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<\/p>\nWhen I first moved to Paris, I knew almost nothing about the city. I didn\u2019t know how many arrondissements there were (20) or whether the Seine River splits the city into east and west or north and south (the latter).<\/p>\n
Almost three years later, I\u2019ve become much more familiar with the city and explored it extensively. Here are my local recommendations that I actually give to my visiting friends and family. Bookmark this for your next trip!<\/p>\n
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Among the more than 30 bridges linking the Left and Right Banks of Paris, the Pont des Arts<\/a> is arguably the most romantic. Wooden benches line the walkway, where people relax to the music of talented buskers. The glass railing offers a clear view of the iconic river cruises gliding underneath.<\/p>\n Parc Montsouris<\/a> is my favourite park in Paris because it\u2019s spacious, peaceful, and generously shaded. A softly shaded plateau overlooks a quiet pond, giving the space a pleasant openness. Close to a university residence, it\u2019s popular with young people but never loud or overwhelming.<\/p>\n If you like beer, food trucks, music, and lively evenings, La Felicit\u00e0<\/a> is worth the detour. This sprawling indoor biergarten offers a solid selection of drinks and Italian food, all in colourful, playful d\u00e9cor. Themed nights often feature DJs, karaoke, sports screenings, and more.<\/p>\n Galeries Lafayette is a department store, but its Haussmann location<\/a> is a masterpiece in itself. On the middle floors, the space opens dramatically beneath a vast stained-glass dome supported by ornate arches. At Christmas, a giant artistic tree hangs under the dome with a dazzling light show. After exploring, head up to the rooftop terrace for a free view of Parisian rooftops and the Eiffel Tower.<\/p>\n On summer days, few things beat a walk along Canal Saint-Martin<\/a>. Small boats are moored along the water, and people sit on the edge to read, talk, and snack. The most charming stretch runs from Rue du Faubourg-du-Temple to Avenue Jean-Jaur\u00e8s.<\/p>\n The Coul\u00e9e verte Ren\u00e9-Dumont<\/a> is an elevated linear park stretching from Bastille to Vincennes. Once a railway line, it\u2019s now a leafy sky-high promenade where locals stroll or jog. It even inspired New York\u2019s High Line, yet remains far less crowded.<\/p>\n The Arc de Triomphe<\/a> is well known, but what earns it a place on this list is the view from the top. Climb up for what I consider the finest panoramic view of Paris, with the avenues radiating out below and the Eiffel Tower rising in the distance. You can see virtually all of the city\u2019s iconic landmarks.<\/p>\n Bonus:<\/strong> It\u2019s free to climb up on the first Sunday of the month, from November to March. Otherwise, admission must be paid. <\/p>\n A cemetery may not be on your Paris itinerary, but the city\u2019s cemeteries are strikingly beautiful in the warmer months, and the Cimeti\u00e8re Montparnasse<\/a> is among the best of them. Trees and benches make it serene, and many notable figures are buried here, giving the place an additional historical depth.<\/p>\n Perched on a hill, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont<\/a> is one of the few Paris parks that combine lush greenery with sweeping views. Lay out a picnic blanket and, for a moment, forget that you\u2019re in the heart of Europe\u2019s densest capital.<\/p>\n The Petit Palais<\/a> is a museum that can be visited for free and without reservation. Its elegant architecture houses a permanent collection spanning various periods and styles, making it a rewarding visit even if you only have an hour or two.<\/p>\n Dedicated to the history of Paris, the Mus\u00e9e Carnavalet<\/a> is a large and entirely free museum filled with beautiful objects, artworks, and reconstructions. You can easily spend hours here, and its quality rivals \u2013 even exceeds \u2013 that of some paid museums. And you\u2019re sure to learn a thing or two about Paris!<\/p>\n![\"pont](\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shutterstock_748363480.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2. Parc Montsouris<\/h2>\n
3. La Felicit\u00e0<\/h2>\n
4. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann<\/h2>\n
5. Canal Saint-Martin<\/h2>\n
6. Coul\u00e9e verte Ren\u00e9-Dumont<\/h2>\n
7. View from the Arc de Triomphe<\/h2>\n
8. Cimeti\u00e8re Montparnasse<\/h2>\n
9. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n10. Petit Palais<\/h2>\n
11. Mus\u00e9e Carnavalet<\/h2>\n
12. Passage Jouffroy<\/h2>\n