visit paris travel guide

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Paris' monument-lined boulevards, museums, classical bistros and boutiques are enhanced by a new wave of multimedia galleries, creative wine bars, design shops and tech start-ups.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Paris. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Eiffel Tower

There are different ways to experience the Eiffel Tower, from a daytime trip or an evening ascent amid twinkling lights, to a meal in one of its…

Centre Pompidou

Home to Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art, Centre Pompidou has amazed and delighted visitors ever since it opened in 1977, not…

Sainte-Chapelle

Visit Sainte-Chapelle on a sunny day when Paris’ oldest, finest stained glass (1242–48) is at its dazzling best. The chapel is famous for its stained…

Musée du Louvre

It isn’t until you’re standing in the vast courtyard of the Louvre, with its glass pyramid and ornate façade, that you can truly say you’ve been to Paris.

Les Catacombes

It’s gruesome, ghoulish and downright spooky, but it never fails to captivate visitors. In 1785, the subterranean tunnels of an abandoned quarry were…

Musée Rodin

St-Germain & Les Invalides

Even if you're not an art lover, it is worth visiting this high-profile art museum to lose yourself in its romantic gardens.

Jardin du Luxembourg

This famous inner-city oasis of formal terraces, chestnut groves and lush lawns has a special place in Parisians' hearts. 

Latin Quarter

Elegant and regal in equal measure, the massive neoclassical dome of the Left Bank's iconic Panthéon is an icon of the Parisian skyline. Louis XV…

Top picks from our travel experts

16 top local tips on what to do in paris.

Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay may not be quite as famous as the Louvre—though it’s located a mere 10-minute walk away—but this Left Bank museum holds its own in its…

Le Grand Rex

Blockbuster screenings and concerts aside, this 1932 art deco cinematic icon runs 50-minute behind-the-scenes tours (English soundtracks available) during…

Le Printemps

Famous department store Le Printemps encompasses Le Printemps de la Mode, for women’s fashion; Le Printemps de la Beauté et Maison, for beauty and…

Bar Hemingway

Black-and-white photos and memorabilia (hunting trophies, old typewriters and framed handwritten letters by the great writer) fill this snug bar inside…

Off Paris Seine

Should the idea of being gently rocked to sleep take your fancy, check in to Paris' first floating hotel. The sleek, 80m-long catamaran-design structure…

Parc des Buttes Chaumont

Montmartre & Northern Paris

Buttes Chaumont is one of the city’s largest green spaces, with landscaped slopes hiding grottoes, waterfalls, a lake and even an island topped with a…

Les Résistants

Natural oak, marble and stone blend seamlessly with a profusion of over-sized wicker lampshades and green foliage at this wildly popular, contemporary…

Musée Marmottan Monet

This museum showcases the world’s largest collection of works by impressionist painter Claude Monet (1840–1926) – about 100 – as well as paintings by…

Arc de Triomphe

If anything rivals the Eiffel Tower as the symbol of Paris, it’s this magnificent 1836 monument to Napoléon’s victory at Austerlitz (1805), which he…

Le Très Particulier

The clandestine cocktail bar of boutique Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is an entrancing spot for a summertime alfresco cocktail. Each cocktail (€10 to €16)…

Place des Vosges

Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville

Inaugurated in 1612 as place Royale and thus Paris' oldest square, place des Vosges is a strikingly elegant ensemble of 36 symmetrical houses with ground…

L'Avant-Poste

'Eco-responsible' is the tasty buzzword at the second outpost of Les Résistants, in a former wig shop in the earthy 10e. Fresh, seasonal produce is…

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur

Begun in 1875 in the wake of the Franco-Prussian War and the chaos of the Paris Commune, Sacré-Cœur is a symbol of the former struggle between the…

Musée de l’Orangerie

Monet’s extraordinary cycle of eight enormous Decorations des Nymphéas (Water Lilies) occupies two huge oval rooms purpose-built in 1927 on the artist's…

Jardin du Palais Royal

The Jardin du Palais Royal is a perfect spot to sit, contemplate and picnic between boxed hedges, or to shop in the trio of beautiful arcades that frame…

As if fashionistas needed any confirmation that northern Paris' 'nouveau quartier' Clichy-Batignolles is the place to be: iconic fashion brand Sézane has…

Galeries Lafayette

Grande-dame department store Galeries Lafayette is spread across the main store (its magnificent neo-byzantine stained-glass dome dates from 1912), its…

Chez Alain Miam Miam

Weave your way through the makeshift kitchens inside Marché des Enfants Rouges to find Alain, a retired baker sporting T-shirts with attitude, whose…

Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen

Spanning nine hectares, this vast flea market was founded in 1870 and is said to be Europe’s largest. Over 2000 stalls are grouped into 15 marchés …

Place de la Concorde

Paris spreads around you, with views of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine and along the Champs-Élysées, when you stand in the city’s largest square. Its 3300…

Cire Trudon

Claude Trudon began selling candles here in 1643, and the company – which officially supplied Versailles and Napoléon with light – is now the world’s…

Marché des Enfants Rouges

Built in 1615, Paris’ oldest covered market is secreted behind an inconspicuous green metal gate. A glorious maze of 20-odd food stalls selling ready-to…

Le Perchoir Marais

Paris' original rooftop bar, run by the talented mixologists behind Le Perchoir in 11e, is a trendy sky deck languishing atop department store BHV. Seine…

Canal St-Martin

The tranquil, 4.5km-long Canal St-Martin was inaugurated in 1825 to provide a shipping link between the Seine and Paris' northeastern suburbs. Emerging…

Grande Arche de la Défense

La Défense’s landmark edifice is the marble Grande Arche, a cube-like arch built in the 1980s to house government and business offices. The arch marks the…

Le Mary Céleste

Snag a stool at the central circular bar at this eternally fashionable, brick-and-timber-floored cocktail bar or reserve one of a handful of tables online…

Opened in 2019, this hip cultural centre occupying a péniche (barge) off pont des Invalides brought an unexpected dash of coolness to an otherwise…

Le Pavillon Puebla

The folks running the hugely successful rooftop bar Le Perchoir are also behind this enchanting, self-proclaimed 'temple du bonheur' (temple of happiness)…

Jardin des Tuileries

Filled with fountains, ponds and sculptures, the formal 28-hectare Tuileries Garden, which begins just west of the Jardin du Carrousel, was laid out in…

Cimetière du Père Lachaise

Opened in 1804, Père Lachaise is the world's most visited cemetery. Its 70,000 ornate tombs of the rich and famous form a verdant, 44-hectare sculpture…

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

No trip to Paris is complete without strolling this broad, tree-shaded avenue lined with luxury shops. Named for the Elysian Fields (‘heaven’ in Greek…

Ducasse sur Seine

Launched by multi-Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, 'floating restaurant' Ducasse sur Seine sails through the city past icons such as the Louvre at…

Le Perchoir

Sunset is the best time to hit this iconic, 7th-floor bar for drinks overlooking Paris' rooftops and – on Saturday night – on-trend DJ sets. Greenery…

Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé

This striking cinema has a small exhibition devoted to the history of cinema screens silent B&W movies accompanied by a live pianist. The Pathé Foundation…

The 20 best free activities in Paris

Arènes de Lutèce

The 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre Lutetia Arena once seated 10,000 people for gladiatorial combats and other events. Found by accident in 1869 when rue…

Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie

Paris' top museum for kids has a host of hands-on exhibits for children aged two and up, the special-effects cinema La Géode, a planetarium and a retired…

Marché Mouffetard

Grocers, butchers, fishmongers and other food purveyors set their goods out on street stalls during this almost-daily market. Many stalls close from…

Parc Monceau

Marked by a neoclassical rotunda at its main bd Courcelles entrance, beautiful Parc Monceau sprawls over 8.2 lush hectares. It was laid out by Louis…

Parc de la Villette

Spanning 55 hectares, this vast city park is a cultural centre, kids playground and landscaped urban space at the intersection of two canals, the Ourcq…

Parc de Belleville

Atop a hill 128m above sea level, this lovely park unfolds over 4.5 hectares of urban greenery, with fountains, trimmed hedgerows, a gargantuan slide, a…

Cimetière du Montparnasse

This 19-hectare cemetery opened in 1824 and is Paris’ second largest after Père Lachaise. Famous residents include writer Guy de Maupassant, playwright…

Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

The permanent collection at Paris' modern-art museum displays works representative of just about every major artistic movement of the 20th and (nascent)…

Musée de la Vie Romantique

Framed by green shutters, this mansion where painter Ary Scheffer once lived sits in a cobbled courtyard at the end of a tree-shaded alley. The objects…

Promenade Plantée

The disused 19th-century Vincennes railway viaduct was reborn in 1993 as the world's first elevated park, planted with a fragrant profusion of cherry…

Musée Cernuschi

The recently renovated Cernuschi Museum comprises an excellent and rare collection of ancient Chinese art (funerary statues, bronzes, ceramics), much of…

Parc du Champ de Mars

Running southeast from the Eiffel Tower, the grassy Champ de Mars – an ideal summer picnic spot – was originally used as a parade ground for the cadets of…

Philharmonie de Paris

Silver birds flutter across the dazzling metal façade of Paris' futuristic Philharmonic, a striking piece of contemporary architecture within the Cité de…

Atelier Brancusi

Northwest of the main building of the Centre Pompidou, this reconstruction of the studio of Romanian-born sculptor Constantin Brancusi (1876–1957),…

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

While its interior is closed off to visitors following the devastating fire of April 2019, this masterpiece of French Gothic architecture remains the city…

Marché d’Aligre

A favourite with chefs and locals, this chaotic street market's stalls are piled with fruit, vegetables and seasonal delicacies such as truffles. Behind…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Things to Know

Plan your visit to Paris with these top tips on etiquette, health and safety, and know what to do if something goes wrong.

Best Neighborhoods

Paris is made up of 20 different city districts (called arrondissements), each with their own distinct charms. Get to know them with our handy guide.

While it’s hard for anyone to leave Paris, these day trips offer bucolic nature, gorgeous cathedrals and more – all only an hour or so away.

Money and Costs

With savvy planning and a bit of local know-how, you'll find a wealth of ways to enjoy Paris without blowing your budget. Here are our top tips.

Transportation

Walking is the best way to explore Paris' individual neighborhoods, but you'll need the bus, metro and RER to go further afield.

Free Things to Do

Paris is rightfully known for being expensive but there are ways to squeeze more out of your budget. Here are our favorite free things to do in Paris.

Traveling with Kids

Whether you're traveling to Paris with babies, toddlers or tweens, we can help you find the right activities to keep the whole family happy.

Discover architectural jewelry, local design, vintage finds, and tiny treasures in Paris' independent shops and markets.

Plan with a local

Experience the real France

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included

The best trips to Paris blend the new and the old. Here, a longtime Francophile shares which landmarks are worth visiting, plus a mix of classic and recently opened hotels, restaurants, bars, and more.

• Best Hotels and Resorts

Best Things to Do

Best nightlife.

• Best Restaurants

Best Time to Visit

How to get there, other neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

First-timers come to Paris seeking Eiffel Tower views, flaky croissants, snapshots of the Mona Lisa, and a proper taste of steak frites. Even seasoned visitors of the City of Light would agree: Cravings for that postcard version of the city don’t abate easily, but there’s so much more to see (and taste, and do). 

Luckily, part of Paris' enduring magic is how expertly it weaves the living museum of itself — the can’t-miss landmarks, historic cafes, and perfectly preserved artist studios — with the momentum of what’s new. A Michelin-starred restaurant with a deep-cut Champagne list beckons just beyond the Eiffel Tower; a kaleidoscopic Wes Anderson-inspired hotel sits on the corner of the Hôtel de Ville; and late-night wine and cocktails lure in chefs and industry folk until 5 a.m. at a bar beside Place de la République. You don’t have to choose between the old and new Paris. It’s all there — you just need to know where to look. 

To that end, I’ve curated a list of tried-and-true bonnes adresses to help you plan the perfect trip to Paris, from the city’s most luxurious hotels to convivial natural wine bars, expansive concept shops, museums of all kinds (everything from Picasso to perfume), and restaurants for every occasion. 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• It’s certainly a splurge, but there’s no place more emphatically Parisian than the Ritz Paris, where sumptuous suites and the Bar Hemingway beckon. 
• The superb lunchtime tasting menu at Michelin-starred Substance is inventive, surprisingly affordable, and conveniently around the corner from the Eiffel Tower. 
• Visit the former studio and gardens of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle at the intimate Musée Bourdelle, tucked away in the 15th arrondissement. 
• Spend your Sunday souvenir shopping at one of the world’s largest flea markets, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. 
• Mingle with local chefs, bar owners, and other industry folk over a nightcap at Cavalier, a natural wine and cocktail hot spot just off the Canal Saint-Martin.

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Cheval blanc.

Courtesy of Cheval Blanc Paris

Perched just over the Pont Neuf in the historic Samaritaine department store, this 72-room marvel is a beacon of luxury (of the LVMH variety). The location is as central as it gets and the spa is divine (it’s Dior), plus there’s a dreamy lap pool and sauna as well as an intimate new Japanese restaurant. 

Le Grand Mazarin

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

Step into your own Wes Anderson film at this Martin Brudnizki-designed property on Rue des Archives, smack in the middle of the bustling Marais . Here, 61 maximalist rooms and suites dazzle with velvet headboards, ornate tapestries, and objets d’art . Dip down to the subterranean pool to admire the Cocteau-inspired fresco, then treat yourself to the salted chocolate mousse at Boubalé .

The Ritz Paris remains in a class of its own. Classical music plays underwater at the pool here, while marble fireplaces, sumptuous drapes, peach-colored bathrobes, and over-the-top room service transport you to a bygone Paris — one where you might still find Marcel Proust scrawling notes in the tea room, or Coco Chanel checking in on her atelier. If you’re not looking to splurge on a stay, be sure to book in at Bar Hemingway and take a stroll around the covered arcade just to bask in the hotel’s history. 

Cour des Vosges

This sublime address feels like a well-kept secret: It’s discreetly tucked away in one of the arcades around the leafy Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest and most picturesque planned square. A spiral staircase (and a small elevator) lead to a dozen rooms and suites where exposed wood beams, curated libraries, and well-stocked bar carts welcome you home.

Saint James Paris

Fancy a visit to the French countryside, but short on time? Transport yourself there with a stay at this newly redesigned château hotel — the only one of its kind in the city — that borders the sprawling Bois de Boulogne (and the must-see Louis Vuitton Foundation ) in the ultra-private 16th arrondissement. Grab a martini at the sexy, wood-paneled Library Bar or steal away in the beautifully manicured gardens with a good book — and don’t miss the elegant Guerlain spa and lap pool. 

Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure

Visit a museum.

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to at least one museum — and luckily, the city has more than 130, dedicated to everything from impressionism to wine to the art of smoking. While droves of people will queue up for their selfie with the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, I’d encourage you to check out some of the quieter, quirkier museums — like Maison Fragonard’s perfume museum , Montmartre’s charming literary museum , or the kid-friendly fairground museum hidden in the Pavillons de Bercy — which are often located in less central neighborhoods and will bring you into more local Paris. 

When it comes to art museums, it’s hard to top Musée Picasso , housed in a 17th-century mansion with a superlative collection by the Spanish painter plus ever-rotating exhibitions. The Centre Pompidou is the city’s always-invigorating modern and contemporary art museum, which is set to close for major renovations in 2025. Musée Marmottan Monet , meanwhile, is home to the largest collection of the pioneering impressionist’s work in the world, and it's running an Olympics-inspired exhibition through September 2024. Impressionist lovers shouldn’t miss the Musée d’Orsay , a former Beaux-Arts train station where you can have a tête-à-tête with works by Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and more. 

Two other favorites: Spread across two Renaissance mansions and a beautiful courtyard, Musée Carnavalet explores the history of Paris through street signs and other fascinating relics of its past. Across the river, a few blocks from the Montparnasse Tower, Musée Bourdelle is a light-filled wonder of works by sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, a contemporary of Rodin whose former studio and gardens are a haven to walk around. 

Eat your way through Paris’ oldest food market.

At the heart of what is now the trendy Marais neighborhood, the Marché des Enfants Rouges has been operating since 1615 and retains much of its out-of-time charm. It’s a beguiling labyrinth of food and flower stalls: tried-and-true favorites include Chez Alain Miam Miam 's famous sandwiches, the seafood-focused small plates and natural wines of Les Enfants du Marché , and the carnivorous hedonism of The Butcher of Paris . 

Tour the city’s covered passages. 

The French know a thing or two about the art of shopping, as evidenced by the sublime elegance of the 19th-century covered passageways running throughout Paris. Less than two dozen of the nearly 200 original glass arcades remain, and are now home to rare bookshops, vintage postcard stores, artisan workshops, clothing shops, and wine bars. Trusted guide companies like Viator and Get Your Guide offer walking tours that hit the highlights (Galerie Vivienne, Passage Jouffroy, Passage des Panoramas, and more), or you can choose to wander them at your own pace.  

Hit the major landmarks.

No matter if it’s your first or 50th trip to Paris, you’ll always find yourself struck by the grandeur of the city’s famous landmarks. While some demand a visit, others, like the Eiffel Tower, best reveal their magic when glimpsed from afar (Rue de l’Université and Avenue de Camoens are two excellent viewing points). The Arc de Triomphe can be checked off your list from the Champs-Élysées, but it’s worth going up at least once to take in the spectacular views over Paris. Other main attractions, like the pristine white dome of Sacré-Cœur Basilica, should factor into part of your neighborhood explorations, as you trace your way up the steep steps of Montmartre for more panoramic views, vintage shopping, and charming museums. 

If time allows, hop on the RER C train and head toward the Château de Versailles (the station is Versailles Château–Rive Gauche), where you can immerse yourself in the gilded rooms and fairy-tale gardens of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. 

Learn the art of French savoir faire from local tastemakers.

“There’s nothing like being with a local,” says Clément Le Coz, co-founder of luxury travel agency Le Coup de Foudre , which curates bespoke itineraries around fashion, fine jewelry, antiques, literature, and just about any other creative pursuit. 

“Just getting a list of tips and places is the first step, but a moment to spend there with someone is incomparable,” he adds. Along with his wife, Justina Socas, the pair of them are devastatingly elegant — their team of in-the-know locals opens up a version of Paris that’s nearly impossible for visitors to access otherwise, including private visits to the Manufacture des Gobelins (a centuries-old tapestry factory) and lunch inside the mesmerizing atelier of La Maison Charles , a historic bronze manufacturer.  

“You’re providing a piece of history,” says Le Coz. “It’s not only taking people to a private showroom or introducing them to a fashion designer; it’s explaining the significance and the story behind it.” 

Best Shopping 

This three-story concept shop in the Marais always yields some new delight, be it a chic branded burlap tote, a pink ceramic dessert plate, or a perfectly tailored button-down shirt. It’s one of my go-to spots for souvenir shopping, and you can grab a coffee at their Used Book Cafe if you’re in need of a pick-me-up. 

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

Sundays in Paris are a quiet affair, as many restaurants and businesses are closed. To make the most of your day, head to the sprawling wonderland of the Saint-Ouen , where nearly 2,000 vendors comprise the largest secondhand market in the world.

Head to Marché Paul Bert Serpette for showrooms full of fabulous furniture; to Marché Dauphine to check out the retro spaceship centerpiece, plus vintage clothes, books, and records; and to Marché Vernaison for more than 200 vendors selling souvenir-worthy bric-a-brac. Local guides can help you find the best stalls —  Paris Flea Market is a great independent tour company leading small group and private tours. 

Shakespeare and Company

John van Hasselt/Corbis via Getty Images

Finish the book you brought to Paris? Lose yourself in the city’s legendary English-language bookstore , once frequented by literary luminaries like Allen Ginsberg and Anaïs Nin. It continues to be a welcome home for contemporary writers, hosting book talks with writers like Sheila Heti and Ottessa Moshfegh on a regular basis.

This multilevel concept store is a stone’s throw from the Marché des Enfants Rouges and feels a bit more off-the-radar than Merci. It was founded by the French federation of craft professionals and showcases hundreds of their unique handmade works, from statement necklaces to ceramic tableware.

Vintage Shops

There’s no shortage of exceptional vintage stores in Paris, from the bargain-bin kilo shops of the Marais to more curated boutiques and appointment-only showrooms. Some favorites include Sous Les Pavés, Le Vintage , a three-story funhouse of "Alice in Wonderland" proportions in Saint-Michel, specializing in 1960s Italian designers (think lots of Pucci) and meticulously restored lingerie. Vintage Inspiration Paris is a pint-sized treasure trove of Yves Saint Laurent blazers and Mugler dresses and bags up in Batignolles, while En Voiture Simone and Nice Piece are beacons of good taste in the Marais, drawing in Parisian It girls and A-listers alike. 

Pharmacie Citypharma

French pharmacies are a beauty and bargain lover’s paradise, and this is the best and biggest of the lot. From affordable retinols to brightening Caudalie products and Nuxe body oil, this two-story pharmacy in Saint-Germain-des-Prés makes for excellent souvenir shopping. 

Jon Hicks/Getty Images

Chambre Noire

Arrive early to secure a spot at this canal-adjacent watering hole — and know that you might end up staying until close. Here, hip expats, in-the-know visitors, and a good dash of French folks push together tables and knock knees on small stools as they crowd around bottle after bottle of natural wine from Austria, Germany, and, of course, France. Steal a spot on the terrace if you can — and order the olives, tortilla, and mushrooms. Just make sure you’ve marked the 4 Boulevard Jules Ferry location on the canal, as their wine shop sometimes comes up on Google Maps or Uber instead. 

Cafe La Perle

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place for people-watching than this corner cafe in the heart of the Marais. Grab a 14-euro carafe of house wine and a sidewalk stool in the early evening, then settle in to watch the parade of Parisians heading to apéro hour. Late at night, the crowd skews French and youthful, taking over the street, waving cigarettes around, and dodging scooters as they sort out their after-party plans. 

A favorite of locals and visitors alike, this Oberkampf gem is perpetually crowded. Fresh, seasonal small plates fly out of the kitchen until 11 p.m., and tables grow increasingly jubilant as magnums of wine start to crowd their tables. If you don’t mind a crowd, it’s a perfect bar no matter the weather — cozy and warm in winter, airy and flowing out onto the sidewalk in summer. 

Vinyl lovers looking for a place to groove will find it at Fréquence . While not exactly a dance bar, there are always people moving here — to what degree depends largely on the music and how packed the floor is. It’s a tiny space (which often means waiting in line to get in if you show up late), but the cocktails are reliably good, plus there’s wine and sake. The crowd thins as people rotate in and out of the downstairs smoking room. On weekends, it’s open until 4 a.m. 

Smack between Place de la République and Canal Saint-Martin, this late-night wine and cocktail bar is an industry hot spot that stays open until 5 a.m. most nights, welcoming in chefs and sommeliers who’ve just finished a shift nearby. Guest chefs whip up small plates from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; afterward, you can order cheese and charcuterie platters and oysters until the wee hours, parking yourself on the terrace in warmer weather. 

Best Restaurants 

The food around the Eiffel Tower tends to be overpriced and underwhelming — definitively not the case with one-Michelin-star Substance , which is helmed by 29-year-old chef Matthias Marc and offers a 65-euro tasting menu at lunch. Get a front-row seat to the spectacle at the chef’s counter, where he displays calm concentration and evident joy while transforming the products of his native Jura into sublime dishes (such as a transcendent gnocchi finished off tableside with Morteau sausage and vin jaune that brought me to tears). The wine list is impeccable — but if you’re feeling adventurous, trust the sommelier’s pairings. For those with time on their hands, the more immersive tasting menus — which can last three or four hours — are worth it.

Tucked down a winding private street just beside Père Lachaise, this Basque-inspired hideaway always feels like a party. In warmer weather, long tables stretch out underneath twinkling lights in what might be the city’s coolest courtyard, where locals smoke and sip on natural wine before finishing off with flan. 

Breizh Cafe

Courtesy of Breizh Cafe

It would be a crime not to eat a crepe during your trip to Paris, and you can find some of the best at Breizh Cafe . Their Brittany-style buckwheat galettes are so popular that they’ve opened up several outposts around the city — the best being their sun-soaked corner in the Marais, where they serve galettes with aged Comte, Jambon de Paris, and onions decadently caramelized in cider. 

Le Bistrot Paul Bert

Bistros abound in Paris, but none hold a candle to Paul Bert . It’s as much about the food (perfect renditions of French classics, from steak au poivre to cheese soufflé) as it is the service (our waitress was both exasperated and energetic, a delightful combination). The portions are deeply satisfying, and the wine list covers classic producers as well as up-and-comers. As such, it’s quite popular, so be sure to call ahead to book a reservation. 

Le Cheval d’Or 

A lot is happening behind the famous red facade of this freshly revamped Chinese bistro , where foodies flock for superb stuffed duck à l’orange and invigorating flavor combinations, like red pepper and rhubarb pork belly, or tofu and caviar consommé. It’s tucked away in Jourdain, a part of the 19th arrondissement that few tourists will make the trek for, so the crowd skews local and gourmand. 

Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

With so many restaurants boasting ever-rotating menus of small plates, there’s something comforting about a bistro serving up steak frites day in and day out. Le Relais de l'Entrecôte is a classic, first opened in 1959 and serving the same set menu ever since: fresh green salad with walnuts and mustard vinaigrette, followed by tenderloin steak in a drool-inducing secret sauce plus homemade french fries. Frankly, it’s perfect. Go for Sunday brunch, and wash it all down with their organic house red wine from Gaillac.

L’Avant Comptoir de La Terre

Few things bring a smile to my face faster than a gallon of cornichons sidling up to a big bowl of butter. That’s the permanent tableaux at Yves Camdeborde’s narrow bar in Saint-Germain-des-Prés , which sets my heart aflutter on every visit (no matter: a bowl of duck hearts is quick to fortify me). The meat-focused tapas menu is hearty, the wine list always has a few treasures, and best of all, it’s open on Sundays. 

Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure

Paris is a delight to visit all year round, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider booking a trip during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall), when the droves of summer tourists have left and holiday travel hasn’t yet kicked up. Flights and accommodations tend to be more affordable during these seasons as well, although you can often find great winter flights outside of Christmas and New Year’s timing. 

Fall has always been my favorite time to go — locals are returning from summer vacation and the city’s energy is completely refreshed. Plus, the warmth tends to linger for a bit. Winter , while typically gray and chilly, is charming, with holiday markets serving mulled wine around the city. In spring, cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom all around the capital, giving whole new meaning to la vie en rose . Summer sees the largest influx of tourists, but also promises of sunny promenades along the Seine and elaborate picnics in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. This summer will be an incredible opportunity to visit, as Paris will host the 2024 Olympic Games from July to August. 

The city’s two main international airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airport, offer easy and affordable access to Paris by public transit in under an hour. There are also plenty of taxis at the airport, and ride-share apps like Uber are popular.

Flights and accommodations are most pricey during summer and in December; I tend to fly with low-cost carrier French Bee , which is reliably comfortable and affordable (one-way flights start at just $189, plus there’s bottomless Champagne in their Premium class). 

Home to the city’s smaller Chinatown and two of its most spectacular parks, Belleville somehow has remained off the primary tourist circuit. It’s a local neighborhood, with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Come in the afternoon for a picnic and panoramic views in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont; stay for wine at Buttes Snack Bar and a big Laotian feast at the ultra-popular Lao Siam . Afterward, head to the famed Combat cocktail bar for a nightcap. 

Hike up to the city’s hilltop artist’s village for endless views over Paris, plus romantic hidden gardens, studio visits of famous French painters, and appointment-only vintage shopping. End the night by heading down the hill to the legendary Moulin Rouge to catch a cabaret show. 

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Art galleries, designer shops, and double-decker pharmacies full of discounted French beauty products abound in this chic and historic neighborhood, once the intellectual epicenter of the city. For culture, follow in Hemingway and Picasso’s footsteps at Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore; for retail therapy, head to Le Bon Marché , the city’s oldest (and most fabulous) department store. 

Paris is a walkable city — you’ll find yourself clocking 10,000 steps before noon most days. But if you’re heading all the way across town or just want to give your feet a break, the Métro is speedy and straightforward to use: You can purchase single-use tickets (though they are set to be phased out by 2025) or a refillable Navigo pass from an agent for longer stays. The bus network is also extensive and easy to navigate — the same tickets or Navigo pass work here, too. 

Taxis are fairly easy to come by in touristy areas, and ride-share apps like Uber work well here. Other reliable options include Bolt and G7 for reserving a taxi ahead of time.

Helpful apps to download include Le Fooding and Raisin for tracking down the best places to eat and drink, plus Google Translate , although by and large, the people in the service and hospitality industry will speak at least some English. To that point, don’t forget to say bonjour (hello) and merci ( thank you) — your effort will save you some trouble, promise.

Where to Go in 2024

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12 Best Things To Do in Paris: The Ultimate 3-day Trip

Paris: named ‘the city of love’ by the greatest poets, writers, actors, and musicians who found inspiration in the beauty of this mesmerizing city. Whitestone townhouses ooze luxury, the smell of freshly baked croissants drifts through the air, and flowers hang at the sides of cobbled streets. Take a trip to Paris, France , for 2-4 days, spending your days visiting attractions, trendy neighborhoods, and delicious restaurants. Use this Paris guide to plan your trip to one of Europe’s best cities .

Day 1: All Around the Eiffel Tower

Channel your inner ‘Emily in Paris’ and start your day with a delicious coffee and freshly baked croissant at a boulangerie near your accommodation. Practice your French , and enjoy the satisfaction of those perfect warm layers of pastry!

Tip: On your trip to Paris, look for bakeries (Boulangerie) and pastry shops (Patisseries).

1. Arc de Triomphe

Start by taking the subway (1.90 EUR) to station ‘Charles de Gaulle – Etoile’. From here, walk to the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most iconic sights on any trip to Paris. The huge square arch sits at the western end of the famous road, ‘Champs-Elysees’, a wide avenue that’s been featured in many famous movies.

Completed in 1836, the monument honors the armies of the revolution and the empire, with beautiful carvings on the stone. There is a small museum inside the structure walls, which tells you a bit about the history of the Arc de Triomphe, plus interesting historical photos. 

Best of all, you can climb to the top! Nearly 300 stairs later, you’ll find a viewing platform with spectacular views over the city. At sunset, you’ll get beautiful colors in the sky, and at night you can watch Paris live up to its name as ‘the city of lights’. You can even see the Eiffel Tower lights; it’s covered in 20,000 bulbs!

Opening Times & Tickets: Open 10 am to 10.30 pm every day of the year. Tickets cost 16 EUR. Buy Tickets

Hotels near the Arc de Triomphe

Hotels in paris 😴.

2. Laduree Macarons

Beautiful colored meringues, filled with a variety of flavorsome filling; macarons are synonymous with France! Laduree is one of the most beautiful and famous shops in Paris, with shops all around the city.

One of the most elegant is on the Champs Elysees, just a 10-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe. Sit in and enjoy the neoclassical style interiors, as if you have gone back in time to dine on rainbow-colored macarons with Marie Antoinette.

Alternatively, you can choose your flavors and have them boxed up to take away. These make a delicious gift from your trip to Paris! See the location .

3. Pont Alexandre III

One of the most wonderful things about Paris is its two sides separated by the beautiful River Seine. And where there’s a river, you’ll always find some interesting bridges! Head towards the Seine (about 15 minutes from Laduree) to see one of the most beautiful bridges in all of Paris: Pont Alexandre III.

This is a very important bridge, known for its central location and amazing architecture. On the bridge, you’ll find numerous pillars topped with gold-winged horses. Plus, the bridge is lined with old-fashioned lamps, making it a particularly romantic place to walk at night as you cross the bridge looking onto the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais.

Tip: Want to explore more of the Seine? Spend a few hours walking along its banks or take a boat tour. Boat tours are a great way to learn about Paris and see it from a totally different perspective! If history tours aren’t really your thing, there are plenty of other options, such as a dinner cruise . 

Here are all your hotel options in Paris.

4. Musee d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay is 10 minutes from the Pont Alexandre III. Cross the bridge and follow the arty boulevard to discover the memorable art museum.

The long building, which was once a station, is impressive on the outside. However, the interior is truly breathtaking! Discover a vast open space with an arched glass roof covering incredible collections of artwork. Whether you like traditional art or modern, you’ll find something to enjoy in the Musee d’Orsay.

Opening Times & Tickets: Tuesday – Sunday 9.30 am to 6 pm. Tickets cost 16 EUR. If you’re an art lover, you might also want to check out a guided tour .

5. Eiffel Tower – A must-do in Paris

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic monuments globally, up there with the likes of the Statue of Liberty, the Taj Mahal, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa . It is an icon of Paris (and France !), towering above the city by day and lighting it up at night. 

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting this spectacular monument. You can find your way to the Eiffel Tower from the museum by following the skyline. As you go, grab a delicious lunch nearby or buy a baguette from the bakery and make your own picnic to eat under the tower. 

Simply marveling at the Eiffel Tower from below is an experience in itself. Wander around the structure, gaining a view from all angles, or head to the stairs in front of the Jardins du Trocadero to get some fantastic photos and an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower.

Tip: If you want to take photos of the Eiffel Tower, we recommend arriving at sunrise to get the best shot. After 9 AM, the area becomes very crowded with people. This is the most touristy area in all of Paris!

Get your tickets here

Climbing to the Top of the Eiffel Tower

Visiting the top of the tower is a little more expensive, but a great idea if you want to have a unique experience and get some excellent views on your trip to Paris.

You’ll find the beginning of these fantastic Parisian views on the first floor, with the added exhilaration of a transparent glass-bottomed floor to look down from.

On the second floor, as you get higher and higher, you’ll have access to Michelin-star restaurants, shops, and even a macaron counter to eat your treats from this remarkable location.

The very top is the most sensational of all, as you stand 276 meters up above Paris with only the tip of the tower and the sky above you. Grab a glass of champagne to toast the moment!

The ticket price is dependent on what you want to see. Most tickets include the use of the glass-walled lift. For example, a lift ticket up to the second floor is 17.10 EUR, and a ticket to the top is 26.80 EUR. If you don’t mind taking the stairs, cheaper tickets are available.

It gets very busy, so we recommend buying tickets online .

Opening Times

Every day from 9.30 AM – 10.45 PM.

Note: Maintenance work is carried out every year on the top from Jan 3 to Feb 4 (during this time, you can only access the first and second floors with stairs).

Hotels near the Eiffel Tower

Day 2: Montmartre (Best to do in Paris)

Montmartre is the prettiest area in all of Paris. What was once a tiny village on the hill, separated from the city, now forms the 18th district of Paris.

It used to be popular with artists, musicians, and poets who came here to paint and write, inspired by the beautiful Parisian scenery. It also went through a famous period of cabarets, brothels, and underground nightlife, known mainly for the Moulin Rouge.

These days, it keeps its beautiful village atmosphere and is a great place to stay when you visit Paris.

Join this popular walking tour in Montmartre

6. Basilica Sacre-Coeur

The Basilica Sacre-Coeur is the icon of Montmartre, a stunning white church that sits on the very top of the hill looking over Paris. Climb up the steep cobbled streets and zig-zagged blocks of stairs to reach the gardens below the church, where you’ll be met with views of the impressive three-domed church, which looks more like a palace!

You can access the central dome by climbing 300 steps to the top, where you’ll find even greater panoramic views of Paris.

Tip: Make sure to be here at 8 AM or earlier to avoid the massive groups of tourists.

Opening Times & Tickets: Visiting the Sacre-Coeur is free! It’s open from 6 AM to 10.30 PM every day. If you want to climb to the dome, the opening hours are 10.30 AM to 8.30 PM (summer) and 10.30 AM to 5.30 PM (winter).

7. Paris’ Prettiest Street (Rue de l’Abreuvoir)

Rue de l’Abreuvoir is known as ‘the prettiest street in Paris’, located on the charming hills of Montmartre. You could easily spend a morning walking around the area, getting lost down the streets, and taking photos of the beautiful houses and doorways.

However, visiting Rue de l‘Abreuvoir is an absolute must on your trip to Paris! This street is also one of the oldest, first mentioned in 1325, and home to ancient houses which date back to the 1930s. 

Read more: Montmartre, one of the most beautiful areas in Paris

The most famous house on Rue de l’Abreuvoir is ‘La Maison Rose’ (the pink house). This gorgeous pink house, with green shutters and a blanket of ivy behind it, is a famous cafe that used to be visited by many renowned writers, poets, and artists. Picasso even used to hang out at this very spot!

Tip: The reputation of this beautiful street means it can be busy. Visit first thing in the morning to get the best photo opportunities.

Hotels in Montmartre 😴

8. See the Moulin Rouge

Wander down the hill towards the Pigalle neighborhood, where you’ll find lots of picturesque spots and, of course, the world-famous Moulin Rouge. Montmartre was once known for its many windmills that sat on the hill here, one of which was home to the Moulin Rouge (Red Windmill) during the neighborhood’s time of underground nightlife and debauchery.

It was a famous time between the two world wars when people from all walks of life would gather to watch dancing, singing, and acrobatics.

These days you can still watch the Moulin Rouge show here, but you’ll need to book months in advance as it’s one of the most popular things to do in Paris.  

Day 3: Notre Dame, Louvre, and more

Get up and prepare yourself for a busy day of sightseeing on your trip to Paris! Day 3 is all about soaking up the unique Parisian culture, whether art, literature, or music.

9. Notre Dame Cathedral

Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral as early as possible to really observe the beauty without the crowds. If you can arrive before 8 AM, the sun is still behind the cathedral, and the square in front is almost empty.

This breathtaking religious building is another icon of Paris and a must-see on your Paris trip, mainly because it’s one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in the world (built between 1163 and 1245)! Admire the fascinating gargoyles and the gothic features, and climb the 422 steps to the top of the cathedral tower for magical views over the center of Paris.

Note: Since the 2019 fire that consumed Notre Dame Cathedral, the majority of the cathedral is still closed for repairs. You can, however, still visit the cathedral square and look at Notre Dame (be aware there is a lot of scaffolding covering the facade), and you can visit the crypt.

It’s still worth wandering around the parameters of Notre Dame, if not just to be close to this incredible icon of history in Paris. Hidden in a side street nearby is a beautiful little cafe called Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole. Stop here for a photo and a morning coffee before continuing your day. 

10. Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore might not look like much from the outside, but enter, and you’ll find a world of hidden treasures! Books are piled up from floor to ceiling, and great literature covers almost every surface. If you’re a book lover, this is a must-do on your trip to Paris. You can even enjoy a coffee and a cake here while you peruse the pages of ancient novels!

How to get there: Shakespeare and Company Bookstore is at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie. To get there, cross the bridge on the side of Notre Dame.

11. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous in the entire world! It’s known for housing the Mona Lisa and its unique triangular shape. Watch people of all ages outside trying to get the typical ‘Louvre’ photo and positioning the triangle in their hands (think Leaning Tower of Pisa style!). 

From Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, you can reach the Louvre within 15 minutes of walking. Because of the museum’s popularity, buying tickets online in advance is recommended. If you don’t feel like going into the museum, you can relax or take photos at the square or nearby park.

Opening times and entry fee: 9 AM – 6 PM every day (closed on Tuesdays). 17 EUR for tickets purchased online.

Hotels near the Louvre Museum

Paris Guide: Things to do near the Louvre Museum

Alternatively, start your walk through the oldest park in Paris: Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden). It extends from the Louvre all the way to Place de la Concorde. The Jardin Tuileries is a large public park with fountains, chairs, and grass to relax. Throughout the garden, you will find various art, like statues and a smaller version of the Arc de Triomphe.

From the Louvre, hop on the metro towards Gare de Lyon. From here, it’s a 5-minute walk to Rue Cremieux, one of the most fantastic, colorful streets in Paris! This sweet cobbled street is bordered by rainbow-colored Parisian houses, flowers, and bikes and is a lovely place to grab some photos on your trip to Paris. 

12. Le Marais

Spend the rest of your day in the trendy neighborhood: Le Marais. You can find everything you could possibly need in this beautiful little medieval neighborhood, whether it’s trendy vintage shops and restaurants, luxurious squares, or ancient, narrow medieval streets that could be straight from a novel.

On your walk, take a look inside the concept stores ‘Merci’ and ‘Papier Tigre’, or get a delicious dinner at restaurants like ‘Ober Mamma’ (Italian) or ‘PNY’ (burgers).

Please Note: This Paris guide excludes the arrival day. Due to all the possible arrival options and travel times, it’s best to add this yourself.

Hotels in Le Marais 😴

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Paris

France has one of the most internationally famous cuisines, and Paris is a hub for the most renowned restaurants and chefs worldwide. That being said, there is a way to eat for all kinds of budgets. Whether it’s Michelin-star restaurants, quirky hidden cafes, or great takeout food, there’s something for everyone! Some of our favorites were:

• Mastino (Italian)
• Scandle (Eco cafe)
• Holybelly 5 (Brunch)
• La Cantine de Sam (Delicious vegetarian food)
• Zia (Brunch)
• Pink Mamma (Italian)

Where to Stay in Paris

The best area to stay in Paris is Le Marais if you want access to everything right on your doorstep. You’ll be in the middle of trendy restaurants and shops and can walk or take the metro to most sights. However, most accommodations won’t go below €80 a night, so it might be worth searching in other areas nearby too.

Alternatively, find a hotel in Montmartre just outside the city center but full of character and charming streets and cheaper accommodation in general. Finally, stay in Saint Germain if you prefer to stay close to many restaurants and the main attractions.

How to visit Paris

Paris has an international airport with flights arriving from all over the world. From the airport, it’s easy to take the metro directly into the center. 

Getting around Paris

The Paris metro has over 300 stations and is one of the oldest in the world. Getting around Paris is super easy if you use Google Maps or ‘City Mapper’. City Mapper is ideal as it will tell you exactly which line you should take and in what direction. It also offers you combinations of bus, tram, and metro, depending on what’s easiest.

With the Navigo Easy pass, you can easily travel by metro. You purchase this at the station once and you can then always recharge it. For example, if you buy a package of 10 rides, you pay 14.90.

You can also purchase a 1-day, 2-day, 3-day or 5-day pass. If you follow this guide, you will need a 3-day pass for zones 1-3. The price for this exact pass is 33.90 euros per person (2023).

How much does Paris cost?

Paris can be visited on a budget if you’re happy to stay in cheaper accommodation, for example, apartments a little further out of the center or hostels. Consider renting an apartment on Booking.com with a kitchen so you can do a supermarket shop on your first day and prepare some meals at home to save on eating out in Paris. The following prices are at cafes and restaurants per person per day:

Costs of Traveling in Paris

Travel on a budget in Paris, from $430 − $530 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1080 − $1950 USD, and high-end from $1860 − $2650 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $60 − $200 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $8 − $50 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $10 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $30 − $50 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $40 − $80 USD
• Activities: $5 − $40 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to visit Paris

Paris is beautiful all year round! The summer months are the warmest and, therefore, the busiest.

Christmas is also the peak season when people enjoy the cold temperatures and festive Christmas lights. For that reason, visiting in the spring or September is a perfect time. During these months, enjoy mild weather, days of sunshine, and slightly quieter streets.

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South of France: The Ultimate 12-Day Travel Itinerary

11 best things to do in bordeaux (wine capital of france), villefranche-sur-mer: visit the most colorful town in south france.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

A quick Paris trip for us started with a hotel near the Eiffel Tower, we discovered that everything starts at the tower. Even the Bus from Charles de Gaulle airport goes to the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel tower is definitely the heart and soul of Paris!

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• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Paris for the First Time

Let’s be completely honest: You can either love or hate Paris. There is no in between. I’ve heard so many mixed-up reviews before visiting Paris for the first time and most of them were really negative. People told me that Paris is dirty and unsafe, and the French people are really rude.

But let me tell you something: after visiting Paris twice already, I seriously have no clue where are all this negativity is coming from! Paris is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe so don’t let others discourage you to visit!

Not convinced yet? Just go through this post and I’m sure by the time you finish you’ll be already searching for flight tickets to Paris!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

Useful Info for Visiting Paris for the First Time

Paris is the capital city of France, located in the northern central part of the country. The city is divided by the river Seine and it also includes two islands. Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité which is the oldest part of Paris and also home to one of the most famous landmarks in France, the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Paris is home to more than 2.1 million people. If you’re visiting Paris for the first time this might surprise you, but Paris is a really diverse city when it comes to demographics.

About 80% of the population was actually born in France, the rest are immigrants mainly from Asia and Africa. The first wave of international migration started back in the 19th century and Paris has always been a popular choice amongst immigrants ever since.

Paris is one of the top dream destinations in the world so it’s no wonder that tourism is one of the main income sources of the city. Paris is not only popular among tourists but it’s also a major hub for business travel.

According to a survey by Statista , Paris received 19.1 million international overnight visitors in 2018 which makes it the second most visited city in Europe after London.

The cathedral of Notre Dame used to be the most visited tourist attraction in Paris but unfortunately since the fire in 2019 caused serious damages to the building, it’s not possible to visit it at the moment.

The other most visited attractions are the Sacre-Coeur Basilica located on the top of the Montmartre hill, the world-famous Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe, located at the end of Champs-Élysées.

The official language of Paris is French. I bet you’ve already heard stories that French people don’t really like to speak English and while this is mostly true for the rest of France, English is actually widely spoken in Paris.

So you don’t have to stress if you don’t speak French, English will do just fine. However, most of the restaurants only have French menus and everyone prefers having conversations in French so knowing a few French words or phrases always comes in handy.

Here are the most useful French phrases for travelers:

• Bonjour – Hello (used from morning until dusk)
• Bonsoir – Good evening
• Oui – Yes
• Non – No
• S’il vous plait – Please
• Merci (beaucoup) – Thank you (very much)
• Excusez-moi – Excuse me
• Au revoir – Goodbye

Currency & ATMs

Like in many other European countries, the Euro (€) is the official currency in France. You can easily find ATMs anywhere in the city and credit cards are widely accepted. However, there is usually a minimum limit for credit card payments, like €10-15, therefore it’s wise to always have some cash in your pocket as well.

France is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area. That means if your country of origin is also a member of the Schengen Area you can enter France without a visa. There are many more countries that can enter visa-free for a short-term stay, like the US, UK, or Australia. You can check the full list on the Schengen Visa Info Website .

Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in France and it’s a true year-round destination. Seriously, there is something magical in each and every season, like cherry blossoms in spring or the colorful leaves in autumn.

Although many people choose the summer months for their first trip to Paris, the other seasons can be a great or an even better choice, depending on your interests. In the below sections you can learn more about each season with its pros and cons so you can easily decide which one is the perfect choice for you.

During springtime (from March to May) the maximum temperature is constantly rising from 12°C (54°F) in March up to 20°C (68°F) in May. The weather is still unpredictable at the beginning of spring and light rain can occur almost any time during the season. Be prepared with an umbrella or a raincoat!

Late spring is one of the best times to visit Paris , especially because of the blossom season. The whole city will be covered with colorful flowers and green plants, so a beautiful backdrop is guaranteed!

The summer period (from June to August) is normally not so hot in Paris, the average temperature ranges around 25-30°C (77-86°F). Generally, this is the driest period of the year so with a bit of luck you won’t see any rain clouds above your head. The days are really long, the sun rises around 6 am and sets around 10 pm.

Although the weather is perfect for strolling around the city, be prepared for huge crowds. Paris is always crowded with travelers but summer is the absolute peak season for tourism. If you don’t tolerate the crowd too well, it’s best to avoid the summer months.

The autumn months (from September to November) tend to be windy and wet in general. During this period the maximum temperature gradually decreases from 21°C (70°F) in September to 11°C (52°F) in November. Make sure to pack some warm, waterproof clothes!

Despite the challenges in the weather, autumn – especially early autumn – is a really great choice, especially if you’re visiting Paris for the first time.

In early autumn locals are starting to return from their summer holidays and the tourist crowds are getting thinner and thinner. But the best thing about autumn is definitely the colorful fall foliage which makes Paris even more magical than it already is.

Paris is often called the City of Light and there is no better season to experience the sparkling city lights than winter! The days are slowly getting shorter, in the darkest period the sun only rises around 8.30 am and sets already at 5 pm which means you will have plenty of time to adore the festive lights and decoration.

If you love Christmas decorations, you’re going to love Paris during the holidays as it’s always beautifully decorated. You can also find some Christmas markets in the city – don’t forget to visit the Tuileries Garden during the holidays where you can find one of the best Christmas markets in Europe .

The average temperature ranges around 5-8°C (41-46°F) during the day, which makes Paris a lot warmer than other European cities.

Although Paris is really gorgeous when the whole city is covered with white snow, unfortunately, snow is not so common in winter but you can expect some rainfalls in exchange. If you are planning to visit Paris in winter, here’s a guide about  what to wear in Paris in winter .

How Much Time Do You Need to Spend in Paris

Spending one day in Paris is definitely not enough, however, if you plan your itinerary well, you can still see a big chunk of the city. And to be honest, seeing only a few of the most famous sites and experiencing a little Parisian vibe is a lot better than having nothing. So if you have only one day to spend in Paris, I’d say go for it!

If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, it’s best to allow yourself at least 4 days in Paris to be able to properly explore the main sights. In 4 days you can cover most of the must-see spots, visit a few museums and taste a lot of French sweets.

Paris is packed with many amazing museums like Musée du Louvre or Musée d’Orsay so if you’re a true museum lover, 4 days in Paris would definitely not be enough for you. In this case, it’s best to stay in Paris for 5-7 days, depending on how many museums you plan to visit.

If you have some extra days in Paris, make sure to do a few day trips. Disneyland is one of the best day trips from Paris , even if you are an adult you will absolutely love it!

There are actually two different parks right next to each other: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. You can easily spend there 2-3 full days if you plan to try every ride, but both parks can be visited within a day as well.

Versailles is known as one of the most beautiful castles in Europe and it’s another famous day trip opportunity from Paris. It’s really easy to reach, it takes around 30 minutes by RER. Half a day is enough for visiting the Palace of Versailles but you can easily spend a full day there, especially if you want to visit the city of Versailles as well.

Getting Around Paris

My favorite way of getting around in a new city is by foot. I love strolling around and getting lost on the streets! I truly believe this is the absolute best way to get to know the city. Paris is a totally walkable city, most of the must-see spots are close to each other and easy to reach.

That said, Paris is a big city so if you want to make the most of your time it’s inevitable to use some other ways of transportation. That’s where public transportation comes in handy and luckily Paris has a fantastic public transportation system!

Paris has 16 different metro lines with more than 300 metro stations. That means you can reach practically everything with a metro! If this wouldn’t be enough, there are 4 tram lines and countless bus lines as well.

Of course, you can find many taxis and ride-hailing companies such as Uber around the city but with a public transportation system like this, you won’t really need them.

If you need to venture further away from the city you can use RER, which is a train network with 5 different lines. You can easily reach for example the Charles de Gaulle Airport, Versailles, and Disneyland with RER.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris is not only one of the most beautiful cities in France but it’s also one of the most visited ones in whole Europe. Therefore you will find a wide selection of accommodations in the city, starting from cheaper hostels and guesthouses to 5-star hotels and luxury apartments.

Are you dreaming of waking up to the view of the Eiffel Tower? Then you need to check out my posts about the best apartments in Paris with Eiffel Tower view and the best Paris hotels with Eiffel Tower view .

Paris is divided into 20 different neighborhoods, otherwise known as arrondissements. The best arrondissement to stay in Paris completely depends on what you want to do as a tourist and how much time you have in hand.

If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, you will probably like to stay near the Seine River (1st to 7th arrondissement), where the major tourist attractions are located.

