Paris

Built for the Exposition Universelle of 1889, the Iron Lady has become synonymous with Paris. Towering 325 metres high, it is visible wherever you are in the capital. Climb to the top and steady your nerves as you look down through the glass floor while marvelling at the city unfurled beneath your feet. When night falls, the lights are turned on and the city shimmers to life on the hour!

This former royal residence is home to an epic collection of world-renowned works of art. It contains 35,000 priceless pieces spanning Antiquity to the 19th century. The Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and a plethora of other masterpieces draw in crowds. A day won't be enough to take them all in, so plan your visit carefully.

Gilded embellishments, paintings and precious objects: France's Sun King knew how to dazzle. The Palace of Versailles is Paris's crown jewel, and the apartments of Louis XIV, the reception rooms and the iconic Hall of Mirrors should be on everyone's bucket list. The grounds feature the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon as well as the Queen's hamlet.

Enjoying a drink with views of the city is an experience to cherish thanks to the capital's many rooftop bars. Head for the BHV's Perchoir Marais rooftop bar whatever the season (the terrace here is covered). A local secret is that the Moulin Rouge and the Gare de l’Est station also have their own rooftops!

Hit the Bastille, Palais Garnier and 3e Scène opera houses for performances from the Opéra de Paris. These three iconic cultural hubs offer a high-quality line-up of ballets, concerts, plays and operas for once-in-a-lifetime night out.

The Gratinée des Halles is a comforting, hearty dish to be enjoyed during an autumn or winter trip to Paris. Grated cheese is scattered over this French onion soup before being baked under the grill. Golden-brown and absolutely delicious, Parisians enjoy tucking into a bowl after a night spent partying around the Halles.

Shaped like a bicycle wheel, it takes its name from the famous cycling race that stretched from Paris to Brest in the early 20th century. Choux pastry is piped full of rich praline or pastry cream. Whatever variety you stumble across, you're sure to be back for more.