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Paris Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Paris

Paris guide

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One of the first things you notice when you walk around Paris is this: the French capital is just as you imagine it. Parisians lounge outside cafés drinking coffee, budding artists sketch whatever passes them into their sketch pads, and everywhere you look is another building which causes an immediate reaction to grab for your camera. Some of the world's best museums can be found here, the list of instantly recognisable landmarks is a lengthy one, and the nightlife is electric to say the least. But one of the French capital's best attributes is that when you want to do nothing but sit back and relax, it's hard to think of a better city in the world to people watch.

Latest reviews of Paris

There is no kitchen (well there is but it is only to be used for breakfast), no common room (unless you count the chairs at the reception). No Hot water (not once in 5 days have i had a hot shower). No cooling for the room, bring your earplugs and open a window. No age restrictions on people...more There is no kitchen (well there is but it is only to be used for breakfast), no common room (unless you count the chairs at the reception). No Hot water (not once in 5 days have i had a hot shower). No cooling for the room, bring your earplugs and open a window. No age restrictions on people staying, had to share with a 55 year old mother and daughter - NO ONE wants to go to a hostel to hang out with mature age people!close

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by nloader8722 – posted on May 27, 2008

nloader8722, from Australia, has 2 reviews 2

Paris is amazing. The famous monuments were even more impressive in person. We ran into markets and festivals everywhere that offered interesting goods for reasonable prices. We stayed in a suburb south of the city, but it wasn\'t a problem thanks to the great metro. Buy day-passes and...more Paris is amazing. The famous monuments were even more impressive in person. We ran into markets and festivals everywhere that offered interesting goods for reasonable prices. We stayed in a suburb south of the city, but it wasn\'t a problem thanks to the great metro. Buy day-passes and you\'ll have freedom over the entire city (and Versailles). close

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by esmallen6423 – posted on May 15, 2008

esmallen6423, from USA, has 6 reviews 6

People often say that Paris is nice, beautiful and romantic. I disagree. There are places to visit like the Eiffel tower, arc d triomphe, the notre dame cathedral and the louvre. BUT Paris is NOT nice or beautiful and definitely not romantic. Its dirty and crowded. I was walking along the streets...more People often say that Paris is nice, beautiful and romantic. I disagree. There are places to visit like the Eiffel tower, arc d triomphe, the notre dame cathedral and the louvre. BUT Paris is NOT nice or beautiful and definitely not romantic. Its dirty and crowded. I was walking along the streets and can see people pissing at the sides. There is graffiti everywhere too. Really disappointing, considering what high expectations I had for Paris.close

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by jay-nemesisz8681 – posted on Mar 23, 2008

jay-nemesisz8681, from Singapore, has 22 reviews 22

what i can say about the agil hotel is my experience wasnt good at all .After looking for the hotel for close to 2 hours , we were informed that there werent any rooms available inspite of a confirmed booking . later also discovered that they had deducted one nights charges from the card and...more what i can say about the agil hotel is my experience wasnt good at all .After looking for the hotel for close to 2 hours , we were informed that there werent any rooms available inspite of a confirmed booking . later also discovered that they had deducted one nights charges from the card and now inspite of repeated follow ups with them for refund there hasnt been any response from their end . All in all not a place to be recommended . close

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by yogeshlawande3200 – posted on Mar 21, 2008

yogeshlawande3200, from India, has 4 reviews 4

For me, Paris is over-rated. IT has very good art museums - but at the end of the day, they could have been anywhere. Once you\'ve seen the main sights, there\'s not much left to do. Montmarte and the Latin quarters are the only places to spend a prolonged amount of time - just wander...more For me, Paris is over-rated. IT has very good art museums - but at the end of the day, they could have been anywhere. Once you\'ve seen the main sights, there\'s not much left to do. Montmarte and the Latin quarters are the only places to spend a prolonged amount of time - just wander through the backstreets.close

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by jonnyharry – posted on Feb 15, 2008

jonnyharry, from England, has 6 reviews 6

LOVE IT! Great for sightseeing, get a daily Metro ticket and you can really see so much. It was fantastic. Moulin Rouge is so expensive, but try catching the 11pm show, it's great. Was quite expensive but seemed cheap after Ireland! Great for cheap souvenir shopping in the Montmartre area and on...more LOVE IT! Great for sightseeing, get a daily Metro ticket and you can really see so much. It was fantastic. Moulin Rouge is so expensive, but try catching the 11pm show, it's great. Was quite expensive but seemed cheap after Ireland! Great for cheap souvenir shopping in the Montmartre area and on the street up to Sacre Coeur. So much to see, it's lovely.close

