Stunning low-angle view of the Eiffel Tower against a vibrant blue sky with clouds in Paris.
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A daylight view of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris showcasing its iconic Gothic architecture.

Paris

France
CulturalUrban HighlightsArt & ArchitectureHistoricalIconic Landmarks
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Stunning low-angle view of the Eiffel Tower against a vibrant blue sky with clouds in Paris.

Photo by Chait Goli

Step out of the Métro at Saint-Germain and you’re hit with the smell of roasted coffee, warm bread, and a tang of pipe smoke. Jazz drifts from a corner café, mixing with laughter and the clink of glasses. Paris wraps you in layers — the gloss of the Seine, the grit of cobblestones, the flash of a waiter’s white apron. Climb Montmartre at dusk for the city spread like a living map, lights flickering on one by one. Browse the bookstalls along the river, pages curling in the damp air. Skip the Eiffel Tower’s long lines; instead, watch it sparkle from the Trocadéro steps. In Belleville, murals explode with color, and small bars hum with conversation late into the night. Yes, the metro can smell and the waiters might roll their eyes, but lean into it. Paris rewards the patient, the curious, the ones who linger.

Quick Facts

currency
EUR
languages
French
airports
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
size
Mega City
power
Type C, Type E
timezone
Central European Time
safety
Safe
costs
Moderate

General Information

Safety indexParis is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any major city, it is important to be cautious of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded tourist areas.

Best Time to TravelThe best time to visit Paris is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded.

Least crowded and still a good time to visitFor those looking to avoid the crowds but still enjoy a good time in Paris, consider visiting during the winter months (December to February) when the city is less busy but still charming with its festive decorations.

BudgetParis can be an expensive city to visit, but there are ways to save money such as staying in budget accommodations, dining at local cafes, and taking advantage of free attractions like parks and museums on certain days of the week.

Healthcare and VaccinationsFrance has a high standard of healthcare, with many hospitals and clinics in Paris. Travelers should have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and consider getting vaccinations for diseases like measles, flu, and COVID-19.

Visa RequirementsTravelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries do not need a visa to visit France for stays of up to 90 days. However, it is important to check the specific visa requirements for your country before traveling.

Weather in Paris

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First-time travelers

If you've never experienced the romance and sophistication of Paris, now is the time to pack your bags and immerse yourself in this iconic city. From its stunning architecture to its world-class cuisine, Paris offers a cultural experience like no other. As a first-time traveler, you'll be enchanted by the bustling streets, charming cafes, and historic landmarks that make Paris a must-visit destination.

Why Paris?

  • Indulge in freshly baked croissants at a local patisserie
  • Stroll along the Seine River and take in the breathtaking views of the city
  • Visit the Louvre Museum to see famous works of art like the Mona Lisa

Return travelers

Welcome back to Paris, seasoned traveler! As you make your way through the familiar streets, you'll notice that the city has a way of revealing new layers of its charm with each visit. Whether you're revisiting your favorite boulangerie or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, Paris never fails to captivate its return visitors.

Rediscovering Paris

  • Embark on a food tour to uncover the culinary delights of the city
  • Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Le Marais for boutique shopping and trendy cafes
  • Attend a classical music concert at the opulent Palais Garnier opera house

Must-see locations

bridge during night time
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bridge during night time

Photo by Léonard Cotte

Pont Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III in Paris stands out with its opulent art nouveau lamps and cherubic sculptures. Visitors cross the Seine River on this iconic bridge, enjoying breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides. Ideal for photo ops. Truly a must-see!

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eiffel tower, france, paris, landscape, architecture, tower, steel construction, tall, famous, blue landscape, blue construction, eiffel tower, eiffel tower, eiffel tower, france, paris, paris, paris, paris, paris

Photo by nuno_lopes

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris, charms with its iron latticework and stunning city views. Built in 1889, this landmark offers elevator rides to sweeping vistas. Dine high above Paris, marveling at its lit beauty at night. A must-visit icon.

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a glass pyramid in front of Louvre
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a glass pyramid in front of Louvre

Photo by Matej Pribanic

Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum in Paris stands out for its iconic glass pyramid and vast collection of art from antiquity to the 19th century. Visitors explore masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Rich in history, every room tells a story. A cultural treasure.

