Paris

This cosmopolitan capital is one of the great cities of the world.Whatever your interest, you're sure to find it here - from glittering nightlife and gourmet cuisine to living history and performing street artistes.

Getting around

The Paris Metro is extensive, good value and runs from around 5.30am until midnight. Buses run from 6.30am-9pm, while the RER provides a fast train link to the city from the suburbs. For unlimited use of the Metro, buses and RER,why not pre-purchase a Paris Visite travel card? The best place to get a taxi is from a Tête de station (taxi rank). Please note that taxis charge extra for luggage and journeys to and from airports and stations.

Must sees

Knowing where to begin is probably the biggest problem you'll have. A good starting point is the boulevard Périphérique - this follows the historic city walls and rings the centre of Paris. It's an area packed with attractions for shoppers and sightseers alike.

Islands of the Seine

The River Seine creates a natural divide between the very different personalities of Paris. See the gargoyles and exquisite architecture of the Ile de la Cité, the simple beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie with legends of the guillotine and charming Ile Saint-Louis for a taste of the famous Berthillon ice cream.

Left Bank

The Latin Quarter is home to the Sorbonne, countless book stalls, a motley collection of galleries and a medley of street performers in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Once the haunt of great painters and poets, Montparnasse is a great place for people-watching, though the coffee tends to be a bit pricey. Climb to the top of the 954-foot Eiffel Tower (or take the lift) for panoramic views of the city, and see Napoleon's tomb in the Eglise du Dôme.

Right Bank

The Etoile, with its most famous monument the Arc de Triomphe, is the centrepiece of the city.The 12-pointed star is formed by some of the world's most prestigious boulevards, including the Champs Elysées with the Lido and its Bluebell Girls, and the Place de la Concorde and Tuileries Gardens. See the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, and the historic Marais district, bordered by the Bastille, and don't miss the incomparable atmosphere of Montmartre with the contrasting Clignancourt Flea Market and remarkable Sacré-Coeur.

Must buys

Department stores include the sophisticated Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann, Printemps Au Bon Marché (good for fine linens) and La Samaritaine. The fashion-conscious should head for Rue du Faubourg St Honoré or Avenue Marceau, and small boutiques with prêt-a-porter versions draw shoppers to Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Jewellers are on Rue de la Paix and Place Vendôme, and for antiques, objets d'art and early-edition books, browse the stalls on the banks of the river or in Le Louvre des Antiquaires. Markets are varied, ranging from the Clignancourt Flea Market to Quai de la Corsé's colourful flower market.

Must tries

Famous names along the Champs Elysées are likely to be expensive and cafes charge more to sit with a drink than to stand at the bar. Bistros can be cheap and cheerful - or not. Check the menu outside (if there isn't one, it means it's expensive). Eat where the locals eat - it's an indication of how good it is - and opt for the plat du jour or set price meals ('menu à prix fixé') for an excellent meal at a realistic price.