Are you one of those connoisseurs?

Do you get this bubbling urge to get the Framboise from the barrel?

To meet the hoarder of the best-stash brewer?

Or experience exceptional beer tastings and visits that come with a world of this flavorful and thirst-quenching beverage?

If you are all that, then we have curated a list of the most sought-after beer tours across the globe.

Let’s get started.

Heineken Brewery, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Heineken is the most exciting tourist attraction in Amsterdam.

Heineken Brewery was built in 1867 and was its main brewery until 1988 when a new modern factory was built in Amsterdam’s outskirts.

A tour of the factory takes nearly one and a half hours. All the subtleties of brewing are exhibited amusingly. This is the most famous beer museum and tour across the globe.

Carlsberg Brewery, Copenhagen, Denmark*

Carlsberg history dates back to 1847; it is among the oldest breweries in northern Europe with a magnificent history and tradition. The tour to Carlsberg Brewery takes you through the awe-inspiring history of the widely adored Carlsberg beer brand.

The unique exhibits and interactive models enthral visitors to this brewery. Most of the visitors are impressed by viewing the world’s largest beer collection. The tour includes a visit to the stables with large Jutland draft horses, reminding tourists of the history when beer was distributed to the consumer exclusively by horse carts.

St James’ Brewery, Dublin, Ireland

St James’s Brewery, Guinness’s central warehouse, is the world’s beer Mecca. Strictly speaking, the local excursion is not a brewer tour, but the action takes place in the very centre of the colossal Guinness complex, which continues to delight its fans with its famous beer and works round the clock.

There is a lot to learn for the visitors about how beer is made and, in particular, how Guinness is made! On the six floors, tourists are offered interactive exhibits worth experiencing, including information on adverse drinking habits and the consequences of drunk driving.

Tsingtao Brewery, Qingdao, China

No tour in Qingdao is complete without a visit to the Brewery (Qingdao Pijiuchang), east of the main port in the city’s industrial part. They say that the best beer in Asia is brewed here.

The water is taken from the springs of the nearby Laoshan Mountain. Tsingtao beer (Tsingtao – an old pronunciation of Qingdao) is sold throughout China and exported worldwide.

Find the best Brewery and Beer Travel tours, book your trip now!

Tiger Brewery, Singapore

The pride of Hokkaido Prefecture is the Sapporo Beer Museum, the only beer museum in Japan. The museum was opened in 1987. Among the oldest beers in Singapore, Sapporo Beer has been there since 1877 and is currently produced and sold worldwide.

The Sapporo Beer Museum receives more than 150 thousand visitors every year, and in the museum, visitors will be offered not only to get acquainted with its exhibits but also to taste fresh beer. The bar and beer gardens are popular attractions and pride of the city.

Final Say

There is no singular place to get your beer cravings curbed. But make sure you at least visit the places we have shortlisted to get the tip-of-the-iceberg experience.

Book a beer trip through So Cheap Flights and enjoy the beer culture to the full! Visit one or more breweries, beer cafes, and specialized beer restaurants.

Go for a wornderfull vacation and be surprised!

For real Brewery Maniacs and for learning how to brew your own craft beer, visit BreweryMania.com

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This 1,300 kilometers road trip (or 800 miles) is designed to be traveled by road. However, it is fully compatible with the Mexican Mayan Train route that will start operating in 2024.

The Yucatan Peninsula comprises the Mexican states of Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. I designed this archaeological route and road trip to visit 18 Mayan archaeological zones in the three states of the peninsula.

Tulum. The beginning of the trip across the Yucatan Peninsula.

The tour starts at the Cancun airport and heads south on Highway 307 passing through Playa del Carmen. About 120 kilometers away (about 75 miles), the first stop is Tulum. Tulum is considered the second most visited archaeological zone in the Mayan area of Mexico.

Without having the monumentality of Chichen Itzá, Calakmul, Edzná or Uxmal, its main attraction lies its beautiful turquoise beaches.

The town of Tulum is just steps away from the archaeological zone. It is an exotic place with excellent hotels and restaurants to stay for a rest or a meal.

