Why go to Paris
Paris rewards slow travellers. Beyond the icons, it is a city of neighbourhood markets, zinc-counter cafés and riverside evenings that stretch long into summer.
Best time to visit Paris
Late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October) bring mild days, café-terrace weather and fewer queues than high summer. July and August are hot and busy at the big sights, though many locals leave the city. Winter is grey but cosy, with shorter lines at museums.
Top things to see
Musée du Louvre
Book a timed entry and pick two wings rather than trying to see everything.
Eiffel Tower
Go at dusk to watch the hourly sparkle, or view it from Trocadéro.
Sainte-Chapelle
Thirteenth-century stained glass that glows on sunny mornings.
Musée d'Orsay
Impressionists inside a Beaux-Arts railway station.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Village lanes and the city's best free view.
Notre-Dame de Paris
Reopened in December 2024 after the 2019 fire.
Things to do in Paris
- Picnic on the Seine banks at Île Saint-Louis
- Walk the Canal Saint-Martin and the Marais on a Sunday
- Take a river cruise at night
- Day-trip to Versailles by RER C
- Browse Marché des Enfants Rouges, the city's oldest covered market
Local experiences
- Order a café crème standing at the counter: it costs less than sitting
- Join Parisians at an evening apéro on a canal-side terrace
- Shop a weekly street market like Marché d'Aligre
- Catch a film at a historic Left Bank cinema
Where to eat in Paris
Dishes to try: steak frites, croissant and pain au chocolat, croque monsieur, duck confit, macarons.
Bouillon ChartierClassic
A grand 1896 dining hall serving French staples at low prices.
SeptimeFine dining
Seasonal modern French in the 11th; book weeks ahead.
L'As du FallafelStreet food
The Marais' famous falafel pitta.
Le Train BleuLandmark
Belle Époque splendour inside Gare de Lyon.
Du Pain et des IdéesBakery
Legendary escargot pastries near Canal Saint-Martin.
Where to stay in Paris
Le MeuriceLuxury
Palace hotel facing the Tuileries.
Hôtel Plaza AthénéeLuxury
Haute-couture address on Avenue Montaigne.
Hôtel des Grands BoulevardsBoutique
Stylish rooms and a rooftop bar in the 2nd.
Generator ParisBudget
Design hostel near Canal Saint-Martin.
Best areas to stay
Le Marais
Galleries, falafel and boutiques; central and walkable.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Classic Left Bank cafés and bookshops.
Canal Saint-Martin
Young, local and full of bistros.
Montmartre
Village charm, steep streets, better value.
4 days in Paris
Day 1: Islands and the Left Bank
Day 2: The Louvre and the Marais
Day 3: Montmartre and the canal
Day 4: Versailles and the Eiffel Tower
See the full day-by-day itinerary
Festivals and events
Fête de la Musique21 June
Free concerts on street corners across the city.
Bastille Day14 July
Military parade on the Champs-Élysées and fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.
Christmas lightsLate November to early January
Illuminated avenues, markets and department store windows.
Getting around
The Métro is fast and cheap; buy a Navigo Easy card or use contactless. Walking between central neighbourhoods is often quicker than changing lines. RER B links Charles de Gaulle airport to the centre in about 35 minutes.
Practical information
- Plug types
- C, E (guide)
- Voltage
- 230 V
- Emergency
- 112
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
Tipping: Service is included; round up or leave 5–10% for good service. See our tipping guide.
Entry requirements depend on your nationality; check your government's travel advice and the destination's official immigration site before booking.
How much does it cost?
Approximate US dollar figures covering accommodation, food, local transport and sights; flights excluded.
Good to know
- Many museums close one day a week (the Louvre on Tuesdays)
- Restaurants rarely serve dinner before 7:30 pm
- Watch for pickpockets on Line 1 and at major sights
- Tap water is excellent: ask for une carafe d'eau
Paris travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Paris?
The best months are usually Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October) bring mild days, café-terrace weather and fewer queues than high summer. July and August are hot and busy at the big sights, though many locals leave the city. Winter is grey but cosy, with shorter lines at museums.
How many days do you need in Paris?
Plan on 4–5 days to see the highlights at a comfortable pace.
What currency is used in Paris?
The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
How much does a trip to Paris cost per day?
Roughly US$110 per person per day on a budget, US$260 mid-range and US$700 or more for luxury, excluding flights. Prices vary by season.
What food should I try in Paris?
Local favourites include steak frites, croissant and pain au chocolat, croque monsieur, duck confit, macarons.
What plug adapter do I need for Paris?
Paris uses plug type C, E at 230 V. Check whether your devices support this voltage.
Restaurants, hotels and prices change. Confirm opening times and book popular places ahead. Last reviewed October 2026.
More in Europe
London
United Kingdom · best Apr–SepFree museums, royal parks and a food scene drawn from the whole world.
Rome
Italy · best Mar–May, Sep–OctThree thousand years of history, and dinner at nine.
Barcelona
Spain · best Apr–Jun, Sep–OctGaudí, the Mediterranean and dinner after ten.