Paris Photo Gallery

Photo credit: Selbymay

One could spend eons viewing all of the artwork, but you can see highlights in about three hours, which many guidebooks will outline for you. Too imposing? Consider one of several guided tours from Context Travel, which last 2.5-3 hours. The Mona Lisa is always crowded, but there are many rooms which you will have to yourself, such as the sculpture room pictured here on our Friday night visit. Entry included in the Paris Museum Pass; €15 without pass.

To extend your evening at the Louvre, make a late dinner reservation at Café Marly, the only restaurant with exceptional views of the Louvre both inside (the Cour Marly room of French sculptures) and outside (I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid). Snag a table on the terrace and gaze away. Open daily 8am-2am. Photo credit: Peter K Burian

Figuring out the Velib bike share system

Generous pours at the Jardin du Luxembourg cafe

What better time for research than at lunch?

Pradeep jumping on the "research-at-lunch" bandwagon

Tara blends in with Rodin's Burghers of Calais

Do not attempt this while bike sharing

Tara LOVES audio tours

Closing down the Latin Quarter

Curated list of museums and markets as featured in the Compass & Key itineraries for wandering Paris. Useful planning tool for your Paris vacation.

1. LEARN KEY PHRASES

As a guest in another country, we have found that learning a few key words and phrases in the native language show respect and common courtesy. Practice all of the phrases on this handy infographic from Air France and it will help immensely as you explore Paris.

2. GET ORIENTED

If you've never been to Paris, consider getting oriented with a guided tour. Our favorite is Fat Tire bike tours, which not only showcases most of the major monuments, but is also the perfect way to fight jet lag on your first afternoon, after landing and before hotel check-in, with some fresh air and exercise. Also consider a private tour or other orientation tour through Context, our go-to tour company, which specializes in guiding intellectually curious travelers in small groups.

3. SKIP THE LINES WITH THE MUSEUM PASS

As with many other major cities, Paris offers a Museum Pass that includes most of the destinations featured in Compass & Key. While it may not save money depending on how much time you have, it is well worth the investment to skip the lines, particularly in the height of summer crowds. Available in 2-, 4- or 6-day increments, the passes can be purchased ahead of your visit or at many kiosks around the city, even right outside one of the venues.

4. BE MOVED BY MUSIC WITH CATHEDRAL CONCERTS

Imagine listening to an organ performance in a cathedral like Notre Dame. With concerts regularly scheduled in locations throughout the city, don't miss the opportunity to hear the acoustics within the ancient walls of a Paris church.

5. START YOUR DAY IN THE MARKET

Many of our destinations encourage a visit to a local market, as Parisians love their markets. Peruse the map for the blue shopping bag icons, which denote some of the 80 markets throughout the city with their opening hours. And consider this specialty food tour from Context with a culinary expert.