Paris, the capital of France, is one of the most visited cities in the world. Known as the "City of Love," Paris enchants visitors with its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, exquisite cuisine, and unmistakable romantic atmosphere.
At a Glance
- Best time to visit: April-June & September-October
- Average costs: €€€€€ (€150-250 per day)
- Recommended stay: 4-5 days
- Language: French (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
- Currency: Euro (€)
Why Visit Paris?
Paris offers an unparalleled combination of art, culture, history, and gastronomy. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to hidden bistros in cobblestone alleys, every corner of Paris tells a story.
Iconic Landmarks
Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame and Sacré-Cœur
World-Class Art
Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou and countless galleries
French Cuisine
From Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic boulangeries
Romance
Seine riverbank strolls, candlelit dinners, and magical sunsets
Top Attractions in Paris
1. Eiffel Tower
The symbol of Paris and one of the most recognized structures in the world. Whether you admire it from Trocadéro, enjoy dinner at one of its restaurants, or take the elevator to the top – the Eiffel Tower is an absolute must-see.
2. Louvre Museum
The world's largest and most visited art museum houses over 35,000 works of art including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Plan at least half a day for your visit.
3. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
The charming hilltop neighborhood with its narrow cobblestone streets, artists' studios, and the stunning white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers the best panoramic views of Paris.
4. Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
Stroll down the famous avenue lined with shops, cafés, and theaters, leading to the majestic Arc de Triomphe. The rooftop offers spectacular views of the city's geometric layout.
5. Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité
Although still under restoration after the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral remains a powerful symbol of Parisian history and Gothic architecture. The surrounding island is beautiful to explore.
Best Time to Visit Paris
| Season | Months | Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | April - June | Blooming gardens, pleasant weather, fewer crowds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Summer | July - August | Warm weather, long days, Paris Plages | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Autumn | September - November | Fall colors, fashion weeks, harvest season | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Winter | December - March | Christmas markets, fewer tourists, sales season | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Practical Travel Tips
Getting There
Paris has two main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). Both are well-connected to the city center via train, bus, and taxi. The Eurostar train connects Paris to London in just 2.5 hours.
Getting Around Paris
- Metro: Extensive network of 16 lines, the easiest way to get around
- Bus: Great for scenic routes and late-night travel
- Vélib: Bike-sharing system with stations throughout the city
- Walking: Paris is surprisingly walkable – the best way to discover hidden gems
Accommodation
Paris offers everything from luxury palace hotels to charming boutique hotels and budget-friendly hostels. The Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre are popular areas for tourists.
Insider Tip
Book your Louvre tickets online in advance and arrive at the lesser-known Porte des Lions entrance to avoid the main pyramid queues. Visit on Wednesday or Friday evenings when the museum stays open until 9:45 PM with fewer crowds.
Culinary Highlights
Paris is a food lover's paradise with an incredible culinary scene:
- Croissants: Start your day at a traditional boulangerie
- French Onion Soup: A warming classic in cozy bistros
- Steak Frites: The quintessential Parisian comfort food
- Macarons: Visit Ladurée or Pierre Hermé for the best
- Wine & Cheese: Endless varieties to discover at local fromageries
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Budget & Costs
Paris is among Europe's pricier capitals, but strategic choices — free museum Sundays, boulangerie lunches, neighbourhood restaurants outside tourist zones — can bring daily costs to a manageable level.
| Expense | Budget option | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight (from Europe) | Budget airline / Eurostar from London | €60–200 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | Hostel or budget hotel in 10th/11th/18th arr. | €120–180 |
| Food & drinks (5 days) | Boulangeries + one brasserie lunch/day | €90–130 |
| Transport | 10-journey metro carnet + RER airport | €25–40 |
| Louvre (or other paid museums) | Book online in advance | €17–22 |
| Eiffel Tower (2nd floor) | Stairs are cheapest option | €12–19 |
| Other activities | Palace of Versailles, Seine picnic, markets | €20–35 |
| Travel insurance | Basic EU coverage | €15–25 |
| Total (5 days) | €360–650 | |
Visiting Paris on the first Sunday of the month dramatically cuts museum costs — the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou are all free. Plan your trip around this date and save €60+ per person.
Money-Saving Tips
Visit on Free Museum Sunday
On the first Sunday of each month (year-round for EU residents under 26; Oct'March for all), the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou are free. Save €50+ per person by planning your visit accordingly.
Eat the Brasserie Lunch Formule
French brasseries serve a 2 or 3-course lunchtime menu (formule) for €12–18 — the same dishes cost twice as much — la carte in the evening. Lunch big, eat light at dinner.
Skip the Eiffel Tower Summit
The 2nd-floor view from the Eiffel Tower stairs costs €12 and takes 30 minutes queuing. The summit lift costs €19+ and queues for 1–2 hours. The Trocad'ro view is free and arguably better.
Buy Metro Carnets Not Singles
Single tickets cost €2.15. A 10-journey carnet costs €16.90 (€1.69 each). Load onto a Navigo Easy card and save 20% versus single tickets on every journey.
Shop at Lidl / Monoprix for Wine
A decent bottle of French wine costs €4–7 at Lidl or the supermarket section of Monoprix. Restaurant wine markups are enormous — save wine for picnics on the Seine or Champ de Mars.
Book Louvre Tickets in Advance
The Louvre's online ticket (€17) skips the main ticket queue which can be 45–90 minutes. More importantly: you cannot enter without a timed-entry ticket — the queue for buying tickets on-site is even longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need for Paris?
We recommend 4-5 days to see the main attractions and experience the Parisian lifestyle. A week allows for day trips to Versailles or Champagne region.
Is Paris expensive?
Paris is one of Europe's more expensive cities. Budget €150-250 per day for comfortable travel. Budget travelers can manage with €80-120 per day staying in hostels and eating at bakeries.
Do you need to speak French?
While French is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Learning a few basic French phrases is appreciated and enriches your experience.