France’s bustling capital city is also its largest metropolis, located in the central north of the country. Traversed by the River Seine, the epitome of romantic riverbank strolling, Paris regularly ranks as the world’s most visited city. A plethora of famous attractions and Parisian charm combine to offer a must-see destination.
What it is: The capital and largest city of France, a global icon of art, fashion, history, and gastronomy, where grand boulevards meet centuries-old landmarks.
Affordability: Expensive, with high prices for accommodation and dining, though budget options exist for savvy travelers.
Safety: Generally safe, but pickpocketing is common in tourist areas, and protests or strikes can disrupt travel.
Popularity: One of the most-visited cities in the world, attracting millions for its museums, architecture, and romance.
Tourist Infrastructure: Well-developed, with extensive public transport, countless hotels, and world-class museums and attractions.
Accommodation Options: Boutique hotels, luxury palaces, budget hostels, and charming apartments, especially in historic districts.
Dining Scene: A culinary capital, offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy cafés and fresh baguettes from boulangeries.
Nightlife: Diverse, with jazz bars, cabarets, rooftop lounges, and world-famous nightclubs.
Weather: Mild year-round, with warm summers, crisp autumns, chilly winters, and unpredictable spring showers.
Best Time to Go: April to June (spring blooms) and September to November (fewer crowds and pleasant weather).
Known For: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Seine River, fashion, cafés, croissants, historic architecture, art, romance.
Top Attractions: Eiffel Tower • Louvre Museum • Notre-Dame Cathedral • Champs-Élysées • Arc de Triomphe • Montmartre • Musée d’Orsay • Seine River Cruises.
- Population: Approximately 2.1 million in the city; around 11.1 million in the metropolitan area.
- Emergency Numbers: 112 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC +1; Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2 (March to October).
- Currency: Euro (€ EUR); ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Language: French is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Electricity: Standard voltage is 230V; plugs are type C and E (European two-pin plugs).
- Internet: Ubiquitous; free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and many public spaces.
- Convenience stores: Found throughout the city, especially chains like Franprix, Carrefour City, and Monop’.
- Nearest International Airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport (about 16 miles / 26 km northeast of the city center).
- Trivia: Paris has more than 130 museums, including the Louvre, the most-visited museum in the world.
- Iconic Local Foods: Must-try dishes include croissants, escargots, coq au vin, and crème brûlée.
- Fun Fact: The Eiffel Tower was initially criticized by many prominent artists and writers but has become one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Paris is one of the world’s most visited cities, drawing millions each year with its iconic landmarks, romantic atmosphere, and deep artistic roots. Most tourists come to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre’s Mona Lisa, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, but Paris offers much more. Walking along the Seine, exploring bohemian Montmartre, or relaxing in a quiet park lets you tap into the city’s timeless charm.
What sets Paris apart is its seamless blend of old-world grandeur and cutting-edge culture. You’ll find centuries-old monuments standing alongside modern fashion houses, innovative cuisine, and bold contemporary art, making every visit feel both classic and fresh.
Top attractions include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the Arc de Triomphe. Other musts are wandering the Marais, the Latin Quarter, and the Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens. Day trips to places like Versailles or Disneyland Paris are also popular.
The best areas to stay depend on your vibe: the 1st and 7th arrondissements are close to major sights, while Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Montmartre offer more of an artistic, local feel. Paris has a huge range of accommodation, from grand luxury hotels and boutique stays to budget hostels and cozy guesthouses.
Getting around Paris is straightforward thanks to its dense metro network, supplemented by RER trains, buses, and Velib’ bike shares. Most attractions are close to metro stops, and the city’s compact layout makes it very walkable. Taxis and rideshares are widely available but can get stuck in traffic.
Paris is a food lover’s dream, with everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to street-side crêpes and legendary bakeries. Its nightlife is varied, whether you’re into classy wine bars, cabarets like the Moulin Rouge, or pulsing nightclubs. Shopping ranges from designer boutiques along the Champs-Élysées to quirky markets and vintage shops.
Art lovers will have a field day in Paris with an abundance of famous art galleries, including the Louvre, housing the ubiquitous Mona Lisa, and the futuristic Pompidou Center. The many museums offer antiquities from the four corners of the world, collections of miniatures and precious objects, and even the future of space exploration. Bridges also feature prominently, representing great historical events and meeting places.
Shopping is also de rigeur, particularly for fashion fans, with Paris being the self-proclaimed fashion capital of the world. The top Paris shopping districts including the Champs-Élysées, are guaranteed to satisfy discount-hunters, designer divas, window shoppers and fashion victims equally. After a hard day’s shopping, it’s time to sample the cuisine and lively nightlife, with a truly overwhelming choice; the perfect antidote to all those museums.
Paris is generally safe, but pickpocketing, especially around tourist hubs and public transport, is common, so keep a close eye on your belongings. Areas in the outer districts (like parts of the 18th, 19th, and 20th) can feel rougher at night, though they also offer authentic cultural experiences.
