Tourists have been flocking to Paris since the 1800s, drawn to its imaginative fine dining, dazzling museums, independent boutiques and romantic gardens. The cobbled streets and pretty Haussmann blocks of the French capital may be gloriously old-fashioned, but be under no illusion: this isn't a city of yesteryear. Paris is thrumming with exciting places to eat, drink, see art, listen to music, shop, stroll and relax. From mouthwatering bistros to cosy wine caves, bright galleries to airy parks, these are the places that make Paris one of the best cities in the world. This is part of a growing series of opinionated guides which offer no-nonsense insider's advice on what to do and see in cities around the world.