Paris Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Paris

Paris Travel Guide Video

From an afternoon picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens to a night at the opera, France’s romantic capital offers both simple pleasures and extravagant splurges.

In true French style, Paris combines the classic and the modern. Classic landmarks include the ancient Notre Dame cathedral, Arc de Triomphe the Eiffel Tower, and contemporary architectural achievements such as the La Défense district. 

The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, which spiral clockwise from the city’s centre. Paris is also split by the river Seine into the Left and Right Banks. Each arrondissement and area of Paris has its own character and flair. Le Marais is best known for medieval architecture, intimate wine bars and a diverse community. Luxembourg has a special old-world charm, enchanting gardens, and proximity to the upscale St-Germain-des-Prés. Montmartre is famous for its cobbled streets, the Moulin Rouge and magnificent Basilique du Sacré Cœur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart).

Paris is easy to navigate, either by the quick Metro system or taking your time by foot. Meandering through the winding streets, it’s easy to see the French passion for food and wine. There are open-air produce markets, patisserie windows piled with croissants and macaroons, and wine shops with offerings from regional vineyards. Restaurants of all kinds abound: traditional silver service venues, sidewalk cafes and rustic coffee houses. 

Paris has fostered many artistic talents, including Édith Piaf, Serge Gainsbourg, Claude Monet and Coco Chanel. It’s known the world over for its museums and galleries such as the opulent Musée d'Orsay and the Pompidou Centre’s National Museum of Modern Art. For performance art, spend an evening at the beautifully decorated Palais Garnier, also known as the Opéra de Paris. Internationally renowned opera and ballet companies perform here regularly. 

Fashion, too, is ingrained in the Parisian psyche. Stroll along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honouré to find some of the most revered fashion houses in the world, including Lanvin, Hermes and Dior. 

Visitors overwhelmed by all that Paris has to offer should head to the Champs-Élysées. Here you can wander and enjoy the beauty of this famous tree-lined boulevard, stop at Ladurée patisserie for a macaroon, or visit La Maison Guerlain’s shrine to perfume.

Where to stay in Paris

Default Image

Paris City Center

4/5(15 area reviews)

Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame are a few top attractions in Paris City Center. Hop around the city on the metro at Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro Station or Louvre - Rivoli Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and charming cafes.

Paris City Center
6th Arrondissement featuring a statue or sculpture and a park

6th Arrondissement

4.5/5(108 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in 6th Arrondissement. Check out top attractions like Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Sulpice Church, and jump on the metro at Saint-Sulpice Station or Mabillon Station to see more of the city.

6th Arrondissement
Marais - Pompidou - Notre Dame de Paris which includes a square or plaza and modern architecture as well as a large group of people

Marais

4.5/5(144 area reviews)

Travellers love Marais for its popular shops, and you can see more of Paris by jumping on the metro at Saint-Paul Station or Saint-Sebastien - Froissart Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Carnavalet Museum and Picasso Museum.

Marais
7th Arrondissement featuring street scenes and a city

Faubourg Saint-Germain

While you're in Faubourg Saint-Germain, take in top sights like Eiffel Tower or Orsay Museum, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Rue du Bac Station or Solferino Station.

Faubourg Saint-Germain
8th Arrondissement which includes a monument and street scenes

8th Arrondissement

4.5/5(411 area reviews)

Travellers love 8th Arrondissement for its popular shops, and you can see more of Paris by jumping on the metro at Saint-Philippe du Roule Station or Miromesnil Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.

8th Arrondissement
Latin Quarter - Pantheon which includes a fountain and heritage elements

5th Arrondissement

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Travellers love 5th Arrondissement for its charming cafes, and you can see more of Paris by jumping on the metro at Maubert-Mutualité Metro Station or Cardinal Lemoine Metro Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Panthéon and Rue Mouffetard.

5th Arrondissement
Dream Castle Hotel
Dream Castle Hotel
4 out of 5
40 Avenue de la Fosse des Pressoirs, Val de France, Magny-le-Hongre, Seine-et-Marne
The price is Rp2.583.521 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
Rp2.583.521
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Magny-le-Hongre. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"The room was huge , lots of room. Cleaned daily . Breakfast was included in room rate a lovely extra . Tad hectic but enjoyable . We brought the buffet dinner , had heaps of variety . 7/10 Not far from Disney park , shuttle bus supplied free of charge . Local shopping centre not far from Disney park ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Dream Castle Hotel
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
4 out of 5
18 avenue de Suffren, Entrée au 22 rue Jean Rey, Paris, Paris
The price is Rp6.206.049 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
Rp6.206.049
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
Location, location, location!!
"Although this hotel is a bit pricey, it is definitely worth it due to its location and close proximity to the Eiffel Tower (literally across the street!) and lots of dining options nearby. My husband and I loved staying here. The staff was very helpful, the facilities were clean, our room was comfortable, ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Novotel Paris Les Halles
Novotel Paris Les Halles
4 out of 5
8 Place Marguerite De Navarre, Paris, Paris
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp4.339.568 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
Rp4.339.568
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
"Everything in this Hotel was perfect, specially the services, room service, lobby, restaurant, Everything! But also the location. Just amazing!"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Novotel Paris Les Halles
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Standing Hôtel Suites by Actisource
Standing Hôtel Suites by Actisource
4 out of 5
9 Allée du Verger, Roissy-en-France
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Roissy-en-France. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,163 reviews)
Blown away
"I was blown away but how pretty the whole Place was, including the hallway. The rooms are very spacious and very well decorated and everything is extremely clean and the prices can’t be beat. I will definitely stay there again next time."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Standing Hôtel Suites by Actisource
Les Patios du Marais
Les Patios du Marais
26 Rue des Gravilliers, Paris
Stay at this aparthotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden and a TV. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,020 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Les Patios du Marais
Citadines Tour Eiffel Paris
Citadines Tour Eiffel Paris
4 out of 5
132 Boulevard De Grenelle, Paris, Paris
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and on-site parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,165 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Citadines Tour Eiffel Paris
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Paris

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1906
" "5 - Excellent 58.28746177370031%
4 - Good
1105
" "4 - Good 33.79204892966361%
3 - Okay
197
" "3 - Okay 6.0244648318042815%
2 - Disappointing
43
" "2 - Disappointing 1.3149847094801224%
1 - Terrible
19
" "1 - Terrible 0.581039755351682%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Apr 2020

Took 2 weekends in Paris in summer 2019 - loved it! The hotel was fantastic. Eurostar from St Pancras was so easy. Cafes and restaurants in Paris were wonderful. We avoided the usually tourist traps and explored the city by foot - 100% recommend!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
16 Mar 2020

Loved the Marais quarter. Know Paris well so didn’t feel need to do lots of touristy things.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

Integrated transport system makes Paris easy to get around and getting to places of interest is pretty straightforward.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
14 Mar 2020

Architecture, History, Restaurants, Total atmosphere.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
14 Mar 2020

Lovely

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

Very nice city with excellent food and wine, will definitely visit again. Do your search well when you book a place to stay...

Cities near Paris