Each neighborhood has different characteristics, below you can read about them in more detail.

Louvre (1st Arr.)

The 1st district of Paris is a real tourist heaven. You can find many of the most famous landmarks here like Musée du Louvre, Palais Royal, or Sainte Chapelle.

If you wish to stay within walking distance from them, this is totally your place! On the other hand, this is one of the most expensive districts of Paris so if you’re more of a budget traveler, it’s best to find yourself another area to stay in.

BEST HOTELS IN THE LOUVRE ARRONDISSEMENT

• Luxury: Maison Albar Hotels Le Pont-Neuf
• Mid-range: L’Empire Paris
• Budget: Hotel Residence Des Arts

Eiffel Tower (7th Arr.)

The 7th district is also one of the most touristic areas of Paris. The Eiffel tower is located in this district along with many great museums, world-class restaurants, and high-end shopping places.

If you are planning to book a place from where you can see the Iron Lady, this is the district where you will find plenty of hotels with Eiffel Tower views . Of course, all of this comes with a higher price tag as well, so it’s definitely not a good place for a budget traveler.

BEST HOTELS IN THE EIFFEL TOWER ARRONDISSEMENT

• Luxury: Hôtel Pont Royal
• Mid-range: Hôtel La Comtesse
• Budget: Hôtel Eiffel Turenne

Le Marais (3rd and 4th Arr.)

Le Marais is a really trendy and lively area in Paris. It’s not an independent district, one half of it is located in the 3rd district and the other half is in the 4th district. If you’re visiting Paris for the first time and you’re looking for great nightlife with many clubs and bars, Le Marais is the perfect choice for you!

BEST HOTELS IN LE MARAIS

• Luxury: Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa
• Mid-range: Hotel Saint-Louis Marais
• Budget: Austin’s Arts Et Metiers Hotel

Bastille (11th Arr.)

If you are a real foodie then Bastille is the best choice for you. The 11th district of Paris is packed with amazing restaurants and you can find practically everything from trendy hip cafes to expensive Michelin-star restaurants.

Bastille is located just outside the central area, therefore prices are more affordable but you can still reach the city center within minutes. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on accommodation but you still want to stay close to the central area, Bastille is the perfect choice for you.

On my first trip to Paris, I stayed in the Bastille area at Hotel Paris Bastille Boutet and absolutely loved everything about the hotel and the area as well. If you’re interested to know more about the hotel, here’s my complete review of Hotel Paris Bastille Boutet !

BEST HOTELS IN BASTILLE

• Luxury: Hôtel Paris Bastille Boutet
• Mid-range: Oh la la ! Hotel Bar Paris Bastille
• Budget: Hotel Alhambra

Montmartre (18th Arr.)

The district of Montmartre is quite far from the other main attractions, however, if you want to experience the real Parisian vibe this is definitely your place!

The 18th district is full of charming cobble-stoned streets and cute multi-colored houses and the view is absolutely amazing from the top of the hill. The price of the hotels are much more reasonable so it’s also a good choice if you travel on a budget.

BEST HOTELS IN MONTMARTRE

• Luxury: Maison Souquet
• Mid-range: Mercure Paris Pigalle Sacre Coeur
• Budget: Hotel de Flore

Best Things to Do in Paris

See the iconic eiffel tower.

If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, seeing the Eiffel Tower must be on your itinerary. No pictures do justice to how incredible the Iron Lady is in real life! You can see it from almost everywhere in Paris and it’s really fun to search for different views and angles. Don’t forget to go back after nightfall to adore the sparkling lights dancing on the tower!

If you want to know where to find the best views of the Eiffel Tower, check out my article about the most instagrammable places in Paris which includes 9 different locations from where you can get an amazing view of the Iron Lady!

Since it is the most iconic landmark in Paris the surrounding area can get pretty crowded. Luckily Paris is not just about the Eiffel Tower and there are many other interesting places to see! You might be also interested to read a guide about sightseeing in Paris beyond the Eiffel Tower .

Explore the incredible artworks in the Louvre

To be honest with you I’m not much of a museum kind of girl and it’s really rare when I decide to actually go to a museum. But visiting the Louvre is definitely a must-do in Paris!

The whole place is extraordinary and not just the artworks, but the internal design of the museum as well. I’m really glad we decided to visit in the end, it was such a bucket list experience!

Visit at least one of the amazing city parks

Paris has many gorgeous city parks: Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin des Plantes, Le Jardin du Luxembourg, just to name a few. All parks are free to enter and every park has its own characteristic. If you need a break from city life, strolling around the beautiful gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Paris .

Get lost on the buzzing streets of Montmartre

Montmartre is one of the most charming and romantic districts of Paris. The area is full of cute narrow alleys, talented street artists, and amazing cafes and restaurants. I was absolutely obsessed with Montmartre, it has such a strong Parisian vibe!

You definitely need to visit the Sacré-Coeur and the Moulin Rouge but apart from that, getting lost on the buzzing streets is one of the best things you can do in Montmartre. Make sure not to miss the Sinking House of Montmartre, one of the most unique hidden gems in Paris .

Shop til you drop on Champs-Elysées

Almost every big city has its own world-famous street that is packed with high-end fashion shops, luxury boutiques, and fancy restaurants. This is the Champs-Elysées for Paris.

The avenue is 2 km (1.2 miles) long and it runs from the Place de la Concorde to the majestic Arc de Triomphe. Don’t worry if you don’t have the fortune to spend, it’s still an amazing place for window-shopping and admiring the architecture.

Eat as many Parisian sweets as you can

Croissants, pain au chocolate, crepes, macarons, madeleines.. Do I have to continue or are you just as hungry as I am now? Ditch your diet for a few days while you are in Paris because these Parisian sweets are to die for! There are countless cute cafes around the city with many different desserts to try.

Try to visit as many as you can, you won’t regret it! I know it sounds like a cliché but it would be a big mistake to skip it. If this will be your first trip to Paris, you might be interested in reading a list of the common mistakes of a first-time visitor .

Planning a trip to Paris?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Paris. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

Hotel Guides:

• Top 8 Best Arrondissements to Stay in Paris
• Top 21 Best Hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower Views
• 23 Best Apartments & Airbnbs in Paris with Eiffel Tower View
• Stylish Parisian Stay: Hotel Paris Bastille Boutet Hotel Review

Travel Guides:

• One Day in Paris Itinerary: How to See the Best of Paris in a Day
• The Perfect Paris in 4 Days Itinerary for First Timers
• Top 25 Most Instagrammable Places in Paris
• 12 Best Day Trips from Paris You Can’t Miss
• 155 Amazing Paris Captions for Instagram (Quotes, Puns & More!)

Other Amazing Destinations in France: Alsace | French Riviera | Provence

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4 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Paris for the First Time”

Eiffel tower is such a nice place to explore for everyone. I am from Delhi, India and i love to read your blog everyday. I have visited 2 times to this place and every time it is the same and beautiful. Love your blog.

Thank you so much Srishti, I’m so happy that you enjoyed reading this post!

What a great guide!! I love Paris 🙂 Brianna

Thanks so much, I’m so happy that you liked it Brianna!

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Paris   Travel Guide

Courtesy of James Farley | Getty Images

Why Go To Paris

The City of Light draws millions of visitors every year with its unforgettable ambiance. Of course, the divine cuisine and vast art collections deserve some of the credit as well. The gentle River Seine rambles through the city, flanked by stately museums, centuries-old churches, and blocks of Rococo- and Neoclassic-design architecture, further enhanced by cascading trees and glowing streetlamps. Peppering the Seine's cobbled walks and graceful bridges are impossibly chic Parisians, probably on their way to the market, cafe or cinema.

Containing world-class museums, fashion, cuisine and an atmosphere all its own, Paris is also a city of "many splendors," as Ernest Hemingway recalled in his memoir, "A Moveable Feast." Visit the beloved Musée d'Orsay , shop the biggest designers on the Champs Élysées or hit the boutiques in Le Marais , take in the view atop the Eiffel Tower , or even plan a day trip to Versailles Palace . But don't miss out on the simple pleasure of meandering the marvelous arrondissements (districts), or snacking on street crepes either.

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• # 1 in World's Best Places to Visit for 2023-2024
• # 1 in Best Places to Visit in Europe for 2023-2024
• # 1 in Best Places to Visit in France

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Best of Paris

Best hotels in paris.

• # 1 in Le Bristol Paris
• # 2 in Grand Hotel du Palais Royal
• # 3 in Ritz Paris

Best Things to Do in Paris

• # 1 in Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
• # 2 in Musée du Louvre
• # 3 in Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris)

Popular Tours

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Paris Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Paris is from June to August and September to October. Both summer and fall have its ups and downs. From June to August the weather in Paris is just about  parfait (perfect). Average highs are in the high 70s and there are long days of sunshine. Unfortunately, summer is also the most crowded time – and the most expensive. For lower travel rates and significantly shorter lines at attractions , plan a visit in the fall. The seasonal foliage is known to stun, though the city's spring blooms are pretty famous too. If a travel deal is all that you're after, a visit during the winter will surely shave off travel expenses. Keep in mind though that Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, seeing upward of 30 million travelers yearly. So no matter what time you visit, there will always be tourists and some crowds. 

Weather in Paris

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

"Parlez-vous Français?" Parisians adore their native tongue – and will like you better if you try to speak it. " Bonjour" is hello, " au revoir" is goodbye, "s'il vous plaît" is please and " merci" is thank you.

Coffee is a leisurely affair When you order a café in Paris, sit down and stay awhile. It's not common to see Parisians touting cups of Starbucks around town. If you're simply looking for a quick jolt of caffeine, order an espresso from the bar.

Don't toss your ticket Hold on to your metro ticket until you exit the station (for proof of purchase). If you're caught empty-handed, you could be liable for a hefty fine.

Consider a guided tour Sightseeing through Paris on your own can be a daunting challenge. Enlist the help of a local via a guided tour to make the most of your time here.

How to Save Money in Paris

Grab breakfast at the  boulangerie Sitting down at restaurants in Paris (especially alfresco) will always be more pricey than getting things to go. Bakeries, or boulangeries , tend to sell quiche and oftentimes light sandwiches, perfect for a quick (and cheap) meal.

Be here the first Sunday of the month May be tricky to plan, but you'll sidestep admission fees to the Louvre , Musee d'Orsay , parts of Centre Pompidou as well as Versailles and Musee Rodin during certain months.

Walk Paris is big and shouldn't be traversed entirely on foot, however, a number of top attractions are within a mile of one another (such as the Musée d'Orsay, Louvre, Notre Dame, etc). If you map out ahead of time how far each attraction is from one another, you'll likely save some metro money.

Culture & Customs

There's this idea that Parisians stick up their noses to Americans – that they're notoriously unfriendly and even rude. This is a stereotype. Like anywhere you visit, there's a chance you may run into friendly and unfriendly locals during your journey. A great way to bridge the cultural divide is to learn a little bit of the language.

While many Parisians know English (especially in tourist areas and hotels), a little effort from your end really can go a long way. Pleasantries are highly regarded in French culture. A " bonjour"  (hello or good day) or " bonsoir"  (good evening) here and there will not only show that you're trying on their turf, which the French appreciate, but enhance your own cultural experience. " Merci" is thank you and " s'il vous plaît" is please. If you're at a loss for words, politely ask the waiter or shop attendant  "P ouvez-vous m'aider?" (Can you help me?) or "P arlez-vous anglais?" (Do you speak English?). Another helpful phrase: " Excusez-moi" (Pardon or excuse me). If you are introduced to French people in social situations, stick to a handshake unless the person you are meeting initiates the  les bises, or   the greeting where people lightly kiss each other on the cheek once or twice. If you aren't comfortable, merely stick out your hand for a handshake.

Speaking of trying to blend in... Paris is one of the most fashionable cities in the world. Everyone from Coco Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix got their start in fashion in Paris – and their influence remains. Blend in with the locals by dressing stylishly, though don't feel pressure to dress to the nines. Parisians do dress casually but wearing items such as activewear, sweatshirts, running shoes, flip flops or even some shorts (denim cut-offs, for example) around town is not commonplace here as it is in the U.S. Parisians like to keep it simple and chic, opting for a black leather bag over logo-ladden designer bags and incorporating soft-spoken color palettes into their wardrobe. You won't see a whole lot of French people wearing neon. 

France uses the euro, and major credit cards are accepted at most establishments in Paris. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is before you go. Keep in mind the exchange rate when you tip and make purchases. Some smaller bakeries or bistros may only take cash, though, so keep some euros on hand just in case. Most restaurants and cafes will include a 10 to 15 percent service charge ( service compris ) on the bill. You can leave some additional change for exceptional service, if you wish. Taxi drivers tend to expect a 5 to 10 percent tip, though usually rounding to the nearest euro or two will often suffice. You may also encounter fees to use the bathroom in some restaurants and bathroom attendants in many bars in Paris. If the fee isn't collected ahead of the use of the facilities, it's polite to leave 50 cents to a euro for the attendants.

What to Eat

Similar to many other international cities, Paris offers a surplus of restaurants that serve up everything from Asian fusion dishes to nouveaux bistro fare. And because France invented a widely adopted style of cooking, the food in Paris is trè s bien . Look for upscale establishments in the 1er arrondissement (1st district) and in Marais, as well as around Champs-Elysées and the Eiffel Tower . The 2ème arrondissement has a number of cheap eateries and cafes, as does Montmartre.

No matter where you choose to dine, you should sample some French staples like soupe à l'oignon gratinée (French onion soup), croque-monsieur (a grilled cheese and ham sandwich smothered in more melted cheese), steak frites (steak and french fries) and coquilles St - Jacques (seasoned scallops topped with cheese and bread curmbs served in a shell). Those with a sweet tooth should save room to try some of the following French desserts: macarons, pain au chocolat (chocolate croissants), puits d'amours (large puff pastries filled with vanilla cream and drizzled with caramel sauce) or crêpes (fixins' range from Nutella to bananas and berries).

For a meal on the go, pick up a baguette sandwich at a traiteurs or grab a quick savory crêpe at a crêperie or crepe stand. Chocolat chaud (hot chocolate), café crème (coffee with cream) and other drinks can be enjoyed at any of the city's many cafes. And if you want to save some euros, head to the local grocer and pick up some snacks for the day. Cheaper bistros and brasseries abound, but for some French fine-dining, splurge at Guy Savoy , Bistrot Paul Bert or Chez Andre , among other pricey yet delicious dining establishments.

Famed foodie Julia Child wrote "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" because French meal preparation is an art. Even the art of perfecting French specialties (wine, cheese, pastry) are a reflection of the time and care put into a meal. Likewise, linger over your French fine-dining experience, realizing that the food is meant to be savored rather than gulped. And remember, elbows off the table! For a crash course in the Paris dining scene, sign up for a guided food tour .

Paris is fairly safe, though you should be wary of pickpockets, especially on the metro and around the most popular tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre . Visitors should also be very alert while at the Gare du Nord train station: Pickpocketing tends to be pretty common here. Thieves also tend to target tourists on their way from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), so pay particularly close attention to your luggage and bags while taking public transportation to and from CDG.

Getting Around Paris

The best way to get around Paris is on foot and by metro. The elegant arrondissements are practically made for pedestrians. Still, Paris is very big, so you should take the efficient metro to travel long distances. The Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens or RATP system, which runs the metro, also offers several bus routes around the city. Those traveling to Paris by plane can arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), about 22 miles northeast of the city center, or Paris Orly Airport (ORY), about 11 miles south of the city.

To get to Paris from CDG, you can take a bus (No. 350 or No. 351), hop an RER train (an airport shuttle from CDG takes passengers to the Terminal 2 RER station and the nearby Roissypole RER) or hop on the  RoissyBus . Travelers with a late arrival time can also take advantage of the Noctilien night bus, which runs to Paris from midnight to 4:30 a.m. For those coming into ORY, travelers can take an airport shuttle to the nearest RER station (Pont de Rungis) or hop on the Orlyval shuttle train that goes to the Antony RER station. Both RER stations go straight to Paris. Taxis are another option, but can be quite costly averaging anywhere from 30 to 55 euros (around $33 to $61); driving is not recommended.

If you're traveling from other French or European cities, you can also take the train to Paris.  SNCF rail  and  TGV high-speed trains  run throughout France (the former also travels to other European countries). The city has six main train stations, all of which also act as bus stops and metro stations, so you'll be able to get from the station to your hotel quite easily. You can also take the Channel Tunnel (aka the "chunnel") underwater rail service via Eurostar from London .

Entry & Exit Requirements

A United States passport is required for U.S. residents traveling to Paris; children of all ages must have them, too. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your date of departure. U.S. citizens do not need a visa unless they plan on staying longer than 90 days. Visit the U.S. State Department's website for the latest information on exit and entry requirements.

The soaring Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited landmarks in the world. 

Explore More of Paris

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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Your Trip to Paris: The Complete Guide

Paris Guide: Planning Your Trip

Planning a trip to Paris? Congrats. Before you go, it's essential to learn a bit about when to visit, what to see and do, where to stay and eat out, and how to get around. Whether you're embarking on a first-time visit or already know the city well, this at-a-glance guide will help you take the necessary steps to plan your trip with ease—and enjoy the capital fully once you're there.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit :  Generally, the best time to visit Paris is between late spring and late summer, when outdoor activities, lively events, and nearby day trips allow you to experience the city to the fullest. The winter holiday season is also a festive and cheerful time to go, but cold weather may detract some.
• Language:  French is the official language in Paris. Many speak English fluently or somewhat fluently, but make sure to use polite greetings in French.
• Currency:  The Euro (€) is the official currency  .
• Getting Around:   Paris is easy to navigate by metro, bus, and commuter-line trains (RER lines).
• Travel Tip:  If you do choose to visit Paris in high season (roughly April to early October), try getting up early to visit museums and other attractions; if possible, avoid big-ticket attractions like the Eiffel Tower on weekends.

Things to Do

Paris is home to many globally-renowned attractions, including the Eiffel Tower ; Notre-Dame Cathedral ; and the Louvre , the largest museum in the world . It's impossible to see and do it all during a single trip, but we recommend experiencing at least a few of the city's most iconic sights and museums during a first visit. You should also make time to get a taste of France's world-famous cuisine; attend an annual festival or gallery opening; and explore the city at night , when it's arguably at its most enchanting.

• See our guide to the 30 best sights and attractions in Paris, including museums, and monuments.
• Explore Paris in a more local way by getting to know some of the city's residential neighborhoods , and choosing among a few of its weird and offbeat attractions .
• Consider taking one or more day trips outside of the city to expand your horizons and get some fresh air. The Chateau de Versailles , Monet's Gardens at Giverny, and Chartres Cathedral are easily accessible by train and doable in a day.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the best things to do with kids in Paris , Paris' best art museums , and the top shopping districts in the city .

What to Eat and Drink

As the capital of France, Paris is globally renowned for its excellent and creative cuisine—not to mention its fine French wines. There are 122 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city  , and with classic brasseries , mouth-watering patisseries , and open-air markets to boot, there are so many delicious ways to "eat your way" through the capital.

Even though Paris itself doesn't produce much wine of note these days, it's still a great place to learn about—and taste—some of the finest French bottles. Spend an evening at one of the city's best wine bars, or learn more about the history and production of wine at the Musée du Vin. Care for a creative and beautiful cocktail in an intimate setting? These secret bars in Paris offer a stimulating and intriguing evening out on the town. And if beer is more your speed, head to one of the best craft breweries in the capital .

To hone in on the best places to eat out, see our complete guide to dining in Paris , as well as features on the most romantic restaurants in the capital , dining out while vegetarian or vegan , and the best budget-friendly French restaurants to try.

Where to Stay

There are hundreds of hotels in Paris, which can make it a pretty daunting task to choose the "right" one. The best approach might be to first get an overview of the different Parisian districts and neighborhoods ("arrondissements" in French) and decide which one is most suited to your tastes, budget, and travel requirements.

When choosing a hotel, you'll want to decide whether you value design and boutique-style charm over the reliable, predictable comforts offered by international hotel chains such as Marriott and Sofitel. Some travelers would happily forego creature comforts such as large elevators, bathtubs, and spas in favor of more design-focused boutique establishments with perhaps fewer amenities. Finally, rental apartments can provide a more local experience; equipped with small kitchens, they can potentially save you money since you'll be able to cook at home some of the time.

Read our full guide to choosing the right accommodations in the capital , then browse recommendations on the best hotels in Paris and the best boutique hotels in Paris.

Getting There

Paris is one of the most popular destinations in the world, which makes it relatively easy to access by air and rail. You should be able to find competitive deals on airfare, lodging, or vacation packages—provided you compare prices and book several months ahead of your trip. A major hub for most international airlines, Paris is served by three major airports:

• Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport is Europe's busiest international hub and the largest airport in Paris. It's located roughly an hour northeast of the city; central Paris can be easily accessed via the RER B commuter line train, as well as by coach or taxi.
• Orly International Airport is located roughly ten miles south of central Paris and is a secondary hub for Air France. It's an excellent option for connecting to or from Paris and other European destinations, and can feel degrees less stressful than CDG. The RER line B train connects from Orly to central Paris.
• Paris-Beauvais/Tillé is located around 50 miles northwest of Paris and is served by numerous budget airlines, including Ryanair, Air Moldova, and Blue Air. This can be a good option if you're after ultra-low fares for flights from within Europe; on the downside, it will take extra time and expense to get to central Paris.

See more about the major airports of Paris in our full guide, and read up on the pros and cons of taking a taxi to and from the airport .

Culture and Customs

• While most locals in Paris speak some English, it's always recommended to learn some basic French travel expressions ahead of your trip. Polite greetings, questions, and expressions of gratitude will enrich your experience and smooth communication with Parisians, who often value efforts made by travelers to use a few words in French.
• It's customary to tip in Paris, but the practices are likely different from the ones you're familiar with in your home country. See our complete guide to tipping in Paris for some useful advice.
• The city is generally quite safe for travelers, although pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists remain a significant problem. See our full guide to staying safe in the French capital for more information.

Money Saving Tips

• Make sure to book flights and hotels well in advance to get the best deals, especially if you plan to go in late spring or summer when prices are at their highest.
• To save on getting around the city by public transport, consider buying the Paris Visite Pass . The pass, which can cover one or several days in the capital, offers unlimited use of metro, bus, trams, and RER trains. It also comes with discounts on select attractions and restaurants.
• Take advantage of the city's free museums, including the Petit Palais, Musée Carnavalet (Museum of Paris History) and the Modern Art Museum of the City of Paris.
• Annual events , such as Paris Museum Night and Nuit Blanche, open many of the city's top museums and art collections to the public for free.
• In the summer, free public events such as Seine-side beaches (Paris Plages) and open-air cinema can help to moderate the high cost of airfares and hotels. They're also a lot of fun. Meanwhile, many other summer festivals, such as the Jazz Festival at the Parc Floral, are inexpensive ways to enjoy a day of live music or other performances.
• If you choose to take a taxi, make sure it has a visible meter and an illuminated "Taxi Parisien" sign on the rooftop. Otherwise, you may become an unwitting victim of "unofficial" taxis that inflate fares for tourists.
• Instead of eating out in restaurants for every meal, consider staging a Parisian-style picnic instead. Stock up on French bread, pastries, quiche, and cakes at a neighborhood bakery, and get the rest of your picnic items at a local market or supermarket.
• Learn more about how to make the most of a trip to the capital on a tight budget by exploring the best free things to do in Paris .

Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau . "Euro, the European Currency."

Pascale Filliâtre, Atout France . "7 Tips for a Successful Visit to the Louvre." June 15, 2018.

MICHELIN Guide . "Paris Restaurants."

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

Taking the Roissybus to or From Charles de Gaulle Airport

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

Guide to the 2nd Arrondissement in Paris

Paris' Pont des Arts: The Complete Guide

One Week in France: The Ultimate Itinerary

Vienna Guide: Planning Your Trip

The Champ de Mars in Paris: The Complete Guide

Visiting Paris on a Budget

Cairo Guide: Planning Your Trip

Chateau de Vincennes: The Complete Guide

St. Bart’s Guide: Planning Your Trip

How Paris Has Changed Since the Turn of the 21st Century

How to Travel From Zurich to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

How to Travel From London to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

The Bois de Vincennes in Paris: A Complete Guide

Paris Travel Guide

Visa and entry requirements.

Before traveling to Paris, it's important to check the visa requirements for your country of residence. Visitors from many countries, including the United States, Canada, and countries within the Schengen Area, can enter France and stay for up to 90 days without a visa. However, it's always advisable to check with the French consulate or embassy in your country for the most up-to-date information.

Best Time to Visit

Paris is a year-round destination, each season offering a unique charm. The most popular time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. Summer (July to August) is peak tourist season, with longer days and a vibrant atmosphere. Winter (December to February) brings festive cheer and smaller crowds. Consider your preferences and interests when choosing the best time to visit.

Paris experiences a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers can be warm, with temperatures averaging around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters are chilly, with temperatures ranging from 3 to 8 degrees Celsius (37 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit). It's advisable to pack layers and be prepared for occasional rain showers throughout the year.

Getting Around

Paris has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, making it easy to explore the city. The metro, buses, and trams provide convenient options for getting around. Consider purchasing a Paris Visite pass or a Navigo card for unlimited travel on public transportation. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. Walking is a great way to explore central areas, allowing you to soak in the city's beauty at your own pace.

Safety Tips

Paris is a generally safe city, but it's always important to take precautions as a traveler. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist attractions.
• Use reliable transportation services or official taxis, and be cautious of unofficial taxi drivers.
• Keep important documents, money, and valuables securely stored in your accommodation.
• Be cautious of pickpocketing and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
• Follow any local guidelines or security measures provided by authorities.

Local Customs and Etiquette

While visiting Paris, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with some local customs and etiquette:

• Greetings: A simple "Bonjour" (hello) or "Bonsoir" (good evening) is a polite way to greet people.
• Dining: It's customary to say "Bon appétit" before starting a meal. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; a service charge is usually included in the bill.
• Dress Code: Parisians generally dress stylishly, so you may want to dress up a bit, especially when dining out or visiting upscale establishments.
• Language: Although many Parisians speak English, it's polite to learn a few basic French phrases such as "Bonjour" (hello), "Merci" (thank you), and "Au revoir" (goodbye).

We hope this Paris travel guide has provided you with valuable information and tips for planning your trip. From the iconic landmarks to the charming streets, Paris has something to offer every traveler. Bon voyage!

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42 Best Things to Do in Paris

By Julia Eskins and Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

The question isn't what to do in Paris, but rather how to decide. With so many wonderful museums, historic landmarks, and curated boutiques, it’s impossible to fit everything into your itinerary. Perhaps this is why the French capital is among the world’s most-visited cities. Whether it’s your first time or fifth, we’ve got you covered with some of the best things to do in Paris, from the unmissable monuments across the City of lights to the local-loved  favorites that will make you feel like a true Parisian in the making. All you have to do now is pack, put on your most comfortable shoes, and decide where to go first. These are the best things to do in Paris on your next visit.

Read our complete Paris travel guide here .  

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Jardin du Luxembourg Arrow

Located in the heart of the Sixth Arrondissement, the famous Jardin du Luxembourg is an inviting green oasis for Parisians and visitors alike. Come for people watching, romantic strolls, picnics, or just to admire the mash-up of English, Italian, and French landscaping influences. If you're feeling athletic, join the early-morning joggers or stake out one of the tennis and pétanque courts.

Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS Arrow

Did Paris need another department store? Certainly not. But this one has a legacy that laid dormant for 16 years: The 19th century landmark reopened in 2021 after a $900 million restoration by LVMH, and swapped the utilitarian focus for one decidedly more upscale. Locals used to shop here for everything from light bulbs and garden supplies to dresses, but now it's a gallery of sorts for designer clothes, beauty brands, and a handful of food and Champagne concept spaces throughout the shop. But it's an Art Deco and Art Nouveau wonder which is the primary reason to visit. Approximately 215,000 square feet are devoted to retail space in this complex, which includes the Cheval Blanc hotel, office space, and housing, making it the smallest of the city’s department stores (the others are Le Bon Marché, Printemps, and Galeries Lafayette). The spaces it does occupy covers the usual terrain: streetwear and luxury ready-to-wear which includes pieces exclusive to La Samaritaine, clean beauty and classic perfumers, handbags and fine jewelry, and several rooms used for rotating thematic installations.

Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre Arrow

Sacré-Coeur is a Catholic basilica that sits on the highest hill in Paris, in the Montmartre neighborhood. Its height is topped only by the Eiffel Tower. The basilica's distinct white travertine façade gives the Romano-Byzantine structure a unique look among Parisian monuments. The church is open all day to anyone who wishes to visit, though big crowds mean you may have to wait to go inside.

Musée du Louvre Arrow

The Louvre hardly needs an introduction—it is still the most-visited museum in the world, with more than 7.8 million visitors in 2022.  The former royal palace is now the magnificent home of some of the world's most iconic artworks (ever heard of the Mona Lisa?). Don't freak out, but walking through the halls where Louis XIV once strolled (he lived here before moving to Versailles), surrounded by the most famous art on earth can be an overwhelming experience. What’s more, there are some 35,000 artworks and artifacts from prehistory to the 21st century housed within its walls. As a result, it could take a lifetime to see and experience it all so don’t try (the museum sells multi-day passes so you can spread out your visit).  

Shannon McMahon

Mark Ellwood

Chris Schalkx

Emily Saladino

Palais Garnier Arrow

The pinnacle of Napoleon III architecture, the resplendent Le Palais Garnier opera house is opulent from every angle. The facade is covered with ornamentation and busts, as well as l'Harmonie and La Poésie, the two gilded copper statues flanking the entrance from on high. Inside, make sure to channel your best "Phantom of the Opera" moment on the iconic lobby's Grand Staircase, a triumph of decadent Parisian design. Admission costs about 14 euros, but it's well worth it—walking through these public spaces is like walking into the Paris of the past. The Opéra National de Paris is going back to performances in mid July, with reduced attendance and the country's health pass required.

Centre Pompidou Arrow

When the Centre Pompidou, known by locals as  Beaubourg ,  opened in 1977, it was a radical (and controversial) design for a museum—all industrial pipes and open glass views of Paris. Forty-plus years later it's the undisputed grande dame of Paris's contemporary art world. Within the massive 100,000-piece collection that stretches back to 1905, you’ll find everything from Picassos to video installations. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance for a specific time slot and note that if you’re in town on the first Sunday of the month, admission to the permanent collection and children’s gallery is free. 

Merci Arrow

Merci is an independent concept boutique, spread out over three loft-like floors in the Marais. The well-curated selection of clothes, accessories, home goods, and just about anything else you might want, draws savvy shoppers from around the globe. Keep an eye out for up-and-coming designers and labels especially in the central space that houses themed pop-ups, or go for Merci’s own affordable in-house brand. Either way, you'll be hard-pressed to walk out empty-handed.

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris Arrow

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris is housed in a private mansion that served as the legendary fashion designer’s headquarters from 1974 to 2002. The museum opened in 2017 alongside its Moroccan counterpart, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, and hosts retrospectives and temporary exhibits. With a focus on Saint Laurent’s creative process rather than the brand’s history, the small museum is a treasure trove of iconic haute couture designs, as well as illustrations, photographs, sketches, and films. Spread out over 4,800 feet, the museum was designed to recreate the intimate feel of the original couture house. Highlights include the reception rooms where the designer met with clients, as well as the studio, where all of the collections were designed.

Westfield Forum des Halles Arrow

The Forum des Halles is a sprawling shopping, dining, and transportation hub right in the heart of Paris, with nearly 150 shops and restaurants. A 2016 renovation saw the addition of a spectacular wavy roof nicknamed La Canopée—you’re going to want a picture of it. Though the architecture is new, the shopping concept is not: A market has stood on this very site since the 1100s.

Hôtel de la Marine Arrow

This recent addition to the capital’s cultural offering is unlike any other in the city, largely by dint of its heritage and size. Perched over the Place de la Concorde, the museum occupies the former royal Garde Meuble—the depository for the King’s furniture collections, crown jewels, tapestries, and decorative arts—and what later became the country’s naval headquarters for 200 years. Given that it is only a year old, it remains moderately trafficked but the word is out. Open to the public for the first time in 250 years, its new incarnation as an immersive museum experience allows visitors to explore the 18th century apartments of the Garde-Meuble intendants, recreated and restored to their original layout and design, as well as the structure’s grand reception halls filled with period furnishings, paintings, and objets d’art. Key to the visit is the audio guide, which leans theatrical. You could speed through the audio guide in an hour, get a view of the Place de la Concorde from the covered balcony, and take in the jaw-dropping Cabinet des Glaces, a mirror-walled boudoir not unlike the hall of mirrors in Versailles, covered in paintings.

Le Bon Marché Arrow

Dating back to the 1850s, Le Bon Marché is the oldest department store in Paris, and certainly the most iconic. The elegant Left Bank institution is as celebrated for its airy layout as for its top selection of the world’s best designers. If it’s luxe, you can probably buy it here. Before your shopping spree is done, peek in at La Grande Épicerie, Le Bon Marché’s fine-foods emporium in an adjoining building.

Musée Picasso Paris Arrow

The Hôtel Salé alone is reason to visit, but of course the real draw is Picasso's oeuvre, more popular than ever following a much-hyped 2014 reopening. And since the museum is centrally located in the bustling Marais, it's easy to work the Musée Picasso into a day out shopping and dining. While there are other single-artist museums in Paris, the combination of Picasso's fame and the beauty of the setting make this one of the very best. Timed tickets must be reserved online in advance to visit the museum. Reserve tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

Arc de Triomphe Arrow

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Climb the nearly 300 steps or take the elevator to the top for some of the best views of Paris, with clear vistas straight down the Champs-Élysées all the way to the Louvre. You'll need a ticket purchased online or at the entrance to go inside and up to the viewing platform, but anyone can come to admire the ornate façade for free.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Arrow

Historic department store Galeries Lafayette Haussmann isn’t just one of Paris's first “luxury bazaars” but also an emblem of Art Nouveau architecture. The French chain's flagship location in the 9th arrondissement features a striking domed roof with stained glass windows by master glassmaker Jacques Gruber. And with over 750,000 square feet of retail space, beautifully designed window displays, and special events, it's easily one of the best places to shop in Paris . You’ll find almost every major luxury brand under Galeries Lafayette Haussmann’s roof but the department store also makes a point of spotlighting emerging designers. Some labels, like Ester Manas (a sustainable and size-inclusive fashion brand) offer exclusive pieces you won’t find anywhere else. On the fourth floor, one of the broadest shoe selections in the world boasts over 200 brands ranging from Veja Shoemakers to Maison Margiela. Beyond the luxury goods, a highlight is the rooftop terrace, which offers a spectacular view of the city. 

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The Palais-Royal complex is in some ways Paris in a nutshell: shops, cafés, art, history, architecture, bureaucracy, and spectacular gardens for people watching. And since it's all right across the street from the Louvre, you likely won't need to make a special trip. Don’t miss the Insta-famous Colonnes de Buren art installation in the inner courtyard.

Panthéon Arrow

There are a few major reasons to visit the Panthéon, starting with the gorgeous neoclassical architecture; designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot in 1757, it began as a replacement to the original Church of Sainte-Geneviève. People also come to visit the final resting places of some of France's most famous sons and daughters, from Victor Hugo to Marie Curie. And then there are those who come to marvel at Foucault's Pendulum, tracing the path of the Earth. The vibe in the crowd is a mix of awe, reverence, and curiosity. Timed tickets can be purchased online.

Musée Rodin Arrow

Auguste Rodin lived in the Hôtel Biron in the later stage of his life, where the gardens inspired some of his work. The former home opened as a museum to the public in 1919, almost 200 years after it was built for a wealthy financier. The high ceilings of the intimate rooms allow visitors to see Rodin's sculptures and drawings up close, while the large gardens showcase his most famous bronze sculptures, like "The Gates of Hell" and "The Thinker."

Palais de Tokyo Arrow

The Palais de Tokyo is the largest center for contemporary art in Europe. Opened in 2002, its mission is to celebrate living artists across multiple disciplines. As part of the renovation of the building, the 1937 structure was stripped back to the original concrete, giving it a raw and unfinished feeling that is distinctly different from the typical white-room museum layout. Visitors should start their exploration in the subterranean levels, where art such as large-scale graffiti works are on display, and end with a drink or dinner either at Monsieur Bleu or Bambini, the more festive spot from the Paris Society Group.

Grand Palais Arrow

As associated with years of Chanel runway shows being held in the nave of this stately Beaux-Arts space as it is with the art exhibitions it houses, the Grand Palais is an emblem of French grandeur and architectural process. The time has come, however, for the grand dame of buildings, originally built for the World’s Fair of 1900 to be refurbished. It is closed for renovations until 2024, but in its place, there is now the Grand Palais Ephémère, a 100,000-square-foot temporary space on the Champ de Mars, which hosts the artistic, cultural, fashion and art events that would normally be held in the Grand Palais.

Eiffel Tower Arrow

Gustave Eiffel's controversial wrought-iron lattice tower has been polarizing Parisians since it was built for the 1889 World's Fair, but today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable landmarks in the city—and the world. The structure anchors one end of the expansive Champ de Mars and provides an orientation point for the city. Jules Verne, the second-floor restaurant, is a Michelin-starred (and pricey) institution that is currently closed for renovation until the fall, as is the tiny Champagne bar at the tippity-top, which is still closed due to COVID regulations. The Eiffel Tower will reopen to visitors on July 16 and is currently accepting reservations for timed tickets.

Père Lachaise Cemetery Arrow

If visiting a cemetery sounds morbid and dreary, rest assured: It is, but in the best possible way. Death is an inescapable part of French life, and the layers on layers of Parisian history on display at Père Lachaise Cemetery are a fascinating peek into how the city has evolved over time. Visitors flock to the A-list graves here, with Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison among the most-visited. But one of the great delights is to walk away from the crowds and get lost wandering among the lesser-known, less-visited ones, which are all in various states of repair. Some have been completely worn down with obscurity over time; others appear to be washed and adorned with fresh flowers on a weekly basis. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might find some other noteworthy names buried here, from composer Frédéric Chopin to writer Marcel Proust and painter Eugène Delacroix.

Café de Flore Arrow

Stepping into Café de Flore is like stepping into a time capsule, into an era when the Left Bank was a bohemian enclave for the likes of Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. The interior—red booths, mahogany, polished brass railings—has changed little since the Art Deco period, but anyone who is anyone knows that the best seats in the house are actually out on the sidewalk (and thankfully the famous terrasse is open at full capacity again), where the people watching can't be beat and the city's café iconic culture is at its finest. Although afternoons are best for perching on a table outside and enjoying the pulse of Boulevard Saint-Germain, there's also a vibrant after-dark scene. In other words, there's no wrong time to visit.

Musée Histoire de Paris Carnavalet (The Carnavalet-History of Paris Museum)

The oldest museum dedicated to the history of Paris itself originally opened in a historic mansion in the Marais in 1880, but a recent renovation completed in 2021 has thoroughly brought the space into the modern era. The layout of the building has been redesigned, highlighting the beauty of the mid-16th century mansions as much as helping you to discover the paleolithic origins of the city through the present with 3,800 works now on display. Additionally, the museum is even easier to navigate now for everyone, with a new approach to accessibility including elevators and ramps. Don’t miss the newly added restaurant on the gardens as well for a post-visit refreshment.

Philharmonie de Paris Arrow

The Philharmonie de Paris is a striking contemporary building, designed by Jean Nouvel (not without controversy) and opened in 2015. Located within the Cité de la Musique complex in the Parc de la Villette, in the underexplored 19th arrondissement, the building breaks with all the design conventions of traditional symphony halls, instead favoring pod-like boxes inside the theater, a stage in the round, and a complex, undulating metal façade.

Musée d'Orsay Arrow

A vast collection of Impressionist art is the focus at the Musée d’Orsay, the second-most-visited museum in Paris (after the Louvre, of course). At every turn, you'll be delighted to recognize yet another piece from pop culture or that art history class you took. There is no room not worth exploring here, so let yourself just wander among masterworks by names like Degas, Cézanne, Manet, Renoir, and Monet. Pre-booking online is recommended for priority access within 30 minutes of the reserved time.  

Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Arrow

The Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac is perhaps best known for its unusual design by Jean Nouvel. The exterior of the building almost seems alive with plant walls and wild gardens, while the interiors are dark, winding, and dramatically lit. The modern structure stands in sharp contrast with the treasures housed inside: ancient art and artifacts and relics of bygone civilizations (with a specific focus on non-European cultures). Be sure to check out the museum's continuous calendar of special exhibitions, including shows centered around a specific culture.

Deyrolle Arrow

Deyrolle is a cabinet of curiosities. The Left Bank institution has specialized in taxidermy and entomology since 1831, but in 2008 a fire destroyed nearly 90 percent of the collection, creating the need for a radical restoration project. Today you can hardly tell that the shop is, in fact, a replica of its former 17th-century iteration, right down to the wood cabinetry, parquet floors, and painted walls.

Les Bouquinistes Arrow

Walking along the banks of the Seine is an activity as beloved and ancient as the city itself. Along both sides of the river, roughly from Île Saint Louis to the Louvre, are the city's Bouquinistes, independent sellers of used and antiquarian books, old maps, postcards, and all sorts of mementos. It's an activity that rewards patience—you just might find a vintage movie poster or first-edition book to bring home.

Jardin des Tuileries Arrow

This sprawling, spectacular park is the beating heart of Paris' public spaces. Standing proudly between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, and along much of the Seine's Right Bank in the 1st Arrondissement, Tuileries Garden ("Jardin des Tuileries") has a history as long and distinguished as it is impressive, from its inception as an aristocratic playground in the 16th century, to becoming a public space in the 17th century, to serving as the site of numerous French Revolution skirmishes in the 18th century. With more than 55 acres, the park offers plenty of room to stroll and lots of photo ops. Keep an eye out for Auguste Rodin's iconic "Le Baiser" ("The Kiss") on the West Terrace. If you have anywhere to go in this part of Paris, skip the taxi or the metro and walk there on foot through the Tuileries. You'll see something different every time.

Fondation Louis Vuitton Arrow

As one of few privately owned and funded art spaces in Paris (owned by LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault), the Fondation Louis Vuitton arrived with a bang when it opened to the public in 2014. Star Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry designed the building, which looks like a magical sailboat afloat on a man-made lake in the Bois de Boulogne. Thanks to the spectacular architecture and blockbuster exhibitions, the museum is bustling at all times, despite its location in the far reaches of the 16th Arrondissement.

Shakespeare and Company Arrow

Nestled on a prime slice of real estate across the Seine from Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company is part indie bookshop, part piece of history. The roster of authors who have lingered among the shelves here reads like canon of 20th-century literature, including Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and contemporaries like Zadie Smith. Every inch of the space oozes history, from the leaning antique bookshelves to the resident cat to the well-worn piano, which is tucked away upstairs. The café is a great place for people watching—and maybe eavesdropping on a conversation or two while you sip on a café au lait. It still serves original proprietor George Whitman's famous lemon pie, as well.

Le Train Bleu Arrow

It's hard to believe one of Paris' most serene, picturesque and dignified restaurants is also located within one of its busiest train stations, but Le Train Bleu, an icon of Parisian dining, is a far cry from the Gare de Lyon's hustle and bustle. Every inch of this place drips with Parisian opulence in the best possible way. It won't be your cheapest meal in Paris, but it might be your most memorable—or at least your most photographed.

National Museum of Natural History Arrow

Part curio cabinet, part institution of higher learning—it's part of the Sorbonne—the National Museum of Natural History is filled with exhibitions that inspire awe in visitors of all ages. The museum consists of 14 locations across France, but the Grande Galerie d'Evolution on the Left Bank is the showstopper all its own, with interiors that pay homage to Art Nouveau Paris through elegant wrought iron railings and soaring glass windows. It's a stark contrast to the main gallery's menagerie of articulated skeletons, taxidermies, and lifelike replications. The main attraction—especially for kids—is the permanent display of life-size elephants and giraffes, but the temporary exhibitions are also good.

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Originally known as the Promenade Plantée, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont is an elevated park built atop a revitalized railway structure. Opened in the late 1980s, the lush garden path stretches for three miles, with landscapes ranging from modern and manicured to wild and natural. This greenway, which for many will recall New York City's High Line, provides an unusual panoramic view over the 12th arrondissement—and since this crosses through less-touristy neighborhoods, you'll get a sense of the real quotidian Paris.

Marché des Enfants Rouges Arrow

The Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest food market in Paris (it first opened in 1615), and is now a buzzing Marais hub for food sellers of all types. Stroll through the dense maze of stalls selling everything from North African grains to Italian deli specialties. For those who want a break from the formality of the traditional French dining experience, this market offers a relaxed and (mostly outdoors) convivial atmosphere (and a great place to stock up on snacks for your hotel room or Airbnb).

Institut du Monde Arabe Arrow

The Institut du Monde Arabe celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2017, but its iconic building, designed by Jean Nouvel, looks as fresh and contemporary as ever. The light dances in and around the building, which hosts a rotating selection of art, exhibits, performances, workshops, and cultural events. Don’t leave without inspecting the innovative façade up close or grabbing a bite with views on the ninth floor (pretty high up, for Paris).

Au Lapin Agile Arrow

There are plenty of old things in Paris—some more original than others—but for the last 160 years, Au Lapin Agile has managed to maintain its bohemian character. Nestled on a quiet street in Montmartre, this venue feels like a step back in time—and into a cabaret where the likes of Picasso and Modigliani used to haunt before they were, you know, Picasso and Modigliani. It's the perfect stop for an after-dinner drink with a side of entertainment.

Maison Victor Hugo

Newly reopened after a two year renovation, you can now imagine yourself living the life of a 19th-century writer by wandering through Victor Hugo’s former home on the iconic Place des Vosges. You can discover the home he moved into the year following the publication of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which is recreated to show the periods of his life pre-exile, in-exile at his home in Guernsey and post-exile along with special exhibitions of his works, including his drawings. A new feature of the renovation is the addition of a garden with a cafe at the exit of the tour.

La Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection

Just opened in May 2021, the newest space for contemporary art in Paris was commissioned by Francois Pinault to house part of his vast personal collection, amassed over 40 years. Designed by Tadao Ondo, the revitalized commodities exchange building is located just blocks from the Louvre in the 1st Arrondissement. With 5,000 works from the Pinault Collection to be displayed across the 3,000 sq. meter space, you can expect to see works from the 1960s to the present with artists including Maurizio Cattelan, Urs Fischer, and Rudolf Stingel.

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Many come to Fouquet's to see and be seen, but the seasonal menu by three Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire makes it a worthy stop for more than just a cocktail. The atmosphere is chic and retro, without the pretentiousness you would expect from a celebrity-frequented haunt. It’s easy to spend a few hours soaking in the atmosphere of the warm and cozy dining room, which is usually filled with a mix of well-to-do Parisians, film industry veterans, and travelers with an appreciation of classic French gastronomy. Since opening in 1899, the classic brasserie has been a meeting place for those in the arts and culture industry, with past guests including Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf, Jackie Kennedy, and Liza Minnelli. It still hosts the gala dinner for the César Awards (the French equivalent of the Oscars) and has maintained a strong link to the film industry. The restaurant itself has been protected as a historical French monument since 1990 and the classic interiors—complete with warm mahogany wood paneling by Jean Royère—are beautifully preserved.

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Unlike most of the rest of the major parks in Paris, this is a natural space without any rigid formality. The 62-acre park, opened in 1867 as part of the Paris Universal Exposition, is built on a former quarry; there are rocky elevations to traipse up with amazing views of the city, including Sacre Couer in nearby Montmartre. And seeing as it's in the 19th arrondissement, you can expect an authentic Parisian experience, off the beaten tourist path—you'll likely need to take a quick metro or taxi ride to get there.

Galerie Vivienne Arrow

Galerie Vivienne is a covered shopping arcade, originally built in 1823 and designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy. It remains open to the public for shopping in a mix of high-end boutiques (Jean-Paul Gaultier opened his first flagship in the arcade in 1986, for example). The glass and steel roof lets in sunlight down to the mosaic floors, making this a uniquely beautiful way to shop and stroll on your way to the nearby Palais-Royal .

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Paris travel guide | the complete guide to the best of paris, france.

The COMPLETE guide to everything you need to know about visiting Paris, France.

Paris will always be our favorite city. It was our home for a few years and we’ve visited multiple times — so we love helping people explore the city. In this Paris Travel Guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Paris — from what to see, where to eat, and the best neighborhoods to explore.

Quick Guide

Daily costs to visit paris.

• How Long To Visit Paris
• The Good and Bad Things About Paris
• Best Time to Visit Paris
• Where To Stay In Paris (Neighborhood Guide)
• Best Hostels and Hotels in Paris
• Major Sights and Attractions
• Other Fun Experiences
• Best Parks and Gardens in Paris
• Best City Views of Paris

Best Cheap Eats in Paris

Best coffee shops in paris.

• Best Markets and Market Streets
• Best Boulangeries in Paris
• Best Dessert Spots in Paris
• Best Day Trips from Paris

Getting Around Paris

First things first… how much money do you need to visit Paris? Well, this city isn’t a cheap destination but it can still be somewhat of a budget-friendly destination if you’re careful about how you spend your time.

The average cost per day for budget travel will be around €80/day but frugal travelers might spend around €40/day. That said, you can easily spend a little less or quite a bit more depending on your travel style. Check out our  Paris Travel Cost Guide to get a better estimate of travel costs.

I also highly suggest buying a local SIM Card so you have fast, reliable, and affordable mobile data for your phone. Check out my Guide To The Best SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in France

How Long To Visit Paris: 5+ Days

Paris is one of those cities that can’t be experienced in a day or two. You honestly need a minimum of four days but you can also spend well over a week and feel like you’re just scratching the surface.

Personally, we suggest you spend at least five days in Paris — this will let you experience a few different areas of the city without having to travel at a breakneck pace.

Paris: The Good & The Not-To-Good

Paris does a lot of things extremely well but it’s not a perfect city. In this section, we’ll cover the best and the worst that you’ll experience when you visit Paris.

• The Good Life: Our favorite thing about Paris is experiencing and soaking in the “good life” that Parisians experience every day.
• The Food: There is no doubt that Paris is home to some of the best food in the world. Ok, it’s usually expensive to eat in a nice restaurant but there are still some great values out there.
• The Wine: You can find great wine at just about every restaurant and the house wine is usually very good.
• Cafe Culture: One of our favorite things about Paris is simply enjoying have a meal or drink in a cafe — especially on a sidewalk cafe during a warm day.
• Architecture: Exploring Paris is like walking through a living and breathing museum. The architecture is amazing everywhere you look.
• The Metro: The Paris Metro is one of the best subway systems in the world. It’s fast, it’s extensive, and it’s affordable. You’re never more than about a five-minute walk from a metro station.
• The Shopping: Paris is one of the great shopping cities in the world.

The Not-So-Good

• Crowds: Paris is the most-visited city in Europe so the crowds at museums and other popular sights can get a little overwhelming. So pre-purchase tickets if possible or pick up the Paris Pass so you can skip most of the lines.
• Smelly Metro: While most Metro stations don’t smell bad, you’ll probably experience a few that have a distinct urine smell.
• Costs: As said before, Paris tends to be expensive and you can easily blow your budget on food and accommodation. So don’t be surprised when your hotel is tiny and expensive.
• Beggers and Pickpockets: Like most major cities in Europe, Paris isn’t immune to pickpockets and beggars. You probably won’t have any issues but it’s smart to keep your wits about you.

