Paris, often called the City of Light, is one of the world’s most visited destinations. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to hidden cafes and romantic riverbanks, Paris offers something for every traveler. Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, the city’s unique charm never fades. This expanded guide provides deeper details to help you plan, explore, and enjoy Paris to the fullest.
Top Attractions & Landmarks
- 🗼 Eiffel Tower: Paris’s global symbol rises over 300 meters, with panoramic city views from multiple observation decks. Visit at night for the magical sparkle show every hour after sunset.
- 🖼️ Louvre Museum: Home to over 35,000 works, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Plan at least half a day to explore its vast wings and courtyards.
- ⛪ Notre-Dame Cathedral: Reopened in 2024 after restoration, this Gothic masterpiece features intricate sculptures, rose windows, and a grand organ. Tower access is set to reopen in late 2025.
- 🎨 Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur: Wander cobblestoned streets once frequented by Picasso and Van Gogh. The hilltop basilica offers breathtaking views, while nearby Place du Tertre brims with local artists.
- 🌈 Sainte-Chapelle: Famous for its stained glass, depicting over 1,000 biblical scenes. Morning light transforms the chapel into a kaleidoscope of colors.
- 🌟 Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe: Stroll this iconic avenue, shop at flagship stores, then climb the Arc for one of the best sunset panoramas in Paris.
- 🏛️ Musée d’Orsay: A converted Beaux-Arts railway station showcasing the largest collection of Impressionist art in the world. Don’t miss Monet’s water lilies and Van Gogh’s self-portraits.
- 🎭 Palais Garnier: A lavish opera house with gilded interiors, a sweeping staircase, and a Marc Chagall ceiling mural. Guided tours reveal fascinating history behind its construction.
- 🌳 Luxembourg Gardens: A beloved Parisian park with fountains, statues, and playgrounds. Ideal for families, picnics, or a relaxing pause between museum visits.
Best Guided Tours
- 🚶 Walking Tours: Join local guides for themed walks—discover medieval alleys in the Latin Quarter, hidden courtyards in Le Marais, or street art in Belleville.
- 🥐 Food Tours: Explore bustling markets, taste fresh baguettes, sample artisan cheese, and sip French wines. Options include pastry-focused tours and gourmet chocolate tastings.
- 🖌️ Art Tours: Expert-led skip-the-line tours help you understand the masterpieces at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay. Private tours often tailor visits to your interests.
- ⛴️ Seine River Cruises: Choose between budget-friendly sightseeing cruises, elegant dinner cruises with live music, or champagne tastings on deck.
- 🚴 Bike Tours: Pedal through scenic routes along the Seine or explore neighborhoods like the Left Bank. Electric bike tours are available for longer distances like Versailles.
- 👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Tours: Treasure hunts in the Louvre, themed walks designed for kids, and interactive storytelling tours keep younger travelers engaged.
Transportation Tips
- 🚇 Metro: With 16 lines and over 300 stations, the Paris Metro is fast and reliable. Trains run every few minutes from 5:30 am to after midnight. Multi-day passes like Paris Visite are convenient.
- 🚌 Buses & Trams: Great for above-ground sightseeing. Bus lines pass by landmarks, and trams connect neighborhoods on the outskirts.
- ✈️ Airport Transfers: From Charles de Gaulle, take the RER B train (~35 minutes). Orly passengers can use Orlyval to reach RER connections. Shuttles and airport buses are alternatives.
- 🚖 Taxis: Official flat rates make taxis a safe choice. Always use marked stands to avoid scams.
- 🚲 Bikes & Scooters: Vélib’ bike-share stations are found citywide, and scooters (Lime, Tier, Dott) are convenient for short rides.
- 🚆 Day Trips: Use SNCF trains from Gare du Nord, Montparnasse, or Lyon for easy escapes to Versailles, Giverny, or Champagne country.
Safety Tips
- 👛 Keep wallets and phones secure, especially on the Metro or near attractions like Sacré-Cœur.