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by BrianaTaylor – posted on Jan 2, 2008

BrianaTaylor, from Australia, has 19 reviews 19

I went to Paris on the 26th Dec and stayed for 2 nights with my boyfriend...it was really great time for us...as we were told Paris is really wonderfull place with loads to see...loads to enjoy...romantic, unforgetable place...We did not see everything we wanted...2 days is not enough...but we...more I went to Paris on the 26th Dec and stayed for 2 nights with my boyfriend...it was really great time for us...as we were told Paris is really wonderfull place with loads to see...loads to enjoy...romantic, unforgetable place...We did not see everything we wanted...2 days is not enough...but we hope to return there sometimes in summer when all the gardens are full of flowers and you can enjoy the sun and everything you cannot in winter...We love Paris!!!...Daniela and Robertclose

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by danieladureckova7277 – posted on Dec 26, 2007

danieladureckova7277, from Slovakia, has 2 reviews 2

What is there to say but, Paris is Paris and the Grand Boulevards are breathtaking. Do stop in at boulangeries/patisseries and mange on some pain au chocolat and baguettes. Even though they will probably speak English, get a phrasebook and TRY to speak a little french to your waiters and...more What is there to say but, Paris is Paris and the Grand Boulevards are breathtaking. Do stop in at boulangeries/patisseries and mange on some pain au chocolat and baguettes. Even though they will probably speak English, get a phrasebook and TRY to speak a little french to your waiters and people at desks. Don't be that guy. The best places are a little ways away from the tourist attractions where Parisians actually live and the menus outside the restaurants are NOT IN ENGLISH!!! If they are you haven't gone far enough. Walk down random streets that look cool and get a little lost but don't look like you're lost.close

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by DeuxExpats – posted on Nov 30, 2007

DeuxExpats, from USA, has 5 reviews 5

Paris is one of the world\'s most amazing cities (like we didn\'t already know this). If you\'re making plans to go though, I wouldn\'t go after October and during the winter. Bad weather really does put a damper on things, there\'s so many beautiful outdoors activities...more Paris is one of the world\'s most amazing cities (like we didn\'t already know this). If you\'re making plans to go though, I wouldn\'t go after October and during the winter. Bad weather really does put a damper on things, there\'s so many beautiful outdoors activities to enjoy which become impossible in winter ie, the amazing gardens all over Paris, and even the gardens of Versailles aren\'t the same in winter... plus you don\'t get to sit outside Parisian cafes and people watch. I thought there would be less tourists in November but there seemed to be more in fact! close

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by pjbadseed8820 – posted on Nov 23, 2007

pjbadseed8820, from Australia, has 2 reviews 2

Paris is a smashing city with more to do than most. It\'s an easy city to get around with a vast Metro underground train system and bus network. I would recommend saving your euros for a trip to Paris as most day-to-day things can be costly. The restaurants and shopping is at very...more Paris is a smashing city with more to do than most. It\'s an easy city to get around with a vast Metro underground train system and bus network. I would recommend saving your euros for a trip to Paris as most day-to-day things can be costly. The restaurants and shopping is at very lease the best in the world. This city would be at least in my personal top 3 city list.close

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by richardkel256 – posted on Nov 17, 2007

richardkel256, from Scotland, has 2 reviews 2

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Top Rated Paris Places to Stay

  1. Hotel Innova85%

    Good value for money for the centre of Paris. Very close to Montparnasse and all sorts of food and bars, 20 minutes to the Eiffel tower. Very easy access to the metro and the rest of the city. Cheap and chearful.

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    by rowan5167 – posted on Jul 2008

    rowan5167, from Australia, has 3 reviews 3

    The bedrooms are great and they have balconies that overlook the street. It is extremely clean and is much better than most hostels.

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    by kristenm1074135 – posted on Jul 2008

    kristenm1074135, from USA, has 2 reviews 2
  2. Hotel des Mines84%

    Great Place, helpful staff

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    by allyceashlund4519 – posted on Jul 2008

    allyceashlund4519, from USA, has 3 reviews 3

    Unable to deal effectively with noisy guests in the room next door.

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    by aaron-morey888107 – posted on Jul 2008

    aaron-morey888107, from Australia, has 1 reviews 1
  3. Boissiere73%

    Nice place to stay. Very clean and comfortable

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    by miguelangeles45 – posted on Jun 2005

    miguelangeles45, from Brazil, has 1 reviews 1

    well, We have been there by 4 nights, it's clean, but the problem was there wasn't kitchen and it was building time. The metro isn't 5' away - it is 15 - 20' If this was closer to center it might be very good.