Why Go to Paris?
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Iconic Landmarks: The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and other world-famous sights live up to their reputation and provide unforgettable views and photo ops.
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Art & Museums: Paris boasts the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou, making it one of the best cities on earth for art lovers.
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Food & Cafés: From fine dining to street food, Parisian cuisine is legendary. Sip coffee at a sidewalk café or dive into croissants and escargots.
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Fashion & Shopping: Paris is the fashion capital, with luxury boutiques, designer houses, and charming flea markets to explore.
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Literary & Film Spots: Stroll through areas made famous by writers and movies, whether retracing Hemingway’s haunts or visiting filming locations from Amélie.
Who Might Not Enjoy Paris?
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Budget Travelers: Paris can be pricey, especially if you want to stay centrally, dine out often, or hit major attractions.
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Peace Seekers: It’s a lively, busy city, if you’re craving quiet nature or a slow pace, the countryside may be a better fit.
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Crowd-Averse Visitors: Paris is crowded nearly all year, and popular spots can have long queues and packed viewing areas.
What’s Cool
Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Mona Lisa, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur, Seine River cruises, world-class art museums, café culture, French pastries and baguettes, designer shopping on the Champs-Élysées, romantic strolls along cobbled streets, historic landmarks at every turn, literary haunts like Shakespeare and Company, haute couture fashion shows, Paris Fashion Week, iconic film settings (Amélie, Midnight in Paris), cycling along the Seine, rooftop views from Galeries Lafayette, classic cabarets like Moulin Rouge, vibrant nightlife in the Marais and Pigalle.
What’s Not
Crowds and long lines at major attractions, high prices for dining and accommodation, pickpocketing hotspots (especially on public transit), occasional strikes and protests disrupting transport, language barrier frustrations, touristy menus and overpriced cafés, smog and air pollution on busy days, small hotel rooms, complex metro ticketing system, aggressive street hawkers near landmarks, traffic congestion, closures during August holidays, gray and rainy winters, reputation for aloof service, strict dining hours, expensive taxis.
Paris is located in the north-central part of France, straddling the Seine River about 145 km (90 miles) southeast of the English Channel. It sits within the Île-de-France region, which is the country’s most populous and economically significant area. Well-connected by rail, air, and road, Paris is a key hub for European and international travel, with its main airports (Charles de Gaulle and Orly) serving as gateways for millions of visitors annually.
The city is compact, covering around 105 km² (40 mi²), and is divided into 20 municipal districts called arrondissements, which spiral outward from the city center in a clockwise pattern. For tourists, Paris can be broadly divided into central historic areas (like the 1st to 4th arrondissements), the Left Bank (notably the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain), the Right Bank (home to the Marais, Opera, and Montmartre), and outlying districts that include modern hubs like La Défense. Major geographic features include the Seine, which splits the city into northern (Right Bank) and southern (Left Bank) sections, and several prominent hills, the most famous being Montmartre.
For visitors, the most popular areas to stay are the 1st arrondissement (Louvre/Tuileries), Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Marais, Montmartre, the Opera district, and the Champs-Élysées area. These neighborhoods are close to key landmarks, have excellent public transport links, and offer a range of hotels from budget to high-end.
1st Arrondissement (Louvre/Tuileries)
The 1st arrondissement is the historic heart of Paris, home to the Louvre Museum, Palais Royal, Tuileries Garden, and the western end of Île de la Cité with landmarks like Sainte-Chapelle. It’s a top choice for first-time visitors thanks to its central location and direct access to major sights. Compared to other areas, it’s quieter at night but unmatched for proximity to world-class museums.
- Accommodations: (Mostly High-End) - Plenty of luxury hotels and boutique stays, with few budget options.
- Nearby Attractions: Louvre Museum • Palais Royal • Tuileries Garden • Sainte-Chapelle • Pont des Arts
- Dining: (Refined) - Known for fine dining, Michelin-starred restaurants, and elegant cafés.
- Nightlife: (Limited) - Mainly quiet with upscale hotel bars.
- Shopping: (Upscale) - High-end boutiques and jewelry stores.
Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
The Latin Quarter is famous for its student vibe, historic institutions like the Sorbonne, and landmarks like the Panthéon and Jardin des Plantes. It offers a more relaxed, intellectual feel compared to central Paris, with easy walking access to Notre-Dame and the Seine.
- Accommodations: (Mixed Budget to Mid-Range) - A good selection of mid-range hotels, pensions, and budget hostels.
- Nearby Attractions: Panthéon • Jardin des Plantes • Musée de Cluny • Sorbonne • Rue Mouffetard
- Dining: (Casual) - Brasseries, ethnic eateries, and cafés.
- Nightlife: (Vibrant) - Student bars, jazz clubs, and live music.
