top of page button
Paul Dufour/Unsplash.com

 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 cafés.

currency

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

phone

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

newspaper

Le Monde: www.lemonde.fr
Le Figaro: www.lefigaro.fr
L’Officiel des Spectacles: www.offi.fr

hours

General opening hours in Paris are Mon–Sat 9am–7pm. Some larger department stores and shopping centres may stay open until 8:00 PM or later on weekdays. Banks are open Mon–Fri 9am–5pm.

population

2,102,650 (2023)

info

Point Info Tourisme at Galeries Lafayette
48 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris
+33 1 53 16 23 76
Open Mon–Sat 10am–8:15pm, Sun 11am–7:45pm

website

parisjetaime.com/eng

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.

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 city. 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.

Michael Fousert/Unsplash

Louvre Museum

TTstudio/Shutterstock.com

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Kazuo ota/Unsplash

Montmartre

Sergei25/Shutterstock.com

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

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

Luxembourg Garden

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.

sasaken/Shutterstock.com

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)

andrecastro / Shutterstock.com

Terrasse de l'Alcazar

Luiz Rocha / Shutterstock.com

Pierre Gagnaire

Space_Cat/Shutterstock.com

Allard

artist11/Shutterstock.com

Le Balzar

gkrphoto/Shutterstock.com

L'As du Fallafel

funkyfrogstock / Shutterstock.com

Zo

NatashaPhoto/Shutterstock.com

Roomies Etienne Marcel

StockPhotosLV / Shutterstock.com

La Maison de Verlaine

B and E Dudzinscy/Shutterstock.com

Rouge Bis

Endla / Shutterstock.com

Boutique yam'Tcha

hlphoto / Shutterstock.com

Founti Agadir

Shebeko/Shutterstock.com

Annapurna

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

Cafés

Fresh baguettes and croissants with a strong espresso in the morning, aromatic teas or pastis in the afternoon, and a local vintage with friends in the evening, there's never a wrong time to visit a café 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 café 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

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

Paris transforms into a captivating playground after dark, offering a nightlife that mirrors its vibrant cultural tapestry. From chic rooftop bars with panoramic views of the glittering Eiffel Tower to hidden speakeasies tucked away in the trendy Marais district, the options are as diverse as the city itself.

Dive into the rhythmic pulse of renowned clubs like Rex Club, pulsating with electronic beats, or opt for the intimate charm of jazz bars along the Seine. For a unique dose of vibrant local entertainment, you can't beat Paris's famous cabaret venues.

Gorodisskij/Shutterstock.com

Aux Folies

IAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV/Shutterstock.com

Favela Chic

Daxiao Productions / Shutterstock.com

Rex Club

Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

La Perle

Nykonchuk Oleksii / Shutterstock.com

Buddha-Bar

glazok90 / Shutterstock.com

Nouveau Casino

Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com

Le Truskel

Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock.com

Galway Irish Pub

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.

milanzeremski/Shutterstock.com

Le Bon Marché

Vladislav Gurfinkel/Shutterstock.com

Galeries Lafayette

Pantheon/CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia

Shakespeare & Company

Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock.com

Along the Seine — The Bouquinistes of Paris

Valikdjan/Shutterstock.com

Carrousel du Louvre

Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock.com

Champs-Élysées

BERK OZDEMIR/Shutterstock

Westfield Forum des Halles & Le Marais

Kamil Macniak/Shutterstock.com

Les Grands Boulevards

Hugh Millward/CC BY 2.0/Flickr

Area Surrounding Place Vendôme

Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com

Épicerie Causses

Ferenc Cegledi/Shutterstock.com

Souffle Continu

AnastasiaNess / Shutterstock.com

Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt

fizkes / Shutterstock.com

La Vallée Village

luminaimages / shutterstock.com

Artazart

ChiccoDodiFC/Shutterstock.com

Goldymama

stockcreations/Shutterstock

La Maison du Chocolat

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.

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

More Information:

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

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

One of the cheapest and fastest transfer options (approximately 45 minutes) is the underground RER B to Gare du Nord running every 10-15 minutes, from where you can connect to Paris’s metro network. Alternatively, the RoissyBus shuttle provides a direct link between Paris-Opéra and Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport in 60 minutes. The frequency ensures a departure every 30 minutes.

It's crucial to be cautious at airports to avoid fake cabs; authentic taxis are identifiable by an illuminated sign. To locate legitimate taxi stands, it's advised to follow the designated markings on the ground.

