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Bonjour!
Bonjour!
Welcome to Paris
Welcome to Paris
Romance, Art, and Joie de Vivre...
Romance, Art, and Joie de Vivre...
Paris, France’s enchanting capital, is a must-visit gem where timeless elegance dances with bohemian flair, casting a spell that lingers long after you leave. Home to 2.1 million in its city heart and 12 million across its sprawling metro. This is a place alive with the Eiffel Tower’s golden glow piercing the dusk, its iron lattice a beacon over the Champs-Élysées’ glittering sweep. The air carries the buttery aroma of fresh croissants flaking from Saint-Germain’s boulangeries, mingling with the hum of café chatter along the Seine’s storied banks, where bookstalls lean and barges drift.
Picture admiring the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile at the Louvre, its vast halls echoing with centuries of art, or tracing Notre-Dame’s Gothic spires, their stone weathered by Parisian tales. It’s a city that wraps you in its rhythm, accordion notes spilling from a busker’s hands, the clink of espresso cups on zinc counters. Then there’s the Paris of dreams, strolling Montmartre’s cobbled lanes, where Sacré-Cœur looms white against a painter’s sky, or sipping velvety Bordeaux by candlelight in a Left Bank bistro, the Seine shimmering beyond.
Maybe it’s browsing Shakespeare and Company’s creaking shelves or picnicking under Luxembourg Gardens’ chestnut trees. From the Marais’ chic buzz to Pigalle’s neon edge, Paris blends grandeur with grit, an unforgettable adventure as dreamy as its Haussmann boulevards and as dynamic as its beating heart.
Finding All The Right Places
Finding All The Right Places
We've compiled a helpful map showing all of the attractions we've detailed throughout the guide.
Click on the icon at the top left of the map to open the Attractions menu.
Click on one of the numbered waypoints to open details about that attraction.
You can also expand the map using the icon at the top right of the map.
You can also click the icon at the top right of the details pane for directions when you're there.
Best Flights to Paris This Year
Best Flights to Paris This Year
Paris is served by three airports, with Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) as the main hubs, 23 km and 13 km from the city center, respectively. Here’s how to jet in:
Malaysian Airlines: Fly with Malaysian Airlines for a seamless, affordable experience. Their Paris-bound flights offer top-tier service and competitive pricing. Book your flights now!
Expedia: Are a great option for searching for the perfect flights from practically any location on earth. Search for your flights now!
See our Flights page for more options.
Popular Airlines and Routes
From the United States: Round-trip flights from New York or L.A. range from $400–$900 (7–10 hours) with Air France, Delta, or United—many direct.
From Europe: London, Berlin, or Madrid connect for €30–€100 ($32–$105 USD, 1–2 hours) via easyJet, Ryanair, or Air France—quick and plentiful.
From Asia: Singapore or Tokyo flights cost $500–$1,000 (12–15 hours) with Singapore Airlines, Emirates, or ANA, often with a stop.
From Australia: Sydney or Melbourne to Paris runs $900–$1,500 (22–25 hours) via Qantas, Emirates, or Air France—typically one layover.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Summer (Jun–Aug) and holiday seasons push prices up—book 3–4 months early. Mid-week flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) often save €50–$150. Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) bring milder crowds and better fares—watch for sales in early spring!Paris Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: From CDG, the RER B train hits central Paris in 35 minutes (€11/$12 USD). Orly’s Orlyval plus RER B costs €14/$15 USD. Taxis run €50–€70 ($53–$74 USD)—pre-book via Expedia (see form below) to skip the hustle.
Visa Requirements: U.S, UK, and Aussie citizens get 90 days visa-free (Schengen Area); others need a Schengen Visa (€80/$85 USD, apply at https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/).
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Top Places to Stay in Paris
Top Places to Stay in Paris
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, Paris offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center luxury hotels to countryside Chateau's, here are our top recommendations:
Sometimes the easiest way to book a hotel or resort is to see all the options available on a handy map. Choose your dates, choose your preferred location and see a myriad of options. Book your place in Paris now!
Use Agoda to help ensure you're getting the best deals available. Perhaps you'll even find a hidden gem of a property that might not be available elsewhere. Book Now!
See our Accomodation page for more options.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Paris
Paris caters to all budgets with chic flair.
Budget travelers can crash at St Christopher’s Inn Canal ($30–$60/night) or Generator Paris ($35–$70/night) near trendy Canal Saint-Martin.
Mid-range picks like Hôtel des Grands Boulevards ($120–$200/night) offer boutique charm.
