Paris Travel Guide
A Timeless City of Light, Art and Elegance
Last updated: 2026-09-05
The city's 24-hour rhythm.
Turn the dial to any hour and it tells you where you should be.
Rue Montorgueil Gourmet Food Stroll
Try the famous Baba au Rhum at Stohrer, Paris's oldest patisserie, founded in 1730.
Paris: places to visit
Eiffel Tower
Paris's world-famous steel tower and main symbol.
Louvre Museum
A vast art museum that is home to the Mona Lisa.
Arc de Triomphe
A monumental triumphal arch standing at Place Charles-de-Gaulle, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
A striking basilica on Montmartre hill, built from Château-Landon stone that whitens when exposed to rain.
Sainte-Chapelle
A 13th-century Gothic chapel renowned for its magnificent stained-glass windows.
What to eat in Paris
Stohrer — Classic French Pâtisserie
Paris's Oldest Pâtisserie, Founded in 1730Known for classic French pastries and its famous Baba au Rhum, closely associated with founder Nicolas Stohrer.
L'As du Fallafel — Falafel Pita
Iconic Falafel Destination in Le MaraisKnown for its generously filled pita with crisp falafel, tahini, hummus, pickles and fried eggplant.
Bouillon Chartier — Traditional Parisian Bouillon
Budget-Friendly Classic French Cuisine in a Historic SettingServes simple French classics such as beef bourguignon, veal blanquette, sausage, fresh fries and rice pudding.
Breizh Café — Breton Galettes and Crêpes
Authentic Breton Galettes Made with Organic Buckwheat FlourServes buckwheat galettes with cheese and ham, paired with cider.
Les Deux Magots — Coffee and Old-Fashioned Hot Chocolate
Historic Meeting Café for Artists and WritersFamous for its smooth, rich old-fashioned hot chocolate made with Valrhona 55% chocolate.
L'Ami Jean — Stéphane Jégo's Riz au Lait
L'Ami Jean's Iconic, Shareable Riz au LaitCreamy vanilla rice pudding served with salted-butter caramel cream and roasted, caramelized nuts.
Where to stay
| Areas | Le Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissements)Price: High | Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)Price: Medium | Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)Price: High | Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)Price: Medium | Eiffel Tower and Surroundings (7th Arrondissement)Price: High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | One of Paris's most popular districts, featuring historic architecture, boutique shops, bustling art galleries, and vibrant street culture. | Home to the Sorbonne University, this area is known for its bohemian atmosphere, narrow streets, and affordable dining options. | The center of Paris's intellectual past, this upscale district stands out with its chic cafes, art galleries, and elegant atmosphere. | A bohemian neighborhood centered around the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, offering Paris's most iconic views with its cobblestone streets and village feel. | A prestigious residential complex housing Paris's iconic Eiffel Tower and wide boulevards, appealing mostly to families and those seeking tranquility. |
| Best for | First-time visitorsCouplesShopping enthusiasts | Young travelersStudentsBudget-conscious travelers | Luxury seekersArt loversRomantic getaways | RomanticsPhotographersThose seeking affordable accommodation | FamiliesClassic sightseeingThose seeking tranquility |
| Accommodation profile | PriceHighNightlifeHighWalkabilityHigh | PriceMediumNightlifeHighWalkabilityHigh | PriceHighNightlifeMediumWalkabilityHigh | PriceMediumNightlifeMediumWalkabilityMedium | PriceHighNightlifeLowWalkabilityMedium |
| Transport | Metro 1 (St-Paul)Metro 11 (Rambuteau)RER A, B, D (near the Châtelet-Les Halles interchange) | Metro 10Metro 4 (St-Michel)RER B (direct access from the airport) | Metro 4 (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)Metro 10 (Mabillon) | Metro 2 (Anvers, Blanche)Metro 12 (Abbesses) | Metro 8 (École Militaire)RER C (Pont de l'Alma, Champ de Mars) |
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Planning notes.
Researched recommendations, practical information and route decisions.
