Have you scanned the guidebooks, talked to fellow tourists, memorized the metro map, but still don’t know where to start? Let us give you the best advice on what to do in Paris, both on and off the beaten track. From spooky to sexy, we've got you covered.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Parc Andre Citroën
If views from the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame haven't satisfied you, you're sure to be pleased with the view you'll get in a hot air balloon. The Eutelsat balloon takes you up 500 feet (150 meters) for a 10-minute ride. €10. Parc Andre Citroën. RER C to Javel. +33 (0)1 4426 2000.

Jewish Quarter
Rue des Rosiers and the surrounding area (known as the Pletzl, Yiddish for ‘Little Place’) has long been the heart of the Parisian Jewish quarter. The community has been replenished in recent years and you'll find kosher eateries, synagogues, Jewish newspapers and Jewish bookstores, all advertising their wares in French and Hebrew. M1 to St. Paul.

Montmartre
This 130-meter high hill provides arguably the best view of the city and is totally free!  The name of the hill means "mount of the martyr," after Saint Denis who was executed there around 250 A.D. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Basilique du Sacre-Coeur) stands on the hill's summit and is certainly worth a visit, particularly to see the lovely organ. M12 to Jules Joffrin.

Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris)
The cornerstone for this great, gothic building was laid in 1163 and it was under construction for nearly 200 years. Of course, there's still work being done on this nearly 900-year old structure, but it's arguably Paris' most beautiful and significant building. Take a walk up the north tower (it has 387 steps, so lay off those cigarettes!) and join the grotesque gargoyles to gaze upon the City of Light. Mon to Fri 8 am - 6:45 pm, Sat to Sun 8 am - 7:45 pm. Place du parvis de Notre Dame. RER A, RER B, RER D to Chàtelet les Halles. +33 (0)1 5310 0702.

Paris Catacombs
The walls of these former Roman limestone quarries are lined with the bones of centuries of dead Parisians. In the late 18th century, Paris was swarming with disease and its overflowing cemeteries were believed to be part of the problem. Government officials decided to use the old quarries as a repository for the dead, and today you can still see row after row of skulls and bones, buried together in mosaic-like mass graves. Tue to Sun 10 am - 5 pm, closed Mon. Entrance across the street from Denfert-Rochereau station. RER B, M4, M6 to Denfert-Rochereau. +33 (0)1 4322 4763.

Paris Museum of Eroticism (Musée de L’Erotisme)
Get up close and personal with private parts from nearly every era in history. Seven stories of contemporary, popular and sacred ‘brothel’ art, complimented by contemporary art exhibitions. €7. Daily 10 am - 2 am. 72 boulevard de Clichy. M2 to Blanche. +33 (0)1 4258 2873.

Rodin Museum (Musée Rodin)
This fascinating museum explored the life and works of Auguste Rodin, arguably one of France's most dynamic and talented artists. The museums collections include Rodin's sculptures, sketches, engravings and paintings, as well as his art and photography collections. Particularly interesting is the archive, which includes several documents signed by Rodin, some of his books and press clippings. €5. Summer: Tue to Sun 9:30 am - 5:45 pm. Winter: Tue to Sun 9:30 am - 4:45 pm. 79 rue de Varenne. M13 to Varenne. +33 (0)1 4418 6110.

Paris Police Museum (Musée de la Préfecture de Poilce)
Come here to see the relics of crime and punishment in Paris. Ancient handcuffs, arrest warrants, a guillotine blade, wanted posters and the bones of old criminals are all here. Free. Tues to Fri 2 pm - 6 pm, Sat 10 am - 5 pm. 1bis rue des Carmes. M10 to Maubert-Mutualité.

Paris Sewer Museum (Musée des égouts de Paris)
As Jean Valjean wrote in Les Misérables, “Paris has another Paris under herself; a Paris of sewers; which has its streets, its crossings, its squares, its blind alleys, its arteries, and its circulation, which is slime, minus the human form.” And now there's a museum dedicated to that very slame group of slimy tunnels! The current sandstone sewer tunnels, which were built in the mid-18th century, carry the drainage, drinking water and sewage of Paris. The museum is in the section of sewer under the Quai d'Orsay and has exhibits that show the history and mechanics of the sewer system. €3.80 adult, €3.05 children and youth. May to Sept: Sat to Wed 11 am - 5 pm. Oct to April: 11 am - 4 pm. After leaving Alma-Marceau station, cross to the Left Bank and turn left at the Quai d'Orsay. M9 to Alma-Marceau. +33 (0)1 5368 2781.

Père Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetière Père Lachaise)
This 19th-century cemetery houses the tombs of famous artists, writers, actors and musicians. Oscar Wilde, Molière and Proust are buried here, as well as Jim Morrison, the cemetery’s most popular resident. Free. March to Oct: Mon to Fri 8 am - 6 pm, Sat 8:30 am - 6 pm, Sun 9 am - 6 pm. Nov to Feb: Mon to Fri 8 am - 5:30 pm, Sat 8:30 am - 5:30 pm, Sun 9 am - 5:30 pm. Boulevard de Menilmontant. M2, M3 to Père Lachaise. +33 (0)1 5525 8210.