A first timer’s guide to everything in Paris

Welcome to the ultimate Paris city guide, your passport to the City of Love! Planning a trip to Paris is an exciting endeavor, and we're here to ensure you make the most of your visit to this iconic city. In this guide, we will cover all aspects of your Parisian adventure.

Discover the top attractions and experiences, navigate through a vast array of accommodation options, learn how to effortlessly traverse the city's efficient public transportation system, and discover the best things to eat during your stay.

Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, our Paris city guide has you covered with sample itineraries and insider tips. So, grab your beret and prepare to fall in love with the magic of Paris!

4 reasons you should visit Paris

How to prepare for your trip to Paris?

Top things to do in Paris

Brimming with history, beauty and romance; Paris is home to over 200 museums, 2100 listed historic monuments, 1000 art galleries and 3 opera houses. A simple stroll through its charming streets will help you realise the beauty of Paris - whether its the emphatic Eiffel Tower or the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries gardens, there is something to see in every street in the city. To help you experience the best of Paris. In this guide, we will take a look at the best things do in Paris - whether you're looking at art museums, historic architecture, day trips, or just city experiences, you will find them in this list.

Unmissable landmarks in Paris

Museums in Paris

Paris is a treasure trove of art, history, and culture, and its museums are the crown jewels of this rich heritage. From the iconic Louvre, housing the enigmatic Mona Lisa, to the modern Musée d'Orsay, Paris' museums are a window into the soul of art and civilization. Explore their wonders with us.

Unmissable experiences in Paris

Paris offers a plethora of cultural experiences! From walking tours to cabaret shows, Paris is a city that keeps giving. Here are some of the top ones that you must go for.

Getting around in Paris

Paris is a beautiful city lined with shaded boulevards, historic monuments, museums, fashionable boutiques, bistros, bars and a lot more. Ideally the best way to discover Paris is on foot. But knowing that it is a large city with 20 arrondissements, one can easily depend on the elaborate public transport system of Paris to get around the city.

1. Metro: The Paris Metro, an extensive and efficient subway system, is the heartbeat of the city's public transportation. It connects every corner of Paris, making exploring the city a breeze. There are 16 lines stretching over 226.9 kms in length!
2. RER Train: The RER in Paris is a suburban commuter train network that extends beyond the city limits. It provides transportation to nearby suburbs, offering a convenient way to explore both Paris and its surrounding regions.
3. Bus: There are 58 Bus lines in Paris that cover routes throughout the city, including areas not served by the Metro, offering you a convenient and scenic way to explore Paris and its neighborhoods.
4. Cycle: With an expanding network of bike lanes, bike-sharing programs like Vélib', and scenic routes along the Seine. Paris encourages both locals and tourists to explore its charming streets on two wheels.
5. Taxis: Taxis in Paris offer a convenient but relatively expensive mode of transportation. However, with efficient public transport, taxis are often reserved for special occasions or late-night journeys when other options may be limited.
6. Hop-on-hop-off Buses: Hop-on-hop-off buses in Paris provide a convenient way to explore the city's top attractions at your own pace. With multiple routes and informative commentary, these double-decker buses offer flexibility for you to get off and rejoin as you please.

Places to visit near Paris

Planning a trip to France is a monumental effort; the country has amazing destinations that appeal to travelers of all kinds. Art enthusiasts, history buffs, wine connoisseurs, architecture aficionados, and culture vultures; everyone can pick and choose their favourite destinations in France. Paris is at the heart of all these experiences, and merely a day away from it are incredible destinations that offer a variety of experiences.

With grand castles, striking cathedrals, picturesque landscapes, culinary experiences, and modern theme parks, there are a lot of things to do & see on day trips from Paris. Whether you are in Paris for a couple of days or a local looking for a unique getaway.

Best neighborhoods to stay in Paris

Hotels in Paris

What to eat in Paris

1. Baguette
This iconic crisp bread is a staple in Paris. Perfect for sopping up sauce, it can also be had with some jam and butter for breakfast, or even with cheese. Great places to get fresh baguettes include Mahmoud M’Seddi’s bakery at Paris 14th arrondissement, and Brun Bakery in the 13th arrondissement.

2. Cheese
French cheese comes in many shapes, sizes and flavors, and Parisian fromageries generally have a very broad selection. Be sure to sample Munster, Brie de Meaux, Camembert, Roquefort, and others at shops like Chez Virginie, Quatrehomme, and Fromagerie Laurent Dubois!

