In short: what to know before flying to Paris
- What it is: The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, and most of the main sights are within walking distance or one Metro ride of each other.
- Airports: Paris has three airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais.
- Currency: The euro (€).
- Public transportation (2026 prices): A flat fare of €2.55 for every trip across the Paris region, including Versailles and Disneyland.
- Entry: Visitors from many countries, including the US, can stay visa-free for short trips. The ETIAS electronic authorization is not in force yet, and its launch has reportedly been postponed to 2027.
- Where to stay: The neighborhoods I recommend for first-time visitors are the Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissements), the Latin Quarter (5th) and Montparnasse.
- When to visit: In my view, fall, between October and December, is the best timing: the heat breaks, prices drop and the light is perfect for photos.
- The weather: The site has a live seven-day forecast, with a recommendation on what to wear and what suits each day.
- Safety: A crossbody bag worn in front prevents most pickpocketing. Watch out for the gold ring scam and the friendship bracelet trap in tourist areas.
Paris is my favorite city in the world. I first visited at age 3, and I don’t remember that trip at all. According to my parents, I caught the flu two days before the flight and got sick on the plane, but the moment we landed in Paris I recovered and asked when we were eating 🙂 Since then I’ve been back more than 30 times, and every visit I discovered something new: a hidden garden, an unfamiliar street where someone famous once lived, or a restaurant where every bite felt like a conversation with God.
The guide you’re about to read is everything I’ve learned about the city, and it’s updated all the time, because I try to visit at least twice a year. I built it around the questions travelers ask me before every flight to Paris: which neighborhood to stay in, which attractions are worth booking ahead, how the 2026 transit reform works, where to eat well without falling into tourist traps, and how to avoid the common scams near the famous sights. Each of those questions gets its own chapter here, with my recommendations and links to the full articles on the site.
Is this your first time in Paris? Start with the article Paris for Beginners and the 7-day itinerary, which I built for people who haven’t been to the city yet. Been here a few times already? In the article Paris for Advanced Travelers and on the walking itineraries page you’ll find the lesser-known side of the city.
If you came to read everything, just keep scrolling. The whole guide stays right here. You can also jump straight to:
Short on time? Start here
This guide is long, and on purpose: I packed in everything I’ve learned about Paris over dozens of visits. But I also know that most people who land here are really looking for three concrete things: where to sleep, what to see, and how not to waste half the vacation on second-guessing.
So I built three small recommendation engines, and each one sits inside the matching section further down the page. Each engine asks you two or three questions (neighborhood, budget, what interests you) and returns only my recommendations that fit the trip you’re planning, instead of making you scroll through dozens of cards and guess. Pick what’s most urgent for you right now, and the button will take you straight there:
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Hotel in ParisNeighborhood, comfort level and dates, and I’ll pick from the hotels I’ve checked myself.
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What to seeCheck off what interests you (museums, monuments, kids, shows) and you’ll get a tailored list.
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The weatherA seven-day forecast, with a recommendation for each day on what to wear and what to do.
When should you visit Paris, and do you need a visa?
A true Francophile would answer that question in one word: “Always.” And it’s true, there’s no month when nothing is happening in the French capital. But if I had to pick one season, it would be fall (October to December), when the heat breaks, prices drop and the light for photos is simply perfect.
If you already know when you’re coming, two pages will help you prepare. On the Paris weather page you’ll find a seven-day forecast, with a recommendation on what to wear and what to do each day, plus the averages across the year. In the article What to do in Paris every month of the year I gathered the events, holidays and festivals of each month.
Flights and airport information for Paris
Now that we’ve covered how to book a ticket, let’s talk about landing. Paris has 3 airports, and it’s very important to know which one you’re arriving at. I prepared detailed guides for each airport so you won’t end up wandering around with a suitcase in the rain:
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OrlyThe closest to the city and very easy to reach (especially with Transavia).
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Charles de Gaulle (CDG)The main airport. Most scheduled flights arrive here (Air France and others).