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    by marcinniechaj9004 – posted on Jul 2008

    marcinniechaj9004, from Poland, has 2 reviews 2

Top Rated Paris Restaurants

  1. Le Reminet100%

    • What?

        Bistro
    • Where?

        Near Maubert-Mutualité Metro Station
    • Anything Else?

        The interior is small but has a real charm to it, the specialities are duck steak and hot oysters and are quite popular. The restaurant can fill up quickly so it is better to get there earlier rather than later.

    This little restaurant is just around the corner from Notre Dame in a little side street in one of the prettiest parts of the 5th arrondissement. Elegant decor but only room for a few tables outside in good weather, which is a pity. The chef is a young man from Normandy and his food is highly accomplished, traditional French with a twist. Well worth going to!...

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    by Donal – posted on May 2007

    Donal, from Ireland, has 127 reviews 127
  2. Chez Francis Labutte100%

    Wonderful trendy and bohemian restaurant and bar in the 18th, not far from metro Lamarck/Caulaincourt (Line 12). Not too big, friendly and efficient staff, tables outside so lovely when the sun is shining. This is a perfect place for a Sunday brunch or just lunch any day...

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    by catarina – posted on Sep 2007

    catarina, from Sweden, has 208 reviews 208
  3. Au Poulbot Gourmet100%

    • What?

        French Cuisine
    • Where?

        Located in the Montmartre area
    • Anything Else?

        Named after the chefs favourite painter, the restaurant has discreet lighting which gives it an affable mood. It has a well chosen wine list and fine cuisine compared to the nearby tourist traps.

    I was wandering around Montmartre one lunchtime with a friend, looking for a restaurant that didn't seem too touristy and somehow or other we ended up in the rue Lamarck and found this little restaurant. We couldn't resist trying it and we hit on a gem: the food is traditional French but cooked to perfection - the roast lamb was delicious and the signature...

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    by Donal – posted on Mar 2005

    Donal, from Ireland, has 127 reviews 127
  4. Findi Italian Restaurant100%

    • What?

        Italian Cuisine
    • Where?

        Near George V Metro Station
    • Anything Else?

        Traditional Italian dishes at great prices. The restaurant's specialties include its antipasti and fresh pasta. You can also buy a wide range of products from the delicatessen.

    A nice italian restaurant ideally located Avenue George V, at half way between the Champs-Elysées and the Eiffel Tower.

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    by PeterW – posted on Dec 2007

    PeterW, from England, has 2 reviews 2
  5. Villa Spicy Restaurant Paris100%

    • What?

        Mediterranean Cuisine
    • Where?

        Near Saint-Philippe-du-Roule Metro Station
    • Anything Else?

        Offering a calm and peaceful atmosphere as a result of the contrasting wall and furniture colours. Using only the best and most carefully chosen products of the region, the head chef creates a menu of delicious meals.

    A nice restaurant with a peaceful, calm and sunny atmosphere. Dishes are good and use carefully chosen products.

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    by PeterW – posted on Nov 2007

    PeterW, from England, has 2 reviews 2

Top Rated Paris Attractions

  1. Musee d'Orsay100%

    • What?

        Museum
    • Where?

        Near the Musée d'Orsay train station
    • Anything Else?

        Situated in what was originally the train station buidling Gare d'Orsay, it now houses art work mainly from 1848 to 1915. Most of the collection is impressionist and there pieces from masters such as Monet and Renoir.

    If there is only one art museum you see in your life then this is the one (and maybe the Tate Modern). Okay that's a bit extreme and presumptive. But this is the best I have been to. I live in Australia and apart from the gallery in my home town this is the only one in the world I have been to more than once! There are just too many great works to see here....

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    by faecolith – posted on Apr 2008

    faecolith, from Ireland, has 13 reviews 13
  2. Arc de Triomphe100%

    • What?

        Monument
    • Where?

        Above Charles de Gaulle - Étoile Metro Station
    • Anything Else?

        One of the most famous of Paris' monuments, building of it was finished under King Louis-Philippe. There is pedestrian access via an underpass and there is an exterior observation level which is accessible by a lift or stairs.

    It is actually huge arc in the middle of big roundabout. DO NOT try to cross the road throught to the arc as there are no lines on the road and those drivers are just crazy. If you want you can climb to the top of this arc for few euro and you can get nice view as you can see on my picture and you can see whole Champ's Elisee and Eifell tower. Arc is guarded...

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    by kralcak – posted on Jan 2008

    kralcak, from Slovakia, has 5 reviews 5
  3. La Sainte Chapelle100%

    • What?

        Famous Monument
    • Where?

        Beside Cité Metro Station
    • Anything Else?

