Paris Travel Guide
Plan your perfect trip to Paris with our comprehensive guide including things to do, places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more! Read now for an unforgettable experience in the city of love.
- Introduction to Paris
- List of Places to Visit in Paris
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Paris
- Best Things to Do in Paris: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Paris
- Food and Drink Scene of Paris
- Where to Stay in Paris: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Paris: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Paris
- Best Time to Visit Paris
- Do’s and Don’ts of Paris
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Paris: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Paris
- Where to Go Next from Paris: Excursions and Nearby Destinations
- Conclusion
Introduction to Paris
Paris is the capital city of France and one of the most romantic destinations in the world. The city is known for its stunning architecture, artistic culture, and gourmet cuisine. Paris attracts millions of visitors each year who come to see its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
List of Places to Visit in Paris
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
If you are a history buff or art enthusiast, Paris has a plethora of museums and historical landmarks to explore. The Louvre Museum, which houses the famous painting of Mona Lisa, is a must-visit along with Musee d’Orsay and the Palace of Versailles. Other notable places are:
- Notre-Dame de Paris
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Conciergerie
- Musée de l’Armée
- Pantheon
- Sacré-Cœur
Natural Attractions of Paris: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Paris has a stunning and diverse natural landscape. Take a trip to Versailles Palace gardens and revel in the natural beauty of the surroundings or indulge in outdoor activities like hiking and biking along Canal Saint-Martin. You can also take a serene walk through the Luxembourg Gardens or take a boat ride on the Seine River.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Paris
Biking and hiking are popular activities in Paris that help tourists explore the city’s charms, hidden gems, and beautiful sights. The best trails in Paris are:
- Promenade Plantée
- Coulée Verte
- Vélib’ bike rental
- Canal Saint-Martin
Best Things to Do in Paris: Activities and Tours
Paris offers an array of exciting activities and tours that cater to different interests and preferences. Take a cooking class with a local chef, go on a wine-tasting tour, or take a hot air balloon ride over the city. Here are some other top recommendations:
- Moulin Rouge Show
- Seine River Cruise
- Paris Catacombs Tour
- Day Trip to Champagne Region
Week-Long Itinerary for Paris
To make the most of your time in Paris, we have put together a week-long itinerary showcasing the city’s highlights.
Days 1-2: Visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées.
Days 3-4: Tour the Palace of Versailles, explore Montmartre’s cultural hub, and visit the Sacre-Cœur Basilica.
Days 5-6: Visit the Marais and the Picasso Museum, take a boat ride on the Seine River Take
Days 7: Explore the area around Canal St Martin, take a stroll through Luxembourg Gardens, and visit Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Food and Drink Scene of Paris
Must-Try Dishes
Parisian cuisine is world-renowned, and trying out local delicacies is a must-do experience. The city is known for its fabulous bakeries, cheese shops, and wine bars. Here are some dishes to try:
- Croissants
- Escargots
- Ratatouille
- Coq au Vin
- Cheese Fondue
Local Beverages
Paris is a city with a vibrant nightlife scene. Sampling local artisanal beers and wines is an unforgettable experience.
- French Wine
- Pastis
- Cognac
- Champagne
- Absinthe
Where to Stay in Paris: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Paris has an array of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. If you want to stay in a luxurious five-star hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast, Paris has everything you need. Some top recommendations are:
- Hotel du 7eme Art
- Hotel Royal Madeleine
- Auberge Internationale des Jeunes
- Hotel Joyce
- Mama Shelter Paris
What to Buy in Paris: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Paris is famous for its fashion boutiques, luxury brands, and gourmet food markets. Here is a list of things that you should buy:
- French Perfume
- Cheese
- French Wine
- Chocolates
- Designer Clothes
Local Culture and Customs of Paris
Parisians take great pride in their history, art, and fashion sense. When visiting Paris, you should be mindful of the local customs and etiquettes, such as dressing appropriately for places of worship and greeting people with “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir.”
Best Time to Visit Paris
The best time to visit Paris is in the spring and summer when the weather is warm, and the city is bustling with activity. The peak tourist season is from May to September.