Cobá

About 50 kilometers (or 30 miles) inland from Tulum is the archaeological zone of Cobá. Archaeologists believe it was the most important city-state in the area. It is even said that Tulum was an enclave belonging to Cobá built to facilitate the Mayan maritime trade that traveled along the coast from Honduras. Going around the entire Yucatán peninsula, to reach the coast of Campeche.

The main attraction of Cobá is the definition of its buildings in groups, separated from each other. It has one of the tallest pyramids in the peninsula and borders a lagoon of special beauty.

Muyil

Returning from Cobá to Tulum and then taking again the main road (307) towards south, at less than 20 kilometers (or 12 miles), at the foot of the road you will find Muyil. It is a small area whose attraction is the border with the Cunyaxché lagoon. This is where the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve begins.

Kohunlich, Dzibanché, Kinichná

Continuing from Muyil, south on Highway 307 and passing by the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto and the turnoff to Mahahual, further south you reach the Bacalar Lagoon,

The Bacalar Lagoon is one of the most beautiful nature spots across the entire trip in the Yucatan Peninsula. After 215 kilometers (or 130 miles) from Tulum, this is called “the lagoon of the seven colors”. It has different shades of color of the water in the lagoon.

In this place, there are hotels and restaurants of good level to rest. A boat ride on the lagoon is not to be missed.

South of Bacalar, continuing on Highway 307 for a few more kilometers, you have to take Highway 186 to the west to go to the state of Campeche and less than 70 kilometers (43 miles) away is the archaeological zone of Kohunlich, whose pyramid, called the “Mascarones” is the main attraction.

From Bacalar by the same highway 186 and 82 kilometers (51 miles) away is Dzibanché another zone. Very near you will find Kinichná, another important archaeological zone in the state of Quintana Roo. You may visit all these three sites in one hasty day in you want.

Xpuhil, Becán, Río Bec, Hormiguero, Chicaná

We have left the state of Quintana Roo behind and are now entering the state of Campeche. Following highway 186 to the west and heading towards Escárcega, Campeche, 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Bacalar, you will find not only these five archaeological zones very close to each other, but others, practically at the foot of the highway.

This section of the route is very interesting because you can visit several zones in a few hours. Each of the zones has its individual attraction, and they all belong to the same architectural style known as “Río Bec”, but with their own intrinsic peculiarities.

Calakmul. A must on this trip across Yucatan Peninsula

Approximately 50 kilometers (32 miles) down highway 186, you will find the turnoff to the archaeological zone of Calakmul, which is reached after 60 kilometers (37 miles) of a very narrow road that crosses an important part of the Calakmul biosphere reserve, considered one of the largest and most important in the country, which is home to about 250 species of fauna.

UNESCO as a World Heritage Centre has recognized Calakmul. It is certainly a remote area with few visitors, even though it is becoming more and more known in Mexico and the world.

This archaeological zone is of a magnitude and monumentality at the level of large areas such as Chichen Itza, Palenke (in the state of Chiapas) and Tikal (in the neighboring country of Guatemala). Perhaps because it is the most recently discovered of these areas, it does not have the archaeological reconstruction work of the others, but it is easy to imagine its magnificence in some of its routes (short, medium and long).

There are hotels nearby on Highway 186 with good food. It is worth scheduling an overnight stay near the area since the trip to the city of Campeche, which is the one we recommend, from the archaeological zone is more than four hours.

Edzná

Leaving from one of the hotels on highway 186 near the Calakmul area, heading towards the city of Campeche via Escárcega and after 3.5 hours, you will arrive in the city of Campeche, which is worth visiting and spending at least one night there because of its beauty and gastronomic tradition. Edzná is located 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of the city of Campeche and is, after Calakmul, the most famous archaeological zone in the state. Its attraction is the so-called ” Edificio de los 5 pisos” or “5-Floor Building”.

Uxmal, Kabah y Sayil

We leave the state of Campeche behind and continue the trip into Yucatan on highway 180 and about two hours later we arrive at the archaeological zone of Uxmal; from there both Sayil and Kabah are only a few minutes away. In fact, we recommend visiting Sayil first, then Kabah and crowning the visit with the monumental Uxmal.

Nearby are other areas within what is called the PUUC route: Labná and Xlapac, which can also be visited depending on time and the desire to see more archaeological zones.