        Built to house relics from the Passion of Christ in a safe place, the church is a perfect example of Gothic architecture. Louis IX purchased the crown of thorns and other relics of the Passion and housed them her for many years.

    La Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie complex on the ile de la Cité in central Paris is well worth visiting. You can visit both sites or just one, but the queues for the Sainte Chapelle in particular are quite daunting so be warned. The Church was started in 1241 and is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The upper chapel has the most amazing rose...

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    by Donal – posted on Jun 2007

    Donal, from Ireland, has 127 reviews 127
  4. Notre Dame Cathedrale93%

    • What?

        Famous Cathedral
    • Where?

        Near Saint-Michel Metro Station
    • Anything Else?

        Another of Paris' famous monuments, the Cathedral has had a rich history. It suffered desecration during the radical phase of the French Revolution in the 1790s and was nearly torn down in the early 19th century.

    We went to this cathedral on sunday evening and there was a mass but cathedral was still open for tourists and all the chairs were divided from tourists so you can walk around all the people and listen to the songs and take pictures. Entrance was free during mass.

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    by kralcak – posted on Jan 2008

    kralcak, from Slovakia, has 5 reviews 5
  5. Eiffel Tower88%

    • What?

        Famous Monument
    • Where?

        Beside Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel Metro Station
    • Anything Else?

        The most famous of Parisian buildings, know across the world as a icon of Paris and France. It is the tallest building in Paris and it is possible to venture to the top either by the lift system or by the stairs and then by lift to the top floor.

    We went to to the top of this tower for 11,50EURO as you can see price list on the picture. You can see queue as well on other picture. DO NOT GO only to 1st or second floor... it is nothing if you compare it with the view from top of the tower. It is windy up there but there is always two floors on each level and one of them is covered with windows. Tower...

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    by kralcak – posted on Jan 2008

    kralcak, from Slovakia, has 5 reviews 5

Top Rated Paris Bars

  1. La Fleche d'Or100%

    • What?

        Nightclub
    • Where?

        Nearest Metro Station is Alexandre Dumas
    • Anything Else?

        The venue was a train station where the "La Fleche d'Or" or "The Gold Arrow" train left from. There is live music here on Fridays and Saturdays. There is also a restaurant located in the venue. Check the website for upcoming shows.

    La fleche d'or is a sort of club where every friday and saturday bands are playing and the best is that it is for free. There are always a lot of people and the prices are from cheap to average (4 euro for a coke is normal in Paris). You need to check it out.

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    by LNA – posted on May 2006

    LNA, from Germany, has 1 reviews 1
  2. Kilty's Irish Pub100%

    • What?

        Irish Bar
    • Where?

        Located beside Bastille Metro station

    Been there a few times and really like it! The small Irish pub is located at Place de Bastille, and therefore has a good view from outside the bar. Not a big place, but really cozy and with good Irish beer.

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    by Pubcrawler – posted on May 2008

    Pubcrawler, from New Zealand, has 1 reviews 1
  3. Le Point Ephemere100%

    • What?

        Bar and Restaurant
    • Where?

        Near Jaures Metro Station
    • Anything Else?

        This is a bar and restaurant and also an art gallery and live music venue. Owned by an artists' collective they have taken a 5 year lease on an old cargo building. The exhibitions change on a regular basis and the atmosphere is very relaxed.

    Ice Kube bar is a really different place in the hotel le Kube. Indeed, erything is made with a futurist design. You will be welcomed by the staff in a cold room with a temperature of - 10 degree and an icebar. They will give you an anorak. The price is not cheap, 38€ and one vodka will be offered.

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    by Lionel – posted on May 2006

    Lionel, from France, has 16 reviews 16
  4. Montparnasse Tower100%

    • What?

        Bar located on 56th floor of Montparnasse Tower
    • Where?

        Near Edgar Quinet Metro Station
    • Anything Else?

        Here you can have a drink with an amazing view over Paris from 196 meters (over 640 feet) up.

    For an unrivalled panaramic view of Paris, head to the bar at the Montparnasse Tower. Paris has a low skyline and the views from here are unobstructed. Sunset is a particularly beautiful time for a quiet drink or dinner, soothed by the gentle piano playing, with views out over the French capital.

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    by TravelBugged – posted on Jun 2007

    TravelBugged, from Ireland, has 49 reviews 49
  5. Le Galway80%

    • What?

        Irish Bar
    • Where?

        Near Saint-Michel Metro Station

    Irish bars are all over Paris although there is something very un-Irish about a lot of them. Across from the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Galway is an authentic Irish bar with plenty of Irish spirit and Irish staff.

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    by colm – posted on Apr 2004

    colm, from Ireland, has 223 reviews 223

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