3. Coq Au Vin
This is a bistro classic, consisting of chicken braised with red Burgundy wine, mushrooms, and lardons, seasoned with pepper, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Visit La Rotisserie d’Argent and La Jacobine to sample this delicious dish!

4. Crêpe
This thin, flat pastry made of wheat flour, milk and eggs is a very versatile French delicacy, and can be eaten as a sweet dish or a savory galette. While Paris is famous for its many crêperies and roadside stands, some of the best places include Crêperie Mad'eo! and Krügen.

5. Croissants
These scrumptious, multi-layered, buttery delights are the very essence of French bakeries and patisseries, and come with many fillings, flavours, and toppings. If you’re up for this classic French treat, visit Des Gâteaux et du Pain or Pichard, amongst many others!

6. Éclairs
Technically speaking, an éclair is a pastry made of choux dough, filled with cream and topped with icing - the perfect combination of texture and flavor. Visit L’éclair de Génie and Stohrer to try some incredible éclairs.

Paris itineraries for every type of traveller

In this guide, we have created 3 itineraries that will help you plan your trip to Paris. Depending on your duration, whether it's just a day or 5 days, you can go through our guide and plan your stay accordingly. To navigate to each list, click on the markers above and it will take you to its respective page where you can take an in-depth look into the curated itineraries. And find a readymade Paris itinerary, tailored to suit all age-groups!

1 Day

3 Day

5 Day

BONUS: How to save money in Paris

In comparison to its neighbouring countries, prices in Paris are on the higher side. With that being said, there are a ton of ways to save money while traveling through the city.

Try these tips and hacks to cut costs, while still enjoying the best of Paris.

1. Save on booking costs
Paris sees year-round tourist influx. Plan ahead for better deals as rates surge for hotels, airlines, and attractions last-minute. Major events cause overbooking and higher prices. Avoid these peak periods unless visiting specifically for an event.

2. Save on Transportation
Paris is compact and divided into districts called "Arrondissements" spiraling out from the Louvre. Staying in Arrondissements 1-9 (excluding 8) near key sights like the Louvre, Marais, Latin Quarter, Eiffel Tower, or Opera may cost more but saves on transportation expenses due to the city's walkability.

3. Save on Accomodation
Save on accommodation in Paris by choosing budget-friendly options like cheap hotels and hostels. While these lodgings may offer fewer amenities, they provide a wallet-friendly way to enjoy the city's attractions without compromising on hygiene or safety, making them ideal for cost-conscious travelers.

4. Use Public Transportation
Paris offers various cost-effective public transportation options. The RER train from Charles de Gaulle airport takes 25-50 minutes at around €14.50. "RoissyBus" costs approximately €11 for a 45-60 minute journey to central Paris. Taxis are pricey (€60-80+), slower, and vary by destination. For local travel, Metro and bus tickets are around €1.90 each. Consider a "carnet" (10-pack) for savings or a "Paris Visite" travel card for unlimited Metro and bus travel within the city.

5. Save on Entry Tickets
Many top attractions have cost-saving options like free days, online or advance bookings, and discounts. Examples include the Louvre's free Sundays (Oct-Mar), Eiffel Tower's savings by walking to the second floor, and Musee d'Orsay's discounts near closing. For frequent cultural visits, a Museum Pass offers discounts and queue-skipping benefits.

6. Visit Free Attractions
City-operated museums like Musée d’Art Moderne, Maison de Balzac, and Maison de Victor Hugo offer free admission. Many churches, parks (e.g., Jardin du Luxembourg), and the ancient Roman amphitheater (Aréne de Lutéce) are also free. For budget-friendly concerts, consult magazines like L’Officiel du Spectacle or Le Figaro's "Figaroscope" insert.

Explore Paris on a budget

Paris is more than just a city; it is a confluence of experiences and emotions. The city features on the bucket list of most travelers and is visited by more than 50 million visitors each year. Paris, unfortunately, is also one of the most expensive cities in the world, and with a multitude of experiences to participate in, a Paris trip can be exorbitant.

Here is a guide to explore Paris on a budget and make the best of every Euro you spend! From making the best of public transport to choosing the right accommodation, this guide will cover everything for a fantastic budget Paris trip!

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