or learn which food to try and souvenirs to buy on your next trip to Europe
Paris travel guide
Guide me through Paris
Bonjour Paris! The ‚City of Love‘ and French capital presents a vibrant fusion of food and fashion, art and architecture, music and history. Meander along charming boulevards or take a bike to explore this fascinating city and all the sights it has to offer.
Not yet sure where to travel after Paris?
Paris Top 5
Eiffel Tower
Montmartre
Arc de Triomphe
A visit to a world-class museum
Parisian Catacombs
Best things to do in Paris
The Highlights
Top 5 • Specials • Museums • Other Activities • Delicacies • Travel Tips • On a Budget • Transportation • Itinerary
No matter how many times you’ve seen the city’s icons in magazines or movies, Paris‘ famous attractions never fail to impress in real life.
Climb the Eiffel Tower and take in the views from Arc de Triomphe. Walk the popular Champs-Elysées and marvel at spectacular art in Musee D’Orsay. Pay a visit to the Catacombs, an underground labyrinth of tunnels lined with human bones. Say ‚hi‘ to Mona Lisa in the world-famous Louvre museum or see its renowned pyramid from outside, best enjoyed at sunset.
For a real Parisian treat, enjoy a coffee at a café-trottoir and do some food shopping followed by a picnic in Champs de Mars under the Eiffel Tower.
Stroll the cobbled streets of Montmartre and encounter photogenic gems like Maison Rose, Le Consulat, or the famous Sacre Coeur basilica in the maze of hilly streets.
If you like exploring a city on foot, join a free walking tour in Paris to learn something about the city’s fascinating history and architecture or explore its diverse neighborhoods.
Visit Paris creme de la creme of cathedrals such as Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame and stroll along the river Seine to take in the views.
Special things to see in Paris
The VIEWPOINTS
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We know them all – perfect pictures of the Eiffel Tower, models posing in front of it, Parisians taking a stroll on the Champs-Elysées, and the tower’s sparkling night show with thousands of lights twinkling in the nocturnal sky.
If you ask yourself, where to shoot these impressive shots, look no further. Here are Paris‘ best viewpoints to take in the panorama:
Without a doubt, views from the Arc de Triomphe are truly spectacular. With the Eiffel Tower on one side and the Champs-Elysées on the other, it makes the best spot to take photos of Paris‘ iconic skyline during day and night.
Best museums to visit in Paris
Museums
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Paris is the capital of art. That said, it’s no wonder that you can find dozens of great museums all over town. To name a few, you should check out the following and make your decision on which one to visit during your trip to Paris as they are quite diverse:
1. Louvre: the world’s biggest art museum housed in a historical palace with its iconic glass pyramid
2. Musee d’Orsay: a world-class museum for Impressionism housed in an old train station
3. Sainte Chapelle: Paris’ famous church that is home to one of the oldest and most extensive pieces of stained glass in the World
4. Parisian Catacombs: find guided tours through underground tunnels which showcase mortal remains of over 6 million Parisians artistically
5. Palais de Versailles: a breathtaking palace on the outskirts of Paris with royal gardens
6. Centre Pompidou: an extravagant building housing the Modern Art Museum
Here are some useful tips for your visit:
If you’re lucky enough to visit Paris on the first Sunday of each month, the following museums are free: The Louvre, Musée Rodin, Musée Picasso, and Musée d’Orsay.
The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, and Musee d’Orsay is closed on Mondays. The Louvre is free for everyone on Friday evenings from 6 pm to 9.45 pm.
These smaller museums are always free: Musée du Parfum, Musée de la Vie Romantique, Musée d’Art Moderne, Musée Cernuschi, Petit Palais, Maison de Balzac, Musée Carnavalet, Musée Cognacq-Jay.
Under 26 years old or a student? These museums are always free for you: National museums (such as the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, etc.) are free for all European citizens under 26 (proof of identity is required).
More fun activities to do in Paris
Other Activities
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Still having time on hand? Take a trip to Palais de Versailles, a royal chateau located on the outskirts of Paris, or visit the Galeries Lafayette Department Store, Montparnasse Tower for a birds-eye perspective over Paris, or Pere Lachaise, one of the world’s most famous cemeteries.
Best food to try in Paris
Local Delicacies
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You could climb the Eiffel Tower or do all the infinite activities the French capital has to offer, but you have not experienced particularly Paris – if you haven’t tried its outstanding gastronomy. Food is an integral part of French culture and is even recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Get your French snacks in Patisseries (pastry shops), Boulangeries (bakeries), and Fromageries (cheese shops).
Visit a Brasserie (opulent dining rooms that can be found in every Parisian neighborhood) or a Bistro (intimate places with tight seating and few tables) to enjoy your French dining experience.
If your budget allows, dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris is a special experience but requires reservations in advance.
Don’t miss a visit to a Boulangerie, where you should buy a fresh baguette, pain au chocolate, and croissants.
Get French cheese – any cheese! and try as much as physically possible! – and make it a meal.
Indulge in French street food. Find crepes (thin pancakes with sweet or salty filling), Croque Monsieur (a sandwich filled with ham and cheese and fried with cheese on the outside), Croque Madame (similar to a Croque Monsieur, but with an egg on top), or Jambon Beurre (a tasteful sandwich with ham and butter).
If you plan on eating out in Paris, look for the following delicacies on the menu:
Try Soupe l’Oignon (onion soup), Boef Borgonion (beef stew), Coq Au Vin (France’s famous poultry dish), Canard (duck), Sole Meunière (a typical fish course), Escargots (snails in butter with herbs) or Huîtres (oysters).
