Complete Travel Guide: Paris, France

Complete Travel Guide: Paris, France

Paris has a way of making you feel like you've stepped into a painting — cobblestone streets, golden-lit cafés, and a skyline punctuated by the iron silhouette of the Eiffel Tower. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, the City of Light always has something new to reveal. This guide covers everything you need to plan a smooth, memorable trip to one of the world's most beloved destinations.

Overview

Paris is the capital of France and home to roughly 2.1 million people within the city limits, with the greater metropolitan area swelling to over 12 million. Straddling the River Seine in northern France, it sits at the cultural and political heart of the country. People visit for countless reasons — world-class art, extraordinary food, fashion, history, and an atmosphere that's simply impossible to replicate anywhere else on earth.

The city is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts) that spiral outward from the centre like a snail shell. Each one has its own personality. The Marais (3rd and 4th) is hip, historic, and home to Paris's thriving LGBTQ+ community. Montmartre (18th) offers bohemian charm and sweeping views from the steps of Sacré-Cœur. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th) is where intellectuals, artists, and well-dressed locals have gathered for centuries.

Essential Information

• Currency: Euro (€). Budget roughly $1.10 USD per euro as a general guide, though rates fluctuate.
• Language: French. Learning a few basic phrases — bonjour, merci, s'il vous plaît — goes a long way and locals genuinely appreciate the effort.
• Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, or UTC+2 during summer daylight saving.
• Electricity: 230V, Type E plugs. Bring an adapter if you're travelling from North America.
• Best Time to Visit: April through June and September through October offer mild weather, smaller crowds, and beautiful light. July and August are peak tourist season — expect higher prices and long queues.
• Tipping: Service is usually included in restaurant bills. Rounding up or leaving a few euros is appreciated but never obligatory.

Practical Tips

Get a Navigo Easy card when you arrive — it's a reloadable transit card that works across the Metro, buses, RER trains, and even the Montmartrobus. A single Metro ticket costs around $2.20 USD, but a pack of ten (a carnet equivalent loaded on the card) brings the per-ride cost down significantly. The Metro runs until roughly 1:15 AM on weekdays and 2:15 AM on weekends, making late-night returns from dinner totally manageable.

For food, skip the restaurants immediately surrounding major tourist sites — you'll pay double for half the quality. Instead, walk two or three streets away and look for a chalkboard menu (tableau noir) written in French. A classic Paris lunch formule (set menu) typically runs $18–$28 USD and includes a starter, main, and glass of wine. Grab your morning croissant from a boulangerie rather than a café to pay local prices, usually under $2 USD.

Book major attractions — the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Palace of Versailles — in advance online. The Paris Museum Pass ($65–$100 USD depending on duration) grants entry to over 50 museums and monuments and lets you skip ticket lines, which can save hours during peak months.

Getting There

Most international travellers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), located about 23 kilometres northeast of central Paris. It's one of Europe's busiest hubs, with direct flights from major cities across North America, the UK, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Flight times from New York typically run around seven hours, from Los Angeles roughly eleven, and from London just over an hour.

From CDG, the RER B train is the fastest and most affordable way into the city centre, taking around 35 minutes to reach major stations like Châtelet–Les Halles and costing approximately $13 USD. Taxis are metered and typically cost $55–$75 USD to central Paris, depending on traffic. Rideshare apps like Uber also operate at CDG. Paris Orly Airport (ORY) serves mainly European and domestic routes and is well connected to the city by the Orlyval shuttle and RER B combination.

Accommodation Options

Paris has accommodation to suit every budget, though prices are higher than many European capitals. Location matters enormously — staying in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd arrondissement puts you within walking distance of most major sights.

• Budget ($80–$130/night): Generator Paris in the 10th arrondissement is a stylish hostel with private rooms. Hotel des Canettes in Saint-Germain offers no-frills comfort at reasonable rates for the neighbourhood.
• Mid-Range ($150–$280/night): Hotel Fabric in the 11th is a converted textile factory with character and excellent service. Hotel Le Relais Saint-Germain is a charming boutique option with individually decorated rooms in a prime Left Bank location.
• Luxury ($350+/night): The Ritz Paris on Place Vendôme is an icon for a reason. For something more intimate, Pavillon de la Reine tucked into a courtyard in the Marais delivers five-star elegance without the grand-hotel formality.

Paris rewards those who plan ahead and wander without a rigid itinerary in equal measure. Book your flights and accommodation early — especially if you're travelling between May and September — and leave room