Best Time To Visit Paris

There is never a bad time to visit Paris as there is always something going on but each season does have its pros and cons. In this section, we’ll give you a brief overview of each season to help you choose the best time for your visit.

The summer is obviously the most popular time to visit because the weather is nice and the rain is light/infrequent. The average high temperatures from June to August is about 75 degrees but the city will have a few 80-90+ degree days each summer.

You’ll have to deal with all the crowds — which can get intense at the most popular attractions. Prices are also higher for accommodation and transportation (flights, trains, etc.). Also, August is traditionally a time when many Parisians take their vacations so some restaurants and independent shops might close down for 2-4 weeks (although this is becoming rarer).

Despite the crowds and elevated prices, summer is still a great time to visit. The streets are alive with activity, the cafes are buzzing, and the people watching can’t be beaten. It’s also a great time to spend hours in the city’s numerous parks and gardens.

September through early November is another great time to visit as the temperatures are still comfortable but the crowds aren’t at their summer peak. The average highs in September and October are still in the upper 60s and the rain doesn’t seem to really pick up until November.

And while the sidewalk cafes might not be as busy, inside the cafes still buzz with plenty of life.

If we had to choose, we’d visit in mid-September since it’s a nice balance between comfortable weather and fewer tourists.

Paris winters don’t tend to get too cold but they are usually fairly grey and rainy. Snow is rare. There might be a handful of below-freezing days but the high temperatures are usually in the low 40s or high 30s. You’ll want to pack for light rain and dress in layers.

November, January, and February are all slow months so you won’t have to fight the crowds. Prices are also lowest during these times.

Paris does get a bit busy during the Christmas season so prices will be higher than normal.

Be sure to dress properly. Check out these handy winter-packing articles:

• Winter Packing List for Europe
• Best Waterproof Boots for Men
• Best Waterproof Boots for Women
• Guide To Dressing For Winter in Europe

During March through mid-May, the weather starts to warm up and the city comes back to life. The flowers start blooming and people are out and about. Tourism doesn’t really start picking up until the middle of May so it’s still a nice time to experience the city before things get too crazy.

The temperatures average in the mid to upper 50s but April and May do tend to be a bit rainy.

Paris Neighborhoods & Where To Stay

Paris is divided up into 20 Arrondissements (i.e. neighborhoods/districts) and each has its own personality. In this section, we’ll talk about a few of our favorite/must-see neighborhoods and this should hopefully help you decide where to explore and maybe stay in. By the way, check out our in-depth Paris Neighborhood Guide if you want a more detailed rundown on each of Paris’ 20 Arrondissements.

Don’t forget that Paris has an excellent public transportation system so traversing the city is quick and easy. 

THE MARAIS (3RD/4TH)

It’s hard to beat the uber-cool Marais — it’s centrally located, full of bars and restaurants, has a lot of great shopping, and it has great energy. It’s also the most LGBT-friendly neighborhood. Additionally, the Marais has historically been Paris’ Jewish neighborhood so it’s the place to grab a great falafel.

In general, the southern area of the Marais has a bigger concentration of bars and nightlife so it can be a little louder at night. Things get a bit quieter as you go north.

Neighborhood Highlights:

Musée Picasso

• Musée national des Arts et Métiers
• Notre-Dame de Paris
• Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)
• Centre Georges Pompidou
• Maison de Victor Hugo

Check Out Hotel Prices for the Marais Hotels at Booking.com

BASTILLE (11 TH )

The Bastille has historically been a quiet working-class neighborhood but it’s recently become Paris’ new hip “it” neighborhood. These days young chefs are moving in and restaurants popping up every day. You’ll also find some nice budget-friendly nightlife around rue Oberkampf and the streets around the Place de la Bastille. Furthermore, every Sunday you’ll find the largest farmers market in the city.

The neighborhood isn’t touristy so you’ll get a real “local” feel when you stay there.

• Bastille Farmer’s Market

Check out Booking.com to get an idea of hotel prices in the 11th

THE LATIN QUARTER (5TH)

The Latin Quarter is classic Paris and there are parts that date back to the Middle Ages. It’s what people picture when they imagine visiting Paris so its one of the most popular areas to explore and stay. It’s full of tiny streets, cafes, shopping, and restaurants. It’s also home to many universities so there is a solid student population (although not many can afford to live there anymore).

Accommodation and food prices tend to be fairly expensive since so many visitors want to stay here — but it’s hard to blame them.

• Jardin des Plantes
• Arenes de Lutece
• Musée du Moyen Age
• Musée de l’Institut du Monde Arabe

Check Booking.com To See Average Hotel Prices for the Latin Quarter

SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS (6TH)

St. Germain is also classic, old-school Paris. It’s beautiful. It’s romantic. It’s the heart of Paris’ literary heritage. It’s also expensive. In fact, it’s probably one of the most expensive and most visited parts of the city. But you’re in the heart of everything (especially if you stay near the river).

• Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Palais du Luxembourg

Check Booking.com To See Average Hotel Prices for St. Germain

MONTMARTRE (18TH)

Montmartre is one of the most unique, romantic, and charming parts of the city. It’s located on a large hill in the northern part of the city and it’s topped with the Sacré-Cœur Basilica — the city views from the top of the hill can’t be beaten. This area was its own village until the late 1800s so it has a different feel than the rest of Paris. It’s also very hilly and has lots of stairs so it’s not great for anyone with mobility issues.

Some parts of Montmartre are very touristy but accommodation tends to be a little cheaper than central Paris since it’s not in the “center” of the city.

Once you go a bit north of Montmartre the neighborhood becomes a little rougher so it’s not the most ideal place to stay. Paris’ Red Light District (including the Moulin Rouge) is located in the very southern part of Montmartre but it’s pretty tame.

• Moulin Rouge

Check out budget-friendly hotels in Montmartre at Booking.com

Again, these are our favorite neighborhoods but there are plenty of other great neighborhoods in Paris that might be perfect for your travel style. Check out our Paris Neighborhood Guide to learn more about each neighborhood. 

Hostels and Hotels in Paris

Alright, Paris has a handful of good, but not great, hostels. And unless you’re spending big bucks, plan on staying in a very small hotel room that costs $120-$200+/night.

The average nightly cost for a bed in a hostel is around €30-€42 in the summer and €20-€30 in the winter. Check  Hostelworld  to get exact prices for your dates and read our guide to the Best Hostels in Paris for more information.

Top-Rated Hostels in Paris

• Les Piaules
• Le Village Hostel Montmartre
• The Loft Boutique Hostel Paris
• Generator Paris
• St Christopher’s Paris Gare du Nord
• 3 Ducks Boutique Hostel-Eiffel Tower

Budget-Friendly Hotels

Hotel prices are all over the place in Paris — from budget to five-star. We recommend searching on  Booking.com to find hotels in your price range — plus they make it easy to filter searches based on location, price, and rating. 

Best Things To Do in Paris

Paris has sooooo many things to see and do — it’s virtually impossible to cover everything (but we’ll do our best). In this section, we’ll cover the best and most popular things you’ll definitely want to consider checking out.

P.S. Don’t run yourself ragged trying to do it all. You’ll get burnt out. We’ve found they most people who didn’t like Paris were the ones who tried to “see it all.” Give yourself time to soak it all in. Consider picking up the  Paris Pass  so you can skip the lines and better utilize your sightseeing time.

Paris is the museum capital of the world but we recommend only visiting the ones that seem most interesting to you so you avoid museum burnout.

Musée d’Orsay

In our opinion, the Musee d’Orsay is the best museum in Paris. Sure, the Louvre is massive and more famous, but the d’Orsay shouldn’t be missed. It’s set in an old art nouveau train station and it contains an impressive collection — including one of the best collections of impressionist paintings from Renoir, Monet, van Gogh, and others.

The d’Orsay does get busy so get there early or visit later in the day on Thursday when it’s open until 9:45 pm. Visit Website .

The Louvre is easily the most famous museum in the world. It’s so huge that you can’t really see it all in one day — you wouldn’t want to try seeing it in a day anyway. It’s recommended to arrive early to beat the crowds or purchase your tickets online. Even if you don’t like art, you should still visit the grounds (Tuileries Gardens) to look at the impressive former palace.

Another tip is to visit on Wednesday or Friday night since it’s open late (9:45 pm). Visit Website .

Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is Paris’ modern and contemporary art museum. It houses works from everyone from Dalí to Warhol. Almost equally impressive (and somewhat bizarre) is the exterior design of the museum so take some time to appreciate that. Furthermore, take the escalator to the top of the museum for some excellent city views. Visit Website .

After years of being closed for renovations, the Picasso Museum is finally open. It’s the largest collection of Picasso’s works and it spans from his early life to the end of his career — it’s interesting to see how his style evolved. Visit Website .

Musée Rodin

The Rodin Museum has a nice collection of small Rodin sculptures housed in his former home but the real star is the beautiful sculpture garden — which showcases many of his famous works like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. We recommend visiting on a nice day so you can spend an hour or two wandering the gardens. Visit Website .

Hôtel des Invalides

This expansive museum chronicles France’s long and extensive military history. It’s also where you’ll find Napoleon’s opulent and gold-domed tomb. Visit Website .

Musée Carnavalet

The Musée Carnavalet chronicles the rich history of Paris. It’s a free museum so feel free to give it a quick look.  NOTE: The museum is closed for remodeling until sometime in 2019.

Musée National du Moyen Âge (Cluny Museum)

The Musée National du Moyen Âge is France’s national museum of the Middle Ages and it’s housed in an impressive medieval mansion. In this impressive museum, you’ll find a collection of weapons, artwork, artifacts, tapestries, and Roman bath ruins. Visit Website .

Musée du Quai Branly

There is more than just European art in Paris — enter the Quai Branly Museum. Here you’ll find non-European art with a strong focus on indigenous African, Oceania, and some South East Asia and American. Tip: Visit the rooftop terrace for amazing panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and the rest of the city.  Visit Website .

Major Sights & Attractions 

Eiffel tower.

Everyone already knows about the Eiffel Tower — it is the most famous landmark in the world, after all. Everyone needs to see it at least once. If you can, see it during the day and then again at night. P.S. The tower sparkles every night on the hour.

You should always buy your tickets ahead of time if you plan on going up the tower as the ticket lines get insane.

• Visit Website
• See On Google Maps

Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre

Spend a day exploring the hilly Montmartre neighborhood in the northern part of Paris. This bohemian neighborhood is ultra charming and offers some of the most breathtaking views of Paris. At the very top of Montmartre, you’ll find the iconic white Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The area around the Sacré-Cœur is touristy (it’s hard to find a good meal at a reasonable price) but it’s still a can’t miss destination.

• Visit The Sacre Coeur Website

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is easily one of the most famous churches in the world. It’s currently under construction after the devastating fire but you can still walk around to see the renovations of the exterior.

Sainte-Chapelle Chapel

Sainte-Chapelle may not be the biggest church in Paris but it has some of the most impressive stained glass windows in the world. The chapel, which dates back to 1248, always draws a crowd so get there early if you want to avoid the lines and the hoard of people inside.

Note: Sainte-Chapelle is located near Notre Dame so their visits can easily be combined.

Opéra Garnier

The Opéra Garnier isn’t on most people’s list of things to see but the decorations inside are truly amazing. It’s seriously some of the most opulent decorations we’ve ever seen. We highly recommend booking a guided tour so you can check it out — it was one of our favorite things we’ve done in Paris.

Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Elysées

No visit to Paris is complete without strolling along the Champs-Elysées as you head toward the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Yes, the Champs-Elysées is about as touristy as it gets but you should see it at least once (all its restaurants are way overpriced, btw). You can also visit the top of the Arc de Triomphe for some great city views.

• Visit The Arc de Triomphe Website

Other Fun Paris Experiences

Yes, there is more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, and Notre Dame. In this section, we’ve listed a few of our favorite activities that you’ll find interesting.

Walking Tours and Bike Tours

We always recommend taking some kind of tour since it’s an excellent way to learn about the city. There are multiple free walking tours and even more paid tours. We’ve also done a bike tour and thought that was a great way to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time.

Free Walking Tours

• Discover Walks Free Walking Tour
• New Europe Free Walking Tour
• City Free Tour – Paris

Montparnasse Tower

Central Paris only has one skyscraper — the Montparnasse Tower. Parisians hated it so much that they banned skyscrapers after it was built. We agree that it’s ugly and out of place… but the views from the top-floor observation deck are unbelievable. It’s a great way to see the city and it offers the best views of the Eiffel Tower.

Walk the Seine at Night

One of the best things about Paris is simply strolling its streets but it becomes even more magical at night when all the monuments and buildings are illuminated. For the most beautiful walk, we recommend strolling along the Seine as it passes many of the city’s architectural highlights.

As Paris expanded the city realized that cemeteries might not be the best use of space… so they dug up the bones of nearly 7 million Parisians and arranged them inside the city’s many miles of underground quarry tunnels. And now you can take a tour of these piles of bones. Yeah, it’s a bit bizarre and kinda creepy but it’s a very popular attraction. Note: They limit the number of people who can visit so the lines can get very long — it’s highly suggested that you arrive early.

Paris Plage s (Paris Beaches)

Parisians love the beach so much that every summer the city brings in tons of sand and turns the road that runs along the Seine River into a manmade beach — complete with beach chairs and umbrellas. So pack your most skimpy bathing suit and  soak up the Parisian sun between early July and September.  

Pari-Roller

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Sewer Museum (Musée des Egouts de Paris)

Paris has one of the first and most advanced sewer systems in the world and you can tour it. It’s certainly a unique, and maybe a little stinky, way to see the city.

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour & Seine River Cruise

Yes, these are uber-touristy but Paris is such a beautiful city that they’re kind of fun. The open-top bus tours give you a great overview of the city so they’re great to take at the start of your visit.

And a river cruise gives you a unique perspective of the city — we recommend taking one at night because all the buildings are beautifully illuminated.  

Best Parks, Gardens, & Green Space

Paris is one of the greenest cities in Europe so it’s not too difficult to find a way to get a little fresh air.

Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens)

There is a reason Parisians flock to the Luxembourg Gardens all year long. It’s simply beautiful — especially in the spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. On a nice day, you’ll find hundreds of visitors, locals, and university students enjoying a nice picnic or bottle of wine. See On Google Maps .

Jardin Des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden)

No visit to Paris is complete without strolling through the Tuileries Garden. This pristine urban garden stretches from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and it’s filled with fountains, sculptures, and you even have a decent view of the Eiffel Tower. See On Google Maps .

Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau isn’t a huge park but that doesn’t mean it’s not an impressive and beautiful part of central Paris. This “English” style park features plenty of leafy trees, a rolling lawn, winding walking paths, a small pond, statues, and interesting architectural elements. It’s a great place for a picnic or summer nap. See On Google Maps .

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Not many tourists venture to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont but it’s a charming, romantic, and hilly park in the 19th arrondissement that has nice views of the Sacre Coeur. It features an impressive grotto, an iron bridge, and a high cliff with a waterfall. It’s worth checking out if you’re in the area and especially on a nice day. See On Google Maps .

CIMETIÈRE DU PÈRE LACHAISE (Père Lachaise Cemetery)

Père Lachaise is a massive and leafy cemetery inside Paris that’s now home to many of the city’s most wealthy and famous citizens — including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Chopin, Édith Piaf, Proust, Gertrude Stein, and more. It’s a very beautiful cemetery so it’s a peaceful place to stroll for an hour or two. See On Google Maps .

BOIS DE BOULOGNE & BOIS DE VINCENNES

These two massive parks are known as the “lungs” of Paris. While we wouldn’t suggest visiting them if you’re only in Paris for a few days, we still think they’re both good places to explore for experienced/long-term visitors.

The Bois de Boulogne is the second-largest park in Paris. It was originally a hunting ground for royalty but these days its home to English gardens, an impressive greenhouse (Le Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil), lakes, lawns, botanical gardens, playgrounds, and tennis courts. It’s also a popular spot for prostitutes so don’t be surprised if you see a few working.

The Bois de Vincennes is the largest park in the city (twice the size of Central Park), and it’s located on the eastern edge of Pairs. It features multiple lakes, gardens, botanical gardens, arboretums, lawns, walking trails, greenhouses, theaters, horse racing tracks, and more.

Other Parks in Paris

Jardin des Plantes:  Originally created as a royal herb garden in 1626, this is now the largest botanical garden in Paris. The Jardin des Plantes is located on the 5th and it’s a short walk from the Seine. It’s best enjoyed during the Spring/Summer since that’s when the flowers are in bloom. See On Google Maps .

Parc de Belleville: This small neighborhood park is located way off the beaten path near the edge of Paris’ 20th arrondissement. Its best feature is its city and Eiffel Tower views. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to explore the diverse and up-and-coming Belleville neighborhood. See On Google Maps .

Parc de la Villette: This is another off-the-beaten-path park that even a lot of Parisians have never visited — probably because it’s located on the far northeastern edge of the 19th arrondissement. The park is full of post-modernist architecture and sculptures so it feels way different than other parks you’ve experienced. See On Google Maps .

Promenade Plantee: This three-mile stretch of abandoned elevated railroad tracks has been transformed into a peaceful plant-lined walking path. It’s popular with locals but still undiscovered by visitors. See On Google Maps .

Albert Kahn Museum Gardens: Just outside central Paris you’ll find the Albert Kahn Museum and its impressive gardens. This former home of banker and philanthropist Albert Kahn features a beautiful garden that is divided into multiple sections that are each modeled after different traditional gardens from around the world. See On Google Maps .

Channel Your Inner Parisian

The best way to experience Paris is by living life like the Parisians. Below are some things you should do

Sidewalk Cafe Drinks

Find a cute sidewalk cafe, order a drink, and watch the world go by for an hour or two. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Drinks Along The Canal St. Martin

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One of the hippest spots in Paris is found along the banks of the Canal St. Martin. During the warm summer nights, hundreds of hip Parisians gather along the canal for drinks and snacks. Don’t worry, you’re allowed to drink in public so bring a bottle of wine or few beers. Additionally, there are a handful of cool bars and restaurants in the area.

We recommend using the ultra-hip Chez Prune  restaurant as a reference point of where to hang out — don’t worry, you’ll see the crowds of people.

Drinks Along The Seine

Another great place to enjoy a bottle of wine is along the Seine River. The most romantic spot is a tiny part of the edge of the Ile de la Cité called  Square du Vert-Galant — it’s an amazing location in the middle of the Seine with spectacular views. If you’re looking for more places to drink along to the Seine, we suggest checking out this guide from  Discover Walks .

Velib Bike Rental

Paris continues to become more of a bike-friendly city every year so biking is a nice way to explore. Paris has an extensive bike-sharing program called Velib so you can find a bike station every few streets. They even have a pass specifically for visitors so renting a bike is super easy and affordable. Visit Website .

Best City Views in Paris

Paris looks amazing from every angle but it’s especially beautiful from above. Here are a few of our favorite places to gaze down upon the city.

Sacré-Coeur Basilica & Montmartre

The steps in front of the Sacré-Coeur offer amazing views from the north of Paris. You can climb to the top of the Sacré-Coeur’s dome for even better views. This is one of our favorite spots in Paris so it’s a must-visit.

Fancy some exercise? Climb a few hundred stairs to the top of Notre Dame. The views here are amazing because Notre Dame is at the very center of the city so excellent 360-degree views but you’re not so high up that you lose details.

While a bit “touristy”, the views from the top of the Tour Montparnasse (the only skyscraper in the city) are amazing. It’s our favorite view of the city and this attraction is overlooked by most visitors so it’s rarely busy.

Insider tip: Visit the tower’s bar/restaurant ( Le Ciel de Paris Restaurant ) for some excellent views for the price of an expensive cocktail.

Windo Bar At The Hyatt Regency Hotel

For a “treat yo self” moment head to  Windo at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. It’s super swanky and has excellent city views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Sure, it’s expensive but whatever.  See On Google Maps .

The observation decks on the Eiffel Tower offer some solid views of the city — but you can’t see the Eiffel Tower so it’s not our favorite spot… but its still one of those things you should experience at least once.

Galeries Lafayette

This department store in the middle of the city has a top floor that offers great city views and it’s all free.

If you visit the Centre Pompidou then you have to take the escalator to the top floor for stunning views. The museum’s cafe,  Le Georges , also has some really nice views of the city.

Arab World Institute (Institut du Monde Arabe)

One excellent view that not many people know about comes from the top of the Arab World Institute. This is my favorite view of the Seine and Notre Dame. The viewing platform is free for anyone — simply walk in and take the elevator to the roof. There is also a cafe up there that serves excellent mint tea.

Food, Alcohol, and Coffee in Paris

Everyone knows that Paris is famous for their cuisine but eating out is going to be expensive. But don’t worry because in this section we’ll cover some of the best places to get quality eats without spending a fortune.

We’ll also highlight some of our favorite bars and coffee shops as well.

Read More: Check Out Our Guide To the Best Budget Restaurants in Paris .

Here’s a tip: Any bakery that makes a great baguette will almost undoubtedly make a great sandwich and have other quality items.  And if you’re looking for an excellent baguette we highly recommend checking out Paris By Mouth’s Guide To The Best Baguette in Paris .

Grenier Au Pain Bakery [Sandwiches & Bakery]

We probably ate 30+ sandwiches from Grenier Au Pain Bakery — they won the “best baguette in Paris” a handful of times since they opened. We recommend the classic  Jambon – Beurre (ham and butter but it usually also has cheese). 

• See More Reviews
• 38 rue des Abbesses, 75018 (Main store – Montmartre)
• 127 rue Caulaincourt, 75018 (Montmartre)
• 33bis rue Saint Amand, 75015
• 52 avenue d’Italie, 75013
• 91 rue Faubourg Poissonnière, 75009

Le Coquelicot [Bakery/Sandwiches]

Le Coquelicot is another very solid bakery and sandwich shop — they’re another “best baguette in Paris” winner. Everything is solid.

• 24 rue des Abbesses,  75018 ( See On Google Maps )

Le Petit Vendôme [Takeaway Sandwiches & Classic French Sitdown]

Every day at lunch there is a line of locals out the door waiting to get their hands on Le Petit Vendôme’s famous sandwiches (takeaway only) — so join them! Or you can try finding a table inside for a menu of classic French dishes. We recommend the duck confit. 

• 8 Rue des Capucines, 75002 ( See On Google Maps )

Mmmozza [Italian Sandwiches]

Chow down on excellent Italian sandwiches made with high-quality meats and cheese ( € 5- €8 ). A solid option for lunch on-the-go.

• 57, rue de Bretagne 75003 ( See On Google Maps )

Urfa Dürüm [Turkish/Kurdish Sandwiches]

Urfa Dürüm has been a go-to spot for broke and hungry seeking quality Turkish kebab sandwiches. It was also a favorite spot of Anthony Bourdain. Everything, including the bread, is made fresh. Sandwiches are  € 6- € 8. Expect a line at dinner time but know how to crank the sandwiches out quickly. 

• 58 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010 ( See On Google Maps )

BREIZH CAFÉ [FRENCH CREPES]

Located in the trendy Marais neighborhood, Breizh Cafe is one of our favorite crepe restaurants in Paris. This place seems to be on everyone’s “top places to eat in Paris” list (and it’s pretty small) so you might want to make reservations. And save room for dessert. 

• 109 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 ( See On Google Maps )

LA CRÊPERIE JOSSELIN [FRENCH CREPES]

Can you ever eat too many crepes? Nope. It’s impossible. And if you head to the Montparnasse neighborhood (which is famous for its crepe places) you’ll find La Creperie Josseline — one of the best crepe places in Paris. We’ve eaten here a few times and never had a bad crepe. To save a bit check out their lunch special of a savory crepe + dessert crepe + drink.

• 67 Rue du Montparnasse, 75014 ( See On Google Maps )

Happy Caffe [Crepes, Sandwiches, & Breakfast]

This unassuming takeaway spot is a great place to stop for a quick and cheap lunch if you happen to be near the Louvre/Tuileries Gardens. The owners are super friendly and they’ll make you feel welcome.

• 214 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 ( See On Google Maps )
• Read More Reviews

CAFÉ DE L’INDUSTRIE [FRENCH BISTRO]

This was our go-to bistro when we lived in Paris. The service is fast and the prices are solid — the main dishes are €12-€17. They also have a weekday lunch special for around €13 (starter, main, and dessert). This restaurant is great for groups as it’s a large space and the atmosphere is great. 

• 15,16,17 Rue Saint-Sabin ,  75011 ( See On Google Maps )

CHARTIER [CLASSIC FRENCH]

The old-school Parisian restaurant opened in 1896 and they’ve been serving cheap meals ever since. Ok, you don’t don here for a gourmet meal — you go here for a cheap meal and a fun atmosphere. We recommend sticking with simple French dishes like chicken or steak & fries. 

• 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 ( See On Google Maps )

LA PETITE ROSE DES SABLES [CLASSIC FRENCH]

This little French restaurant is a true gem — it can literally only seat 8-10 people so make a reservation. It’s run by an ultra-sweet husband (chef) and wife (server) team who serves up classic homemade French dishes — and maybe a kiss goodbye at the end of the meal. 

• 6 rue de Lancry ,  75010 ( See On Google Maps )

BISTROT VICTOIRES [FRENCH]

Looking for classic French dishes at really good prices? Check out Bistro Victories. It’s Authentic, delicious, affordable, and the service is great. And, it’s near the Louvre so it’s one of the best value restaurants in the heart of Paris. 

• 6 rue de la Vrilliere ,  75001 ( See On Google Maps )

CHEZ GLADINES [CLASSIC FRENCH]

Chez Gladines is another budget-friendly neighborhood bistro that serves up hearty French classics — with an emphasis on dishes from the Basques region. 

• 64 rue de Charonne ,  75011 ( See On Google Maps )

L’AS DU FALLAFEL [KOSHER MIDDLE EASTERN]

Yes, this is probably the most famous “budget” restaurant in Paris and just about every guidebook calls it the “best falafel in the world” so it’s no surprise everyone loves it. It’s mainly a takeaway place (it costs extra to eat inside) so we suggest eating your delicious falafel outside. There is almost always a long line but it moves quickly.

• 32 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 ( See On Google Maps )

CHEZ LE LIBANAIS [LEBANESE]

This small takeaway restaurant serves up fresh and delicious Lebanese wraps and shawarma on fresh-made bread. Very affordable and extra tasty — especially for its prime Latin Quarter/Saint Germain location. 

• 35 rue Saint Andre des Arts ,  75006 ( See On Google Maps )

PHO 14 [VIETNAMEESE]

We are huge fans of Pho 14 and this bustling no-frills Vietnamese restaurant is totally worth the trip. Its high-quality and low prices make it a local favorite. It gets a little busy at peak times but the service is insanely quick so the line moves quickly. There are a handful of other pho restaurants on the same street but Pho 14 is the best.

• Quartier Chinois 129 avenue de Choisy ,  75013 ( See On Google Maps )

HIGUMA [JAPANESE / RAMEN]

Get your ramen fix at Higuma. This no-frills spot has been serving up large bowls of authentic ramen for super cheap prices for years. Don’t be put off by the lines as it moves quickly. 

• There are three locations  (all near the Louvre) 

PIZZA ROSSI [PIZZA]

Excellent quality Neapolitan-style pizza at very affordable prices. This used to be a tiny little spot but they recently expanded so there is a bit more room to eat inside now. 

• 24 rue Blondel ,  75002 ( See On Google Maps )

Joe Burger [Burgers]

When you’re craving a tasty burger and you’re on a budget then we recommend Joe Burger. A burger and fries will run you under €9.

• 49 rue Descartes ,  75005 ( See On Google Maps )

Looking for more cheap eats? Check out our guide to the best budget restaurants in Paris . 

Someone once said that finding street parking in Paris is easier than finding good coffee. Luckily, things are finally starting to change but you still have to seek out good coffee shops. Here are a few of the coffee shops we recommend checking out if you need to get your caffeine fix. 

KB CaféShop

Take a break from Montmartre’s tourist crowds and head down to the neighboring Pigalle neighborhood to visit KB CafeShop. The vibe is chill and there is a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating. They have a solid selection of coffee as well as smoothies, pastries, and some light breakfast and lunch options. 

53 Avenue Trudaine, 75009 ( See On Google Maps )

Lomi is another favorite coffee shop for Parisian coffee lovers. It’s a cozy spot with comfy chairs, a wide range of tables, and places to chill out. They even roast their own coffee on-site and have a few small things to snack on. It’s a nice place to spend an hour or two. 

3 ter Rue Marcadet, 75018 ( See On Google Maps )

Fondation Café

Located on the northern edge of the uber-cool Marais neighborhood, Fondation Café is a great little coffee shop on a quiet street that has nice music, a relaxed vibe, and the staff is super friendly (one of the owners is Australian). There is seating inside and outside so it’s a nice place to relax if you can find a seat. 

16 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 ( See On Google Maps )

The Caféothèque of Paris

This cozy coffee shop serves up excellent espresso drinks, filter/Chemex, and iced coffees. There is no wifi and they ban laptops on the weekend so that helps keep the chill vibe. They also roast their beans on-site and have a few pastries/desserts to nibble on. It does get a little crowded on the weekend since it’s located very close to Notre Dame and the Seine.

52 Rue de l’Hôtel de ville, 75004 ( See On Google Maps )

Coutume Café

This is a super hipster and cozy coffee shop with excellent coffee and cold brew. The breakfast/brunch options are tasty but expensive so it’s not the place to go eat on a budget. It does get busy, especially on the weekends, so visit during the off-peak times if you want a more chilled atmosphere. 

47 Rue de Babylone, 75007 ( See On Google Maps )

Near the hip Canal St. Martin area you’ll find an equally-hip Ten Belles coffee shop selling quality coffee. The friendly staff is largely from England so no issues with any language barrier. It’s a small joint with limited seating but there is some outdoor seating. There is no wifi so it’s a nice place for a reading a book or meeting a friend. They also have a small selection of sandwiches, salads, and scones.

10 Rue de la Grange aux Belles, 75010 ( See On Google Maps )

Café Oberkampf

This cozy cafe is a great place to get excellent lattes, espresso, pour-overs, and some tasty breakfast/brunch options. The vibe is super chill and the food is fresh. It’s another “no laptops” cafe with no wifi. 

3 Rue Neuve Popincourt, 75011 ( See On Google Maps )

Kozy Bosquet

Kozy has solid coffee but they’re more known for their weekend brunch offerings (granola bowls, pancakes, etc.). They have a smaller menu during the week. Kozy is located fairly close to the Eiffel Tower so it’s not a bad place to stop while you’re out sightseeing (but that also makes it fairly touristy). 

79 Avenue Bosquet, 75007 ( See On Google Maps )

Matamata Coffee

This cozy and quiet little coffee shop has a nice relaxed vibe but, considering its central location, it can get full during peak times. But the coffees and teas are delicious. They also have a nice selection of freshly made baked goodies to enjoy and some light breakfast/lunch options. 

58 Rue d’Argout, 75002 ( See On Google Maps )

Best Farmers Markets & Market Streets in Paris

Of course, the best way to save money on food is by making meals for yourself. Luckily, Paris has some amazing farmer’s markets. Additionally, just about every neighborhood will have a few high-quality produce stores that sell much better stuff than what you’ll find at the grocery store. 

MARCHÉ BASTILLE

The biggest and best open-air market in Paris — with over 100 stalls selling fresh and prepared food. 

• Boulevard Richard Lenoir, 75011 ( See On Google Maps )
• Thursday, 7am-2.30pm // Sunday, 7am-3pm.

MARCHÉ D’ALIGRE & Marché Beauvau

Locals have been flocking to the Marché d’Aligre and the Marché Beauvau since 1866. These are basically the same markets but Marché d’Aligre is open-air and Marché Beauvau is covered. The quality is great the prices are solid. 

• Place d’Aligre, 75012 ( See On Google Maps )
• Marché d’Aligre:  Tuesday-Saturday 8am-5pm // Sunday 8am-1pm
• Marché Beauvau:  Tuesday-Friday 9am-1pm & 4-7:30pm // Saturday 9am-1pm & 3:30-7:30pm // Sunday 8:30am-1:30pm

MARCHÉ AUX ENFANTS ROUGES

Head to the Marais to find the oldest covered market in Pairs — it’s a bit hidden behind nondescript metal doors so you might miss it if you don’t know what you’re looking for. They specialize in ready-to-eat meals but also have fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, and flowers. 

• 39 rue de Bretagne, 75003 ( See On Google Maps )
• Tuesday-Friday, 8.30am-1pm & 4-7.30pm //Saturday, 4-8pm // Sunday, 8.30am-2pm

RUE CLER Market Street

Any foodie already knows about the Rue Cler — it’s arguably the most famous market street in Paris. The entire street is lined with specialty shops selling high-quality cheese, meats, and produce. 

• Open Tuesday-Saturday

Best Bakeries (Boulangeries) in Paris

Ahh yes. Who doesn’t love a fresh croissant or a pain au chocolat? Or a warm baguette with butter? Well, get ready for a carb overload because Paris is filled with excellent boulangeries. Below are a few of our favorites but you can find good bakeries on just about every street.  

Du Pain et Des Idées

This is easily one of the most loved bakeries in Paris (both for their baked goods and the beautiful shop) so do yourself a favor and make the journey. They’re especially famous for their pain des amis (friendship bread) but you can’t really go wrong with anything here so pick whatever looks good.

34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 ( See On Google Maps )

What happens when a pastry chef from a three-star Michelin restaurant opens his own bakery? Blé Sucré, that’s what. This place is a bit of a hidden gem since it looks like an ordinary bakery that you find all over the city but they make some of the best baked goods in Paris. And the prices are affordable. Try the chocolate croissant. 

7 Rue Antoine Vollon, 75012 ( See On Google Maps )

Best Baguette in Paris Winners

Every year bakeries compete for the title of “best baguette in Paris” and here are a few of those past winners. Also, places with great baguettes usually also make excellent sandwiches. 

• Pain Pain:  88 Rue des Martyrs, 75018 ( See On Google Maps )
• Le Grenier à Pain: Multiple locations ( See On Google Maps )
• Au Levain d’Antan:  6 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 ( See On Google Maps )
• Mahmoud M’Seddi Boulangerie:  215 Boulevard Raspail, 75014 ( See On Google Maps )
• Brun Boulangerie Patisserie:  193 Rue de Tolbiac, 75013 ( See On Google Maps )
• La Parisienne:  48 Rue Madame, 75006 ( See On Google Maps )
• Aux Délices Du Palais Paris:  60 Boulevard Brune, 75014 ( See On Google Maps )

Best Patisseries & Dessert Shops in Paris

Do you have a sweet tooth? Well, Paris is truly heaven because everywhere you look there are shop windows filled with delicious-looking desserts. The main downside is that the best places tend to be fairly expensive but… whatever, you only live once. 

By the way, it’s impossible to list out every great patisserie and dessert shop in Paris — so we’re not even going to try. That said, this list contains many of our favorite spots but there are dozens of other great dessert places in Paris.

Yes, Paris is known for delicious pastries (don’t worry, we’ll mention plenty of places to get them later in this article) but one of our absolute favorite things to eat in Paris is ice cream and sorbet from Berthillon. It’s insanely good. Get multiple scoops.

Yes, there are hoards of tourists lined up in front of the shop all day but it’s worth the wait. Note: They’re closed in August but other cafes around Berthillon also sell their ice cream (but get it from Berthillon if you can). 

31 rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile, 75004 ( See On Google Maps )

Pierre Hermé

Pierre Hermé is a legend in the macaron world so you should treat yourself to as many as you can afford. They have many traditional flavors but Pierre Hermé often has a few more “creative” flavor combinations than other shops. And yes, they sell plenty of other excellent desserts if macarons aren’t your thing. There are multiple locations throughout the city. 

See All Their Locations on Google Maps

Ladurée is one of the most well-known macaron shops in the world. Yes, it’s touristy but you should visit and try some of these tasty creations. They also have a wide range of other goodies but the macarons are the main event. There are multiple locations throughout Paris. 

Angelina is famous for their ultra-decadent hot chocolate. It’s basically like drinking a melted chocolate bar. Yes, this place is listed in all the guidebooks and it’s touristy but it’s something you really need to try. You might have to make reservations since this place is so popular.

See All Their Locations On Google Maps

This old-school pastry shop/tea salon is beautiful and the desserts are top-notch — the macarons, hot chocolate, and just about everything is great. It’s more expensive if you eat there so we suggest taking your treats to go if you’re on a budget. They also have food but why would you fill up on that when you’ve got so many desserts to try.

4 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 ( See On Google Maps )

La Maison du Chocolat

La Maison du Chocolat has excellent chocolate (some of the best in Paris) but they also have excellent macrons. I mean, everything is excellent.

See All Their Locations on Google Maps   

This legendary patisserie was founded in 1886 and it continues to be one of France’s dessert powerhouses. We recommend the eclairs but they make a lot of other solid treats. 

30 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 ( See On Google Maps )

La Patisserie Cyril Lignac

The list of amazing pastry shops in Paris seems to never end… Next on our list is the amazing La Patisserie Cyril Lignac. Everything is lovely and delicious — from their croissants and macaroons to eclairs and cakes. Kind of pricy though. 

Pierre Marcolini

This high-end Belgian chocolate shop isn’t cheap (ok, it’s expensive) but they make some of the best chocolate in Paris. They have lots of exotic flavor combinations that you’ll not find at other chocolate shops if that’s something you’re into.

Stohrer, which opened in 1730, holds the honor of being the oldest pastry shop in Paris so you know they’ve got to be doing something right. This old-school spot makes a wide range of goodies and treats. It’s worth a visit. 

51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 ( See On Google Maps )

Best Paris Day Trips

One of the great things about Paris is the huge number of day trips that are within a 30min-two hour train ride from the city. Below is a list of our favorite places to visit but if you want a more in-depth look at these trips we recommend checkout out our guide to the best Paris day trips . 

The Palace of Versailles is the most popular Paris day trip. This opulent royal residence is easily one of the most over-the-top buildings in the world. Versailles is connected via the RER regional train and the journey will take 60-90 minutes. A round-trip ticket costs about 7€ so traveling there isn’t expensive. 

Tips for visiting: Go to any metro station and buy a ticket for  Versailles -Château – Rive Gauche. There are three stops for Versailles but only  Versailles-Château – Rive Gauche will get you to the chateau so pay attention to the signs (or ask someone). As mentioned before, you’ll take an RER train (which is different than the Metro).

Buy your tickets ahead of time or get there early as a lot of people visit so the lines can get crazy. 

FONTAINEBLEAU

Fontainebleau is a chateau that’s nearly as impressive as Versailles but only gets 10% of the visitors. The journey takes about 45 minutes via the RER D train that departs from the Gare de Lyon. We visited in the winter and only saw a handful of people there. Plus, the little town is cute and has some nice cafes and restaurants. 

Made famous by Monet’s gorgeous water lily paintings, Giverny is a wonderful place to visit during the spring and summer. Strolling through his gardens is like walking through one of his paintings! By the way, the gardens are closed in the winter and don’t open until late March. 

You’ll take the train to Vernon (45 minutes from Paris) and from there you’ll transfer to a bus to Giverny (about a 20-minute ride) — don’t worry, the bus will be waiting after each train.

• Visit The Official Website

Provins is a quaint medieval town located about 90 minutes southeast of Paris and a  wonderful  day trip from Paris. Trains run hourly from the normal train platforms at the Gare de l’Est. The highlights of the city are the old watchman’s tower that provides impressive views for miles and the ancient ramparts/city walls that you’re free to explore. 

• Visit Provin’s Official Website

Rouen is another very popular day trip from Paris. This charming town in Normandy is about an hour and a half north of Paris. It’s famous for its brightly colored half-timbered buildings, a gorgeous cathedral, and an old astronomical clock tower. Rouen is also known for being where Joan of Arc was executed and you can visit a tower where she was held (la Tour Jeanne d’Arc).

Trains to Rouen leave twice an hour from the Gare Saint Lazare train station.

• Visit Rouen’s Official Website

Reims is the capital of the Champagne region and is home to many champagne houses — many of which offer tours. Reims is also home to a beautiful cathedral where French kings were once crowned. We visited the Pommery and Mumm Champagne houses and thought both were nice tours. If you have more time, you can also visit the actual vineyards.  

• Visit Reims’ Official Website

Amiens is about an hour train ride north of Paris in the Picardy region of France. It is most famous for having the tallest cathedral in France, beautiful floating gardens ( hortillonnages ), and the mansion where Jules Verne spent a large portion of his life.

• Visit Amiens’ Official Website

The city of Lille is a great place to visit for a day (or even longer). It’s connected to Paris via the high-speed train (TGV) so it’s only about an hour ride. We love the Flemish-style architecture, excellent Belgian beer, and hearty food (fries, beef stew, etc.). We suggest buying train tickets in advance since they can be expensive if purchased last minute. 

• Visit Lille’s Official Website

MONT SAINT MICHEL

This magnificent abbey of Mont St. Michel is one of the most impressive parts of France — pilgrims have been visiting since 709 A.D and it’s one of France’s most visited sights. The main downside is its distance from Paris — it is about a 3.5-hour train ride so visiting will take up your entire day. 

Domaine de Chantilly

The Domaine de Chantilly is an impressive castle that’s only a 25-minute train ride from the Gare du Nord in Paris. Exploring the impressive estate with its huge art collection and the beautiful gardens is an excellent way to spend the day.

Paris has one of the best public transportation systems in the world and it’s well-connected to the rest of Europe via its multiple train stations and airports. 

Getting Into Paris From CDG Airport

Via Train: One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get from the CDG airport to Paris is by train — which is called the RER-B. The RER-B is well-marked so just follow the signs. 

• Cost:  €10 one-way
• Runs:  5am-11:50pm
• Time:  Around 30-45 minutes
• Frequency:  About every 10 minutes
• Tip:  The train starts running about 5 am but the ticket window doesn’t open until around 6 am. Bring exact change so you can use the automated machine.
• Tip:  Hold on to your ticket! You’ll need it to exit the RER and you can use it to transfer to the Metro(Subway).
• Tip:  This is a popular train for pickpockets.

Via Taxi:  A standard taxi ride will cost €50 to €70 to get into central Paris. The ride will take around 35-60 minutes to get to/from the airport. Remember, only take official taxis from the designated taxi stand so you don’t get ripped off by a private car. 

Using The Paris Metro

The Metro is the Paris subway system. It’s great and you’re never more than around a five-minute walk from one of its 380 stations. And it’s affordable. 

• You can also buy Monthly  or  Weekly Navigo Packages .
• Single Ride:  €2.10
• Pack of 10 Single Rides:  €16.90 (this is usually the best deal)
• Operating Hours: 05:30 am – 01:15 am (02:15 am on Friday and Saturday nights).
• Caution: There are a lot of stairs and long walkways so carrying a lot of luggage can be difficult.
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I would give this 6 stars if the ratings went that high! This really was one of the highlights of our vacation. Due to scheduling issues, we ended up with ...

Long considered the paragon of style, Paris is perhaps the most glamorous city in Europe. It is at once deeply traditional – a village-like metropolis whose inhabitants continue to be notorious for their hauteur – and famously cosmopolitan.

What to do in Paris

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The city’s reputation as a magnet for writers, artists and dissidents lives on, and it remains at the forefront of Western intellectual, artistic and literary life. The most tangible and immediate pleasures of Paris are found in its street life and along the banks and bridges of the River Seine. Cafés, bars and restaurants line every street and boulevard, and the city’s compactness makes it possible to experience the individual feel of the different quartiers .

In terms of where to go in Paris, you can move easily, even on foot, from the calm, almost small-town atmosphere of Montmartre and parts of the Quartier Latin to the busy commercial centres of the Grands Boulevards and Opéra-Garnier or the aristocratic mansions of the Marais . The city’s lack of open space is redeemed by unexpected havens like the Mosque and the place des Vosges , and courtyards and gardens of grand houses like the Hôtel de Soubise . The gravelled paths and formal beauty of the Tuileries create the backdrop for the ultimate Parisian Sunday promenade, while the islands and quaysides of the Left and Right banks of the River Seine and the Quartier Latin’s two splendid parks, the Luxembourg and the Jardin des Plantes , make for a wonderful wander.

Paris’s architectural spirit resides in the elegant streets and boulevards begun in the nineteenth century under Baron Haussmann. The mansion blocks that line them are at once grand and perfectly human in scale, a triumph in city planning proved by the fact that so many remain residential to this day. Rising above these harmonious buildings are the more arrogant monuments that define the French capital. For centuries, an imposing classical style prevailed with great set pieces such as the Louvre , Panthéon and Arc de Triomphe , but the last hundred years or so has seen the architectural mould repeatedly broken in a succession of ambitious structures, the industrial chic of the Eiffel Tower and Pompidou Centre contrasting with the almost spiritual glasswork of the Louvre Pyramide and Institut du Monde Arabe . Paris is remarkable, too, for its museums – there are nearly 150 of them, ranging from giants of the art world such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Pompidou Centre to lesser-known gems such as the Picasso, Rodin and Jewish museums – and the diversity of entertainment, from cinema to jazz music, on offer.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for France, created by local experts

14 days  / from 3860 USD

An active walking tour out of the way in France

Your trip starts with an in-depth introduction to France in Paris: several unique day excursions connect you with local Parisians to show you their city and way of life. Afterwards continue south to start a few days walking journey through Southern France before ending around Avignon.

10 days  / from 2411 USD

Southern France – Walks in the Alpilles and Lavender fields

Start your tour in the coastal city of Marseille, exploring Cassis on the way. Around the Alpilles in Provence, you will be provided with detailed walking materials to explore the area on foot, from both Les Baux and St Remy. End your tour in famous Avignon.

12 days  / from 2948 USD

Tasting Eastern France

A delicious yet active journey through Eastern France. Start your trip in Lyon with some unique food tours before setting off on a 4-day walk across the Beaujolais region. Almost every day ends with a wine tasting in your guesthouse, soothing for body and soul.

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower

It may seem familiar from afar, but close up the Eiffel Tower is still an excitingly improbable structure; an ascent to the top is an unforgettable experience. You can skip the line with priority access .

2. Wander around the Parc Rives de Seine or take a cruise on the Seine

Join the joggers and cyclists, have a picnic or just soak up the wonderful views on the Parc Rives de Seine, a scenic riverside loop that takes in both the Right and Left banks. Better still, enjoy a cruise on the river itself.

3. Marvel at Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle 's stunning stained-glass windows rank among the greatest achievements of French High Gothic.

4. See amazing art at the Museé Picasso

A fabulously restored Marais mansion is the setting for this unrivalled collection of Picasso's paintings, sculptures, drawings and ceramics. Book priority entrance to bypass the queues.

5. Discover the Musée d'Orsay

France's greatest collection of Impressionist (and pre- and post-Impressionist) art is found at the Musée d'Orsay , housed in a beautiful converted railway station.

6. Check out cutting-edge modern art at the Centre Pompidou

The Pompidou 's radical "inside-out" architecture looks just as ground-breaking as it did when it first opened in the 1970s, and its modern art museum is a knockout.

7. Appreciate stunning sculptures at the Musée Rodin

Rodin's stirring sculptures are shown off to their best advantage in the sculptor's elegant eighteenth-century mansion and garden .

8. Love the Louvre

You could easily spend a whole day (and more) exploring the world-class Louvre 's collections, including famous Italian Renaissance paintings and ancient Greek and Roman sculpture.

9. Explore the Foundation Louis Vuitton

Frank Gehry's astonishing "cloud of glass" in the Bois de Boulogne holds an inspiring collection of contemporary art. Premium access will allow you to use a separate entrance and covers entrance to temporary exhibitions.

10. Take the train to Versailles

The ultimate French royal palace, awesome in its size and magnificence, and boasting exquisite gardens that are free to visit. Go by train for a stress-free trip.

11. Take a boat trip in Paris

Most tourists are keen, rightly, to take a boat trip on the Seine. One good option is the Batobus; otherwise Bateaux-Mouches is the best-known operator. Leaving from the Embarcadère du Pont de l’Alma on the Right Bank in the 8e, boats take you past the major Seine-side sights, such as Notre-Dame and the Louvre, complete with commentary. Night-time cruises use dazzling lights to illuminate the streetscapes – much more fun for people on board than passing pedestrians. The pricey lunch and dinner trips are best avoided. Bateaux-Mouches has many competitors, all much of a muchness, including Bateaux Parisiens , Vedettes de Paris and Bateaux-Vedettes du Pont-Neuf.

Another option, which takes you past less-visited sights, is to take a canal boat trip . Canauxrama offers a number of narrated cruises on the St-Martin, Ourcq and St-Denis canals, along with the Seine and the River Marne. Paris Canal is the company to offer cruises that ally the charm of Canal Saint Martin, and its locks, to the majesty of the major monuments on the Seine. With Paris Canal, you can Cruise Paris differently, from Musée d’Orsay to Bassin de la Villette.

Paris has an awesome emotional gravity: Parisians rarely want to escape, while most visitors find themselves yearning to return. Its power derives from the city’s rare beauty, of course, and its celebrated style and romanticism, but also from its unique history as the beating cultural heart of Europe over much of the last thousand years.

As such, the best places to visit in Paris range from grand monuments to exquisite, secretive little nooks and defined communities revolving around the local boulangerie and café. There are nearly 150 art galleries and museums on offer, brasseries and restaurants line the streets, and after dark, the city’s theatres, concert halls and churches host world-leading productions of theatre, dance, cinema and classical music.

Lying in its shallow river basin, Paris is still confined within its historic city limits and divided into twenty arrondissements, centred on the royal palace and museum of the Louvre , which spiral outwards in a clockwise direction. At its widest point, the city is only about 12km across – roughly two hours’ walk.

At the hub of the circle, in the middle of the River Seine, is the island from which all the rest grew: the Ile de la Cité , defined by its Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame .

On the north or Right Bank ( rive droite ) of the Seine, which is the more bustling and urban of the city’s two halves, the longest and grandest vista of the city runs west from the Louvre: this is La Voie Triomphale – comprising the Tuileries gardens, the glamorous avenue of the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe .

North of the Louvre is the commercial and financial quarter, where you can shop in the department stores on the broad Grands Boulevards, in the little boutiques of the glass-roofed passages, or in the giant, underground mall of Les Halles.

East of the Louvre, the elegant Marais and Bastille quarters are alive with trendy shops, cafés and bars. Further east, the Canal St-Martin and Ménilmontant are good places to go for cutting-edge bars and nightlife.

The south bank of the river, or Left Bank (rive gauche), is quieter and less commercial. The Quartier Latin is the traditional domain of the intelligentsia – from artists to students – along with St-Germain , which becomes progressively more chichi until it hits the grand district of ministries and museums that surrounds the Eiffel Tower . As you move south towards Montparnasse and the southern swathe of the Left Bank, however, high-rise flats start to alternate with charming bourgeois neighbourhoods.

Back on the Right Bank, many of the outer arrondissements were once outlying villages. Hilly Montmartre , with its rich artistic associations and bohemian population, is the most picturesque, but Belleville and Passy, have also retained village-like identities – working-class in the east, wealthy in the west.

Central Paris has lots of wonderful gardens, notably the Jardin du Luxembourg , but the best big parks are the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne, at the eastern and western edges of the city, respectively.

The region surrounding the capital, beyond the boulevard périphérique ring road, is known as the Ile-de-France. It’s dotted with cathedrals and châteaux. Nearby sights, such as the Gothic cathedral at St-Denis and the astonishing royal palace at Versailles , out in the suburbs, are easy to get to, while full day-trip destinations include the stunning cathedral town of Chartres and Monet’s lovely garden at Giverny .

