Paris is well known throughout the world as the city of romance with the picturesque Seine River as the backdrop and architecture that oozes charm and sophistication. Its majestic Eiffel Tower attracts people from all over the globe to the pretty French capital with a delectable cuisine and a rich culture to discover.
From the fashionable streets of Le Marais to the famous Mona Lisa that hangs in the Louvre museum, Paris captivates travellers with an enchanting blend of art, culture, and charm.
With delicious cuisine and impressive attractions, Paris offers an unforgettable experience for visitors to discover.
In this guide, we explore everything you need to know before embarking on your journey to Paris.
Good things to know about Paris:
- The main train station, Paris Gare du Nord is located within the city centre, where you can arrive by train from locations across Europe and the UK.
- The currency used in Paris is the Euro (€).
- The local language spoken in Paris is French. Although English is well understood, you should learn a few basic phrases before you go.
- Paris is split into 20 sections called arrondissements, referred to by number, and the main tourist spots are found in the 1st to 8th arrondissements.
- Paris has three main airports with Orly being the closest to the city centre.
When to visit Paris
- Spring is a great time to visit Paris, between April to May, when the weather is warm but the city is not crowded like in summer.
- The Autumn months (September, October, and early November) are also a great time to travel to Paris when the weather is still warm and the prices are cheaper.
- The winter season offers the cheapest prices however Paris can get very cold with snow expected during January and February.
Public transport in Paris
- Public transport is excellent in Paris which includes the Metro train system, trams and buses.
- You can purchase Metro day passes or single journey tickets at ticket stations or buy the Navigo Easy Pass to use on all public transport in Paris.
- Avoid travelling on the Metro at rush hour between 8am – 9am and 5pm – 7pm.
- Taxis in Paris have a flat rate that they must abide by, so check the flat rate for your destination before you get in.
Eating out in Paris
- Cafe culture is popular and Parisians enjoy long coffee breaks while people watching from street-side tables.
- Make a reservation when dining out in the evening. Reservations can be made via the phone, online with the restaurant directly or via OpenTable.
- Authentic Parisian restaurants usually only have menus in French so be prepared to translate the menu with apps such as Google Translate.
- When eating out look for French Bistros which offer simple yet authentic food. Le Relais de la Entrecôte is a great example which only serves steak and frites but does so excellently.
What to see in Paris
- Get the Paris Museum Pass to save money on museum and attraction entry.
- The Eiffel Tower is a famous attraction in Paris with panoramic city views. Check the weather before you go as it can get windy at the top.
- Use the underpass when visiting the Arc de Triomphe to navigate past motorised traffic safely on foot.
- Paris has some great Flea Markets where you can pick up unique antiques and art. The Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is one of the best-known in Paris.
- Jump on a river cruise along the Seine to enjoy the romantic atmosphere of Paris.
Final tips for visiting Paris:
- Book attraction tickets in advance online to avoid queues and or buy skip-the-line tickets to cut down on waiting times.
- Keep your valuables in small zipped bags on the front of your body, and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas of the city.
- Beware of people offering you ‘gifts’ (flowers, friendship bracelets) or asking you to sign petitions as these are usually ploys to get you to hand over money. Just walk away and avoid confrontations.
Author:
Becki Chu
Freelance Travel Writer
Becki currently lives in London, UK with her family, and has travelled across the world, including Japan, Hong Kong and throughout Europe.