Welcome to

Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a global centre of art, fashion, and culture. The city is famous for landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, charming cafes and boulevards, and romantic atmosphere.

France
June - August
Peak sesason
Mid Range
Budget
5
days
Average trip length
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Paris, the luminous capital of France, is a timeless blend of historic grandeur and modern elegance. Spanning the Seine River and divided into charming arrondissements, it’s a city that pulses with life—from the quaint cafés of Montmartre to the grand boulevards of the Champs-Élysées. Known as the “City of Light,” Paris is a cultural powerhouse, home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum—the world’s most visited museum.

Beyond the monuments, Paris is a mosaic of art, fashion, food, and philosophy. Stroll along the Seine’s historic quays, browse vintage bookstores in the Latin Quarter, or sip espresso in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Culinary lovers will revel in buttery croissants, delicate macarons, and candlelit bistros serving French classics. Paris isn’t just a destination—it’s a lifestyle, a mood, a story waiting to unfold in every cobbled alleyway and riverside sunset.

Despite its popularity, Paris offers quiet escapes in hidden gardens, quirky museums, and lesser-known neighborhoods like Canal Saint-Martin and Belleville. Whether you're visiting for romance, culture, food, or inspiration, Paris delivers an experience as rich and layered as its centuries-old architecture.

Cost & Budget Insights

Paris can fit a wide range of travel styles — from minimalist backpackers to indulgent luxury travelers.
Here’s a breakdown to help plan your budget more precisely:

Accommodation

  • Budget stays: €40–80 per night for hostels or budget hotels.
  • Mid-range: €120–200 per night for 3–4 star hotels or small apartments.
  • Luxury: €300+ per night for high-end hotels and boutique stays.
Tip: Prices rise sharply in summer and during major events like Fashion Week — book early.

Food & Dining

  • Breakfasts: €5–10 for coffee and pastries.
  • Casual meals: €15–25 for a bistro or café lunch.
  • Dinner: €25–60 depending on the restaurant’s level.
  • Street food & takeaways: €8–12, ideal for lunch on the go.
Tip: Tap water is safe to drink everywhere — bring a refillable bottle to save money and plastic.

Transportation

  • Single metro ticket: €2.15
  • Day pass: €14.90
  • Weekly Navigo Pass: €30–35 (covers metro, bus, and RER within Paris zones).
  • Airport transfer: €10–13 by train, €45–60 by taxi.
Tip: Walking is free — and often the best way to see the city.

Attractions & Museums

  • Major museums: €15–20 each (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou).
  • Monuments: €10–20 (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle).
  • City passes: Museum or transport bundles from €50–70 for two days.
  • Free attractions: Parks, churches, open-air art, and many museums on the first Sunday of each month.
Tip: Book tickets online to skip queues and occasionally find discounted rates.

Nightlife

  • Bars: €6–9 for a beer, €8–12 for a cocktail, €4–6 for wine by the glass.
  • Clubs: Entry fees around €10–20; drinks extra.
  • Live music: Small jazz or rock venues often charge €10–15.
  • Evening entertainment: Theater tickets start around €25, cinema €12–15.
Tip: The metro runs until around 1 AM; after that, night buses or rideshares operate until morning.

Shopping & Souvenirs

  • Small keepsakes: €5–10 (postcards, magnets, keychains).
  • Local crafts or art prints: €20–50.
  • Fashion items or accessories: €50–200, depending on stores and areas.
  • Vintage markets: Prices vary — negotiation is part of the fun.
Tip: Keep receipts for larger purchases — non-EU visitors can often reclaim VAT tax at the airport.

Cuisine & Local Food

French cuisine celebrates quality and simplicity — and in Paris, even an ordinary meal feels special.

Start the day with fresh pastries and coffee at a corner café.
For lunch, enjoy crepes, sandwiches, or seasonal salads made with local ingredients.
Dinner often features comforting dishes such as roasted meats, stews, or fresh seafood paired with wine.

Don’t miss the experience of visiting a traditional market to pick up bread, cheese, and fruit for a picnic by the river.
For dessert, try a fruit tart, custard, or something with dark chocolate — the French have perfected the art of sweetness.

Events & Festivals

Throughout the year, Paris celebrates art, music, and community with vibrant festivals.

  • Bastille Day (July 14): National celebrations with parades, music, and fireworks.
  • Fête de la Musique (June 21): Free concerts in streets and parks across the city.
  • Nuit Blanche (October): An all-night art event transforming museums and monuments.
  • Heritage Days (September): Historic sites and palaces open free to the public.
  • Christmas Season (December): Decorative lights, skating rinks, and festive markets brighten the winter.
Tip: Check museum websites — many extend hours or lower ticket prices during cultural festivals.

Getting Around

Paris is compact and well connected, making exploration easy and efficient.

  • Metro: The backbone of the city — frequent, affordable, and simple once you know your line number.
  • RER Trains: Serve airports and nearby regions like Versailles and Disneyland.
  • Buses: Ideal for scenic rides across bridges and boulevards.
  • Trams: Connect outer districts; useful for less touristy areas.
  • Bikes & Walking: Paris is walkable and increasingly bike-friendly with dedicated lanes.
Tip: Walking remains the best way to feel the rhythm of each neighborhood. Combine short metro rides with long walks for the perfect balance.

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in tourist areas and on public transport, especially in summer; remain vigilant and keep belongings secure. France has a high national terror alert; follow authorities' advice and avoid demonstrations. Strikes can disrupt transport and protests sometimes turn violent; stay away from protests and follow local news.

Currency: Euro; cards widely accepted, but cash useful in small establishments. Language: French; English widely spoken in tourist areas and hotels. Plugs: Type C & E (230 V, 50 Hz). Connectivity: Wi-Fi widely available in hotels, cafés and some public areas; French SIM or eSIM recommended. Tipping: Service charge is included in restaurant bills; round up or leave a few euros for good service; a 5–10% tip is considered generous; rounding up taxi fares is adequate.

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