Address: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Email:

Phone:

Website: www.parisaeroport.fr/roissy-charles-de-gaulle

More Information:

Paris-Orly Airport

Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is located approximately 20 km away from Paris city centre. There are basically three transportation options to reach Paris: taxi, train, and bus.

Opting for a taxi offers the most convenient and direct transfer, taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes, with taxi ranks readily available outside all airport terminals.

Unfortunately, there are no direct train lines from Orly Airport to the city centre. Travellers opting for the train option need to take the Orlyval metro to Antony Train Station and then transfer to the RER B line, with the entire journey taking around an hour. Trains leave from all terminals, simply exit the arrivals gate and follow the signs leading to the Orlyval metro platform.

The Orlybus, a direct shuttle service, is a swift and direct bus option taking 30 minutes to reach Place Denfert-Rochereau in the city centre. While public buses are available, they make frequent stops and take longer than the Orlybus. Bus stops are conveniently located outside all airport terminals.

Address: Paris Orly Airport

Email:

Phone:

Website: www.parisaeroport.fr/en/orly-airport

More Information:

Paris Beauvais Airport

Paris Beauvais (BVA) is mainly served by low-cost airlines. A shuttle service is organised between the terminals and Paris-Porte Maillot, which is located close to RER (line C) and metro (line 1) stations. The shuttle journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it is designed to align with flight timetables.

Address: Paris Beauvais Airport

Email:

Phone: +33 8 92 68 20 66

Website: www.aeroportparisbeauvais.com/en/passengers

More Information:

Public Transport

Paris offers an ideal setting for exploring on foot, yet public transport remains a practical necessity during your visit. The iconic Paris metro, characterised by its Art Nouveau entrances, stands out as a fast and economical means of navigating the city. With currently 16 lines and over 300 stations, the metro operates daily from 5:30am to midnight on weekdays and until approximately 1:45am on weekends.

Tickets for the metro and other public transportation options, including buses and trams, can be conveniently acquired from machines in mainline or metro stations. The Navigo Easy pass, designed for occasional use, comes pre-loaded with 10 transport journeys in central Paris and can be easily recharged at stations. For unlimited travel spanning 1, 2, 3, or 5 days in Paris and Île-de-France, the Paris Visite pass is a convenient choice.

Beyond the metro, Paris boasts an extensive transportation network, including 5 RER lines serving both the city and its surroundings, 13 tram lines covering the outskirts and parts of Île-de-France, and a comprehensive bus system. Buses operate Monday through Saturday from approximately 7am to 12:30am, with nearly half of the lines running on Sundays and public holidays. Additionally, the Noctilien night bus service ensures travel between 12:30am and 5:30am. Finally, Transiliens, regional trains departing from major Parisian stations, offer further connectivity to the surrounding areas.

For more information, visit the RATP website.

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website: www.ratp.fr/en

More Information:

Batobus

Batobus is a boat service through the heart of Paris, with 9 stops at key locations along the river Seine. Serving as a hop-on-hop-off service, it provides the freedom for travelers to craft their own itinerary, allowing exploration of Paris's historical monuments and neighbourhoods at their own pace.

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website: www.batobus.com/en

More Information:

Taxi

Taxis can be hailed at stands or on the street, but they can be hard to find, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. However, Uber, the widely-used ride-sharing service, operates in the city, providing a convenient alternative for both locals and tourists to navigate Paris seamlessly.

When it comes to taxis in Paris, it's crucial to be cautious at airports, especially, in order to avoid fake cabs; authentic taxis are identifiable by an illuminated sign. To locate legitimate taxi stands, it's advised to follow the designated markings on the ground.

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

More Information:

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.

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

More Information:

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 from early in the morning until midnight.

Address: Post Office Centre D'examen Du Code De La Route, 50 Rue du Louvre, Paris

Email:

Phone: +33 9 70 82 36 31

Website: www.laposte.fr

More Information:

Pharmacy

Pharmacie des Champs-Élysées
84 Avenue des Champs-Élysées
+33 1 45 62 02 41
Open Mon–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 10am–8pm

Pharmacie Lafayette Des Halles
10 Boulevard de Sébastopol
+33 1 42 72 03 23
Open Mon–Sat 8:30am–9pm, Sun 9am–9pm

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

More Information:

Electricity

In France, the electrical supply operates at a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. The country employs two main types of electrical plugs: type C and type E. Type C plugs feature two round pins. Type E plugs, on the other hand, also have two round pins but include an additional hole for the earth (ground) pin.

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

More Information:

Telephone

Country code: +33

Area code: 1

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

More Information: