Paris

What are the most recommended things to do in Paris?

  • Climb the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views of Paris
  • Visit the Louvre Museum to see world-famous art including the Mona Lisa
  • Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle for Gothic architecture
  • Stroll along the Champs-Élysées and visit Arc de Triomphe
  • Walk through Montmartre and visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica
  • Take a Seine River cruise, especially at sunset
  • Explore Musée d’Orsay for Impressionist art
  • Relax in Luxembourg Gardens or Tuileries Garden
  • Discover local markets, cafés, and patisseries for authentic French experiences

Introducing Paris

Paris, the capital of the French Republic, is the largest city in France and the second-largest city in Europe. It is the political, economic, cultural, and commercial center of France. It is one of the world's five largest international metropolises, along with New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. With a history spanning over 1,400 years, Paris is a political, economic, and cultural center not only for France but also for Western Europe. Parisian perfume is known as the "dream industry."

Paris is a city of history, a culinary capital, and a hub of creativity. It is a renowned world art capital, the birthplace of Impressionism, the birthplace of ballet, the center of the European Enlightenment, the home of film, and the originator of the modern Olympic Games. Paris is also recognized as a world-renowned cultural capital, with numerous scientific institutions, research institutes, libraries, museums, cinemas, theaters, and concert halls scattered throughout the city.

Climate and best time to travel

The best seasons to visit Paris are spring and summer, when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. Due to its location, Paris remains light until 10 p.m. in the summer, allowing for more time for sightseeing. January, July, and Christmas are Paris's best sales season, with discounts reaching incredible heights.

The period from September to April of the following year is the performance season in Paris, with high-quality concerts and drama performances almost every night at the Paris Opera; October to November is the peak season for art, with art galleries of all sizes launching exciting theme exhibitions.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Louvre

As one of the four largest museums in the world, it boasts a collection of 400,000 works, a veritable palace of treasures. Its three most famous treasures are the Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. It was also the filming location for films like The Phantom of the Louvre and The Da Vinci Code.

Tips:

During peak season, visitors can choose to enter through either the Lion Gate or the Carrousel Gallery. Given the museum's size, it's recommended to visit the Louvre's official website to review recommended itineraries before your visit.


Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, a product of the 1889 Paris World's Fair and the centennial of the French Revolution, remains Paris's landmark and tallest building. During the day, the structure is clearly visible, while at night, searchlights and bulbs create a twinkling effect, flashing for the first 10 minutes of each hour from dusk until 1:00 a.m. (or 2:00 a.m. in the summer).

The first-floor observation deck is the largest and houses a conference room, cinema, restaurant, shop, and other amenities. A panoramic view of Paris is displayed on the first-floor platform, allowing you to follow the directions to view your desired sights. There are 704 steps from the base of the tower to the second floor, offering the best views. The top observation deck is ideal for panoramic views, but you'll need to queue up here to transfer to the elevator to the top floor.


Tips:

At the entrance of the Palais de Chaillot on the other side of the Seine, there is an observation deck with a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower, providing an excellent angle for taking photos.

Every year on July 14th, France's National Day, you can visit the Champ de Mars, just below the Eiffel Tower, to enjoy concerts and watch the Bastille Day fireworks. It's also a great place to countdown to the New Year, but it's packed, so be mindful of safety.

You'll need to queue up at the base of the tower to buy tickets. Tickets for the elevator and stairs are sold separately, so make sure you're in the wrong line. The top floor is only accessible by elevator; if you buy a ticket for the stairs, you won't be able to reach the top. Please decide in advance which ticket type you want.

There are dining areas on every floor of the tower, and there are buffet bars on the first and second floor platforms, offering a variety of hot and cold drinks, salads, sandwiches, cakes, etc., at relatively affordable prices.

There are many people in the square, so be sure to be careful to prevent pickpockets.


Notre Dame Cathedral

Made famous by Victor Hugo's novel of the same name, this is the oldest and most magnificent cathedral in Paris.


Arc de Triomphe in Paris

A symbol of victory during the Napoleonic era, the most magnificent of the more than 100 triumphal arches in Europe


Champs-Élysées

The most beautiful street in Paris, a world-famous designer street


Most Popular FAQs for Paris

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Paris, the capital of France, has been a major center of art, culture, and politics for centuries. Known as the “City of Light,” it played a pivotal role in European history, the Renaissance, and the Enlightenment, and continues to be a global hub for fashion, cuisine, and tourism.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

  • Located in northern-central France on the River Seine
  • Accessible via Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, and Gare du Nord train station
  • Within the city, use metro, buses, taxis, bicycles, or walk to explore

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

  • Museums: typically 9 AM–6 PM; some extend hours on select days
  • Shops: 10 AM–7 PM
  • Best months: April–June and September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

  • Eiffel Tower: €11–€28 depending on level; tickets online or on-site
  • Louvre Museum: €17; best to buy online
  • Musée d’Orsay: €16; tickets online or at entrance
  • Seine River cruises: €14–€20; purchase at docks or online

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

  • Highly recommended for Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay, especially during peak season (book weeks in advance)
  • River cruises and smaller attractions can be booked a few days ahead

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

4–5 days to cover major landmarks, museums, neighborhoods, and leisure areas.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Louvre Museum
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle
  • Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
  • Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
  • Musée d’Orsay
  • Seine River and its bridges
  • Luxembourg Gardens

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, guided tours and audio guides are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and other major languages.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Top of the Eiffel Tower
  • Montmartre hill and Sacré-Cœur steps
  • Seine River bridges, especially Pont Alexandre III
  • Arc de Triomphe rooftop
  • Louvre Pyramid

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Day 1: Eiffel Tower and Seine cruise; Day 2: Louvre and Tuileries Garden; Day 3: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur; Day 4: Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and Latin Quarter; optional Day 5: Musée d’Orsay and leisure shopping.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

  • Eiffel Tower night illuminations
  • Night Seine cruises
  • Evening museum openings on select days
  • Special guided tours in Montmartre or Latin Quarter at night

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Paris is busiest in summer and during holidays; weekdays and early mornings are less crowded, especially in museums and landmarks.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Most major attractions provide restrooms, cafes, souvenir shops, water fountains, and seating areas.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Many sites have elevators and ramps; some historic buildings have limited access, but Paris is generally accessible for children and elderly visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted; some small vendors and cafes may require cash.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain
  • Le Jules Verne at Eiffel Tower
  • Bistros and brasseries along Champs-Élysées
  • Local patisseries and street cafes in Montmartre

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, Paris has numerous vegetarian, vegan, and halal restaurants throughout the city.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Hôtel Le Meurice
  • Le Bristol Paris
  • Hôtel de Crillon
  • Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Palace of Versailles
  • Disneyland Paris
  • Fontainebleau Palace
  • Giverny and Monet’s Gardens

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

  • Mini Eiffel Towers and keychains
  • French wine and cheese
  • Macarons and chocolates
  • Museum gift shops and art prints

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

  • Trains from Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon to other French cities
  • RER trains to Disneyland or Versailles
  • Metro, buses, and taxis within Paris for local travel
  • Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports for international flights