Uxmal

For its grandeur and beauty, Uxmal is another story; It has at least three spectacular monumental buildings: the pyramid of the soothsayer, The Nunnery Quadrangle and the Governor’s Palace, but it is much more than that; its ball game, the unevenness of the built-up areas, are only a part of its beauty. Uxmal is considered on the same level as the most important zones of the Mexican Mayan world, such as Chichén Itzá, Palenque and Calakmul.

Chichén Itzá. A Wonder of the Modern World.

The route takes us from the city of Campeche, to leave this state behind and venture into the state of Yucatan, to the beautiful city of Mérida, which is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Uxmal. The city of Mérida is very famous for many things, but perhaps most famous for its architecture and gastronomy. You must spend at least one night in this city.

The most important archaeological zone of the Mexican Mayan world is Chichén Itzá. It is the most visited of the Mayan zone of the country and the second most visited in Mexico, only after Teotihuacan. The Castle or temple of Kukulcán is undoubtedly one of the most famous antiant buildings in the world.

This area is considered one of the seven modern wonders of the world. The sacred cenote, the observatory and the thousand columns, are some of its main attractions and has the largest ball game in Mesoamerica.

Ek Balam

Just an hour from Chichén Itzá and half an hour from the city of Valladolid, is the archaeological zone of EK Balam. Its main attraction is its main pyramid.

At its highest point, you can see the circumference of the earth at 360°. A few meters from the exit of the zone, there is a cenote that is worth a visit.

End of the Road Trip across the Yucatan Peninsula.

Spending a night at the end of the tour in the city of Valladolid and enjoying the delights of its gastronomy is an excellent way to complete the tour and then head to the Cancun airport or to the hotel zone of this famous tourist city.

Another option is Playa del Carmen and perhaps spend a night or two there to rest and start the trip back to the original destination, as this city is only about 60 kilometers (38 miles) from Cancun airport.

Written and designed by Sergio Larios Pérez.

Learn more about the Mayan Civilization and get ready for the most amazing trip of you life.

The extended version on The Ultimate Archaeological Route is here. Get it now!

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Start with the UK

Avenue Verte UK

98 mi / 2-4 days

Your very own Tour de France starts at the London Eye. Launched in 2012 to celebrate the London Olympics, this capital-to-capital ride takes the familiar Sustrans recipe of quiet lanes, off-road routes and scenic detours and gives it a unique Gallic twist.

The ride from London to the ferry at Newhaven is enjoyable, and a few tweaks – detailed in this guide – make it even better. From Dieppe to Paris, though, this is a truly memorable route. The best rail trail you’ve ever cycled, the historic towns of France’s eerily quiet Vexin region, and peaceful rolling lanes together lead to a classic approach to Paris au bord de la Seine. All are ideal for novices and experienced rouleurs alike.

Dedicating a full week to this holiday will give you enough time to enjoy the French countryside and spend a while in Paris, too. The ferry crossing and return journey mean that this route requires a little more planning than most, but it’s worth it.

How about France?

Lille to Paris. La Véloroute du Nord

380 km / 4-8 days

History, not hills. Cycling from Lille to Paris, through the battlefields of the First World War, you’re riding a route known as La Véloroute de la Mémoire – the Route of Remembrance.

The fields you ride through are the very ones fought over so bloodily in 1916. The Thiepval memorial to the 72,000 missing soldiers of the Battle of the Somme is directly on the route. 

This might sound like the cycle route that puts the Somme in “sombre”. Far from it. It’s a delightful way to discover Northern France, its sleepy village charm, its easy cycling, and some simply stunning sights that you’ve almost certainly never heard of. You’ll pass Arras and its colossal Grand Place city square; Amiens, historic capital of the Somme; and Beauvais with its stratospheric cathedral. The cycle route links them via a succession of canalside paths, railway trails and quiet country roads… with hardly a hill to trouble your legs.

The route is mostly open, but there are a few sections where signs haven’t yet been put up or improvements are still to be made. Our plotted route follows quiet lanes for easy navigation where there’s no official cycleway yet.

