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.
Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents
Emergency: 112 / 15
Police: 17
Fire Brigade: 18
Le Monde
Le Figaro
Pariscope
L’Officiel des Spectacles
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.
2.161 million (2019)
Office Tourism And Convention De Paris
29 Rue de Rivoli, Paris
Opening hours: Wed–Mon 10am–5:50pm
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.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
Palace of Versailles
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.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
Palace of Versailles
Catacombs of Paris
Panthéon
Place de la Concorde
Centre Pompidou
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Champs-Élysées
Pont Neuf
Le Marais
La Seine
Jardin du Luxembourg
Louis Vuitton Foundation
Cheese and Wine Workshops
Parc Montsouris
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:
Hôtel du Nord
L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre
Le Voltaire
Kong
Alcazar
Breizh Café
Pierre Gagnaire
Allard
Goumard
Le Balzar
Annapurna
Founti Agadir
L'As du Fallafel
Zo
Pizza Mancini
Roomies Etienne Marcel
Rouge Bis
Boutique yam'Tcha
La Maison de Verlaine
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.
Le Bistrot du Peintre
Le Select
Aux Folies
Charbon Café
Café de la Paix
Breizh Café
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:
Aux Folies
Favela Chic
La Perle
Buddha-Bar
Le Nouveau Casino
Rex Club
Le Truskel
Galway Irish Pub
VIP Room
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:
Le Bon Marché
Galeries Lafayette
Le Carrousel du Louvre
Along the Seine
Champs-Élysées
Les Grands Boulevards
Épicerie Causses
La Vallée Village
Goldymama
Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt
Souffle Continu
Artazart
L'ABC du Parfum
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
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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
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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
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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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