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BeauvaisVery far out (an hour and a half by bus). Used mainly by Ryanair.
Questions and answers about flights
How long is a direct flight?
Which airport do you recommend landing at?
What’s the best way to get from the airport into the city?
- Taxi (the most convenient): If you’re a couple or a family with suitcases, this is the sane solution. By law there’s a fixed flat rate! From Charles de Gaulle: about €56 to the Right Bank and about €65 to the Left Bank. From Orly: €45 to the Right Bank and €36 to the Left Bank. ⚠️ Warning: Don’t agree to pay a euro more, and go only to the official taxi line outside.
- Train (RER B): The cheap and fast option (€14), but less recommended if you have a lot of luggage or it’s rush hour.
- From Orly, Metro line 14: Gets you to Châtelet in about 25 minutes with no transfers, on the same €14 ticket (the RoissyBus to Charles de Gaulle stopped running in February 2026).
Recommended hotels
Choosing where to stay is critical, and sometimes feels like looking for a needle in a (very expensive) haystack. Don’t worry, I did the hard work for you. Here I’ve gathered the hotels that give the best value, but if you want to dive deeper and see all the options by neighborhood and budget, I highly recommend heading tomy full, expanded Paris hotel guide.
Comparing the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris
| Recommended neighborhood | Ideal for | Price level | Key advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissements) | Couples, fashion and history lovers | High | Authentic atmosphere, boutiques, and close to the center |
| Montparnasse (14th arrondissement) | Families, travelers on a sane budget | Medium | Excellent value for money, convenient public transportation |
| Saint-Germain (6th arrondissement) | Food lovers, luxury and classic Paris | Very high | Historic cafés, close to the Luxembourg Gardens |
| The Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) | Young travelers, students and couples | Medium to high | Lively atmosphere, varied restaurants, close to Notre-Dame |
The table above helps you choose a neighborhood. And these are my personal picks: hotels I’ve stayed in myself, arranged by comfort level and value for money.
Pampering hotels
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I stayed here!Hôtel AiglonA great hotel in the heart of Montparnasse, right next to the Metro, close to restaurants and within walking distance of the Luxembourg Gardens.
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I stayed here!Hôtel BrightonA pampering hotel on Rue de Rivoli, facing the Tuileries Garden. A perfect location and a spectacular view.
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I stayed here!Hôtel MolièreA renovated and very pampering hotel in a wonderful location near the Louvre and the Palais-Royal.
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I stayed here!Grand Hotel St MichelA 4-star hotel in an excellent location near the Luxembourg Gardens and the Latin Quarter.
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I stayed here!Holiday Inn BastilleA pleasant surprise! Big rooms and right next to the Gare de Lyon Metro (great for Disney).
Good value
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I stayed here!Lenox MontparnasseLike Hôtel Aiglon, it’s also in the heart of Montparnasse. It enjoys the same location advantages at a lower price.
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I stayed here!Austin’s Arts Et MetiersA strategic location near the Marais and Les Halles. A short walk to the Centre Pompidou.
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I stayed here!Hôtel De NiceDon’t let the vintage look scare you. Excellent service and a friendly price in one of the best locations.
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I stayed here!Meslay RepubliqueA modest hotel at a good price and in an excellent location near Place de la République. Easy access to the whole city.
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I stayed here!Hôtel du Plat d’EtainA strategic location between the Marais and République. Modern, clean rooms and excellent value for money.
Didn’t find anything that suits you? Check off the neighborhoods that interest you and your comfort level, and if you add dates, the booking links will arrive with prices and availability for those nights. It matters to me that you know this: the engine doesn’t scan every hotel in Paris, only the ones I recommend on the site.
My personal pick
Which stay in Paris suits you?
A few short questions, and I will pick out of the places I already checked and wrote about on the site the ones that fit the trip you are planning.
One moment, I am going over my recommendations to find what fits you…
None of the hotels suit you? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options!
