Paris, commonly known as the City of Light, is one city that does not require introduction. Praised as an eternal beauty, a place of history, exceptional taste, and a soul, Paris has nowadays retained the title of the city to be fascinated by over the past millions of visitors annually. Whether it is walking around the banks of the Seine River or being met with the overwhelming sight of Gothic cathedrals, a cup of espresso in a local café, or taking a tour of world-renowned museums, Paris holds a range of experience with a mixture that is soul-awakening and enriching to the imagination.
The ultimate Paris travel guide will take you through all you should know before you set foot in Paris: why Paris should be on your list, best times to travel, transport and commute, tourist attractions, perfect places to stay, local cuisine, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
The Reasons to Go to Paris
Paris is not only a city; it is an emotion. It would not matter if you are a visitor or a frequent visitor of Paris as the city offers dissimilar dimensions every time.
Culture and History
Paris is the myriad of historical and cultural pulse of France. It has streets with centuries-old buildings, great palaces, museums of the highest caliber, and monuments that have influenced Western civilization.
Artistic Inspiration
Paris has been a mecca of the arts since the time it was the home of well-known artists, poets, and philosophers. In the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the square of the artists in Montmartre, creativity is breathing in the air.
Cuisine
France has a reputation for exquisite cuisine, and there is no other place that is more beautiful in it than the city of Paris. The Parisian city revolves around food; be it from Michelin-starred restaurants to crêperies directly on the street.
Romantic Allure
Paris is the most romantic city in the world, and honeymooners and lovers flock to the city. It is irresistible with the iconic Eiffel Tower, evening river tours, and lovely cafés.
Fashion Capital
Paris also has a variety of high-fashion stores in the Champs-Élysées as well as quirky vintage shops in Le Marais that make it one of the fashion capitals of the world.
Best Times to Visit
Paris is at her best when visited in spring, fall, or winter. May to November is the best time to visit Paris because during the months of summer, it is advisable to avoid Paris, as it is the most crowded time of the year.
Spring (March to May)
The most comfortable time to go to. Spring blooming of trees in parks, spring weather, and the reduced number of crowds make a perfect environment to explore.
Summer (June to August)
Long days and many festivals and however high tourist season. Keep your wallet ready to spend more and your patience ready to withstand queues at big attractions.
Autumn (September to November)
This is the magical time to visit — crisp air and colorful leaves. People begin drifting away and the city becomes less hectic.
Winter (December to February)
It is cold yet warm. It is a season of holiday markets, Christmas lights, and reduced tourists in a romantic and cost-effective season.
How to Go to Paris
By Air
There are three airports which serve Paris:
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Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – Hub international
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Orly (ORY) – Majority of these flights are European flights
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Beauvais (BVA) – Low-cost carriers
By Train
The Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, and the Gare de l’Est connect Paris to France and the rest of Europe along high-speed TGV and Eurostar rail services.
By Road
There are numerous buses and car renting services, particularly when one is travelling in areas around.
City Transit
The city is well connected by transit.
Metro
The Metro in Paris is large, well organized, and accessible. A 10-ticket carnet is worthwhile.
Buses and Trams
A fantastic way to view the city above ground, however not as fast.
RER Trains
Ideal to travel around the suburbs, airports, and places such as Versailles.
Walking
There are numerous Paris neighborhoods that can be walked. Take a comfortable pair of shoes and get ready to get lost in a nice way.
Bicycles
There are Vélib’ bike sharing stations all over the city.
Taxi and Ride Sharing
Uber and ordinary taxis can both be canvassed, though more expensive than using public transport.
Where to Live
There are two things which one must know in deciding where to stay: location and affordability. This will be assumed that when one is looking for a place to live in, then affordability is a consideration.
Paris is represented by a combination of neighborhoods, which have their own atmosphere:
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Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arr.): Hipster, artsy and gay-friendly, having boutique hotels, galleries and cafés.
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Latin Quarter (5th Arr.): A friendly neighborhood that is filled with historical appeal and closeness to Notre-Dame and the Sorbonne.
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Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arr.): Standard Paris with literary cafés, art galleries and sophisticated stylishness.
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7th Arrondissement: Where Eiffel Tower and other landmarks can be found. Less noisy and more housing.