- Take an evening cruise on the Seine to see Paris's illuminated landmarks
- Take in the city view from the forecourt of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on Montmartre
- Walk through the historic streets of Le Marais and explore local boutiques
- Especially around Sacré-Cœur, do not engage with people trying to put bracelets on your wrist; keep walking
- On the Metro, trains and RER, keep your ticket or the card/phone holding it accessible throughout the journey in case of inspection
- Avoid restaurants that do not display menus and prices outside or that try to impose a mandatory tip; in France restaurant prices must include taxes and service, while tipping is optional.
- Download the official Île-de-France Mobilités app for public transport
- €14 Paris Region ↔ Airports ticket; load it on Navigo Easy or a phone.
- At street cafés, make eye contact and wait instead of calling the waiter over
Paris map
What will it cost me?
Figures are per-person daily USD estimates compiled from BudgetYourTrip, Numbeo and recent traveller reports. Flight/ferry tickets not included.
✓ Planning estimate; the total varies with accommodation, meals, transport and activities selected. · Last updated: Aug 2026
How many days?
Choose the best route for your schedule.
What to know before you go.
Tourist traps, SIM, money, taxis, safety, health, transit and language — the city in eight answers.
112 — the free EU-wide emergency number for police, ambulance or fire services.
Do not give money to or fill out forms for people collecting signatures beneath the Eiffel Tower or at metro exits.
scamIn crowded tourist areas and on the Metro/RER, keep your bag closed and in front of you, and stay aware while using your phone. Do not engage with fake petitions or three-card/three-cup street games; they are known distraction scams.
safetyTap water in Paris is safe to drink; in restaurants, ask for “une carafe d'eau” to receive free tap water.
healthThe Paris Region ↔ Airports single ticket costs €14 and can be loaded onto a Navigo Easy pass or a compatible smartphone.
cardIn French culture, it is very important to greet people with “Bonjour” when entering a shop or restaurant.
languageParis: weather and crowds by month
🎒 What to pack
- ✔ Walking shoes
- ✔ Power adapter
- ✔ Jacket
- ✔ Layers
- ✔ Umbrella
FLIGHTS
Airport to city
RER B TrainGare du Nord / Châtelet-Les Halles / Saint-Michel Notre-Dame
About 25–30 minutes to Gare du Nord; service conditions may vary.
Best for: Those who want to reach the center or transfer stations quickly without getting stuck in traffic
Limitations: Can be crowded during peak commute hours; traveling with very large luggage can be challenging.
↗ Official source9517 Express BusSaint-Denis–Pleyel ↔ Roissypôle
About 30 minutes
Best for: Travellers seeking a lower-cost connection via Metro 13/14 or RER D
Limitations: Traffic can affect the trip; a transfer is needed to continue into central Paris.
↗ Official sourceOrlyval + RER BCentral Paris (Châtelet, Gare du Nord) via transfer at Antony station
6 minutes to Antony, approximately 35-40 minutes total to central Paris
Best for: Those wanting the fastest rail access to the center without risking traffic
Limitations: A transfer to RER B is required at Antony; line 14 is more direct for many central journeys.
♿ Accessible
↗ Official sourceMetro line 14Orly ↔ Châtelet / Saint-Denis–Pleyel
About 25 minutes to Châtelet
Best for: Travellers wanting a direct, accessible rail link
Limitations: A metro transfer may be needed for the final central destination.
♿ Accessible
↗ Official sourceOfficial Paris-Beauvais Shuttle (Aérobus)Porte Maillot / Neuilly (Pershing car park)
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (May take longer depending on traffic)
Best for: Those flying with low-cost airlines like Ryanair/Wizz Air wanting a direct transfer to central Paris
Limitations: Departures are tied to flight schedules. Because the airport is very far from the city, the journey is long and a metro transfer at the destination is necessary.
↗ Official sourceParis: frequently asked questions
Should I book Eiffel Tower tickets in advance, and is the summit or second floor better?
Do I need a reservation for the Louvre, and what is the easiest way to see the Mona Lisa?
What is the most practical way to reach central Paris from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly Airport?
Can Versailles be visited as a day trip from Paris, and how much time should I allow?
For a first trip to Paris, should I stay near the Louvre, in the Marais, Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain or Montmartre?
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