See the list of recommended hotels in ParisRecommended apartments
For families or anyone who wants to feel like a local, an apartment is a great solution. If you’re torn between a hotel and an apartment, or looking for specific recommendations for large families, you have to take a look atmy complete vacation apartment guide. There I laid out all the little secrets that will save you grief.
In the meantime, here are Udi’s apartments, which I warmly recommend, offering a high standard in winning locations.
Concorde and the Marais
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I stayed here!The apartment near Place de la Concorde
A super pampering apartment (bedroom + living room + 2 bathrooms!), suitable for 4 to 6 guests. A winning location and a design that makes you feel like you’re in a hotel, at a price that’s sane for a family. I stayed here twice and enjoyed every minute.
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Apartment 1 near PompidouA 19th-century building (with an elevator!) in the heart of the western Marais. The Pompidou is across the street, the Metro is close, and the furnishings are perfect.
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I stayed here!Apartment 2 near PompidouIn the same building as the previous apartment, but smaller and cheaper. Ideal for a small family that wants the perfect location without breaking the bank.
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Apartment 3 near Pompidou (studio)A studio in the same sought-after building. Just right for a couple, or a couple with a child, who want to be in the middle of the action.
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I stayed here!Apartment 4 near Pompidou (Beaubourg)Located on Rue Beaubourg itself! First floor with an elevator, a fully equipped kitchen, plenty of hot water and quiet air conditioning. A delight.
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I stayed here!The apartment on Rue Sainte-Croix-de-la-BretonnerieI stayed here with my parents. A crazy location (near Eataly), but wonderfully quiet because the windows face the courtyard. A very spacious apartment.
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The apartment on Rue des RosiersIn the heart of the Jewish Quarter! A 35 sq m studio, pampering and well equipped. Note: there’s no elevator, so it’s best for the young at heart and at knee.
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The apartment near the Picasso MuseumA historic building in the heart of the Marais, second floor with no elevator. Suited to couples who want to breathe in the authentic Parisian atmosphere.
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I stayed here!The apartment in the northern MaraisNear the Marché des Enfants Rouges and Place de la République. A great view, an elevator, and an excellent bakery nearby. Suited to 2 couples or a family.
The Eiffel Tower and western Paris
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I stayed here!The apartment near TrocadéroSpacious, 2nd floor with an elevator and two bathrooms (a serious upgrade). Close to Passy and the Eiffel Tower.
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The apartment near the Eiffel Tower200 meters from Place du Trocadéro! A quiet ground-floor apartment on an inner courtyard, perfect for anyone who struggles with stairs. A dream for couples.
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I stayed here!The apartment in Passy (16th arrondissement)A wonderfully equipped ground-floor apartment in the heart of the pleasant, bourgeois neighborhood. No stairs and no elevator needed. Jan Couvreur’s pastries are a stone’s throw away.
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The apartment near the Arc de TriompheA sweet studio within walking distance of the Champs-Élysées. High floor with no elevator, for good walkers who want a prestigious location.
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The apartment in the 17th arrondissementNear the Rue de Lévis market street and Parc Monceau, with food shopping right at your door.
The Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain
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The apartment near Boulevard Saint-GermainA quiet studio in the heart of the lively Latin Quarter. Close to Notre-Dame and the Place Maubert market. A classic location.
Didn’t find an apartment that suits you here? The engine works on the same apartments that appear here and in the full apartment guide, and asks two questions: which neighborhood you want to be in, and how many guests need room.
My personal pick
Which apartment in Paris suits you?
One question about the area, and I will filter the apartments I checked and wrote about on the site. The apartments I recommend directly get booked very fast, so I added excellent Booking.com apartments that I hand-picked for my readers.
One moment, I am going over my recommendations to find what fits you…
Want to see more great apartments in Paris?
See the list of recommended vacation apartments in ParisQuestions and answers about hotels and apartments
Which area is best for booking a hotel or apartment?
Which is better, an apartment or a hotel?
Are there areas where it’s better not to stay?