Luxury shines at Hôtel de Crillon ($800–$1,500/night) on Place de la Concorde or Le Meurice ($700–$1,200/night) near the Louvre.
Find your ideal place to stay with Expedia.
With everything from Luxury Resorts & 5-star Hotels to local Boutique Backpackers.
All conveniently displayed on a easy to use map. Helping you quickly find exactly where you want to stay.
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Best Local Food in Paris
Best Local Food in Paris
Paris is a culinary icon—refined, rustic, and irresistible. Here, food is an art, from buttery croissants fresh from the oven to slow-simmered boeuf bourguignon in cozy bistros. Rooted in centuries of French tradition, the city blends countryside simplicity with modern flair, offering plump escargot, delicate crêpes, and crusty baguettes that crackle. Whether it’s a velvety mousse au chocolat or a quick jambon-beurre, Paris seduces with every bite, leaving you craving more.
Croissant: Buttery, flaky perfection. Poilâne’s (€1.50/$1.60 USD) is legendary.
Escargot: Garlic-buttered snails—boldly French. L’Escargot Montorgueil (€15/$16 USD/dozen).
Crêpes: Sweet (Nutella) or savory (ham and cheese). Breizh Café (€10/$11 USD).
Traditional French Dishes to Try
Traditional French Dishes to Try
Boeuf Bourguignon: Beef stewed in red wine—rich and cozy a winter favourite. Head to Chez Denise (€25/$26 USD).
Coq au Vin: Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, onions, and herbs for rich, comforting flavor—rustic bliss. Go to Le Coq Rico (€30/$32 USD).
Ratatouille: Veggie medley—simple yet divine dish for a truly healthy boost. Head on over to Le Comptoir Général (€15/$16 USD).
Tarte Tatin: Upside-down apple tart baked with buttery pastry on top and flipped before serving for a golden, glossy finish—caramel heaven. Head to Angelina (€9/$9.50 USD).
Best Restaurants in Paris
Best Restaurants in Paris
Le Jules Verne (Eiffel Tower): Fine dining with views (€150+/$160+ USD mains).
Chez Janou (Marais): Provençal classics (€20/$21 USD mains).
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte (Saint-Germain): Steak-frites only (€25/$26 USD).
Ladurée (Champs-Élysées): Macarons and tea (€10+/$11+ USD).
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Le Potager du Marais: Veggie French classics (€20/$21 USD).
Wild & The Moon: Plant-based bowls (€15/$16 USD).
Staying Connected in Paris
Staying Connected in Paris
Best eSIM Providers for Paris
Stay online with an eSIM—Orange, SFR, and Bouygues provide solid 4G/5G across Paris. Airalo’s “France” plan (5GB for $15, 10 days) is ideal for short stays; Ubigi’s packs (500MB for $2, 10GB for $25) suit longer trips. Cafe Wi-Fi exists but lags—don’t bank on it!
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to France and Europe, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
See our Travel eSIMs page for more options.
Best Attractions in Paris
Best Attractions in Paris
Must-Do in Paris: Unmissable Experiences
Paris brims with iconic and offbeat delights—here’s your lineup, packed with specifics.
Climb the Eiffel Tower
Why: The Iron Lady’s panoramic views are pure Paris.
Details: Tickets from €11/$12 USD (stairs) or €28/$30 USD (lift to top, book online). Sunset (6–8 PM) slots glow.
Tip: Champ de Mars selfies are a must.
Wander the Louvre
Why: Home to the Mona Lisa and 35,000 artworks.
Details: Entry €17/$18 USD (online), open 9 AM–6 PM (closed Tuesdays). Allow 3–4 hours.
Tip: Pyramid courtyard pics shine at dusk.
Stroll Montmartre
Why: Artistic soul—Sacré-Cœur, cafes, and street painters.
Details: Free to explore; Sacré-Cœur entry free, dome €7/$7.50 USD. Coffee at Le Consulat (€4/$4.20 USD).
Tip: Sunset from the basilica steps is magic.
Cruise the Seine
Why: See Paris from its watery heart—Notre-Dame to Eiffel.
Details: Bateaux Parisiens tours from €15/$16 USD (1 hour). Night cruises dazzle.
Tip: Book a dinner cruise (€70/$74 USD) for romance.
Shop Champs-Élysées
Why: Glam boulevard with Arc de Triomphe views.
Details: Free to stroll; budget €50–$200+ for splurges. Open late.
