Why Visit Paris?
Paris, the timeless City of Light, captivates visitors with its perfect blend of art, romance, and gastronomy. This magnificent capital along the Seine River has inspired artists, writers, and lovers for centuries with its elegant boulevards, historic monuments, and incomparable cultural treasures. Stand beneath the iron lattice of the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles at night, lose yourself in the endless galleries of the Louvre housing the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, and climb the steps of Montmartre to the white domes of Sacré-Cœur for panoramic city views.
Beyond the icons, Paris rewards wanderers with intimate pleasures: freshly baked croissants from neighborhood boulangeries, literary haunts where Hemingway once wrote, hidden courtyards in the Marais, and the bohemian charm of Canal Saint-Martin. The city's museums span from Impressionist masterpieces at Musée d'Orsay to cutting-edge contemporary art at Centre Pompidou. Savor authentic French cuisine in century-old bistros, browse bouquinistes along the riverbanks, and experience the magic of a sunset Seine cruise passing Notre-Dame.
With mild spring and autumn weather, excellent public transport, and walkable arrondissements filled with parks, cafés, and architectural wonders, Paris remains one of the world's most visited cities for good reason—it delivers romance, culture, and unforgettable moments around every cobblestone corner.
What to Do
Iconic Sights
Eiffel Tower
Book tickets 2–3 weeks ahead for 9–10am or after 10pm slots to avoid peak crowds. Summit access sells out first; the 2nd floor often has better city views with shorter waits.
Arc de Triomphe
Climb the 284 steps for 360° views down the Champs-Élysées. Go at sunset (around 6–7pm in summer) when the city lights up and the Eiffel Tower begins to sparkle.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Reopened in December 2024 after the 2019 fire. Entry is free, but reserving a free timed slot on the official website is strongly recommended to skip long lines—morning slots book out fastest.
World-Class Museums
The Louvre
Book a timed-entry ticket and arrive 30–45 minutes early. Use the Pyramid or Carrousel du Louvre entrances as your default; the quieter Porte des Lions entrance is only sometimes open. See the Mona Lisa early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups.
Musée d'Orsay
Impressionist masterpieces (Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh) in a stunning Beaux-Arts train station. Thursday evening openings until 9:45pm are calmer and the galleries feel magical under warm lighting.
Centre Pompidou
Bold inside-out architecture and a modern art collection that helped define Paris's contemporary scene. Note: the main Beaubourg building is closed for major renovation from 2025–2030—check where its temporary exhibitions are being shown before you plan a visit.
Musée de l'Orangerie
Monet's Water Lilies displayed in two oval rooms designed by the artist. A compact gem in the Tuileries Garden—go right at the 9am opening or late afternoon (4–5pm) for a quieter, more contemplative visit.
Local Life & Hidden Gems
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Climb the hill early (around 7–8am) to watch sunrise over Paris from the basilica steps before the crowds arrive. Explore artist studios and quiet backstreets behind Place du Tertre for a more village feel.
Canal Saint-Martin Picnic
Pick up picnic supplies from Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris's oldest covered market, then head to Canal Saint-Martin. Locals gather on the quays and iron footbridges on sunny evenings—especially Fridays after work.
Rue Cler Market Street
Pedestrian market street in the 7th arrondissement where Parisians actually shop. Browse the local fromageries, bakeries, and oyster stands, and go Tuesday–Saturday mornings for the liveliest atmosphere and best selection.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Dramatic park in the 19th with cliffs, a temple, and a waterfall. Far fewer tourists than central sights and very popular with locals. Bring a bottle from a nearby wine shop on Rue de Belleville and watch the sunset from the hilltop.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: CDG, ORY
Best Time to Visit
April, May, June, September, October
Climate: Moderate
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 3°C | 9 | Good |
| February | 12°C | 6°C | 18 | Wet |
| March | 12°C | 4°C | 11 | Good |
| April | 20°C | 8°C | 8 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 21°C | 10°C | 9 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 23°C | 13°C | 11 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 26°C | 15°C | 5 | Good |
| August | 27°C | 17°C | 11 | Good |
| September | 23°C | 14°C | 7 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 15°C | 10°C | 17 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 13°C | 6°C | 7 | Good |
| December | 9°C | 4°C | 22 | Wet |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Schengen Area
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): Best time to visit: April, May, June, September, October.
Practical Information
Getting There
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the main hub, 25km northeast of Paris. From both CDG and Orly, the Paris Region ↔ Airports ticket costs $14 each way and covers RER B / metro 14 / Orlyval between the airport and any Paris metro/RER station (takes 35 min from CDG, 30 min from Orly). Taxis cost $54–$76 from CDG, $32–$43 from Orly. Eurostar trains connect London (2h15min) and Brussels (1h30min) to Gare du Nord.
Getting Around
Paris has excellent public transport: Metro (14 lines), RER trains, and buses operate 5:30am-12:30am, with night buses until dawn. Single metro/RER tickets cost $3 (flat anywhere in zones 1-5), bus/tram tickets $2 Occasional travellers can use a Navigo Day Pass (around $13 for zones 1-5) for unlimited travel in a day. Vélib' bike-share from about $5 for a 24-hour pass (classic bikes) or $11 with e-bikes included. The city is very walkable. Avoid driving—parking is scarce and expensive.
Money & Payments
Euro (EUR). Credit cards widely accepted everywhere, including small cafés. Contactless payment common. ATMs plentiful—avoid Euronet machines (high fees). Check current exchange rates in your banking app or XE.com. Tipping: Service charge included, but leaving 5-10% for excellent service or rounding up bills is appreciated.
Language
French is the official language. While English is spoken in major tourist areas, hotels, and by younger Parisians, learning basic French phrases (Bonjour, Merci, Parlez-vous anglais?) is appreciated and opens doors. Museums typically offer English audio guides and signage.
Cultural Tips
Always greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' before asking questions. Dress smartly—Parisians value style. Keep voices moderate in restaurants and on public transport. Most museums close Tuesdays, shops close Sundays except in Marais. Validate Metro tickets before boarding or face $54+ fines. Restaurants serve lunch 12-2:30pm, dinner from 7:30pm. Book popular restaurants days ahead.
Perfect 3-Day Paris Itinerary
Day 1: Iconic Paris
Day 2: Art & History
Day 3: Neighborhoods & Culture
Where to Stay in Paris
Le Marais
Best for: Hip boutiques, Jewish heritage, LGBTQ+ scene, trendy bars
Latin Quarter
Best for: Student energy, bookshops, bistros, Panthéon, Sorbonne
Montmartre
Best for: Bohemian art history, hilltop views, Sacré-Cœur, cabaret
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Best for: Literary cafés, upscale shopping, art galleries, classic Paris
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