Flying to Paris for a honeymoon or a romantic celebration? I have a separate Paris honeymoon guide, with romantic hotels, restaurants and a day-by-day plan for a whole week.
Attractions you can’t miss
The next section is the longest in the guide: monuments, museums, attractions for kids, gardens, cemeteries, and attractions outside the city too. If you don’t have time to read it all, check off what interests you here and I’ll put together a tailored list with visit times, neighborhood and ticket booking links. Afterward you’re welcome to come back and read the whole section, where you’ll find the stories and tips that can’t be squeezed onto a card.
What should you see in Paris?
Tick what interests you, and I will put together a list for you, with tickets and practical info.
What kind of attractions interest you?
Tick as many as you like. If you tick none, you get a mix of every kind.
“Must-See Attractions”
If it’s your first time in Paris, there are a few places that are simply a must. To make it easy, I’ve gathered them here with quick ticket booking (highly recommended to book ahead!):
But before we dive into the list, let me tell you a secret: the real magic of Paris isn’t always in the most famous places. If you want to discover the hidden gems that only the locals (and I) know, head tomy full list of monuments.
Monuments
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Eiffel Tower
The symbol of Paris. A breathtaking panoramic view, especially at night.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 7
- ⏱️ Visit time: 2-3 hours
- ♿ Accessibility: High (elevators available)
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Arc de TriompheThe famous arch at the end of the Champs-Élysées. The view from the top is among the best in the city.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 8
- ⏱️ Visit time: 1 hour
- ♿ Accessibility: Medium (an accessible elevator is available by arrangement)
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Les InvalidesA rich military museum and the burial place of Napoleon Bonaparte under the golden dome.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 7
- ⏱️ Visit time: 2-3 hours
- ♿ Accessibility: High
Think you’ve seen it all? (Not even close!) Paris hides architectural gems around every corner. Here’s the full list, including the secrets most tourists miss.
All the monumentsMuseums
The Louvre is the undisputed king, but Paris is packed with small, fascinating museums that sometimes beat the original. Want to find out where the most beautiful Monet paintings hide without getting squeezed in with thousands of tourists? Head tomy list of recommended museums.
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The LouvreThe largest museum in the world and the Mona Lisa. Booking a ticket in advance is recommended.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 1st (Mona Lisa)
- ⏱️ Visit time: 3-5 hours
- ♿ Accessibility: High
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Musée d’OrsayThe temple of the Impressionists in an old train station. Van Gogh, Monet and more.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 7
- ⏱️ Visit time: 2-3 hours
- ♿ Accessibility: High
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Musée RodinDevoted to the sculptor Auguste Rodin. A magical sculpture garden and a wonderful atmosphere.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 7
- ⏱️ Visit time: 1-2 hours
- ♿ Accessibility: High
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Under renovationCentre PompidouA modern art museum with a unique architecture. (Under renovation.)
- 📍 Arrondissement: 4th (the Marais)
- ⏱️ Visit time: 2-3 hours
- ♿ Accessibility: High
The Louvre is a must, but between us? The real magic hides in the small, intimate museums. Click here to discover the art treasures that won my heart.
All the museumsKids
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Disneyland ParisThe most famous park in Europe. Rides, beloved characters and fireworks.
- 📍 Location: Marne-la-Vallée (take the RER A)
- ⏱️ Visit time: A full day (at least)
- ♿ Accessibility: Very high
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Parc AstérixA park based on the famous comic. Excellent roller coasters.
- 📍 Location: Plailly (north of Paris)
- ⏱️ Visit time: A full day
- ♿ Accessibility: Medium to high
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Parc des PrincesThe home stadium of Paris Saint-Germain. An exciting experience for kids who love soccer.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 16
- ⏱️ Visit time: 1.5-2 hours (tour)
- ♿ Accessibility: High
Who said Paris is for adults only? From magical carousels to science museums that will blow their minds, here’s everything you need to make the little ones fall in love with the city.
