Paris City Guide

Paris effortlessly blends its deep historical roots with a vibrant, modern energy. The skyline is dominated by the majestic Eiffel Tower, but the true pulse of the city is found in its diverse arrondissements. From the world-class masterpieces housed within the sprawling Louvre Museum to the medieval charm of the Île de la Cité, every corner offers a glimpse into centuries of art and architecture.

Beyond the monuments, the city's allure lies in its leisurely pace of life. Spend an afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets of Montmartre or exploring the fashionable boutiques of Le Marais. For a true local experience, grab a fresh baguette and find a green chair in the Jardin du Luxembourg, or take a sunset stroll along the Seine to watch the city of light begin to sparkle.

Paris reveals its true soul away from the grand boulevards. While the world-famous landmarks define the skyline, these locations capture the authentic everyday rhythm of Parisian life.

Experience the Coulée verte René-Dumont, an elevated park built on a 19th-century railway viaduct. Predating similar projects worldwide, this lush walkway offers a peaceful perspective of the city's architecture and hidden courtyards from above the street-level bustle.

In the heart of the Marais, visit the Marché des Enfants Rouges. As the city's oldest covered market, it remains a beloved local haunt. Rather than just a place to shop, it is a culinary social hub where neighbors gather at communal tables to enjoy diverse international street food.

For a relaxed evening, head to the Canal Saint-Martin. While visitors often gravitate toward the Seine, locals prefer the iron bridges and stone banks of this waterway. Grabbing a bottle of wine and an artisanal snack to enjoy by the water's edge is a quintessential contemporary Parisian ritual.

Paris is exceptionally walkable, with many iconic landmarks clustered within its central districts. For longer distances, the RATP-operated network is world-class, consisting of the subterranean Metro and the RER commuter rail. A single t+ ticket costs €2.15, allowing for travel anywhere within the central zones. For visitors, a contactless Navigo Easy card offers a convenient way to hop between the 16 metro lines that crisscross the city efficiently.

Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Bolt are plentiful throughout the city. Official taxis use meters and are available at designated stands or via hailing. For a standard trip within the city center, expect to pay between €15 and €25 depending on traffic. This is often the most comfortable option after midnight when the Metro lines close, typically around 1:15 AM on weekdays and 2:15 AM on weekends.

Getting to and from the airports is straightforward with fixed pricing for taxis. From Charles de Gaulle (CDG), a fixed-rate taxi to the Right Bank costs €56, while the Left Bank is €65; the RER B train offers a direct link for €11.80. From Orly (ORY), fixed taxi rates are €36 to the Left Bank and €44 to the Right Bank, while the OrlyBus shuttle to Denfert-Rochereau costs approximately €11.20.

Paris is a global fashion capital offering a spectrum of retail experiences. For the pinnacle of luxury, head to the Golden Triangle and Avenue Montaigne, where legendary couture houses showcase their finest collections. Famous for leather goods, perfumes, and high-end accessories, these districts are the premier choice for shoppers seeking timeless French elegance.

For a blend of variety and architectural beauty, grand department stores like Galeries Lafayette Haussmann provide everything from cosmetics to designer labels under one roof. Those seeking a more curated or trendy atmosphere should explore the narrow streets of Le Marais, home to independent concept stores and artisanal boutiques offering unique jewelry and contemporary French fashion.

Budget-conscious travelers and vintage hunters will find treasures at the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, a sprawling flea market perfect for antiques and retro finds. Alternatively, Rue de Rivoli serves as a central hub for popular international high-street brands. From bespoke luxury to second-hand gems, the city’s diverse shopping landscape offers something for every taste and wallet.

In Paris, tipping is seen as a gesture of appreciation rather than a strict requirement, as a 15% service charge (service compris) is legally included in cafe and restaurant bills. For casual dining or a quick coffee, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving small change is perfectly sufficient. If the service at a sit-down meal is particularly attentive, leaving an additional 5% to 10% in cash is a gracious way to say thank you.

For other services, it is customary to offer 1 to 2 Euros per bag to hotel porters and to round up the fare for taxi drivers. The local currency is the Euro (EUR); at a rough exchange rate, 1 Euro is worth approximately $1.10 USD. While most establishments accept cards, keeping a few coins on hand for these small tokens of gratitude is always a good idea.

The most enchanting times to experience Paris are during the shoulder seasons of late spring, from April to June, and early fall, from September to October. During these windows, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for long walks along the Seine or lingering at sidewalk cafés. Spring brings iconic cherry blossoms and chestnut blooms, while autumn offers a crisp, golden backdrop to the city's historic boulevards. While crowds are present, they are more manageable than during the summer peak, and travelers can often find better value for accommodation.

For those prioritizing budget and solitude, the winter months from November through February offer the lowest prices and thinned-out museum queues. Although the weather is often damp and chilly, the city feels more intimate and local during this time. Conversely, the summer months of July and August see the highest temperatures and the densest crowds. This period typically commands the highest pricing for flights and lodging, making the shoulder seasons the ultimate choice for a balanced Parisian getaway.