Few cities match the iconic status that Paris boasts in the imagination of travellers. In fashion, gastronomy, and the arts, she is queen. As you visit the different quartiers of the City of Light, her moods shift from gritty to sophisticated, from Haute Couture to punk. There is always something new to discover in Paris beyond the legendary sights and museums we all know so well. This fabled city has a way of getting under your skin and feeling instantly familiar to all who wander her hypnotic streets and linger at her inviting cafés.
Writers, travellers, artists, photographers, and filmmakers have tried to capture the magic of the French capital for hundreds of years. Time and time again, they have failed.
It may be possible to understand and admire the magnificence of its architectural splendours, the appeal of its long tree-lined boulevards, and the draw of its vast, green parks, but that unique feeling of strolling through this open-air museum on a clear night cannot be reproduced by any medium. Paris is a city that must be experienced first-hand.
Instantly recognisable for its iconic architecture, the City of Light is a vibrant metropolis in constant change. Though perennial monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral are a must, as are world-renowned museums such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, there are wonders to be found on every corner. From the trendy bars, boutiques, and galleries of Marais to the artsy and bohemian feel of Montmartre to the grandiose elegance along the Seine – there is plenty for all tastes, a full range extending from earthy grit to over-the-top sophistication, but always with an emphatic and inimitable Parisian flavour.
A pioneer in design of all kinds, Paris is consistently at the forefront of innovation in everything from the arts and culture to fashion and gastronomy. Be it for shopping, dining, or sightseeing, it is hard to find a better place than this, the world’s most visited city.
There is never enough time to take in everything that Paris has to offer. Visiting the sights and museums is immersive, awe-inspiring, and could easily keep you occupied for months. But visitors are best rewarded by simply venturing out into the city. One thing is for sure, you will never run out of things to see, do, and experience in Paris.
To help you save time and money, our travel experts have listed below the best attractions in Paris as well as things you should not miss while visiting the French capital.
Eiffel Tower
Louvre Museum
Arc de Triomphe
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Montmartre
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Moulin Rouge
Seine River Cruise
Palace of Versailles
Musée d’Orsay
Catacombs of Paris
Disneyland Paris
Panthéon
Place de la Concorde
Centre Pompidou
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Champs-Élysées
Pont Neuf
Montparnasse Tower
Le Marais
La Seine
Luxembourg Garden
Louis Vuitton Foundation
Cheese and Wine Workshops
Parc Montsouris
Paris's cuisine surprises as much for its variety and range as it does for its quality and exquisite presentation. From small family-run bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants run by internationally famous chefs, dining here is more art than science.
Sweets, pastries, cheese, and fresh market produce are also an essential part of the Parisian gastronomic experience. Top it off with a treat from a speciality chocolaterie and a fine local vintage in the evening to complete the tour of the best delicacies Paris has to offer.
Hôtel du Nord
L'Avant Comptoir de la Terre
Le Voltaire
Le Potager de Charlotte
Little Tokyo (Rue Sainte-Anne)
Fajitas
Epicure
Kong
Terrasse de l'Alcazar
Pierre Gagnaire
Allard
Le Balzar
L'As du Fallafel
Zo
Roomies Etienne Marcel
La Maison de Verlaine
Rouge Bis
Boutique yam'Tcha
Founti Agadir
Annapurna
Fresh baguettes and croissants with a strong espresso in the morning, aromatic teas or pastis in the afternoon, and a local vintage with friends in the evening, there's never a wrong time to visit a café in Paris. They are a quintessential part of the Parisian experience and the perfect vantage point from which to engage in a lazy afternoon of people-watching. The wide variety of drinks and the occasional live music round off the café experience to perfection.
Café de Flore
Ladurée
KB CaféShop
Le Bistrot du Peintre
Le Select
Charbon Café
Café de la Paix
Strada Café
Breizh Café
Paris transforms into a captivating playground after dark, offering a nightlife that mirrors its vibrant cultural tapestry. From chic rooftop bars with panoramic views of the glittering Eiffel Tower to hidden speakeasies tucked away in the trendy Marais district, the options are as diverse as the city itself.
Dive into the rhythmic pulse of renowned clubs like Rex Club, pulsating with electronic beats, or opt for the intimate charm of jazz bars along the Seine. For a unique dose of vibrant local entertainment, you can't beat Paris's famous cabaret venues.
Le 10 Bar
Supersonic
Aux Folies
Favela Chic
Rex Club
La Perle
Buddha-Bar
Nouveau Casino
Point Éphémère
Le Truskel
Galway Irish Pub
Shopping in Paris is synonymous with famous designers and luxurious brands – the names Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Christian Dior immediately come to mind. But you will also find more affordable options to match your budget in the huge department stores or many popular neighbourhood markets.
Le Bon Marché
Galeries Lafayette
Shakespeare & Company
Along the Seine — The Bouquinistes of Paris
Carrousel du Louvre
Champs-Élysées
Westfield Forum des Halles & Le Marais
Les Grands Boulevards
Area Surrounding Place Vendôme
Épicerie Causses
Souffle Continu
Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt
La Vallée Village
Artazart
Goldymama
La Maison du Chocolat
Album Comics
L'ABC du Parfum
Passport/Visa
France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
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Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris is served by two major airports. Most international flights arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), also known as Roissy Airport, 30 kilometres from the city centre. Orly (ORY) is 18 kilometres from the city centre. A third airport, Paris-Beauvais (BVA), is mainly served by low-cost airlines.
One of the cheapest and fastest transfer options (approximately 45 minutes) is the underground RER B to Gare du Nord running every 10-15 minutes, from where you can connect to Paris’s metro network. Alternatively, the RoissyBus shuttle provides a direct link between Paris-Opéra and Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport in 60 minutes. The frequency ensures a departure every 30 minutes.
