Paris Travel Guide

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Paris—timeless, iconic, and endlessly inspiring. But there’s so much more to this city than just croissants and the Champs-Élysées. Whether you’re wandering hidden alleyways in Le Marais, sipping wine along the Canal Saint-Martin, or discovering a quirky museum tucked behind a flower shop, Paris is packed with unique experiences that go far beyond the typical tourist path. It’s also surprisingly solo-travel friendly—walkable, full of cozy cafés perfect for people-watching, and rich with moments that feel like your own private movie scene. In this roundup, we’re diving into the many sides of the City of Light, from the classic must-sees to the unexpected gems you’ll be bragging about later.

How to Get to Paris

Getting to Paris is pretty straightforward, whether you’re flying in from overseas or arriving from elsewhere in Europe.

• Main Airports:
  • Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): The largest international airport, located about 45 minutes northeast of the city. Most long-haul flights arrive here.
  • Orly Airport (ORY): A smaller, closer option mostly serving European and domestic flights—about 30 minutes from central Paris.
  • Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA): Budget airlines like Ryanair fly here, but it’s nearly 1.5–2 hours from the city, so factor in extra travel time.
• Getting Into the City:
  • From CDG, you can take the RER B train straight into central Paris, or opt for a taxi or shuttle.
  • From Orly, the Orlyval train connects to the RER B, or you can take a bus, tram, or taxi.
  • From Beauvais, a dedicated shuttle bus runs to Porte Maillot in Paris.
• By Train:
  Coming from London, Brussels, Amsterdam, or elsewhere in Europe? The Eurostar or TGV makes train travel into Paris fast, scenic, and city-center to city-center. You’ll likely arrive at Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon, depending on the route.

The Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris is beautiful year-round, but spring and fall are widely considered the sweet spots for visiting.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Paris is pure magic. The cherry blossoms are blooming, café terraces come back to life, and the city feels like it’s waking up from winter. Temperatures are mild (think 50s–60s °F), and crowds are smaller than in summer, especially if you visit in March or early April.

Fall (September to early November)

Fall brings crisp air, golden leaves, and fewer tourists. The weather is still pleasant, and it’s a great time for museum-hopping, cozy bistros, and exploring neighborhoods without the summer crowds.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is lively and full of events, but also the busiest (and hottest) time. Expect longer lines, higher prices, and lots of tourists—though Paris Plages (the pop-up urban beaches) and late sunsets do add a fun twist. Note: many Parisians leave the city in August, so some local shops and restaurants may be closed.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is chilly but romantic—especially with holiday lights, cozy cafes, and fewer tourists. It’s a great time to score deals on airfare and hotels. Just pack layers and an umbrella! I was there in January and while it rained for the first half of my trip, the second half had clear blue skies and crisp, but not cold temperatures!

Best Overall
For that classic Parisian experience without the crowds or heat, April–May and September–October are hard to beat.

Average Temperatures in Paris
January 37° F / 44° F
April 45° F / 59° F
July 60° F / 77° F
October 48° F / 61° F

How Many Days Should I Spend in Paris?

Let’s be honest: you’ll never see all of Paris in one trip—and that’s part of its magic. The city is layered with history, beauty, and hidden gems that could take a lifetime to uncover. But don’t worry—you can absolutely see and do a lot in just a few days.

• 3 Days is enough for a highlights trip: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a walk along the Seine, and a few cozy cafés in between. Perfect for a first-time visit or a long weekend escape.
• 5–7 Days gives you time to explore at a more relaxed pace, add in some neighborhood wandering (hello, Montmartre and Le Marais), and even take a day trip to places like Versailles or Giverny.
• Staying longer? Lucky you! You can dig deeper into Parisian life—visit smaller museums, linger in markets, explore lesser-known corners, and truly settle into the rhythm of the city.

Paris always leaves you wanting more, and it’s the kind of place that welcomes second—and third—visits with open arms. So see what you can, savor every minute, and don’t stress about checking everything off a list. The city will be here waiting for you next time.