An equally accessible outing from the capital, and practically a must-see if you are travelling with children, is that most un-French of French attractions, Disneyland Paris .

The entertainment nexus of Montparnasse , with its evocative literary and artistic associations, divides the well-heeled opinion-formers and powerbrokers of St-Germain and the 7e from the relatively anonymous populations to the south. The three arrondissements to the south of Montparnasse have suffered from large-scale housing developments, most notably along the riverfronts to both east and west, but villagey areas such as rue du Commerce in the 15e, Pernety in the 14e and the Buttes-aux-Cailles in the 13e are worth a foray. On the fringes of the city proper, hard up against the périphérique ring road, are three fantastic parks : André Citroën, Georges-Brassens and Montsouris.

Montparnasse

Like other Left Bank quartiers , Montparnasse trades on its association with the wild characters of the interwar artistic and literary boom. Many were habitués of the cafés Select , Coupole , Dôme , Rotonde and Closerie des Lilas . The cafés are all still going strong on boulevard du Montparnasse , while the glitterati have mostly ended up in the nearby Montparnasse cemetery . The quarter’s artistic traditions are maintained in a couple of fascinating art museums, while elsewhere you can ascend the Tour Montparnasse , Paris’s first and ugliest skyscraper, and descend into the bone-lined catacombs .Paris Guide - The 12e arrondissement

South of Bastille, the relatively unsung 12e arrondissement offers an authentic slice of Paris, with its neighbourhood shops and bars and traditional markets, such as the lively Marché d’Aligre . Among the area’s attractions are the Promenade Plantée , an ex-railway line turned into an elevated walkway running from Bastille to the green expanse of the Bois de Vincennes , and Bercy , once the largest wine market in the world, its handsome old warehouses now converted into cafés and shops.

A symbol of revolution since the toppling of the Bastille prison in the 1789, the Bastille quarter was a largely working-class district up until the construction of the new opera house in the 1980s. Since then, it has attracted artists, fashion folk and young people, who have brought with them stylish shops and an energetic nightlife, concentrated on rue de Lappe and rue de la Roquette.

The Beaubourg quartier centres on the Centre Pompidou , one of the city’s most popular and recognizable landmarks and one of the twentieth century’s most radical buildings. The area around the Centre Pompidou is home to more contemporary art. Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint-Phalle created the colourful moving sculptures and fountains in the pool in front of Église St-Merri on place Igor Stravinsky . This squirting waterworks pays homage to Stravinsky – each fountain corresponds to one of his compositions ( The Firebird , The Rite of Spring and so on) – and shows scant respect for passers-by. To the north are numerous commercial art galleries , occupying the attractive old hôtels particuliers on pedestrianized rue Quincampoix , while to the west is the rather less alluring Les Halles underground shopping and leisure complex.

Centre Pompidou

The opening of the Centre Pompidou in 1977 gave rise to some violent reactions; since then, however, it has won over critics and public alike. Architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers freed up maximum space inside by placing all infrastructure outside: utility pipes and escalator tubes, all brightly colour-coded according to their function, climb around the exterior in crazy snakes-and-ladders fashion. The transparent escalator on the front of the building, giving access to the Musée National d’Art Moderne , affords superb views over the city. Aside from the hugely popular museum there are two cinemas, performance spaces, a library, the excellent Galerie des enfants on the first floor, which stages regular exhibitions and workshops, and the new, free Galerie de Photographies on the basement level, which organizes three exhibitions a year drawn from the centre’s archive of photographs.

Musée National d’Art Moderne

The superb Musée National d’Art Moderne presides over the fourth and fifth floors of the Centre Pompidou, with the fifth floor covering 1905 to roughly the years 1970–1980, while the fourth floor concentrates on contemporary art. Thanks to an astute acquisitions policy and some generous gifts, the collection is a near-complete visual essay on the history of twentieth-century art and is so large that only a fraction of the 50,000 works are on display at any one time. Since the opening of the museum’s sister site in Metz in 2010 and a new “pop-up” gallery in Málaga, Spain, many more of the museum’s holdings have been brought out of storage and put on display.

Fifth floor

On the fifth floor, Fauvism, Cubism, Dada, abstract art, Surrealism and abstract expressionism are all well represented. There’s a particularly rich collection of Matisses, ranging from early Fauvist works to his late masterpieces – a standout is his Tristesse du roi , a moving meditation on old age and memory. Other highlights include a number of Picasso’s and Braque’s early Cubist paintings and a substantial collection of Kandinskys, including his pioneering abstract works Avec l’arc noir and Composition à la tache rouge . A whole room is usually devoted to the characteristically colourful paintings of Robert and Sonia Delaunay, contrasting with the darker mood of more unsettling works on display by Surrealists Magritte, Dalí and Ernst.

Fourth floor

The fourth floor is given over to contemporary art , featuring installations, photography and video art, as well as displays of architectural models and contemporary design. Established French artists such as Annette Messager, Sophie Calle, Christian Boltanski, Daniel Buren and Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster often feature, alongside newer arrivals such as Anri Sala.

Atelier Brancusi

On the northern edge of the Pompidou Centre, down some steps off the sloping piazza, in a small separate building, is the Atelier Brancusi , the reconstructed home and studio of Constantin Brancusi. The sculptor bequeathed the contents of his workshop to the state on condition that the rooms be arranged exactly as he left them, and they provide a fascinating insight into how he lived and worked. Studios one and two are crowded with Brancusi’s trademark abstract bird and column shapes in highly polished brass and marble, while studios three and four comprise the artist’s private quarters.

Commonly referred to as the Beaux Quartiers , Paris’s well-manicured western arrondissements, the 16e and 17e, are mainly residential and have few specific sights, the chief exceptions being the Musée Marmottan , with its collection of late Monets, and Frank Gehry’s extraordinary new building, the Fondation Louis Vuitton contemporary art centre, set in the Bois de Boulogne. Bordering the area to the west is the Bois de Boulogne , with its trees, lakes, cycling trails and the beautiful floral displays of the Parc de Bagatelle. Further west still bristle the gleaming skyscrapers of the purpose-built commercial district of La Défense , dominated by the enormous Grande Arche.

One of the most scenic stretches of the river, between the Musée du Quai Branly and Musée d’Orsay, was recently made into an attractive promenade known as the Berges de Seine ; it's particularly appealing on weekends in the warmer months, where you can eat out on a sunny terrace, listen to occasional concerts, play a game of chess over a cup of coffee or simply relax in a deckchair and enjoy some of the best views the city has to offer. A busy programme of activities includes free exercise classes, tai chi and various workshops, while children (and grown-ups) can draw on a huge slate wall with chunky chalks, plus there’s a kids’ climbing wall and Velib’ bikes for all ages. Near the Pont de l’Alma are five small floating gardens , each on a different theme: one is an “orchard” planted with apple trees; another is planted with meadow grasses. Picnic tables and benches are dotted all along the promenade, and riverside restaurant-bars offer a good selection of food and drink. For more information, see paris.fr/berges .

Traditionally working class, with a history of radical and revolutionary activity, the gritty eastern districts of Paris, particularly the old villages of Belleville and Ménilmontant , are nowadays among the most diverse and vibrant parts of the city, home to sizeable ethnic populations, as well as students and artists, attracted by the low rents. The main visitor attraction in the area is the Père-Lachaise cemetery , final resting place of many well-known artists and writers. Visiting the modern Parc de Belleville will reveal the area’s other main asset – wonderful views of the city below. Another park well worth seeing is the fairy-tale-like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont .

Père-Lachaise cemetery

Père-Lachaise cemetery , final resting place of numerous notables, is an atmospheric, eerily beautiful haven, with little cobbled footpaths, terraced slopes and magnificent old trees which spread their branches over the tombs as though shading them from the outside world. The cemetery was opened in 1804, after an urgent stop had been put to further burials in the overflowing city cemeteries and churchyards. The civil authorities had Molière, La Fontaine, Abelard and Héloïse reburied here, and to be interred in Père-Lachaise quickly acquired cachet. A free map of the cemetery is available at all the entrances or you can buy a more detailed one at shops on boulevard de Ménilmontant. Among the most visited graves is that of Chopin (Division 11), often attended by Poles bearing red-and-white wreaths and flowers. Fans also flock to the grave of Jim Morrison (Division 6), lead singer of The Doors, who died in Paris at the age of 27, and to Oscar Wilde ’s tomb (Division 89), which is topped with a sculpture by Jacob Epstein of a mysterious Pharaonic winged messenger. You can also visit the graves of Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust, Corot, Balzac and Modigliani.

In Division 97 are the memorials to the victims of the Nazi concentration camps and executed Resistance fighters . Marking one of the bloodiest episodes in French history is the Mur des Fédérés (Division 76), the wall where the last troops of the Paris Commune were lined up and shot in the final days of the battle in 1871.

The Bassin de la Villette and the canals at the northeastern gate of the city were for generations the centre of a densely populated working-class district, whose main source of employment were the La Villette abattoirs and meat market. These have long gone, replaced by the huge complex of La Villette, a postmodern park of science, art and music.

The Villette complex stands at the junction of the Ourcq and St-Denis canals . The first was built by Napoleon to bring fresh water into the city; the second is an extension of the Canal St-Martin built as a short cut to the great western loop of the Seine around Paris. The canals have undergone extensive renovation, and derelict sections of the quais have been made more appealing to cyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians. A major new arts centre, Le 104 , has also helped to regenerate the area.

In terms of climate spring is deservedly the classic and best time to visit Paris, with bright days balanced by rain showers.

Paris in high summer is usually hot and can be uncomfortably humid, especially between mid-July and the end of August, when many Parisians flee south, leaving the city to the tourists.

In autumn things can be pleasingly mild and gratifyingly uncrowded (except during the autumn fashion show and trade-fair season, when hotels fill up early), but on overcast days – all too common – it can feel very melancholy.

Winter can be harsh, with icy winds cutting down the boulevards and snow not uncommon; the winter sunlight, on the other hand, is the city’s most flattering light.

Paris has an extraordinarily vibrant festival schedule; just a few are listed here. For details of the following and more, check at tourist offices or parisinfo.com .

• Festival de Films des Femmes - Held at the Maison des Arts in Créteil, just southeast of Paris (M° Créteil-Préfecture).
• Festival Jazz à St Germain - Big names and new talent from around the world, performing in all manner of venues, in late May.
• Festival Chopin - Chopin recitals by candlelight or on weekend afternoons from mid-June to mid-July in the lovely setting of the Bois de Boulogne’s Orangerie.
• Fête de la Musique - Free concerts and street performers all over Paris to coincide with the summer solstice (June 21).
• Gay Pride - Held on the last Sat of June.
• Bastille Day - July 14 is celebrated with official pomp in parades of tanks down the Champs-Élysées, followed by firework displays; the evening before there is dancing on the place de la Bastille.
• Paris Quartier d’Été - A programme of free music, theatre and cinema events around the city from mid-July to mid-Aug.
• Tour de France - The race finishes along the Champs-Élysées on the third or fourth Sun of July.
• Festival du Cinéma en Plein Air - Free films in the Parc de la Villette from end July to end Aug.
• Rock en Seine - Three-day music festival in late Aug in a lovely Seine-side park on the western edge of the city.
• Festival d’Automne - Major festival of contemporary theatre, music, dance and avant-garde arts, held from Sept to Dec in around 25 city venues.
• Nuit Blanche - In early Oct, the “sleepless night” persuades Parisians to stay up all night for a stunning programme of arts events and parties.
• Festival les Inrocks - International indie rock – in all its forms, from folk to electronica – with big names playing a range of venues in early Nov.

Even outside the Michelin-starred temples to high cuisine, of which the city has many, a huge number of Parisian restaurants remain defiantly traditional, offering classic cuisine bourgeoise based on well-sauced meat dishes, or regional French cuisines.

You can find a tremendous variety of foods, from Senegalese to Vietnamese, however, while the so-called bistronomy movement sees accomplished chefs rejecting over-fussy concoctions in favour of more experimental cuisine, focusing on fresh flavours – and even, shockingly, giving a starring role to vegetables – usually served in less elaborate settings and at lower prices.

Where to eat

Luxurious, hushed restaurants decked with crystal and white linen; noisy, elbow-to-elbow bench-and-trestle-table joints; intimate bistros with specials on the blackboard; grand seafood brasseries with splendid, historic interiors; artfully distressed boho cafés – Paris has them all.

And today, many of the city’s most talked about restaurants are the relatively relaxed so-called neo-bistros, where the focus is very much on creative food, not on traditional service or old-school decor, while a new breed of hipster coffee houses, akin to those you’d find in east London or Brooklyn, has cropped up to serve the needs of caffeine heads not satisfied with the city’s characteristically bitter brews.

Eating out in restaurants tends to be expensive, with three-course evening meals rarely costing less than €45. Lunchtime set menus (known as menus or formules ) can still cost as little as €15, however. The big boulevard cafés and brasseries, especially those in more touristy areas, can be significantly more expensive than those a little further removed.

Reservations

For the more upmarket or fashionable places, and at weekends, it’s wise to reserve. Generally you will only need to do this a day or so in advance, but the most renowned places may require booking up to several weeks (or in some cases, months) ahead.

Traditionally Paris’s gastronomic reputation was largely lost on vegetarians , who had to subsist on salads, omelettes and cheese-filled baguettes. Nowadays, however, most places will often offer at least one or two non-meaty dishes, and some of the new breed of chefs are turning their attention to the fresh flavours and possibilities of vegetables.

There are a number of exclusively veggie restaurants, along with salons de thé , coffee houses and tapas bars offering lighter dishes; neo-bistros and hipper restaurants, along with the ethnic places, are also a good bet. Useful French phrases are Je suis végétarien(ne) (“I’m a vegetarian”) and Il y a quelques plats sans viande? (“Are there any non-meat dishes?”).

Many of Paris’s most historic market streets, such as rue Mouffetard (5e) and rue des Martyrs (9e) are lined with food shops, now, not stalls, but this is still one of the world’s great cities for outdoor food shopping. A few of the more classic or unusual markets are recommended below; for a full list, arranged by arrondissement, see the town hall site, paris.fr , under “Marchés Parisiens”.

• Marché d’Aligre Place d’Aligre, 12e; M° Ledru-Rollin. Historic street and covered food market in the square; one of the cheapest and most popular in Paris. Tues–Sat 9am–1pm & 4–7.30pm, Sun 9am–1.30pm.
• Marché Bastille Bd Richard Lenoir, 11e;M° Richard Lenoir. Huge, authentic street market, with lots of regional produce. Thurs & Sun 7am–2.30pm.
• Marché Belleville Bd de Belleville, 11e;M° Belleville. Lively, noisy neighbourhood market selling a good range of fresh ethnic food. Tues & Fri 7am–2.30pm.
• Marché Edgar-Quinet Bd Edgar-Quinet, 14e;M° Edgar-Quinet. A vast range of fresh produce, from artisan cheese to fresh crêpes. Wed & Sat 7am–2.30pm.
• Marché des Enfants Rouges 39 rue de Bretagne, 3e;M° Filles-du-Calvaire. Covered food market abounding in eating outlets and produce. Tues, Wed & Thurs 8.30am–1pm & 4–7.30pm, Fri & Sat 8.30am–-1pm & 4–8pm, Sun 8.30am–2pm.
• Marché Monge Place Monge, 5e;M° Place Monge. Fabulous (and quite pricey) produce set around the pretty Monge fountain; organic stalls on Sundays. Wed, Fri & Sun 7am–2.30pm.
• Marché Montorgueil Rue Montorgueil 1er;M° Etienne-Marcel. Market stalls, artisan produce and gourmet food stores spread along this foodie street. Tues–Fri, plus Sat & Sun mornings.
• Marché Raspail / Marché Bio Bd Raspail, 6e;M° Rennes. The city’s main organic market, also selling herbal remedies and artisan produce. Sun 9am–3pm.

The Parisian love of style and fierce attachment to small local traders have kept alive a wonderful variety of speciality shops. The nineteenth-century arcades, or passages , in the 2e and 9e arrondissements, are particularly rich in intriguing boutiques, while the square kilometre around place St-Germain-des-Prés is hard to beat for anything from books to shoes, and from antiques to artworks.

Other atmospheric and rewarding places for browsing include the aristocratic Marais, the trendy Bastille quartier, the quirky Abbesses quarter of Montmartre, and the broadly bohemian Oberkampf and Canal Saint-Martin areas of northeastern Paris. For haute couture the traditional bastions are avenue Montaigne, rue François 1er and the upper end of rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré in the 8e.

The traditional shopping heart of the city, Les Halles, is very commercial, and mostly downmarket. The most atmospheric places for book shopping are the Seine quais , with their rows of mostly secondhand bookstalls perched against the river parapet. The quartier Latin is the home of most of the city’s best independent bookshops.

If you’re looking for a one-stop hit of Paris fashion, the department stores are probably the place to go. For more picturesque browsing, make for the streets around St-Sulpice métro , on the Left Bank: you’ll find rich pickings if you wander down rues du Vieux Colombier, de Rennes, Madame and du Cherche-Midi – the last is particularly good for shoes. The home of couture and designer labels is the wealthy, manicured “ golden triangle ” off the Champs-Élysées, especially av François 1er, av Montaigne and rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré. Younger designers have colonized the lower reaches of the latter street, between rue Cambon and rue des Pyramides. On the eastern side of the city , around the Marais, Canal St Martin and Bastille, the clothes, like the residents, are younger, cooler and more relaxed. Chic boutiques cluster on rue Charlot, rue du Poitou and rue Saintonge in the Haut Marais , and young, trendy designers and hippy outfits congregate on Bastille streets rue de Charonne and rue Keller. There’s also a good concentration of one-off designer boutiques around the foot of Montmartre – try rue des Martyrs, and the streets around rue des Trois-Frères. For more streetwise clothing, the area surrounding the Forum des Halles is a good place to browse; Rue Etienne Marcel and (pedestrianized) rue Tiquetonne are good for clothes with a young, urban edge.

Paris is one of Europe’s great centres for gay men, with the scene’s focal point in the Marais, the “pink triangle” around rue Sainte-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie. Lesbians have fewer dedicated addresses, but the community is becoming more energetic and visible.

The high spots of the festival calendar are the annual Marche des Fiertés LGBT, or gay pride march, which normally takes place on the last Saturday in June, and the Bastille Day Ball – open to all – held on the quai de Tournelle, 5e (M° Pont-Marie) on July 13. For information, check Têtu ( tetu.com ), France’s main gay monthly magazine.

Paris’s fame as the home of decadent, hedonistic nightlife has endured for centuries, and today the city has a vibrant bar and club scene and a world-class live music programme. World music and jazz are particularly strong, with gypsy jazz being very popular, but you’ll find everything from house and electro-lounge to home-grown indie rock and chanson .

Pariscope is the traditional first port of call for listings , and the online lylo.fr offers a pretty good run-down of gigs, searchable by genre. For more detail, try parisbouge.com and the arts and music magazine Nova ( novaplanet.com ). To find the latest club nights pick up flyers – or word-of-mouth tips – in the city’s trendier shops, music stores, bars and cafés.

Other than online, the best place to get tickets is Fnac ( fnac.com ) – there are branches in the Forum des Halles (Porte Pierre-Lescot, 1er; Mon–Sat 10am–8pm;M° Châtelet-Les Halles) and on the Champs-Élysées (74 av des Champs-Élysées, 8e; Mon–Sat 10am–11.45pm, Sun noon–11.45pm;M° Franklin-D.-Roosevelt). It can also be worth checking billetreduc.com for cut-price tickets at the more mainstream venues.

Paris’s history has conspired to create a sense of being apart from, and even superior to, the rest of the country. To this day, everything beyond the capital is known quite ordinarily as province – the provinces. Appropriately, the city’s first inhabitants, the Parisii , a Celtic tribe that arrived in around the third century BC, had their settlement on an island: Lutetia, probably today’s Île de la Cité. The Romans conquered the city two centuries later, and preferred the more familiar hilly ground of the Left Bank. Their city, also called Lutetia, grew up around the hill where the Panthéon stands today.

This hill, now known as the Montagne Ste-Geneviève, gets its name from Paris’s first patron saint, who, as legend has it, saved the town from the marauding army of Attila in 451 through her exemplary holiness. Fifty years later Geneviève converted another invader to Christianity: Clovis the Frank, the leader of a group of Germanic tribes, went on to make the city the capital of his kingdom. His newly founded Merovingian dynasty promptly fell apart under his son Childéric II.

Power only returned to Paris under Hugues Capet , the Count of Paris. He was elected king of France in 987, although at the time his territory amounted to little more than the Île de France, the region immediately surrounding Paris. From this shaky start French monarchs gradually extended their control over their feudal rivals, centralizing administrative, legal, financial and political power as they did so, until anyone seeking influence, publicity or credibility, in whatever field, had to be in Paris – which is still the case today. The city’s cultural influence grew alongside its university , which was formally established in 1215 and swiftly became the great European centre for scholastic learning.

The wars and plagues of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries left Paris half in ruins and more than half abandoned, but with royal encouragement, the city steadily recovered. During the Wars of Religion the capital remained staunchly Catholic, but Parisians’ loyalty to the throne was tested during the mid-seventeenth-century rebellions known as the Frondes, in which the young Louis XIV was forced to flee the city. Perhaps this traumatic experience lay behind the king’s decision, in 1670, to move the court to his vast new palace at Versailles . Paris suffered in the court’s absence, even as grand Baroque buildings were being thrown up in the capital.

Parisians, both as deputies to the Assembly and mobs of sans-culottes, were at the forefront of the Revolution , but many of the new citizens welcomed the return to order under Napoleon I. The emperor adorned the city with many of its signature monuments, Neoclassical almost-follies designed to amplify his majesty: the Arc de Triomphe, Arc du Carrousel and the Madeleine. He also instituted the Grandes Écoles, super-universities for the nation’s elite administrators, engineers and teachers. At the fall of the Empire, in 1814, Paris was saved from destruction by the arch-diplomat Talleyrand, who delivered the city to the Russians with hardly a shot fired. Nationalists grumbled that the occupation continued well into the Restoration regime, as the city once again became the playground of the rich of Europe, the ultimate tourist destination.

The greatest shocks to the fabric of the city came under Napoléon III. He finally completed the Louvre, rebuilding much of the facade in the process, but it was his Prefect of the Seine, Baron Haussmann , who truly transformed the city, smashing through the slums to create wide boulevards that could be easily controlled by rifle-toting troops – not that it succeeded in preventing the 1871 Commune , the most determined insurrection since 1789. It was down these large boulevards, lined with grey bourgeois residences, that Nazi troops paraded in June 1940, followed by the Allies, led by General Leclerc, in August 1944.

Although riotous street protests have been a feature of modern Parisian life – most famously in May 1968 , when students burst onto the streets of the Quartier Latin – the traditional barricade-builders have long since been booted into the depressing satellite towns, known as la banlieue, alongside the under-served populations of immigrants and their descendants. Integrating these communities, riven with poverty, unemployment and discontent, is one of the greatest challenges facing the city and is one that a new administrative entity, the Métropole du Grand Paris , incorporating some four million people from the immediate suburbs and due to come into effect in 2016–17, hopes to address. Meanwhile, the city’s Socialist and first woman mayor, Anne Hidalgo , is continuing the green policies of her popular predecessor, Bertrand Delanoë , creating a more cycle-friendly environment, and planning to reclaim for pedestrians more of the riverbank, as well as the city’s famous squares, place de la Bastille and place de la Nation. In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shootings in January 2015 – when seventeen people, including well-known journalists of the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, were shot dead by three self-confessed jihadists from the Paris area – the city experienced a renewed sense of unity and solidarity, which prompted the mayor to put the city forward as a candidate to host the Olympic Games in 2024.

Top image: Sainte Chapelle © Jan Willem van Hofwegen/Shutterstock

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Our 2024 Paris travel guide offers info for making the most of your vacation, including things to do, transportation tips, hotel recommendations, where to eat, and more. It also covers how to efficiently see the city–where to stay and step-by-step itineraries. ( Updated February 28, 2024 .)

Paris is a world capital of culture: everything from art to food to fashion to architecture, and much more, Paris does exceedingly well. Every day spent in Paris can feel like a poetic journey, and Hemingway’s description of Paris as a moveable feast is strikingly apt. In case it’s not already obvious, Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world. That might seem like the type of meaningless fluff that gets thrown into any guide about a place to make you feel better about visiting it.

That’s not the case here. Not that you care, but my three favorite cities in the world are Kyoto, Paris, and Los Angeles, in that order. I could spend the rest of my life in any of them, and there aren’t many other places about which I could say that. Even though Paris is “only” my second-favorite, it’s the most well-rounded of the three.

We’ve been visiting Paris for years, and we see and discover something new with each trip. An under the radar museum that is so impressive, we wonder how we missed it before. Postcard-perfect views of Eiffel Tower we somehow hadn’t seen before. And of course, boulangeries that are so good some might describe them as “life-changing.”

The point is that there’s no shortage of beauty, charm, history, and substance  to Paris that it has an undeniable and inexhaustible appeal. Paris is one of the most unique cities in the world. In all of our travels, I’ve never found anything else like Paris anywhere. I can understand and appreciate the idea that it’s not for everyone, but it’s unlike anywhere else in the world.

Anyone who lumps Paris together with London, New York, and other large cities is fundamentally misunderstanding them all.

The big thing you need to know as you’re planning a 2024 trip to Paris is that travel demand to Paris is  exploding  ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, which will occur in Paris from July 26 through August 11, 2024.

According to data collected by travel industry analytics firm  Sojern , flight bookings to Paris are up 125% for the period of the Olympic Games compared to the same travel period last year. Arrival dates vary, with the majority of travelers planning to leave Paris the day the Olympics end.

However, we’d caution against assuming that Paris will be “slow” in 2024 once the Olympics are over. For one thing, the broadcasts themselves are typically good for tourism (with the recent Tokyo Olympics being the exception, for obvious reasons), as they highlight the cities and what makes them special. As such, there’s usually a burst in bookings for the season after the Olympics–in this case, around the Christmas 2024 season.

For another thing, Europeans who are uninterested in the Olympics will likely  avoid  Paris during those two weeks of Summer 2024, visiting Paris before or after the Olympics to avoid those crowds. So it’ll essentially be a double-whammy from June through September 2024, with dedicated Olympics crowds during that timeframe and everyone else outside of that two-week window.

Paris has already proven hugely popular for the last year even without the Summer Olympics, as pent-up demand for international travelers fueling a major rebound, even in the face of economic woes. The Eiffel Tower drew 6.3 million visitors last year, surpassing its 2019 numbers.

Data also suggests that many Parisians are making plans to visit other parts of France during the Summer Olympics, a common ‘get out of town’ dynamic to avoid the “crowdpocalypse” conditions associated with the Games. Bookings from Parisians traveling to other parts of France are up 49% in late July through mid-August 2024, with destinations such as Lille, Nice, Corsica, Lyon and Toulouse among the most popular.

For those on the fence about planning a trip right now, we would not hesitate visiting Paris or France. In fact, we plan to return to both Paris and the Côte d’Azur (see our French Riviera Planning Guide   for more on that stunning region) in the not-too-distant future.

With that update out of the way, let’s get into the brass tacks of planning your visit…

When to Visit

Objectively, the best times of the year to visit Paris are the spring and fall, avoiding any major public holidays (such as Easter) that are celebrated in European countries. The upside to these times of year is that school is in session so there are fewer tourists, and the weather is quite pleasant as compared to the rest of the year.

We’ve found that the best months for a good balance of weather and crowds are March and October. If you go before March or after October, there’s the chance it’ll be chilly. If you go after March or before October, expect slightly higher crowds. (Personally, we’ve found the trade-off in crowds perfectly acceptable for later April, as it means nicer weather and flowers in bloom.)

Summer is the absolute worst time to visit, both for the hordes of tourists it brings to Paris and for the weather. In fact, we are now to the point where we are  not recommending people visit Europe from June until August , with few exceptions.

This is due entirely to the sweltering heat wave that have swept across Europe in each of the last few years. Heat and humidity have been oppressively and dangerously bad during the summer months. These are exacerbated by the fact that European cities are not designed to deal with the record-breaking temperatures.

Air conditioning is not common in buildings and homes across Europe, nor is it widespread on public transportation systems. In fact, fewer than 5% of all European households have been air-conditioned and many older hotels do not have air-conditioning.

Accordingly, if you are visiting Europe during these months, it’s imperative that you book at a hotel or Airbnb that advertises air-conditioning. You should also pack and dress accordingly (all of the style tips go out the window and comfort becomes king) so you can bear this weather.

Trust us–we went in mid-September last year when temperatures were only in the 80s, and stayed at a place without air-conditioning. We were so uncomfortable at night that we had to go out and buy a fan just so we could get a decent night’s sleep. And those temperatures were 15-20 degrees lower than the summer highs!

This unbearable weather coupled with long lines at popular points of interest and higher room rates make summer undesirable. If June, July, or August are the only months you have a school break, make sure you go in prepared…or simply plan a trip elsewhere.

My personal pick in terms of the best time to visit Paris is during the holiday season, around mid to late November. For obvious reasons, Paris does not celebrate American Thanksgiving, meaning that Christmas season tends to start earlier there. Parisian department stores unveil their elaborate (and sometimes puzzling) window display and put up trees by mid-November, and the Champ-Elysees is decked out for Christmas around the same time.

I love the energy and heightened sense of romanticism during Christmas-time in Paris, and the displays are also pretty neat. A potential downside is the weather, which is on the chillier side (it can snow in Paris). This does not bother me in the slightest, but reasonable minds may differ on that.

We have a separate post about Christmas in Paris that will give you an idea of the city’s beauty during the holiday season.

How Long to Visit?

As mentioned, we have been to Paris on six separate trips now, and still have not seen everything we’d like to see. Not even close. I’d estimate that we’ve seen less than half of what we’d like to see, but even that’s a moving target. As we dive-deeper into the city, we learn about new things, and add those to our list of future spots to visit. If anything, our list is growing longer, rather than shorter.

This is a roundabout way of saying that you should go for as many days as you can. That probably seems like a glib answer, but there is so much culture that you could spend a lifetime in Paris and never run out of things to do. I would love to spend a summer simply exploring Paris. The reality of things is that vacation time is finite, and travel is costly, so most people probably are looking at maybe one or two weeks.

My strong advice would be to try and spend 5-7 in Paris for your first visit. If you go for a full week, spend one of those days spent outside the city ( Versailles is unequivocally the most popular day trip ).

As Disney fans, we’re also big on Disneyland Paris (see our Disneyland Paris Planning Guide ), but obviously, this is not for everyone. If you are not a Disney enthusiast, it’s probably safe to skip the park. If you do go, we’d recommend focusing on Parc Disneyland, and skipping Walt Disney Studios Park, or only spending a few hours there.

Ideally, we would recommend spending 10-14 days in France, with a week of that time in Paris, and the additional time elsewhere in the country. In addition to Versailles, the nearby Loire Valley is an excellent place to visit. Although farther away, Normandy is a great region as well, and a spot we’re always quick to recommend because the rising tide at Mont Saint-Michel is one of the best travel experiences we’ve ever had anywhere .

The temptation when traveling abroad to Europe is to visit multiple countries, but we’d advise against this unless you have 10+ days to travel. One of the biggest mistakes we see people make is trying to do too much. In the process, they only have a superficial or cursory experience in each place and have to deal with the headaches that come with changing cities and hotels. If you only have a week, you probably do not have enough time to do London and Paris, and you certainly don’t have enough time to do three countries.

Remember, even though the countries of Europe are somewhat comparable to states within America spatially, none of these countries are the U.S. equivalent of Iowa or a ‘flyover state.’ Each is jam-packed with culture and amazing things to do. Moreover, as with transit between states, it takes time to travel between the countries of Europe. Expect to lose about a day in ‘commute time’ for each country you visit. An entire day lost on a week-long trip is a pretty steep cost to visit an additional country, especially when each individual place offers so much to see and do.

Getting There & Around

I’m going to assume that anyone reading this is flying to Europe from overseas, not a European driving to France (if you’re driving and looking for advice…try Google Maps, I guess?). I’m also going to assume you’re flying into Charles De Gaulle Airport, which is on the outskirts of Paris. At present, there are some stellar airfare deals from many cities in the United States to Paris. In fact, it’s often cheaper for us to fly from Los Angeles to Paris than it is to fly within the U.S.

As always, we recommend using  ITASoftware’s  flexible search to find the best deals on airfare, as well as using  fare alerts on Airfarewatchdog.com . You can set some parameters for the alerts here (although not as many as I’d like) and receive email updates when they deem prices to be low.

Once you arrive into CDG Airport, the most efficient and least expensive way to get into Paris is by taking the RER B city train leaving from either CDG Terminal 2 or Roissypole. The RER B train line runs north-south through the city-center of Paris, stopping first at Gare du Nord (the main station in Paris which also serves as the London to Paris Eurostar station), as well as a variety of other stations including Saint Michel/Nôtre Dame.

Within Paris, you’re less likely to be using the RER, which is primarily a commuter line that connects the city to the outlying suburbs. Since there are a few stops within Paris on the RER, on occasion it will be your best option, but mostly, you will only use the RER if you’re heading to the airports, Disneyland Paris, or somewhere else outside of the city.

Instead, you’ll primarily be using the Paris Metro. Out of the all of the mass transit systems we’ve used, I think the Paris Metro compares best to the London Underground or New York Subway. This is to say it’s older and feels its age, but is still fairly reliable and mostly safe. If you’re comparing it to the newer and cleaner transportation networks in Asian cities, it might leave something to be desired. The biggest upside to the Paris Metro is that some of the stations are themed. My favorite is Arts et Métiers, which has a Steampunk-inspired design.

The Paris Metro has around 300 stations, and you’re never more than 10 minutes from a station by foot. The Metro operates from around 5 a.m. until after midnight (in our experience, the last train is often packed), and has single use tickets costing around $2 US, as well as 1-day to 5-day Le Paris Viste passes for tourists. There are also unlimited travel passes valid on the Paris Metro and bus network, which require a foreign passport to purchase.

We’ve discovered that on occasion, the ticket readers do not work at the Metro turnstiles. This has happened on enough occasions to warrant mentioning, it was not simply a one-off type of scenario. In those situations, we first tried to find a staff-person to help, but failing that, we just pushed through the gates and kept our ticket should there later be an issue. I’m not sure whether this is technically “good” advice, but we witnessed the same occurring for others, and short of buying another ticket, this was the most common solution.

We do not recommend purchasing the day or unlimited passes, for a simple reason: part of the joy of Paris is walking the city. While the Paris Metro is efficient, over-reliance on it keeps you underground when you should be meandering Paris’ charming avenues and soaking up its romantic atmosphere. Unless you are taking 6 or more trips on the Metro per day (which is too many, in our opinion), these day passes are a losing proposition.

What we  do  recommend is purchasing the carnet of 10 tickets for from vending machines near the turnstiles in Me tro stations . This is simply a stack of individual tickets, and it’s sold at a discount as compared to the individual tickets. The big advantage, however, is that these carnets will save you trips to the ticket kiosks, which often have confused lines of tourists. These individual tickets can also be split among multiple people.

There are also some occasions when the bus will be the fastest form of transportation. We’ve found that this is rarely the case, but the buses in Paris are actually quite nice, so don’t make an effort to avoid them. We’ve never used the taxis in Paris, and likely never will if only because the combination of walking and the Metro has yet to let us down. We see no need to pay extra for a taxi.

Whatever you do, don’t rent a car for a trip to Paris. Even if you’re planning on making side-trips from Paris, try to find a way to make these trips via public transit, or rent a car on your way out of the city. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, renting a car from (and renting a car to) the airport is a pain. Lines are unnecessarily long, and move slowly. Second, the parking situation in Paris leaves a lot to be desired, and can be quite stressful.

On one of our trips, Paris was just a stop for a few days on a longer tour of France, Switzerland, and Germany. As such, we had a rental car for the duration of the trip. We had rented an Airbnb in a neighborhood down a quiet side street, and our host indicated that there was plenty of street parking. I’m guessing the host didn’t actually have a car because, while there were parking spaces, there weren’t empty ones.

For the entirety of our stay, we never once saw an empty parking spot anywhere near the building. I suspect France is a nation of Costanzas: once they get the good spot in front of the good building in the good neighborhood, they don’t move for weeks. I can imagine them fighting over a parking space:

Michel: “ Salut monsieur! You’re not getting that space. I mean, I’ll sleep in my car if I have to. Hon, Hon, Hon! ” Georges: “ I’ll die à l’extérieur! Hon, Hon, Hon! ”

Our first night, we spent nearly an hour hunting for a parking spot (accidentally driving through the Arc de Triomphe traffic circle twice ), and when we did finally locate one, it was a 20 minute walk from our Airbnb unit. Suffice to say, we never moved the car during the entirety of our stay in Paris that trip. It just sat there, “guarding” our spot.

Learning from our mistake, on the next multi-stop trip, we opted to not pick up our rental car until the end of our stay in Paris. We picked the car up from a huge underground facility at Gare du Nord Station right before we left the city. This was a much better idea, and relatively pain-free experience (aside from having to do three loops of Charles De Gaulle Airport to find the rental car return location!).

Where to Stay

When we visit Paris, we tend to do a split stay between Val d’Europe and the city of Paris itself. Val d’Europe is just outside of Paris, and is adjacent to Disneyland Paris, making it convenient for walking to those theme parks. In Paris itself, we’ve stayed in a variety of arrondissements.

Generally speaking, I prefer locations along the Seine or near the Champs-Élysées. While the entire city is charming and packed with worthwhile points of interest, we generally enjoy the 7th and 8th arrondissements the most. This isn’t to say you should totally disregard all other areas of Paris when looking for a place to stay. Just our specific preference.

We would stay–and have stayed–in other arrondissements as well. Pretty much anything in the city-center is a good option. I would personally avoid places along the perimeter of the city. There are trendy spots in areas like Montmartre, but the problem with that part of Paris is that you’re going to have a considerable commute to most other points of interest in Paris. By contrast, if you’re staying along the Seine, around half of the points of interest you might want to see will be within a 30 minute walk or even shorter RER ride.

If you’re considering a couple of nights at Disneyland Paris, Val d’Europe is a good option. The whole town is relatively new, having been master-planned in conjunction with Disney. It has a suburbia vibe to it, but with traditional French stylization. While it doesn’t have the same historical allure of the quaint villages in France, it has its own modern charm and is not too cookie cutter.

All of this is to say that the hotels of Val d’Europe are solid options if you don’t want to pay the insane prices of Disneyland Paris hotels. Generally, hotels in Val d’Europe can be booked for $75-150/night, which makes them a good budget option if you’re doing both Disneyland Paris and the city of Paris.

Beyond the general location, we’ve stayed in a mix of hotels and Airbnb rentals. On our last trip to France, we did a hotel because the price was depressed due to a decline in tourism. For a couple of years, it was possible to score nice hotels in Paris for under $150/night. In doing a quick search now, prices have risen quite a bit over the course of only a few months, and are back at their “normal” levels.

With hotel prices higher, we highly recommend Airbnb. We’ve used it several times in Europe, including a couple of times in Paris. It’s an inexpensive alternative to a hotel, and nice because it also allows you to live like a local, whether that means doing some laundry halfway through your trip or just going to the market to get fresh produce (and cheese…AND WINE!) to prepare you own meals.

Not to bury the lede, but the biggest upside to using Airbnb is price. The value proposition of renting your own apartment or flat is significantly greater than booking a hotel, and we typically rent apartments on Airbnb for less than half (normally far  less) than what we’d pay for a comparable hotel. Our best experience in Paris remains when we rented a flat near Victor Hugo Square, had a wonderful market right below us, and made some of our own meals with wonderful, fresh ingredients. It was just outside of the 7th arrondissement that we favor, but it was perfect.

In terms of hotels, you have a variety of options. Locally-run boutique hotels, major brands like Hilton and Hyatt (the top photo in this section is from our stay at the recently-refurbished Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile), and low-budget hostels. We haven’t stayed at enough of these for me to make any definitive recommendations about which ones are good or bad.

Aside from the weird high bathtubs and inexplicable lack of shower doors, we’ve had exceptional experiences at every hotel at which we’ve stayed in Paris. Outside of the city, you’re likely to find hotels that are more on the dated side, but we’ve yet to encounter the Paris equivalent of a shady motel.

Things to Do

Paris has so many things to do that a brief section in a planning guide is simply not going to do the topic justice. Heck, even if this were a 200-page book about Paris, we’d still just be scratching the surface. Instead of trying (and failing) to cover the topic in a comprehensive manner, we are more or less going to defer to a few of our other resources.

First, our Top 10 Things to Do in Paris post. That covers our favorites, and also waxes philosophic a bit on how to approach the city. Second, our 1-Day Paris, France Highlights Itinerary . We’ll soon have more multi-day itineraries in addition to this one, but it’ll give you a rough idea of what we consider the most important things/areas of Paris.

Finally, our  Paris Museum Pass: Is It Worth It?   post. Spoiler alert: the answer to that question is an unequivocal  yes , so the title there is a bit of a misnomer. Rather, that post focuses on how we’ve leveraged that pass for greater value, and also some advantages it offers. The great thing about buying this pass (we recommend purchasing at the airport upon arrival) is that it does a lot of the planning for you, helping narrow down an incredibly long list of points of interest to things on there.

During our most recent trip to France, we once again purchased the Paris Museum Pass (4-day version, this time) and we once again loved it. We’ve now done almost every point of interest that’s available via the Paris Museum Pass, and will soon write a few more posts covering the best ways to maximize its value.

Suffice to say, we’re huge fans of this, and recommend getting this pass–but also not limiting yourself solely to places on the Paris Museum Pass. There are some incredible, less-popular gems that are not included on the Paris Museum Pass.

Finally, our posts about Paris, France . We’ve yet to write about everything we’ve done in Paris, but we’re working on it. Those break-0ut posts offer photos, deeper insight, and strategic tips for particular points of interest. They’re helpful resources if you want a better look at a particular attraction or point of interest that you’re considering.

One thing that I’d caution against is a mentality that you must see it all or do X number of things on your first visit to Paris. This type of approach not only sets yourself up for failure (as it’s literally impossible to see it all), but sort of misses the point of Paris. There are some places where I can get behind the notion that doing as much as possible is a good plan.

Paris, on the other hand, should be sipped like a fine French wine. So much of the experience is simply being there, soaking up the romanticism of the city. What makes Paris a special place is not the fact that it has this museum, that monument, or some shopping mall. What makes Paris special is the culmination of this all. The place oozes culture, and every moment spent savoring the city is a moment well-spent.

Places like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sacré-Cœur, Musée d’Orsay, etc., are all great. They’re some of the most interesting and enjoyable places we’ve visited anywhere in the world. However, I would not say that any of these are definitive, make-or-break points of interest. You can skip any–or all–of them and still have an exceptional trip.

The underlying point is to discourage you from approaching Paris checklist-style, trying to do as much as you can. Doing things is great, and you’ll likely do plenty, but if you’re racing around the entire time, you will miss the greatest thing to do in Paris: experience  Paris.

Where to Eat

Whatever you’ve heard about the dining scene in Paris, it’s true. All of it. In culinary terms, Paris is the greatest city on earth. Better than New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, etc. Some of the best meals we’ve ever had, we’ve had in Paris.

With that said, I’m far from qualified to offer dining advice for Paris. Typically, we consult a mix of the Eater Guide to Paris and Infatuation’s Where to Eat & Drink in Paris Guide when trying to determine where to eat. These resources are a lot more comprehensive than anything I can offer.

Instead, I’ll offer some random notes and observations. First, dining in Paris is not nearly as expensive as you might expect. To be sure, it  can  be incredibly expensive, but the price you see on the menu is the price you pay. Tipping is not customary in France (although you can leave a small amount on the table for exceptional service) and a lot of very good meals can be had for less than $25 per person, excluding wine. Naturally, wine brings up the cost considerably…as can coffee or bottled soda.

Speaking of which, ordering tap water in France is not particularly common, and has not become incredibly prevalent until recently. Some servers are still somewhat stubborn about it, but they will bring you water (by the carafe) upon request. We seldom drink alcohol or soda when traveling, and we’ve noticed some servers in Paris are not particularly keen on this–despite it now being the law.

As a result, we typically avoid restaurants that have a clear emphasis on wine–no reason to feel out of place or be rude to the establishment if they are anticipating every table ordering wine.

If you’re intimidated by the fancy dining scene in Paris, then consider boulangeries your friend. Well, to be fair, even if you are not intimidated by table service restaurants, these are your friend. If you visit Paris without eating at a boulangerie or pâtisserie, have you really visited Paris? These are the existential questions of our time.

Paris is practically defined by the bakeries and pastry shops that dot nearly every block, they were the Starbucks of Paris before Starbucks was cool (and with infinitely better baked goods). Simply put, they are a necessity of a visit to France.

While the eye-catching items like the St. Honoré and macarons will undoubtedly catch your attention (and are must-try items), don’t overlook the tried and true baguette, as well as the croissant (pro tip: go for the extra-buttery  croissant au beurre ). We’d recommend visiting a boulangerie every day for their lunch specials; the earlier the better as popular items often sell out.

If you’re staying in an Airbnb, we’d also recommend visiting grocery stores or supermarkets. From a value perspective, our absolute favorite is Carrefour. As the above Metro station advertisement illustrates, it’s significantly cheaper than its competitors. We’d liken it to Aldi…if Aldi had insanely good cheese and meat at bargain prices.

The best restaurant at which we’ve dined in Paris is Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie . I mention this not because I think it’s a must do (although our meal here incredible ), but to underscore the point about affordability, and also broach another topic: foie gras.

Foie gras is the specialty of this restaurant, and it’s incorporated into a number of dishes. Foie gras is controversial, and something you’ll seldom encounter in the United States due to that (and local laws). By contrast, it is everywhere in France. Whether you want to partake is a personal question, but you should be aware of its prevalence.

The only other thing I’d recommend is avoiding familiar chains. McDonald’s and Starbucks are all over the place in Paris, and are quite popular. While we often find ourselves stopping in these spots elsewhere when traveling internationally for a quick, cheap meal when necessity dictates, I’d strong advise against this in France. The food is just so good, and you can find plenty of quick, inexpensive local options that are worlds better than American fast food chains.

What to Pack

One thing you will need for any trip to France is a voltage converter. We highly recommend this BESTEK Portable Travel Converter with multiple outlets. You can find cheaper ones, but they will be larger, heavier, and take up valuable real estate in your suitcase.

When packing, also keep in mind that Paris has legitimate winters, complete with snow and all. If you’re visiting any time from October through March, you should pack for cooler weather.

In general, we would caution against overpacking. This is especially true if you’re doing more in Europe than just Paris. You will do a lot of walking, riding the rail, etc., and you really don’t want to be encumbered by excess baggage. Don’t pack things “just in case.” Paris is a world city; you can just about anything you might need there. It’s better to under-pack than to overpack in my opinion.

You can read more of our “carry-on philosophy” and which types of bags we use here . Seriously, this is really critical if you’re going to spend time on the rails or walking through Europe. So much easier than dragging around a ton of luggage!

As for visiting other locations in Europe, we recommend consulting a dedicated guide to Europe, such as Rick Steves’ Best of Europe ,  for planning. For Paris, specifically, we highly recommend Rick Steves’ Paris . We are big fans of his TV show and think he has the best guides on Europe, so wherever you go in Europe, we’d probably recommend picking up one of his guides for that destination.

Other Wisdom

This is probably the most important section of the guide, despite it being buried at the bottom. Oh well, if you’re making the effort to travel to France, hopefully you’ve also made the effort to read to the bottom of the post.

While Paris is a world city and the vast majority of people you’ll encounter can speak some amount of English, a good practice is to begin any conversation in French by saying, “ Je ne parle pas français .  Parlez – vous anglais ?” (“I do not speak French. Do you speak English?”)

Just as many Americans probably might give a pretty rude reply if someone came up to them and asked a question in Mandarin, the French don’t take kindly to visitors who don’t make an effort.

This is evident in another regard: attire. No, you don’t have to look like you just stepped off the runway nor do you have to wear only the trendiest couture. What you should do is avoid looking like you just got done working out or have an outfit that’s sloppily put-together. This can be a pretty significant departure from daily life for a lot of Americans. This is not to say the French aren’t dressed-down quite often, but they always look sharp, even in casual attire.

Here’s a partial list of things you won’t see in Paris (except on tourists): Uggs, Crocs, yoga pants, gym shorts, novelty shirts with ‘clever’ text, cargo shorts, American flag attire, trucker hats, or anything camouflage. You might think it’s superficial for Parisians to judge people based upon what they’re wearing, and you’re certainly entitled to that opinion. It doesn’t change the fact that you’ll be treated better if you look nicer.

In fact, doing these two relatively simple things will typically imbue your interactions with a much warmer quality and make a significant difference in the overall quality of your trip. We hear so many Americans complain that the French are rude, and aside from a few one-off encounters, we’ve never experienced anything remotely like that.

Next, it should come as no surprise that France does not use the US dollar as a currency. While you can order Euros from your bank prior to your trip (which is a good idea as a safety net), the best option is withdrawing Euro directly from an ATM in France. You’ll get the best exchange rate this way, and while you might pay a nominal fee, that’s usually more than offset by the rate.

Avoid currency exchange spots–and this advice goes for any foreign country. Either order currency in advance or use an ATM upon arrival. Just be sure that your debit card will work internationally. It’s also a good idea to call your bank in advance to alert them that you will be traveling internationally, so that your account is not frozen as a potential fraud risk. (This happens often.)

Ideally, having a chipped credit card and paying with that is the best way to go. Chip and signature credit cards are becoming increasing standard in the United States, and these will work throughout Europe. Chip-and-pin credit cards have long been the standard there, but European merchants are becoming increasingly familiar with the chip and signature standard.

Chipped credit cards make international travel a breeze because they largely eliminate the need to deal in cash (besides from street vendors and other “older” retailers that don’t accept cash). We use chipped credit cards for 95% or more of all foreign transactions. As with your debit card, make sure that there’s no foreign transaction fee on your credit card before doing this.

If you’re sensitive to cigarette smoke, Paris might not be for you. Smoking is much more prevalent, and it remains common in places where it wouldn’t be acceptable to smoke in the United States. Moreover, many of these spots lack non-smoking sections.

It does seem like the tides are changing in this regard, and smoking is not allowed in some touristy spots, but it’s still quite common. This is most noticeable at restaurants, but on the plus side, many cafes are open air and outdoors, so unless you’re seated adjacent to someone who is smoking, it might not impact you.

If you don’t have an international data plan or a MiFi device, it’s worth knowing where you can find free WiFi. Wireless internet is available in most fast food restaurants–places like Starbucks and McDonald’s. Your hotel or Airbnb will likely offer free WiFi, as well. Don’t expect to find WiFi in cafes or nicer restaurants. It is available in some, but I wouldn’t say it’s widespread.

I know this just begins to scratch the surface of planning for a trip to Paris. My goal was to not make it so long that it’s intimidating…and it’s already pretty long. I update this guide on a regular basis based on things we learn in subsequent visits to France, and other changes that occur, so rest assured that the information here is current.

If you enjoyed our Paris, France Trip Planning Guide or found it useful, we’d greatly appreciate it if you’d leave a comment below and/or share this post on social media via the sharing buttons below. We’ve put a  lot  of work into this guide, so we’d love for as many people to be able to use it as possible. Thank you so much for your support! 

Your Thoughts

Have you been to Paris? What did you think? Planning and trip and have questions? If you’re a Parisian or European and you have tips of your own, please add them in the comments. (I might just borrow them for the guide itself.) Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts!