More attractions for kidsOn the move
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A Seine cruiseA romantic, relaxed way to see the city, especially recommended at sunset.
- 📍 Location: Next to the Eiffel Tower or Pont Neuf
- ⏱️ Visit time: 1 hour
- ♿ Accessibility: High (on most boats)
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Tourist busA great way to get your bearings in the city and move between sights.
- 📍 Location: Stops all over the city
- ⏱️ Visit time: 1-2 days (flexible)
- ♿ Accessibility: High
Gardens
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The Luxembourg GardensThe most beloved garden in Paris. A palace, a fountain and a royal atmosphere in Saint-Germain.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 6
- ⏱️ Visit time: 1-2 hours
- ♿ Accessibility: High
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The Tuileries GardenThe historic gardens between the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées. A perfect picnic spot.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 1
- ⏱️ Visit time: 1 hour
- ♿ Accessibility: High
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Parc MonceauMy favorite garden. Elegant, green and full of architectural surprises.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 8
- ⏱️ Visit time: 1 hour
- ♿ Accessibility: High
The secret to the Parisian “good life”? A green chair, a fresh baguette and a beautiful garden. These are the green lungs I escape to when I need to recharge.
All the parksCemeteries
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Père LachaiseThe most famous of them all. Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf and Oscar Wilde are buried here.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 20
- ⏱️ Visit time: 2-3 hours
- ♿ Accessibility: Low to medium (hills and cobblestones)
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The Montmartre CemeteryLocated at the foot of the hill, full of cats and a special atmosphere. A must when visiting the neighborhood.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 18
- ⏱️ Visit time: 1 hour
- ♿ Accessibility: Medium
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The Montparnasse CemeteryThe bohemian option. Serge Gainsbourg, Sartre and many others are buried here.
- 📍 Arrondissement: 14
- ⏱️ Visit time: 1 hour
- ♿ Accessibility: High
Sounds morbid? Trust me, it isn’t. The cemeteries of Paris are open-air sculpture gardens full of history, legends and surprising pastoral quiet.
All the cemeteriesNone of the attractions above caught your eye? Head to the full list
See the full list of attractionsAttractions outside Paris
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Château de VersaillesThe most magnificent palace in France, and probably in the whole world. Requires at least half a day.
- 📍 Location: Versailles (take the RER C)
- ⏱️ Visit time: 4-6 hours
- ♿ Accessibility: High (by elevators)
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Disneyland Paris
A magical experience for families and Disney fans. The largest park in Europe.
- 📍 Location: Marne-la-Vallée (take the RER A)
- ⏱️ Visit time: A full day
- ♿ Accessibility: High
Want to leave the city for a day? Castles, picturesque towns and hidden gems a short drive away.
What to do outside Paris?Questions and answers about attractions
Is it worth buying the museum pass?
Where do you recommend booking tickets?
How far in advance should I book tickets?
When is entry to museums free?
The arrondissements of Paris: a guide to all twenty
Paris is divided into twenty arrondissements that spiral outward like a snail from the Louvre, and each has its own character. For each arrondissement I prepared a full page that includes the attractions, hotels and apartments I recommend, restaurants, food markets with their days and hours, and the walking itineraries that pass through it.
- 1The Louvre
- 2The Bourse and the Passages
- 3The northern Marais
- 4The southern Marais
- 5The Latin Quarter
- 6Saint-Germain
- 7The Eiffel Tower
- 8The Champs-Élysées
- 9The Opéra
- 10Canal Saint-Martin
- 11The Bastille
- 12The Bois de Vincennes
- 13Chinatown
- 14The Catacombs
- 15Tour Montparnasse
- 16The Bois de Boulogne
- 17Batignolles
- 18Montmartre
- 19La Villette
- 20Père Lachaise
Not sure which arrondissement to stay in? My neighborhood comparison is above in the hotels chapter, and if you’re looking for attractions by theme rather than by location, my Paris attractions page gathers all of them in one place.