Do’s and Don’ts of Paris
Do:
- Learn some basic French language etiquette
- Explore neighborhoods on foot or by bike
- Validate your metro ticket
- Take it slow and enjoy the moment
Don’t:
- Don’t wear sneakers or sandals while visiting formal establishments
- Take photos of locals without permission
- Discuss sensitive subjects like politics or religion in public
- Leave your valuables unguarded.
Safety and Health
Safety in Paris
Paris is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, there are some risks. As long as you take common sense precautions like keeping valuable items secure and avoiding dark or isolated areas at night, you should be okay.
Health in Paris
France has an excellent healthcare system, and Paris has plenty of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Travelers should take out comprehensive insurance that covers all medical expenses, just in case.
Getting to Paris: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Paris
Paris has three airports for international and domestic flights. These are Charles de Gaulle airport, Orly airport, and Beauvais-Tillé airport.
Bus Stations Near Paris
Paris is well connected with other European cities through bus services. Eurolines and Flixbus serve many routes.
Other Options
Other transportation options include trains and car rentals. Eurostar trains run between Paris and London, and TGV high-speed trains connect Paris with other cities in France and Europe.
How to Get Around in Paris
Paris’s public transport system is extensive, including buses, metro, and trams. It is advisable to buy a metro pass to get around the city efficiently.
Where to Go Next from Paris: Excursions and Nearby Destinations
You can extend your trip to Paris with day trips to nearby destinations such as:
- Palace of Versailles
- Disneyland Paris
- Champagne Region
- Normandy
- Loire Valley
Conclusion
Paris has something to offer for every traveler, and being the city of love, it is perfect for couples looking for romance, history buffs, or foodies. Plan your Parisian adventure with our comprehensive guide!
Paris Image Gallery
![The Eiffel Tower and the river Seine](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/View_of_the_Seine_in_Paris_in_september_2006.jpg/100px-View_of_the_Seine_in_Paris_in_september_2006.jpg)
![The Eiffel Tower](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Tour_Eiffel_Wikimedia_Commons.jpg/100px-Tour_Eiffel_Wikimedia_Commons.jpg)
![Schematic plan of the Métro, Dec. 2012](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Carte_M%C3%A9tro_de_Paris.jpg/100px-Carte_M%C3%A9tro_de_Paris.jpg)
![Paper tickets are slowly being phased out in favour of Navigo Easy travel cards](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Ticket_t%2B_stif_Paris_2017.jpg/100px-Ticket_t%2B_stif_Paris_2017.jpg)
![Navigo Easy travel card topped up with ''Ticket t+.''](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Navigo_Easy.jpg/100px-Navigo_Easy.jpg)
![A bateau mouche near the Pont Neuf](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/Bateaux_Mouches_Paris_2011.jpg/100px-Bateaux_Mouches_Paris_2011.jpg)
![The Pont des Arts (Bridge of the Arts) and just behind, the pont Neuf (](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Pont_des_Arts%2C_Paris.jpg/100px-Pont_des_Arts%2C_Paris.jpg)
![Notre Dame de Paris](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Notre-Dame_de_Paris%2C_South_view_20140131_1.jpg/100px-Notre-Dame_de_Paris%2C_South_view_20140131_1.jpg)
![Sacré Coeur](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/The_white_church_Sacre_Coeur_at_the_Montmartre_hill_in_northern_Paris.jpg/100px-The_white_church_Sacre_Coeur_at_the_Montmartre_hill_in_northern_Paris.jpg)
![A few of the 6 millions bodies in the Catacombes de Paris](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/DJJ_1_Catacombes_de_Paris.jpg/100px-DJJ_1_Catacombes_de_Paris.jpg)
![The Moulin Rouge at night in rain](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/The_Moulin_Rouge_at_night_in_rain.jpg/100px-The_Moulin_Rouge_at_night_in_rain.jpg)
![Luxembourg Gardens and Palais du Luxembourg (Sénat) in April](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/Paris_Palais_du_Luxembourg_fa%C3%A7ade%26jardin_2014.jpg/100px-Paris_Palais_du_Luxembourg_fa%C3%A7ade%26jardin_2014.jpg)