River Rhine – Switzerland

430 km / 5-9 days

1,200km of downhill cycling awaits… and it all starts on a remote mountain pass in Switzerland. The Rhine Cycle Route is one of Europe’s greatest cycling adventures, from the Alps to the polderlands of Holland. There’s a lot to see on the way, but for scenic grandeur, this first leg to Basel is the clear winner.

This isn’t the Rhine of storybooks and river-cruise brochures, where every hillside is ornamented by a castle and every bend is shadowed by a high bluff. That comes further downstream. This is a mountain stream that becomes a torrent, that becomes a lake, that becomes a frontier, crisscrossed by medieval bridges and trading posts. You’ll spend long stretches on riverside trails and levee paths, yes, but you’ll also venture along mountain roads and vineyard lanes.

For simplicity, we’ve titled this guide as the Rhine in Switzerland. In reality, the river forms the boundary between Switzerland and Germany, with incursions into Austria and little Liechtenstein. As you venture downstream, you’ll find yourself crossing from bank to bank, country to country. We’ve chosen the most scenic alternative for each section, but you can mix and match left and right bank for your own Rhine tour.

Find dozens of tours here!

Find your best flight to Europe

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Work on a cruise ship!

…or just relax in a dream Cruise, find it here!

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MONEY and SAVINGS! – You can expect to earn anywhere from $1500 to over $5000 USD per month, depending on position. More importantly, you’ll have almost ZERO expenses – room, meals, even medical coverage are provided for free. This allows you to save up to 90% of every paycheck. Where else can you save $10,000 – $20,000+ in six months?

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– Leah Bolton, Vancouver, Canada

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Stomp It Tutorials was founded by Jens, a Swedish freestyle skier and coach. It all started with his vision to teach thousands and now millions of skiers around the world to not just ski safer but learn tricks / ski technique they never dreamed of.

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A world of discovery awaits in the distinctive quartiers (neighborhoods): the winding labyrinth of old streets in the medieval Latin Quarter, the legendary café scene in Saint-Germain-de-Prés, and the Bohemian village atmosphere of Montmartre. In every hidden corner and at all the famous sites, Paris casts a spell of enchantment. One visit may inspire a lifelong love affair. Find the best places to visit in this magical city with our list of the top tourist attractions in Paris.

1. Eiffel Tower

The most visited tourist attraction in Paris, the Eiffel Tower also ranks high on the list of places to visit in France. It’s hard to believe that the structure was dismissed as a monstrosity when it was first unveiled. The iconic tower was designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel for the Paris Exhibition of 1889, which marked the centenary of the French Revolution.

The tower consists of 18,000 sturdy iron sections (weighing over 10,000 tons) held together by 2.5 million rivets. This innovative structure is now considered a masterful architectural feat and is the most emblematic sight in Paris. From the Jardins du Trocadéro and the lawns of the Champs de Mars, there is just the right distance from the Eiffel Tower for a picture-perfect photo-op. Reaching 324 meters in height, the tower was the world’s tallest building until the Empire State Building was erected.

Visitors can take an elevator or walk up the 360 steps to arrive at the first level (at 57 meters) and 344 more steps to the second level (at 115 meters). The outlooks from both the first and second level are spectacular. To reach the top level, at the dizzying elevation of 276 meters, requires an exhilarating elevator ride from the second level. Visiting the top level is one of the most thrilling things to do in Paris, but it’s not for the faint of heart.

For those who’d like to indulge in a gourmet meal, the Jules Verne Restaurant is on the second floor. This restaurant features expansive windows, which allow diners to enjoy the amazing panoramas.

It’s best to purchase tickets in advance especially if visiting during high season. To ensure the best experience possible, tourists can sign up for the Eiffel Tower Priority Access Tour. This one-hour tour allows tourists to avoid standing in several long lines and offers the added benefit of educational commentary. A knowledgable guide will share interesting information and provide historical context.

2. Musée du Louvre

A sumptuous palace that was once the home of France’s Kings, the Louvre is the most important of Paris’ top museums. Visitors enter the museum in the courtyard of the palace at the glass pyramid (designed by Ieoh Ming Pei in 1917). The Louvre Museum possesses more than 30,000 artworks (many considered masterpieces)—from antiquities to European paintings of the 15th to 19th centuries.

