Things To Do
in Paris
Paris, the capital of France, is renowned for its timeless elegance and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The city’s wide boulevards and charming arrondissements blend Haussmannian architecture with cozy cafés and boutique shops. Renowned for its world-class art museums, Paris offers treasures like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay.
With a rich culinary and cultural heritage, the city captivates visitors at every turn.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Paris and make your way to a charming boutique hotel near the Seine. Unpack leisurely and head out for a freshly baked croissant and café au lait at a local patisserie. Wander along the river banks to soak in the glittering views of Notre-Dame and the Île de la Cité.
Settle onto a leisurely boat cruise along the Seine, passing under historic bridges and admiring grand façades. Disembark near the Louvre and stroll through the Tuileries Garden, pausing by fountains and sculptures. Pop into a café terrace for a light lunch of salade niçoise or quiche Lorraine.
Dine at a classic bistro in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, sampling coq au vin or beef bourguignon. Afterward, take a twilight walk to the Pont des Arts and leave a symbolic padlock on the railings. End the night with an espresso in a candlelit café while listening to the distant hum of accordion music.
Arrive early at the Louvre to beat the crowds and marvel at the glass pyramid entrance. Begin with the Denon wing, where you can gaze upon the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory. Explore nearby Italian Renaissance masters before grabbing a coffee in the courtyard café.
Cross Rue de Rivoli to the Carnavalet Museum and discover the history of Paris through immersive exhibits. Enjoy a light lunch of jambon-beurre at a sidewalk café. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the Palais-Royal gardens and peeking into its hidden arcades.
Attend a classical music recital in a restored chapel or private mansion. Savor dinner at a Michelin-starred bistro, sampling innovative takes on classic French dishes. Conclude with a stroll past the illuminated Louvre façade, reflecting on centuries of art.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-20 |
| 🥖Fresh baguette | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $3-5 |
| 🎟️Museum entry fee | $15-20 |
| 🚕Taxi start (daytime) | $4-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class art and architecture
- Exceptional cuisine and cafés
- Efficient public transport and walkable streets
- Rich history and cultural events
- High cost of accommodation and dining
- Crowded tourist hotspots
- Pickpocketing in busy areas
- Occasional strikes disrupting transit
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Où sont les toilettes ?" - Where is the restroom?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Paris
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine, especially dramatic at sunrise or after dark.
Ornate bridge with gilded sculptures framing the Grand Palais and the river.
Glass pyramid juxtaposed with classical palace wings; ideal at dawn to avoid crowds.
The stairways around Sacré-Cœur offer sweeping city vistas framed by street artists and cafés.
Food in Paris
Paris Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic flaky croissants and crusty baguettes from bakeries like Du Pain et des Idées in the 10th arrondissement.
Must-Try!
Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and lardons, served in traditional brasseries such as Chez Paul.
Thin pancakes with sweet or savory fillings, best found at street stands near the Latin Quarter.
Colorful almond meringue cookies, famously crafted by Ladurée or Pierre Hermé.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest open-air markets selling produce, cheese, charcuterie and fresh flowers; sample oysters and rillette sandwiches.
Quaint pedestrian street offering fromageries, boulangeries and crepe stands—try a ham-and-cheese crêpe.
A rotating selection of gourmet trucks serving kebabs, gourmet burgers and fusion tacos.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always say “Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur” when entering shops or restaurants before asking for anything.
Keep your voice down on metros and buses; phone calls are considered rude on public transit.
Parisians value their personal bubble—avoid overt familiarity with strangers.
Be on time for reservations and appointments; calling ahead is appreciated if you’ll be more than 5 minutes late.
Safety
Tipping in Paris
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge is included by law in restaurant bills; you may round up or leave 5–10% for exceptional service.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted; carry small euro notes or coins for markets, boulangeries and metro tickets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens make April and May ideal for strolling parks and riverbanks.
Warm days perfect for al fresco dining and boat cruises, though July and August can be crowded and muggy.
Cooler weather brings colorful foliage in Luxembourg and Tuileries Gardens and fewer tourists in September–October.
Chilly, damp days with occasional frost; festive lights during December and smaller museum lines.
Paris at Night
Hiking in Paris
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Dense woodland 60 km south, offering hiking trails, rock-climbing boulders and historic châteaux.
Rolling hills and charming villages 40 km northwest, with marked walking paths and historic mills.
Lush valley and forested trails 30 km southwest, dotted with abbeys and the Château de la Madeleine.
Airports
How to reach Paris by plane.
Main international hub 25 km northeast, connected by RER B train, Roissybus or taxis.
Secondary airport 13 km south, served by Orlyval tram, RER and shuttle buses.
Budget airline airport 85 km north; frequent shuttle buses to Porte Maillot.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longtime city residents, often born and raised in central arrondissements.
Large communities of international workers and students, especially in business districts and near universities.
Vibrant student life around the Sorbonne, Sciences Po and other grandes écoles.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Home to Paris Saint-Germain, matches at Parc des Princes draw huge local support.
Roland-Garros hosts the French Open each May and June, a major Grand Slam event.
The city hosts stages of the Tour de France and offers extensive bike paths and Velib’ rentals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Paris.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many bistros now offer plant-based mains; look for mushroom bourguignon or ratatouille at vegan-friendly spots like Hank Vegan Burger.
Specialty cafés such as Clouds Bakery and VG Pâtisserie serve 100% vegan pastries and mains.
Several boulangeries offer gluten-free loaves and pastries; Marlette bakery in the 10th is a good choice.