Where to stay in Paris

Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements (districts), each with its own distinct feel. Where you stay can shape your entire experience, so here are a few standout areas that offer the perfect mix of charm, convenience, and local flavor:

1st Arrondissement – Classic & Central

If it’s your first time in Paris and you want to be right in the heart of everything, this is it. Home to the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, and walking distance to the Seine, staying here puts you steps from major sights.

• Best for: First-timers, short stays, sightseeing
• Why stay here: Walkable, elegant, and super convenient—but expect higher prices.
• Stay: Hôtel Louvre Saint-Honoré for an elegant, boutique Parisian experience just steps from the Louvre

4th Arrondissement (Le Marais) – Trendy Meets Historic

Le Marais blends cobblestone streets with hip boutiques, cozy cafés, and centuries-old architecture. It’s lively, central, and full of personality—with easy access to Notre-Dame, the Seine, and the Picasso Museum.

• Best for: Culture lovers, solo travelers, LGBTQ+ friendly, shopping
• Why stay here: Artsy yet accessible, with a mix of old and new. Great energy day and night.
• Stay: Hotel Le Grand Mazarin for a whimsical and luxurious Parisian retreat in the heart of Le Marais
  

7th Arrondissement – Eiffel Views & Elegant Vibes

This is the postcard version of Paris: the Eiffel Tower, grand boulevards, and charming markets. It’s quieter and more residential, perfect for travelers who want something classic and refined.

• Best for: Couples, families, Eiffel Tower fans
• Why stay here: Iconic views and a peaceful atmosphere without being far from the action.
• Stay: Le Cinq Codet for modern luxury in an unbeatable location near the Eiffel Tower

18th Arrondissement (Montmartre) – Bohemian & Romantic

If you’re dreaming of Paris with winding streets, artists painting in the square, and Sacré-Cœur views, this is your spot. Montmartre has an old-world, artistic feel that’s hard to resist and it’s my favorite neighborhood that I visited on my trip to Paris!

• Best for: Romantics, photographers, repeat visitors
• Why stay here: Full of charm and character, with a more local feel—but expect hills!
• Stay: Maison Souquet for a Montmartre hideaway that combines historic decadence and modern luxury

Pro Tip: Paris is very well connected by metro, so even if you’re not staying in the center, it’s easy to get around. Choose a neighborhood that matches your travel vibe—Paris will feel magical no matter where you wake up. I stayed in the 11th because I had Hyatt points that allowed me to stay for free (with an Eiffel Tower view!) and I had no trouble hopping all over the city via the metro!

Getting Around Paris

Paris is incredibly easy to navigate, and thankfully, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get around. Whether you’re staying central or venturing out to the edges of the city, there’s a transportation option to fit your style and budget.

Metro & RER Trains

The Paris Metro is hands-down the most efficient and cost-effective way to get around. With 16 metro lines and extensive coverage, you’re usually never more than a 5-minute walk from a station. For longer distances, RER trains (especially lines A, B, and C) are great for zipping across the city or reaching suburbs and key landmarks like Versailles or Disneyland Paris.

• Tickets: A single ticket (called a Ticket t+) costs around €2.10 and works for metro, bus, tram, and RER within central zones.
• Passes: Consider the Navigo Week Pass (about €30) if you’ll be there for several days and plan to use transit frequently—it covers unlimited travel in all zones.

E-Bikes

If the weather’s nice, biking around Paris is a dream. The city is increasingly bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and beautiful riverfront paths. Vélib’ Métropole is the public bike-share system, offering classic and electric bikes all over the city. Prices start around €3 for 45 minutes, or less with a day or week pass.

Taxis & Ride-Shares

Taxis are available but can be pricey, especially during peak hours. Make sure the meter is on, and know that tipping is minimal in France. Uber and Bolt operate in Paris and are often cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis, especially late at night or in less central areas.

Walking

Paris is a walker’s paradise. Many neighborhoods (especially Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and Montmartre) are best explored on foot, where you’ll stumble on charming cafes, boutiques, and hidden courtyards you’d miss underground.

What Are the Must-See Attractions in Paris?

I did an entire post about 8 must-do experiences for your first trip to Paris! There are countless other options, but these hit the highlights and are ideal for a short getaway to the City of Light!

Explore Paris