Tip: Arc climb (€13/$14 USD) beats the crowds early.
Picnic by Canal Saint-Martin
Why: Hip, local vibe with locks and bridges.
Details: Free; grab a baguette and cheese (€10/$11 USD) from nearby boulangeries.
Tip: Spring or autumn vibes are Instagram-ready.
Explore Notre-Dame (Exterior)
Why: Gothic masterpiece, even mid-restoration.
Details: Free to view outside; Île de la Cité’s quaint streets add charm.
Tip: Pont des Arts bridge nearby is a photo gem.
Check out our Paris collection on Viator for all the best Traveler rated experiences!
Travel Doctor
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
Air Doctor: Need immediate access to a qualified doctor you can not only trust, but also understand? Choose from over 20,000 doctors worldwide. Book a consultation.
See our Travel Doctor page for more options.
Protecting Your Trip to Paris
Protecting Your Trip to Paris
From pickpockets on the Métro to unexpected clinic visits ($100+ USD without coverage), insurance is a smart call. A policy covering cancellations, health, and lost luggage runs 5–8% of your trip—$50–$100 for a $1,000 getaway. World Nomads suits adventurers; Allianz handles essentials.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
See our Travel Insurance page for more options.
Practical Tips for Paris
Practical Tips for Paris
Best Time to Visit: Spring (Mar–May) or autumn (Sep–Nov)—mild and lovely; summer’s busy, winter’s quiet.
Getting Around: Métro with Navigo card (€5 deposit + fare); taxis €15–$30 USD/trip.
Currency: Euro (€); $1 USD = ~€0.95. Cards widely accepted.
Pack: Scarf, comfy shoes—cobblestones await.
Paris Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Paris Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Canal Saint-Martin: Swap the Seine for this hip waterway—locals picnic by locks, sipping rosé (€5/$5.25 USD) from Le Comptoir Général. Free, best at dusk—metro to Jaurès. 1–2 hours of artsy vibes.
Day Trip to Giverny: A 1-hour train from Gare Saint-Lazare (€18/$19 USD round-trip) hits Monet’s gardens—lily ponds glow sans Louvre crowds. Open April–October, €12/$12.60 USD entry—half-day; book trains via Expedia (#affiliate-link).
Le Consulat in Montmartre: Ditch Café de Flore for this 18th-century haunt, where Picasso sipped. Croque-monsieur (€8/$8.40 USD) and café au lait (€4/$4.20 USD) draw locals—open till 10 PM. Near Sacré-Cœur but quieter.
Why It’s Worth It: Canal’s cool, Giverny’s blooms, and Montmartre’s retro bite offer Paris’ soul without the tourist crush.
Paris Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Paris Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Customs
Greetings: A light handshake or two cheek kisses (right, left)—say “Bonjour” always; skipping it’s rude. Parisians soften once you show effort.
Dress: Chic casual—jeans with nice tops for cafés, elegant layers (scarves, blazers) for bistros or Louvre visits. Sneakers are fine, flip-flops aren’t.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Greet shopkeepers with “Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur”—it’s protocol. Sit for café drinks; takeaways cost less (€2 vs. €5) but miss the vibe.
Don’t: Tip much—round up (€10 to €12) or add 5%; service is included. Don’t expect rushed service—Parisians savor meals.
Respect: Keep voices low in museums—Louvre’s art demands hush. Avoid eating on the Métro; it’s a no-go for locals.
Festival Highlights
Fête de la Musique (June 21): Free concerts citywide—dance in Marais streets to bond with revelers.
Bastille Day (July 14): Fireworks at Eiffel Tower—picnic on Champ de Mars to share local joy.
Blend In: Say “Merci beaucoup”—it’s polite flair. Linger over wine at bistros; speed-eating brands you a tourist.
Let the Good Times Roll in Paris
Let the Good Times Roll in Paris
Paris is an enchanting destination for travelers craving a magical mix of romance, art, and flavor. Whether you’re savoring crêpes by the Seine, exploring iconic museums, or wandering charming quarters, Paris has something extraordinary for every soul. By booking the best flights, choosing stellar accommodations, enjoying delectable local cuisine, and uncovering both famous landmarks and hidden treasures, you’ll craft memories to cherish in this luminous city.
Planning your Paris escape is effortless with the right know-how. Whether you’re securing flights, picking the perfect hotel, or staying connected with an eSIM, this guide’s got you sorted. Don’t forget travel insurance for peace of mind on your journey. Get ready to dive into the beauty and allure of Paris this season!
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