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 Few cities match the iconic status that Paris boasts in the imagination of travellers. In fashion, gastronomy, and the arts, she is queen. As you visit the different quartiers of the City of Light, her moods shift from gritty to sophisticated, from Haute Couture to punk. There is always something new to discover in Paris beyond the legendary sights and museums we all know so well. This fabled city has a way of getting under your skin and feeling instantly familiar to all who wander her hypnotic streets and linger at her inviting cafes.

currency

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

phone

Emergency: 112 / 15
Police: 17
Fire Brigade: 18

newspaper

Le Monde
Le Figaro
Pariscope
L’Officiel des Spectacles

hours

General opening hours in Paris are Mon–Sat 9am–7pm. Smaller shops may close between midday and 2pm or on Mondays. On Sundays and public holidays shops are closed. Department stores have one late-night opening day, called “nocturne”, during which shops are open until 9pm. Supermarket times may differ depending on the neighbourhood.

population

2.161 million (2019)

info

Office Tourism And Convention De Paris
29 Rue de Rivoli, Paris
Opening hours: Wed–Mon 10am–5:50pm

Aerial view of Paris, France S.Borisov/Shutterstock.com

The City

Writers, travellers, artists, photographers, and filmmakers have tried to capture the magic of the French capital for hundreds of years. Time and time again, they have failed.

It may be possible to understand and admire the magnificence of its architectural splendours, the appeal of its long tree-lined boulevards, and the draw of its vast, green parks, but that unique feeling of strolling through this open-air museum on a clear night cannot be reproduced by any medium. Paris is a city that must be experienced first-hand.

Instantly recognisable for its iconic architecture, the City of Light is a vibrant metropolis in constant change. Though perennial monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral are a must, as are world-renowned museums such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, there are wonders to be found on every corner. From the trendy bars, boutiques, and galleries of Marais to the artsy and bohemian feel of Montmartre to the grandiose elegance along the Seine – there is plenty for all tastes, a full range extending from earthy grit to over-the-top sophistication, but always with an emphatic and inimitable Parisian flavour.

A pioneer in design of all kinds, Paris is consistently at the forefront of innovation in everything from the arts and culture to fashion and gastronomy. Be it for shopping, dining, or sightseeing, it is hard to find a better place than this, the world’s most visited city.

Explore the city like a local and discover the top things to do and see in Paris, as well as the best restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, and hotels the City of Light has to offer, with our comprehensive, up-to-date, and free Paris travel guide.

Anthony DELANOIX/Unsplash

La Tour Eiffel

Michael Fousert/Unsplash

Musée du Louvre

TTstudio/Shutterstock.com

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Kazuo ota/Unsplash

Montmartre

Sergei25/Shutterstock.com

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur

Roderick Eime/Flickr

Moulin Rouge

alexandria / pixabay.com

Seine River Cruise

S-F/Shutterstock.com

Palace of Versailles

DXR / Wikimedia Commons

Musée d’Orsay

Young romantic couple of tourists using bicycles near the Eiffel tower in Paris, France Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock.com

Do & See

There is never enough time to take in everything that Paris has to offer. Visiting the sights and museums is immersive, awe-inspiring, and could easily keep you occupied for months. But visitors are best rewarded by simply venturing out into the night. Like most truly great cities, Paris is best experienced after dark and without a fixed route in mind, when the explorer is free to stumble upon an unexpected sight or an undiscovered hole-in-the-wall, drawn in by an alluring scent or some sort of innate feeling. One thing is for sure, you will never run out of things to see, do, and experience in Paris.

To help you save time and money, our travel experts have listed below the best attractions in Paris as well as things you should not miss while visiting the French capital.

Anthony DELANOIX/Unsplash

La Tour Eiffel

Michael Fousert/Unsplash

Musée du Louvre

TTstudio/Shutterstock.com

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Kazuo ota/Unsplash

Montmartre

Sergei25/Shutterstock.com

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur

Roderick Eime/Flickr

Moulin Rouge

alexandria / pixabay.com

Seine River Cruise

S-F/Shutterstock.com

Palace of Versailles

DXR / Wikimedia Commons

Musée d’Orsay

Skreidzeleu/Shutterstock.com

Catacombs of Paris

Nikitin Mikhail/Shutterstock.com

Panthéon

Bill Poon/Shutterstock.com

Place de la Concorde

Jorge Felix Costa/Shutterstock.com

Centre Pompidou

bensliman hassan/Shutterstock.com

Père Lachaise Cemetery

S1001/Shutterstock.com

Champs-Élysées

Luciano Mortula/Shutterstock.com

Pont Neuf

Henrique Ferreira/Unsplash

Montparnasse Tower

Luciano Mortula/Shutterstock.com

Le Marais

Marco Saracco/Shutterstock.com

La Seine

Brian Kinney/Shutterstock.com

Jardin du Luxembourg

Amy Johansson/Shutterstock.com

Louis Vuitton Foundation

George Dolgikh/Shutterstock.com

Cheese and Wine Workshops

Rrrainbow/Shutterstock.com

Parc Montsouris

Table at a restaurant in Paris, France lesya Kuznetsova/Shutterstock.com

Dining

Paris's cuisine surprises as much for its variety and range as it does for its quality and exquisite presentation. From small family-run bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants run by internationally famous chefs, dining here is more art than science.

