Paris, known as “The City of Light,” is famous for its art, history, architecture, fashion, and cuisine. This romantic metropolis along the Seine River offers iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, alongside charming neighborhoods full of cafés, boutiques, and cobblestone streets. Whether you’re interested in world-class museums, exquisite food, or historic sites, Paris combines culture and beauty in a way few cities can.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April to June): Mild weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds — ideal for sightseeing and strolls.
- Fall (September to November): Comfortable temperatures, beautiful autumn foliage, and pleasant café culture.
- Summer (July–August): Popular but crowded and warmer; many locals leave the city, so some smaller shops may close for vacation.
- Winter (December–February): Cold and quieter, charming holiday lights, fewer tourists, and great sales in January.
Nearby Airports
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): Paris’ largest international airport, 25-30 km northeast of the City Center.
- Orly Airport (ORY): Secondary international airport, 13 km south of central Paris.
- Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA): Further away, used mainly by low-cost airlines.
From airports to the city, you can take:
- RER B Train: From CDG and Orly stations directly into central Paris.
- Airport Shuttle Buses: Roissybus from CDG, Orlybus from Orly.
- Taxi or Uber: Fixed fares available from the airports to the city center (approx €30-50).
Transportation in Paris
- Metro: Fastest and most efficient way to travel around Paris. The network has 16 lines covering the city and suburbs.
- RER Trains: Regional trains that connect central Paris to outlying suburbs and nearby towns (e.g., Versailles).
- Buses: Complement metro with more scenic routes.
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are widely available; Uber operates in Paris as well.
- Walking: Many sights are close, and walking is delightful in neighborhoods such as Le Marais or Montmartre.
Where to Stay
Choose centrally located neighborhoods to maximize sightseeing and minimize travel time:
- Le Marais: Hip area with boutiques, nightlife, and historic sites.
- Latin Quarter: Near universities, bookshops, and classic Parisian streets.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Elegant, artistic, and full of historic cafés.
- Near the Opera or Champs-Élysées: Bustling, great for shopping and transport connections.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Le Meurice, Hôtel Ritz Paris, Four Seasons Hotel George V.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Le Relais Saint Germain, Hôtel de la Porte Dorée.
- Budget: Generator Paris Hostel, ibis Paris Montmartre.
Food & Dining
Paris is a culinary paradise. Don’t miss:
- Breakfast: Fresh croissants or pain au chocolat from local boulangeries.
- Lunch & Dinner: Classic French meals such as coq au vin, duck confit, beef bourguignon, and ratatouille.
- Cafés: Enjoy coffee and people-watching in cafés like Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots.
- Street Food: Crêpes, falafel (especially in Le Marais), and cheese sandwiches.
- Markets: Visit Rue Cler or Marché Bastille for fresh produce and snacks.
- Fine Dining: Book ahead for Michelin-starred restaurants like Le Cinq or L’Ambroisie.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Paris — Iconic Landmarks
- Morning:
- Arrive at your hotel and freshen up.
- Head to the Eiffel Tower. Pre-book tickets to avoid queues.
- Enjoy panoramic views from the top.
- Afternoon:
- Stroll along the Seine River to the Trocadéro Gardens for great photo ops.
- Walk or take a boat cruise on the Seine to see famous bridges and landmarks.
- Evening:
- Dinner at a classic bistro in the 7th arrondissement, like Café Constant or Les Cocottes.
- Optional: Nighttime view of the Eiffel Tower’s hourly light show.
Day 2: Art and History at the Heart of Paris
- Morning:
- Visit the Louvre Museum. Focus on highlights like Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo. Book tickets in advance.
- Stroll through the Tuileries Garden nearby.
- Afternoon:
- Walk up the Champs-Élysées—stop at shops or cafes.
- Reach the Arc de Triomphe and climb to the top for city views.
- Evening:
- Dinner in the vibrant Latin Quarter.
- Enjoy a Seine river evening cruise for a unique city perspective.
Day 3: Gothic and Literary Paris
- Morning:
- Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral area and visit the Sainte-Chapelle with its stunning stained glass.
- Walk through the Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint-Louis.
- Afternoon:
- Discover the Latin Quarter — visit the Panthéon and explore Shakespeare and Company bookstore.
- Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens.
- Evening:
- Dinner at a typical Parisian brasserie.
- Optional: Catch a show at the nearby Odéon Theatre or jazz club.
Day 4: Montmartre and Impressionism
- Morning:
- Visit the Musée d’Orsay for Impressionist art (Monet, Van Gogh, Degas).
- Afternoon:
- Head to Montmartre.
- Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and enjoy panoramic views.
- Explore Place du Tertre and meet local artists.
- Evening:
- Dinner at one of Montmartre’s charming restaurants.
- Optional: Attend a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge or a nearby venue.
Day 5: Day Trip & Shopping
- Morning:
- Take the RER train to Palace of Versailles.
- Tour the opulent palace and gardens (pre-book tickets).
- Afternoon:
- Return to Paris.
- Spend the afternoon shopping at Galeries Lafayette or explore boutiques in Le Marais.
- Evening:
- Farewell dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
- Enjoy a walk along the Seine or visit a cozy wine bar.
Additional Tips
- Always buy museum and monument tickets online in advance.
- Use a rechargeable Navigo card or Paris Visite pass for unlimited metro/RER/bus travel.
- Carry a map or use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps for navigation.
- Be mindful of pickpockets in tourist-heavy areas.
- Learn a few basic French phrases — locals appreciate it!