For a hearty meal get Steak Frites (French fries with steak), and Steak Tartare (raw ground beef seasoned with capers, onion, and black pepper and a raw egg yolk on top – a real bistro classic).
Desert is not for someone who counts calories. Try French classics such as Macarons (colorful pastries made from sugar and almond flour), Éclairs (a long, narrow pastry filled with cream and topped with fondant icing), Profiteroles (cream puffs), Chocolat Chaud (hot chocolate) and the French classic Créme Brûlée (eggy custard with a crunchy top).
When it comes to French drinking culture, make sure to try the local wine. With regions like Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, Bordeaux, and the Alsace, France has fabulous wine to offer. You can tour a winery in Montmartre or sip your way through wine bars throughout the city.
If you are a real foodie and want to learn even more about France’s renowned gastronomy, take a food tour and sample some of the city’s best cheese, bread, chocolate, and other local delicacies. There are also tours specialized only in chocolate.
Best travel tips for Paris
Useful travel tips
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With a nearly unlimited number of things to do, you need to get your Paris itinerary just right.
Prioritize sights that are a must-see for you and check their location and opening times in advance for some reasonable route planning.
Keep in mind that some museums are closing on Mondays or Tuesdays!
Book your tickets in advance or arrive before opening time to skip the (sometimes immense!) waiting lines – up to 3 hours of waiting time for the catacombs on a busy day!
It takes about 1 hour from Paris to Palais de Versailles. To enjoy the palace and the gardens, you should plan around 6 hours for your visit including travel time.
Best budget travel advice for Paris
Paris On a budget
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As one of the world’s most famous and fabulous metropolises, visiting Paris can be expensive if you’re on a budget. There are some ways to enjoy the ‘City of Love’ without spending all your travel money in one day. Here are some tips:
Have a picnic in Champs de Mars park with a wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower instead of having a meal in an expensive restaurant.
Is a view from the Eiffel Tower too expensive or impossible? Don’t worry, the best photos are taken of the Eiffel Tower and not on it! Stroll the streets nearby for some great perspectives, visit Bir-Hakeim Bridge for some Instagramable shots, and enjoy the tower’s light show at night – it’s free!
Still want to get up the tower? Take the stairs instead of the elevator, tickets are cheaper, and on crowded days it is even faster.
We love food. And trying new food is a great way to get to know a city or country. Try local delicacies and buy them in stores such as patisseries (pastry shops), boulangeries (bakeries), and fromageries (cheese shops). Get some French wine with it and have a picnic in one of Paris‘ parks. Or make use of your hostel’s or Airbnb’s kitchen and cook up some French meal with fresh ingredients you just got from a local store or market.
Get a snack at a bakery. Most bakeries sell baguette sandwiches that can be easily packed away for later.
Are you a lover of art? Enjoy the city’s free museums (see the museum guide).
Stroll through Montmartre and get enchanted by its picturesque alleys and photo-worthy gems like Maison Rose or Le Consulat without paying a cent.
Enjoy sunset at the stairs of Sacré-Coeur or the Louvre pyramid.
Do some window shopping on Champs-Elysées and Lafayette Gallery and enjoy a free but spectacular view from its rooftop terrace.
Take a walk along the Seine and admire its gorgeous bridges such as Pont Neuf and Pont Alexandre III. Pont Neuf is a great spot to enjoy a summer evening with some wine or a snack to watch the locals sitting around the riverbanks. Pont Alexandre looks even more beautiful during nighttime.
The best way to explore a city is on foot. Walking or taking the bike, using the metro frequently can cost a pretty penny in Paris.
Visit Pere Lachaise Cemetery and read about its history and its famous residents online.
Refill your water bottles with filtered water at Wallace fountains spread around the city – it’s free and sustainable!
Pay a visit to the church: Most churches have splendid interiors and are free to visit. Sacré-Coeur, La Madeleine (a Greek-style church), and Saint-Sulpice (the shooting location of ‚The Davinci Code‘) have free admission.
Stay in the suburbs of Paris. Hostels, Airbnbs, and hotels are cheaper outside of the center. Take into consideration that public transportation is a bit more expensive and should be included in your price calculation.
Make a break from sightseeing in one of Paris‘ parks. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Parc Monceau, and Jardin du Luxembourg are good options.
Transportation tips for Paris
Transportation
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Public transport in Paris is comprehensive and efficient. There is a subway stop every other block. You can get single rides or a carnet of 10 single-use tickets. Day passes, called ParisVisite, are available at any metro station and apply to the entire public transportation system (bus, metro, trams, and RER suburban trains). Paris offers a public bike-sharing program for affordable prices. Both airports (CDG and ORY) are connected to the city center via airport bus.
How to spend 48 hours in Paris
48 hours in Paris
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Day 1
- Start early near Il de la Cite, visit Notre Dame from the outside and Sainte Chapelle from the inside.
- Make your way crossing Pont Neuf to the Louvre or Musee d’Orsay. Visit the Louvre from the outside and one of the museums from the inside.
- Cross the Tuileries Gardens and continue your walk to Place de la Concorde.
Visit Lafayette Gallery and its rooftop terrace and do some window shopping at Champs-Elysées. - Continue to Arc de Triomphe, where you can enjoy one of Paris‘ best viewpoints (great during sunset as well).
Day 2
- Get up early and visit the Catacombs.
- Take the metro to the Eiffel Tower. Visit the tower and Bir-Hakeim Bridge.
- Enjoy a Parisian picnic in the Champs de Mars.
- Take the metro to Montmartre. Mosey around the alleys and visit Sacré-Coeur.