- 🚫 Ignore bracelet or petition scams—say “Non, merci” and walk away.
- 🔑 Store backups of your passport and credit cards separately from originals.
- 🏨 Choose central, well-lit neighborhoods for accommodations.
- ☎️ Emergency numbers: 112 (all emergencies), 17 (police), 15 (medical), 18 (fire).
- 👮 Police officers patrol major landmarks, providing visible security.
Key French Phrases
- 👋 Bonjour / Bonsoir – Hello / Good evening (always greet before asking questions).
- 🙏 Merci / S’il vous plaît – Thank you / Please (basic politeness goes a long way).
- 🗣️ Parlez-vous anglais ? – Do you speak English?
- 📍 Où est… ? – Where is…? (useful for Metro stations or landmarks).
- 🍽️ Je voudrais… – I would like… (ordering food).
- 💶 L’addition, s’il vous plaît – The check, please.
- 🚾 Où sont les toilettes ? – Where are the restrooms?
Local Customs & Etiquette
- 👏 Always greet shopkeepers with “Bonjour” upon entering and “Merci, au revoir” when leaving.
- 👔 Dress smartly; Parisians value neat, understated fashion.
- 🕰️ Meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly—rushing is seen as impolite.
- 🤫 Keep noise levels low on public transit; eating is discouraged.
- 💐 If invited to someone’s home, bring wine, chocolates, or flowers (but avoid chrysanthemums, which symbolize funerals).
Dining & Tipping
- 🍴 Menus include tax and service, so no extra calculation is needed.
- 💵 Round up the bill or leave a couple of euros for good service.
- ☕ At cafés, it’s common to leave small change on the table.
- 🍷 Wine is an integral part of meals; asking for recommendations is welcomed.
- 🥖 Bakeries and crêperies often serve affordable, delicious meals—great for budget travelers.
Best Times to Visit
- 🌸 Spring (Apr–Jun): Comfortable temperatures (12–20°C), blooming gardens, and fewer crowds than summer.
- ☀️ Summer (Jul–Aug): High season with festivals and long daylight hours, but also higher prices and crowds. Many locals go on vacation in August.
- 🍂 Autumn (Sep–Oct): Ideal mix of mild weather, fall foliage, and cultural events like Paris Fashion Week.
- ❄️ Winter (Nov–Mar): Chilly (5–10°C) with festive Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and shorter lines at major attractions.
Budgeting
- 💶 Average mid-range daily cost: €250–300, covering hotel, meals, attractions, and transport.
- 🏨 Budget travelers: Around €100/day using hostels, street food, and free museums.
- 🛏️ Accommodation: €50–80 for hostels, €100–150 for 3-star hotels, €200+ for upscale stays.
- 🍽️ Meals: Baguette sandwiches (€5–8), lunch menus (€12–20), dinner in mid-range restaurants (€25–40).
- 🎟️ Museum tickets: €12–17; many free on the first Sunday of the month (Oct–Mar). Under 26 EU residents enter many sites free.
- 🛍️ Shopping: Budget for souvenirs—scarves, perfumes, and French skincare are popular choices.
Helpful Apps & Resources
- 📱 Citymapper / Bonjour RATP: Real-time public transport routes.
- 🗺️ Paris je t’aime: Official tourism app with events, maps, and passes.
- 🌐 Google Translate: Offline French-English translations.
- 🚕 Ride-hailing apps: Uber, Bolt, Free Now.
- 📷 Culture Trip & GetYourGuide: Book tours and experiences directly.
- 🚨 Emergency: 112 EU-wide, with English-speaking operators.
Final Tips
Paris rewards those who explore beyond the obvious. Venture into hidden courtyards, sip espresso at neighborhood cafés, or picnic along Canal Saint-Martin. Allow time to simply wander—the city’s charm lies as much in its small details as in its grand monuments. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be equipped to experience Paris confidently, blending iconic highlights with authentic local moments.