Ultimate Guide to Paris, France

Destination

Embrace Romance in Paris

Paris, the City of Light, invites you to experience its romance, art, and cuisine. Wander through charming streets, visit the Eiffel Tower, and savor fine dining in the heart of France.

Highlights

  • Eiffel Tower

    An iconic symbol of Paris, offering incredible views from its observation decks.

  • Louvre Museum

    Home to the Mona Lisa, this museum is a treasure trove of art and history.

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral

    Admire the Gothic architecture and climb the towers for a panoramic view of Paris.

  • Seine River Cruise

    Enjoy a romantic boat tour along the Seine, passing by Paris's most famous landmarks.

Best Season

Spring

Pack Like a Pro

Elegant attire, comfortable walking shoes, camera

Hidden Gem

Montmartre – A historic district with artist studios and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Fun Fact

Paris is home to the world’s oldest bridge, Pont Neuf, dating back to 1607.

Let's Go!

Destination Overview

Dining
Activities & Things to Do
Transportation
Lodging
Currency & Budget
Safety & Travel Tips

Paris is renowned for its culinary delights, from sophisticated Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy bistros and patisseries. Savor the rich flavors and diverse cuisine that define French gastronomy.

Local Cuisine Highlights:

  • Croissants and Pastries: Enjoy freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, and other pastries from renowned bakeries like Pierre Hermé or Ladurée.
  • Baguettes: Savor a classic French baguette from local boulangeries.
  • Escargot and Foie Gras: Try traditional French delicacies at a fine dining restaurant such as Le Comptoir du Relais.

Fine Dining Recommendations:

  • Le Jules Verne: Located on the Eiffel Tower, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers exquisite cuisine and unparalleled views.
  • L’Arpège: A three-Michelin-star restaurant known for its innovative vegetable-based dishes.

Budget-Friendly Eats:

  • Café de Flore: A historic café perfect for people-watching and enjoying classic Parisian fare.
  • Le Bouillon Pigalle: A traditional French brasserie offering affordable and hearty meals.

International Flavors:

  • Le Marais: Explore diverse international cuisine options, including Jewish delis and Middle Eastern food.
  • Rue Cler: A market street with a range of culinary delights, from cheese and wine to fresh produce.

Unique Dining Experiences:

  • Dinner Cruise on the Seine: Enjoy a romantic dinner while cruising along the Seine River with stunning views of Paris’s landmarks.
  • Le Relais de l’Entrecôte: Famous for its steak frites and secret sauce, offering a unique dining experience.

Local Cuisine Highlights:

  • Classic NYC Bagels: Head to Ess-a-Bagel or Russ & Daughters for bagels with cream cheese and lox.
  • Pizza: Grab a slice at the legendary Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village or enjoy a coal-fired pie at John’s of Bleecker Street.
  • Street Food: Try hot dogs from a street cart, or indulge in Halal Guys’ famous chicken and rice.

Fine Dining Recommendations:

  • Eleven Madison Park: A three-Michelin-star restaurant offering a modern plant-based menu.
  • Le Bernardin: This iconic seafood restaurant is perfect for a luxury dining experience.
  • Peter Luger Steakhouse: A Brooklyn institution known for its mouthwatering dry-aged steaks.

Budget-Friendly Eats:

  • Katz’s Delicatessen: Known for towering pastrami sandwiches and a rich history dating back to 1888.
  • Joe’s Pizza: Grab a classic New York slice for under $5.
  • Xi’an Famous Foods: Enjoy a delicious bowl of hand-pulled noodles in Chinatown for an affordable and authentic experience.

International Flavors:

  • Chinatown: Sample dim sum at Jing Fong or soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai.
  • Little Italy: For classic pasta and cannoli, head to Da Nico or Ferrara Bakery.
  • Koreatown: Experience Korean BBQ at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong or grab a quick bite at Woorijip.

Unique Dining Experiences:

  • Rooftop Dining in Brooklyn: Dine at Westlight for incredible views of Manhattan, or visit Harriet’s Rooftopat 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.
  • Smorgasburg Food Market: This seasonal outdoor food market in Brooklyn showcases dozens of vendors offering everything from artisanal ice cream to exotic fusion dishes.

Paris is a city brimming with activities, from cultural tours and historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and unique experiences.

Top Sights:

  • Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe: Stroll along the famous avenue and admire the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe, which offers panoramic views from its terrace.
  • Palace of Versailles: Explore the opulent palace and gardens, a short train ride from Paris.

Cultural Spots:

  • Musée d’Orsay: Home to an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
  • Latin Quarter: A historic area known for its vibrant student life, bookshops, and lively atmosphere.

Outdoor Adventures:

  • Luxembourg Gardens: Relax in these beautiful gardens, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
  • Seine River Cruise: Take a boat tour along the Seine to see Paris from a different perspective.

Family-Friendly Fun:

  • Jardin des Plantes: Visit the botanical garden and zoo, perfect for a family outing.
  • Disneyland Paris: Enjoy a magical day at Disneyland, located just outside the city.

