The Paris Travel Cheat Sheet: Travel Tips on What to Do, Eat, See & Absolutely Avoid

Dreaming of sipping café au lait at a sidewalk bistro or gazing up at the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night?

Our comprehensive Paris travel guide reveals the city’s romantic charm, artistic treasures, and local secrets – perfect for first time visitors.

Paris Travel Guide: Basic Information

Plan your perfect Parisian adventure with these essential travel details.

Best Time to Visit Paris

• April-June: Mild temperatures and perfect café weather
• September-October: Fewer crowds and comfortable walking weather
• Avoid: July-August (peak tourist season and heat) and December-February (cold and rainy)

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How Long to Stay in Paris

• Minimum: 4 days to see main attractions
• Ideal: 7-10 days to explore with a few added day trips

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Sightseeing, Experiences & Day Trips

Immerse yourself in Paris’s unparalleled art, culture, and history with these unforgettable attractions and activities.

Top 10 Must-See Landmarks in Paris

1. Eiffel Tower: Iconic iron lattice tower offering breathtaking city views from three observation levels – purchase reserved access tickets here
2. Louvre Museum: World’s largest art museum housing the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and countless masterpieces – purchase time-entrance tickets here
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral: Gothic architectural marvel – purchase guided tour tickets here
4. Arc de Triomphe: Triumphal arch at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle with panoramic Champs-Élysées views – purchase tickets online here
5. Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Stunning white basilica crowning Montmartre hill with spectacular city vistas
6. Sainte-Chapelle: Gothic chapel renowned for its extraordinary 13th-century stained glass windows – purchase entry ticket here
7. Opéra Garnier: Magnificent Belle Époque opera house with ornate interiors and guided tours available
8. Seine River: The lifeblood of Paris with romantic bridges, riverside walks, and scenic boat cruises
9. Luxembourg Gardens & Palace: Beautiful formal gardens surrounding the French Senate with palace tours
10. Tuileries Garden: Historic formal gardens stretching from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde

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Top 15 Things to Do in Paris

1. Ascend the Eiffel Tower: Experience Paris from above and witness the hourly sparkle show after dark – purchase reserved access tickets here
2. Explore the Louvre: Marvel at world-famous artworks in the planet’s most visited museum – purchase time-entrance tickets here
3. Tour Notre-Dame Cathedral: Visit the newly reopened Gothic masterpiece with guided tours available – purchase guided tour tickets here
4. Climb Arc de Triomphe: Scale the triumphal arch for spectacular views down the Champs-Élysées – purchase tickets online here
5. Explore Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur: Climb the steps to the stunning white basilica and wander through the bohemian artist district
6. Visit Sainte-Chapelle: Be mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colors in the 13th-century stained glass windows – purchase entry ticket here
7. Picnic in Luxembourg Gardens: Relax in Paris’s most beautiful park with palace views and formal gardens
8. Take a Seine River cruise: See Paris landmarks from a unique waterway perspective – grab a spot on this 1-hour cruise
9. Explore Le Marais: Discover trendy boutiques, galleries, and historic Jewish quarter charm
10. Experience Versailles: Tour the magnificent palace and gardens of French royalty (book your day trip here)
11. Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck: Enjoy the best panoramic views of Paris including the Eiffel Tower – grab skip-the-line tickets here
12. Les Invalides: Napoleon’s Tomb & Army Museum: Visit the golden-domed complex housing the emperor’s tomb – grab tickets here
13. Tour Opéra Garnier: Marvel at the ornate Belle Époque architecture and Chagall ceiling – grab entry tickets here
14. See a show at Moulin Rouge: Experience the legendary cabaret and can-can – make sure to book tickets way ahead of time here
15. Stroll through Tuileries Garden: Walk the historic formal gardens connecting the Louvre to Place de la Concorde

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Top 5 Best Photo Spots

1. Trocadéro Gardens: Classic Eiffel Tower shots with the best unobstructed views for posing
2. Rue de l’Université: Picture-perfect Eiffel Tower framed between Haussmannian buildings
3. Pont Alexandre III: Ornate bridge perfect for romantic photos with Les Invalides backdrop
4. Sacré-Cœur steps: Iconic Montmartre steps with basilica and city views behind you
5. Louvre Pyramid: Striking modern glass pyramid contrasting with historic palace architecture