Sweets, pastries, cheese, and fresh market produce are also an essential part of the Parisian gastronomic experience. Top it off with a treat from a speciality chocolaterie and a fine local vintage in the evening to complete the tour of the best delicacies Paris has to offer.

Below is a list of the best places to eat in Paris, France:

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Hôtel du Nord

Jeanette Teare/Shutterstock.com

L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre

Song_about_summer/Shutterstock.com

Le Voltaire

Sebastian Coman Photography/Unsplash

Le Potager de Charlotte

Thomas Marban/Unsplash

Little Tokyo (Rue Sainte-Anne)

mashe/Shutterstock.com

Kong

andrecastro / Shutterstock.com

Alcazar

Valerii__Dex/Shutterstock.com

Breizh Café

Luiz Rocha / Shutterstock.com

Pierre Gagnaire

Space_Cat/Shutterstock.com

Allard

Kzenon/Shutterstock.com

Goumard

artist11/Shutterstock.com

Le Balzar

Shebeko/Shutterstock.com

Annapurna

hlphoto / Shutterstock.com

Founti Agadir

gkrphoto/Shutterstock.com

L'As du Fallafel

funkyfrogstock / Shutterstock.com

Zo

Timolina / Shutterstock.com

Pizza Mancini

NatashaPhoto/Shutterstock.com

Roomies Etienne Marcel

B and E Dudzinscy/Shutterstock.com

Rouge Bis

Endla / Shutterstock.com

Boutique yam'Tcha

StockPhotosLV / Shutterstock.com

La Maison de Verlaine

Couple sitting in a cozy outdoor cafe in Paris, France Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock.com

Cafes

Fresh baguettes and croissants with a strong espresso in the morning, aromatic teas or pastis in the afternoon, a local vintage with friends in the evening, it's never the wrong time to visit a cafe in Paris. They are a quintessential part of the Parisian experience and the perfect vantage point from which to engage in a lazy afternoon of people-watching. The wide variety of drinks and the occasional live music round off the cafe experience to perfection.

Daria Shevtsova/Pexels

Café de Flore

Nathan Dumlao/Unsplash

KB CaféShop

Piotr Krzeslak/Shutterstock.com

Le Bistrot du Peintre

IAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV / Shutterstock.com

Le Select

Gorodisskij/Shutterstock.com

Aux Folies

iravgustin / Shutterstock.com

Charbon Café

Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

Café de la Paix

Valerii__Dex/Shutterstock.com

Breizh Café

Arc de triomphe during sunset IM_photo/Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

The nightlife in Paris is intense and very diverse, offering options to satisfy all tastes. From high-tech dance clubs to mellow jazz haunts – there is always something to fit your mood.

Trendy and popular bars abound, serving high-quality drinks with a good mix of people and music, and it is not uncommon to find live DJs. For a unique dose of vibrant local entertainment, you can't beat Paris's famous cabaret venues.

Here are some of the best spots for a fun night out in Paris, France:

Louis Hansel/Unsplash

Lulu White Drinking Club

Gorodisskij/Shutterstock.com

Aux Folies

IAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV/Shutterstock.com

Favela Chic

Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

La Perle

Roderick Eime/Flickr

Moulin Rouge

Nykonchuk Oleksii / Shutterstock.com

Buddha-Bar

glazok90 / Shutterstock.com

Le Nouveau Casino

Daxiao Productions / Shutterstock.com

Rex Club

Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com

Le Truskel

Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock.com

Galway Irish Pub

Kondor83/Shutterstock.com

VIP Room

Gallery Lafayette Paris Vladislav Gurfinkel/Shutterstock.com

Shopping

Shopping in Paris is synonymous with famous designers and luxurious brands – the names Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Christian Dior immediately come to mind. But you will also find more affordable options to match your budget in the huge department stores or many popular neighbourhood markets. Take your pick of fashion, food, books, or souvenirs.

