Paris
The City of Light — romance, art, and the finest croissants on earth.
Overview
Paris is the benchmark by which all cities are judged — a place that has defined Western culture, fashion, cuisine, and art for centuries. Yet Paris is not a museum: it's a living, breathing city of 12 million people where locals debate philosophy over wine, chefs reinvent classical cuisine, and fashion designers set global trends. No matter how many times you visit, Paris finds new ways to astonish.
Capital of
France
Language
French
Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1)
Flight Time
~7–8 hrs from NYC, ~10–11 hrs from LA
Best Airport
CDG – Charles de Gaulle
Best Time to Visit
Paris is beautiful year-round, but April–June (spring) and September–October (autumn) offer the most pleasant weather with manageable crowds. July–August brings peak tourists and higher prices. December is magical with Christmas markets and lights.
Flight Costs from USA
Economy Class
$400 – $850
Round trip from major US cities
Business / First
$2,000 – $5,500
Round trip from major US cities
Best months to book: January, February, and November
Paris is one of the most competitive transatlantic routes — airlines like Norwegian, French Bee, and Level occasionally offer deeply discounted fares. Flying into Orly (ORY) instead of CDG is sometimes cheaper and faster to reach the city center.
Visa Information
Requirement
Visa-Free (Schengen Area)
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Cost (USD)
Free
US citizens do not require a visa. Starting in 2025, France requires ETIAS authorization (~€7, applied for online). Multiple entry allowed throughout the Schengen Zone — use your Paris trip to explore other European countries too.
Top Attractions
Eiffel Tower
The world's most recognized structure. Book summit tickets online weeks in advance. Evening visits when it sparkles with lights are unforgettable.
The Louvre
The world's largest art museum and home to the Mona Lisa. Allocate a full day and pre-book timed entry — weekend queues can exceed 90 minutes.
Musée d'Orsay
Housing the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art — Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh. Far less crowded than the Louvre and equally unmissable.
Palace of Versailles
Louis XIV's extraordinary palace and gardens 30 minutes from Paris by RER train. The Hall of Mirrors and fountains are magnificent.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Undergoing restoration after the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024 — a triumphant comeback for one of Gothic architecture's greatest achievements.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Paris's bohemian hilltop village — cobblestone streets, the artists' square at Place du Tertre, and panoramic views across the entire city.
Hotels & Areas to Stay
Le Marais (3rd & 4th arr.)
$150 – $450/nightParis's most vibrant neighborhood — medieval streets, galleries, boutiques, falafel stalls, and the Picasso Museum all within walking distance.
Best for: Couples, art lovers, foodies
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arr.)
$180 – $600/nightThe intellectual heart of Paris — iconic cafes (Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore), bookshops, and elegant hotels on the Left Bank.
Best for: Literature lovers, culture seekers
Champs-Élysées / 8th arr.
$250 – $1,200/nightClassic Parisian grandeur near the Arc de Triomphe. Home to flagship luxury hotels and high-end shopping.
Best for: Luxury travelers, first-time visitors
Bastille / Canal Saint-Martin
$100 – $280/nightYounger, more affordable neighborhoods with great bistros, vintage shops, and a genuinely Parisian feel away from tourist hordes.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, repeat visitors
Safety Tips
Pickpocketing is common in tourist areas, particularly around the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and on the Metro. Use a money belt or anti-theft bag.
Be cautious of "petition scams" — strangers approaching with clipboards often try to distract you while an accomplice picks your pocket.
The Paris Metro is efficient but some stations (Châtelet, Gare du Nord) can feel unsafe late at night — take a taxi or Uber after midnight.
Emergency number in France: 15 (medical), 17 (police), 18 (fire). The European emergency number 112 works from any phone.
Always validate (stamp) your metro ticket before boarding to avoid €50 fines from frequent on-the-spot inspections.
Carry an umbrella year-round — Paris weather changes rapidly and rainy days are common even in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Paris?
Four days covers the major sights at a comfortable pace. A week lets you explore arrondissements like Belleville, explore day trips to Versailles or Reims, and simply sit in cafes without feeling rushed.
Is Paris safe for tourists?
Paris is generally safe. Violent crime targeting tourists is rare. The main risk is petty theft in crowded tourist areas — standard urban awareness is sufficient.
What is the Paris Museum Pass?
The Paris Museum Pass grants free entry to 50+ museums including the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Versailles. A 2-day pass costs €55 and pays for itself after 2 major museums.
Should I tip in Paris?
Service is included in French restaurant bills by law. Rounding up the bill or leaving €2–5 for good service is appreciated but not expected.
What is the best way to get around Paris?
The Metro is fast, cheap, and comprehensive — a carnet (book of 10 tickets) or the Navigo Easy card gives best value. Walking between the central arrondissements is also very pleasant.
