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Paris – Practical Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Paris is one of the most iconic cities in the world, famous for its historic landmarks, elegant avenues, world-class museums and unmistakable atmosphere. As the capital of France, it combines centuries of history with a vibrant modern lifestyle, making it an essential destination for first-time visitors to Europe.

Despite its size, Paris is surprisingly walkable and extremely well connected by public transport. Each neighbourhood has its own personality, from the historic heart along the Seine to artistic areas such as Montmartre and lively local districts beyond the main tourist routes. English is widely understood in visitor areas, and the city is well prepared for international travellers.

This guide is designed to help you plan your stay in Paris efficiently, understand how the city works and use reliable resources before booking flights, accommodation or activities.

✈️ Getting to Paris

Paris is one of Europe’s main international gateways and is served by several major airports. The primary airport is Charles de Gaulle Airport, located around 25 kilometres northeast of the city centre and offering extensive global connections.

In addition to Charles de Gaulle, Paris is also served by Orly Airport and Beauvais Airport, depending on your airline and origin. All airports are connected to the city by train, bus and taxi services, although travel times and convenience vary.

Flight prices to Paris change throughout the year, with higher demand in spring, summer and during major holidays. Travelling during shoulder seasons often means better prices and fewer crowds.

Flight planning tools

🏨 Where to Stay in Paris

Choosing where to stay in Paris is one of the most important decisions when planning your trip. The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, each offering a different atmosphere, price range and style of accommodation. Thanks to the extensive metro network, staying outside the very centre can still be very convenient.

Paris offers accommodation for all budgets, from small boutique hotels to international chains and serviced apartments. First-time visitors often prefer central districts close to major sights, while more budget-conscious travellers may choose lively neighbourhoods slightly further out.

Understanding the city’s layout will help you find the right balance between location, comfort and cost.

Paris city map
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Paris/

Recommended areas

Average prices (per night)

  • Budget hotels / hostels: €40–80

  • 3★ hotels: €100–160

  • 4–5★ hotels: €180+

 

🎟️ What to Do in Paris

Paris offers one of the highest concentrations of cultural attractions in the world. From historic monuments and famous museums to neighbourhood markets and riverside walks, the city rewards both structured sightseeing and spontaneous exploration.

Many of Paris’s top sights are located along the Seine, making it easy to combine visits on foot or by metro. In addition to paid attractions, Paris also offers many free experiences such as public gardens, panoramic viewpoints and walking routes.

Official attractions guide
https://parisjetaime.com/eng/discover

Key attractions

🗓️ Paris Itineraries

Planning your days in Paris in advance helps you manage time efficiently and avoid unnecessary queues, especially during busy periods. The city offers enough attractions to fill several days, but even short stays can be extremely rewarding with a well-structured plan.

First visits usually focus on central districts and major landmarks, while longer stays allow time for museums, neighbourhood exploration and relaxed café culture. Paris is also ideal for slow travel, with many areas best enjoyed without a strict schedule.

These itineraries give you a realistic idea of what you can comfortably see depending on the length of your stay.

Interactive city map
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Paris/

Suggested stays

  • 1 day: Eiffel Tower, Seine walk, Louvre exterior

  • 2–3 days: Museums, historic districts, Montmartre

  • 4–5 days: Neighbourhoods, gardens, day trips

🍽️ Food & Local Experiences

Food plays a central role in Parisian life and is an essential part of any visit. From neighbourhood bakeries and cafés to traditional bistros and fine dining, Paris offers a wide range of culinary experiences for all budgets.

Eating in Paris is not just about food, but about atmosphere and daily routines. Markets, terraces and small restaurants provide insight into local life, while classic dishes reflect regional French cuisine. Visitors can enjoy excellent meals without overspending by choosing local eateries away from major tourist hotspots.

Exploring Paris through its food is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the city.

Paris food guide
https://parisjetaime.com/eng/eat-drink

Average meal prices

  • Bakery / street food: €5–10

  • Bistro meal: €15–25

  • Restaurant dinner: €30+

🌦️ Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a different atmosphere. Spring and early autumn are generally considered the best times to visit thanks to mild temperatures and comfortable sightseeing conditions.

Summer brings long days and outdoor activities, but also higher prices and larger crowds. Winter is quieter and often cheaper, with festive decorations around Christmas and fewer tourists at major attractions.

Understanding these seasonal differences helps you choose the best time to visit based on your preferences, budget and tolerance for crowds.

Official weather information
https://meteofrance.com/

🧭 Getting Around Paris

Getting around Paris is easy thanks to its extensive public transport network. The metro is the fastest way to move across the city, complemented by buses, trams and suburban trains. Most attractions are accessible without a car.

Walking is highly recommended in central areas, where many sights are close together. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available for additional flexibility.

Because of the quality of public transport, renting a car is unnecessary for most visitors.

Transport resources

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Paris often raises questions about language, safety and costs. While French is the main language, English is widely understood in tourist areas. The city is generally safe, although basic precautions are recommended in crowded locations.

Accommodation can be expensive, but food and transport costs are manageable with some planning. Overall, Paris is a well-organised city that caters effectively to international visitors.

More information

👉 Official tourism site – Plan your trip to Paris
https://parisjetaime.com/eng/