Overview
Paris, the capital of France, is one of the world’s most iconic, meaningful, and influential cities. Paris offers rich history, stunning monuments and attractions, exceptional cuisine, and a complete cultural experience at some of the world’s best museums. The Parisian streets, cafes, markets, beautiful gardens, and romance in the air attract couples and families from all over the world.
This travel guide will provide all the information you need to plan your trip to Paris. Things to do, Itineraries, tips, save money, and make the most out of your City of Lights!
Country
France
Approx. Duration
Min 1 day
Accessibility Level
Accessibility Level – High
Local Currency
Euro
Price Level
High
Min. Price
Not Relevant
Address
Paris, France
Spoken Languages
French, you can get by with English
Recommended Age
Babies, Kids, Teens, Adults, Seniors, Any Age
Pricing Details
Not Relevant
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs with two round pins are standard
Safety
It’s generally safe to travel to France. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing, purse, and mobile phone snatching are common, especially in big cities and tourist attractions. Click here for more detailed, up-to-date safety recommendations.
Don’t allow strangers to pick you out from the airport. Use organized taxi apps/stations, Uber, or pre-book a ride. Basically Ignore everyone that approaches you randomly during the entire trip and don’t accept anything from strangers (no rose, no ticket, and nothing else).
Things To Do
means popular
Total: 20
Westfield Forum des Halles
The Forum des Halles is an extensive shopping, dining, leisure, activities, and transportation hub right in the heart of Paris.
Musée d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay is a beautiful museum, once a railroad station, best known for its unusual design by Jean Nouvel. The exterior of the building is covered with plant walls and wild gardens. The museum houses a staggering collection of Impressionist art and other items created between 1848 and 1914. Be sure to check out the museum’s calendar of special exhibitions, including shows centered around a specific culture.
Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac
The Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, located in Paris, France, close to the Eiffel Tower. It’s best known for its unusual architecture by Jean Nouvel and its wild garden created by the landscaper Gilles Clément. The museum exhibit 3,500 works of art from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. This indispensable collection makes the museum a must-see if you wish to discover the art culture of the non-European world.
Things To Do
Total: 20
Grand Palais
2 - 3 hours
Free. Events and exhibition may have extra fee
The Grand Palais is a historic site, exhibition hall, and museum complex located in the heart of Paris on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. It was built in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition. It’s associated with years of Chanel runway shows and the most significant art exhibitions taking advantage of the cast spaces.
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Additional Information
Besides London, Paris has the largest number of tourists in Europe, and for good reasons. Paris is very friendly to tourists, which makes many of them visit frequently. The great food, gardens, world-famous monuments and museums, lovely streets, and excellent public transportation makes it a place you’ll want to see.
A few of Paris’s most well-known attractions and activities include the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre museum, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Moulin Rouge cabaret shows. However, these are only a few of the things to experience in this great city. Keep reading to find many other things to do, whether traveling solo, as a couple, or as a family.
If you travel with your kids, a short ride, and you’re in the magical world of Disneyland Paris. If you’re an art lover, check out the must-see museums. If you’re looking for some romance, you’ll find endless romantic spots in Paris, and if you’ll looking for outstanding cuisine, check out this inspiring post.
When relevant, I’ll also state ways to save money. You’re always welcome to visit our traveling coupons site for great saving options on things you’ll need for or during your trip.
For free walking tours, check out the great tours by GuruWalk.
Frequently Asked Questions
All tourist areas have ATMs and most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards.
Yet, it is still wise to carry some cash as small retailers may not take cards.
Paris is often called the City of Light because it was the first city to adopt gas street lighting.
- Drinks – round your bills up by any small change.
- Meals – leave a couple of euros after a meal.
- Museum and tour guides will expect about 10%.
- Cab drivers expect 5-10%.
Although you can manage talking English, it’s always nice to know few essential words that will help you be more polite, connect with the locals and have better experience over whole.
- Hello = Bonjour
- Good evening = Bonsoir
- Goodbye = Au revoir
- Please = S’il vous plaît
- Do you speak English? = Parlez-vous anglais?
- Thank you = Merci
- Yes = Oui
- No = Non
- Excuse me = Excusez-moi
- Sorry = Pardon
- Madam/Sir = Madame/Monsieur
- Where can I find…. = Où puis-je trouver…
- Where is the toilet? = Où sont les toilettes?
