Top 10 Things to Do in Paris (Beyond the Eiffel Tower)

The Eiffel Tower is unmissable at dusk, but Paris rewards anyone who walks a few streets further. Start with the Musée d'Orsay and the Île Saint-Louis early in the morning, before the coach groups arrive.

Our favourites for first-timers: the Musée de l'Orangerie at opening time, a café and pastry stop in the afternoon, and a rooftop dinner over the city rooftops as the lights come on across Paris.

For a half-day escape, the Palace of Versailles is only 40 minutes away — gardens, fountains and lunch at a nearby bistro with the château on the horizon.

Shopping is a sport here. Head to Le Marais for boutiques and vintage finds, and Rue Mouffetard for markets. Go with a guide the first time; you will discover the workshops behind the storefronts.