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Paris Travel Guide: the best things to do, see, and eat
We can’t get enough of Paris! Here’s our expert guide to the best of the City of Light, covering what to do, what to eat, where to shop, and more.
Whether it’s your first trip or you’re coming back for more, a Paris tour is always full of unforgettable moments. The City of Light offers a variety of experiences that appeal to solo travelers, families, food lovers, fashionistas, and everyone in between! So we’ve put together a comprehensive Paris Travel Guide that covers all you need to know, including the best times to visit, what to pack, and which souvenirs you simply can’t come home without.
Paris travel basics
Currency: The euro (€)
Language: The official language is French, but English is widely spoken.
Getting around: Paris is a walkable city, or you can try using its Metro.
Word to know: Arrondissement. Paris is divided into 20 districts, or arrondissements, that were established during the French Revolution. Pro tip: If you’re wondering where to stay in Paris, do a little research on each of the arrondissements to find the perfect fit for you!
Learn more French phrases →
When’s the best time to visit Paris?
We think the best time to visit Paris is during the offseason. In the spring or fall, the weather is comfortable and there are fewer crowds, making a trip to Paris even more loveable. But as the saying goes, Paris is always a good idea.
Visit Paris in the spring for blooming gardens, outdoor cafe season, and perfect sightseeing weather
April to June’s mild temperatures and longer daylight hours are perfect for some serious sightseeing. Parks and gardens are in full bloom, too, so consider adding a sweet Parisian picnic to your itinerary. And if you love tennis, remember that the iconic French Open takes place from the end of May to the beginning of June, a great event to elevate a trip to Paris.
Visit Paris in the summer for long sunny days and lively outdoor events
Paris is warm and crowded in July and August, so take a cooling walk along the Seine (there are “beaches” set up by the river all season long) or attend a fun outdoor event, such as the open-air cinema at La Villette. A summertime Paris tour is great for shoppers, too, especially in July when boutiques host their soldes, or seasonal sales.
Visit Paris in the fall for golden foliage and the return of cafe culture
A trip to Paris takes on a cozy feeling from September to November, as leaves on trees transform for the season. Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg are especially gorgeous in the fall. We suggest you take a break from sightseeing with a warming drink and a delectable pastry in one of the city’s historic cafes for one of our favorite fall Parisian activities.
Visit Paris in the winter for festive holiday magic, fewer crowds, and a more intimate Paris experience
The window from December through February offers lower hotel rates, shorter lines at top attractions, and enchanting Christmas markets. On many of our Paris tours, it’s also a great time to sign up for an immersive French cooking class—it’s one of our top things to do in Paris during the winter.
Fall in love with Paris, no matter the season
Top sights to see in Paris
Paris is known for its grand boulevards, epic museums, and chic shops (among other things). Some of our favorite places to visit in Paris include the classics—like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, of course—but you’ll also find plenty of gems off the beaten path.
The Musee d’Orsay
Galleries filled with works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas make this one of our favorite Parisian museums. Soak it all in during free time on our A Week in France: The Riviera, Provence & Paris tour. Don’t forget to admire the building’s grand clock and views of the Seine.
The Louvre
The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in itself, thanks to its glass pyramid entrance. If you want to spend some time admiring the Mona Lisa, the Napoleon III apartments, and Egyptian relics, take our A Week in Paris tour. We pre-book your entry, so you can skip the line!
Grand Palais
We love this soaring Beaux Arts museum for the rotation of exhibits. Depending on the day, you could find Matisse paintings or haute couture costumes. Discover its collection during free time with new friends on our France for Solo Travelers: Paris, Provence & the Riviera tour.
Champs-Elysees
On our Paris: The City Experience tour, you’ll often find yourself on the world-famous Avenue des Champs-Elysees, which stretches from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. This grand boulevard is lined with luxury boutiques, flagship stores, theaters, and sidewalk cafes.
Galeries Lafayette
This legendary department store is famous for more than just its designer wares. Its Belle Epoque glass dome is iconic. On our France for Women: Paris, Loire Valley & Champagne Region tour, you’ll get to shop here and see the city from its stunning rooftop.
Get inspired for your Paris trip
What to eat and drink in Paris
From a buttery croissant to start the day to a decadent glass of Champagne with dinner, French cuisine is famous around the globe. Here are a few local specialties you can’t miss on your trip to Paris.