- The bill/check please = L’addition, s’il vous plaît
- Have a nice day! = Bonne journée!
Helpful telephone numbers in Paris
- Ambulance: 15
- Police: 17
- France area code: +33
- Paris area code: 01
Opening hours in Paris
These are times stores and museums are usually open. Always check before you go.
Stores – Usually open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm from Monday to Saturday. Department stores in the city usually stay open until later, for example. In Avenue des Champs-Élysées and other tourist areas stores may also open on Sundays. Opening hours on Sunday are from 11 am to 7 pm approximately.
Museums – Most museums open between 9:30 am and 11:00 am and close at approximately 6:00 pm.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Paris is in the summer (June to August) and spring (March to May). With that being said, Paris is great place to travel all year long. Each season has it own suitable activities and events.
Summer (June – August)
Summer is the high season, with more tourists and higher prices. The weather is almost always perfect to travel, with temperatures average around 70 F (21 C) and the days are long. Summer also offer more activities to do, such as free outdoor movie experiences and complimentary concerts. You will also find a man-made beach is formed along the Seine for sunbathers, and France’s biggest holiday, Bastille Day, takes place. Remember that while you’ll have more sunny days than not during the summer, keep in mind that July is one of the city’s rainiest months, so pack an umbrella.
Fall (September – October)
During this months you experience much less crowd, much shorter times on main attractions, and and lower travel rates. The weather is still great, with highs average around the 60s during September, then goes down to lower 60 F (15 C) during October. Lower temperatures during fall time are between 40 F (4 C) and 50 F (10 C). Fall will also treat you with beautiful seasonal foliage.
Note that Paris Fashion Week typically takes place in the last week of September, and hotel rooms are harder to find, so make sure to book your hotel room well in advance.
November – February
This is Paris’s low season. The temperatures are between 30 F (-1 C) and 40 F (5 C) degrees. During November you may get some days with up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 C). Hotels and flights are cheaper and it’s much less crowded.
December is the rainiest month, so if you want to avoid precipitation, and still enjoy Paris winter and low season, try to come during February.
Again, Paris fashion week takes place during the last week of February, so hotel room are hard to find. Make sure to book a room in advance.
Spring – March – May
This is Paris shoulder season. Hotel rooms prices cuts down, and the temperatures are between 40 F (5 C) to 60 F (15 C) degrees. Although it’s a bit chilly and rainy, you’ll be able to enjoy the colorful spring flowers around Paris.
This is very popular season and the prices are high.
What To Pack?
Light, breathable clothing for summer. In winter, bring layers as it could get cold and rainy very often.
Events & Festivals
Before planning a trip around an even, verify the dates on the event website or local tourist info center.
This Music Festival in Paris first started in 1982. As the city’s streets fill with music, live bands, singers, amateur musicians, drummers, DJs, and so on are enlivening the crowd with their music.
The Tour de France is a men’s multiple-stage bicycle race held annually in France as well as some nearby nations. Learn more.
Bastille Day is the national day of France, which is celebrated on 14 July each year.
This day commemorates when the French population, tired of the monarchy’s abuse and power, stormed the Bastille. It marks the beginning of the French Revolution.
In Paris, France, fashion week is held twice a year and is a series of presentations by designers. For dates and details check out the French Fashion Federation website.
Autumn festival in Paris offers many shows and events. Click here for events details.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a horse race in France. It’s 2,400 meters race taking place at Longchamp. The race takes place annually, usually on the first Sunday in October. Click for more details.
New Year’s Eve is on 31 December. You’ll find many parties and celebrations across the Paris.
In Paris, France, fashion week is held twice a year and is a series of presentations by designers. For dates and details check out the French Fashion Federation website.
An annual marathon hosted by the city of Paris, France. It is the marathon with the second-most finishers in the world, behind the New York City Marathon. Click here for more details.
The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, held over two weeks at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France.
The Paris Jazz Festival creatively blended jazz melodies and nature’s harmony. Since its debut, the Parc Floral in Paris has supported the festival, which lends its blossoming, verdant backdrop to jazz -lovers. In addition, the festival hosts major international jazz players and singers to perform on stage.
Related Posts, Tours, and Itineraries
Check out the “Fun 9 Days Family Vacation in Paris “ itinerary – save the time and effort of planning your trip.
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