Overview
The world's most iconic city for a reason — unmatched art, architecture, cuisine, and romantic atmosphere, where every arrondissement is a different world and eating well is considered a civic responsibility
Airport
CDG, ORY
From/day
$100
Best months
May, Jun, Sep
Local Tips
Safety
Paris is generally safe but watch for pickpockets on the Metro, at Eiffel Tower, and around Sacre-Coeur. Avoid the northern edges of the 18th and 19th arrondissements at night.
Cultural Norms
Always greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' before asking anything. Dining is leisurely — expect multi-course meals. Dress well; Parisians lean toward understated elegance.
Language
French is essential for courtesy. Start conversations in French even if switching to English. Most tourist-area staff speak English, but effort in French is appreciated.
Currency
Euro (EUR). Credit cards accepted almost everywhere, including contactless. Some boulangeries and small shops may have a minimum card amount.
Tipping
Service is included by law (service compris). Rounding up or leaving 1-2 euros for good service is a nice gesture but not required.
Getting Around
Public Transit
Walkability
Neighborhoods
Le Marais (3rd & 4th)
A historic Jewish quarter turned trendy hotspot with medieval architecture, independent boutiques, art galleries, and some of the city's best falafel.
Best for: Shopping, galleries, LGBTQ+ nightlife, and historic exploration
Saint-Germain-des-Pres (6th)
The legendary Left Bank literary quarter with iconic cafes like Les Deux Magots, independent bookshops, and elegant galleries.
Best for: Cafe culture, bookshops, and upscale dining
Montmartre (18th)
The hilltop village of artists with Sacre-Coeur basilica, winding streets, vineyard, and sweeping views of the city. Still retains bohemian charm.
Best for: Art, views, romantic walks, and cabaret
Latin Quarter (5th)
The student quarter around the Sorbonne with lively bistros, the Pantheon, Shakespeare and Company bookshop, and the Jardin du Luxembourg nearby.
Best for: Budget dining, bookshops, and intellectual atmosphere
Canal Saint-Martin (10th)
A trendy, youthful neighborhood along a tree-lined canal with craft coffee shops, natural wine bars, vintage stores, and Sunday picnic culture.
Best for: Hipster culture, brunch spots, and local Parisian life
Activities & Interests
How Paris scores across 15 travel interests
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Trip
Icons of Paris
- •Morning visit to the Eiffel Tower — book the summit ticket in advance
- •Cruise the Seine past Notre-Dame, Louvre, and Musee d'Orsay
- •Evening stroll along the Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe
Art & Left Bank
- •Half-day at the Louvre focusing on Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory
- •Lunch in Saint-Germain-des-Pres at a classic brasserie
- •Afternoon at Musee d'Orsay for Impressionist masterpieces
Montmartre & Le Marais
- •Climb to Sacre-Coeur for panoramic city views
- •Wander Montmartre's artist square at Place du Tertre
- •Afternoon exploring Le Marais's boutiques, galleries, and falafel shops
7-Day Trip
Eiffel Tower & Seine
- •Morning ascent of the Eiffel Tower with pre-booked summit tickets
- •Walk through Champ de Mars and cross to Trocadero for the classic photo
- •Evening Seine river cruise with dinner or champagne
The Louvre & Tuileries
- •Full morning at the Louvre — arrive early and use a guided route
- •Stroll through the Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde
- •Walk up the Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop
Left Bank & Luxembourg
- •Morning at Musee d'Orsay for Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh
- •Lunch at a Left Bank bistro near Rue de Buci
- •Afternoon relaxing in the Jardin du Luxembourg
Versailles Day Trip
- •RER C to Chateau de Versailles — explore the Hall of Mirrors and state apartments
- •Walk the formal gardens and Marie-Antoinette's Petit Trianon
- •Return for dinner in the Latin Quarter
Montmartre & Sacre-Coeur
- •Morning walk through the vineyard and artist studios of Montmartre
- •Visit Sacre-Coeur basilica and enjoy the panoramic views
- •Afternoon at the Musee de l'Orangerie for Monet's Water Lilies
Le Marais & Hidden Paris
- •Explore Le Marais's medieval streets, Place des Vosges, and Musee Carnavalet
- •Lunch at the covered Marche des Enfants Rouges — Paris's oldest market
- •Walk along Canal Saint-Martin and stop at local wine bars
Food, Shopping & Farewell
- •Morning croissant crawl comparing the city's best boulangeries
- •Shopping in Le Bon Marche or Galeries Lafayette
- •Farewell dinner at a Michelin-starred bistro or classic brasserie
Flights
Estimated round-trip prices from major US hubs
JFK
Round-trip estimate
$540
Best priceORD
Round-trip estimate
$620
ATL
Round-trip estimate
$660
MIA
Round-trip estimate
$680
LAX
Round-trip estimate
$780
Prices are estimates based on historical data. Check airlines for current fares.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily cost per person including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$100
per day
Moderate
$220
per day
Luxury
$600
per day
7-Night Trip Estimate (1 person)
Budget
$1,240
incl. flights from JFK
Moderate
$2,080
incl. flights from JFK
Luxury
$4,740
incl. flights from JFK
When to Go
Jan
✗
Feb
✗
Mar
—
Apr
—
May
✓
Jun
✓
Jul
—
Aug
—
Sep
✓
Oct
✓
Nov
—
Dec
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| Month | High | Low | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7° | 2° | 10d | Cold and grey with occasional drizzle. Few tourists; cozy cafe season. |
| Feb | 8° | 2° | 9d | Still cold but days are lengthening. Occasional frost. |
| Mar | 12° | 4° | 10d | Spring begins with magnolias blooming. Variable weather, pack layers. |
| Apr | 16° | 7° | 9d | Gorgeous spring weather with cherry blossoms along the Seine. |
| May | 20° | 10° | 10d | Warm and pleasant. Outdoor cafe terraces are in full swing. |
| Jun | 23° | 13° | 9d | Long warm days perfect for parks and evening Seine walks. |
| Jul | 25° | 15° | 7d | Peak summer. Hot days, occasional heatwaves. Paris Plages along the Seine. |
| Aug | 25° | 15° | 7d | Warm but quieter as many Parisians leave for vacation. |
| Sep | 21° | 12° | 8d | Beautiful early autumn. Rentrée season with cultural events resuming. |
| Oct | 16° | 9° | 9d | Autumn colors in Luxembourg and Tuileries. Cool and pleasant. |
| Nov | 10° | 5° | 10d | Grey and damp. Christmas market preparations begin late month. |
| Dec | 7° | 3° | 10d | Cold with festive Christmas lights on the Champs-Elysees. |
Temperatures in Celsius. Rain days = days with measurable precipitation.
Nearby Destinations
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Canal-lined city with world-class museums and liberal culture
London
Iconic capital just a quick train ride under the English Channel
Barcelona
Gaudi architecture, beaches, and vibrant Catalan culture
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