- Shopping: (Modest) - Bookshops, gift stores, and vintage shops.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)
Saint-Germain is known for its literary and artistic history, elegant streets, and landmarks like Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Sulpice Church. It combines Parisian charm with a polished atmosphere, ideal for travelers seeking a sophisticated experience.
- Accommodations: (Mostly Mid-Range to High-End) - Boutique hotels and elegant Parisian stays.
- Nearby Attractions: Luxembourg Gardens • Saint-Sulpice Church • Odéon Theatre • Abbaye de Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Dining: (Sophisticated) - Upscale cafés and gourmet bistros.
- Nightlife: (Stylish) - Wine bars and live jazz spots.
- Shopping: (High-End) - Designer boutiques and galleries.
Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements)
Le Marais blends medieval streets with a trendy vibe, offering landmarks like Place des Vosges, Musée Picasso, and lots of independent boutiques. It’s one of the best places for strolling, with both history and fashion at your fingertips.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) - Stylish boutique hotels with some budget choices.
- Nearby Attractions: Place des Vosges • Musée Picasso • Musée Carnavalet • Hôtel de Ville • Rue des Rosiers
- Dining: (Diverse) - Trendy bistros and international cuisine.
- Nightlife: (Lively) - Cocktail lounges and LGBTQ+ venues.
- Shopping: (Excellent) - Boutiques, vintage shops, and concept stores.
Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)
Montmartre is famous for its artistic roots and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. It’s a hilltop neighborhood with great city views and a more relaxed, village-like feel, though crowded during the day.
- Accommodations: (Mostly Budget to Mid-Range) - Affordable hotels and hostels, with a few boutique spots.
- Nearby Attractions: Sacré-Cœur Basilica • Place du Tertre • Moulin Rouge • Musée de Montmartre
- Dining: (Casual) - Crêperies and bistros.
- Nightlife: (Mixed) - Cabarets and cozy bars.
- Shopping: (Modest) - Local art and souvenirs.
Opera & Grands Boulevards (9th Arrondissement)
This area is home to the Palais Garnier and big department stores like Galeries Lafayette. It’s a bustling commercial hub with good transport links and easy access to both historic and modern Paris.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) - Large hotels and business-friendly options.
- Nearby Attractions: Palais Garnier • Galeries Lafayette • Musée Grévin • Boulevard Haussmann
- Dining: (Varied) - Brasseries, fast casual, and gourmet restaurants.
- Nightlife: (Busy) - Theaters, bars, and cabarets.
- Shopping: (Outstanding) - Department stores and international brands.
Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe (8th Arrondissement)
Centered around the famous avenue, this district features landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and Grand Palais. It’s grand and touristy, attracting visitors for both its sights and its luxury shopping.
- Accommodations: (Mostly High-End) - Luxury hotels and a few mid-range options.
- Nearby Attractions: Champs-Élysées • Arc de Triomphe • Grand Palais • Petit Palais
- Dining: (Tourist-Oriented) - Chain restaurants and upscale spots.
- Nightlife: (Active) - Clubs and hotel bars.
- Shopping: (Luxury) - Flagship stores and designer labels.
Bastille (11th Arrondissement)
Bastille is a lively, youthful area known for nightlife and dining rather than major landmarks. It’s not far from the Marais and attracts visitors seeking a less touristy experience.
- Accommodations: (Mostly Budget to Mid-Range) - Affordable hotels and apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Place de la Bastille • Opéra Bastille • Rue de la Roquette
- Dining: (Bustling) - Trendy restaurants and international options.
- Nightlife: (Excellent) - Popular bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- Shopping: (Casual) - Independent boutiques and markets.
La Défense (Modern Business District)
La Défense is a major business district west of the city center, famous for its modern architecture and the Grande Arche. It’s mostly a work hub but draws visitors for its unique look and occasional events.
- Accommodations: (Mostly Mid-Range to Business-Oriented) - Chain hotels focused on business travelers.
- Nearby Attractions: Grande Arche • CNIT • Les Quatre Temps Mall
- Dining: (Practical) - Chain restaurants and brasseries.
- Nightlife: (Sparse) - Few bars, quiet after work hours.
- Shopping: (Good) - Large shopping centers and chain stores.
Highlights
- Eiffel Tower: was built for the World Exhibition in 1889 and stands 300 meters tall.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: is probably the most famous of all cathedrals, a Gothic masterpiece located on the Ile de la Cité, a small island in the heart of the city.
- Arc de Triomphe: was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories and features an observatory offering great views of the city.
- Sacré-Coeur Basilica: in the bohemian district of Montmartre overlooks the city with its Roman-Byzantine style domes.
- Louvre Museum: was once home to the French king and is now one of the most famous museums in the world, with lines queuing up to get a glimpse of its treasures.
- Jardin du Luxembourg: is probably Paris’ most popular park, designed in 1612 in French style and opened to the public in the 19th century.
- Place de la Bastille: is where the French Revolution kicked off on July 14, 1789, and is still a popular venue for political demonstrations.