Among the tree-lined boulevards and bistros with wine-red awnings, there’s a lot more to France’s capital than meets the eye. Savour the latest food trends, stroll the atmospheric Left Bank’s antique bookstores, and snack on a classic crepe on a chilly morning. The Bohemian Le Marais area is filled with overgrown ivy and eye-catching red window frames. Make like the locals and queue up for the outstanding falafel here. And if you’re feeling energetic, the steps to Sacre Coeur are well worth the climb. Off the beaten track, there are a wide range of small, lesser-known museums, from Pagoda Paris to the fascinating automatons at the Musée des Automates et de la Magie. For a commanding view of the Eiffel Tower, cross the river and head to Place du Trocadero — this raised square is the perfect place to admire the city’s most famous landmark.

Visitors to the city primarily arrive by air or rail. The two main airports are Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) — both around an hour from the city centre via public transit. Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est are both international rail routes into Paris, with passengers able to stroll right into the city or easily hop on the metro to another neighborhood (called an “arrondissement” in French). Interconnected urban rail systems, the metro, and the Réseau Express Régional (RER) will get you to virtually any destination, but walking is an easy way to get a real taste of Paris. If you feel like stepping up the pace, there are more than 1,000 bike stations dotted around the arrondissements.

There’s never a bad time for a Paris apartment holiday, but the burgeoning blossom and picture-perfect window boxes make spring in the city especially stunning. The period between early May and mid-September brings warm weather and the Paris Plages event, which sees the banks of the Seine transformed into chillout zones lined with deck chairs and families sharing picnics. Shops and restaurants may be a little thinner on the ground in August when locals traditionally head out of the city. Cooler temperatures and rain may creep in over the winter, but snow is rare. In the lead up to Christmas, towering trees and magnificent department store windows are a big attraction, while the major post-holiday sales — les soldes — are a Paris stalwart which also run once more in the summer.

Les Puces flea market

Step off the metro at Porte de Clignancourt to delve into Les Puces flea market. This sprawling site features thousands of stalls selling everything from delicate dinnerware to obscure oil paintings. Keep your eyes peeled for vintage clothing — this is the world’s fashion capital, after all.

Institut du Monde Arabe

Delve into Arabic culture — an important pillar of contemporary France — with a look at the exhibitions at this dedicated institute, then get your fill of Middle Eastern flavours at one of the site’s three eateries, one of which sits pretty on the building’s rooftop. Head up for commanding views of Notre Dame and the city’s unforgettable skyline.

Canal Saint-Martin

Once a key part of Paris’ shipping network, this tree-lined district bordering Le Marais is now brimming with concept stores, buzzing bars, and groups of friends chatting on the quays. Wander over the iron bridges, watch boats navigating the locks over brunch, and catch a gig at one of the many nearby music venues.