Below is a list of the best places for shopping in Paris:

milanzeremski/Shutterstock.com

Le Bon Marché

Vladislav Gurfinkel/Shutterstock.com

Galeries Lafayette

Pantheon/Wikimedia Commons

Shakespeare & Company

Valikdjan/Shutterstock.com

Le Carrousel du Louvre

Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock.com

Along the Seine

Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock.com

Champs-Élysées

shamu.ch / Flickr

Les Halles and Marais

Kamil Macniak/Shutterstock.com

Les Grands Boulevards

Hugh Millward / Flickr

Area Surrounding Place Vendôme

Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com

Épicerie Causses

fizkes / Shutterstock.com

La Vallée Village

ChiccoDodiFC/Shutterstock.com

Goldymama

AnastasiaNess / Shutterstock.com

Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt

Ferenc Cegledi/Shutterstock.com

Souffle Continu

luminaimages / shutterstock.com

Artazart

www.BillionPhotos.com/Shutterstock.com

L'ABC du Parfum

Paris skyline Ditty_about_summer/Shutterstock.com

Tourist Information

Passport/Visa

France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Paris (FAQs)

What is the best time to visit Paris?

As one of the most visited cities in the world, it is safe to say that there is never really a bad time to visit the French capital. The weather is best in summer, but crowds are by far the biggest. Autumn is also highly recommended for its pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and stunning foliage.

Having said that, the best time to visit Paris is from June to October.

How many days do you need in Paris?

In order for you to visit the main sights and attractions in Paris, walk around the city and explore its characterful arrondissements, you will need from 4 to 5 days.

Is Paris dangerous?

Despite being a major European capital and one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris is a fairly safe city for travellers. However, as with most main tourist destinations, pickpocketing is the biggest concern here. So be careful with your belongings when taking public transport and around the city's main attractions.

Is Paris expensive?

Yes, Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world, especially when it comes to hotels. Average spending in the City of Light is high, not only when compared to other continents, but also other European cities.

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Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport

Paris is served by two major airports. Most international flights arrive at Roissy Charles de Gaulle (CDG), 30 kilometres from the city centre. Orly is 18 kilometres from the city centre. A third airport, Paris Beauvais, is mainly served by low cost airlines.

Roissybus offers a direct bus from the airport terminals every 15 minutes and arrives at the city centre (Opéra) after a 45-60 minute journey.

One of the cheapest and fastest options (30 minutes) is the underground RER B to Gare du Nord running every 10-15 minutes, from where you can connect to Paris’ metro network.

Air France buses go to Porte Maillot and Etoile every 15 minutes, and taxis can be found near the terminals’ baggage collection area exits. A taxi from the airport to the city centre takes around 30-40 minutes and should cost €45-50.

Address: Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris

Email:

Phone: +33 1 70 36 39 50

Website: www.easycdg.com

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Paris Orly Airport

Paris Orly Airport is located 18 kilometres from the city centre. From Orly, the automatic metro Orlyval takes you to RER B Antony station from 6am to 11pm. The journey takes about half an hour. The other cheaper option are the airport shuttle buses going to RER C Pont de Rungis station. As for buses, the Orly bus takes you straight to Opéra station. The bus takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Address: Paris Orly Airport, Paris

Email:

Phone: +33 1 70 36 39 50

Website: www.aeroportsdeparis.fr

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Paris Beauvais Airport

Paris Beauvais, is mainly served by low cost airlines. A shuttle service is organized between the terminals and Paris-Porte Maillot. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Address: Paris Beauvais Airport, Paris

Email:

Phone: +33 8 92 68 20 66

Website: www.aeroportbeauvais.com

More Information:

Public Transport

The city’s local transport system is cheap and efficient. The bus, underground (metro) and commuter train system (RER) are divided into five zones. Tickets are valid on both buses and trains, and can be purchased from the stations and in kiosks. Travel cards, ranging from one to five days, are also available at the airport, at underground stations and from tourist information offices.

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Phone: +33 8 92 69 32 46

Website: www.ratp.fr

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Batobus

Batobus is a boat service through the heart of Paris, with stops at eight key locations along the river Seine. It functions as a hop-on-hop-off service, and tickets are sold for one day, two days or one year.

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Website: www.batobus.com

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Taxi

Taxis can be hailed at stands or on the street, but they can be hard to find, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Beware of fake cabs at the airports.

Taxis Bleus
+33 1 49 36 10 10
www.taxis-bleus.com

Alpha Taxis
+33 1 45 85 85 85
www.alphataxis.com

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Post

Stamps are available from kiosks and news agents. For mail overseas, it is advisable to visit a post office. The central post and sorting office of the Louvre is open 24 hours a day.

Main Post Office:

Address: 52 rue du Louvre, Paris

Email:

Phone: +33 1 40 28 20 00

Website: www.laposte.fr

More Information:

Pharmacy

Pharmacies are either open late or around the clock.

Pharmacie Les Champs Elysées:

Address: 84 Avenue des Champs Elysées, Paris

Email:

Phone: +33 1 45 62 02 41

Website: www.pharmaciedeschampselysees75.pharminfo.fr

More Information:

Electricity

230 V

50 Hz

Plug types C and E

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Telephone

Country code: +33

Area code: 1

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