It is impossible to see it all in one visit, but tourists can focus on a particular gallery, such as classical sculpture, Italian Renaissance art, or 17th-century French paintings, or take a self-guided tour to see the Louvre Museum’s highlights.

The most famous piece is the Mona Lisa or La Gioconda (or La Joconde in French) painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1503-1505. Other exceptional works are the ancient Venus de Milo sculpture, the monumental Victory of Samothrace of the Hellenistic period, the immense Wedding Feast at Cana painting by Veronese (1563), and Botticelli’s frescoes. Also a must-see is Liberty Leading the People (1831) by Eugène Delacroix, depicting the Parisian uprising of July 27th to 29th, 1830 known as “Trois Glorieuses” (“Three Glorious Days”).

To get the most out of a visit to the Louvre, tourists can take a guided tour. The Skip the Line: Louvre Museum Tour allows participants to jump ahead of the long queues and head straight to the museum’s most famous artworks, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa. On this three-hour tour, a knowledgeable guide discusses the collections, explains interesting information about the paintings, and answers questions.

The Louvre is surrounded on one side by the Jardin des Tuileries, one of the largest and loveliest parks in Paris. The celebrated landscape architect André Le Nôtre (who designed the gardens of Versailles) created the Tuileries Gardens in classic French style. The formal gardens feature perfectly manicured trees; two ponds; and statues by Rodin, Giacometti, and Maillol. Park benches offer a place to relax and enjoy the scenery. There are also several café-restaurants with outdoor seating.

3. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

A triumph of Gothic architecture, the Notre-Dame stands in the heart of Paris on the Ile de la Cité near the attractions of the Latin Quarter. An island in the Seine River, the Ile de la Cité is the historical and geographical center of Paris. On this small plot of land, the Romans built the Gallo-Roman city of Lutetia, and from the 6th century to the 14th century, the Kings of France resided here.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral was founded in 1163 by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) and Bishop Maurice de Sully, and the construction took more than 150 years. The cathedral was first created in Early Gothic style, while later additions (the west front and the nave) show the transition to High Gothic style. Tourists are immediately struck by the ornamental design of the facade, with its profusion of sculptures and gargoyles, while elaborate flying buttresses provide structural integrity for the enormous building. Look out for the 21 figures above the doorway in the Gallery of Kings, who lost their heads during the Revolution. (The heads are now on display in the Musée de Cluny.)

After admiring the decorative doorway, enter the sanctuary to take in the grandeur of this immense vaulted space. The sanctuary seems almost endless and beckons visitors with the light of flickering candles. The interior is illuminated by magnificent stained-glass windows. The most noteworthy window is the rose window in the north transept. This stunning work of art features 80 Old Testament scenes centered around the Virgin.

Note: In April of 2019, a fire caused considerable damage to the cathedral. The interior is closed to the public. The structure will be undergoing repairs in the years ahead.

4. Avenue des Champs-Élysées

The most monumental boulevard in Paris used to be a desolate field of marshland until the 17th century, when it was landscaped by André Le Nôtre. A century later, the renowned Parisian city planner Baron Haussman designed the boulevard’s elegant buildings. The Champs-Elysées is divided into two parts with the Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées as its intersection.

The lower part of the Champs-Elysées, bordering the Place du Concorde, includes a spacious park, the Jardin des Champs-Élysées, and the Petit Palais fine arts museum. The upper part, extending to the Arc de Triomphe, is lined by luxury shops, hotels, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, and theaters. This bustling area draws many tourists and is a gathering place for Parisians.

The Champs-Elysées is famous for its prestigious establishments, such as Maison Ladurée (75 Avenue des Champs-Elysées), a pâtisserie shop renowned for its 18th-century tea salon and delicious pastries (their specialty is “macarons”), and upscale designer boutiques like Tiffany & Co. (62 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), Louis-Vuitton (101 Avenue des Champs-Elysées), and Cartier (154 Avenue des Champs-Élysées).

For fine dining, the top choices are the legendary “brasserie du luxe” restaurant and hotel Le Fouquet’s (99 Avenue des Champs-Élysées) and the swanky gastronomic restaurant L’Atelier Étoile de Joël Robuchon (82 Avenue Marceau, at the upper part of the Champs-Elysées near the Arc de Triomphe), which boasts a Michelin star.