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Nice informative article and keep up the good work……

You clearly put a lot of work into building and managing this platform, and I would like to thank you for establishing an online community where people who are interested in learning more, like myself, can locate trustworthy solutions to problems and queries.

This is the page that impressed me the most that I have visited, the beautiful description and the page is made in a way that is useful to benefit others without being stingy. Really beautiful page others will look at you with envy so beautiful is this page and its description. Thank you for sharing your knowledge for others. Time spent on this page is never wasted. Very nice presentation, very nice pictures. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

Many thanks for these good travel tips when for those who are going to Paris. Another nice suggestion is the obervation deck at Tour Montparnasse, which will give you a great view over the city. Perhaps is our online route planner useful as well when using the metro in Paris: https://www.metrocazar.com/paris/

I recommend using a “Bank” ATM and not one of those 3rd party ATMs (like the ones at the airport.) I was charged no ATM fee at all using a Postal Bank ATM, and my understanding is that this would be the same at many “real” Bank ATMs in France.

Love this post – I always forget that you have this alternate website! We are headed to Paris in August (I know terrible time of year but high schoolers make it tough!). We actually booked the Hyatt Etoile and I wondered if you remember how the air conditioning worked?! I know it is a silly question but overheating at night can ruin a trip!

I was just there last week—there is a thermostat you can adjust, but you can’t set a temperature, you can just set it to “warmer” or “colder”

I’m currently in France for the month on our 10th visit. I have family here and we usually come at least once a year, but this is our first time back since COVID. There are no longer any restrictions on having vaccine passports to enter any place or on public transportation. No masks needed anywhere either. Things are completely back to normal. We entered France on June 1 and they still required our vaccine cards, 2 main shots and a booster (foster has to have been received at least 7 days before entering France) to be considered fully vaccinated and to enter the country. This does not apply to children (we have a 2 and 5 year old with us) or for teenagers (up to 17) with a fully vaccinated adult. My 17 year old got her booster the day before we traveled just in case, but it didn’t matter. We completed all that paperwork via Lufthansa two days before travel. It was easy.

The US is still requiring a a negative COVID test to return home however. For those traveling to France this summer, you can get one for 20€ at most pharmacies. Takes about 20 min. Just walk in and bring your passport with you. Just ask for a COVID test for travel, not a specific kind—they know which one you need. The EU has a standard antigen test with a QR code that will be printed on your results. Your airline will want you to scan that when you check in online. It’s super easy.

I would like to add a couple additions to the tips for traveling in France. The first thing you should ever say to anyone is “Bonjour.” You should be the first person to say Bonjour when entering a store (do not wait to be greeted by the shop keeper), walking up to a host at a restaurant, or walking up to someone to ask them a question. You can then tell them you do not speak French. The French consider skipping this step extremely rude. Oh and always S’il vous plaît when asking for something. Hello and thank you go a very long way for those who can’t speak the language.

As for water in France, it is the law that a server must serve you “une cafe d’eau” ( a carafe of water) if asked. This will be tap water and free. So no one should ever be afraid to ask for it. You could also do as the French and get sparkling water or bottled water, but it will cost as much as the house wine (though wine is sooo cheap in almost all of Europe!) You will find in the South of France during the summer that a lot of restaurants, brasseries, and cafes will automatically give you a carafe when it is a blazing 97 degrees out. But never expect a ice cubes in it, and don’t ask for them. Tap water is just not a thing that the French typically drink, even at home. My cousin just about fell over when my husband first filled up his water bottle at her sink 10 years ago. He thought there was something wrong with the water based on her reaction. She said, it’s safe, but she had bought Evian water for us to drink like normal people. Lol. We still fill up our water bottles at the sink to this day and she just shakes her head. Lol!

On the topics of cell phones…There isn’t a need for SIM or portable WiFi devices anymore really. Every major US provider offers international roaming plans that are quite inexpensive. I have T-Mobile and I can roam for free in 160 countries. I get free texts, data (they say up to 2G, but I’m usually cruising on 3G) and calls are .25 a min. Or you can purchase a 4G roaming plan with 15GB worth of data and free calls for $50 for a 30 day period or $5 a day. I started getting the upgraded plan on 2019. Worth every penny. I haven’t used a SIM card in 9 years, ever since switching to T-Mobile.

I hope you and Sarah make it back over here this year. It feels really amazing to be back visiting and traveling!

Thank you for sharing. Very helpful as I plan my first trip.

Tom, we follow your WDW blog religiously. Had no idea you have a French Blog. Your guide on Paris is fabulous. Thank you so much. As with all your writings, everything is well-written and easy to understand. Thank you both again. Christina

Tom, I have read and used the valuable information on the Disney Tourist Blog for years. I am delighted to have your guides available for our upcoming trip to France. We plan to spend 6 days in Paris, 3 days in the Loire Valley, and end with a 1 day visit to Disneyland Paris. Thank you for all of the advice. Wishing you and the lovely Sarah well.

Thank you for all the tips, recommendations and helpful information. You have made planning our trip so much easier!

Excellent information! Fingers crossed we’ll be able to go this March.

Tom, this is my first ever post as a long time reader of the Disney Tourist Blog since 2017. My wife is currently in Paris with my teenage daughter, but I couldn’t travel because of my job (I’m in the Army at Fort Bragg, NC). My wife is SO thankful for your suggestion to purchase the mifi puck. The only challenge was that numerous stores with SIM cards were closed do to COVID (including the stores in the airport), but she eventually found a store that had one on her 2nd day.

Thank you for your extensive and detailed work. Fingers crossed for me to be able to go on the next trip!

What a great post and information. These tips and idea you shared is really great. Thank you so much for sharing this post. I really appreciate because there are only a very few people do such type of work what you are doing Read more if you have time

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary

Last updated: December 16, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 107 Comments

Thinking about spending 3 days in Paris? Great choice! We think that’s the perfect amount of time to spend in one of our favourite European cities, giving you the chance to see many of the top sights and attractions and really get a feel for the city.

Of course, if you have longer, that’s even better, but three days in Paris is certainly enough to see a lot, and works well either as a long weekend, or as part of a longer Europe trip itinerary like this .

To help you with your planning, we’re going to share with you everything we think you need to know to spend three days in Paris. We’re going to give you a suggested itinerary, tips for getting around, advice on where to stay in Paris, our thoughts on when is best to visit and even some suggested ways to save money in Paris.

Let’s get started!

3 Day Paris Itinerary

This three-day Paris itinerary has you hitting all the major sites and attractions in the city. Naturally we suggest you use this as a guide, and add to or remove from it as necessary.

We also suggest you check the opening times and days for each attraction. For example, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, so depending on when your trip to Paris is, you might need to re-order the days to get everything in.

Paris Itinerary:  Day 1

Eiffel tower.

What better way to start off your trip to Paris than with a visit to the Eiffel Tower . This is without doubt the most iconic landmark in Paris (if not France!), and a visit here is a must for any visit to Paris. When we visit Paris, we always visit at least once, and every time we are amazed at the sheer scale of this beautiful building.

There are a number of ways to enjoy the Eiffel Tower. First, you can just enjoy the views of the tower, which we think are particularly good from the Trocadero Gardens across the river, or the Champ de Mars gardens behind the Tower.

You can also go up inside the Eiffel Tower to one of the different floors, for expansive views of the city. We do like the experience of going up inside, but we don’t think it offers the best view of the city – because the view from inside the Eiffel Tower is missing the most famous part of the skyline – the Eiffel Tower itself!

Still, if this is your first visit to Paris, we highly recommend the experience. We do suggest that if you want to go up the Eiffel Tower, that you book your tickets in advance from the official website . The queues here for tickets can be very long, and with a pre-booked ticket you can skip the wait.

Alternatively, if you are feeling fit, you can also take the stairs up to the first level. There is not usually a very long queue for the stairs, which have their own ticket line, and it is also slightly cheaper. See our guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower to help you plan your visit.

There are other options for visiting as well. A guided climb of the Eiffel Tower is included on the Paris Pass . This runs in the middle of the day, so if you want to take advantage of this, you will likely want to switch the Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise around in this itinerary. It’s also included on the Paris City Card , with a choice of timeslots.

Finally, this tour includes a guided visit (with elevator) to the second floor with the option to visit the summit if you want. It also includes free cancellation, which the official ticket does not.

Seine River Cruise

Another must-do experience in Paris is a river cruise on the Seine. This is a very popular activity, with multiple operators offering cruises up and down the river.

We’ve actually written a post about the various Seine River sightseeing cruise options which goes through the majority of the operators. If you’d prefer a dinner cruise, check out our guide to the best Seine River dinner cruises .

We can definitely recommend the Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise . These depart from just next to the Eiffel Tower, so fit in nicely with this itinerary, and they are included for free if you pick up a Paris Pass or a Paris City Card .

The cruise takes in all the highlights from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame, and there’s commentary included. So sit back, relax, and let the scenery roll by.

Hop on Hop off Bus

Talking of sitting back and relaxing, we find that a great way to get oriented in a new city and get an idea of the sights we want to see is to take a Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus tour.

Paris is no exception to this rule, and you can pick up a HOHO bus in Paris from right next to the Eiffel Tower, which will then take you around Paris’s key attractions.

There are multiple operators running different routes around the city. If you pick up a Paris Pass, it includes a 1 Day Big Bus Tour . We took this tour and enjoyed it – it’s both an easy way to get around the city, plus you can learn about many of the sights as you go.

However there are a few different HOHO options in Paris, so pick the one that works for you!

Paris Walking Tour

All this sitting around on buses and boats is great for getting oriented, but at some point you’re going to need to put your feet on the pavement! Paris is a wonderful city to explore on foot, and a guided walking tour is an excellent way to do that.

We think that if you are going to do a walking tour in a city, the first day is the best, as you can ask your guide for local recommendations such as their favourite places to eat or get a coffee, as well as get suggestions for hidden gems you might not find in the guidebooks.

There are lots of operators offering tours in Paris. We’ve taken a number of walking tours with Context Travel , and have always loved their detailed tours. They have a number of tours available in Paris, and you get 10% off with this link . We particularly enjoyed their Hemingway themed walking tour of Paris.

We also love Take Walks walking tours, and they have recently launched a number of Paris Tours . For example, they have a full day Paris tour , although this would require you to significantly alter this itinerary.

If you have a Paris Pass, it comes with a choice of free walking tours , which is worth looking into.

Tour Montparnasse

Last on our list for your first day in Paris is a trip up the Tour Montparnasse . I recommend this to everyone going to Paris, as it is, in my opinion at least, the location with the best view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.

This is particularly the case at sunset, so if you can time your visit for sunset, you will get to witness a wonderful sunset across the Eiffel Tower, and then watch the city lights come to life.

The observation level is across two levels, one is inside and one is outside. The outside area is surrounded by glass, but there are cutouts so you can get reflection-free shots of the view. You can also bring a tripod up here! No wonder therefore that it’s on my list of favourite Paris photography locations .

There’s a fee to go up Tour Montparnasse, but it’s free for holders of the Paris Pass . You can also buy individual tickets online in advance  here .

Paris Itinerary:  Day 2

Our second day in Paris takes in some more iconic sites including some of Paris’s most famous museums and churches. It’s quite a full day, so do feel free to edit the itinerary to suit your particular interests, pace and needs!

Sainte Chapelle

It took me multiple visits to Paris before I finally made it to Sainte Chapelle . Now I urge everyone to make it a priority on their trip to Paris!

This is a relatively small chapel that is not too far from Notre Dame, but the interior, which consists of almost floor to ceiling stained glass, is absolutely outstanding. It will definitely take your breath away.

The 13th century Saint Chapelle is quite popular, and the small size and mandatory security checks mean that the line to get in can be long. This is why I have put it on my list as the first thing for your second day in Paris – you want to get here early, ideally get in line ten – fifteen minutes before the opening time. After all, no-one wants to spend their time standing in lines.

There’s a fee to enter Saint Chapelle, which is free to holders of the Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass .

You can also buy tickets online in advance here , which is highly recommended as it can get busy here. There’s also a combination ticket for Sainte Chapelle and the nearby Conciergerie here , which is worth visiting.

No more than ten minutes’ walk from Sainte Chapelle is Paris’s most famous religious building, known for her flying buttresses, twin towers and, of course, hunchback resident.

You will definitely see two out of those three when you visit Notre Dame , the major Catholic cathedral in Paris. Construction of this magnificent building took nearly two hundred years, and was completed in 1345.

Unfortunately, on April 15th 2019 a devastating fire seriously damaged Notre Dame. The cathedral will be closed for the foreseeable future as a result of this tragic incident.

We certainly think it is worth visiting the facade, but as you can’t go inside at the moment, you might wish to visit another nearby attraction like the Conciergerie (where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned) as well. You can get a combined ticket for that and Sainte Chapelle here

Musee d’Orsay

If you like museums, Paris has definitely gotten you covered. Our next stop is the Musee d’Orsay , but before you get here, you’re going to take a walk along Paris’s iconic left bank, from Notre Dame to the Musee d’Orsay. This isn’t too far, but you’ll see the booksellers and get a feel for this part of town.

Paris’s museums are quite logically set up, with three main art museums covering three distinct time periods.

The Musee d’Orsay, first on our list, covers art dating from the middle of the 19th century up to the early 20th century, and is home to masterpieces from the likes of Duchamp, Kandinsky and Picasso, to name but a few.

The Louvre (see below), covers the time period before this, whilst the Centre Pompidou covers the time period afterwards, right up to the modern day. The Centre Pompidou isn’t on this itinerary, but you could fit it in if you wanted to of course!

The Musee d’Orsay is absolutely stunning. It’s set in what was once one of Paris’s main train stations, and the grand central atrium is gorgeous – almost worth visiting in of itself.

There’s a fee to get in here, but holders of the Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass get free entry as well as skip the line privileges.

You can also buy tickets and tours online in advance here or on the official site here .

If you only visit one museum in Paris, I can highly recommend making it the Louvre . This is one of the world’s most famous museums, and is home to an incredible collection of art, including Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, to name but a few.

Obviously, seeing the Mona Lisa is on the wishlist for many visitors, but this museum, which covers art from ancient times up to the middle of the 19th century, has obviously got a great deal more to offer. True art lovers could lose themselves for days in the vast collection here!

Of course, if that’s you, you are welcome to do the same, although for the purposes of this itinerary we’d probably recommend you try and limit your time to two to three hours so you can fit more of Paris in.

We’d also highly recommend that you pick up either a Paris Pass , Paris City Card or a Paris Museum Pass , which will give you fast-track access to the Louvre.

Note that in the busy times, which tend to be the summer periods especially, the Louvre gets very busy. In summer 2019, there were multiple days when the museum actually sold out, and only holders of advance purchase tickets or timed reservations were able to enter the museum.

If you have a Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass , you must reserve your entry online on the official website . This is mandatory for holders of these passes in order to guarantee entry, and we highly recommend you do this in advance. If you do not reserve your slot in advance, you are not guaranteed entry even with the pass.

If you have a Paris City Card , you’ll book the timeslot you want when you book the card.

If you do not have a pass, you can buy your ticket and reserve your entry time either on GetYourGuide here (where we normally get our tickets), or online on the official website here . We’ve sometimes found that GetYourGuide has availability even when the official site is out, so it’s always worth checking if you want to visit and can’t find tickets on the official site.

Whichever ticket you buy, you will still have to queue for security, but the line for people with tickets is a lot quicker moving than the general admission line. In addition, when the Louvre sells out on its official website, tickets will usually not be sold on site, so you may not be able to just turn up and queue – only holders of advance tickets will be given entry.

Note the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. See opening times and more on the official site here .

Wine tasting

When you think of France, a few things likely come to mind, and I suspect that wine is likely one of them. So why not take a break from the sight-seeing and museums, and indulge in a little wine tasting.

Conveniently located just by the Louvre Museum, the Caves du Louvre  is a wine-tasting experience which will guide you through the French wine making process and introduce you to a number of different French wines. Which you get to drink.

The tour is set in an actual 18th century wine cellar which originally housed the wine collection of the French King. Not a bad setting to learn about French wine we think!

There’s a fee for the tour (which includes the wine tasting), and it is included for holders of the Paris Pass. You can also book it separately here .

If you aren’t into wine tasting, there are a number of nearby cafes and restaurants where you can refresh and revive.

We can recommend afternoon tea at Le Meurice , the Ritz or the Hotel de Crillon if you like afternoon tea (see our guide to the best afternoon tea in Paris if so).

For a shorter and less expensive experience, the hot chocolate at Angelina Cafe is also superb.

Arc de Triomphe

We’re going to finish off the second day of our three-day Paris itinerary with a visit to the Arc de Triomphe , another of Paris’s iconic landmarks. From the Louvre you can either take public transport here, or you can walk up the Champs Elysees, Paris’s most famous shopping street.

The Arc de Triomphe, built in memory of those who died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, is wonderfully photogenic.

From the top you get an excellent view of the city, which includes the roads spanning out into the distance and the Eiffel Tower.

As you journey up into the monument, you will also come to a museum which details some of its history. Below the monument, you will also find the tomb of the unknown soldier.

To get to the Arc de Triomphe, don’t try and cross the traffic roundabout. Head to one of the underpasses, and cross in safety.

Going up inside the Arc de Triomphe carries a fee, holders of the Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass get free access with skip the line privileges.

You can also book a ticket online in advance here , which is worth doing as the lines can get quite long.

Paris Itinerary:  Day 3

On the last day of our 3 day Paris itinerary we’re heading out of the city centre to take in one of Paris’s most famous Royal Palaces. We’re also including some extra sights in the city at the end if you can tear yourself away.

The really nice thing about having 3 days in Paris is that you have the flexibility to go a little further out of the centre. My suggestion for your third day is to visit Versailles , the incredible palace that was the seat of French political power and home to French Royalty, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

To truly appreciate Versailles, I would suggest allocating at least half a day of your third day in Paris, if not more. There is easily enough to see here to fill an entire day, which is why we don’t recommend coming here on our two day Paris itinerary .

We suggest starting off by touring the Palace. You’ll want to get here for opening time, as this is a really popular tourist attraction and it gets busier as the day goes on. Once you have toured the Palace and seen such highlights as the incredible Hall of Mirrors and the Kings Grand Apartments, you can head outside, where there is a great deal more to see.

A walk in the incredible (and vast!) gardens is a must. We particularity enjoyed heading over to Marie Antoinette’s estate, which is a slightly quieter part of the gardens, and home to a small model farm, tucked away temples, and walking paths.

It’s very easy to spend a whole day exploring Versailles and the grounds, and don’t feel bad if you do, it’s totally worth it.

Visiting Versailles is quite easy, you can get a train (RER C) from central Paris to the Gare de Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche, and from the train station to the Palace it is a well sign-posted ten minute walk.

Fast-track entry to the Palace, Gardens and other Versailles attractions is included on the Paris Museum Pass – although you will still need to join the security line. You can also book tickets online here , or book a guided tour online here .

If you manage to tear yourself away from Versailles, my suggestion for finishing off your last day in Paris is to head to the Montmartre region. This is home to a large hill, atop which sits the glorious Sacre Coeur de Montmartre, another of Paris’s iconic buildings.

This area of Paris was particularly famous as being home to artists, and folks like Dali, Picasso and Hemingway all either lived or frequented this area.

It’s still popular with artists, and the Place du Teatre is the place in Montmartre is the place to go to get your portrait or caricature painted. Fans of Dali will also want to visit the Dali Exhibition , home of the largest collection of works by Dali in France.

Montmartre is a maze of cute little streets, cafes and shops. The Basilica is free to visit, if you get here in time, although there is a small fee if you want to climb the tower.

Montmartre is also a popular place to watch the sunset across the city, and what better way to finish your 3 days in Paris than by watching the sun set across this magical city from atop Montmartre?

3 Days in Paris Itinerary Map

To help you visualise our 3-day Paris itinerary we’ve put together this helpful map which shows the attractions for each day. You can access this on Google Maps here .

3 Days in Paris Itinerary Overview

Here’s a quick day by day breakdown of all the sights this itinerary covers:

• Day 1 : Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise, Hop on Hop off Bus, Paris Walking Tour, Tour Montparnasse
• Day 2 : Sainte Chapelle, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, The Louvre, Wine tasting, Arc de Triomphe
• Day 3: Versailles, Montmartre

Where to Stay in Paris

As you would expect from a major European capital city, Paris has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. We’ve stayed in a variety of places, from hotels to homestays to apartments.

Ideally you want to be fairly central if you can, to minimise your travel time. Our suggestion is to take a look at the listings for Paris on booking.com . They’re our favourite booking engine when we travel, usually giving us the best choice and the best prices. They also have everything from apartments and hostels to high end hotels. Here are some options we suggest, depending on your budget.

• Hotel Dress Code & Spa , a highly reviewed centrally located 4 star hotel right a few hundred yards from the opera house
• Hôtel Eiffel Turenne , a well rated 3* hotel within a ten minute walk of the Eiffel Tower
• Ateliers de Montmartre , an apartment in Montmartre with views of the Sacre Coeur
• The People – Paris Marais , a well-reviewed hostel in the Marais, one of our favourite parts of Paris to stay
• Hotel le Compostelle , a highly rated 3* hotel centrally located near the Louvre Museum

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, including a beautiful apartment in Paris with spectacular Eiffel Tower views. See their listings for Paris here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the  best alternatives to AirBnB  which you should check out!

We also have a page full of travel resources, which includes our tips for getting the best deals on accommodation, which you can find  here .

When to Visit Paris

We’re actually happy to visit Paris at pretty much any time of year, and this Paris itinerary would work at any time of year.

Summer brings sunshine and warmth, although of course the city is a lot busier at this time of year, so if crowds aren’t your thing, you might want to skip the summer months.

We also love Fall and Spring in the city, when the temperatures are a bit cooler and the crowds less. In the run up to Christmas, the city is beautifully decorated and some of the stores in particular are worth visiting just to see the elaborate decorations they put up. After Christmas the city is a lot quieter, and of course temperatures are at their lowest.

Ultimately, we think Paris is worth visiting whenever you can, so just decide how busy you can handle, and if you’d prefer it to be warm or cold, and go from there!

How to Get to and From Paris

As the capital of France, Paris has multiple options for visitors looking to visit. There are three major airports in Paris. Charles de Gaulle is the main airport for international arrivals, with Paris Orly being the second most popular international airport. Both of these airports are easily reachable by public transport from the city centre.

Paris Beauvais-Tille airport is where you will likely arrive if you are flying with a budget airline. This is some way out of the city centre, but regular shuttle buses are available to take you into the city.

Paris is also connected to the high-speed French and European rail network, and there are a number of train stations in central Paris. You can even travel from the UK by train, taking the channel tunnel to do so. See our guide to getting from London to Paris for more suggested options.

Finally, of course, you can reach Paris by car from France and the rest of Europe. Our advice would be to park your car in a secure long stay car-park on the outskirts of Paris and take public transport to the centre.

We recommend against driving in the city centre, as public transport is cheap and fast, and a lot easier than stressing about driving around the crowded city streets, and trying to find a parking space.

How to Get Around Paris

Paris has an excellent public transport network, and in particular the Paris Metro system is really good, getting you around all the major parts of the city at minimum cost. There’s also a good bus network, as well as local trains.

For public transport, you can purchase t+ tickets which allow for one-off travel on the Paris bus, RER trains and metros. These are available at train and metro stations using the ticket machines. These machines accept both credit cards and cash, and can be configured for English language.

Each ticket can be used for a single journey of up to 2 hours on the metro (including transfers) and 90 minutes on buses (including transfers). For more information on these tickets, see the official page .

From 2019, the Paris transport system has introduced the Navigo Easy Card. This is a rechargeable card system which is designed to replace the cardboard T+ tickets. A card costs €2 to buy, but allow you to buy a discounted pack of 10 tickets which will save you money if you do quite a bit of travel.

Other than being electronically stored, the tickets work the same, so we would recommend visitors to Paris using the Navigo Easy system as the most cost-effectivee method of paying for transport as a visitor to Paris.

For more on getting around Paris, see our detailed guide to how to get around Paris , which should help you plan all your transport in the city.

Walking Tours of Paris

If you’d like to take a guided tour of Paris, the two companies we usually use are Take Walks and Context Travel . These both offer small group walking tours in Paris, which are a great way to learn about some of the sights and history of the city. Of course, if you decide to take a walking tour you will have to adjust the itinerary accordingly to suit.

If you were interested in a tour, Take Walks has this  Paris in a Day tour which includes a major Museum, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre & a Seine River Cruise – an excellent introduction to the city!

Context travel offer a number of very focused tours of Paris , and these offer very specialised insights into particular subjects. We’d suggest maybe taking one of these for a specific area of interest that you really want to learn about, perhaps for Versailles . They also offer an introduction to Paris tour .

There are of course other options for various tours in Paris, including all the tours on this page , which offers a variety of things to do from different providers.

For example, there’s this delicious looking food tour ,  this in-depth tour of Hemingway locations in Paris or this tour of Montmartre .

So definitely check out the options to figure out what is best for you!

How to Save Money in Paris

Being a major European city, Paris is definitely not a budget destination. There are a few ways to save money of course, even on an itinerary as packed with attractions as this one is. Food is one way – rather than eating out for every meal for example, you could stay in an apartment or hostel that lets you cook your own meals.

If that’s not an option, consider having picnic lunches or breakfasts, and eating out in the evenings. Also, keep an eye out for the “menu du jour”, most restaurants offer a fixed lunch or evening menu which includes a number of dishes at a fixed price.

You can usually get a meal for between €12 & €25 which includes two or three courses, bread, and sometimes even wine or coffee. Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Paris for lunch deals.

The cheapest way to get around Paris is to walk of course, followed by the excellent public transport system. We usually walk as much as we can, and then take the metro for the longer trips. Taxis can be convenient, but they will eat into your budget very quickly.

One of our favourite ways to save money when we visit a major city where we want to see a lot of sights is to invest in a city sightseeing pass. In Paris there are three main passes that we recommend, the Paris Pass ( buy yours from the official site here ), the Paris Museum Pass (buy here ) and the Paris City Card .

Calculating if a pass is worth it for you will of course depend on exactly which attractions you want to visit.

From our itinerary, here’s what’s included on which passes, as well the cost of individual tickets as of December 2023 and links to book each attraction directly.

• Eiffel Tower (€38 for guided tour, €11.30 for standard stair access ticket) – tour included on Paris City Card, Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book tickets on the official website here
• Seine River Cruise (€18) – included on Paris City Card, Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book online here .
• Hop on Hop off bus (€45) – included on Paris Pass. Book online here .
• Paris Walking Tour (~€35) – various options included on Paris Pass. Book online here .
• Tour Montparnasse (€19) – included on Paris Pass. Book online here .
• Sainte Chapelle (€11.5) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
• Musee d’Orsay (€16) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
• Louvre Museum (€17) – included on Paris Museum Pass and Paris City Card. Book on GetYourGuide here , or on the official site here .
• Wine Tasting (€35) – included on Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book online here .
• Arc de Triomphe (€13) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
• Versailles (€19.5) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .

Adding all the above together and you are looking at around €270 in entry fees.

Our recommendation is to consider a 3-day Paris Pass.

We suggest the 3-day Paris Pass because it actually comes with a 2-day Paris Museum Pass.

With that, you get access to pretty much everything on our itinerary, as well as many more activities and attractions including more museums, walking tours, and even dining activities!

You just have to plan your itinerary so you visit the sites covered by the Paris Museum Pass on two out of your three days in Paris. Hint – we’ve already done that for you in our itinerary!

As of December 2023, a 3 day Paris Pass costs €194 for an adult, saving you around €75 per person if you do everything in our itinerary.

Of course, your individual situation will vary, and you might have different attractions you want to visit. In addition, you should be aware that if you are an EU citizen under the age of 26 that many attractions are free or discounted to visit (you need ID!).

Also, on the first Sunday of every month, many museums are free to visit – although very crowded as a result!

We think the Paris Pass can be good value for money ( click here to buy ), but do feel free to check out our detailed reviews of both the Paris Pass and the Paris Museum Pass , and come to your own decision as to what works for you!

You might also decide that purchasing individual tickets makes more sense. In that case, we highly recommend booking online in advance, especially for major attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, which can get very busy and even sell out a long time in advance.

Finally, we can also suggest checking out the Paris City Card . This includes a guided Eiffel tower ticket, Seine River cruise and access to the Louvre. It also comes with an audioguide to Paris, as well as a further 10% discount on other Paris attractions.

This is a good option if you aren’t planning on visiting everything in our itinerary. It also has the advantage that you book the timeslots for the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower when you book the card, so can be convenient.

Practicalities for visiting Paris

Paris is a safe city in our experience, although it does have a reputation for being home to a number of scams. Most of these are easy to avoid once you know about them (read up on some of the common scams in Paris here ).

As with any major city, of course you need to keep your wits about you – keep your possessions in view all the time, keep your wallet or phone in a front pocket (with a zip if possible), and don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home.

We’ve not had any problems in Paris, although there are a few scams to be aware of – check our guide to avoiding common Paris scams so you are prepared in advance.

Electricity in Paris is of the 220v standard, with the 2 pin European style plug. Travellers from countries like the UK and the US will need an adapter like this . See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

US travellers need to check their equipment supports the 220v standard – it will be written clearly on the power adapter. As a general rule, we have found that laptops, phone and camera chargers and other small electronics are universal, whilst larger devices like hair dryers and hair straighteners are not.

Paris is part of the Eurozone, so the currency is the Euro. You can get Euros from ATM’s, banks and currency exchanges, although credit cards are of course widely accepted, and there is no need to carry large quantities of currency.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi all around the city and in hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. If you are travelling from the USA, consider a Google Fi package which lets you use your data overseas.

Alternatively, consider an eSIM service like Airalo .

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options. We also have a guide to picking the best travel router , which can help you extend a weak WiFi network and share it across multiple devices.

Water 

The water in the taps in Paris is safe to drink unless otherwise indicated. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available. We usually recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle like one of these  to save on having to buy water bottles.

We love our Klean Kanteen water bottles for travel as they are lightweight, easy to clean and the company is a certified B-Corp.

Eating in Paris

If you want to eat at one of the more popular restaurants in Paris , we recommend that you book in advance. We recommend and use La Fourchette (the fork), which is the most popular online restaurant booking website in France.

It’s easy to use and makes booking restaurants a breeze, especially if you don’t speak French. Check it out here to find reviews, sample menus and book a table.

Further Reading for your 3 Days in Paris

We have visited Paris on a number of occasions, and have written a good deal about our experiences in the city. To help you further plan your stay in Paris, here are some of our favourite posts and external resources.

• A detailed guide to 2 Days in Paris , should you be there for a shorter period or are looking for some alternative options
• We also have a guide to spending a day in Paris , if you’re on a really tight schedule and just want to focus on the highlights
• We have a detailed guide to attending the famous Moulin Rouge show in Paris
• Our guide to the  best photography locations in Paris , to help you get the best shots on your trip
• A guide to  choosing a Seine river cruise , choosing a Seine River dinner cruise , buying Paris opera tickets ,  attending a fashion show in Paris  and our tips for  the best restaurants in Paris for lunch .
• Our  review of the Paris Pass  and the Paris Museum Pass to help you decide if these might save you money during your time in Paris
• Galeries Lafayette is one of the most well known stores in Paris. However, there’s more to do here than shop! See our complete guide to visiting Galeries Lafayette for more information.
• A guide to  Airbnb Alternatives  to help you find the right accommodation
• If you like afternoon tea, check out our definitive guide to the  best afternoon tea locations in Paris
• If you are heading out of town, check out our itinerary for 2 Days visiting Normandy and the D-Day beaches
• We have reviewed many travel related products you might find useful. Check out our guide to the best travel routers , best travel cameras and best travel wraps to get started!
• If you want a book, we always like to recommend the Rick Steves guides – here’s the  Rick Steves Paris  edition

And that’s it for our guide to spending 3 days in Paris! As always if you have any feedback or questions, just let us know in the comments below.

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Deidre Smith says

22nd December 2023 at 6:04 pm

We arrive at the paris airport at 8am on a Sunday, will have to get our luggage and take it to our hotel. I was hoping to be to hotel by 10am. I thought of doing: Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise, Hop on Hop off Bus, Notre Dame, Tour Montparnasse.

Monday: Sainte Chapelle, Musée d’Orsay, The Louvre, Catacombs, Arc de Triomphe (do Tour Montparnasse this day if didn’t have time on Sunday)

Tuesday: Versailles in the morning, leave to go get our luggage at hotel at 3pm, get to hotel at 4pm, get to airport by 5pm for 7pm flight to Venice.

I had to move Notre Dame on your days to Sunday, since it’s closed Monday. So my question is, is this doable? Second, I was going to get the Paris Pass but it seems that wouldn’t work on Versailles if I use it on Monday at Notre Dame, so is there a better pass for me to buy. I was worried if I bought the paris pass, and then used it to book Versailles, it might not work since it’s not consecutive days.

Laurence Norah says

22nd December 2023 at 6:47 pm

So, Notre Dame itself is not due to re-open until the end of 2024. The only area you can currently visit is the Crypt, which you are correct, is closed on Mondays. So I just wanted to clarify that that was what you meant.

For the general timing, if you don’t mind having quite a long day on the Monday you should be ok. My main concern would be that the Hop on Hop off bus is likely going to take a while (it’s a sightseeing experience rather than a quick way to get around the city). Also if you plan on using the Paris Pass or similar pass, you should be aware that some attractions are visited with a guided tour, specifically the Eiffel Tower. Those tours only run at specific times.

Given your schedule with Versailles on the Tuesday and the fact that the Paris Pass only comes with a 2 day Paris Museum Pass, you are correct that this might not be the best pass for you as the 2 day Musuem Pass would expire by Tuesday. One option would be to just get a 2 day Paris Museum Pass and use it for the Monday / Tuesday attractions. From your list it should cover everything except the Catacombs I believe. Then you could just book individual tickets for the other sights. There are passes which include some of the sights on your list such as the Go City Explorer Pass . However I honestly don’t think that it is going to offer better value than just booking individual tickets for each attraction.

I hope this helps, have an amazing time in Paris and let me know if I can offer any more help!

Catrina says

24th November 2023 at 3:13 pm

My husband and I will be celebrating our 20 year anniversary in March and are planning a trip to Paris! I love the 3 day itinerary, giving us a couple days to visit Disneyland Paris. I am interested in a budget friendly-ish stay that allows for a gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower as in your photo above. Any way to narrow down my hotel/apartment search? Any info is greatly appreciated! Thanks for all the info already given. Super excited for our trip 🙂

24th November 2023 at 4:47 pm

Congratulations and your anniversary and what a lovely way to spend it 🙂 So there are definitely quite a few hotels and apartments with views of the Eiffel Tower. The downside is that properties are aware that this is a desirable feature, so these rooms tend to cost a bit more. We actually have a complete guide to the Eiffel Tower which has a section on recommended hotels , with many of them offering views.

We cen definitely personally recommend the Pullman , which has lovely views from many of the rooms.

Otherwise, your best option is going to be to search properties in the region of the Eiffel tower (like this search I’ve set up for you ). Any hotel or apartment with a view of the Eiffel Tower will definitely make that obvious in it’s description. You just want to be sure you book a room with a view of it, which should also be pretty clear in the room description!

I hope you have a wonderful time in Paris and if you have any more questions please let me know 🙂

Catrina Baugus says

28th November 2023 at 9:43 am

Thank you so much! This gives us a great place to start 🙂

G. Heartwell says

20th March 2023 at 4:32 pm

Thank you so much for the details on the 3 day Paris tour. Sounds perfect for starting a 7 day first visit.! My granddaughter and I are planning to go after the end of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris! Any helpful travel do s and don’ts for that time period?

24th March 2023 at 6:29 pm

It’s my pleasure. So the main advice I would give is to book any attractions you want to visit as far in advance as possible. This is especially the case for popular attractions like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, which can book out months in advance at busier times of year. I’d also recommend picking a hotel with air-conditioning. It’s not always included, but summer in Paris can be hot so be sure to pick somewhere that specifically states it has A/C for a more comfortable stay.

Otherwise have a great time in Paris!

27th January 2023 at 12:07 am

Hello from snowy Toronto, Canada

My son (almost 18) and I would like to travel to France end of July for perhaps a week or so then on to England. With respect to France he wants to see the Eifel Tower and Louvre and from what I read a sunset river cruise would be great too. We can visit the Notre-Dame and anything else you suggest. I personally would then like to go south to Nice, Cannes etc. If we base ourselves in Paris for sites would you suggest base in Nice and branch from there to surrounding areas? Are Roven, Marselle and Carcassone (sp) worth visiting? Would you suggest other areas? Bordeaux looks beautiful but being that this isn’t a wine tour for myself I don’t want to visit this time. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

29th January 2023 at 9:21 am

It’s great to hear from you. So for Paris I think this guide should cover most of the highlights of what you want to see. For the south of France, it is definitely a good option to pick one or two locations as a base. However, it’s worth pointing out that France is quite a big country, so you will want to plan what you want to see. Carcassone is very pretty and definitely worth visiting, but it’s about 350 miles from Nice for example. So I think you would want to work out exactly what you wanted to see and then decide which location or locations makes the most logical sense. You will also want to figure out how you want to get around. The train network in France is very fast and good value, but it doesn’t go everywhere, so you might also consider hiring a car for example. With only a week total, I’d suggest picking one other location outside of Paris and focusing on that. Bordeaux would actually be a great option as it’s about 3 hours by fast train from Paris and there is plenty to see (lots of which doesn’t involve wine!).

Have a great trip 🙂

jacques Martial says

9th January 2023 at 3:26 am

Interesting site.. we have some friends visiting Paris for 3 days and we found your site.. Being a Parisian myself, I was surprised that you included Versailles and a Wine Tasting visit into your planning. Nothing against Versailles, it is a beautiful place but there is more to see in Paris that spending time in Versailles and tasting wine when you are not a drinker. Suggest that you give these visits as alternate. One suggestion: why don’t you have a Romantic 3 days in Paris planning? Many young couples may appreciate more for honeymoon, wedding anniversary or other. Thank you Jacques from Vancouver in Canada

11th January 2023 at 9:02 am

Hi Jacques,

Thanks for your input! We definitely appreciate that this itinerary will not work for everyone, and of course we always suggest folks adjust for their own personal interests and tastes. Many visitors to France do want to try French wine, hence the wine tasting. We also think Versailles is worth visiting with three days in Paris, but of course, everyone can make their own choice 🙂 Thanks for the idea about the romantic visit to Paris as well, we shall definitely consider that!

Marybeth says

5th January 2023 at 10:00 pm

Your information is fabulous! I will be traveling to France in June for a wedding. The wedding will take place in Provence. I plan on starting in Paris for at least 3 days. Then off to Lyon, Avignon and Provence. I am open to suggestions on what to see between Paris and Provence. Lastly, 3 or 4 days for Paris? My travel dates are a bit flexible. Thank you for any suggestions you may offer.

11th January 2023 at 9:32 am

Thanks Marybeth, and sorry for the slow response, we’re currently traveling in Uganda with limited internet!

Given your planned route from Paris to Avignon with a stop in Lyons, a few suggestions that might work for you are below. However, this depends on if you are driving or traveling by train.

Fontainebleau – most famous for Fontainebleau Palace. A nice quieter alternative to Versailles if you are not already visiting that on this trip.

Guédelon Castle near Treigny, France which is a 13th century castle they are building using traditional materials and methods

Dijon – heart of Burgundy region so lots of vineyards in area, city has a number of attractions like Musée des Beaux-Arts

Beaune – lovely walled town with cobblestones, distinctive tiled roofs and the Hôtel-Dieu Museum

3rd January 2023 at 3:09 am

Hi, Your itinerary is so great! Thank you for doing this as I plan to follow it. I’m going in February. I’d like to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up what’s the best time to get there? Thank you

3rd January 2023 at 4:46 pm

So the Eiffel Tower automatically lights up within 10 minutes of it getting dark. It’s an automated system that is based on the light. In February, the sunset in Paris is normally around 6pm (6.30pm at the end of the month), so anytime around then if you just want to see it lit up. It’s also worth noting that the tower also sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour once it’s been lit up, so that would likely take place at 7pm when you are there. I’d definitely recommend watching that as well!

Have a great time in Paris, let me know if you have any more questions! We also have a detailed guide to the Eiffel Tower you might find useful 🙂

Andrej ands Heather says

5th July 2022 at 4:58 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica Norah

We were planning the Paris trip, actually a trip to Europe, with the first stop in Paris. We found your web blog, read it carefully and decided to follow your advice in the detail. We stayed for 4 days and used 3 days Paris pass, it is good value for the money we paid for. That was the best decision we made!

We create our own itinerary, we scheduled our trips and we made it even more than we predict. We bought a weekly Navigo on arrival( it is good to have two photos with) and travel all around by public transport, a lot of walking up and downstairs( we are 50 and 51), but we managed. We are extremely grateful for your work and effort. Thank you, guys!

5th July 2022 at 11:12 am

Hi Andrej and Heather,

I am so pleased that you had a good time in Paris (and Europe!) and that you found our sites useful. It is very kind of you to take the time to stop by and let us know, it is very much appreciated. Also for the tip on the Navigo. Here’s to many more years of adventures ahead!

All the best,

6th June 2022 at 11:03 pm

So can I upgrade the Eiffel Tower tour to an elevator one all the way to the summit with the Paris pass? That says guided climbing tour only to the second floor. Thanks

7th June 2022 at 11:45 am

This is a great question! I reached out to Experience First who handle the tour that comes with the Paris Pass, and they responded as follows:

You can First book your tour with Paris pass through: https://www.exp1.com/paris-tours/book-with-pass/

Then, after booking you will receive an email with a Booking reference number which you can use it to upgrade to summit.

To Upgrade after booking : https://upgrade.exp1.com/

So in summary, yes, you can upgrade to the summit access tour with the Paris Pass, although obviously this will be subject to availability.

Have a great time in Paris!

13th November 2021 at 7:57 pm

My husband and I will be visiting Paris in a couple weeks for 4 days (Sun – Wed). This is our first time visiting France and working on a draft itinerary. I plan on getting the Paris Pass for the 1st 2 days so to include all the museum visits. Also your thoughts on doing the river cruise at night (Bateaux Parisiens Seine River) instead of during the day one.

Sunday – Bus hop, Eiffel Tower and late afternoon head to watch the sunset…Arc de Triomphe and do Tour Montparnasse Monday – Sainte Chapelle, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, The Louvre, Wine tasting, River ride at sunset Tuesday – The catacombs or Montmartre then Versaille in the afternoon

Thanks in advance!

14th November 2021 at 11:10 am

Great to hear from you! Your plan sounds great to me. The only thing I’d mention, which might be obvious, is just to remember that in winter the sun sets around 5pm in Paris. I’m sure you factored that in, but just something to remember if you’re wanting to catch the sunset from the Tour Montparnasse.

It definitely sounds like you have arranged everything in a sensible order. I am not sure how busy Versailles is at the moment. In the old times visiting in the afternoon without a guided tour booked was a challenge due to the long ticket lines, but now they have timed tickets I suspect it’s less of an issue – we’ve not been since they introduced the time slots.

For the Seine River Cruise, we’ve done both day time cruises, sunset cruises and an evening dinner cruise. I think sunset is a good time as you get the mix of the city at day and at night, with the potential for a nice sky as well. If it was my first time, I’d probably not do a tour at night, just because it’s obviously dark and so harder to see everything. But that’s just my personal preference. Seeing everything lit up is lovely as well!

Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help! Have a wonderful trip to Paris – we’re planning to be there at the start of January 😀

amanda Pimm says

31st October 2021 at 4:12 pm

Hi , my husband and I plan to take my daughter and her friend to Paris next may 2022 for her 16th birthday. We have never been before and can’t speak any French, will this be a problem. I also wondered what pass would be good to buy for our 3 day sight seeing please. Would be very great full for any advice.

31st October 2021 at 6:33 pm

Great to hear from you. Let me do my best to answer your two questions.

In terms of not speaking French, this shouldn’t be a major problem, especially in Paris. It’s a popular part of the world with visitors, and English is widely spoken. However, I would say that you will likely have a better experience if you learn a few basic phrases, such as hello (bonjour), thank you (merci) please (s’il vous plait), and do you speak English (parlez vouz anglais). The Parisians have developed a bit of reputation for being rude to foreigners, but in my experience, if you start off with a simple “bonjour”, they will pretty much instantly realise that you are not a native speaker, and nine times out of ten they’ll respond in English. However, if you start in English, they’ll be less receptive. I guess you could imagine the reception if it were reversed, and a French person arriving in the UK or USA and trying to start a conversation in French. So even learning “hello” can be a bit step in getting things off on the right foot!

For city cards, this will very much depend on what you want to see. For most visitors, a trip to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and a Seine River Cruise are popular, so the Paris City Card is a good starting point as it includes those things. You then get a 10% discount for additional attractions you book through the site. If you plan to see more sights, then you might instead consider the Paris Pass , which includes a lot more attractions and activities, but it will definitely depend on what you plan to do to make sure it is good value. For example, if you plan to do most of the attractions in this itinerary, it will likely offer cost savings.

I hope this helps, have a great trip to Paris and let me know if you have any more questions!

21st April 2020 at 11:55 pm

Exploring the City of Love is such a dream come true! This 3-day Itinerary in Paris is such a great help to those who are planning to discover Paris. Thanks for sharing, nice article.

22nd April 2020 at 10:36 am

Thanks James!

rj digma says

11th February 2020 at 7:08 pm

Great site. Very helpful. One question, if I buy the paris museum pass but want to hire a private guide to take us to the museums and give us art history info, would you know someone.

11th February 2020 at 11:20 pm

Thanks very much! We don’t know any private guides personally, however we have regularly used Context Travel , who do provide private guides, so that would be worth looking into.

Good luck, and have a great time in Paris!

Veronica Webster says

1st February 2020 at 11:36 pm

Hi Laurence, We have already cleared doubts with Jessica about our London trip, and now we’re working on the Paris part. We will be visiting Paris from March 27th to April 1st. Arriving on Friday around 11:00 am. We know that being a weekend everything will be more crowded, but it is what it is. We have made our numbers and we’re thinking that the Museum Pass will work better, given that the Paris Pass 3 days only includes 2 days museums, and we have actually 4.5 days, so not really need to fit all museums in 2 days (and we’re visiting Versailles too) My question is: The delivery options for the Museum pass is pick up at arrival or Fedex (24euros to Canada). If we arrive on a Friday, if I want to reserve time slot for Louvre on Saturday, is there’s a risk I won’t find available the time I’m looking for? Same for Orsay on Sunday morning (we want to be there for both at 9:00 am) Given that we would be already saving time by avoiding lines and buying the tickets, the 24 euros fee to have the pass with us sooner and book weeks ahead sound like a reasonable option. Your thoughts please?

here’s a draft of our trip: Friday after 1 pm: Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise (we pay for those 2) Sat: Louvre (9am, museum pass), Hop OnOff (we pay) Champs E./Arc the T (mpass) Sun: Orsay (9am mpass) Montmartre Mo: Saint Chapelle (mpass), Notre Dame (just views), Pantheon (mpass), Invalides (mpass) Tu: Versailles (mpass) – We think Versailles will be less crowded on Tu, but we could switch this to Sunday.

Thank you in advance to you and Jessica! your blog has been very useful to plan this trip!!

2nd February 2020 at 3:32 pm

Hi Veronica,

Thanks for your comment. To answer your question, for the Louvre, it has become very popular, and if you want to guarantee a particular time for your entry, then paying for the delivery of the museum pass is definitely going to be the way to do that. You need the number on the pass in order to make the reservation, which obviously you will need the pass for. If you decide to do this, make sure you bring both the pass and proof of reservation with you, and then join the correct line at the Louvre for those with reservations.

Of course, Paris in March / April is not as busy as it is over the summer months, so it may be that the Louvre has plenty of availability. However, it’s all down to your personal risk preference 😉

For the Musee d’Orsay, as far as we know you can’t book in advance with this museum, you just turn up with your pass. This is the case for most of the museums in Paris, it’s only the Louvre that has the timed requirement due to its popularity.

For Versailles, the weekends are usually very busy, however, bear in mind that many sights in Paris are also closed on Tuesdays (like the Louvre), so this also means more folks head out to Versailles. We would urge you to arrive early at Versailles, as the lines can get very very long for entry. Again, March / April should not be *too* busy, but it is best to err on the side of caution in our experience!

You have done a great job with the itinerary, putting the busiest places first 🙂 Let us know if you have any more questions and we’ll try to help. Have a fantastic trip – do feel free to join our facebook group and share your experiences in our friendly facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/ 🙂

Afitha says

31st August 2019 at 12:47 pm

Hi Laurence, Me and my husband will be going to paris-switzerland-italy for 11 days trip..pls gve me an advise regarding howmany days we will stay per country…eagerly waiting for ur reply..TIA

2nd September 2019 at 6:12 am

It really depends on which cities you want to visit and your personal interests. I haven’t visited Switzerland for a while but I would say if you were to do something like Paris for 3 days, then Switzerland for 3-4 days, then Italy for 4-5 days. I would suggest with that much time that you could visit 2 cities in Italy, so I’d say maybe Rome and Venice. You could also base in Rome and do day trips to places like Florence.

Have a great time!

19th August 2019 at 11:55 am

Hello Laurence and Jessica, I’m planning to go on a solo trip on January 2020 to Paris (and going to Italy). It will be my first time in Europe, and I’m very excited. I know it’s winter and it will be very cold, but I was wondering if you have any tips for a 21 year old solo female traveller? I’m planning to book an AirBnB so I can also cook some meals to be able to save some money. How much do you think I need for the three day sightseeing in Paris alone? I’m hoping to hear from you guys soon. Thank you.

19th August 2019 at 12:01 pm

So I will briefly answer your question on solo female travel. We definitely aren’t experts in that area as we usually travel as a couple, however, Paris is no more or less safe than other major western European cities, so if you practice the same sort of safety precautions that you would in your own home cities, then you shouldn’t have any problems.

For budget, January is not too busy in Paris so you should be able to find an apartment on AirBnb in the region of $60 – $100 a night. The other main costs will be food and sightseeing. For food, lunch is the best time to go out for meals generally as restaurants tend to have fixed price menus. So if you do choose to dine out during your stay, we’d recommend doing so at lunch. Otherwise we suggest croissants from a bakery for breakfast and there are lots of supermarkets for picking up supplies for cooking 🙂

Sightseeing will be your other major costs. The price will obviously vary depending on exactly what you want to do and see. If you plan on going inside many museums and attractions, then we recommend either the Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass. The best one for you will depend on what you want to see. Note that neither of them includes Eiffel tower access. If you want to go up the Eiffel Tower, the cheapest way is to buy second floor tickets with stair access. You can do this online or in person – see our full Eiffel Tower guide for more on that.

https://independenttravelcats.com/eiffel-tower-paris-france/

Overall, I would say that if you budget $60 – $100 a day for accommodation, $20 – $50 a day for attractions and $15 – $30 a day on food that would be reasonable. Of course, you could go above or below these figures based on your own preference, but that is a ballpark.

Have a great time in Paris, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any more questions!

29th July 2019 at 4:15 am

I am looking into going to Paris July 3-5 2020. I have never traveled or anything else like that how would I go about making sure I had enough money. Thank you in advance.