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Elegant dusk capture of the illuminated Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France at night.
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Elegant dusk capture of the illuminated Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France at night.

Photo by Jari Volpato

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe stands as a historic monument in Paris, honoring those who fought in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. View stunning city vistas from atop. Engage with the intricate sculptures capturing battle scenes. A hub of French pride and history.

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he Champs de Mars, perfect for picnics and stunning Eiffel Tower views
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he Champs de Mars, perfect for picnics and stunning Eiffel Tower views

Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars in Paris offers a vibrant mix of culture and history. From picnics and photo ops by the Eiffel Tower to strolling through seasonal markets, this park buzzes with life. Ideal for family outings. Rich history meets urban charm.

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How to get there

By air

Paris is served by three international airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais-Tillé (BVA, mainly for low-cost carriers). Direct flights connect Paris with cities across Europe and worldwide. Transfers from the airports to central Paris are available by taxi, train/shuttle, and bus.
Options to get to town:
TypePriceDurationWhere to buy
Taxi€50–€65 (CDG & ORY to city center, fixed fee, depending on destination)30–60 minutes, depends on trafficDirect from taxi rank at airport arrivals
Airport busCDG: €11.50 (Le Bus Direct, RATP RoissyBus), ORY: €10.50 (OrlyBus)45–70 minutesTicket machines, bus driver, or online
Train/shuttleCDG: €11.45 (RER B train), ORY: €12.10 (Orlyval + RER B), BVA: €16–€17 (shuttle bus to Porte Maillot)30–70 minutes depending on airportTrain station ticket offices/machines or shuttle website

By train

Paris is a major rail hub with direct services from most French cities and neighboring countries (UK, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy) arriving at several central stations such as Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Gare de l’Est and Gare Montparnasse. High-speed trains such as TGV and Eurostar offer fast options.
Useful websites for train tickets:

By car

Paris is accessible by an extensive motorway (autoroute) network. Major routes such as the A1 from the north (Lille, Calais), A6 from the south (Lyon), and A4 from the east (Strasbourg) connect the city. Driving in central Paris can be challenging due to traffic, parking scarcity, and environmental regulations within the city.
Additional charges to be aware of:
FeeCostHow to pay
Toll / vignette / emission stickerTolls (€20–€60 depending on route/distance); Crit'Air emissions sticker required (from €3.72, for driving in central zones)Toll: Pay on motorways or via electronic tag; Crit'Air sticker: https://certificat-air.gouv.fr
Other driving costsParking (typically €2–€4 per hour in central Paris); fuel at French pricesPay at parking meters, car parks, or petrol stations

How to get around

Public transport

Paris has a comprehensive public transport network including the Metro, RER trains, buses, and trams operated by RATP. It's efficient and one of the best ways to get around the city and suburbs. Metro stations are widespread, and services are frequent from early morning until late at night.

Ticket options:
Ticket TypePriceWhere to buy
Single ticketAround €2.10Metro stations, ticket machines, bus drivers (bus only), and authorized retailers.
Day passFrom €8.45 (Navigo Jour/Day Pass)Metro stations and ticket machines.

Taxis & ridesharing

Taxis and ridesharing services are widely available throughout Paris. Official taxis can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands, or ordered by phone/app. Ridesharing apps like Uber and Bolt operate in the city for easy and often competitive fare rides.

Service providers:
ProviderPriceHow to book
Local taxiStarting around €2.60 plus per km chargesTaxi stand, hailed on street, or via official taxi apps.
Ridesharing appVaries by distance and demandUber, Bolt, Free Now apps.

Car rental

Car rental is available from major providers at airports, train stations, and city locations. However, driving and parking in central Paris can be challenging due to traffic and parking fees, so car hire is best for exploring beyond the city limits.

Rental options:
ServicePriceHow to book
Daily rentalFrom around €40 per dayRental agencies such as Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Avis.
Weekly rentalFrom around €200 per weekRental agencies such as Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Avis.

Bike & scooter rental

Paris is a bike-friendly city and has citywide bike and scooter rental systems. Vélib' Métropole offers public bikes, while free-floating e-scooters are available from various companies. Dedicated bike lanes make cycling an efficient way to explore central Paris.