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Montmartre (18th Arr.): Bohemian style, artist style and panoramic views of Paris at the Sacré-Cœur.
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Champs-Élysées / 8th Arr.: Ritzy shopping, huge hotels and convenient access to the key attractions.
Must-See Attractions
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Eiffel Tower
You cannot make a trip to Paris without checking out this famous landmark. Go or purchase tickets early so as not to spend long queues. View at sunset and dark are amazing. -
Louvre Museum
The place of Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo and thousands of masterpieces. Allot at least half a day and a guided tour may be necessary to put things into perspective. -
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Even though it is partially closed to refurbishment following the fire, the space is an important historic and spiritual location. -
Sainte-Chapelle
This is a secret jewel known best with its stunning stained windows. Best viewed when the rays of the sun come in through. -
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Explore maze-like streets, go to the basilica, look over the panoramic views of the city. -
Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
Walk along this magnificent avenue and up the Arc de Triomphe seeing another magnificent view. -
Musée d’Orsay
This depot museum is situated in a former railway station, and it contains the masterpieces of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, and others. -
Versailles Palace (Day Trip)
And near Paris, Versailles, shines with its gilded castles, the extensive gardens and ancient glamour.
What to Eat and Drink
Traditional French Food
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Croissant and Pain au Chocolat: Recommends to taste at home boulangerie on the breakfast.
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French Onion Soup: A heavy and cheesy comfort food that works best on chilly days.
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Duck Confit: An all-time French favourite — crisp and spicy.
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Coq au Vin: Red wine, chicken, and vegetables.
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Escargots: Not everyone likes it, but it is essential that an adventurous person gives it a taste.
Must-Try Desserts
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Crème Brûlée
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Ladurée or Pierre Hermé Macarons
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Tarte Tatin
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Éclairs
Drinks
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Wine: French do it all, whether it is red, white, rosé, or Champagne.
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Pastis: A fennel flavoured aperitif.
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Café Crème: Just like a latte, this kind is perfect to people-watch in cafés.
Food Markets to Explore
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Marché Bastille
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Marché des Enfants Rouges
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Rue Cler
Paris at Night
After dark the city of Paris is quite a different one:
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Seine River Cruise: A romantic aspect of viewing illuminated monuments. You can choose a dinner cruise to get it all.
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Cabarets: Enjoy a performance at the Moulin Rouge or Le Lido, a mix of dance, music, and glamor.
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Jazz Clubs: Visit Le Caveau de la Huchette or Duc des Lombards for live music.
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Rooftop Bars: The stunning views and cocktails can be found at Terrass in Montmartre or Le Perchoir in Marais.
Sample 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Historic Paris
Morning: Notre-Dame du Paris and Sainte-Chapelle
Afternoon: Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens
Evening: Dinner at Saint-Germain
Day 2 – Icons of Paris
Morning: Eiffel Tower
Afternoon: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
Evening: Seine River Cruise
Day 3 – Art and Culture
Morning: Louvre Museum
Afternoon: Palais Royal and Musée d’Orsay
Evening: Dinner at the Opera Garnier
Day 4 – Montmartre and More
Morning: Montmartre – Sacré-Cœur and vineyard
Afternoon: Visit Le Marais
Evening: Cabaret show
Day 5 – Day Trip
Palace of Versailles or Paris Disneyland
Evening: Farewell dinner in a bistro
Insider Tips
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Language: Simple phrases in French would do much. Parisians are thankful for the effort.
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Tipping: It is not compulsory but a welcome idea to round off or tip 5–10% at restaurants.
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Cash or Card: The use of the card is vastly acceptable, so carry a little cash for small expenses.
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Pickpockets: Watch yourself, especially in tourist attractions and in the Metro.
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Museum Pass: Take a look at purchasing the Paris Museum Pass to visit more than 60 locations at no cost.
Final Thoughts
The city of Paris has various layers to it. The weight of stories not yet told is located in every street, every square, and every café. Whether you go to see all the bucket-list attractions or just to experience the pulse of an eternal city, Paris will not disappoint people who go somewhere with the willingness to explore and open hearts.
Mind your own pace. Hang around in a café. Take a walk on the Seine. Beauty and spirit of Paris depend on you to marinate in it. This is not a vacation only; this is something which will haunt you after you are gone.
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