29th July 2019 at 7:42 pm

Well, that’s quite a big question 🙂 It will depend a bit on your travel style (hostel – luxury hotel), what attractions you want to see and what sort of food you want to eat. Also how you get around, from walking -> taxis. The main costs will be your flight to and from Paris, your accommodation, and then your sight-seeing and food costs. It’s hard to give an exact number as everyone will be different, but if you take a look at my guide to the costs for travelling in the UK, this will give you an idea of what to estimate. Paris will be a bit more expensive, as capital cities often are, but you should at least get a rough estimate. You can see that guide here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/cost-travel-uk/

Let me know if you have any more questions!

29th July 2019 at 9:34 pm

Thank u so much I’ll check that link in just a few when I have a bit more time ????????

7th July 2019 at 3:57 am

Hi Laurence!

My husband and I will be going to Paris for six days in October. However, it’s our first time there, and I’m starting to think that we might have too many days in Paris and we might run out of activities.

Any suggestions or thoughts on that based on your experience?

9th July 2019 at 3:42 pm

You definitely won’t run out of things to do. I have just covered the major highlights in this post – there is so much more to the city! We usually visit for 5-7 days at a time, and have done so multiple times, and have never run out of things to do!

9th September 2019 at 11:13 pm

My sister and I who are in our 70 are going on a river cruise with Viking on Oct 6 an want to come in a few days early.. What hotel and tours . Is the show mon la rougue still there as I saw it 20 years and want to see it again.

11th September 2019 at 5:50 pm

Thanks for your e-mail. So the hotel you choose will very much depend on your budget, but we have some suggestions in this post for you to choose from. If you’d like to stay near the Eiffel Tower, we also have a lot of suggestions in our guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower, which you can read here . Of course, you might want to find out where your cruise departs from so you are not too far away.

The Moulin Rouge is still very much in operation, and we visited quite recently. You do need to book in advance, I have a full guide to the Moulin Rouge here which you might find helpful.

Rupali says

25th June 2019 at 2:47 pm

Hi I really like the detailed itinerary. It very good to look if you are planning the trip to Paris in advance. I would like to know if the Paris pass includes guided tours or some discount on guided tours in the museums? Also, if now do you think it is worth to take the guided tours to know about the significance of that place.

25th June 2019 at 3:20 pm

Thanks very much 🙂 So some city passes do include discounts on walking tours. However, the Paris Pass does not include many discounted guided tours. Looking at the inclusions, it includes a Montmartre walking tour, as well as discounts on a Segway tour, cycling tour and Citroen 2CV tour. It also includes the guided Opera Garnier tour. You can see some of the tours it includes on this page – just filter by Paris tours.

So if you want to do a guided tour of the museums, or a guided tour in Paris in general, then you would want to book that separately. I do think that a guided tour is a good way to learn about the city, and I link to some suggested walking tours in the post. It’s really up to you though if you want to do that. If you take a full day walking tour of Paris, then you might not find the Paris Pass offers such good value as most tours include entry to a number of attractions.

Let me know if I can be of any more help!

9th June 2019 at 7:07 pm

Hi Laurence, We stumbled across your blog recently while planning for our trip to Paris in September this fall. We enjoyed reading it. We will be arriving Paris on a Wednesday morning and leaving by plane on a Saturday 5:50pm flight. On Thursday we’ve booked a Versailles morning tour that ends 1:45pm and on Saturday morning we’ve booked the Louvre tour that ends 12:45 pm, then we will retrieve our luggage from hotel and on to the airport. Questions: Should we stay at a hotel that is near the Louvre for our convenience of Saturday’s luggage retrieval before airport Or should we stay at a hotel that is a short walk to the Hop on Hop off bus route so we can visit most of the top attraction via the bus and not to let the luggage retrieval limit the hotel location ? Could you please give us a few hotels suggestions and what top attractions we can fit in our schedule?

9th June 2019 at 8:53 pm

Thanks for your comment!

So, I think it’s up to you in regard to the hotel location. However, as the Louvre is a popular location for visitors, most Hop on Hop off buses will have a stop close by. So you can do both – just pick a hotel close to the Louvre and it will also be close to the Hop on Hop off bus.

In terms of specific hotels, it’s hard to give advice without a budget. I’d suggest using this link to start , and then narrowing your filter by price, date and what type of accommodation you are looking for. I’d generally also suggest looking for properties with a good review score, ideally an 8 or higher 🙂

PS – sorry about the slow response, we’ve been travelling for the past few days with limited internet 😀

Angela B says

9th June 2019 at 3:30 pm

Laurence & Jessica, Such an amazing and thorough explanation. My daughter (13) and I will be arriving into Paris next Sunday (16th) to watch USA play in the World Cup. My husband will be working the Paris Air Show, so my daughter and I have 3 days (17-19) to ourselves, meeting my husband at night for dinner and sightseeing. I think we will do the 3 day tour with Versailles on the last day. Based on this itinerary, does the 3 Day Paris Pass still make the best option? I am guessing it does since it includes travel, entrance, and skipping lines. We are sooooo excited!!!!! Angela

9th June 2019 at 8:57 pm

Thank you so much Angela – sounds like you’ve got a great trip coming up!

So I would say that the Paris Pass would make sense if you intend on using the various additional features it offers like the Seine Cruise, transport and so on. The one thing to be aware of is that whilst the pass is three days, it only includes a 2 day museum pass. And that pass is what you will use for places like the Louvre, Versailles and so on.

I have structured this itinerary to account for that, however, if you want to move things around, it might make less sense, and instead you might consider the 4 day Paris Museum Pass, and then a separate travel card. Of course, it’s up to you.

We have a full review of both types of pass if you would like some further reading to help you decide! They are at the following links:

https://independenttravelcats.com/tips-buying-using-paris-museum-pass/ https://independenttravelcats.com/buying-paris-pass-review-worth-it-tips/

Sumona says

30th May 2019 at 5:31 pm

Thank you so much for writing this. Really helpful and very well written!

30th May 2019 at 5:38 pm

Thank you very much Sumona – have a wonderful trip to Paris and do let us know if you have any questions 🙂

17th May 2019 at 4:52 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica! I am travelling to Paris soon and your elaborate writing and practical tips is what exactly I was looking for. Brilliant! Thanks : )

17th May 2019 at 5:53 pm

Thank you very much Jasma – have a wonderful time in Paris! Do let us know how you enjoy the city 🙂

17th May 2019 at 7:27 pm

I will sure have a good time in the City of love . Also, Your expert advice on the accommodation pls- the place I am planning to stay is at Courbevoie. Per the owner it says 10 mins to Paris. Do you think during my stay at Paris for 3-4 days this place will be in proximity to the list you had advised in your blog. Thanks Jasma

17th May 2019 at 7:33 pm

It’s hard to tell as Courbevoie is a little bit outside the city centre, and so it will depend on which metro or train station you are near, and how far it is to the metro station. In a best case scenario it will be 10 minutes to the Arc de Triomphe, in a worse case scenario, more like 40 minutes. The Arc de Triomphe is the closest attraction in our itinerary though to Courbevoie, other attractions are further away. So it is definitely not the most convenient location, but it will work. However, if you can find somewhere more central it might work out more easily for you.

18th May 2019 at 3:33 pm

Thanks a million Laurence. You are doing a great job and I truly appreciate it. Regards, Jasma

Godfrey says

29th March 2019 at 8:41 pm

You guys are amazing..just about saved me hours of research into finding things to do in 3 days…This is exactly what fits within our 3 day visit..Keep up the great work!

30th March 2019 at 12:12 am

Thanks Godfrey – we will certainly try! Have a lovely trip to Paris and let us know if we can be of any help!

22nd February 2019 at 5:50 pm

hi! I like your blog,it’s very informative and easy to follow. but can I just know, roughly how much do we need to prepare? I mean if Im a big spender how much money will I probably spend for the tours? excluding the food. I would really appreciate if you could give me the figure so we can save for it. thanks! ☺️

23rd February 2019 at 7:25 am

It’s really hard to give figures as budgets vary greatly between people. So you can see from the tours I have suggested what they cost, and also if you buy one of the passes then many of the attractions will be included. So then your other costs will be accommodation and food. For this itinerary, including food and accommodation, you would probably be looking in the region of €500 – €1000 per person, but that would vary hugely depending on your tastes and accommodation quality.

I hope this helps a bit!

Anjana says

12th February 2019 at 11:17 pm

Hello. I liked the itinerary you suggested. We are planning to be there by mid April. Can you please guide us for weather. Also, I am an artist and wish to visit art gallary, can you please suggest?

13th February 2019 at 9:05 pm

The weather in Paris in April will be fairly warm, like around 17 – 22C. It might be cooler in evenings. Rain is always a possibility, but you would be unlucky if it rained a lot.

If you want to visit an art gallery, I would suggest the Louvre, or the Centre Pompidou if you prefer modern art!

12th February 2019 at 4:52 pm

How to get Paris Pass and the bus passes. Required details about the inclusions and exclusions of the Paris Pass .

12th February 2019 at 5:28 pm

You can buy the Paris Pass with this link .

You can see the inclusions here .

Enjoy your time in Paris!

12th February 2019 at 5:31 pm

Thank you so much.. I will sure be in touch with you if i require any more details .

Regards Shree

13th February 2019 at 7:45 am

Hi Is it mandatory to get the paris pass before hand or the same can be availed after reaching the destination as well..

13th February 2019 at 7:09 pm

You can buy the pass in Paris as well, but they don’t offer sales as they sometimes do online,

Amanda Che says

19th December 2018 at 3:09 am

If I want to visit Montparnasse will I need to purchase tickets if I have the Paris pass? Or do we just show up and they will let us in at whatever time?

19th December 2018 at 8:03 pm

If you have the Paris Pass the Tour Montparnasse is included, so you can just turn up at any time and they will let you in. It’s best at sunset if you can make it them!

Have a great trip

19th December 2018 at 10:02 pm

Thank you for responding!! I’m glad I got he passes! Does this apply to the wine tasting as well?! I’m just not sure about the places that have specific times that need reservations when visiting.

19th December 2018 at 11:10 pm

My pleasure! The wine tasting was the same when we used the Paris Pass – we just turned up and it was fine. However, if you have any doubts you can always reach out to either the attraction or Paris Pass folks to confirm 😀

24th October 2018 at 9:29 pm

Thank you so much for making my life easy!!! You have the best detailed itineraray in Paris. I purchased the 3 day Paris Pass. 🙂 I’m so excited to visit next month!

25th October 2018 at 8:13 pm

Thanks so much! Have an awesome trip 😀

Evelyne says

23rd October 2018 at 10:23 am

Hello, I am a Parisian and I read your post. I think this itinerary is very heavy (espécially days 2) unless you don’t visit the museums and just shoot the buildings. It is just an accumulation of monuments to visit but it does not give the feel of what is Paris. Fortunately, Paris is not just an opan air museum.

23rd October 2018 at 1:03 pm

Hey Evelyne!

Thanks for your feedback. I definitely make that clear at the beginning that this is a very busy itinerary, and people should adjust to suit their own pace 🙂 We usually visit Paris for no less than seven days at a time when putting these posts together, but we know not everyone has that luxury, so we try to fit everything in that people might want to see, based on our conversations with folks planning a trip 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!

kunal gupta says

30th September 2018 at 10:45 am

After having read so many posts, I felt this is the best post. It has all the tips, recommendations and anecdotes that I was looking for to create an itinerary. I am visiting Paris next month and will surely provide you guys my feedback on the experience.

Any tips on finding Indian or vegetarian lunch/dinner will be extremely helpful too !

1st October 2018 at 2:26 pm

Thanks Kunal! I’m not personally an expert on vegetarian dining, but the search engine happycow.net lists vegetarian restaurants around the world, so that would be a good place to look 🙂 Have a great trip!

Kritika says

13th September 2018 at 8:22 am

Hi, Your blog is one simple answer to all the queries I had while planning for my trip. 🙂 We are a couple visiting Paris from 29 Sept to Oct1. We would like to visit a vineyard and taste wine over there. Do you have any information regarding any vineyard nearby and how to commute? Also, We would be going to Lyon for a day. Can you suggest me a short itinerary for the same?

Regards Kritika

13th September 2018 at 11:47 am

Hi Kritika!

Thanks very much, we are happy to have been of help 🙂 We would suggest that the closest wine region to Paris is going to be the Champagne region, and the easiest way to get there would be to take a tour from Paris, which will save you figuring out transport. Plus someone else will drive, leaving you to enjoy the wine 🙂 I found this one which has good reviews so that would be my suggestion, although there are sure to be other options!

For Lyon, we haven’t visited there yet, so I can’t make any recommendations unfortunately 🙁

Have a great trip!

9th September 2018 at 7:25 am

Hi! Just read your wonderful article helps out a lot we are a family of 6..would metro\bus be cheaper or renting a car..staying in a hotel near cdg since all the good/affordable ones are taken near the center….and how I the weather in the end of September? 6 days all Together and Disneyland is included please let me know confused about driving and or bus thanks 🙂

9th September 2018 at 11:38 am

I would recommend against hiring a car as driving in Paris is not so much fun, plus you will have to spend time finding parking and paying for it. Instead I would recommend either taking the metro, or hiring a taxi to take you in. For a group of people, you would have to find the right size of taxi of course, but it should be possible. For Disneyland, the easiest way is the RER from Paris.

The weather in Paris in September should be quite good, not too hot but not too cold, I would say around 12 – 22C, so you will want to have some warmer clothes for the evenings. There is always the possibility of rain as well, so a rain jacket or umbrella would be wise 🙂

Hope this helps!

Susan Morris says

30th August 2018 at 4:14 am

Hi, I have just read your 3-day itinerary for Paris, and I thought it was awesome. Very clear and easy to follow. I look forward to following it when we head to Paris next year! My husband is also keen to visit the area of the D-Day landings at Normandy (Omaha Beach I believe). Do you have any similar itineraries or advice for a 1 or 2 day visit to that area? Many thanks

30th August 2018 at 10:50 am

Thanks very much Susan. We certainly do, we have a two day itinerary which we think you should find useful 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/normandy-2-day-itinerary-d-day-beaches-mont-st-michel/

24th August 2018 at 9:15 pm

Hi I am traveling to Paris in second week of oct 18… what would be the climate that time? Do I need to carry a lot of winter clothing?

24th August 2018 at 9:26 pm

October in Europe varies. I’d say the best option is to bring layers, and to have sufficiently warm clothes for cold weather and rain in particualr. The temperature will likely be between 5 degrees C and 15 degrees C, although if it is windy it might feel a lot colder. So it’s not like visiting Iceland or Finland in winter, but you’ll want to be prepared.

I don’t have a guide for Paris, but we do have a packing list for London at any time of year, which should help a bit:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/london-packing-list-what-to-pack-for-london-and-the-uk-at-any-time-of-year/

Qinwan says

22nd July 2018 at 1:02 pm

Hi Laurence, I am planning my visit to Paris in Oct 2018, the blog of 3 days itinerary is very much helpful and perfect for my plan. Where do you recommend to proceed after Paris for a 10 day Europe trip?

22nd July 2018 at 9:31 pm

Awesome! Well, if this if your first time in Europe, I’d probably recommend some of the other capital cities, like London or Rome, and then maybe Barcelona, depending on how much time you want to spend in each location. You can easily spend three or four days in both Rome and London. From Paris to London it’s an easy journey, as you can take the train direct. Then there are mutliple flights from London to Rome. If you like the sound of Barcelona, there’s an overnight train from Paris straight to Barcelona. Another idea might be to do Paris – > London, Edinburgh and then a bit of Scotland as well.

I’d definitely suggest not trying to see too much, and spending a bit longer in each location. Three days is a nice amount of time to see a city 🙂

Have an awesome trip!

Elizabeth Higgins says

22nd July 2018 at 5:26 am

This post is just so detail-oriented, Laurence! Any reader would not be having a difficult time browsing because you have also included hyperlinks to the sub-sections. Everything has just been written so wonderfully that I felt spoon-fed with information, in a really great way. I am so glad to find your blog! Thank you so much!

22nd July 2018 at 8:54 pm

Hi Elizabeth – thanks so much! It’s always wonderful to hear that people are finding our posts helpful! Hopefully you have a great trip, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! Laurence

Tisaygwapa says

9th July 2018 at 9:56 am

Hi, I am a fan of your blog. My planning for my euro trip makes it easier. I have an inquiry though, can you tell me what is the difference between and Paris Pass and a Paris Explorer pass? What airport is near to the attraction on day1?

We will be in Paris for 3 days.

9th July 2018 at 10:03 am

Hi Tisaygwapa 🙂

Thanks very much! The Paris Explorer Pass is a much more limited pass, and instead of giving you free access to all the attractions, it lets you choose from 3, 5 or 7 attractions. For our itinerary, we definitely suggest either the Paris Pass or the Paris Museum Pass for cost saving.

For airports, Paris has three major airports. The two closest to the city and that most people arrive at are Paris Orly and Paris Charles De Gaulle.

From Paris Orly to the Eiffel tower you can take the Ouibus, it only takes around 16 minutes: https://www.ouibus.com/routes/paris-paris-orly-sud-airport

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is a little further away, you can take the RER train from the airport – it’s probably more like an hour.

Shashank says

20th June 2018 at 5:11 pm

Hi, would like to know if we can walk in directly to Bateux Parisiens any time with the Paris Pass? Do we need to reserve online even if we have the Paris Pass?

20th June 2018 at 7:03 pm

Hi Shashank!

In our experience you can just walk up and show your pass at the ticket booth, no reservation required 🙂

Hope this helps – have a great trip!

18th June 2018 at 9:29 am

I would like to know more details of 3 day Itinerary . In the mentioned Places , how long it will take? that is regarding time span we can spent there comfortably .Can u pls suggest

20th June 2018 at 7:10 pm

IT’s really up to you and your interests as to how long you want to take. The itinerary as laid out is doable, but if you spend four hours at each location, obviously not so much 🙂 So my advice would be to look at each location and decide how much time you would like to spend their. As an example, Sainte Chapelle is quite small, so 15 – 20 minutes would be fine. The Louvre is gigantic, so will take a bit longer! But it’s really up to you 🙂

Karuna says

11th June 2018 at 5:31 pm

Thanks a lot, we are planning to visit Paris, and Italy for 12 days of vacation and this is very helpful for Paris. Can we have an advice on Hotels where we can stay like 4* hotels work walk around to these attractions if possible or nice evening walks?

And can we have an itinerary for Italy for 9-10 days trip,

Thanks a lot

11th June 2018 at 11:29 pm

Thanks very much! In the post I do link to a centrally located 4* hotel, under the accommodation section. The hotel is this one, but I’m sure you can find some other options 🙂

http://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/dress-code-amp-spa.html?aid=385205&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1&label=FTU3DaysinParis

I will update the post in the next few weeks with some more specific recommendations. For the Italy guide, I will add an itinerary to the to do list, you should subscribe to the blog so you get notified of future posts and don’t miss out.

Sunil Chawla says

31st May 2018 at 8:44 am

I will be travelling to Paris with my wife in the month of August. This detailed information will surely be helpful to plan our trip Thank you very much Sunil Chawla India

31st May 2018 at 7:23 pm

Thanks Sunil! Have a great trip 🙂

Chitra Shah says

16th May 2018 at 8:36 pm

I am travelling with my husband and 2 kids ( 7 years and 1 year) to Paris in June. This is exactly what I was looking for, Thanks you. Do you think Paris is stroller – friendly or you recommend a baby carrier.

17th May 2018 at 9:26 am

Thanks Chitra! I must preface my response by saying that we don’t have kids, so haven’t faced this problem 😉 Certainly, part of Paris would be stroller friendly, but things like the metro for example are definitely not easy for stroller access as there are often only stair entrances and exits. So a baby carrier might be easier, depending on how you want to get around the city. I hope this helps a bit – have a great trip!

3rd May 2018 at 7:51 pm

This is one of the best, well elaborated and detailed article. Thank you for putting up so much effort and sharing your experience. It is indeed a great help!

3rd May 2018 at 8:35 pm

Thank you very much 😀

Nitin Bansal says

21st April 2018 at 7:15 pm

That’s a brilliant detailed summary of 3 day Paris itinerary. I am travelling to Paris soon although for a short time and will be looking forward to cover most of the places from your list here.

22nd April 2018 at 10:17 am

Thanks very much Nitin – have a great trip 😀

kristin says

28th March 2018 at 2:25 pm

I envy you guys living in Edi and being able to jet away for so many long weekend trips for cheap! I was pricing Europe from Nashville this summer, and I can’t find anything for under $1000, no matter the hub I fly into =/

29th March 2018 at 9:49 am

We are lucky on that front for sure 😀

Matheresa says

21st March 2018 at 7:49 pm

To go through in u’ll article/blogging i find it very informative and the easiest way for me to make my itinerary,,, specially i saw the Spain article but i didn’t leave a comment there coz of wanted to check for paris too,,, Spain features was fantastic keep it up LOVERS all the best in your Wanderlust started to following u’ll…

22nd March 2018 at 9:19 am

Thanks very much Mathresa 🙂 Have a wonderful trip!

kazim Gurmani says

19th March 2018 at 1:53 pm

The amazing place for the lovers. You guys are so lucky enjoying all this

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42 best things to do in Paris right now

By Rosalyn Wikeley and Antonia Bentel

For a city swarming in oh-la-la clichés, curating an itinerary that doesn’t feel too Emily in Paris is always a challenge. While there is of course an abundance of off-beat, insider spots to fluff your feathers into, as if doing so will immediately morph you into a bona fide bobo (bourgeois bohemian) Parisian and lift you into some cultured, more discerning league, missing the hot ticket attractions that, let’s face it, are the very essence of the City of Lights would be une erreur. We’re not suggesting you swing a selfie stick to the Eiffel Tower but rather gorge on this city’s world-leading cavalcade of museums, monuments and age-old markets. They sit as splendidly on an itinerary alongside those lesser-known spots – the hammams, the pocket-sized vineyards, the concept stores – as they do amid the city’s Haussmann maze.

So once you’ve checked into one of the best hotels in the French capital and have configured your trip around the city’s best restaurants (who wouldn’t), why not flesh out your plans with our editors’ curation of the 42 best things to do in Paris.

What are the best free things to do in Paris?

The good news is that you don't have to break the bank to enjoy Paris — there is plenty to experience for those travelling on a budget. You can find refuge from the buzzing streets with walks down the Promenade Plantée or stroll through the bustling organic farmer's market on Boulevard Raspail and even window shop at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen. Even a few museums and galleries, including the excellent Carnavalet and Petit Palais, are free to visit.

How many days should I spend in Paris?

We recommend spending three to five days in Paris to give yourself time to soak in everything this  beautiful city has to offer. From cycling down the Seine and learning to make a pastry at La Cuisine Paris to dancing at the city’s oldest jazz club, Le Bal Blomet, keep reading for the best things to do in Paris.

What are the best things to do in Paris at night?

There's a reason why Paris is known as the City of Light. Yes, it was initially because it was one of the first in  Europe to install street lamps, but now it has more to do with how its iconic landmarks beautifully sparkle at night. One of the best things to do in Paris at night is to catch metro line 6 from Bir-Hakeim to Passy station for the most magical panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. It sparkles at the beginning of every hour for five minutes, until the last show at 11pm, so time your journey perfectly (tip: sit on the right side for the best views). You can also book a dinner cruise along the Seine River. For a more cultural experience, the Musée d'Orsay is open late on Thursdays, and the Louvre is open late on Fridays – when the queues are far shorter and most famous artworks less crowded. There's also plenty of entertainment, from the vibrant  bar scene to glamorous shows at the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse cabarets.

The best thing to do in Paris

1. Walk amongst the dead at the Père Lachaise Cemetery

One might believe the suggestion to stroll through the world’s most visited and celebrated cemetery to be morbid – and how mistaken they would be! Nestled in the depths of eastern Paris, the Père Lachaise Cemetery serves as the final resting ground for some of the world’s most beloved artists, politicians, and writers, including Edith Piaf, Balzac, and Oscar Wilde. Even the late Jim Morrison of The Doors has been laid to rest here, with his crypt serving as a point of pilgrimage for dedicated fans. Make your way through the cobbled pathways dotted with intricate and ornate gravestones and take in the solemn, calm atmosphere.

Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France Website: paris.fr

2. Taste the magical creations of Cédric Grolet

When it comes to celebrity pâtissiers in Paris , one superstar outshines all the others. Cédric Grolet has a style so unique and a technique so precise that it’s hard to know if his creations are works of art or culinary magic. He’s most famous for his hyper-realistic fruits, glossy red apples and blush-pink peaches, which are anything other than what they first appear. Each is a masterclass in pâtissierie, a lacquered chocolate skin breaking to reveal an apple and cinnamon mousse or tangy peach compote, the recipe changing with the seasons. Pick them up from his small boutique at the Meurice, but expect long lines unless you get there early.

Address: La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet, 6 rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris Website : cedric-grolet.com

3. Dance at the city’s oldest jazz club

Paris has moved to the rhythms of jazz for just short of a century thanks to legendary clubs like Le Bal Blomet, which opened in 1924 in the neighbourhood of Montparnasse. Founded by Jean Rézard de Wouves, a politician-turned-musician from Martinique, it quickly became the place to dance to  Caribbean  sounds in the roaring Twenties. Ernest Hemingway, Joséphone Baker, Joan Miró and Simone de Beauvoir are just some of the famous names to have graced the dancefloor. After being threatened with closure in 2011, it went through an extensive restoration and played a leading role in Damien Chazelle’s Netflix show  The Eddy , in which a jazz club owner struggles to keep his business afloat.

Address: 33 rue Blomet 75015 Paris Website: balblomet.fr

4. Visit Versailles

OK, it’s a little outside Paris, but RER B from St Michel will soon whizz you there. Versailles packs all the palatial oomph one could hope for, with its famous Hall of Mirrors (where the Treaty of Versailles was signed), Italianate gardens and abundance of gilded, excess-driven rooms that put France on the road to revolution. Once you’ve absorbed all the elaborate sconces, chandeliers and muralled panelling, head to The Grand Trianon (Louis XIV and his mistress’ pink marbled escape within the palace walls) and the Petit Trianon (gifted to Marie Antonette by Louis XVI) for more condensed, though no less opulent scenes. A wander around Marie Antoinette’s commissioned ‘peasant village’ shines a light on just how out of touch the King and Queen were with their subjects in 18th-century France. Beyond Versailles golden gates, pull up a wicker chair at Au Petite Marquis for snails lathered in garlic and charcuterie boards.

Address: Palace of Versailles, Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France Website: chateauversailles.fr

5. Admire famous paintings hidden in the city’s churches

When it comes to seeing art, Paris can be a bit overwhelming, to say the least: visitors are confronted with a dizzying 130 museums to choose from. But sometimes famous artworks can crop up in unexpected places. Eugène Delacroix’s painting  ‘La Pietà’  hangs in a corner of the church of Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement, just a few steps from the Picasso Museum. In the 7th arrondissement, the church of Saint François-Xavier displays a  16th century ‘Last Supper’ by Venetian painter Tintoretto , and Rubens’s  ‘The Disciples of Emmaüs’  was recently returned to the church of Saint-Eustache after a restoration.

Address: Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement - 68 rue de Turenne 75003; Saint François-Xavier - 12 Place du Président Mithouard 75007; Saint-Eustache - 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache 75001 Websites: saintdenys.net ; sfx-paris.fr ; saint-eustache.org

6. Cycle along the Seine

In the past few years, ambitious urbanism plans have made cycling in Paris easier and safer, and a growing number of Parisians are choosing to get around on two wheels. One of the most beautiful cycling routes runs along the banks of the Seine, which were pedestrianised in 2017 and are now lined with cafés, playgrounds and sun loungers. Rent a Vélib’ (Paris city  bike ) for the day and start by the Pont de Sully. Head west on Voie Georges Pompidou and take in some of the city’s most spectacular sights past the Île Saint Louis, Notre Dame and the Hôtel de Ville.

Address: Voie Georges Pompidou, Paris Website: velib-metropole.fr

7. Visit Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

They come with wide smiles, empty bags flung over their arms waiting to be filled with various treasures from the sprawling Saint-Ouen flea market, just outside the city’s northern limit. This is where London  antiques dealers, collectors and those simply keen for a bargain come to scour the relics of bygone eras. And it’s not all brass chandeliers and gilt mirrors, Saint-Ouen is a warren for all whims, from mid-century tables and vintage Chanel to psychedelic prints from the seventies. It would require weeks, even months perhaps, to browse each and every stall and stand in 14 different areas of alleyways and warehouses here – it’s vast. It’s best to attack it from Porte de Clignancourt (line 4 on the metro) – easy access to the market’s artery road, rue des Rosiers. With opening times from 10am-6pm on weekends and 11am-5pm on Mondays (excluding August), this is a weekend reverie for magpies and photography buffs. Those spurred on by the thrill of a bargain should also check out the Puces de Vanves, to the south of the city, where trestle tables overflow with bric-a-brac, glassware and china

Address: Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt Transport: Metro: Porte de Clignancourt

8. Check out Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac

If you’re a little Louvre’d out but still have an appetite for some serious art, head to Austrian gallerist, Thaddaeus Ropac’s namesake gallery in Pantin, a stone’s throw from Hermés and Chanel. The white-on-white walls of this former copperware factory are adorned with a remarkable collection of works from artists such as Georg Baselitz and Robert Rauschenberg. The building’s sense of endless minimalism serves as the ultimate canvas for knock-out installations and greatly contrasts the wonky, sprawling antiquity of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Address: Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac Paris Marais, 7 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris Website: ropac.net

9. Be at one with nature on the Promenade Plantée

The Promenade Plantée is a magnificent stretch of greenery, perched high above the melee of motos and pedestrians that make up Parisian street life. Opened in 1988, this raised park was the direct inspiration for  New York’s Highline . Sometimes called La Coulée Verte (the name is a veritable debate amongst Parisians), this five-kilometre walkway is one of Paris’ most underrated outdoor spaces. Running from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, the pathway is a refuge from the buzzing boulevards below, in both rain and shine. The Promenade is also perfect for one’s inner voyeur: certain raised platforms provide excellent  views into the sprawling Haussmannian apartments that flank the Promenade.

Address: 1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris, France Website: paris.fr

10. Spend an afternoon at Archive 18-20 Le Marais

More taste-maker hub than concept store, Archive 18-20 in trendy Le Marais houses art, fashion, books and a cool restaurant under one vast, glass roof. Industrial pipes track above a beautifully curated scene of normcore coats, cult home décor trinkets orderly spread across vast tables and a small, minimalist café that half of Paris fashion week is known to descend upon.

Address: Comptoir 18-20, 20 Rue des Archives, 75004 Paris Website: archive1820.com

11. Explore the old and the new at the Palais-Royal

Perhaps there is nothing more Parisian than spending an afternoon at the Palais-Royal. The park (once home to the French royal family) is a delightful mélange of the new and the old. The Colonnes de Buren, a permanent, interactive art exhibition installed in the 1980s and set in the courtyard of the old palace, allows visitors to walk amid and climb atop of the columns (and snap a few Insta-worthy pictures, too). To the left of the Colonnes are the plane tree-lined paths and manicured royal rose gardens, which grant park-goers the opportunity to spend a moment amongst perfectly executed natural beauty. Bring a book and sit in one of the green reclining chairs scattered around the park. For a pick-me-up, head to the Chichi Café Kitsuné for a crisp cookie and foamy cappuccino.

Address: 2 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France Website: en.parisinfo.com

12. Go back in time at the Musée de la Vie Romantique

This lovely, quirky museum can be found at the end of a charming, cobbled lane burrowed into the underbelly of Montmartre. The former home of the painter Ary Scheffer, the Musée de la Vie Romantique allows visitors to imagine themselves as guests at one of Paris’ most well-regarded literary and art salons. The museum’s permanent collection features works and artefacts from notable attendees of these salons, such as painter Delacroix, composers Liszt and Chopin, and writer George Sand, who lived with Scheffer in this picturesque pink Parisian villa. After making your way through the enchanting, dainty interior, take a moment to rest in the courtyard tearoom, surrounded by a magnificent array of wildflowers.

Address: Musée de la Vie Romantique, 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris Website: museevieromantique.paris.fr

13. Go for a walk along Canal St Martin

Paris’ original hipster neighbourhood , Canal St Martin is stitched together by a series of cast-iron footbridges crossing the canal and thrums with independent cafés that slip effortlessly into bar mode, come 6pm. Chez Prune is one of them. Pull up a chair here for fuss-free cheeseboards and wine, and a sense of the neighbourhood’s trendy, understated character (world’s away from the croissant-poodle Parisian clichés laid on for tourists in more central arrondissements). Once considered a no-go zone, this stretch that straddles the 10th and 11th arrondissement is now ablaze with small galleries, quirky plant stores and concept stores such as Centre Commercial. Drop your bags at Luke Edward Hall’s eccentric Parisian guesthouse, Hotel les deux Gares, then head straight to Holybelly for an Aussie-Parisian hipster brunch.

14. Stroll through the organic farmer’s market on Boulevard Raspail

Hemingway once said that Paris is a moveable feast. If this is true, the organic farmer’s market on the Boulevard Raspail is ongoing proof, every Sunday, week after week. Piles of fresh produce, mouth-watering spits of roasting chickens, and beautifully laid out displays of cheeses surround you as you move from stall to stall, enticing you to not only look but also taste. Certain vendors are more than happy to share their bounty with you, so it is worth dusting off your best French skills to ask for a nibble or two before you buy (just make sure to say merci beaucoup ).

Address: Boulevard Raspail, Notre-Dame-des-Champs, Montparnasse

15. Channel your inner fashionista at Foundation Louis Vuitton

An impressive glass structure designed by eminent Canadian architect, Frank Gehry, Fondation Louis Vuitton seems to float, cloud-like, above the Bois de Boulogne. Visitors and Parisians are lured to the outer stretches of the 16th arrondissement with the museum’s knock-out modern and contemporary art exhibitions (such as Egon Schiele and Jean-Michel Basquiat). The privately-owned Fondation curates only two of these annually (tickets get swiped up quickly), while keeping an eyebrow-raising permanent collection – Ellsworth Kelly and Bertrand Lavier’s works, and the like. True to LVMH form, the ground floor restaurant, Le Frank, puts your classic, often clinical museum eatery to shame, with its swishy menu and extraordinary, light-filled architectural structure crowned by suspended ‘fish lamps.’

Address: Fondation Louis Vuitton, 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75016 Paris Website: fondationlouisvuitton.fr

16. Pick up something special at La Boutique de Cara

There are consignment stores then there are consignment stores . This is the latter, a moth-free, beautifully curated boutique off Rue de Turenne in the Marais, which remains one of Paris’ best-kept secrets. Rails strain with a mix of classic and more avant-garde pieces from across the decades: Chanel jackets , Celine dresses and Chloé shirts, and below them, vintage Gucci boots and Bally pumps that have walked Paris’ ‘Bobo’ neighbourhoods. These are clothes that tell stories and promise less damage to your wallet and your fast-fashion conscience. It’s worth noting that cash offers can sometimes bag a bargain and that the immaculately dressed shop assistants will not mince their words if you ask their opinion on that Burberry hat or Dior sunglasses .

Address: La Boutique de Cara, 80 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France Website: @laboutiquedecara

17. Splurge at Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS

Following 16 years of slumber, landmark department store La Samaritaine has once again opened its Art Deco Doors to chic choppers, with its spruced-up historic innards worth coming for alone. Beloved by nearly all Parisians, La Samaritaine’s spicy 900 million dollar makeover by LVMH caused quite a stir in the city, lifting the store into a decidedly more luxurious league. The French luxury goods group’s first Parisian hotel, Cheval Blanc Paris , is connected to the building, peering out over the Seine and funnelling its guests into La Samaritaine via secret doors. True to LVMH form, both the Art Deco and Art Nouveau sections of the building are dotted with avant-garde art installations and luxury fashion, jewellery and homeware brands worthy of their central, Seine-hugging spot.

Address: Samaritaine, 9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris Website: dfs.com

18. Visit Montmartre’s vineyards and taste Parisian wine

Montmartre’s maze of cobbled streets hides surprises at every turn. One of them is this small vineyard that remains a little-known attraction, perhaps because it’s not usually open to the public. Owned by the city of Paris, the Clos Montmartre was created in 1933 and comes to life every second weekend of October when the Fête des Vendanges (the Grape Harvest Festival) sees the streets below the Sacré-Coeur packed with stall after stall run by winemakers and artisanal producers from around the country. Enter the festival near Place du Tertre to pick up a souvenir glass and a splash of the Clos’ own wine before tasting your way from Alacse to Burgundy, fuelling up on saucisson or snails along the way. A tour of the vineyard followed by a wine tasting can also be booked on the website of the Museum of Montmartre, which sits around the corner and is also worth a visit.

Address: rue des Saules, 75018 Paris Website: museedemontmartre.fr

19. Relax with a hammam at the Mosque

France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with particularly strong Moroccan and Tunisian communities, and Paris is home to several elegant hammams where Parisians like to retreat for a little pamper session. La Grande Mosquée, one of the country’s biggest mosques built in 1926, houses a hammam (open to women only) as well as a café and a  restaurant . A steam bath in its colourful alcoves, followed by a gommage (scrub) and a massage is the perfect way to unwind. Afterwards, head to the leafy courtyard for a cup of mint tea and freshly made baklava.

Address: 2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris Website: la-mosquee.com

20. Dive into Parisian history at the Musée Carnavalet

After years of renovation, the ​​Musée Carnavalet finally reopened to much acclaim in 2021. It’s truly the Parisians’ museum, dedicated entirely to the history of the city from its Roman origins right the way through to the Belle Epoque and World War II. The permanent collections hold an astonishing array of artworks and artefacts: a slipper supposedly belonging to Marie-Antoinette, ancient iron-work street signs, and paintings depicting the violent end of the Paris Commune. The timeline is easy to follow as you move from room to room, only the extensive coverage of the Revolution a little heavy for those not wishing to become au fait with the day-by-day unfolding of the most tumultuous moment in French history. Perhaps most memorable of all is a full recreation of the Fouquet jewellery store, exactly as it stood in 1901, in all its Art Nouveau glory.

Address : 23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris Website : carnavalet.paris.fr

21. Time your trip for the fête de la musique

Parisians mark their calendars months in advance for the fête de la musique, held each year on the 21st of June. Yet until you’ve experienced the festival in full swing, it’s hard to comprehend its scale. For one night, and only night only, the entire city turns into an open-air concert. Anyone with an instrument can play live in the street, the strains of a saxophone meeting drums and guitars. Restaurants bring in jazz quartets, and lindy hop sessions go down in the side streets. After parties run long into the night, bars blasting music from outdoor speakers. Where to start depends on what you’re looking for; once the night is underway, you can follow your ears (or the crowds). The Marais always has a reliable mix of classical corners and pumping street parties, with more formal stages set up in the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg.

Website: fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr

22. Marvel at Musée Picasso Paris

One of the main draws for those diving into Le Marais (Paris’ old Jewish quarter), along with life-changing falafel and cool boutiques, is Musée Picasso. Set in the perfectly Parisian Hôtel Salé, the museum’s symmetrical facade, sweeping Baroque staircase and zhuzhed-up 17th-century rooms are worth coming for alone. Having pre-ordered tickets online, with strict time slots, visitors are taken on a journey through Picasso’s artistic evolution, from his Cubist era, via his surreal works (among many) and through to his late paintings – doable within the hour and best combined with a light lunch on the museum’s rooftop café followed by a happy descent into Le Marais’ labyrinth of independent stores. The ever-changing series of exhibitions at this museum rarely fail to please, with most shining light on various facets of Picasso’s life and how these fed into his work.

Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris Website: museepicassoparis.fr

23. Spend the afternoon at Musee du Louvre

The former royal palace, the Louvre remains the world’s most-visited museum, and perhaps the most overwhelming cultural escapade to embark on without some semblance of a plan. It would take months to tick off its 35,000 artworks and artefacts, so it’s worth considering how you’d like to navigate its warren of masterpieces – the famous works are a great place to start or the theme-based tours available on the Louvre’s website. Whether you’re admittedly just dropping in to shimmy your way through the crowds for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, or are a bona fide art enthusiast beelining for its latest exhibition, the Louvre’s architectural skeletons (both the old and new sections) are a marvel to pace through.

Address: Louvre Museum, 75001 Paris Website: louvre.fr

24. Try some delicacies at Stohrer

Weaving through Rue Montorgueil’s abundance of stalls and freshly-baked whiffs is a bucket-list Parisian experience in itself – an artery street connecting the 1st and 2nd arrondissements, whose stretch of boulangeries, patisseries , fruit and vegetable shops, and increasingly, some high-end designer boutiques, are fleshed out every Thursday and Sunday by a lively food market that can only be described as a sensory assault. It’s also home to Stohrer – Paris’ oldest boulangerie, whose founder was the pastry chef to the former King of Poland and famously invented rum baba. Rows of macarons, fruit tarts and chocolate pastries are dialled up by the spectacular setting, where illustrated mirrors, chandeliers and a frescoed ceiling spin their occupants into a decadent, pre-Revolutionary Paris.

Address: Stohrer, 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris Website: stohrer.fr

25. Become acquainted with Belleville

Flying blissfully under the radar for most city visitors, the arty, anti-establishment enclave of Belleville has its own distinct rhythms to central Paris and is well worth metro-ing northeast for. Its hilly streets (reminiscent of Montmartre, just without the tourist circus), are dotted with eye-popping galleries, unbuttoned cafés and bars that lure in punters with the promise of live jazz and affordable cocktails. Head to La Bellevilloise (filling the vast bones of a once workers cooperative) for their Sunday jazz brunch or The Dancing Goat on Avenue Gambetta for superlative coffee and paired back, but bobo Parisian interiors. For something more traditional but still nodding confidently to the district’s working-class roots, tuck into the menu at Le Baratin, having browsed the antique trinkets at Marché Place des Fêtes.

26. Escape the chaos in Jardin du Luxembourg

This neat, Italianate park, straddling Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter was commissioned by Queen Marie de Medici in 1612 and serves as a green exhale for Parisians living in the 6th arrondissement. It’s also prime picnic territory – on the benches alongside the pond or geometric wood, from which you can people watch or take in the mix of English, Italian and French landscaping. Don’t leave without checking out the Medici fountain or the pétanque talent on the courts, and children are usually treated to puppet shows, rides and remote control boats along the fountains.

Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris Website: jardin.senat.fr

27. Marvel at the pretty Palais Garnier

A bejewelled paean to Napoleon III’s architectural taste, Le Palais Garnier opera gazes proudly down its namesake avenue, its exterior festooned with pillars and busts. Those who’ve watched Phantom of the Opera will be familiar with the lobby’s sweeping marble Grand Staircase, as well as the lavish gilding, onyx balconies and blood-red theatre seats. You don’t have the be dressed up to the nines with a ticket to Tosca to behold Palais Garnier’s resplendent architectural beauty – you can simply take a self-guided tour or book onto one of the Phantom of the Opera specials (booking online is mandatory).

Address: Palais Garnier, Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris Website: operadeparis.fr

28. See the Sainte-Chapelle's glittery interiors

The first thing to know about this spectacular Ile de la Cité chapel, aside from its Gothic good looks and famous stained-glass windows, is to book a timed ticket slot in advance to avoid the queues. As you smugly breeze past the crowds to embark on your self-guided tour of Louis IX’s jewel box of a chapel, you’ll clock the surrounding splendour of the Palais de Justice. Louis IX commissioned the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle to house his religious treasures – the most famous being the Holy Crown. Too often, tourists flock to nearby Notre Dame and miss this world heritage site, with its mesmerising 15-foot high stained glass windows and ‘wall of light’ – a rose window formation whose luminosity belies a depiction of the end of our age.

Address: Sainte-Chapelle, 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris Website: sainte-chapelle.fr

29. Shop along Le Petit Ceinture

For a greener, lesser-known side to Paris, walk its ‘Little Belt’ – an abandoned 19th-century railway line that, unlike New York’s High Line, has a Secret Garden appeal to it. Romantically dishevelled, the tracks that once pulled a steam train around the city have succumbed to moss and wildflowers. A long walk through these overgrown stretches of obsolete track on the fringes of the city delivers on all the street art you could hope for, with soaring graffiti walls and a variety of untamed, (glorious in summer) blooms, (an official nature trail exists between the Porte d’Auteuil and the Gare de la Muette).

30. Explore a concept store

Le Marais may be the epicentre of Paris’ concept store scene, but Merci is one of the originals. You’ll be hard-pressed to scoot around this shop without picking up a stylish homeware item, cashmere scarf or dry flower bouquet. You’d think with so much existing under one roof –  fashion , art, design pieces, second-hand books – that a sort of happy chaos would unfold. Wrong. Sharp minimalism holds sway, with pieces presented on tables or rails with the precision of a Japanese potter. Stay for raspberry tart and coffee at the retro film-themed café, where screens flash up scenes from classics such as La Piscine and Les Enfants du Paradis.

Address: Merci, 111 Bd Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris Website: merci-merci.com

31. Meet the dead in Les Catacombes

Open to the public since 1809, Paris’ Catacombs are a spine-chilling visit. The story goes that in the 19th century, an abandoned quarry’s underground warren of tunnels was used to house the bones of corpses during a cemetery overcrowding crisis. These tunnels that weave and wiggle breath the city have near mythical status for its residents, where the Resistance gathered for clandestine meetings during the Second World War, and now where row upon row of skulls and various other bones of long-deceased Parisians decorate the walls, with mosaic-like effect. Ensure you bring a jumper – as the tunnels descend, skulls flicker in the light and your voice echoes, it begins to get a little cold…and spooky.

Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris Website: catacombes.paris.fr

32. Be mesmerised at The Crazy Horse

Those at the pruder end of the cabaret scale may want to bypass the Crazy Horse for the Moulin Rouge. Here, it’s all nude performances, taking audiences on a titillating whistle-stop-tour of this city stalwart’s history. Expect surreal aerial routines, cleverly choreographed burlesque and all the traditional, foot-tapping cabaret numbers that lean into the roaring twenties theme.

Address: The Crazy Horse, 12 Av. George V, 75008 Paris Website: lecrazyhorseparis.com

33. Be blown away by the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

Crowning the highest hill in Paris’ bohemian Montmartre neighbourhood with its white domes, Sacré-Coeur has one of the most knock-out panoramic views over the city. Visitors can clamber up its famous white steps, with its dome bearing down on the capital, and enter quietly inside where a vast mosaic ceiling humbles those beneath it. Just behind the Sacré Coeur lies the Place du Tertre – a square filled with artists sketching portraits of tourists perched on rickety stools and buskers competing with one another for crowds.

Address: The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris Website: sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

34. Window shop at Galerie Vivienne

Evocative of 19th-century Paris in all its gaslit, mosaic splendour, Galerie Vivienne is more opulent than your average shopping arcade. Designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy, this passage couverts just behind the Bibliothèque Richelieu and continues to draw in the well-heeled shopper with its high-end fashion boutiques, wine cellars (Legrand Filles & Fils), bookshops and time-warp cafés. It’s a great place to beeline for as soon as the Parisian sky moves through its shades of grey but fresh air is on the agenda. Don’t miss the upscale preloved fashion store, and La Marelle, and be sure to look up at the impressive glass and steel ceiling before you spill out into the Palais-Royal gardens.

Address: Galerie Vivienne, 4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris Website: galerie-vivienne.com

35. Feel inspired at Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris

Stepping into this 16th arrondissement mansion (YSL’s headquarters for almost 30 years), is like slipping into the elegant, effervescent world of this legendary fashion designer. A series of light-filled, beautifully-curated rooms filled with sketches, fashion and film showcase Saint Laurent’s creative process and capture the energy and excitement of the couture house during its meteoric ascent. Continually rotating exhibitions tap into the museum’s extensive archives, unearthing fresh YSL content for those returning (expect plenty of Le Smoking, and as-he-left-it touches that offer you a privileged glimpse into this sartorial genius’ life and work).

Address: Musée Yves Saint Laurent, 5 Av. Marceau, 75116 Paris Website: museeyslparis.com

36. Spot curiosities at Deyrolle

This eye-popping cabinet of natural history curios is legendary for its exotic, and eccentrically-curated taxidermy. Founded in 1831 by famed entomologist Emile Deyrolle, the Left Bank institution famously burnt down in 2008, though a subsequent extensive restoration programme brought it back to its original bell jar and wooden-cased splendour. Visitors can weave through its maze of taxidermy and natural history specimens, observing these creatures up close – from bears to rare butterflies and extinct mammals.

Address: Deyrolle, 46 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris Website: deyrolle.com

37. Wander through Centre Pomipdou

Love it or loathe it, Centre Pompidou’s ‘guts out’ exterior (industrial pipes, air ducts, structural steel n’ all) has become an icon of the city’s contemporary movement. Its opening in the 70s caused quite a stir, considered by many an architectural blemish on the capital’s Haussmann uniformity, with its architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers even placing the lifts and escalators on the building’s exterior. The effect on its innards, though, is quite spectacular, with vast, airy spaces serving as the perfect industrial canvas for contemporary works. The Musée National d’Art Moderne spans the top two levels (expect everything from Marcel Duchamp to Matisse); contemporary art from the 1960s onwards can be found on level 4; and the mezzanine’s Galerie d’Enfants is where to take the bored-looking sprogs for some interactive exhibitions (with free admission on the first Sunday of every month).

Address: Centre Pomipdou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris Website: centrepompidou.fr

38. Munch at Marché Des Enfants Rouges

Of all Le Marais’ cultural-foodie offerings, Marché Des Enfants remains one of the most authentic. Paris’ oldest market takes its name (the red children) from the red-clad orphans who once resided just beside it. Locals and tourists mingle under the vast green iron and glass ceiling, browsing the market’s bounty, pulling up chairs at one of the makeshift restaurants , or simply soaking in the energy.

Address: Marché Des Enfants Rouges, 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris Website: paris.fr

39. Amble around the magical Musée Rodin

Dotted around the gardens of this achingly handsome Parisian mansion, previously Hôtel Biron, are some of Auguste Rodin’s most famous works, including, perhaps his most famous, The Thinker . Inside, the sculpture’s life and work are honoured (within resplendent 18th-century rooms, with their soaring ceilings and vast windows pulling in that soft Parisian light). This dances along the busts, drawings and sculptures, and visitors can get a sense of the aesthetically soothing setting within which Rodin worked and taught others. Meander through the garden, pausing to admire the Gates of Hell before settling into a tasty lunch at the museum’s new café, L’Augustine.

Address: Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris Website: musee-rodin.fr

40. Look over the rooftops from Institut du Monde Arabe

Designed by Jean Nouvel, Paris’ Institut du Monde Arabe in the 5th arrondissement may, at first glance, appear simply a cubic, contemporary structure. But look a little closer, and its exterior is crafted from hundreds of elaborate mashrabiyas – a clever interplay of new-meets-old. The institute is dedicated to celebrating and educating visitors on the Arab world, with an ever-changing raft of cultural events, workshops, performances and art exhibitions, and a 9th-floor café worth sticking around for… particularly for the views across the city rooftops.

Address: Institut du Monde Arabe, 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris Website: imarabe.org

41. Get lost in Parc Buttes-Chaumont

Yes, the Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg are postcard-pretty. But for something a little more off-grid and dishevelled (by Parisian standards), head to Parc Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement. Far from the manicured beds and orderly topiary of the city’s inner parks, this vast, hilly patch of green lies on abandoned quarries, with grottos, waterfalls, a suspension bridge and a large artificial lake. The Temple de la Sibylle crowns the park atop a jagged, man-made cliff that surges from the curiously blue lake below, and there’s even a sliver of a vineyard hidden alongside it (Butte Bergeyre vineyard).