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Top 5 Best Viewpoints

1. Eiffel Tower Summit: Ultimate 360° views from Paris’s most famous landmark
2. Arc de Triomphe rooftop: Spectacular perspective down the Champs-Élysées and radiating avenues
3. Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Sweeping views over Paris from Montmartre’s highest point
4. Tour Montparnasse: Modern skyscraper offering unobstructed views (including the Eiffel Tower)
5. Panthéon dome: 360° panoramic views from the colonnade with fewer crowds and unique Latin Quarter perspective

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Top 5 Hidden Gems

1. Catacombs of Paris: Underground ossuaries with millions of skulls and bones lining atmospheric tunnels
2. Rue Crémieux: Most colorful cobblestone street in Paris, perfect for Instagram-worthy photos
3. Palais Royal gardens: Hidden peaceful courtyard with striking black-and-white striped columns
4. Avenue de Camoëns: Tree-lined street offering stunning Eiffel Tower views with beautiful Haussmannian architecture
5. Marie de Medicis Fountain: Exquisite baroque fountain tucked away in a quiet corner of Luxembourg Gardens

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Best Museums in Paris

• Louvre Museum: World’s most visited museum housing the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and countless masterpieces spanning centuries – purchase time-entrance tickets here
• Musée d’Orsay: Spectacular collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas – purchase your entry ticket online
• Centre Pompidou: Europe’s largest modern art museum with works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and contemporary installations
• Musée Rodin: Beautiful mansion and sculpture garden featuring “The Thinker,” “The Kiss,” and other iconic works
• Musée de l’Orangerie: Intimate museum showcasing Monet’s massive Water Lilies paintings in specially designed oval rooms

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Must-Explore Neighborhoods

• Le Marais: Historic district with trendy boutiques, galleries, and vibrant nightlife
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Intellectual quarter with famous cafés, bookshops, and art galleries
• Montmartre: Bohemian hilltop village with artistic heritage and stunning views
• Latin Quarter: Student area with narrow medieval streets and the Sorbonne University
• Canal Saint-Martin: Hip waterside district with trendy bars, cafés, and boutiques

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Best Day Trips from Paris

• Palace of Versailles (40 minutes): Explore the opulent royal château and magnificent gardens – book your tour from Paris here
• Château de Fontainebleau (1 hour by train): Renaissance palace with beautiful forests – book your Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux day tour from Paris
• Champagne region: Tour prestigious champagne houses and taste bubbly at the source – book your tour from Paris here
• Giverny (45 min by train): Visit Monet’s house and the water lily gardens that inspired his masterpieces – book your day tour here
• Loire Valley castles (2 hours by train): Discover fairy-tale châteaux like Chambord and Chenonceau – book your day trip here
• Mont Saint-Michel (2.75 hours by train): Marvel at the medieval abbey perched on a tidal island in Normandy – book your day tour from Paris here
• Bruges, Belgium (2.5 hours by Train): Medieval charm and chocolate delights in this UNESCO World Heritage city – book your day tour here

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What to Eat in Paris

Savor the pinnacle of French cuisine at these carefully selected establishments.

Best Restaurants in Paris

• L’As du Fallafel: Legendary falafel in the Marais, always with a queue but worth the wait
• Pink Mamma: Trendy multi-level Italian restaurant in Pigalle with stunning floral décor and rooftop terrace
• Le Train Bleu: Magnificent Belle Époque restaurant inside Gare de Lyon with ornate frescoed ceilings
• Le Ju’: Modern bistro serving creative French cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere
• Chouchou: Chic brasserie in Pigalle known for excellent cocktails and contemporary French dishes

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Best Sweet Treats & Patisseries in Paris

• Pierre Hermé: Macaron maestro creating innovative flavors in jewel-like boutiques across Paris
• Ladurée: Iconic macaron house and luxury tea salon with beautiful Belle Époque interiors
• Stohrer: Paris’s oldest patisserie (since 1730) famous for rum babas and traditional French pastries
• Du Pain et des Idées: Artisanal bakery famous for pain des amis and seasonal fruit pastries
• Berthillon: Legendary ice cream maker on Île Saint-Louis with natural flavors and long queues
• Besties Bakery Paris: Modern bakery serving American-style cookies, brownies, and creative sweet treats

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Practical Information You Should Know

Make the most of your Parisian adventure with these essential tips and local insights.