Rental options:
ServicePriceHow to book
Bike rentalFrom €3 per day (Vélib' short-term pass)Vélib' stations and official app/machines.
Scooter rentalFrom €1 to unlock + €0.20/min (varies per provider)Apps such as Lime, Dott, or TIER.

What to eat

Paris, the city of lights, love, and, of course, incredible cuisine. From creamy cheeses to flaky croissants, every bite in Paris tells a story of tradition and exquisite taste. As a seasoned traveler, I have sampled my way through the streets of Paris, discovering hidden gems and must-try dishes that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

Signature Dishes

  • Croque Monsieur: A decadent grilled ham and cheese sandwich, oozing with béchamel sauce.
  • Coq au Vin: Tender chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and onions, served with crusty bread.
  • Escargots: Plump snails cooked with garlic butter and parsley, a French delicacy.

Street Food & Markets

Wandering through the bustling streets of Paris, you'll find enticing street food stalls offering crispy falafel sandwiches, savory crepes filled with cheese and ham, and freshly baked baguettes topped with gooey cheese and charcuterie. Don't miss the vibrant markets like Marché des Enfants Rouges, where you can savor artisanal cheeses, ripe fruits, and fragrant spices.

Sweet Treats & Drinks

No visit to Paris is complete without indulging in divine pastries like buttery croissants, airy macarons in every hue, and rich eclairs filled with creamy custard. Wash it all down with a glass of crisp Champagne or a velvety café au lait, the perfect companions to Parisian sweets.

Why Travelers Eat Here

  • The city is best known for its classic French cuisine, from hearty stews to delicate pastries.
  • Parisian cafes offer a cozy ambiance for savoring a leisurely meal or people-watching.
  • The city's food culture is a blend of tradition and innovation, with chefs pushing boundaries while honoring culinary heritage.

In Paris, every meal is a celebration of artistry and flavor, a reflection of the city's rich history and vibrant present. So, pack your appetite and embark on a culinary journey through the heart of France, where every bite is a delicious revelation.

Top Rated Restaurants

Sphère

Sphère

4.8 (12.3k reviews)
$$$$
Location18 Rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris, France
Le P'tit Piano

Le P'tit Piano

4.8 (3.2k reviews)
$$
Location26 Rue Cadet, 75009 Paris, France
Pink Mamma

Pink Mamma

4.7 (43.4k reviews)
$$
Location20bis Rue de Douai, 75009 Paris, France
Al Caratello

Al Caratello

4.7 (3.0k reviews)
$$
Location5 Rue Audran, 75018 Paris, France
Le Colimaçon

Le Colimaçon

4.7 (2.6k reviews)
$$
Location44 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 Paris, France

Accommodations

When it comes to choosing accommodations in Paris, the area you pick can make or break your experience. The City of Light offers a diverse array of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and vibe. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of the city center or the quaint cobblestone streets of Montmartre, Paris has something for every type of traveler.

Neighborhood Overview

Marais: This historic district is perfect for art lovers and foodies, with trendy boutiques and cozy cafes lining its narrow streets. Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Known for its upscale vibe, this area is great for luxury travelers looking to immerse themselves in Parisian culture. Montmartre: Home to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre exudes bohemian charm and is ideal for those seeking a more laid-back atmosphere.

Types of Accommodation

  • Boutique Hotels: Consider staying at Le Pavillon de la Reine in Marais for a luxurious experience.
  • Airbnb Apartments: Rent a cozy flat in Saint-Germain-des-Prés for a homey feel.
  • Hostels: Save money by booking a dorm room at Le Village Montmartre Hostel in Montmartre.

For the best deals on accommodations in Paris, consider booking well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Keep in mind that rates can vary depending on the time of year and local events. Additionally, don't forget to factor in local taxes, which can add a substantial amount to your total bill. By planning ahead and staying informed, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay in the City of Light.

As you wander through the charming streets of Paris, each neighborhood offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you find yourself sipping espresso at a sidewalk cafe in Marais or admiring the panoramic views from Montmartre, the accommodations you choose will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience. So, choose wisely and immerse yourself in the magic of Paris.