It's crucial to be cautious at airports to avoid fake cabs; authentic taxis are identifiable by an illuminated sign. To locate legitimate taxi stands, it's advised to follow the designated markings on the ground.
Address: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
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Website: www.parisaeroport.fr/roissy-charles-de-gaulle
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Paris-Orly Airport
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is located approximately 20 km away from Paris city centre. There are basically three transportation options to reach Paris: taxi, train, and bus.
Opting for a taxi offers the most convenient and direct transfer, taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes, with taxi ranks readily available outside all airport terminals.
Unfortunately, there are no direct train lines from Orly Airport to the city centre. Travellers opting for the train option need to take the Orlyval metro to Antony Train Station and then transfer to the RER B line, with the entire journey taking around an hour. Trains leave from all terminals, simply exit the arrivals gate and follow the signs leading to the Orlyval metro platform.
The Orlybus, a direct shuttle service, is a swift and direct bus option taking 30 minutes to reach Place Denfert-Rochereau in the city centre. While public buses are available, they make frequent stops and take longer than the Orlybus. Bus stops are conveniently located outside all airport terminals.
Address: Paris Orly Airport
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Website: www.parisaeroport.fr/en/orly-airport
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Paris Beauvais Airport
Paris Beauvais (BVA) is mainly served by low-cost airlines. A shuttle service is organised between the terminals and Paris-Porte Maillot, which is located close to RER (line C) and metro (line 1) stations. The shuttle journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it is designed to align with flight timetables.
Address: Paris Beauvais Airport
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Phone: +33 8 92 68 20 66
Website: www.aeroportparisbeauvais.com/en/passengers
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Public Transport
Paris offers an ideal setting for exploring on foot, yet public transport remains a practical necessity during your visit. The iconic Paris metro, characterised by its Art Nouveau entrances, stands out as a fast and economical means of navigating the city. With currently 16 lines and over 300 stations, the metro operates daily from 5:30am to midnight on weekdays and until approximately 1:45am on weekends.
Tickets for the metro and other public transportation options, including buses and trams, can be conveniently acquired from machines in mainline or metro stations. The Navigo Easy pass, designed for occasional use, comes pre-loaded with 10 transport journeys in central Paris and can be easily recharged at stations. For unlimited travel spanning 1, 2, 3, or 5 days in Paris and Île-de-France, the Paris Visite pass is a convenient choice.
Beyond the metro, Paris boasts an extensive transportation network, including 5 RER lines serving both the city and its surroundings, 13 tram lines covering the outskirts and parts of Île-de-France, and a comprehensive bus system. Buses operate Monday through Saturday from approximately 7am to 12:30am, with nearly half of the lines running on Sundays and public holidays. Additionally, the Noctilien night bus service ensures travel between 12:30am and 5:30am. Finally, Transiliens, regional trains departing from major Parisian stations, offer further connectivity to the surrounding areas.
For more information, visit the RATP website.
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Website: www.ratp.fr/en
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Batobus
Batobus is a boat service through the heart of Paris, with 9 stops at key locations along the river Seine. Serving as a hop-on-hop-off service, it provides the freedom for travelers to craft their own itinerary, allowing exploration of Paris's historical monuments and neighbourhoods at their own pace.
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Website: www.batobus.com/en
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Taxi
Taxis can be hailed at stands or on the street, but they can be hard to find, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. However, Uber, the widely-used ride-sharing service, operates in the city, providing a convenient alternative for both locals and tourists to navigate Paris seamlessly.
When it comes to taxis in Paris, it's crucial to be cautious at airports, especially, in order to avoid fake cabs; authentic taxis are identifiable by an illuminated sign. To locate legitimate taxi stands, it's advised to follow the designated markings on the ground.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paris (FAQs)
- What is the best time to visit Paris?
As one of the most visited cities in the world, it is safe to say that there is never really a bad time to visit the French capital. The weather is best in summer, but crowds are by far the biggest. Autumn is also highly recommended for its pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and stunning foliage. Having said that, the best time to visit Paris is from June to October.
- How many days do you need in Paris?
In order for you to visit the main sights and attractions in Paris, walk around the city and explore its characterful arrondissements, you will need from 4 to 5 days.
- Is Paris dangerous?
Despite being a major European capital and one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris is a fairly safe city for travellers. However, as with most main tourist destinations, pickpocketing is the biggest concern here. So, be careful with your belongings when taking public transport and around the city's main attractions.
- Is Paris expensive?
Yes, Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world, especially when it comes to hotels. Average spending in the City of Light is high, not only when compared to other continents, but also other European cities.
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Post
Stamps are available from kiosks and news agents. For mail overseas, it is advisable to visit a post office. The central post and sorting office of the Louvre is open from early in the morning until midnight.
Address: Post Office Centre D'examen Du Code De La Route, 50 Rue du Louvre, Paris
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Phone: +33 9 70 82 36 31
Website: www.laposte.fr
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Pharmacy
Pharmacie des Champs-Élysées
84 Avenue des Champs-Élysées
+33 1 45 62 02 41
Open Mon–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 10am–8pm
Pharmacie Lafayette Des Halles
10 Boulevard de Sébastopol
+33 1 42 72 03 23
Open Mon–Sat 8:30am–9pm, Sun 9am–9pm
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Electricity
In France, the electrical supply operates at a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. The country employs two main types of electrical plugs: type C and type E. Type C plugs feature two round pins. Type E plugs, on the other hand, also have two round pins but include an additional hole for the earth (ground) pin.
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Telephone
Country code: +33
Area code: 1
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