Crepes
Whether you’re by the Eiffel Tower or by the Sacre-Cœur, street cart vendors are the way to go. Or for a sit-down experience, try to snag a coveted reservation at Cafe Breizh in the Marais.
Croissants and baguettes
What’s a Paris Travel Guide without mentioning a croissant? Boulangeries, or bread shops, serve warm, fresh bread any time of day. Everyone has a favorite boulangerie—ask your Tour Director for theirs!
Croque-monsieur
Visit a brasserie, or informal restaurant, for the French version of a ham-and-cheese sandwich. This meal is perfect paired with regional beer or wine.
Macarons
Skip Laduree and head to Pierre Hermé. While on the more expensive side, Chef Pierre is known as the “Picasso of pastries,” and often serves experimental flavors of this classic French sweet.
Escargot
Visit L’Escargot Montorgueil, a spot that’s centrally located in the 1st arrondissement and serves incredible escargot, or snails cooked with butter and garlic. The dish is a must-try while on tour in Paris!
Fun things to do in Paris
A thrilling Paris tour isn’t just about museums and attractions. It also features more casual experiences, from a shop-around stroll of Le Marais to a relaxing picnic at one of the city’s many parks.
Visit Montmartre
Explore the neighborhood’s outdoor art market, stroll through the cute, narrow streets, and then enjoy a glass of wine at a cafe. One of our favorite things to do in Paris is to watch the sunset from the steps of Sacre-Cœur for the best city views.
Explore Le Marais
One of Paris’ best shopping and people-watching neighborhoods, the Marais district should be part of every Paris itinerary. On top of designer boutiques and vintage stores, it’s also home to fantastic bars and restaurants.
Have a picnic in the Jardin de Tuileries
One of our favorite spots to picnic in Paris, the Tuileries are at once charming and grand. During warm weather, join locals and visitors at the central pond. If you come during the winter, there’s a Christmas market here as well as a skating rink.
Take a Seine River cruise
We love the view of the city from a relaxing river cruise, which you can take during the day or at night. Whether you’re on our Grand Tour of France or the France for Women: Paris, Loire Valley & Champagne Region tour, don’t miss the opportunity to join the Seine River Cruise excursion.
Discover our best-selling Paris tours
Souvenirs to buy in Paris
From our A Week in Paris tour to our France for Solo Travelers: Paris, Provence & the Riviera tour, a Paris itinerary should always include ample time to shop. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for loved ones back at home, Paris impresses when it comes to retail therapy.
Herbes de Provence and French sea salt
These bottled blends of dried herbs (from thyme and rosemary to oregano and basil) from Provence make fragrant and flavorful mementos of your trip to Paris. Delicate, artisanal French sea salts are also delightful souvenirs to bring home.
French pharmacy skincare
Parisian pharmacies are among our favorite places to shop. They’re full of niche skincare and fragrances that are impossible to find (or much more expensive) back home.
French linens from the Marais
French linen items—from kitchen towels scribbled with French text or Provencal motifs to aprons and lavender sachets—are fantastic gifts to bring back. They’re chic and lightweight!
French macarons
Sometimes the best souvenirs are edible. Macarons in iconic flavors like rose, pistachio, and salted caramel can be found in beautiful gift boxes all over the city. For a last-minute buy, many shops in the airport carry them, too.
What to pack for a trip to Paris
Parisians are famously chic dressers. If you want to blend in, keep your outfits simple and have a few eye-catching accessories, like great sunglasses or a colorful scarf. One must: a fantastic pair of comfy sneakers or shoes. They’ll let you sightsee all day without sacrificing style.
Easy-to-layer clothing
Start with basic pieces in a palette of black, navy, gray, and beige; they’re easy to mix and match. Then, add versatile, lightweight sweaters and cardigans that can be worn day or night.
Comfortable walking shoes
One of the top things to do in Paris is wander around and see everything. Most sidewalks are paved, but there are some cobblestone streets, so comfortable walking shoes are extremely important.
A light rain jacket or trench coat
Always check the forecast, but just in case, you should be prepared to run into a little rain here and there during your Paris tour. Bring a cool waterproof jacket—or, for a dose of Parisian style, a classic trench coat.
A crossbody bag
If you’re wondering, “Is Paris safe?” It is, but like all major cities, keep an eye out for pickpockets. For this reason, a secure crossbody bag with zippered pockets comes in handy on crowded streets and the Metro.
Get excited for your trip to Paris
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