Shows, concerts and cabarets
Already decided what you’ll do during the day, but what are you planning for the evenings? I gathered all the kinds of nightlife into handy tabs for you:
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CabaretsThe Moulin Rouge, the Lido, the Crazy Horse and more. A classic, unforgettable Parisian experience.
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Classical musicConcerts in churches (like Sainte-Chapelle) and in the magnificent opera houses.
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NightlifeClubs and discos for anyone who wants to dance until dawn.
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Bars and rooftopsPlaces to have a drink with an amazing view over the rooftops of Paris.
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How to get around Paris (2026 prices)
What is the Paris transit reform?
Since January 2025 there has been a single flat fare, which in 2026 stands at €2.55, for every single trip on the Metro, the RER and the suburban trains throughout the Île-de-France region, including trips to far-off places like Versailles and Disneyland. The change saves tourists a lot of time figuring out travel zones and significantly lowers the cost of transportation.
- Metro/train/RER ticket: A flat fare of 2.55€ .
- Bus/tram ticket: A flat fare of 2.05€ .
- The only exception, the airports: Trips to the airports are not included in the flat fare. The cost is €14.
If you’re staying more than two days, you should get to know the Navigo Easy card, which is the easiest and most economical way to get around the city.
Which is better: Navigo Easy or using your phone?
| Feature | Navigo Easy (physical card) | App (Bonjour RATP / phone) |
|---|---|---|
| Issue cost | €2, one time | Completely free |
| Loading tickets | At machines or through your phone | Directly inside the app |
| Ease of use | A separate hard card | Uses NFC, no card needed |
| Feature | Navigo Easy (recommended for most people) | Navigo Découverte (for advanced users) |
|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Most tourists coming for a weekend or a short trip | Anyone in Paris from Monday to Sunday who travels a lot |
| Card cost (physical) | €2 (free if you use your phone!) | €5 (a physical card is required + a passport photo) |
| What do you load on it? | Single tickets (€2.55) or a day pass | A weekly pass (Semaine) or a monthly pass |
| Do you need a photo? | No | Yes, required! |
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Public transportationMetro, buses and taxis. Everything you need to know to get from A to B easily and efficiently.
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A Seine cruise
An attraction that is also transportation. A fun way to see the city from the water and rest a bit from walking.
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Tourist bus
A great way to get your bearings in the city and move between sights.
Questions and answers about getting around Paris
How do you get to Disneyland Paris, and is it included in the regular ticket?
The complete guide to avoiding scams
The big three: the most common scams in 2026
1. “Excuse me, did you drop this?” (the gold ring scam)
The truth: The ring is made of cheap brass, and he wants money for the “bargain.”
2. The “friendship bracelet” trap
The truth: The moment the thread is tied on your wrist, he’ll aggressively demand payment.
3. “Do you speak English?” (the fake petition scam)
The truth: There’s no organization and no petition. After you sign, they firmly ask for a “donation,” and sometimes, while you’re busy with the clipboard, another hand is busy with your bag. Just keep walking, without signing and without apologizing.
Tours in Paris (on your own or guided)
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Walking itinerariesReady-made routes for every arrondissement, by days or by theme.
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Where should you eat in the City of Light?
Paris is an edible history lesson. Every bite of croissant or baguette tells a story hundreds of years old. If you want to know where to find the best éclair in the city (tested!), or which bistro will serve you an onion soup that makes you cry with joy, take a look atmy complete guide to restaurants and pastry shops.
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Recommended restaurantsMy recommendations for excellent restaurants that won’t let you down.
Where should you shop in Paris?
Whether you’re a fan of high fashion or a bargain hunter at the flea markets, Paris is a shopping paradise. I prepared a detailed guide to help you navigate between the dazzling department stores and the small, maddening boutiques, including everything you need to know about the sales and tax refunds. For all the details, head tomy comprehensive shopping guide.
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The complete shopping guideShopping areas, malls, department stores and tax refunds.
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Useful websites
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Tourist office
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The City of Paris -
RATP (Metro)
