Paris: romantic, full of culture and downright beautiful. This fashionable French capital is a bucket list must. And with good reason!

Take a look at our ten reasons why Paris is always a good idea.

1. Pâtisserie perfection
A quick trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without sampling pastries from the city’s finest pâtisseries. You are truly spoilt for choice. Some sweet highlights include macarons from Ladurée, éclairs from L’éclair de Génie, escargot from Du Pain et Des Idées and an indulgent hot chocolate from Angelina. Go on – dig in!

2. Café culture
There are famous literary cafés located along the Boulevard Saint-Germain, namely Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots. But no worries, you’ll find classic Parisian cafés all over the city that offer first-rate sidewalk seating. These charming spots are ideal for ordering a coffee and simply watching the world go by.

3. Shop ’til you drop
Whether you want to collect bric-a-brac from one of the largest flea-markets in Europe or spoil yourself with a shopping spree of French fashion – Paris is the place. Make sure you’ve left enough room in that suitcase of yours…

4. That famous tower
For both first timers and regulars to Paris, the Eiffel Tower will always make your heart skip a beat. This landmark is truly emblematic of Paris. The Eiffel Tower decorates the Parisian skyline and its steely-grey elegance is a romantic backdrop to many Parisian streets. Tip: go check it out at night. No crowds + free light show = epic.

5. Local life
Weekly markets are still part of Parisian local life and an awesome experience for visitors. Stalls filled with fresh produce, loads of quality French cheese, scrumptiously-scented baked goods and bunches of brightly coloured flowers. Yep, we’re obsessed.

6. Get lost
Parisian streets are so scenic you could easily imagine that you’re walking on a film set. Legit. Whether you’re sitting at a café, exploring on foot or riding a bicycle – taking time to appreciate the streets of Paris is like nothing else. Get your Instagram ready for some ah-maze new posts.

7. Get your culture fix
Culture can be found in almost every side-street, nook and cranny. Art galleries here are some of the best in the world. So, get lost in the Louvre, admire some of the greats in the Musée D’Orsay or, if modern art is your vibe, spend an afternoon at the Centre Pomipodou. Also, for you book lovers, a trip to Shakespeare & Co. is a must.

8. Bloomin’ beautiful
When you need to take a break from sightseeing, hit up some of the gardens in Paris. Jardin du Luxembourg has 25 acres of grounds. Place des Vosges is a beautiful historical square in the fashionable Le Marais. The chic promenade between the Louvre and Place de Concorde is known as Tuileries. Parc de Belleville boasts sweeping views and Parc des Buttes–Chaumont is a hidden gem. Aaaand, breathe.

9. Paris is always a good idea
Paris is adored by visitors all year round. Whether it’s the spring flowers in bloom at Monet’s Garden, long summer days spent cooling down with a Berthillion ice-cream and sun-baking at Paris Plages, the crunch of autumnal leaves along the cobbled streets of Montmartre or a magical dusting of snow blanketing the city whilst ice-skaters glide around at L’Hôtel de Ville.

Paris is always a good idea.

Wanna check out the city for yourself? Come take a look.

Eddie Hart is a Sydney-based travel blogger, writer and photographer who feels most at home living out of a suitcase. Eddie’s wanderlust has seen her travelling to 40+ different countries and residing in London, Paris, Berlin and New York over the years.