Paris
Paris Travel Guide
Paris, the capital and most populous city of France is a symbol of the nation with a history dating back over a thousand years. It has been the center of art, fashion, and culture, attracting famous artists and writers. This city is famous for its architecture, world-renowned museums, and vibrant atmosphere. Paris is often named “the city of light” due to it has been a center for education, intellectual pursuits, and culture. The official population of Paris considering the Paris urban area is about 11 million. The city typically attracts over 30 million tourists annually, with top attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre Museum.
Things to Know Before Going To Paris
- Have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases and markets
- Beware of pickpockets and scams
- The metro doesn’t operate 24 hours a day
- Politeness and pleasantries are highly valued in French culture
- Over 600 miles of tunnels snake under Paris
Where To Stay In Paris?
Here’s a quick table of which areas in Paris are great for tourists:
District | Best For | Best Attractions | Average Trip Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Saint-Germain-des-Prés | Cultural Enthusiasts | Independent stores Jardin du Luxembourg Latin Quarter nightlife | Mid-Range to Expensive |
Le Marais | Historic Charm Trendy Vibes | Place des Vosges Musée Picasso Rue des Rosiers | Mid-Range |
Latin Quarter | Student Vibe Lively Atmosphere | Sorbonne Ecole Normale Superieure Jardin des Plantes | Mid-Range |
Montmartre | Bohemian Artistic | Sacré-Cœur Basilica Place du Tertre Moulin Rouge | Mid-Range |
Champs-Élysées | Luxury High-End Shopping | Arc de Triomphe Avenue des Champs-Élysées Grand Palais | Expensive |
Marais | Trendy Fashionable | Hôtel de Ville Centre Pompidou Place des Vosges | Mid-Range |
Bastille | Vibrant Nightlife Food Scene | Place de la Bastille Marché d'Aligre Opéra Bastille | Mid-Range |
Montparnasse | Panoramic Views Business Area | Montparnasse Tower Ciel de Paris Jardin du Luxembourg | Mid-Range |
Belleville | Artsy Diverse Community | Parc de Belleville Street Art La Bellevilloise | Affordable to Mid-Range |
Canal Saint-Martin | Hipster Trendy Cafés | Canal Saint-Martin Le Comptoir Général Parc des Buttes-Chaumont | Mid-Range |
Best Hotels in Paris
Hotel | District | Affordability | Why To Stay There? |
---|---|---|---|
Ritz Paris | 1st Arrondissement | Luxury | Iconic hotel with a rich history and luxurious amenities Located on the prestigious Place Vendôme, close to high-end shopping and dining |
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris | 8th Arrondissement | Luxury | Elegant hotel with Michelin-starred restaurants Situated near the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe Easy access to top attractions |
Hôtel Plaza Athénée | 8th Arrondissement | Luxury | Iconic Parisian hotel with a stunning Eiffel Tower view Features a Dior spa and multiple Michelin-starred restaurants |
Shangri-La Paris | 16th Arrondissement | Luxury | Housed in a former palace, offering stunning views of the Eiffel Tower Provides a spa, indoor pool, and Michelin-starred dining |
Hôtel de Crillon | 1th Arrondissement | Luxury | Historic and luxurious with elegant rooms Prime location and being close to |
Hôtel de Seine | 1st Arrondissement | Mid-range | Nice location to discover the streets of Paris easily Decent street views from rooms to enjoy the city at its fullest |
Hôtel Lancaster Paris Champs Elysées | 8th Arrondissement | Mid-Range | Elegant hotel with a classic Parisian style, located near the Champs-Élysées Offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location for exploring the city |
Hotel de la Tamise | 1st Arrondissement | Budget | Small boutique hotel with a great location Near the Louvre and easy to access the city |
Hotel Castille Paris | 1st Arrondissement | Budget | Clean, safe, and located in a tourist-friendly area Great amenities and strategic location |
Hotel Montpensier | 1st Arrondissement | Budget | Affordable accommodation in the heart of the city Modern amenities with good service |
Find all cheap Paris hotels without needing to break the bank and enjoy the city of love!
