Paris is one of the most incredible places in the world. You’ve got the sights, the romance and, perhaps most importantly, the steak frites. We all have this grand vision of the city, handed to us by the movies and literature, but it’s not quite as simple as that.

While you’ll see the vision of the French capital we have in our head while sightseeing on a hop on hop off bus of Paris, there’s also far more to it than the Eiffel Tower, Moulan Rouge and the Champs-Elysees.

So, if you’re looking for a true taste of Paris, on top of seeing all the sights, you’ve got to go and experience some of the more intriguing neighbourhoods. Some are more famous than others, but if you are visiting, here are three you absolutely mustn’t miss…

Montmartre
Best known for the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, which is one of the main Parisian attractions in its own right, Montmartre is on the top of a hill in the north of the city and provides incredible panoramic views of Paris. Watching the sun go down or going to get a view of the city is always a good first port of call to try and find your bearings. However, there is much more to the area than that.

The neighbourhood consists of winding cobblestone streets that are full of quirky boutiques, art studios and some pretty stellar food offerings. The Place du Tertre is a hotspot in the area, near the famous Lapin Agile cabaret club, and has become a mecca for those wanting to follow the footsteps of the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh and Renoir.

Le Marais
Situated in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais is another vibrant neighbourhood, but while it’s steeped in history there’s also a lot of modernity to it too. The historic district is full of architectural gems, with mansions and courtyards at every turn, while the medieval lanes are also full of vintage stores, boutiques and just a vibrant energy that has really transformed the areas.

There are tons of trendy cafes, bars and restaurants, where you’ll find everything from classic French cooking to a range of international delicacies.

Away from food, the Musee Carnavalet is a great way to discover the history of Paris, while as you’d expect from the city, there are also tons of art galleries too.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés
On the left bank of the Seine, Saint-Germain-des-Pres has become a real haven for lovers of literature, artists and intellectuals, and there’s a rich heritage here with it long being associated with various literary and philosophical movements.

You’ll find iconic cafes such as Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots, where Hemingway, Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir would frequent and to this day you can really get a sense of what it would have been like back then.

Soaking up the atmosphere of the area really is a must, while there are also many cultural attractions, including the renowned Musee d’Orsay, where you’ll find work by Manet, Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.

Aside from that, you’ve got the many charming bookshops, galleries and antique markets, making it the perfect place to just take a stroll and really immerse yourself in Paris.