Nightlife:

  • Moulin Rouge: Experience the famous cabaret and a night of entertainment in Montmartre.
  • Le Marais: Explore vibrant bars and nightlife in this trendy district.

Top Sights:

  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Take a ferry to these symbols of freedom and immigration in America.
  • Empire State Building: Head up to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the city.
  • Central Park: Enjoy a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, or a rowboat in this 843-acre urban oasis.

Cultural Spots:

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): One of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums.
  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Home to iconic modern art pieces like Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”
  • Broadway: Experience world-class theater productions like “Hamilton,” “The Lion King,” and more.

Outdoor Adventures:

  • The High Line: A public park built on an elevated railway, offering walking paths, gardens, and views of the Hudson River.
  • Sailing Tours: Take a sunset cruise around Manhattan or sail past the Statue of Liberty for a unique perspective.
  • Governors Island: Just a short ferry ride from Manhattan, this island is perfect for picnics, biking, and exploring historic forts.

Family-Friendly Fun:

  • American Museum of Natural History: See the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils and a stunning planetarium.
  • Bronx Zoo: One of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world, home to over 6,000 animals.
  • Coney Island: Known for its amusement park, boardwalk, and classic Nathan’s hot dogs.

Nightlife:

  • Rooftop Bars: Visit 230 Fifth for panoramic views, or enjoy cocktails at The Crown in Chinatown.
  • Jazz Clubs: Experience live music at Birdland or The Blue Note.
  • Shows & Performances: See iconic shows at Radio City Music Hall or comedy at The Comedy Cellar.

Paris has a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city and explore its many neighborhoods.

Public Transit:

  • Metro: The Paris Metro is efficient and covers most of the city, with single-ride tickets starting at €1.90.
  • RER: Use the RER trains for travel to suburban areas and attractions like Versailles.

Buses & Trams:

  • Buses: Complement the Metro system, offering routes that can take you to different parts of the city.
  • Trams: Operate on the outskirts of the city, providing access to various neighborhoods.

Taxis & Rideshares:

  • Taxis: Readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via app.
  • Uber: Offers convenient rideshare options in Paris.

Biking:

  • Vélib’: Paris’s bike-sharing program allows you to rent bikes for short trips around the city.

Airport Transfers:

  • Charles de Gaulle Airport: Accessible via the RER B train or airport shuttles.
  • Orly Airport: Reachable by the Orlyval train and RER B, or by airport shuttle services.

Paris offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to charming boutique stays and budget options.

Luxury Hotels:

  • Le Meurice: A historic hotel offering opulent rooms and exceptional service near the Louvre.
  • Ritz Paris: Experience ultimate luxury and elegance at this iconic hotel on Place Vendôme.

Mid-Range Stays:

  • Hôtel La Belle Juliette: A stylish boutique hotel in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area.
  • Hôtel Jules & Jim: A modern hotel located in the lively Marais district.

Budget Options:

  • Hôtel du College de France: Affordable and comfortable lodging near the Latin Quarter.
  • Generator Paris: A trendy hostel with both dormitory and private rooms.

Unique Stays:

  • Le Relais Christine: A charming boutique hotel housed in a 17th-century mansion in the Latin Quarter.
  • Maison Souquet: An intimate, opulent hotel with a unique Parisian ambiance.

Neighborhood Recommendations:

  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés: A central area known for its chic boutiques and historic cafés.
  • Le Marais: Trendy and vibrant, with a mix of shopping, dining, and culture.
  • Montmartre: Ideal for a more bohemian experience with artistic flair and historical charm.

Understanding Paris’s financial landscape helps in planning your budget and managing expenses during your visit.

Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency. ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards are accepted at most places.

Tipping:

  • Restaurants: Service charge is usually included, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.
  • Taxis: Tipping is not required but rounding up the fare is common.
  • Hotel Staff: Small tips for housekeeping or porters are appreciated.

Average Daily Budget:

    • Luxury Travelers: €300+ per day for high-end dining, luxury hotels, and premium experiences.
    • Mid-Range Travelers: €100-200 per day for moderate accommodations, dining, and activities.
    • Budget Travelers: €50-100 per day with affordable lodging, dining, and free or low-cost activities.

Keep safe and make the most of your trip to Paris by following these essential tips.

General Safety: Paris is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always wise to stay vigilant. Avoid displaying valuable items and be cautious in crowded areas.

Emergency Numbers:

  • Police: 17
  • Medical Emergency: 15
  • Fire: 18

Health & Safety:

  • Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required, but ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.
  • Travel Insurance: It’s advisable to have travel insurance to cover any unexpected incidents or medical needs.

Local Etiquette:

  • Language: While many Parisians speak basic English, learning a few French phrases or using translation apps can enhance your experience.
  • Dining: It’s customary to greet with “Bonjour” and to say “Merci” when receiving service.

Transportation Tips:

  • Navigo Card: For extended stays, the Navigo card offers unlimited travel on public transport.
  • Pickpocketing: Be cautious in crowded areas and keep your belongings secure.

Local Laws:

  • Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, including restaurants and public transport.
  • Drug Laws: France has strict drug laws with severe penalties for possession and trafficking.