bank.

This area near the outskirts of Paris was once the gathering place for illustrious artists such as Picasso, Max Jacob, and Matisse. For most visitors, the major landmark is the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur. Situated on top of Montmartre, this site offers a beautiful panoramic view of Paris. Those with racier tastes can take a trip to the Musée de l’Érotisme and attend one of the burlesque shows at the world-famous Moulin Rouge, an historic mainstay of Montmartre’s active nightlife.

This area mostly covers Paris’s 2nd Arrondissement, where the presence of the Bourse (stock exchange) makes it the hub of capitalist France. There is no shortage of historic culture in the area either; the pedestrian malls of the Grand Boulevards and the Bibliothèque Nationale are both a short walk away. A bit further west sits the Église de Madeleine, a beautiful church made in the form of a Greek temple. Fans of the performing arts can also visit the nearby Opéra Garnier, the original hall of the Opéra National de Paris.

Spanning the Seine and including sections of Paris’ 4th, 5th, 12th, and 13th Arrondissements, this area has a variety of attractions. Visit the section south of the Seine to explore the 13 blocks of Paris’ Chinatown or enjoy the botanical splendour of the gorgeous Jardin des Plantes. On the north side, dine at the historic Train Bleu restaurant found in the Gare de Lyon and then take in a performance at the Opéra Bastille, the new hall of the Opéra National de Paris.

Originally laid out in the 1660s as a park leading away from the Jardins de Tuileries, the Champs-Elysées is a tree-lined 2km roadway connecting the Arc de Triomphe to the Obelisk of Luxor at Place de la Concorde. This line can also be extended in both directions to include La Défense, the Louvre, and the Hôtel de Ville. Set aside a day for a walk along the “main axis of Paris” to experience these landmarks of Parisian history or just to enjoy the scenery.

The roadway of Champs-Elysées may end at Place de la Concorde but the walk is definitely not over. Continue southeast along the “main axis of Paris” through the stately elegance of the Jardin des Tuileries, past the beautiful Place Venodôme, and you will soon find yourself at the Louvre, the world’s greatest art museum. Make sure to give yourself ample time to explore the expansive collections of historic art at the Louvre. Avoid overwhelming yourself by planning several visits.

The site of Paris’ first settlement in the 3rd century BC, the Île de la Cité is one of two islands on the Seine. It can be reached by several bridges, one of which, Pont Neuf, is Paris’ oldest, dating back to 1607. The main attraction of the Île de la Cité is the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture built between 1163 and 1345. The Conciergerie and the Palace of Justice, at the other end of the island, are famous for their roles during the Revolution.

For those with an intellectual slant, a trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Latin Quarter. The centre of Parisian higher education since the prestigious Sorbonne was founded in 1253, this neighbourhood, bordering on the Seine, is characterized by its collection of Roman ruins, student hang-outs, bookstores, schools, and publishing houses. Also found in the Latin Quarter is one of Paris’ largest parks, the beautiful and expansive Jardins du Luxembourg, and the famous 83-metre-tall domed landmark, the Panthéon.

Historically, the area of Paris south of the Seine has been known for its bohemian and carefree atmosphere. This particular section of the Left Bank is largely offices and residences but it is also home to several major Paris landmarks. The most famous of these is the Eiffel Tower which has dominated Paris’ skyline since its opening in 1889. The Left Bank is also of special interest to war buffs because of the amazing collection of military exhibits at the Musee de l’Armée, which is found on the same site as the Hôtel des Invalides, Napoléon’s Tomb, and the magnificent Église du Dôme.