Paris Travel Guide
Everything you should know before you go
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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:
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
INSPIRATION
Why You Should Visit Paris
Why visit Paris? With its breathtaking landmarks π°, captivating art and culture π, mouth-watering cuisine π₯§, and unique joie de vivre π, 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.
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
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β€οΈ 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.
β 4 Stars Hotel πΌ Fabulous Views πΆ Pets Not Allowed
Le Meurice
$$$$
A luxurious stay in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. Experience the elegance of 18th century Paris at the acclaimed Le Meurice hotel, where guests can savor exquisite cuisine, relax in a spa, and explore the vibrant streets of Paris.
β 5 Stars Hotel π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Incredible Experience πΆ Pet friendly
Crayon Rouge
$$$
The Crayon Rouge is one of the most elegant hotels in the city and itβs 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.
β 4 Stars Hotel π― Exceptional Location πΆ Babysitting available
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.comGUIDE
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!
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
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.
π« Skip-the-Line Ticket
π« 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.
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.
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.
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)
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.