Transportation from Paris Airports

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG):

• RER B train: To central Paris (45-60 minutes)
• Roissybus: To Opéra (60 minutes)
• Airport shuttle buses: 60-90 minutes
• Private transfers: Reserve your own comfortable private transfer here
• Taxi or Uber: Fixed fare to city center

Orly Airport (ORY):

• Orlyval + RER B: To central Paris (45 minutes)
• Orlybus: To Denfert-Rochereau (30 minutes)
• Private transfers: Reserve your own comfortable private transfer here
• Taxi or Uber: Fixed fare to city center

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How to Get Around in Paris

• Walking: Best for exploring neighborhoods, most attractions within reasonable distance
• Metro: Extensive network with 14 lines connecting all major sites
• Bus: Great for sightseeing above ground, especially scenic routes
• Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off: See Paris at your own pace with a 1, 2, or 3-day open-top bus tour ticket – purchase your ticket here
• Vélib’ bike sharing: Perfect for riverside rides and park exploration
• Taxi: Convenient but can be expensive during peak hours
• Uber: Widely available alternative to traditional taxis
• Navigo Weekly Pass: Best value for unlimited public transport

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Top 5 Best Hotels in Paris to Stay In

• Hotel Aida Marais (3-star): Boutique hotel in the heart of trendy Le Marais with stylish rooms and perfect location – check prices here
• Hôtel de France Gare de Lyon Bastille (3-star): Convenient location near train station with easy access to central Paris – check prices here
• Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche (4-star): Elegant Left Bank hotel near Eiffel Tower with classic Parisian charm – check prices here
• Elysées Union (3-star): Well-located near Champs-Élysées with comfortable rooms and friendly service – check prices here
• Hôtel le 209 Paris Bercy (4-star): Modern hotel in peaceful Bercy district with excellent metro connections – check prices here

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Practical Tips For Paris To Know

• Book museum tickets online: Skip lines at popular attractions like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
• Learn basic French phrases: “Bonjour,” “s’il vous plaît,” and “merci” go a long way
• Carry a reusable water bottle: Fill up at Wallace fountains throughout the city
• Dress smartly: Parisians value style – avoid athletic wear unless exercising
• Dine like a local: Lunch 11:30am-2pm, dinner after 7:30pm
• Greet shopkeepers: Always say “Bonjour” when entering and “Au revoir” when leaving
• Validate transport tickets: Always validate paper tickets or risk fines on metro/bus
• No tip needed: Service charge included; you can however round up or leave small change if you want
• Plan for closures: Many shops close Sundays and Mondays

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What to Avoid in Paris

• Tourist Trap Cafés: Avoid places with English menus right by major attractions – prices inflated, quality poor
• Eating Before 11:30am or 7pm: Most restaurants closed between service times
• Ignoring pickpockets: Stay alert on crowded metro lines, especially near tourist sites
• Driving in central Paris: Traffic is chaotic, parking expensive, and many areas pedestrian-only
• Loud public behavior: Parisians value discretion – avoid speaking loudly on public transport
• Wearing obvious tourist gear: Leave the fanny pack and camera around neck at hotel
• Expecting constant English: Learn basic French or use translation apps
• Standing on the left: Metro escalator etiquette – stand right, walk left
• Buying from street vendors: Souvenirs near attractions are overpriced and often illegal
• Rushing between attractions: Paris rewards slow exploration and café lingering
• Avoid traveling in peak season: everything will be crowded and you will spend more time in a queue than exploring the city

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Money-Saving Tips

• Visit free museums: Many offer free entry first Sunday mornings or for EU residents under 26
• Picnic in parks: Buy supplies at local markets for budget-friendly meals with views
• Use happy hour: Many bars offer discounted drinks 5-7pm
• Walk between attractions: Most central sites within walking distance, saving metro costs
• Shop at local markets: Much cheaper than supermarkets for fresh produce
• Take advantage of lunch menus: Prix fixe lunch menus offer excellent value at top restaurants

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Final Thoughts On The Best Paris Travel Tips

Paris’s timeless elegance, world-class cuisine, and unparalleled cultural treasures make it a destination that captures hearts forever.

With this comprehensive Paris travel guide, you’re now equipped to experience the very best of the City of Light like a true Parisian.

Ready to plan your perfect Parisian escape? Check out our detailed itineraries:

• What to Know Before Visiting Paris
• Paris in 2 Days: First Timer’s Guide
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Paris

Discover more incredible French destinations on our blog, from the lavender fields of Provence to the châteaux of the Loire Valley and beyond.