What to Know Before Planning Your Trip
Place des Vosges, by Henrik Berger Jorgensen on Flickr
Visiting Paris is an enchanting experience, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and romance. As you stroll along the Seine, marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa. Parisian neighborhoods, each with its own charm, invite exploration—from the artistic Montmartre to the chic Marais.
Indulge in delectable cuisine at charming cafes and world-class restaurants, and enjoy the vibrant arts scene with visits to theaters, galleries, and music venues.
When to Visit Paris?
Eiffel Tower in Spring, Wikimedia
Paris is charming all year long but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall. In spring, the city comes alive with blooming flowers and mild weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Fall offers similarly pleasant weather with fewer tourists. Both seasons provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying Paris's parks, gardens, and iconic landmarks. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter is colder and wetter, though the holiday decorations and seasonal events can add a special charm.
You may also prefer to visit at festival times. For example, Paris hosts several music festivals throughout the year, and the most notable is the Fête de la Musique, held annually on June 21st. This wonderful festival, which we witnessed in 2023, celebrates the summer solstice with free concerts and performances in streets, parks, and various venues across Paris. Musicians of all genres, from amateurs to professionals, participate, creating a vibrant and magical atmosphere. On the other hand, hotel prices go up at this time.
How to Get to Paris?
There are several ways to get to Paris, depending on your starting point:
By Air: The most common way to reach Paris from abroad is by flying into one of its two main airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). Both airports are well-connected to the city center by train, bus, and taxi.
By Train: Paris is well-connected to other European cities via high-speed trains. The Eurostar connects Paris to London through the Channel Tunnel, arriving at Gare du Nord. The Thalys train connects Paris to Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne. TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) trains link Paris to various cities across France and neighboring countries.
By Bus: Long-distance buses, such as those operated by FlixBus, Eurolines, and Ouibus, offer services to Paris from many European cities. Buses typically arrive at major bus terminals like Bercy Seine or Gallieni.
By Ferry and Train: If traveling from the UK, you can take a ferry from various ports to Calais or other French ports and then continue to Paris by car or train.
Where to Stay in Paris?
Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Wikimedia
Each neighborhood of Paris provides a variety of lodging options -ranging from luxury hotels to hostels to Airbnb apartments- to suit different budgets and preferences, ensuring that every traveler can find suitable accommodations in their desired area of the city. Choosing the neighborhood to stay depends on your preferences for sightseeing, atmosphere, and amenities.
Those who enjoy history, culture, and nightlife, may choose to stay in Le Marais, whereas Saint-Germain-des-Prés could be more for the literary and art enthusiasts who appreciate a sophisticated atmosphere.
The Latin Quarter, with its lively, youthful, and academic atmosphere can be great for students and history buffs. First-time visitors may prefer to stay near Eiffel Tower, wanting to be close to one of Paris's most famous landmarks.
Each district (arrondissement) of Paris has its own unique charm, so choose accommodation based on your preferences for sightseeing, dining, and atmosphere.
How to Get Around in Paris?
Paris Opera House, by Aydin Ersoz on Flickr
Paris is a walkable city, and many of its attractions are within a reasonable distance from each other. The city is famous for its compact layout, charming streets, and numerous pedestrian-friendly areas, making it an ideal destination for exploring on foot.
Cycling is another popular and eco-friendly way to explore the city. Vélib', the city’s bike-sharing program, offers thousands of bicycles available for short-term rental at numerous stations throughout Paris.
When longer distances need to be covered, Paris has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and trams, making it easy to return to walking routes. With 16 lines and over 300 stations, the Paris Metro is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to navigate the city. An extensive bus network covers areas not served by the Metro, and the RER suburban trains are useful for reaching destinations outside the central Paris area, such as Disneyland Paris, Versailles, and Charles de Gaulle Airport.
For public transportation, consider purchasing a Paris Visite Pass or Navigo card for unlimited travel on Metro, RER, buses, and trams for a set period.
Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street, at taxi stands, or booked by phone. Uber and Bolt are also widely used.
Car rentals are available for those who prefer to drive. However, driving in Paris can be challenging due to traffic and parking.
What to Do in Paris?
Musee d'Orsay Restaurant, by Aydin Ersoz on Flickr
Start with the Eiffel Tower, offering breathtaking views of the city, followed by a visit to the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Art enthusiasts can spend hours at the Louvre Museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, and the Musée d'Orsay, showcasing an impressive collection of Impressionist art. Strolling down the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe provides a quintessential Parisian experience, while a boat cruise on the Seine River offers a unique perspective of the city's architecture and landmarks.
Beyond the famous attractions, Paris offers a variety of charming neighborhoods to explore. Wander through the cobbled streets of Montmartre, known for its bohemian atmosphere and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The Marais district, with its historic buildings and trendy boutiques is perfect for shopping and people-watching. Enjoy the lively ambiance of the Latin Quarter, home to the Sorbonne University and bustling cafés. Don't miss the opportunity to relax in one of Paris's beautiful gardens, such as the Luxembourg Gardens or the Tuileries Garden.
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What to Eat in Paris?
Macarons, Wikimedia
One must indulge in a variety of classic French dishes and treats to experience the city's renowned culinary scene. Start with a flaky croissant or pain au chocolat from a local boulangerie for breakfast. For lunch or dinner, enjoy a savory crêpe or a hearty dish like boeuf bourguignon or coq au vin at a traditional bistro. Don't miss trying a classic French onion soup or a fresh baguette sandwich. Savor cheeses like brie, camembert, and roquefort, paired with a glass of wine. For dessert, treat yourself to delicate pastries such as éclairs, macarons, or a slice of tarte tatin. Lastly, make sure to experience the rich flavors of French chocolates and visit a local café for a cup of coffee accompanied by a delicate pâtisserie.