Although the Champs-Elysées has an image of refinement, there are many affordable places that cater to tourists and students on a budget, such as the Disney toy store, H&M clothing shop, Starbucks, Quick, Burger King, and McDonald’s.

Address: Champs-Elysées, 75008 Paris (Métro: Champs-Élysées Clemenceau station to visit the Jardin des Champs-Élysées and Petit Palais, Franklin d. Roosevelt station for Laduree, George V station for the main shopping area).

5. Musée d’Orsay

This splendid collection of Impressionist art is beautifully presented in an expansive space (formerly the Belle Epoque-era Gare d’Orsay railway station). The collection represents the work of all the masters of Impressionism. The artists range from classic Impressionist masters Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Pierre-August Renoir to Post-Impressionist artists such as Pierre Bonnard, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh; the Pointillists (Georges Seurat, Paul Signac); and Bohemian artists like Toulouse Lautrec.

Some of the museum’s most famous pieces include Claude Monet’s The Magpie, Gare Saint-Lazare, Poppy Field, and Luncheon on the Grass; Vincent van Gogh’s self-portrait and Starry Night; and Renoir’s Dance at Moulin de la Galette, which depicts a festive party scene in Montmartre.

The Orsay Museum is among the best places to visit in Paris to get an overview of Impressionist art history—from the gentle brush strokes of Monet to the wild, colorful scenes of Gauguin. The museum also has two cafés and an upscale restaurant, which is worth the splurge. Formerly part of the Hôtel d’Orsay and listed as a Historic Monument, the museum’s restaurant features gilded ceilings and sparkling chandeliers.

6. Palais Garnier, Opéra National de Paris

Commissioned by Napoleon III in 1860, the Palais Garnier Opera House was designed by Charles Garnier in an exuberant Baroque style. Garnier worked tirelessly on the project for over a decade, from 1862 to 1875. Today, the opulent monument is a symbol of Napoleon’s Imperial regime.

The facade features classical columns and eight sculptures representing allegorical figures: Poetry, Music, Idyll, Recitation, Song, Drama, and Dance. The loggia depicts busts of composers, including Rossini, Beethoven, and Mozart, while the cupola is topped with a statue of Apollo with allegorical figures of Poetry and Music. Upon entering the building, visitors are dazzled by the lavish 11,000-square-meter interior. Most of the building’s space is dedicated to the grand foyer with its fabulous Grand Escalier, marble entrance staircase, adorned by ornate gilded lamps.

The auditorium has an intimate feel, although it can accommodate 2,105 people in its plush red-velvet seats. Gilded balconies, an enormous crystal chandelier, and a Chagall ceiling painting add to the theater’s marvelousness, creating the perfect dramatic backdrop for cultural performances.

For visitors looking for things to do at night in Paris, the Opéra Garnier hosts a prestigious calendar of events. Besides opera, there are ballet performances, classical music concerts, and gala events. Attending a performance is a wonderful way to see the building’s interior and enjoy a glamorous evening. Another option is to visit during the daytime (entry ticket required).

For a deeper understanding of the Paris Opera House and its rich cultural heritage, tourists should visit the Bibliotèchque-Musée de l’Opera (Library-Museum of the Opera House) located inside the building. The library and museum contain three centuries of archives, as well as exhibits dedicated to the art of opera. The museum’s permanent collection features drawings of costumes and scenery, scale models, and paintings of the building. The Opera House also has a boutique and a stylish contemporary restaurant, which serves Japanese-French fusion cuisine.

7. Place de la Concorde

Created between 1755 and 1775 by the architect of King Louis XV, this impressive octagonal square is at the heart of 18th-century Paris. With its majestic dimensions, the Place de la Concorde is one of the most attractive squares in the city. It was the scene of several key historical events, including the execution of King Louis XVI, and it was part of Napoleon’s triumphal route.

The square offers sensational views of the triumphal route towards the Arc de Triomphe and the Défense, and towards the Louvre, as well as to the Madeleine and the Palais-Bourbon. At the center is an Egyptian obelisk, which was presented to Charles X by the Viceroy of Egypt. During summer, there is a Ferris wheel here.

