Paris Travel Guide

Everything you should know before you go

Best Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Paris

Tours & Activities
Find fun things to do in Paris

Flights Deals
Find and book cheap flights to Paris

Introducing Paris

Paris, the city of love and light, is a place where dreams come true. With its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, Paris is steeped in history and culture.

But it’s not just the famous attractions that make Paris so special.

The city is filled with hidden gems, from quaint cafes and charming boutiques to vibrant street art and picturesque neighborhoods.

Here are a few highlights to get you started:

Discover the magic of Montmartre, the bohemian spirit of Canal Saint-Martin, and the chic elegance of Le Marais.
Indulge in French cuisine, from croissants and macarons to steak frites and escargots, and explore the many charming cafes and bakeries scattered throughout the city.
Take a leisurely stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries or the Luxembourg Gardens, or visit the majestic Palace of Versailles just outside the city.
And don’t forget to take a boat tour along the Seine River to see the city from a different perspective.

Paris is a city that will capture your heart and leave you enchanted. Let this ultimate travel guide help you plan your perfect Parisian adventure.

Essentials Overview

City: Paris, Capital city of France
Population: 2 145 906
Language: French
Currency: Euro (symbol: € – code: EUR)
Electricity: 220 volts 50 Hz
Socket: Type C,E
Phone Country Code: +33
Time: UTC + 1
Visa: France Schengen Visa

Why Visit Paris
A guide of all the good reasons to visit Paris

Best Hotels
The only resource you need to stay at an excellent hotel in Paris

Best Places to See
Famous and hidden gems to visit, along with many practical tips

Free Things To Do
You don’t need a lot of money to enjoy the city of lights. This guide proves it.

A Couple Strolling in the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris

INSPIRATION

Why You Should Visit Paris

Why visit Paris? With its breathtaking landmarks 🏰, captivating art and culture 🎭, mouth-watering cuisine 🥧, and unique joie de vivre 😊, Paris is a destination that simply cannot be missed.

The towering Eiffel Tower and grand Arc de Triomphe are just the beginning of the city’s impressive landmarks. The Louvre and Orsay museums are home to some of the world’s most exceptional art and culture. Parisian cuisine is legendary, from delectable pastries to fine French dining.

But what truly sets Paris apart is its contagious joy for life, a spirit that radiates throughout the city and makes it a truly magical place to experience.

Top 20 Reasons to Visit Paris

Where to Stay in Paris

Knowing how Paris is divided and choosing the right area to stay is crucial to ensuring a memorable trip, as it will allow travelers to fully immerse themselves in the city’s unique neighborhoods, discover hidden gems, and experience the true essence of Parisian life.

How is Paris Divided and Organized?

Paris is divided into 20 administrative districts, known as arrondissements, which are arranged in the form of a clockwise spiral starting from the city center. Each arrondissement has its own unique character and landmarks, and they are identified by numbers ranging from 1 to 20.

The Seine River divides the city into the Left Bank (south of the river) and the Right Bank (north of the river).

Additionally, Paris is divided into various neighborhoods or quartiers, which are smaller areas within the arrondissements that have their own distinct character and community.

Recommended Hotels – Editor Picks

Here are the best hotels in Paris you can stay at, that we carefully curated in the most sought-after areas of the city, allowing you to make the most of your stay and create unforgettable memories.

Hotel La Comtesse

❤️ Recommended for first time visitors

Located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, this hotel offers the perfect combination of a 19th century Hausmannian building, breathtaking Eiffel Tower views, and modern amenities for an unforgettable stay in Paris.

⭐ 4 Stars Hotel 🗼 Fabulous Views 🐶 Pets Not Allowed

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Le Meurice

$$$$

A luxurious stay in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. Experience the elegance of 18th century Paris at the acclaimed Le Meurice hotel, where guests can savor exquisite cuisine, relax in a spa, and explore the vibrant streets of Paris.

⭐ 5 Stars Hotel 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Incredible Experience 🐶 Pet friendly

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Entrance of the Palais Royal Palace in Paris

Crayon Rouge

$$$

The Crayon Rouge is one of the most elegant hotels in the city and it’s only a few minutes of walking distance from the Louvre Museum, the Palais-Royal (photo), la Seine, and Notre-Dame. So, if you love exploring unique places near your hotel, the Crayon Rouge is the perfect option for you.

