Paris Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to See, and How to Get Around

Paris needs little introduction — it's one of the most visited cities on earth, and it largely lives up to it. Grand boulevards, world-class museums, a café culture built into daily life, and enough architecture per square kilometre that just walking around counts as sightseeing. It rewards a bit of planning, since the big landmarks draw serious queues.

How to Reach Paris

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) are the two main airports; CDG handles most long-haul international flights. The RER B train connects CDG to central Paris in about 35–50 minutes. Eurostar connects Paris to London (about 2h15) via the Channel Tunnel, and high-speed TGV trains connect to most major French and European cities.

Best Time to Visit Paris

April to June and September to October offer the best balance of mild weather and manageable crowds. July to August is peak tourist season with warm weather but the biggest crowds (and many locals leave the city for holidays, so some smaller businesses close). Winter (November–March) is quieter and cheaper, with occasional cold snaps, and the city's museums and cafés are just as good indoors.

Top Areas to Stay in Paris

1st/2nd arrondissement — central, near the Louvre and Palais Royal, very walkable but pricier.

Marais (3rd/4th) — historic, trendy, full of boutiques and cafés, one of the most atmospheric areas to base yourself.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th) — classic Left Bank charm, bookshops and cafés, close to the Luxembourg Gardens.

Montmartre (18th) — hilltop, artistic, near Sacré-Cœur, a bit further out but full of character; can be touristy near the basilica itself.

Canal Saint-Martin (10th) — a more local, trendy area popular with younger travellers, good nightlife and food scene.

Top Landmarks in Paris

Eiffel Tower — book tickets online in advance to skip the worst of the queue; the view from Trocadéro across the river is free and excellent.

Louvre Museum — the world's largest art museum; pick a few must-sees (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo) rather than trying to cover it all in one visit.

Notre-Dame Cathedral — under restoration following the 2019 fire, with the exterior and surrounding area still very much worth a visit.

Musée d'Orsay — housed in a former railway station, home to an outstanding Impressionist collection, often less crowded than the Louvre.

Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre — a hilltop basilica with sweeping city views and a historic artists' quarter around it.

How to Get Around Paris

The Métro is extensive, fast, and the default way to get around — a Navigo Easy card or multi-ticket pack is worth getting on arrival. Paris is also very walkable within its central arrondissements. Vélib' bike-share is popular for short trips along the river or through parks.

Food to Try in Paris

• Croissant and pain au chocolat — best from a proper boulangerie, not a supermarket
• Steak frites — a classic bistro staple
• French onion soup — rich, cheese-topped, widely available in traditional bistros
• Crêpes — sweet or savoury, sold from street stalls and dedicated crêperies
• Cheese and wine — a proper fromagerie or wine bar visit is worth the time

Shopping in Paris

• Le Marais — independent boutiques and vintage shops
• Champs-Élysées — flagship international stores
• Le Bon Marché / Galeries Lafayette — grand department stores worth visiting even just for the architecture

Festivals & Events in Paris

• Bastille Day (14 July) — fireworks at the Eiffel Tower and a military parade on the Champs-Élysées
• Fête de la Musique (21 June) — free live music across the city to mark the start of summer
• Christmas markets (December) — seasonal markets across several neighbourhoods

Nearby Day Trips from Paris

• Palace of Versailles — about 1 hour away, the opulent former royal residence and gardens
• Giverny — around 1.5 hours away, Monet's house and gardens that inspired his water lily paintings
• Disneyland Paris — about 45 minutes away by train, popular with families

Local Customs and Etiquette

• Greet with "Bonjour" when entering shops — it's considered basic politeness, and skipping it can come across as rude
• Tipping is not obligatory since service is included, though rounding up is appreciated
• Dress reasonably smart for dinner at sit-down restaurants; casual is fine for cafés

A Few Practical Tips

• Budgeting — a hostel bed runs roughly €25–45 a night, mid-range hotels €100–200, and upscale stays upward of €250.
• Museum passes — the Paris Museum Pass can save money if visiting several major sights.
• Tap water is safe to drink and free at restaurants if requested ("une carafe d'eau").

FAQ

How many days do you need in Paris? Four to five days covers the major landmarks and a couple of museums without rushing. Three works for a first, faster-paced visit.

Which arrondissement should I stay in? The 1st through 7th arrondissements are the most central and walkable to major sights; the Marais (3rd/4th) and Saint-Germain (6th) are popular for atmosphere and easy access.

Is Paris safe for solo travellers? Yes, generally — like any major city, stay alert around pickpocketing hotspots (metro, tourist queues) and avoid poorly lit areas late at night.

Do I need a visa to visit Paris? Visitors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of the EU/Schengen area don't need a visa for short tourist stays; other nationalities should check France's Schengen visa requirements.

What's the one thing people skip but shouldn't? The Marais neighbourhood on a weekday afternoon — most itineraries focus on the big landmarks and never wander this district's narrow streets, historic architecture, and boutiques.