Address: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 75019 Paris Website: paris.fr

42. Uncover an underrated museum

Once the home and atelier of sculptor and Rodin pupil Antoine Bourdelle, this off-the-beaten-track museum peers into the Left Bank’s 20th-century soul. Compact and utterly charming, Musée Bourdelle showcases the sculptor’s work and creative process, with rooms left as they were all those years ago. Spot the students and artists quietly sketching Bourdelle’s larger sculptures in the airy hall or outside in the pocket-sized rose garden.

Address: Musée Bourdelle, 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris Website: bourdelle.paris.fr

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Paris Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Paris. Poets, artists, playwrights, writers, journalists, and more have all written about their love of this city. It’s a place that exudes culture, sophistication, class, and style. Like the millions before me, I fell in love with this city the first time I visited.

Settled by Gallic tribes around the 3rd century BCE, the region was conquered by the Romans a couple of centuries later, turning it into a prosperous settlement. By 508, Paris was made the capital of the Merovingian dynasty. The city was sacked by Vikings in 845 but recovered to repel further Viking incursions. By the 12th century, Paris was the economic and cultural hub of all of France.

Today, Paris is one of the few iconic cities in the world that truly lives up to its hype. I’ve spent years visiting the city, have organized tours here, and even lived here for a bit. It is one of my absolute favorite places in the world. As Hemingway said, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” He wasn’t wrong.

As iconic as it is, Paris is also gigantic, with thousands of years of history and a plethora of things to see and do, from world-class museums to Disneyland Paris . It would take a lifetime to explore it all. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can see the highlights over just a few days.

This travel guide to Paris can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to the City of Light!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Paris

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Paris

1. Scale the Eiffel Tower

Built for the 1889 World Fair, the 300-meter tower is an engineering feat that was originally hated by locals. They called it “the metal asparagus” and hoped it would be torn down. Now, it’s the most famous symbol of the city and every local will tell you they love it. It’s a beautiful building. If you’re going to go up to the top, get there early to avoid the lines. Tickets range from 16-26 EUR but I strongly suggest paying for direct access via an elevator that takes you to the top. It’s worth spending the money on as the line can take upwards of an hour on busy days. You can also get joint Eiffel Tower and river cruise tickets which help you save if you plan on doing both activities. Post-COVID, I would get your tickets in advance because the crowds and lines for tickets are really long.

2. Tour the Palace of Versailles

Visiting the famed 17th-century palace requires a whole day (don’t skip Marie Antoinette’s home or the spacious gardens that are located here). Originally, a hunting lodge, Louis XIV built this opulent palace to get the nobles out of Paris so they wouldn’t plan any coups. It was expanded over the years and filled with tons of allegorical statues and symbols reminding people that the power of the state rested with the king! The palace gets super crowded so try to go during the weekday, though summer weekends are the best time to visit the gardens, as the fountains are set to music then. Admission to the palace is 18 EUR and admission to the entire complex (including the gardens) is 27 EUR. For a more in-depth experience, this Versailles tour is led by a local expert guide and includes round-trip transportation from Paris at a time that avoids most of the crowds.

If you want to beat the crowds (which I highly recommend), skip-the-line tickets are available for 55 EUR. Since upwards of 10,000 people visit per day, skipping the line will save you a ton of time. The wait to get tickets can last hours.

3. Explore the Louvre

The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world, with thousands of square feet of space and millions of artifacts and works of art (including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo). To see it all, you need at least two full days, but you can do the highlights in a full afternoon (especially if you take the Louvre Highlights Tour , which includes skip-the-line entry). Admission costs 17 EUR, while timed skip-the-line tickets are an additional 17 EUR. Due to capacity restrictions, you MUST get your ticket in advance. They sell out these days so if you don’t get your ticket in advance, you run the risk of showing up and being denied entrance.

Moreover go on Wednesday night when the museum is open until 11pm. There’s hardly anyone there after 7pm.

4. Wander the Latin Quarter

A historic area near Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter is filled with tiny, winding streets that turn at weird angles to open into little cafe-lined squares. I love wandering around here; it always feels like you’re stepping back a few hundred years in history. There are a lot of restaurants, bars, and jazz clubs here too. If you’d like to learn more about the area, this in-depth walking tour meanders through the Latin Quarter and includes skip-the-line tickets to the incredible Sainte-Chapelle, my favorite church in the city (read more below!). The tour is a perfect way to connect with a local guide who can share their insider tips and help you make the most of your visit.

5. Visit Sainte-Chapelle

This is my favorite church in Paris. Built in 1238 by Saint Louis, it was meant to house holy relics he found during the Crusades as well as serve as the Royal Chapel. I find this tiny Gothic chapel to be far more beautiful than the nearby Notre Dame. The (mostly) original interior décor is exquisite, including some of the few remaining examples of original stained glass in France. It’s absolutely beautiful. Entry costs 11.50 EUR and is likely to sell out so book your ticket in advance . Ticket holders skip the line too!

Other Things to See and Do in Paris

1. go museum hopping.

Paris has hundreds of museums worth seeing. Make sure to check out the Musee D’Orsay for great impressionist work, the amazing Rodin Museum, Holocaust Museum (one of the best in the world), Musee D’Orangerie (more impressionist work), and the interesting sewer museum. A Paris Museum Pass is the most affordable way to see them all as it provides access to over 50 museums in Paris and the surrounding region. A two-day pass costs 52 EUR, a four-day pass costs 66 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 78 EUR. It’s a must if you’re going to see at least 3 museums while in the city. Get it, save money, and (importantly) get to skip all the long lines that plague the city these days.

2. Stroll down the Champs Elysees

This is one of the most famous streets in the world and stretches from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre. It’s lined with expensive shops and restaurants and is always busy, but it’s a great place to club hop at night or shop during the day. Come in the very early morning to see the place utterly deserted. It makes for great photos. You can also take a guided tour if you want to learn more about the street and its history.

3. Visit the Panthéon

Located in the Latin Quarter, this Neoclassical building was originally built as a church but was turned into a state burial site for France’s heroes, including Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Louis Braille, and Voltaire. Admission is 11.50 EUR . Like everything else, you’ll want to buy a ticket in advance to avoid the lines.

4. Relax in Jardin Du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden) is the largest public park in Paris, covering 56 acres. The garden, which was first created in 1612, contains over a hundred statues, monuments, and fountains, all scattered throughout the grounds. The park was neglected for years until the French Revolution, after which Jean Chalgrin (the architect of the Arc de Triomphe) set about restoring and expanding the park. In the morning, you’ll see lots of runners exercising here. At lunch on a nice day, join park-goers in having a picnic.

5. Admire the view from Montmartre

Home to starving artists for over a century (since the Belle Époque in the 19th century), the neighborhood of Montmartre offers a stunning view of Paris, arty cafés and bars, cobblestone streets, and the only winery within the city limits (Vignes du Clos Montmartre). It’s one of the hipper parts of Paris, even if it has lost some of its old grandeur. It’s great for those wanting to visit the hangout spots of folks like Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. The iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica sits at the top of the hill. Climb the steps or sit on the sloping lawn and admire the views at dusk. Entrance to the basilica is free.

If you want to learn more about this iconic neighborhood, guided walking tours are the best way to do so (there’s a lot of history in this area and all the signs are in French) and include a visit to the basilica.

6. Visit Notre Dame

Paris’s Gothic masterpiece was constructed between 1163-1334. Climb from the north tower to the south to appreciate the masonry and get a close-up view of the Gallery of Chimeras, the fantastic birds and beasts gazing over the balustrade. The outside facade has been cleaned up in recent years, but the inside has a bit of that old Gothic grimy charm. To climb the tower, it costs 10 EUR. NOTE: Notre Dame is currently closed due to the 2019 fire.

7. Stand under the Arc De Triomphe

This monument stands in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle and is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Inaugurated in 1836, the arch is dedicated to those who died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. For 13 EUR, visitors can climb 284 steps to the top of the Arc for stunning panoramic views and information about the city’s history. I think it’s one of the best views – and photo spots – in the city.

8. Celebrate Bastille Day

Every July 14th, a series of spectacular events in Paris celebrates the infamous storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution. The Bastille was a medieval armory and fortress and represented royal authority in Paris. Its capture was one of the biggest milestones of the Revolution. These days, there’s a huge televised parade and a never-ending fireworks display (head to Champ de Mars or the Jardins du Trocadéro for the best views of it all).

9. Experience the Cinema en Plein Air

Every July and August, Paris rolls out an inflatable screen in the Parc de la Villete for this major outdoor cinema event in the 9th arrondissement. It’s hugely popular with locals who tend to bring food and wine! It’s free to attend too.

10. Visit Maison du Victor Hugo

This beautiful apartment dates to 1605. Its most famous resident was the writer Victor Hugo (author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame ), who moved here when he was 30. His old apartment is now a museum dedicated to his life and writing. The museum is quite small, but Hugo lovers (like me) will find it very interesting. Each room is designed to showcase a specific period in his life, from his childhood to his death. Admission is free.

11. Climb through the Paris Catacombs

Underneath the city of Paris, you’ll find a honeycomb of tunnels, originally constructed as mining tunnels. The French resistance used these tunnels during World War II and rave parties flourished there during the 90s. Within this maze of tunnels lie the famous Catacombs of Paris, an ossuary containing the remains of over 6 million Parisians. This burial site was created in the 18th century due to public health concerns about overflowing cemeteries. It’s one of the freakiest and coolest sites in Paris. This walking tour with a local historian includes skip-the-line access (lines can regularly stretch around the block), while last-minute tickets cost 14 EUR, when available (they are often sold out, however).

12. Listen to Paris’ famous jazz music

Whether you prefer modern clubs or classic jazz joints, you shouldn’t leave Paris without tasting the music that attracted some of the best musicians and artists to the city. There is an especially abundant amount of good jazz clubs in the city. Le Duc des Lombards, which opened in 1984, is one of the most famous jazz clubs in the city. Harry’s Bar also has a lot of great music there too.

13. Take a walking tour

There are dozens upon dozens of companies covering all aspects of life in Paris, and it can be hard to make sense of all those endless Viator and TripAdvisor listings. Some are free, like New Europe’s tour, and go around the center of Paris, giving a historical overview of the city. Walks offer amazing in-depth tours starting from about 55 EUR. You’ll get specialized guides and skip the lines to big attractions, like the Louvre. I wrote a whole guide to the best walking tours in Paris!

14. Walk amongst the tombstones

The Pere-Lachaise Cemetery is Paris’ largest and most famous cemetery. In fact, it’s the most visited cemetery in the world and a peaceful, hauntingly beautiful area worth exploring. Look closely to spot the famous graves (Jim Morrison, Chopin, and Oscar Wilde are all buried here.) The cemetery was built in 1804 but locals considered the cemetery too far from the city. For that reason, Père Lachaise only had 13 graves its first year, however, administrators devised a plan to transfer the remains of Jean de La Fontaine and Molière, two of Paris’s most famous artists, to Père Lachaise. After that, everyone wanted to be buried here! You can read more about the cemetery here .

If you want, take a guided tour of the cemetery . You’ll learn a ton and won’t miss out on the most popular (and interesting) tombs. There’s no signs here so, without a tour, you won’t really learn much.

15. Visit the Mémorial de la Shoah

Despite having an excellent exhibit on France, anti-Semitism, and the Holocaust, the Mémorial de la Shoah never draws a lot of people. It’s a real shame, as there is a lot of in-depth information and a great collection here. I’ve been to many Holocaust museums, and this is one of the best and most detailed in the world. I highly recommend it. Admission is free.

16. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Parisian cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city, sampling the best eats Paris has to offer, all while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, this tour is for you! Food tours range from 89-109 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in France, check out these guides:

Paris Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm ranges from 40-75 EUR per night, depending on location and how popular the hostel is. Double private rooms start at 97 EUR per night, but are more often in the range of 155-200 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Expect prices to be on the higher end during the summer travel season.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start around 120 EUR per night for a room with a double bed. You’ll get normal basic hotel amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee/tea maker, and occasionally free breakfast. For a more mid-range three-star hotel, expect to pay at least 150-180 EUR per night. Expect prices to rise in the summer.

On Airbnb, the private rooms start at 65 EUR, while full apartments start at 150 EUR per night (but usually cost at least double that if you don’t book early). Prices will be double this in the summer.

Food – Food in France has a long history and is intricately intertwined with the culture. Fresh bread (especially baguettes), tasty local cheeses, and plentiful wine may be stereotypical staples of the cuisine, but they really are some of the must-eat foods in the country. Be sure to try croque monsieur (a hot ham and cheese sandwich), pot-au-feu (beef stew), steak frites (steak and fries), and if you’re real adventurous you can sample traditional delicacies like frog legs, escargot (snails) or foie gras (a fattened duck or goose liver).

If you’re on a budget, pick up some ingredients at the local market and have a picnic in one of the city’s many parks. Creating your own meal costs around 7-10 EUR and is a fun way to take in the city as you relax.

Pre-made sandwiches from the city’s takeaway shops, crepes, or fast food generally cost between 6-12 EUR (a combo meal at McDonald’s is around 10 EUR). If you want to eat at a restaurant (the French are known for their culinary skills, after all!), try doing a “prix-fixe” meal. It’s a set menu that offers you a deal on a 2-3 course meal for about 22-35 EUR for lunch.

A cheap meal at a casual restaurant costs around 15-18 EUR, while you should expect to pay between 30-50 EUR for dinner at a nice restaurant including wine. Try to avoid the tourist areas, where prices are around about 10-30% higher.

Beer costs 6-7 EUR, a glass of wine is 4-6 EUR, and cocktails are around 10-13 EUR. A cappuccino/latte is around 4 EUR while bottled water is 2 EUR.

Some of my favorite places to eat in the city are Bouillon Pigalle, Café Marlette Martyrs, Père & Fils, Bong, Crêperie des Arts, Le Dit Vin, Five Tea Or’normes, Florence Kahn, Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, Juveniles, Clamato, Wine Therapy, and La Recyclerie, Septime La Cave, Le Barav, and L’Assiette.

For an in-depth list of tons of restaurants and bars, check out my guidebook to Paris , which goes in-depth into the city!

If you’re cooking for yourself, expect to pay about 50-60 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, bread, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Paris Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Paris, my suggested budget is about 70 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking your own meals and having picnics, taking public transit to get around, limiting your drinking, and doing most cheap or free activities like free walking tours and free museums.

A mid-range budget of about 150 EUR per day covers staying in a private Airbnb room, eating out for most of your meals at cheap fast food places, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities like going up the Eiffel Tower and visiting the Louvre.

For a “luxury” budget of 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, take more taxis, drink more, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Paris Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Since Paris is expensive to visit, it’s important to find ways to save money. Luckily, there are A LOT of ways to save money while still experiencing the city’s beauty, charm, and cuisine. If you want to lower your costs, here are some high-impact ways to save money in Paris:

• Buy a metro card – Paris has over 300 subway stations, so it’s easy to get around the city using public transportation. A day pass is 13.20 EUR while a 10-ticket pass or “carnet” costs 16.90 EUR (both of these are much cheaper than paying the 1.90 EUR for an individual ticket). The day pass, called ParisVisite, also provides discounts to some major Parisian landmarks.
• Have a picnic – With so many beautiful parks and outdoor gardens, it would be hard not to take advantage of picnicking. Eating in Paris is cheap when you do your own shopping. Buy some bread, cheese, and meat at the local shops and have an outdoor picnic. It’s fun and costs a fraction of what a meal in a restaurant would.
• Get the Paris Museum Pass – This prepaid card provides access to over 70 museums and monuments around Paris. A two-day pass costs 52 EUR, a four-day pass costs 66 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 78 EUR. This is perfect for the museum hopper. Since most people visit lots of museums in the city, you’re pretty much guaranteed to save money.
• Get the Paris Pass – This is a super-sized version of the Paris Museum Pass and is for people who want to do heavy sightseeing in a short period of time. You can purchase a two-day pass for 109 EUR, a three-day pass for 129 EUR, a four-day pass for 149 EUR, or a six-day pass for 169 EUR. It includes a TON of sights (75+ attractions), the ability to skip lines, and a hop-on, hop-off bus tour (in addition to everything in the Paris Museum Pass). You can order your pass here .
• See museums for free – All national museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month. If you happen to hit this day, be aware of potentially large crowds and long lines.
• Dine out during lunch – Food in Paris is not cheap. It costs you an arm and a leg to eat here, but during lunch, many restaurants offer a pre-fixe menu for 10-20 EUR. It’s the same food you would buy for dinner but at half the cost. When I eat out in Paris, I do so during lunch so I can still eat amazing French food without it eating my entire wallet!
• Cook your meals – The best way to save money on the road is to cook your own meals. Many hostels, campsites, and guest houses have kitchens. No kitchen? Pack your own container and silverware and make some sandwiches and salads on the go.
• Stay with a local – I highly recommend trying to find a host on Couchsurfing (or similar apps) so that you can get a kitchen, a place to stay, and a local friend to show you around. The community here is very active and friendly!
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to get a great overview of Paris, take a free walking tour with New Europe Tours. These 2-3 hour tours will give you a good overview of the city, help you get your bearings, and give you someone to ask for cheap eats and things to do! Just don’t forget to tip your guide at the end!
• Remember that water is free – When you order water at a restaurant, make sure you ask for tap water. They’ll try to provide bottled water and charge you for it, but tap water is free and safe to drink.
• Bring a water bottle – Since the tap water here is safe to drink you should bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe. There are water filling stations throughout the city.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris has lots of awesome hostels and budget hotels. Here are some of my recommended places to stay in Paris:

• St. Christopher’s Canal
• Les Piaules
• Generator Hostel
• St. Christopher’s Gare du Nord
• Hôtel Thérèse

For more hostel suggestions be sure to check out my list of the best hostels in Paris.

How to Get Around Paris

Public transportation – The Paris public transport system is one of the world’s most comprehensive and efficient. Every other block has a metro (subway) stop. A single-use metro/bus ticket costs 1.90 EUR (2 EUR if you buy it on the bus).

A “carnet” of 10 single-use tickets costs 16.90 EUR. You can get a one-day to five-day pass (a ParisVisite) for all modes of public transportation (bus, metro, trams, and suburban trains called the RER) for between 13.20-42.20 EUR. It also gives you discounts to some major Parisian landmarks. You can buy tickets at any metro station.

( Note: There are cheaper day passes available if you are under 26, as well as discounted prices on weekends and holidays, but they are only explained on the French website. If you can speak passable French and are under 26, you can ask for those reduced fares instead.)

The RER is an above-ground train that has five lines serving Paris and Ile-de-France. It works exactly like the metro and uses the same tickets, although you’ll have to use your ticket in the automatic barriers on your way out of the station as well (unlike the metro). If you have a connecting journey with the metro, you can use the same ticket.

There are 64 bus lines in Paris’s metro network. If you already have your single-use metro/bus ticket, it costs 1.90 EUR. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy a ticket on the bus for 2 EUR. Your ParisVisite pass also works on the bus.

There are four tram lines in Paris that navigate the city’s perimeter. They work on the same ticketing system as the metro, RER, and bus.

The airport RoissyBus to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) costs 12 EUR each way. The bus to Paris-Orly (ORY) costs between 9.50-12.10 EUR depending on which bus you take/where you are going in Paris.

Bike-sharing – Velib’ is Paris’s public bike-sharing program. A single trip is 3 EUR, while a one-day pass is 5 EUR and a 3-day pass is 20 EUR. If you’d like to take out an electric bike, a one-day pass is 10 EUR.

E-scooters – Electric scooters have quickly become a popular way to get around in Paris. There are a few different companies, including Lime and Tier, but most cost around the same price: around 1 EUR to unlock the scooter, .15-.20 EUR per minute thereafter.

Taxi – Taxis in the city are expensive (rides cost a minimum of 7.10 EUR regardless of where you are going). With the metro running late into the night, there’s little reason to take them. Avoid them if you can.

Uber – Uber is available in Paris but, again, it’s largely unnecessary as the public transportation is so great.

When to Go to Paris

Summer is the most popular (and most expensive) time to visit Paris. Average daily summer temperatures are in the low 20°Cs (high 70°Fs). While the weather is great, that also means the crowds are huge and wait times for major attractions are long. This is the most crowded time of year. (And, keep in mind, most French people leave during August for vacation.) If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to book your accommodation and activities in advance.

I think the best time to visit is May-early June and September-October. During these times, there are fewer crowds, prices are lower, and the weather is still sunny and warm. Temperatures are often around 20-23°C (68-73°F) making this a good season to stroll around outside without tons of layers on or the sweltering sun beating down on you.

Winter can be dark and chilly, but while the weather may not be perfect, Paris is particularly beautiful in the winter. It’s also the best time to find cheap airfare and hotel deals. Although Paris is never free from tourists, it does get less crowded at this time of year. This can be a great time to visit if you plan on spending most of your time in museums and historic sites. It’s also the rainiest during this time. Expect daily highs around 7°C (44°F).

How to Stay Safe in Paris

Paris is very safe, and the risk of violent crime is very low. That said, as in all major cities, petty theft and pickpocketing are pretty rife here, especially on crowded public transportation and in busy tourist areas. Avoid flashing your valuables and always keep your possessions secure and out of reach.

There’s a lot of tourist scams here, especially one involving people getting you to sign a petition and then demanding money. Simply avoid anyone urging you to sign a petition by politely declining their offer.

If you’re worried about getting scammed, you can read about common travel scams to avoid right here.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions occur (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night if intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, I’d google solo female travel blogs as they can best give advice for Paris. To be extra safe, avoid walking around at night by yourself in certain neighborhoods, including Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, Jaures, and Les Halles.

Generally, your biggest issues in Paris will be tourist scams and petty theft.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Paris Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of France.

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

While I have a lot of free tips on Paris, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, maps, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc.), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Paris that I got from living and running tours here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.

Paris Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling France and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Paris

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

13 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See and Do in Paris

The Best Walking Tours in Paris

Life in Paris, Part 3: Nothing Lasts Forever

The 10 Best Day Trips from Paris

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Discover Paris

Plan Your Trip to the City of Light

Visit Paris and you'll discover a spectacular city packed with a dazzling array of famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, more museums than you can possibly visit in one trip, wonderful hotels and restaurants, and fascinating historic and modern neighborhoods to explore.

And that's just the beginning.  

Cruises along the tranquil Seine River and Canal Saint Martin, shopping destinations ranging from glitzy designer showrooms to street markets, non-stop summer concerts and festivals, tours and fireworks at the Palace of Versailles, and excursions to Disneyland Paris are just a few of the things you can experience here.

Whether you're planning your first Paris vacation or have traveled here dozens of times, you'll find plenty to explore and enjoy - and all the planning tips you need right here.

Welcome to Paris Discovery Guide, an independent travel website (www.parisdiscoveryguide.com) with everything you need to plan a memorable trip to Paris.

Top photo:  View of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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What to See & Do in Paris

Attractions

Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Mona Lisa, famous museums, monuments   Find out more

Things to Do

Ferris wheels, beaches, ice skating, special events - so many things to do in Paris ! Find out more

Tours & Cruises

Best ways to see Paris on land, water, & wheels, including private tours Find out more

Neighborhoods

Latin Quarter, the Marais, Montmartre, Golden Triangle - get ready to explore!   Find out more

Versailles, Giverny, Mont St Michel, Disneyland, Normandy D-Day beaches Find out more

Kids & Teens

Favorite attractions for kids & teens - from carousels to Disneyland Paris Find out more

Dining in Paris

All about restaurants, brasseries, bistros, cafés, and bakeries Find out more

Shopping in Paris

Designer boutiques, discount outlets, street markets, hidden arcades, flea markets Find out more

Parks & Gardens

Famous parks & and hidden gardens - find your perfect spot to smell the roses Find out more

Plan Your Paris Vacation

Find the perfect Paris hotel for your budget and location preferences, a trip planning guide and checklists, recommended guidebooks, and the essential travel information every Paris visitor needs.

Where to Stay

Hotels & apartments in every price range near top Paris attractions Find out more

Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know: best time to visit Paris, where to get Euros, how much to tip, & more Find out more

Paris Guide books

Which Paris travel guides are best for new & return visitors?   Find out more

Get Deals & Discounts

A Paris vacation can be more affordable than you realize, whatever your budget - especially if you take advantage of all the ways to save.

Hotel Bargains  

Want to save money on your Paris hotel without sacrificing comfort or a convenient location? Find out more

Discount Cards

Want to save money on attractions, tours, & cruises? Check out sightseeing passes Get details

Save on Flights

Use these tips to save money on flights & get the biggest value for your travel budget Learn more

Paris Holidays & Top Events

• New Year's Eve in Paris
• Winter & Summer Sales
• Paris Marathon
• Easter in Paris
• Mother's Day in Paris
• Bastille Day Celebrations
• Tour de France

Christmas in Paris

To find all the top events and fun things to do in Paris each month, check out our Paris Event Calendars.

Favorite Paris Attractions

Eiffel Tower

Best ways to visit the Eiffel Tower Find out more

How to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre! Find out more

Moulin Rouge

Enjoy a show at this legendary Parisian nightclub Find out more

Experience the splendor of Versailles Palace   Find out more

Disneyland Paris

Directions, tips, discounts for this favorite destination Find out more

How to explore this famous neighborhood and its crowning jewel, Sacre Coeur Find out more

• How to Get Euros - What are the best ways to get Euros for your trip to Paris?  And how much cash do you really need?
• Why Visit Paris? - Need some inspiration as you plan your trip?  You'll find it here
• Best Places to Shop in Paris - Find out about the city's top shopping districts and their specialties, from luxury couture to a discount village to French cookware to the world's biggest flea market - & more!
• Fun Paris Museums - Want to visit a Paris museum but not really interested in art?  From the Catacombs (old bones) to street art to wine-tasting tours at medieval castles, there's something for everyone!
• Day Trips from Paris - Check out these fabulous day trips to fantastic places near Paris

More Fun Ways to See Paris

Keep up with the best in paris.

Want to know more about what to see and do in Paris? Here's how to keep in touch with Paris Discovery Guide:

• Bookmark this page in your web browser
• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see our latest Paris photos
• Sign up for our free newsletter, Paris Travel Tips
• Subscribe to our RSS feed to get our latest updates when they happen
• Ask a Paris travel question - we'll answer

Thanks for visiting Paris Discovery Guide.

We hope you will have a wonderful time during your Paris visit - and enjoy this spectacular city as much as we do!

Publisher, Paris Discovery Guide www.parisdiscoveryguide.com

Please note:  ParisDiscoveryGuide.com does not sell any  personal  information.

Want to Save on Your Paris Hotel?

Check our tips on how to find discounts, deals, and bargains for Paris hotels.  Whether you're looking for cheap accommodations or want to pay less for luxury, we'll show you how to save on hotels in Paris.  

Here are some shortcuts: 

• Booking.com: Need last minute reservations?  Check out Today Deals on their website
• Trip Advisor: Use their Best Value Deals & save BIG on your Paris hotel
• Priceline: Find the lowest prices on Paris hotels with their Express Deals

Top Attractions & Tours

• Eiffel Tower - Enjoy sweeping views of Paris
• Louvre Tour - Soak up art & see the Mona Lisa
• Palace of Versailles - Best way to see the famous Chateau
• Paris Museum Pass - Choose 2, 4, or 6 days
• Paris Disneyland - Get express tickets & transport from Paris

Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

• Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open

April in Paris

• Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers

May in Paris

• Mother's Day, jazz festival, concerts

June in Paris

• Summer sales, Pride week, music fests, air show

July in Paris

• Bastille Day, Tour de France, beaches

August in Paris

• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

• European Heritage Days, Fashion Week

October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

• Christmas, New Year's Eve

Hanukkuh in Paris

• Menorah lightings 

• Holiday celebrations & decorations

Christmas Markets

• Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa

Newest Articles & Latest Updates

• How to Get to Disneyland Paris from Paris
• Best Palace of Versailles Tours from Paris
• 101 Famous Graves in Pere Lachaise Cemetery
• Where to Find Paris's Best Covered Passages
• Best Paris Food Tours
• Best Hotels with Free Shuttles to Disneyland Paris

Book Your Paris Hotel

Eiffel Tower Hotels

• See the Eiffel Tower from your balcony

Arc de Triomphe Hotels

• Great hotels with bargain rates

New Hotels in Paris

• Experience the latest & greatest

Paris Hotels near the Louvre

• Where to stay near the famous palace museum

Central Paris Hotels

• Wonderful hotels close to top Paris attractions

Deals & Discounts

• How to save on your Paris hotel

Plan Your Paris Trip

• Why visit Paris?
• Best Paris guide books
• Find cheap flights to Paris
• Choose your Paris hotel  
• 7 Reasons why you need travel insurance
• Electric adapters and converters  
• Best ways to get Euros
• Check out 10 top Paris attractions
• How to skip the ticket lines
• Paris Museum Pass:  Should you get one?
• Which neighborhoods are best to stay in?
• What to do & see in each Paris district
• How to spend your first day in Paris

Paris travel guide

A complete guide to the french capital that shaped cuisine, art and fashion.

The French capital attracts visitors to its legendary landmarks and streets brimming with history. It’s a city you can stroll through hundreds of times and keep coming across something new. Just look up and you’ll see tucked-away terraces, street art, mosaics, and Gothic-style pointed arches and stain-glass windows. Architecture is one of the many draws to the French capital, and each neighborhood offers something different to discover. Cultural institutions and the city’s history as a hub for everything from fashion to art help Paris preserve its past while still modernizing and moving toward the future. Undergoing a green renaissance, the city is transforming more areas into pedestrian- and bike-friendly zones, giving travelers even more reason to indulge in the city’s charm like a true flâneur. Paris has plenty of different sides to see depending on where you stay and what your interests are. Read on to learn how Paris developed into the iconic destination that it is today.

Must-see in Paris

Things you can’t miss while visiting paris, musée d’orsay.

The former Beaux-Arts railway station houses the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings by masters like Monet and Van Gogh.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

The largest cemetery in Paris, Père Lachaise, features thousands of famous burial sites, including the graves of Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is one of the largest green spaces in the city and a popular place to picnic in summer.

Eiffel Tower

A must-do in Paris, soak up 360-degree views over the city from the landmark Eiffel Tower’s top floor.

Centre Pompidou

At the Centre Pompidou, the expansive collection of modern and contemporary art covers all the greats, from Matisse to Miro.

Musée du Louvre

Spanning more than 10,000 years of history, the Louvre features more than 35,000 pieces of art—and is a bucket list attraction in Paris.

Fondation Louis Vuitton

The Frank Gehry-designed Fondation Louis Vuitton, in the Bois de Boulogne, features 11 galleries showcasing collections of modern and contemporary artwork.

Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson

The Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson displays a rare selection of photos and items from the archive of the legendary French photojournalist and his wife, Martine Franck.

Bateaux Mouches

The hour-long Bateaux Mouches river cruises allow you to check off all the landmarks on your list, from the Eiffel Tower to the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Musée National Picasso-Paris

Located in the Marais, the Musée National Picasso-Paris houses the largest collection of work by Pablo Picasso in the world.

Palais Garnier

Catch a ballet or musical performance or take a tour of the gilded opera house with its Marc Chagall-painted ceiling.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Created by Queen Marie de Medici in the early1600s, the expansive Luxembourg Gardens offer plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained.

Les Catacombs de Paris

Paris’s ancient stone quarries house the remains of more than six million people in the underground tunnel network.

Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac

Located on the bank of the Seine, the Jean Nouvel-designed Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac showcases a collection of artwork from non-Western cultures.

Place des Vosges

One of the oldest squares in Paris, Place des Vosges, is the perfect place to break from a day of strolling and shopping in the Marais.

Crazy Horse Paris

The couture-clad cabaret has been one of the most fashionable in Paris for the last 70 years.

Moulin Rouge

The iconic cabaret serves up a feather-filled French cancan dinner and a show each evening.

Musée Yves Saint Laurent

The iconic French designer’s old atelier and couture house are on prime display in the Yves Saint Laurent-dedicated museum, which focuses on the extensive archives of the artist’s work.

Coulée Verte René-Dumont

Stroll along Paris’s version of New York City’s High Line for city views and gorgeous gardens in one of the lesser-visited parts of town.

Canal Saint-Martin

In the neighborhood that goes by the same name, the Canal Saint-Martin is a favorite for flâneurs for strolling and people-watching.

Montparnasse Tower

The 56th-floor Observation Deck of the Montparnasse Tower shows off 360-degree views of Paris and its landmark monuments.

Champs-Élysées

Shop and stroll along “the world’s most beautiful avenue,” which runs through the city from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.

Paris's neighborhoods

Explore paris' best neighborhoods, saint-germain-des-prés, seasonal events in paris, from summer soirée to winter wonderland, paris is a city to be savored all seasons, musical fountains show at versailles (april to october).

Versailles' mythical fountains put on musical performances during the annual shows.

Roland-Garros (May-June)

One of four important tennis tournaments, the French Open brings together the world's best players during the two-week championship tournament.

Nuit Blanche (early June)

The free contemporary art event unfolds across the entire city for one day in early June.

We Love Green (early June)

The sustainability-focused music festival brings top acts in electronic, pop, R&B, and more to the Bois de Vincennes for three days of concerts.

Fête de la Musique (June 21)

The summer solstice also marks the annual Fête de la Musique, when the entire city turns into a live music stage.

Paris+ par Art Basel (October)

The modern and contemporary art festival brings together more than 150 galleries from around the world to the main fair at the Grand Palais Éphémère.

Christmas Markets (November-January)

Get in the holiday spirit strolling the wooden chalets at the many Christmas markets around Paris.

Planning toolkit for Paris

Everything you should know about visiting paris, all the ways to get to paris, the top hotels to stay in paris, once you're in paris, getting around paris.

The capital city is practically designed for public transit - and it’s easy to get almost anywhere in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re going to the airport or the surrounding suburbs, Paris’ efficient transportation network - which includes métros, buses, trains, trams, and ride and bike share options - will quickly whisk you to your next destination.

The Best of the Country’s Cuisine Comes Together in the Culinary Capital.

The definition of a moveable feast, Paris is a place where all five senses come together and are constantly satisfied. Dine on French fare that’s been around for centuries or sample more modernized takes on dishes that have made the food here something everyone tries to replicate. The French strive to perfect techniques and flavors that have become the backbone of one of the most cherished styles of cuisine on the globe.

Renting a car and driving in Paris

Whether you’re planning to cruise around the capital’s landmarks, a day-trip to a nearby wine region like Champagne or the Loire Valley or set off on a road trip across the country to the South of France, there are plenty of options for car rentals in Paris. You can even pick up a car in Paris and drop it off at your destination, so no need to backtrack. And if you’re planning an extensive trip throughout France, you may even snag better deals on longer-term rentals.

Things to do

Paris: a family-friendly city with something for all ages.

The capital’s rich culture of art, music, cuisine and fashion is one that everyone in the family can enjoy since there are plenty of attractions designed just for kids or teens.

Where to Drink and Dance Like a Local in Paris

The sister to Michelin-starred Rigmarole, the natural wine bar, and ice cream parlor have become a neighborhood favorite.

The Mexican-inspired speakeasy cocktail lounge serves up some of the most sophisticated libations in the city.

One of the top cocktail bars in town, Dirty Dick is known for its Polynesian vibes and twists on traditional tiki drinks.

Little Red Door

The speakeasy-style craft cocktail bar serves up farm-to-glass libations and mocktail versions.

Le Syndicat

One of the top craft cocktail bars in the city, Le Syndicat focuses solely on French producers for its spirits selection.

The North Pigalle music venue features live music Thursday through Saturday, plus shareable plates and cocktails.

Sister Midnight

The craft cocktail bar is known for lively weekend drag, burlesque, and cabaret shows, plus drinks that switch with the seasons.

Le Mary Celeste

Le Mary Celeste, in the Marais, is a wine bar and casual restaurant with all-day dining on the weekend.

Bar Hemingway

Named after legendary guest Ernest Hemingway, the namesake bar in the Ritz has a members' club-meets-cigar lounge feel.

The natural wine bar and cellar serve small plates and raclette, plus Bloody Marys all Sunday.

Shopping in Paris: From Haute Couture to Charming Markets, Paris Has Something for Everyone

There’s a reason Paris has earned - and kept - its reign as a global fashion capital. Home to decades-old designer brands like Dior and Chanel, as well as hot new up-and-comers shaking up the city’s fashion scene, Paris is one of the most exciting cities in the world for style and shopping.

Want to Explore More? There’s Plenty to See in a Short Drive or Train Ride from Paris.

Lavish palaces, maze-like gardens, endless hills of vines—there’s a lot to explore around Paris, and the best part is that you don’t even need a car for a day trip from the city. With an efficient network of trains, buses, and dedicated shuttles, you can jet over to wine country, Normandy, or one of the most famous theme parks in the world, Disneyland. All of these trips are easy to do in a day, but if you get swept away by the scenery and want the experience to last longer, you can turn it into an overnight excursion at one of the many hotels, guest houses, and charming countryside inns in each area.

Château de Versailles

Saint-vrain, mont saint-michel, disneyland paris, la vallée village, what to pack for paris.

With its cobblestone streets and unpredictable weather, packing for Paris is more than just throwing on a beret and striped ensemble à la Emily in Paris. To help steer you in the right direction, we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks on what to pack - and some things that are better to leave at home.

Paris, capital of France , is one of the most important and influential cities in the world. In terms of tourism, Paris is the second most visited city in Europe after London. In this travel guide, you’ll find out about the city’s top attractions , as well as useful travel advice on how to get to Paris and how to save money whilst traveling .

Paris Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• Getting to Paris
• Money-saving tips
• Where to Eat
• Where to stay in Paris
• 2-Day Paris Itinerary

Why Visit Paris?

The capital of France seems to have been designed specifically for the enjoyment of its visitors . Its streets, squares , buildings, gardens , and monuments  beckon tourists to return, and indeed, many do.

Some of the most memorable things to do in Paris include visiting the Eiffel Tower , the Arc de Triomphe , and Notre Dame Cathedral . During the evening, experiencing one of the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret shows,   strolling through some of the most picturesque neighborhoods , like Montmartre , or climbing the  Montparnasse Tower is a must.

It's always a good time to visit Paris. Depending on where you fly from, you can either make the most of the low-cost airlines flying into the city from other European cities or take one of its direct flights from further away destinations. If you have children, why not surprise them with a trip to Disneyland ?

How to Organize Your Trip?

Before traveling to this unique city, we suggest reading a little about its history and discovering useful information  about Paris, which will certainly help you organise your stay. 

Once you find out about the top attractions in Paris , the must-see museums , the best areas to stay,  and the typical French cuisine , all you’ll have to do is pack your suitcase and prepare to discover one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Need Accommodation?

If you still don't have accommodation booked, we recommend you visit our search engine, where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments  with the best rates guaranteed (with up to 75% discount). Besides, in most cases, you'll only have to pay once you get to your destination. 

• Hotels in Paris - Find the best deals online

top activities

Seine River Cruise Drift down the Seine River on a sightseeing riverboat during the day or at night—an unforgettable experience that offers unparalleled views of Paris .

Paris Hop On Hop Off Bus, Big Bus A Paris Big Bus tour is one of the most comfortable & enjoyable ways to explore the city. Discover the city hopping off & back on at any of its stops .

Mont Saint Michel Day Trip Visit Mont Saint Michel : a UNESCO World Heritage site, place of pilgrimage and one of France’s most popular and emblematic landmarks.

Dinner Cruise on the Seine Admire the remarkable monuments of Paris lit up while you savor a gourmet dinner on a panoramic Seine cruise  – an unforgettable experience!

Arc de Triomphe Ticket Visit one of the most emblematic monuments in Paris with the official-price ticket to the Arc de Triomphe . You'll have access to the viewpoint and exhibition !

Tour of the Palace of Versailles Discover Versailles , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s most famous palace on this half-day trip from Paris. See the iconic palace gardens!

Seine River Cruise from the Eiffel Tower + Lunch Get ready for a Seine River cruise that starts right at the Eiffel Tower , enjoy delicious French cuisine, and see Paris from an unbeatable vantage point.

Ticket to the Musée d'Orsay Manet, Renoir, Monet... Buying a ticket to the Musée d'Orsay will give you the chance to see some of the most famous impressionist paintings in the world.

Opera Garnier Ticket By booking a ticket to the Opera Garnier in Paris , visitors will explore the interior of this beautiful Neo-Baroque building at their leisure– a must-see!

Free Walking Tour of Paris Immerse yourself in "The City of Lights" with  a guided tour around the French Capital , discovering the Louvre, the Seine and Notre Dame. What's more, it's free!

Montmartre Free Walking Tour Take a free tour through the narrow streets of the most cultural and artistic of Paris' districts , where Picasso and Van Gogh sought out inspiration.

3 Day Trip to Normandy, Mont Saint Michel & Loire Valley Discover the highlights of Normandy like Mont Saint Michel and the Loire Valley including its famous Châteaux on a three-day trip from Paris.

Paris Pantheon Ticket Discover the fascinating Paris Pantheon, the final resting place of Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Alexandre Dumas and other distinguished French citizens.

Palace of Versailles Day Trip + Train Tour the halls of France's most famous palace with this Palace of Versailles Day Trip + Train. The guide will also show you around the impressive gardens.

Moulin Rouge Official Tickets Experience the glamour of Moulin Rouge with tickets to the spectacular Féerie show . Enjoy French champagne and dazzling performances at this world-class venue.

Centre Pompidou Tickets With your Centre Pompidou tickets , you'll see one of the best collections of modern and contemporary art in the world. Dive into Paris' rich art culture!

Access  the Eiffel Tower and admire breathtaking views over Paris . You'll be able to go up to the 2nd floor and take in the immense beauty of this city!

Paris Open-Top Big Bus Night Tour On this open-top Big Bus night tour of Paris , you'll have a spectacular view of the City of Light. You'll see the city's most iconic monuments lit up!

Aura Invalides Ticket Looking for a unique experience in Paris ? With your Aura Invalides ticket , you'll enjoy a journey of light and sound beneath the iconic Invalides Dome !

Day Trip to Bruges Bruges is the most visited city in Belgium and one of the most fascinating medieval cities in Europe . Discover the city on a walking tour and on a canal cruise.

Eiffel Tower 3rd Floor Entrance This entrance to the 3rd floor of the Eiffel Tower gives you access to one of the best viewpoints in Paris. You'll get spectacular views of the City of Light .

In this perfume workshop in Paris , we'll teach you how to make your own Eau de Toilette following the techniques of Fragonard experts.

Eiffel Tower Tickets and Seine Cruise With priority access , climb directly to the Eiffel Tower’s observation decks and admire breath-taking views over Paris and then enjoy a relaxing cruise.

Paris Bike Tour Spend a fun-filled day cycling through the French capital and discover the City of Lights’ most emblematic landmarks on this bike tour of Paris .

Paris Crazy Horse Cabaret Ticket Be enthralled by an unforgettable show and book your Paris Crazy Horse Cabaret Ticket. You'll experience Paris' most famous and glamorous cabarets.

How to Become a Parisian in 1 Hour Show Ticket With this  ticket to the show How to Become a Parisian in an Hour? you'll enjoy a  monologue performed by the  comedian Olivier Giraud .

Private Tour of Paris By booking our private walking tour of Paris, a professional guide will be exclusively at the service of you and your friends or family.

Louvre Museum Guided Tour Explore the most-visited museum in the world  and find out about its greatest artworks with a professional English-speaking guide.

Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie Ticket Visit two of the most beautiful monuments in Paris on the same day and  save money with this ticket to the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie .

Paris City Tour, Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower Admire Paris’ most famous landmarks during a panoramic city bus tour, a one-hour scenic cruise along the Seine and skip the line access to the Eiffel Tower.

Montparnasse Tower Ticket Want an incredible 360º view of Paris?  View the French capital from the top of Montparnasse Tower, 200 metres from the ground and right in the city centre.

Vincent Van Gogh Walking Tour On this guided tour you'll walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh . We'll visit Auvers-Sur-Oise to discover the place where the painter spent his final year . 

Conciergerie Ticket A royal medieval palace turned into a prison during the French Revolution : discover the history of the Conciergerie during your visit!

Eiffel Tower Climb There's a reason the Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world : climb up more than 700 stairs to enjoy unforgettable views of Paris!

Paris Archaeological Crypt Ticket Learn about Notre Dame and venture underneath the church to explore the remains of the Île de la Cité with this Paris Archaeological Crypt Ticket !

Paris Mysteries & Legends Free Tour On this Paris Mysteries & Legends Free Tour , you'll learn about the city's countless squares and alleyways that have witnessed murder, plagues and war!

Paris Gourmet Bus Tour Sample the local cuisine and visit the must-see sights of the city of lights with this Paris Gourmet Bus Tour. Explore the French capital on a luxurious bus.

Claude Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny Tour Giverny is a picturesque village located one hour away from Paris. Visit Claude Monet’s house and beautiful garden and dive into the Impressionism movement.

Sacré-Coeur Basilica Guided Tour Discover one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris , located in Montmartre, with this Sacré-Coeur Basilica Guided Tour. An architectural work of art awaits!

Emily in Paris Free Tour On this  free tour of Emily in Paris ,   we'll see some spots where this popular Netflix show was filmed, such as Gabriel's restaurant and the   Offices of Savoir .

Paris Hop-On-Hop-Off Boat Sail along the Seine River on board a Batobus , Paris’ hop-on hop-off boat, and disembark and embark as many times as you wish for 24 or 48 hours .

Le Marais Free Tour Do you want to discover Medieval Paris ? For this, take this free tour of Le Marais , one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the French capital .

Disneyland Day Trip Discover the magical world of Disneyland Paris on this day trip from Paris! The tour includes return transportation and entry to 1 or 2 of the parks .

Go City Paris All-Inclusive Pass The Go City Paris Pass gives you access to more than 70 Paris attractions, including Versailles , the Louvre Museum , a cruise on the Seine , and the Eiffel Tower .

Notre Dame Guided Tour Discover what happened in the Notre Dame fire, explore the interior of its "little sister" and tour the Ile de la Cité, the oldest part of Paris.

L'Orangerie Museum Ticket With this ticket to the L'Orangerie Museum you'll admire an impressive collection of impressionist paintings, including some of Monet's best-known works .

Lunch Cruise on the Seine Enjoy a delectable 3-course meal and admire the panoramic views of Paris from the Seine. The perfect way to discover this romantic city.

Loire Valley Castles Day Trip Visit three of the Loire Valley’s most-famous castles: Château de Chambord, Château de Cheverny, Château de Chambord and experience life during the Renaissance.

Louvre & Eiffel Tower Tour This full tour of Paris includes a cruise on the Seine , a skip-the-line entry to the Louvre Museum and a climb to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

Normandy D-Day Beaches Day Trip Immerse yourself in the history of the Second World War, visiting key battle locations and memorials on this day trip to the D-Day Beaches of Normandy .

Stade de France Tour This Stade de France tour takes you to Saint-Denis, where you can find this icon of sport which has played host to World Cup finals in both Football and Rugby.

Grevin Museum Paris Ticket At the Grevin Museum in Paris, you will find wax figures of Kylian Mbappe, Emmanuel Macron, Jean-Paul Gaultier and other famous celebrities.

Saint German des Prés Classical Music Concert Enjoy the best classical music with a concert in the church of Saint Germain des Prés , located in the heart of the historic centre of Paris.

Galeries Lafayette Fashion Show Ticket Paris is one of the world's top fashion capitals . At this fashion show at Galeries Lafayette , you'll get to experience the world of fashion for yourself!

Hard Rock Cafe Paris Lunch or Dinner Enjoy a delicious experience at one of the most popular places in the French capital with this Hard Rock Cafe Paris Lunch or Dinner, near the Opera Garnier.

Ticket for the Ballon de Paris Generali With your  ticket to the Ballon de Paris Generali , you'll enjoy the best views of the French capital from a tethered balloon anchored in the André Citroën Park

Lunch at Madame Brasserie, The Eiffel Tower's Restaurant At this  lunch at Madame Brasserie you'll enjoy an exquisite menu in the restaurant on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower , with Paris at your feet!  

Chapelle Expiatoire Ticket Dedicated to Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, the  Chapelle Expiatoire is an incredible place to visit when in Paris. Discover these locations!

Basilica of Saint-Denis Ticket Discover the first example of Gothic architecture in the world: explore the magnificent Medieval Basilica of Saint Denis  located just outside of Paris.

Père Lachaise Cemetery Tour Take our fantastic tour of Pere Lachaise Cemetary, the resting place for many notable figures from the past, such as Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf.

Chateau de Vincennes Ticket Discover the fascinating history of  Château de Vincennes , one of France's magnificent medieval treasures , when you buy this ticket.

Paris Layover Tour Take advantage of your airport wait to explore the City of Love with this Paris Layover Tour. Discover the most famous locations around the French capital.

Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour Find about the Parisian art of living with this Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour. You'll enter a traditional wine cellar to learn how to taste the best French wines.

Montmartre: Paris Lost Lovers Quest On this Lost Lovers Puzzle Hunt in Montmartre , you'll solve puzzles on an app that'll take you on a walking tour through the bohemian district of Paris!

2 Day Trip to Normandy, Saint Malo & Mont Saint Michel Set off on a 2-day tour and discover the magnificent landscapes of Normandy  including the region's must-sees like Saint-Malo and the iconic  Mont Saint Michel .

Enjoy a night on the town in the city of lights , allowing yourself to be carried along by the rhythm of the music, and the shots, of course!

Versailles Bike Day Tour Explore the magnificent Palace of Versailles , the main residence of the French Royal Family from 1682 until 1789, on a full day-tour by bike!

Paris Tour for Families Our family tour of Paris is the perfect way to explore the essential landmarks of French capital if you have young children.

UNESCO Headquarters Guided Tour Discover the history of the United Nations agency with this UNESCO Headquarters guided tour . Explore its conference rooms, courtyards, gardens and corridors!

Dinner at Madame Brasserie, the Eiffel Tower's Restaurant This dinner at Madame Brasserie provides for an unforgettable evening  as you see  Paris illuminated from the restaurant on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower .

Bel Canto Dinner + Opera Show Looking for different plans in Paris ? At this dinner with an opera show at Bel Canto  you'll be treated to a delicious  menu while enjoying  opera performances!

Classical Music Concert in Paris: La Madeleine Enjoy a classical music concert in one of the most famous churches in Paris : La Madeleine! Choose between any of the concerts on our programme list.

Traditional French Bakery Tour Do you know the boulangeries of Paris ? In this visit to a typical French bakery , we'll discover one of these places that characterise the capital.

Fontainebleau Forest Hiking Tour Venture into the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest on this 8-mile hike . You'll discover the unique biodiversity of one of the largest forests in France!

Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Ticket With this ticket to the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac , you'll visit one of the most outstanding anthropological collections in Paris!

Tootbus Sustainable Bus Tour During this sightseeing tour of Paris , you can enjoy the city's iconic landmarks on board the eco-friendly Tootbus . Hop on or off whenever you want!

Choco-Story Paris Museum Ticket Delve into the rich history behind the cacao bean at the Choco-Story Paris Museum ! With your ticket , you can explore interactive exhibits and sample sweets .

2 Day Trip to Mont Saint Michel & the Loire Valley Castles Travel back in time to the Middle Ages and Renaissance period on a 2-day trip to Mont Saint Michel and visit the impressive Loire Valley Castles .

Paris Segway Tour Ever been on a Segway? Spend a fun-filled two hours discovering the City of Lights on a two-wheeled electric vehicle with a guide.

Paradis Latin Dinner and Cabaret Let the glamour of the  French CanCan  seduce you as you enjoy  Paradis Latin , a   grand cabaret  in the heart of the Latin Quarter of Paris .