⭐ 4 Stars Hotel 🎯 Exceptional Location 👶 Babysitting available

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Notre Dame Cathedral View at Dusk, Paris

Familia Hotel

Experience a unique stay in the Quartier Latin (5th arrondissement) with Familia Hotel’s elegant rooms, views of Notre Dame Cathedral, and easy access to the city’s top attractions.

⭐ 2 Stars Hotel 🎯 Central Location 🐶 Pets Not Allowed

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More Hotels in Paris to Choose from

The hotel La Comtesse is what we always recommend, especially for first time visitors, just make sure to book one of the rooms with views on the Eiffel Tower, it will make your Parisian vacation unforgettable.

But if you’re still undecided on where to stay in Paris, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our articles on the top hotels near the Louvre Museum and the best hotels with Eiffel Tower views. These articles offer a diverse selection of hotels to choose from, so you’ll be able to find the perfect accommodation to suit your budget and preferences.

Paris Hotels Map

If you’d rather explore yourself the full list of the hotels in Paris, here’s a map that will let you do just that. Click on the prices to see the hotel details and photos.

Booking.com

A Happy Couple Walking Under Bir Hakeim Bridge in Paris

GUIDE

Why is Paris Called the City of Love?

With its enchanting atmosphere, captivating architecture, and world-renowned culture, Paris has earned a reputation as one of the most romantic cities in the world.

But have you ever wondered why it’s called the City of Love?

Join us on a journey to discover the secrets behind this romantic moniker and explore the sights and experiences that make Paris an ideal destination for anyone looking to ignite their passions and reignite the flames of love.

Get ready to fall head over heels for the City of Love!

Why is Paris called the city of love?

What to Do in Paris

Here we will take a look at some of the best places to see in Paris and the best activities to do in the city, from iconic landmarks to charming streetscapes.

We’ve compiled down below the main 4 attractions you should not miss, but before that, to make your Paris adventure even easier, we took the time (a lot of time!) to put together this Paris travel guide map with everything you need to learn about the places, insider tips, and links to tours and tickets deals we highly recommend.

We included the main popular destinations such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Le Louvre, but we also included lesser-known gems such as gorgeous hidden gardens, the homes of renowned historical figures, and enchanting museums that are sure to entertain even the youngest of travelers. Speaking of which, we also included a layer for all the suggested places to visit with kids.

How to use the map

Click on the top-left button to see the layers and select which one to display.
Explore the map by zooming in or out with your computer mouse or fingers.
The icons on the map provide information about each location, click on them for more details and insights about that place.
You can save the map by clicking the star next to its title and later accessing it on your smartphone or PC by opening Google Maps and going to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’ in the menu.
For a larger view or to print the map, click on the icon ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner of the map.

Top Attractions in Paris

To help you make the most of your trip, we have compiled a list of the top attractions in Paris that you simply can’t miss. We also included direct links to recommended tours or skip-the-line tickets so you don’t waste your time in line but rather spend it exploring the city and enjoying the feeling of being somewhere truly special. Here are the top 4 attractions you should visit:

Eiffel Tower

Behold the symbol of love and romance, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, a must-see attraction for anyone seeking breathtaking views of the city of lights.

The experience is truly one-of-a-kind and will undoubtedly leave an unforgettable memory.

🎫 Skip-the-Line Ticket

🎫 Guided Tour

Louvre Museum

Unleash your inner art connoisseur and explore the world-renowned Louvre Museum and its enchanting surroundings.

A must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unparalleled cultural experience in Paris.

🎫 Skip-the-Line Ticket

🎫 Skip-the-line & Guidance to Mona Lisa

Arc De Triomphe

Explore the monumental Arc de Triomphe, a timeless Parisian icon that is situated in the heart of the city.

Witness the beauty of the majestic structure from the ground and as you ascend to the rooftop, marvel at the breathtaking view of the City of Love.

🎫 Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets

Palace of Versailles

Escape reality and explore luxury, grandeur and opulence of one of Europe’s most iconic landmarks: the Palace of Versailles!

From its magnificent architecture to its historic gardens, it’s an immersive journey back through time that is sure to captivate the senses.

🎫 Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket

🎫 Skip-the-Line with Transportation from Paris

More Popular Places in Paris to Visit

Paris is a city that’s full of surprises, and there’s always something new to discover.

If you’re looking for even more ideas on where to go and what to see, be sure to check out our other articles on the best places in Paris, the most visited museums, and the most beautiful bridges in the city. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, these articles offer a wealth of information and plenty of inspiration to help you plan your perfect Parisian adventure.

