France · Europe
Paris
The City of Light is a moveable feast of Haussmann boulevards, world-class museums, and effortless café culture.
Best months
April, May, June
Currency
EUR
Language
French
Mid-range / day
$220
Paris rewards both first-time visitors checking off the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and repeat travelers who come back for the small things — a buttery croissant in the 11th, a quiet hour at the Musée Rodin, the way the light hits Sacré-Cœur at sunset. The city is compact, walkable, and built for wandering. Twenty distinct arrondissements spiral outward from the Île de la Cité, and each has its own personality, from the bohemian charm of Montmartre to the polished elegance of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
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Best time to visit Paris
Late spring and early autumn deliver Paris at its most romantic — café terraces are full, the Seine sparkles, and you avoid both the August exodus and winter drizzle.
Where to stay in Paris
Le Marais
Cobblestoned, queer-friendly, packed with vintage boutiques, falafel windows, and the Picasso Museum. The Place des Vosges anchors it.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Left Bank intellectual heartland — Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, antique galleries, and the tree-lined Boulevard Saint-Germain.
Montmartre
Hilltop village vibe topped by Sacré-Cœur. Touristy on the main square but still magical on the back streets at dawn.
Canal Saint-Martin
10th arrondissement hangout for the cool kids. Iron footbridges, picnics on the canal banks, and natural-wine bars.
Latin Quarter
Sorbonne students, narrow medieval streets, the Panthéon, and Shakespeare and Company bookshop facing Notre-Dame.
Best things to do in Paris
The experiences locals and seasoned travelers actually recommend.
Louvre Museum
The world's most-visited museum. Book a timed entry, beeline for the Mona Lisa early, then lose yourself in the Egyptian wing.
Eiffel Tower
Yes, it's worth it. Best photographed from Trocadéro across the river, best experienced at the hour-on-the-hour sparkle after sunset.
Musée d'Orsay
Impressionist heaven inside a converted Belle Époque train station. Smaller and more digestible than the Louvre.
Sainte-Chapelle
A 13th-century jewel box of stained glass tucked inside the Palais de Justice. Go on a sunny morning.
Marché des Enfants Rouges
Paris's oldest covered market in the Marais. Moroccan tagines, fresh oysters, and natural wine on tap.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Atmospheric, leafy, and home to Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, and Chopin.
Versailles
A 30-minute RER ride out of the city. Pre-book the palace and bring a picnic for the gardens.
How much does a trip to Paris cost?
Budget
$90
per day · Hostels, street food, public transit
Mid-range
$220
per day · 3-star hotel, two meals out, taxis
Luxury
$600
per day · 4-5 star hotel, fine dining, private transfers
Paris travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Paris?+
Three days is the minimum to hit the highlights without rushing. Five days lets you mix in day trips like Versailles or Giverny and explore neighborhoods at a leisurely pace. A week is ideal for a first-time visit.
Is Paris expensive?+
Paris is mid-to-high cost. Budget travelers can manage on $90/day with hostels and bakery meals; mid-range travelers should plan $200–250/day for a comfortable hotel and two restaurant meals.
Do I need to speak French in Paris?+
No, but learning 'bonjour' and 'merci' goes a long way. Most service workers in tourist areas speak passable English and are far friendlier when you start in French, even badly.
What's the best way to get around Paris?+
The Métro is fast, cheap, and reaches everywhere. Buy a Navigo Easy card for stored-value rides, or a Paris Visite pass if you'll ride more than five times a day.
When should I avoid visiting Paris?+
August: many local restaurants close as Parisians flee for vacation, and the city can feel empty in a sad way. November and February are also quiet but cold and gray.
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