The Place de la Concorde is a busy intersection with heavy traffic, circulating at high speeds. French drivers don’t always pay attention to pedestrians, so tourists should make sure to get out of the way! To arrive at the Place de la Concorde, walk from the Louvre through the Jardin du Tuileries or the Rue du Rivoli, or follow the Quai along the Seine River. Alternatively take the Métro to Concorde station.

8. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the French armies of the Revolution and the First Empire (Napoleonic Wars). Napoleon commissioned the building of this mighty structure in 1806 but did not live to see its completion in 1836. Designed by JF Chalgrin, the massive 50-meter-high arch features bas-reliefs with larger-than-life-size figures, which depict the departure, victories, and glorious return of the French armies.

Particularly noteworthy is the bas-relief by François Rude on the Champs-Elysées-facing side: Departure of the Volunteers of 1792, also known as The Marseillaise, illustrating the troops led by the winged spirit of Liberty. On the inner surface of the arch are the names of more than 660 generals and more than a hundred battles.

From the top of the monument, a viewing platform affords panoramic views of the 12 avenues that radiate from the Place de l’Etoile, including the route from the Champs-Elysées to Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. It’s possible to see all the way to La Défense, Montmartre, and the Eiffel Tower.

At the foot of the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, dedicated in 1921 as a memorial to an anonymous soldier (symbol of the many other unknown soldiers who valiantly died for their country during World War One without ever receiving recognition). The Flame of Remembrance was ignited on November 11th, 1923 and since that date has not ever been extinguished. Every evening at 6:30pm, a ritual takes place to rekindle the memorial flame at the tomb.

Today, events to honor national holidays are held at the Arc de Triomphe, including the November 11th (anniversary of the Armistice of 1918) ceremony commemorating those who perished in the war; the May 8th Fête de la Victoire (Victory Day) celebrating the end of WWII, and the liberation from Nazi occupation; as well as festivities for July 14th (Bastille Day).

Guided tours of the Arc de Triomphe are available in English, French, and Spanish. Another option is to take a Skip-the-Line Tour, which allows quick access to the monument, avoiding the long queues.

Address: Place Charles-de-Gaulle, 75008 Paris (Métro: Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile)

9. Seine River Cruises

To truly soak up the alluring ambience of Paris, tourists should try taking a boat cruise along the Seine River. Besides being one of the most enjoyable things to do while visiting the city, Seine River Cruises allow tourists to see the sights from a different perspective. The Seine River bridges, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum look stunning from the viewpoint of a riverboat.

While a daytime cruise allows tourists to appreciate the glory of the monuments brightened by sunshine, the most romantic experience is an evening cruise. After sunset, the city’s landmarks are illuminated, which creates a special effect, and somehow the city seems more magical. For a cruise that includes dinner, try the Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Cruise. This four-hour sightseeing journey departs near the Eiffel Tour, and guests are treated to a gourmet three-course meal.

10. Musical Concerts at Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is rarely used for mass but often serves as a venue for music concerts. Listening to a choir or classical music performance in this space is an inspiring spiritual experience. Sainte-Chapelle is considered a rare jewel among medieval houses of worship and is certainly one of the most exquisite churches in Paris.

This masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic architecture was built from 1242 to 1248 for King Louis IX (Saint Louis) to house the precious relics he had acquired from the Byzantine Emperor. The altar displays a relic of the Crown of Thorns.

The chapel is renowned for its breathtaking stained-glass windows, which give the sanctuary an iridescent glow and serene aura. (It’s recommended to visit in the morning and especially on sunny days to appreciate the windows at their most brilliant.) The chapel has 15 stained-glass windows (covering 600 square meters) depicting over 1,000 scenes from the bible, both Old Testament and New Testament stories. The colors and light symbolize divinity and the Heavenly Jerusalem.

Sainte-Chapelle is located in the Palais de la Cité. To find the chapel, enter the iron gate of the Palais de Justice and walk through the inner courtyard. Guided tours are available every day between 11am and 3pm.

Another attraction nearby is La Conciergerie (tourists may purchase combined entry tickets).

Address: 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris (Métro: Cité, Saint-Michel or Châtelet station)

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