How to Get Around

Paris offers a variety of transportation options to get around the city, including the metro, buses, RER, taxis, bike-sharing systems, and ride-sharing services. Here’s an overview on how to get around in Paris:

For first-time visitors, it’s recommended to explore Paris by walking or cycling for short distances and to use the metro and buses for medium distances. Using the metro is actually very easy, and a lot of maps are available at every metro station entrance.

For long distances, it’s best to use dedicated transfer services or the RER, which connects the suburbs to the city center.

If the weather is good, taking the bus can be an excellent way to see the city while you travel. Hop-on hop-off buses can be a great way to get an overview of Paris and see many of its iconic landmarks and attractions in a short amount of time, with the added convenience of being able to hop off at any stop and explore the surrounding area on foot before hopping back on to continue the tour.

Taxis are useful for traveling to places that are not well-served by public transportation or for traveling at night safely.

And finally It’s worth considering renting a car if you plan to travel outside of Paris, such as to explore the countryside or other parts of France. Additionally, if you have limited mobility or require special accommodations, renting a car may be a good option. However, within the city of Paris itself, it’s generally not recommended to rent a car due to traffic and parking difficulties. Here’s the car rental service we recommend.

Transportation in Paris (in More Details)

Walking: Paris is a very walkable city, and walking is often the best way to see the city’s sights. Many of the major attractions are close together, and the city is flat, so it’s easy to get around on foot. This is the best way to get around Paris most of the time.
Cycling: Paris has a bike-sharing system called Vélib, which has over 20,000 bikes and 1,800 stations throughout the city. You can rent a bike for a day, a week, or a month, and there are bike lanes throughout the city. It’s an excellent and fun way to discover the city when there’s a good weather.
Metro (and the tram): 3 million people use the Paris metro everyday. For distant destinations or when it rains, the Paris Metro is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the city. It’s a comprehensive subway system that covers the entire city, with 16 lines and over 308 stations. You can buy single tickets or get a rechargeable Navigo pass. The metro runs from 5:30 am to 1:15 am on weekdays, and until 2:15 am on weekends. It’s the transportation system the majority of Parisians use everyday.
RER: The RER is a rapid transit system that serves the Paris metropolitan area, connecting the suburbs to the city center. It’s faster than the metro and covers a larger area, but it’s also more expensive. You can use your Navigo pass on the RER. You will use the RER if you want to visit Versailles Palace for example, of Disneyland Paris (although there are better options).
Bus: Paris also has an extensive bus network that covers the city, and it’s a good option if you want to see the city while you travel. The buses run from 6 am to midnight, and you can buy tickets on board or use your Navigo pass. There are buses between midnight ant 6 am but they’re less reliable.
Hop-on Hop-off Buses: One popular way to see the city and its landmarks is by using a hop-on hop-off bus tour. This is a flexible and sustainable way to travel around the city as the buses are open-top and offer an excellent view of the city’s major attractions. Overall, hop-on hop-off buses are a great option for first-timers who want to see all of the city’s major attractions without worrying about transportation logistics. We highly recommend it, get your ticket here.
Taxi and ride-sharing services: Taxis are readily available in Paris, but they can be expensive. They’re a good option if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage. You can hail a taxi on the street or book one in advance. In addition to traditional taxi services, ride-sharing services like Uber, Lyft, and Bolt also operate in Paris, providing an alternative option for transportation. These services offer a similar experience to taxis, but you can book and pay for your ride through an app on your smartphone.
Car rental: If you want to explore the outskirts of Paris or travel to nearby towns, renting a car can be a good option. Other than that it’s actually not recommended to drive in Paris. In fact, driving in Paris can be a challenging and stressful experience, with heavy traffic and narrow streets. Also, parking in the city can be difficult and expensive. If you decide to rent a car, make sure to check the parking regulations and restrictions before you park. There are several car rental companies in Paris, including international chains like Hertz and Avis, but it’s best to book in advance as you’ll not always find good cars options available if you decide to rent last minute. So if you know you’ll need a car then definitively anticipate and book early. Here is the car rental service we recommend.

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Latest Paris Travel Guides

Paris Travel Guidebooks

Sometimes having a good old-fashioned travel guidebook can be incredibly helpful. With a guidebook in hand, you don’t have to rely on internet access, and you can easily flip through the pages to find the information you need.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled this list of three of the best travel guidebooks for Paris that you might want to check out before your trip. Click on the links below to find out more about each guidebook and decide which one might be the best fit for you.