Places To Visit In Paris
Paris has a rich history and attractions, some top places to visit in Paris include:
- Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel): An iconic landmark and one of the most recognizable structures in the world.
- Musée du Louvre: Home to the famous "Mona Lisa" and other world-renowned art pieces.
- Notre Dame Cathedral: A stunning Gothic cathedral with a rich history.
- Musée d'Orsay: A museum housing an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
- Arc de Triomphe: A monument honoring the soldiers who fought and died for France.
- Champs-Élysées: A famous avenue lined with luxury shops and cafes.
- Latin Quarter: A historic neighborhood known for its intellectual and artistic heritage.
- Montmartre: A Bohemian neighborhood with a vibrant arts scene and the famous Sacred-Cœur Basilica.
- Luxembourg Gardens: A beautiful park with fountains, statues, and a palace.
- Saint-Germain-DES-Prés: A neighborhood known for its literary and intellectual history.
Where is Paris?
Paris is located in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region which is crossed by the Seine, Oise, and Marne rivers.
Is Paris Safe?
Paris is generally a safe city for visitors, but like any major urban area, it's important to be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crimes such as pickpocketing. The U.S. Department of State rates the risk of traveling to France as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution,” citing potential risks such as terrorist attacks, pickpocketing, and demonstrations.
Is Paris Expensive To Visit?
Paris can be an expensive city to visit. The average daily budget for a trip to Paris ranges from 100 to 150 Euros per day, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and activities.
Paris Currency
Paris uses the euro as its official currency. Visitors can also use credit or debit cards, which are widely accepted throughout the city.
Paris Language
The official language of Paris is French, which is also the most widely spoken language in the city.
Paris Time Zone
Paris is located in the Central European Time (CET) time zone. CET is one hour ahead of UTC and is observed year-round is Paris.
How Many Days Need To Visit Paris?
For first-time travelers, planning around 4–5 days is recommended to enjoy some classic Parisian highlights and visit a few of the districts.
When Is The Best Time To Stay In Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is March due to discounted hotel rates, minimal crowds, and pleasant weather for exploring the city.
- Summer (June to August): This period offers warm weather and long days of sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the city's famed cafe culture. However, it is also the most crowded time, with high tourist numbers and expensive rates.
- Fall (September to October): Fall is considered a good time to visit Paris, with thinner crowds and pleasant weather. It is also a shoulder season, offering lower travel rates and significantly shorter lines at attractions.
- Spring (March to May): Spring, especially April and May, is ideal for visiting Paris. The weather is temperate and lovely, and the city is adorned with blossoms and greenery. This period also offers thinner crowds compared to the summer months.
- Winter (December to January): This period is considered the low season, offering fewer crowds and potential savings for budget travelers. However, it can also be a rainy period, and some establishments may close, particularly in August, as locals flee the summer city heat.
What To Pack For Your Visit To Paris?
When packing for a trip to Paris, it is best to be prepared with layers, an umbrella, water-resistant shoes, and a coat. It is recommended to pack a leather jacket and a trench coat if possible.
Best Food In Paris
Paris is known for its world-renowned cuisine, and there are many delicious foods to try during a visit. Here are some highlights from various sources:
- Croissants: A classic French pastry that is buttery, flaky, and delicious.
- Macarons: A delicate and colorful French cookie made with almond flour and filled with ganache or buttercream.
- Steak Frites: A classic French dish consisting of steak and fries.
- Boeuf bourguignon: A hearty beef stew made with red wine, bacon, and vegetables.
- Cassoulet: A slow-cooked casserole made with white beans, sausage, and duck or pork.
- Confit de canard: A dish made with duck that has been salt-cured and then cooked in its fat.
- French onion soup: A soup made with caramelized onions, and beef broth, and topped with melted cheese and croutons.
- Baguette: A long, thin loaf of bread with a crispy crust and soft interior.
- Escargot: A dish made with cooked snails, typically served with garlic butter.
Paris Nightlife
Paris offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife, with a wide range of options to suit different tastes. Some popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the Marais, Bastille, Republique, and Oberkampf, which are known for their trendy nightlife spots, including clubs, bars, and cabarets.