Quartmaster's Apartments Hôtel de la Marine Ticket With this ticket to the Hôtel de la Marine , you'll visit a spectacular  18th-century palace located in the central Place de la Concorde in Paris

Eiffel Tower Professional Photoshoot Capture lasting memories in Paris with a private photo shoot against the iconic Eiffel Tower backdrop. Let us preserve your special moments in this iconic spot.

Paris Vintage Sidecar Tour Explore Paris' top attractions in a fun retro motorcycle & sidecar tour , experiencing the City of Light in a truly captivating way.

Musée de l'Armée Ticket With this ticket to the Musée de l'Armée or the Army Museum , you'll visit the exhibition  Hôtel National de des Invalides , an architectural jewel in Paris.

Marie Antoinette Pass The  Marie-Antoinette Pass will give you access to 4 symbolic monuments in Paris connected to the French monarchy's past. Plus you'll save money!

​ Come and discover the Yves Saint Laurent Paris Museum before it opens to the public , for an exclusive guided 1 hour and 15 minutes tour.

Macaron Workshop at Galeries Lafayette Do you love baking? Join this macaron-making workshop at Galeries Lafayette and learn how to make these sweets in Paris' most famous department store!

Belleville Neighborhood Food Tour If you like trying local products , this food tour through the Belleville neighborhood is for you! We'll sample  Parisian specialities  and see significant sites!

Paradox Museum Paris Ticket Looking for something different to do in Paris? With this ticket to the Paradox Museum , your mind will be blown by incredible optical illusions .

Giverny Monet + Shopping Day Trip Leave Paris behind on this day trip to Giverny and visit the  Monet House & Gardens . Learn about impressionist paintings and shop at the  McArthurGlen outlet !

Rodin Museum Ticket With this  ticket to the Rodin Museum in Paris , you can see  The Thinker , The Kiss  and other iconic sculptures in  Hôtel Biron and its  beautiful gardens .

Paris Citroën DS Tour Do you want to discover the French capital differently ? On this Paris tour in a  Citroën DS,  we'll discover the city of lights in a vintage vehicle .

Day Trip to Brussels and Bruges Join us on a captivating day trip to Brussels and Bruges , where we'll delve into the picturesque charm of the Belgian capital and the "Venice of the North".

Night Bike Tour Spend an unforgettable evening contemplating the beautifully lit landmarks of Paris on this 4.5-hour bike tour , including a boat cruise along the River Seine.

Paris Helicopter Tour Flying over Paris is a unique way to discover the French capital. Unforgettable views of Versailles, the Bois de Boulogne and the Eiffel Tower from a helicopter

Paris Christmas Bike Tour Merry Christmas! Or as the French would say, Joyeux Noël! Explore the city of light during the most special time of year with this Paris Christmas bike tour .

Christmas Bus Tour in Paris On our Christmas Bus Tour in Paris , you'll discover how the City of Light decks the halls for the most magical time of the year.

Classical Music Concert at Saint-Sulpice Don't miss this classical music concert at the Church of Saint-Sulpice . Listen to an incredible repertoire in one of the most outstanding temples in Paris!

Roland Garros Stadium Tour On this guided tour of the Roland Garros stadium, you'll be able to take look inside this iconic site where so many tennis champions have made history .

Galeries Lafayette Guided Tour On this guided tour, you'll visit  Paris' most famous department store ,  Galeries Lafayette , outside of its opening hours. It dates back to 1912!

Paris Pedicab Tours This bike cab tour of Paris will take you around the French capital aboard an environmentally friendly means of transport, the greenest way to discover Paris !

Paris Duck Boat Tour Explore Paris in a unique way on our duck boat/bus tour ! You'll discover  Paris's iconic landmarks both on land and in the water . An absolute must!

Saint-Louis en l'Île Classical Music Concert Immerse yourself in the world of classical music at the enchanting Saint-Louis en l'Île church in Paris , nestled on the picturesque island of Saint-Louis .

The most complete guide of Paris

This guide gives you an overview of what to see and do in Paris during your stay . It also provides historical background, and other useful information, as well as  our opinion, advice, and suggestions on how to make the most of your holidays in Paris .

The information provided in this guide was updated in  October 2022 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please do not hesitate to  contact us .

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First Time Guide To Paris

First-Time Guide To Paris

My first trip to Paris was just shy of my 21st birthday. I was studying abroad in Italy with my friends and decided to go to Paris for Valentine’s Day weekend. Just a day before the trip, I came down with terrible bronchitis. I had a fever and was sick during that trip, but I would let go of my dream of seeing Paris. I pushed through the weekend, making my recovery time from bronchitis much longer, but it was worth it. We took a double-decker bus, and I ate a banana and Nutella crêpes. Looking back, I wish there was a first-time guide to Paris to help me understand where to go and what not to do.

Since my first trip to Paris, I have learned a lot by making mistakes and doing all the touristy things. A helpful blog and Google map that first time around would have saved us hours looking for Angelina Hot Chocolate . But we made memories, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

How is Paris Laid Out?

This post is to help you have the best first trip to Paris. Paris is broken up into different neighborhoods called arrondissements. To understand how they lay on a map, the 1st arrondissement is in the center of the city and follows the path of a snail moving outwards. Paris has twenty arrondissements spanning the left and right banks of Paris. To see the significant Paris attractions, you will want to start in central Paris and work toward different areas of Paris if you have time.

You can walk the city from one end to the other in about an hour, depending on how quickly you walk.  Public transportation is everywhere, and famous landmarks are accessible by a close metro line. During your first time in Paris, please don’t feel pressured to do it all.

If you fly from the US on the first day, you will be jet-lagged. Make sure to get lots of water and fresh air. Don’t walk too much on the first day if you are tired before a few days of sightseeing. Break it up each day and enjoy the city. Choose a destination within walking distance of the hotel and grab a good meal. You can see my jet lag tips here! 

These are tips that I share with all my friends and family who tell me they are headed to Paris for the first time. It was easier to write one great blog post than to retype or forward an email. I hope this helps make your trip as a first-time visitor enjoyable!

Visit Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots

Yes, I am telling you to do all the touristy things on your first visit to Paris. A visit to Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots will cross these off your Paris bucket list. I recommend skipping the food unless it is just breakfast. A coffee, hot chocolate, or glass of wine is all you need. There may be lines to have an outdoor seat depending on the time of year and day. Try to arrive early or an off time to avoid the chaos. I found early in the morning is ideal for a coffee and croissant on a quiet terrace.

Purchase The Paris Guide 

Suppose you are looking for a more detailed guide to Paris. Check out The Paris Guide , which is 80 pages of helpful tips and favorite restaurants, hotels, and neighborhoods to discover. It is excellent for first-time travelers or those looking for off-the-beaten-path tips.

Do I need Cash For Paris?

Make sure you keep euros on you. Not everyone will accept credit cards. If you want to stop for a quick coffee or croissant, you will need small change. Check-in with your bank and notify them before leaving. I use Bank of America and can take out money from any local BNP in Paris. This is the wallet I use for a credit card and small change.

Since the pandemic, this has been updated a bit, and most places will accept a credit card or Apple Pay for coffee. Some spots have a minimum bank card amount that you have to reach. You can tap to pay a lot of places. Keeping euros on you for tipping and the market is a good idea.

I believe in tipping well in Paris . A good concierge is a gem of information and should be tipped accordingly. I also leave a few euros a day for hotel cleaning staff.

Tips to Getting Around Paris

Google Maps on your phone or a paper map from your hotel will lead you around the city to wherever you need to go. Take time to put down the map and get lost. A metro line is always nearby to get you back to your starting point. Explore the city on foot and see what you discover.

The best time to explore Paris without a bunch of tourists is in the early morning. It’s just you and the city. One of my favorite things to do is watch the sunrise over the Seine River.

Visit a Local Café in Paris

Save money by ordering a quick coffee at the bar, which is a faster option to grab a quick coffee. Another option is to take a seat and people-watch. You will pay double the price, but the table will be yours for however long you want.  You can use this guide for How to Order Coffee in Paris. Not a coffee drinker? Grab a glass of wine or a Coke. When you visit a local café and take a table on a terrace, the terrace will be yours until you ask for the bill and pay. The French will not rush you off as they do in the US.

You can buy a drink and be left alone to people-watch or read a book. You can ask for the café wifi, which will most likely be available. Put your phone down and soak in the city to be immersed in the culture. Even if you don’t speak French, you can enjoy watching the world go by. This post on Essential Café Etiquette will come in handy.

How to Ride the Metro in Paris

Buy metro tickets in a pack of 10, known as a carnet. Day passes are also available for the metro to hop on and off multiple times. The cost is cheaper than buying multiple tickets; you will always have a ticket available when needed. The metro is an affordable way to get around the city of Paris. Some stations don’t offer a ticket machine, so having these on hand is good. You must hold onto your ticket until you reach your final destination.

Do not try to cut through without paying. There are some random ticket checkers at metro stations, and you must show your metro ticket. If you do not have a valid ticket, you will be fined. Travel at off-peak times to avoid crowded trains (rush hour). You can take the metro as late as midnight, and they will be full of people, so don’t worry about feeling like you will be unsafe.

First-time Guide to Paris

Explore paris by bike.

You can rent a city bike located at different Vélib stations around the city . There are over 1,000 stations and 20,000 bikes for rent. Make sure to inspect your bike for any damages before grabbing it. I have had a flat tire before, and it wasn’t fun looking for a new docking station to switch it out. Taking a bike around the city is a great way to explore Paris. You can also book a bike tour with Fat Tire Tours . I have done two, one in the city and one in Versailles. The ticket includes a guided tour of Versailles and the grounds.

Visiting the Palace of Versailles is a day trip out of the city, but it is worth visiting on your first trip to Paris. You can also take RER C to Versailles without taking a tour.

Explore The Right and Left Banks of Paris

Be open to the left and right banks of Paris. They are very different but equally charming. Take time to explore them both. The River Seine divides the two banks. The Latin Quarter and Musée d’Orsay are on the Left Bank, and the Louvre Museum is on the Right Bank.

You can easily spend a day exploring different parts of Paris, such as Saint Germain des Prés, Montmartre, and the Eiffel Tower. Choose a destination and a place to eat and build around that.

Visit the Paris Gardens: First Time Guide to Paris

The gardens in Paris are a part of the culture. Jardin du Luxembourg on the Left Bank and The Tuileries Garden on the Right Bank are both famous.

Tuileries Garden

Luxembourg Gardens in the Spring

I personally love Palais Royal, a miniature garden behind the Louvre. Here, you can take a book or picnic, sit in the green chairs, and enjoy the sunshine.

For a park off the beaten path, visit Parc Monceau. It is a quick walk from the Arc de Triumph. In the springtime, you can see magnolias and cherry blossoms with pops of pink around the garden.

Explore Montmartre: First Time Guide to Paris

Visit Montmartre for an afternoon to see Sacre Coeur and Moulin Rouge. You can see my full Montmartre guide here. I love grabbing lunch at an outdoor café for people-watching. You can easily spend an afternoon here. Enjoy the view of Paris from the steps of Sacre Coeur. Walk the street of Rue Lepic, which winds behind Montmartre, for a unique experience in Paris. Rue des Martyrs is filled with delicious bakeries and cafés.

Skip a Trip to the Eiffel Tower: First Time Guide to Paris

The view of the city is lovely, but you miss the Eiffel Tower when you are standing there. There can be long lines, and it isn’t worth the wait. You can book advance tickets online to visit the top without delay. Make sure to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at least once. It sparkles every hour on the hour after sunset. This post has ideas on different spots in Paris to see it sparkle.

I always recommend the view from the Arc de Triomphe to see the city of lights. Below is a view of Paris from up above.

Visit At Least One Museum

Purchase a Paris Pass , which gives you access to multiple museums and tourist attractions at a discount, including the Arc de Triomphe (with a great view of the Eiffel Tower), Sainte Chapelle, and Versailles. The Louvre is also included in the pass, giving you access to the Mona Lisa if seeing her is high on your list. A pass will save you money and time. For budget travelers, the first Sunday of every month allows for free entry to some of the major museums in the city.

Enjoy French Macarons in Paris

Paris is known for their pastries. You will hear much about Ladurée for macarons, but I prefer to visit Pierre Hermé rather than Ladurée. The tarte au citron at Sébastian Gaudard is a personal favorite.

Choose a Paris Hotel with a Central Location

You may not spend much time in your hotel room, but you will want something clean and safe. There are many options in the city of Paris and different budget ranges. A bad stay can make or break a first trip anywhere. I have a full list of favorite hotels in Paris that I recommend to readers and friends. I prefer boutique hotels over larger hotels.

During your first time in Paris, stay in central Paris. This way, you are within walking distance of all the Paris landmarks and monuments. You can return to your hotel throughout the day to rest and recharge.

Try Berthillon Ice Cream on île St Louis.

Visit on the weekdays as the weekends are packed. I love the chocolate noir and the fruit sorbets. There are seasonal flavors that are fun to try, too. Berthillon has several locations on the island of île St. Louis. If one has a line, try further down to try another spot. It’s worth the wait. This is a perfect opportunity to try out some of your French phrases when you order.

Spend a Sunday in The Marais: First Time Guide to Paris

Place des Vosges is the main square and park in the Marais. Picnic here or go for a stroll. You can enjoy one of the many cafés close by. Enjoy the adorable Merci concept store on Boulevard Beaumarchais for shopping in the Marais. Explore the Bastille Market early in the morning and pick up a few items to picnic.

The Marais will be lively and filled with tourists and locals on Sunday. Place des Vosges is an excellent spot for a picnic on a warm day. Visit the Picasso Museum, which is also available on the city museum pass.

L’as Au Fallafel on Rue des Rosiers has always been a favorite. There will be a line, but it will move fast. I love Miznon, just across the street.

Café Camille is an excellent spot for brunch or a glass of wine for people-watching. The streets will be packed with people, and around this corner, there is music by local artists that will play in the afternoon.

Listen to Jazz in Paris

I fell in love with jazz in Paris. The local brasserie I would have dinner at each night would play TSF Jazz on the radio. Listening to jazz brings me back to those quiet nights in Paris when I first discovered the city.

I love Duc de Lombards. If it isn’t in your price range, check out Café Laurent on the Left Bank.

Picnic on the Seine

Grab a bottle of wine, baguette, cheese, and charcuterie, and find a spot along the river bank. This is a simple meal, but it will be one of the best things you can do if there is good weather. Local markets throughout the city will offer everything you need for the perfect picnic. You can also shop a food street such as Rue Cler or Rue Montorgueil.

You can see ideas on where to picnic in Paris in this post.

 Visit a local boulangerie: First Time Guide to Paris.

Plan a visit to a local bakery and try different French pastries. (pain au chocolate, pain au raisin, croissant au beurre )I love to visit  Du Pain et Des Idées for croissants. They are famous for their escargot croissants in the shape of a snail. Pain au raisins and pistachio are their traditional flavors, but they also have some unique flavors, including red fruits. Larger groups should send one person to order, and the rest can grab a seat outside at a table.

For the best croissant, check out this post. 

Beware of pickpockets and scammers.

Paris is a big city, and you must always be aware of your belongings. A bag that zips is highly recommended when exploring Paris. Keep a small wallet with change, a credit card, and everything else safe at your apartment or hotel. Make a copy of your passport and send it to your family or a close friend, and email a copy to yourself so you can always have access to it.

Check out my safety tips for travelers here. 

Try A Classic French Bistro

Explore French cuisine. Steak Frites at Le Relais de l’ Entrecôte is a fun experience for your first time in Paris. They only serve steak frites and don’t take reservations. You will find a line here around dinner time. The line moves quickly, and it is worth the wait. If you have your heart set on trying this place and don’t want to wait in lines, try the restaurant at lunch right when it opens. I have had luck with getting in quickly. You will tell the server how you like your steak prepared and order anything to drink. The server will write your order on the white paper tablecloth, disappear briefly, and return with the salad starter and drinks.

Don’t skip out on dessert. You may have to save room as the waiter will return for a refill of steak and fries. The profiteroles are out of this world good and worth trying at least once.

Skip tourist streets with set menus mostly along the Champs Elysées and Latin Quarter.

Here is my list of favorite places to eat and drink in Paris

Visit the market in Paris.

French markets in Paris give you a taste of the local experience.

My five favorite ones are here. You can plan your visit based on your itinerary or hotel location.

I love the Bastille market. Arrive around 9 a.m. before it gets too busy. It is open on Thursdays and Sundays. You can pick up fruits, vegetables, bread, and cheese and make your picnic. To navigate a French market like a local, see this post.

Always Pack an Umbrella Even When Rain isn’t In The Forecast

It can rain without warning, even if the weather doesn’t call for it. The covered passages of Paris make for my favorite rainy-day activity. This is one of my favorite memories from living in Montmartre. You can easily walk from the 9th at the end of Rue des Martyrs through Galerie Vivienne by only taking a few steps outside. The covered passages in Paris are filled with shops and restaurants to help pass the time on a rainy day.

Check out this post for ideas on what to do in Paris when it rains.

Watch the sunset or sunrise.

Enjoy the sunset or sunrise from one of the bridges on the Seine. In the summer, you can bring a bottle of rosé and watch from the Seine with the rest of the Parisians.

The sunrise in summer is extremely early, around 6 am, and sunset at 10 pm.

Leave the Activewear at Home/ Dress Like a Local

Comfortable shoes are a must in Paris. Vejas and other sneakers are very popular right now for men and women. A neutral-color capsule wardrobe is ideal when packing for Paris in any season. In this post, I recommend other walking shoes for different seasons.

Makeup is pretty neutral in Paris; just a few essentials, such as blush, mascara, and lipstick, are needed. Skincare is more of a focus for Parisians with a glowy, healthy look.

Visit a French Pharmacy in Paris

The best French skincare can be bought on almost every street corner. Brands include Caudalie, Klorane, Nuxe, and Avène. The staff is very knowledgeable at the pharmacies. They can explain your concerns (dryness/anti-aging, etc.) and recommend specific products for your skin type.

Take A Cooking Class

Book a cooking class or Market Tour with La Cuisine Paris. I have done a few classes with La Cuisine over the years, including a food walking tour of the city. The macaron and croissant classes are a lot of fun! They also offer a market class that teaches you how to navigate a market, and you will return to the school to cook what you have shopped for.

Please don’t feel pressured to do it all. I always leave something for my next trip. Paris should be enjoyed and not rushed. The classics will always be there. I hope this guide to Paris helped you plan your trip to my favorite city.

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Great post and beautiful photos.

I remember when you first started your posts and have enjoyed them ever since. Thank you, Rebecca, keep up the great work!

Where is the size guide? How does one make a purchase if they do not know what size to purchase?

Best neighborhood for a reasonable hotel and convenient access( walking) to great restaurants and sights

Although it is not my first trip to Paris, I still found your tips rewarding. What do you recommend for seeing the area that artist Toulouse Latrec frequented?

Thank you, Sherry! The area Toulouse-Lautrec was frequently in Montmartre. Here is a guide for you to explore : https://everydayparisian.com/a-guide-to-montmartre/

Love this post! Very helpful. Thank you!

Thanks for this post! We are going for our first time this fall and I am trying to research a ton! Really enjoy all of your posts, thank you!

Hi Rebecca! My husband and I are off to Paris for the first time in October. I kept putting off taking French lessons and missed the Alliance Françoise de Chicago sessions and the Lycee Francias classes butt into our trip (which is SUCH a bummer it’s a block away!) Do you have any suggestions to learn simple, fun, travel friendly French phrases on short notice? Thanks so much!

I have an amazing French tutor in Chicago I am happy to connect you with. Also, I wrote this post on 5 apps to help you learn French on the Go which might help you prep for your trip. Have a great adventure! http://www.everydayparisian.com/every-day-parisian/5-apps-to-learn-french-on-the-go

You are amazing! Thanks so much Rebecca! Looking forward to more Paris posts 🙂

Thank you so much, Nikki!

I didn’t know about the carafe d’eau, neather the coffee at the bar, thanks! Maybe I was lucky but I didn’t wait that much in the line for the Eiffel Tower, and I think the view is incredible! How can you say is not?

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ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

Paris Travel Guide

Planning to visit Paris? This is great! Discover below a detailed Travel Guide with all the things to do in Paris, location by location. The many photos will help you decide which Paris attractions make it on your itinerary and the planning tips will help you organize everything.

MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR TIME IN FRANCE!

Each post includes info, planning tips and many pictures to help you decide if the location makes it on your plan!

NOTE: This Travel Guide is in progress. It will fill up over the next few months as I live in and visit every corner of Paris 

PREPARING AND PLANNING FOR A TRIP TO PARIS

Below are some general posts about visiting Paris: transportation, planning information, French particularities...

3 days in Paris Itinerary - 10 options

Best Day Trips from Paris

Where to stay in Paris - Best Areas

How to use Paris public transport

VIEW PARIS FROM ABOVE

One of the best things to do in Paris, France is to admire it from above. Discover the roofs of the old buildings and monuments under the shadow of the majestic Eiffel Tower.

Spots to view Paris from Above

Views from Montparnasse Tower

Saint-Jacques Tower: best view of Paris

Notre Dame Towers: Paris views

Printemps Haussmann Roof Terrace

You can also see Paris from above from:

Arc de Triomphe

VISIT PARIS - BEST OF THINGS TO DO

If you don't know yet which monuments you might be interested in, let's start with some list and best of to get you inspired for your trip to Paris. Visiting Paris can be overwhelming as every street reveals new monuments or things to see. Let me help you navigate them.

Until I publish my own articles, you can have a look at:

• The Paris Food Tour that Journalist on the run enjoyed
• One day Paris Itinerary suggestions by travel expert
• The Rich Life's 15 fun things to do in Paris

VISIT PARIS - BEST PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPH...

For the photographers,  give you my selection of best spots to photograph some of the iconic monuments of Paris: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame...

Best spots to photograph the Eiffel Tower

Best spots to photograph Notre Dame

VISIT PARIS - THE HISTORICAL MOMUMENTS

Paris is full of historical landmarks. Discover them in photos and get advice to plan your visit. Or maybe you can just admire them from the outside, which is already great!

VISIT PARIS - THE CHURCHES

Notre Dame Cathedral

Saint Sulpice Church

Sainte Trinite church

Saint Germain des Prés

Sainte Chapelle

Saint Eustache

Saint Germain l'Auxerrois

Val De Grace

La Madeleine

VISIT PARIS - NATURE ATTRACTIONS

Yes there are parcs and Garden in Paris! Let me show them to you. Why to take a break and walk along old railways or explore forest where royals used to hunt?

Coulée Verte

Luxembourg Gardens Paris

Any Question? Leave a comment below

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A Millennial’s Guide to Le Marais, Paris

The Wishlist: Solo Travel in Paris

The Wishlist: A Culture Vulture’s Guide to Paris

The Wishlist: An Arty Guide to Paris

The Wishlist: A Foodie Guide to Paris

How To Spend a Day in Bastille

How To Spend a Day on the Champs-Élysées, Paris

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Helene in Between

Lifestyle and Travel blog helping Bloggers Succeed Online.

The Essential Paris Travel Guide

By Helene Sula

Paris is one of the greatest cities in the world. But what should you see and do? It's so big and there's so much, how can you choose? This guide will cover all the essentials for what to do in Paris.

I'll never forget my first time in Paris. It was mid-July and I was 25. I wasn't as worried about skin cancer but I was concerned about lightening my hair and darkening my skin in the sun. I can't tell you if Paris was hot or cold. I can't tell you if it rained. All I know is that I loved it. I glided through the streets as if on pink roller skates, marveling at the beautiful buildings. People told me that Paris was dirty. Where? People told me that the French can be unfriendly. Who? But no one warned me that I would want to move abroad after visiting for just 5 days. That's why I've put together the essential Paris travel guide. Because there are some things you MUST do when you go.

Below you can find a map of all the places discussed in this post. I've created a separate map toward the end of the post of all my favorite restaurants.

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Paris is a feeling. I get chills thinking about it. You can't NOT be romantic about Paris. I know, because I dragged Michael (and my Mom) there for my birthday in January . It was freezing, I was wearing a mini dress, it started to rain… I didn't care. Paris just sweeps me up in it's magical entanglements. I think it fits the bill for almost any kind of traveler (and yes, there are different kinds). Whether you want to relax, explore, learn, feast… it's all there, waiting for you.

This is the essential Paris travel guide, but I thought it would be best to break it down into 5 days so you can get the most out of it and see what a typical itinerary might look like.

How to Get There

You can land at Charles de Gaulle airport and easily take public transportation. Or, if you are closer, you can take the train. There are many high-speed trains that route into Paris. Typically they come into Gare de l'Est, Gare du Nord, or Gare de Lyon.

Getting Around Paris

I highly recommend taking the Paris metro. This is easier (and less expensive and traffic-y) than a cab. The city is LARGE so walking, while okay in some parts, is just not as feasible if you want to see it all. There are 16 lines and it's easy once you get the hang of it, promise. There is a Metro and bus and your ticket will be good for both. I recommend buying a pass for the number of days you'll be there.

I really think you can go anytime. However, winter is LOVELY because you really will avoid the crowds (See also how to avoid lines and people while traveling .) I remember waiting half an hour to go inside the Notre Dame in July, while in January there was no wait. But I will say, going in the spring and summer is lovely because flowers are blooming. Places like Monet's Gardens and Versailles are going to be lush with flowers everywhere.

How Much Money You'll Need

This is going to, of course, vary by where you eat and where you stay. But let me tell you, my first trip to Paris was with the dynamic cheap duo: my husband and his best friend. If you think you are thrifty, you haven't met Michael and Josh. We ate a lot of meals from the grocery store. We had onion soup and conspicuously drank water from our camel-back that we filled up in the bathroom. We splurged one night for a fancy dinner. But oddly enough, my favorite meal was our baguette, wine, and cheese from the grocery store as we sat outside the Eiffel Tower and watched it light up. *Insert heart eye emojis* Honestly you can do it cheaply. Your cost will come in for museums and attractions, and of course, what you eat.

Where to Stay

The best of the best:.

The Peninsula Hotel has a FANTASTIC and beautiful inside and out. I spent the day there on my last trip, full review at the link !

Hotel Icone is exquisite and has a wonderful attention to detail. This is where I stayed on my trip in the spring and it is one of the best locations. I walked everywhere. It's so close the the Opera, walking distance to the Louvre, Notre Dame, and so much more. Highly recommend.

When my Mom came to visit, we stayed a little more upscale at the loveliest AirBnb in Île-de-France . It was a duplex with two bedrooms and a full kitchen. I also stayed around here with friends.

If you're as cheap as chips, hostels are where it's at. I never ever felt unsafe. Look for one that has good reviews and then book it!

I'm going to plan these activities by day so I'll lay it out in a route. You wouldn't go from the Eiffel tower straight to the Notre Dame, they are farther apart than you think, so hopefully this will have a flow to it for when you're planning.

Short on time? I do recommend getting the Paris Pass that allow you access to museums, attractions, and more and will help you skip lines! It is a bit pricey, but worth it if your time is very limited.

I have just one rule in Paris, and while traveling in general, embrace it. Be a tourist. Take the pictures. Learn about what you're seeing. I promise, you'll want to cherish these memories forever. And maybe even try roast pigeon. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

DAY ONE in Paris:

Let's start with the Eiffel Tower . It's classic Paris and the morning is the best time to go for great views without as much of a crowd. Don't worry, this won't be the only time we go. We also have to go at night to watch it light up! If you want to avoid lines and crowds, the earlier that you can get up, the better.

The Trocadéro is one of the best places for seeing the Iron Lady, or you can get up close and personal with her as well. I also suggest grabbing a bottle of wine or a pastry nearby. There will be people selling them for very reasonable pricing.

We went early in the day and grabbed some great shots of the tower for my 30th birthday … even if it was a total fail.

From here, you can head to Arc De Triomphe . A staggering arc in the center of the street. This is a great view of the Avenue des the Champs-Élysées , one of my favorite streets.

In order to get up to the Arc, take the underground passage so you can explore around it and climb up the 284 steps to the top. I think this is one of the best views in Paris.

If you're hungry, the Champs-Élysées, is a great place to find a bite to eat. Just strolling this street is an experience in itself.

Next, head over to one of my favorite spots, the Grand Palais . To me, this is quintessential Paris. One of the loveliest buildings in the world! Just on the other side, is the Petit Palais. I feel like these two buildings aren't mentioned enough. They are exquisite and a testament to French architecture. Sometimes the line can be quite long, but they are lovely inside. The Grand Palais is a museum and exhibition hall, often with events taking place. The Petit Palais is an art museum, worth the look inside, as the whole building is art in itself.

From here, head over to the river Seine for a view of my favorite bridge in the world, the Pont Alexandre III . This is still one of the best spots to people watch in Paris. You might remember it from the Movie “Midnight in Paris.” In case you're looking, here are some of the best movies to watch about Europe, France, and Paris .

There are three museums near here that I think are worth the visit: Musée d'Orsay, Musée de l'Orangerie, and Musée de Rodin . I think out of the three, go to the Orsay . It's an old train station and holds some of the world's greatest art. The art here is focused on the period of 1848-1940, while the Lourve focuses on art before that period.

Prepare to spend at least a couple hours in the museum. We did a guided tour for just 5 EUR per person additional, and I highly recommend it! You'll find Impressionist art from Renoir, Degas, and Monet.

If you don't have time to go to all the museums, I suggest going by Les Invalides . This is a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement and it's a beautiful museum. The Musée de l'Armée Invalides has a wonderful history on war and a great collection of military pieces. You'll also find Napoleon's Tomb in all it's glory.

You can grab a hot chocolate at Angelina's then go to Place de la Concorde , the largest square in Paris, for a view of the ferris wheel, Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves. Even at night this will all be lit up!

DAY 2 in PARIS:

Today we'll start at the Notre Dame . One of the most iconic churches in the world, the twin steeples tower above all the grand buildings nearby.

Don't forget to explore around here. There are plenty of great coffee shops and restaurants and lovely trees. Also, if there is a line, wait! It moves quick. Don't go to Paris and NOT go into the Notre Dame. When I got here at 8am there was no line at all.

A great spot to take in the scenery is Au Vieux Paris . One of the cutest spots, especially in the spring, with wisteria all around.

It's time to Church hop. Next on the list is my all time favorite, Sainte-Chapelle . Don't be fooled by the seemingly uninspiring exterior (in Paris at least). The inside is one of the most awe-inspiring stained glass masterpieces of all time.

I love this area of Paris because it's the island. So it feels a bit separated from everything else and you are surrounded by water. The Ile de la Cité as it's named, feels separate from everything else.

Next, we'll cross the bridge, Pont Saint-Michel to head down for some more sites of Paris.

Hat found here .

Walk south and past the Sorbonne to the Latin Quarter. The Latin Quarter of Paris and it's known for student life and architecture. Lots of pretty cafe-lined streets and a great place to just wander around.

Keep walking and you'll find the Panthéon , a building originally intended as a church to hold St. Genevieve's relics, now a state burial site for France's heroes like Victor Hugo, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. I have yet to go inside, but if you're short on time, I'd just look at the building on the outside.

From here, it's a quick walk over to the Luxemborg Garden . Lots of green space, this is the perfect place to relax after all that walking. This arrondissement (area) of Paris is Saint-Germain-des-Prés and is such a peaceful spot.

When facing the fountain you can get a great view of the residence of Marie de' Medici , the widow of King Henry IV.

Next, loop back up north and stop in at Église Saint-Sulpice . A lovely church along rue Bonaparte. This is the second largest in Paris (after the Notre Dame) and you might recognize it from the “The Da Vinci Code.”

Tired of walking? Take a break at Pont Des Arts (another pretty bridge) and grab a view of the Seine and the buildings around you.

Next up is one of the best museums in the world: the Louvre . Please, pretty please, buy tickets ahead of time. Be prepared to wait in line if you don't! Don't forget that close to opening or closing is the best time to get in and avoid crowds. Don't forget that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

DAY 3 in PARIS:

Monmarte is one of the most interesting parts of Paris. I highly recommend doing a free walking tour (we did the Discovery Walks Tour ).  It's a fun and interactive tour and you just need to tip at the end. This is one of the best ways to truly get a feeling for a place, and learn some gems about the city and it's people.

Monmarte is full of charm and really sets itself apart from main-street Paris. In the late 1800s and early 1900s artists flocked here as it was cheaper to live and work. The walking tour will take a couple of hours and you'll see a different side of Paris.

On our tour, we started with the Moulin Rouge , then headed up to Le Mur Des Je t'aime where you'll see “I love you” written out in 300 languages. You can also pass by famous cafes, like the one from the movie “Amélie”.

Meander over to the beautiful restaurant Le Moulin de la galette , also the spot where Renoir painted one of his most famous paintings.

Walk up past the infamous pink building, La Maison Rose .

Then head up to the gem of Monmarte, the Sacre Couer . In reality, most Parisians are not a fan because it was built with their own money after the war by the French National Government as a reminder to the people.

Step inside the church for more lovely architecture and paintings.

Don't forget to take in the view. You can really see how dense Paris is from here.  The white domes of the basilica are the highest point in the city, so climb up to the top for a spectacular view.

Find your way back down on Rue de Martyrs and pick a spot for lunch. This is a great area for funky shops and coffee.

Keep going down and head to The Galeries Lafayette for some of the most renowned shopping in the world. This is all high end shopping (not in my budget) but it's worth it to head to the terrace for a great view. There are lots of cool shops for every kind of buyer- from clothing, shoes, accessories, foodies, and more. It particularly pretty at night as it's all lit up.

If you're still ready for more, head to Père Lachaise Cemetery . You might find it odd to go to a cemetery but it has many famous graves and is the largest in Paris.

A good place to get away from the busy streets and see some fascinating memorials. Some famous tombs are Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde. The tradition is to kiss the now glass encased tomb.

DAY 4 in Versailles:

I know that there is so much to see and do in Paris but you MUST take a day to half-day trip to Versailles . Truly, one of the most opulent and incredible places in the world. It even landed on the 25 best castles in the world list .

Go as early as you can to beat the crowds. PRO TIP : The main palace is closed on Mondays! And can be super crowded on the weekends.

I absolutely adore Versailles and believe it can take up almost your whole day, so plan accordingly. You'll see the palace, the gardens, and Marie Antoinette's Estate. All are a bit of a walk and I suggest packing a lunch!

Gaze up at the overwhelmingly stunning Hall of Mirrors . I can remember my first time seeing this and I couldn't contain my excitement. You dream of palaces and can't truly imagine what they are like until you're inside. This one is straight out of a story book.

Not only is it architecturally beautiful, there are rooms that are still furnished in every color imaginable and art that stands the test of time.

The gardens are trimmed and cropped to perfection, with fountains that light up at night. So if you're interested in staying the entire day, it will make sense. Don't forget to head to Marie Antoinette's pink marble abode.

After spending the day in arguably one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, head to something dramatically different: the Catacombs . These underground tombs hold the remains of more than 6 million people! This is back in Paris, so if you didn't spend the whole day in Versailles, this is a good option.

DAY 5 in PARIS:

Start bright and early with the  Tuileries Garden and eat at a food stand. You can also pick up a bushel of fresh flowers from a shop nearby.

From here, walk down to the Rue de Rivioli for some of the best shopping you can find. This grand street is flanked with shops, restaurants and cafes.

Next up, venture to one of my favorite sites in Paris, the Opera Garnier . This building is just magnificent, both inside and out. There is a pricey ticket for touring the inside, but it's so opulent it's worth a visit.

Of course, one of my favorite things to do is just to walk around and see the city . It's so romantic and tells a story with each step.

Cap off your 5 days with seeing the Eiffel Tower light up at night . There is absolutely nothing in the world like it. This is where I fell deeply in love with Europe.

Still have some extra time? Go to Monet's Gardens. This is a half day trip and only 45 minutes from Paris. Check out a museums: Orsay, Lourve, Organerie, Picasso, and many more!

Where to Eat

Below you can find a map of all the restaurants discussed below:

It's necessary to grab a Café au Lait and a croissant and just walk around the city, taking in the sights. Paris is just so fun to walk around and get lost.

One of my favorite quotes from a Parisian I recently met was, “you really can't go wrong in Paris.” Meaning, all the food ad drinks are going to be good. It's a country that is known for it's cuisine, so you can't go wrong! But here are some of my top picks:

Angelina's – Known for delicious hot chocolate. I was told it's made with three different chocolate from Africa. If there's a super long line just get it to go.

Ladurée – I have to say.. I'm not a big fan of macarons but this is the place to go if you want some of the best.

Cafe Kitsuné – Arguably one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris. The coffee is tasty and pretty.

Comptoir de La Gastronomie – one of the best meals I've ever had. The Foie Gras Ravioli was out of this world.

La Stube – This is the perfect lunch spot for a savory tart or Salmon Strudel. Also try their cakes, divine!

Le Grenier à Pain – for great baked goods. They won best bread in Paris. Try a “tradi” for a traditional baguette.

Grand Amour Hotel – Brunch with the best in this classic hotel filled with delicious food and even more beautiful scenery.

Aux Lyonnais – This is traditional food that comes from Lyon and it's delicious. A great big bowl of hot food.

Le Consulat – a perfect little cafe to people watch and have onion soup.

Le Refuge des Fondus – Wine out of baby bottles. Need I say more? It's hilarious and they also have great fondue.

Café de Flore – on a terrace in St Germain this is a great place for brunch, breakfast, or lunch.

There is so much to see and do, you really can't go wrong. But having a plan beforehand is always a good idea. I know this was a lengthy guide, but I wanted to give you the very best guide to Paris ever.

If you liked this guide, pin it so you don't forget it.

Do you have a favorite place in Paris? Tell me below!

MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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How to spend a perfect weekend in Paris

T he uniform sandstone of the Haussmann buildings, the abundance of gilded historic monuments, and the glimmering Seine and its elegant bridges have arguably made Paris the most recognisable and romanticised cityscape in the world. But though the city wears its history – of monarchy, revolution, revolt and artistic innovation – with characteristic style, it is also increasingly looking to the future and outwards to the rest of the world.

Those looking to explore the city’s rich heritage can spend long afternoons getting lost in the Louvre or wandering the Musée d'Orsay, or ducking in and out of Paris’s countless historical churches (many of which were reinvented as Republican temples after the Revolution). For more contemporary tastes, there’s plenty of exploring to be done in the less tourist-trodden outer arrondissements – from arts venues on the sloping streets of Belleville to the boutique hotels and reinvented dive bars of Pigalle.

Explore our interactive map below for all the local highlights, and scroll down for our suggested day-by-day summary of the best things to see and do...

For further Paris inspiration, see our guides devoted to the French capital's best hotels , restaurants , nightlife , bars , things to do , free things to do and shopping . 

In this guide

How to spend your weekend, insider tips.

When should I visit Paris?

Where to stay in Paris

What to bring home

Essential information: what to know before you go

Start the day at the Luxembourg Garden and take in the lines of plane trees and ornate parterres, with the top of the Eiffel Tower visible in the distance. Come out on the north side of the park, being sure to clock the stunning Medici Fountain on your right.

Go next to Rue de Seine, via Place de l'Odéon, stopping to browse in the second-hand bookshops and independent galleries that punctuate this historically bohemian district. 

For lunch, try the gourmet galettes at Breton crepe house  Breizh Café  or  Ippudo  for some of the best ramen in Paris. Find more of the city's best restaurants in  our guide.

Follow Rue de Seine down to the river, emerging in front of the French Institute building, taking in the view across Pont des Arts to the Louvre across the river. Book ahead to visit Sainte Chapelle , the resplendent 12th-century chapel built by Louis IX (you’ll feel like you’re inside a giant jewellery box).

Afterwards, stop for a coffee in the ornate environs of 1920s café  Les Deux Palais . Cross Île de la Cité arriving in front of Notre-Dame; steal a moment of calm in the gardens that run along the right of the church, before crossing on to the Left Bank to visit Shakespeare & Company , the notable English-language bookshop frequented by the Beat poets and still a hub for literary types.

Wander up Quai de Montebello, cross back onto the charming Ile Saint-Louis and stop for a proper hot chocolate at Café Saint-Régis .

Head back on to the Left Bank and wander the  Jardin des Plantes  botanical gardens; if you’re travelling en famille, consider a visit to the zoo. 

Prop yourself up at the bar of L’Avant Comptoir . Ask for wine recommendations and have fun choosing from the menu of French small plates – go for the mackerel with grapefruit and horseradish and the pork trotter terrine. Or, if it’s cocktails you’re after, try Prescription Cocktail Club  for an inventive tipple from the much-lauded Experimental Group. Find more of the city's best bars in our guide .

Finish with a classic film in the romantic surrounds of the Filmothèque  in the Latin Quarter. If you still want to go on, end the night with live jazz in the atmospheric cellars at Caveau de la Huchette .

Let’s head to the Marais. Start at the ornate 17th-century square, Place des Vosges . Warm up with a café crème at the elegant Café Hugo on the north-east corner, or visit the house of its novelist's namesake on the south-east corner, Maison de Victor Hugo.

Exit to Rue Saint-Antoine via the south-west edge of the square through the secluded courtyards of 17th-century mansion Hôtel de Sully . Head into the heart of the Marais along Rue Vieille du Temple.

For lunch, try a tasty salad served with brio at Le Pick-Clops  or if you’re in a street-food mood, opt for falafel in the historical heart of Paris’s Ashkenazi Jewish community; L'As du Fallafel  is the most famous and undeniably delicious, but be prepared for long queues. Walk it off in the Jardin des Rosiers – Joseph-Migneret (Rue des Rosiers), a quiet park hidden (like many good things in Paris) in plain sight. Find more of the city's best things to do in our guide .

Head west towards the Centre Pompidou  from Rue des Rosiers via Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, a hub for gay bars and businesses. Stop, on the way, for ice cream at award-winning Une Glace à Paris , known for its inventive flavour combinations, such as blackberry and jasmine.

Be sure to book ahead for an exhibition at the Pompidou. Make a pitstop at the top of the remarkable post-modern building for an (admittedly, eye-wateringly expensive) drink at Le Georges restaurant and take in the wraparound views.  

Next, head west towards Les Halles. Turn right up Rue Montorgueil and soak in the sights and smells of this traditional market street – be sure to stop by the picture-perfect Anaïs florist and drool over beautiful pastry at historical Patisserie Stohrer .

For chic shopping, explore nearby Rue Tiquetonne and Rue Bachaumont for vintage finds and local designers. Rest your weary feet with a drink in the Instagram-ready courtyard restaurant at Hoxton Paris .

Round off your Paris break with a touch of schmaltz (because, pourquoi pas allow yourself a little?) and take a cruise along the Seine in one of the iconic Bateaux Mouches (Port de la Conférence), taking in the floodlit Musée d'Orsay, Louvre and Notre-Dame and the reflected yellow glow on the river. It may feel a little touristy, but gliding along the water on one is never disappointing.

Neighbourhood watch

The neighbourhood of Pigalle, home of the Moulin Rouge, has historically been characterised by its bright lights and sex shops (which are still there). But in more recent years the area has also become a burgeoning spot for hipster nightlife with the opening of boutique hotels such as Hôtel Amour , Grand Pigalle and Le Pigalle , and relaxed-cool bars.

Attractions

There are rarely long queues to climb the stairs to the second level of the Eiffel Tower – and it's a great way to discover the monument.

Climbing Paris’s monuments is a wonderful way to get a view over the city, but the city’s natural high points can also offer spectacular vistas – from the hill of Montmartre to the slopes of the Buttes Chaumont park in the north of the city.

Head east to the slopes of Belleville. Try the jazz brunch (all-you-can-eat indulgence and live music: a winner) at  La Bellevilloise  and climb to the top of Parc de Belleville for Eiffel Tower views. 

You don’t need to be staying at Paris’s most expensive five-star addresses to get a feel for them: try a drink at Bar Hemingway at  The Ritz Paris  or a tipple with a view at Le Rooftop at  The Peninsula Paris .

Did you know?

In recent years, Paris’s town hall has added hundreds of miles of cycle routes to the city. Some large thoroughfares, such as Rue de Rivoli, have been transformed into cycle superhighways. Pedal like a Parisian by hiring a Vélib city bike, or opt for pay-per-use electric bike rentals.

You can come to Paris any time but the atmosphere is quite different at different times of year. Winter is a time for festivals and feasting on game and oysters. Spring and early summer are the time to make the most of city parks and café terraces, punctuated by the Fête de la Musique on June 21 and the military parade and fireworks of July 14. In August the capital slows down and a beach takes over the quays, some people love it for the feeling of calm, but many restaurants are closed and you may be hard-pushed to find a Parisian around. The autumn rentrée starts with a burst of energy for the new cultural season, big exhibition openings and new restaurant arrivals.

Where to stay

Luxury living.

Le Royal Monceau Raffles is a contemporary take on the ultra-luxe palace-grade hotel, with Philippe Starck-designed décor and fusion food offerings from Nobu Matsuhisa, as well as rotating art exhibits and a stylish 'concept store'. The hotel is on Avenue Hoche, one of the roads radiating from the Arc de Triomphe on Place de l'Etoile.

Designer digs

Hôtel Des Grands Voyageurs is located in the heart of the Left Bank, where the chic style of Saint-Germain meets New York meets Rome at this Italian-designed slinky address, just outside the tourist throng but well placed for exploring. The restaurant, styled as a 'transatlantic brasserie', serves seriously good food while the two bars are chic spots for late-night cocktails.

Budget beauty

The pretty little Hotel Henriette makes a cosy and romantic base for a city break in Paris, with some of the bohemian Left Bank's most charming attractions a short walk away. It is an Instagrammer's dream. Designer Vanessa Scoffier has a background in fashion journalism and her good taste and keen eye for detail can be seen throughout the hotel. 

Add a touch of Paris décor chic to your homestead with a designer piece from Maison Sarah Lavoine . Or, choose from one of the tastiest cheese selections in the city at La Fermette  on Rue Montorgueil and vacuum-pack your selection to bring home.

Know before you go

Essential information.

British Embassy/Consulate : (+33 1 44 51 31 00; ukinfrance.fco.gov.uk ). For passports and most other visitor services, contact the consulate at 15 rue d’Anjou (same telephone number) rather than the embassy

• Office du Tourisme de Paris : Office du Tourisme de Paris (parisinfo.com), 29 rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris
• Ambulance (samu) : dial 15
• Police : dial 17
• Fire (pompiers) : dial 18
• Emergency services from mobile phone : dial 112. Different emergency services have different direct numbers in France, but any emergency service you call will make sure you are quickly put through to the right service.
• Currency:  Euro
• Telephone code:  from abroad, dial 00 33, then leave off the zero at the start of the 10-figure number. Most Paris numbers start with 01; mobile phone numbers start with 06; numbers beginning 08 are special-rate numbers, ranging from 0800 freephone to premium-rate calls
• Time difference:  +1 hour
• Travelling times:  London to Paris by Eurostar takes 2hr 15min. Flying time is about one hour

Local laws and etiquette

• When greeting people, formal titles (Monsieur, Madame and Mademoiselle) are used much more in French than in English.
• It is considered polite to say ‘bonjour’ when you enter a space such as a restaurant, a shop or even a waiting room, and you should say ‘bonjour’ first when asking for assistance, rather than starting with an ‘excusez-moi’.  It’s an essential piece of social punctuation, like saying your pleases and thank yous.
• The laws of vouvoiement (which version of “you” to use) take years to master. If in doubt – except when talking to children or animals – always use the formal vous form (second person plural) rather than the more casual tu.
• When driving, it’s compulsory to keep fluorescent bibs and a hazard triangle in the car in case of breakdown.

About our expert

Hannah, originally from London, spent years working out the intricacies of French grammar before moving to Paris, where she works as a journalist specialising in French culture and society. She enjoys cycling Paris's avenues and boulevards on her trusty bike, eavesdropping in café terrasses and visiting the weekly flea market at her local, Puces de Saint-Ouen.

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Paris is going electric — for a new perspective on the city, take a low-carbon car tour

With its sights set on banning fossil fuel cars by 2030, Paris is embracing electric vehicles — and you can take one for a spin around the capital’s landmarks.

Vintage cars, with vintage engines, typically have a lot to say: they grumble around corners, groan up hills and continue to mutter to themselves even when they’ve come to a stop. But this one isn’t like the others. The white-and-blue Renault 4L, which rolled off the factory floor in 1955, should be as talkative as the rest of her kind. Yet, all I can hear as we stop at a red light between the honey-coloured apartments of the 8th arrondissement are wafts of French radio, blowing in through the sunroof on the breeze.

From the back seat, it’s hard to tell exactly where it’s coming from — beyond one of the cast iron balconies on either side, perhaps, or the next car over, where a blonde woman is cradling a miniature poodle on her lap.The light turns green, and the little Renault sparks into life. The engine sounds like a spaceship powering up— there’s an electrical whirring that grows increasingly high pitched. And then we’re away, speeding over the cobbles.   “She’s surprisingly powerful,” driver Renaud Garza calls back with a chuckle from beneath his navy chauffeur’s cap. “With the battery, I can drive at around 75mph.”

Increasingly, the streets of Paris are going electric. Like our Renault 4L, battery-powered cars have become a more popular sight over the last decade — together with a burgeoning herd of e-buses, bikes and even unicycles. It’s all part of the city’s plans to outlaw all but electric vehicles by 2030 in preparation for becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Officials have run incentives to boost the use of e-vehicles over recent years, such as the €100 (£85) per month leasing scheme that had to be phased out early due to the vigorous uptake. Infrastructure is being upgraded, too, with charging points appearing around Paris at increasingly regular intervals and a trial electrified motorway, which can charge cars as they drive, under construction nearby.

Renaud typically drives a fleet of petrol Citroën 2CVs between Paris’s blockbuster sights for his tour company 4 Roues Sous 1 Parapluie. But over the past few years, they have added an electric version alongside the Renault 4L. Both have retrofitted, specially designed batteries.

“Get ready — I’m about to drive in the most dangerous place in Paris,” Renaud calls from the front seat as we approach the Arc de Triomphe, the sound of sirens growing steadily louder as the traffic thickens. Here, 12 major roads, including the Champs-Élysées, converge into a vast, eight-lane roundabout with the alabaster arch at its heart, vehicles endlessly circling like planets around the sun.As we’re pulled into orbit, the little Renault judders across the cobblestones, rattling on a circuitous trajectory past uniformed gendarmes posing for photos and the arch’s intricate friezes. “The French invented the roundabout,” says Renaud with a proud nod. The Etoile, as this one is known, is the proud maman of them all.

We turn right down a shaded thoroughfare lined with plane trees, past cafes heaving with suited workers lunching beneath gold parasols, and bump across a bridge over the Seine to see our next stop piercing the sky. “The Eiffel Tower was built as the centrepiece for the 1889 World’s Fair,” Renaud explains as we draw closer to one of its broad, latticed feet. “Parisians didn’t like it at the time — they’d just finished their city with all of this nice stone and then this popped up. It was ugly, too industrial. But it was useful as a radio tower, so they kept it.” Soon, we’re close enough to see its ornate ironwork and the mechanics of the lift, the cogs slowly rotating. The garden around it is closed, in the process of being preened in preparation for its starring role in the Olympics’ opening ceremony — athletes will travel on boats for six miles down the Seine before coming to a stop here. It’s been 100 years since Paris last hosted the Olympics in 1924, and the tower is being repainted gold — closer to the colour Gustave Eiffel originally chose — to mark the occasion.

“The French are quite proud, it’s true,” Renaud says as we do another lap. “We want to impress the world.”

For Hungry Minds

Related topics.

• CITY GUIDES
• ELECTRIC CARS
• SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

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