Paris Travel Guide for 2025: Top Attractions, Things to do, Best Time to Visit & More

Paris is located in the north-central part of France, tucked between the UK, Spain, and Belgium. The French have always been the forerunners of inspirational art, poetry, philosophy, and films. This can leave many wondering how to absorb it all on their trip. 

Not only will you enjoy the architectural richness reflected in the Palace of Versailles, but also the gourmet dishes of Paris, such as escargots, duck confit, and dishes featuring French cheeses.

This Paris guide shall be your fire torch to finding out how to have the best time on the trip! Let’s get to flipping the pages without any further ado. 

Explore the History and Basic Details of  Paris

Paris isn’t called the City of Light just for its aesthetics; it is referred to as such due to being the center of knowledge, wisdom, and intellectual light. Parisians have played a crucial role in formulating the basic structure of a constitution, parts of which are adopted by many countries today. 

The architectural marvels were once important centers for discussion about politics, rights, liberty, and complex thoughts that went on to be the pillars governing successful nations. 

Similarly, the “French way” of living is a result of struggles during the revolution, and acknowledging life with its unfairness instead of romanticizing it. Parisians’ relation with haute couture dates back a long way as well, with the obsession for luxury expanding its branches to films, food, and philosophy. 

These are the basic details about the city to know beforehand:

Names of Endearment	City of Love, City of Light, Fashion Capital, Lutetia (historical name)
Currency	The Euro (€)
Time Zone	Central European Time (UTC+1:00) Central European Summer Time UTC+2:00 (followed from last Sunday of March to last Sunday of September)
Specialties	French wine, art, philosophy, literature, luxury food & fashion.
Official Language	French

Time for a little lesson on Paris’ geography. (P.S. This will help you land here at the best time and pack appropriately.)

Best Time to Visit Paris: The City of Love 

The best time to visit Paris is during the summer (May-July) and fall (September-October). Freezing winters make it less ideal for outings and exploration. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best time to visit Paris:

• Peak Season: June to August (summer & fall)
• Shoulder Season: April to May & September to November (Spring & Fall)
• Low Season: December to January (winters)

Seasons of Paris

Paris experiences 4 seasons: summer (June-August), fall (September-November), winter (December-February), and spring (March-May). The winters are usually wet and cold, which is why it sees the least amount of crowds. There’s a rise in humidity levels after October, which is why summer is the best time to visit Paris. 

Let’s say you landed there during the best time of the year and in your favorite season; which places would you visit? Well, Paris offers luxurious experiences, not just for the body and the tongue, but also for the eyes and the mind. 

I have listed down a few such must-visit places in Paris. Go through them and add some to your bucket list!

Best Places to Visit in Paris–For Couples, Families, & Friends 

There are many architectural masterpieces to marvel at, like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Versailles Palace & Gardens, the Catacombs, and the Arc de Triomphe. So, the Eiffel Tower isn’t the only thing people visit Paris for.  

A peculiar characteristic of Parisian monuments is the use of plaster for wall carvings. I mean, it is called ‘Plaster of Paris’ for a reason! Upon some digging, I found out that during the Industrial Revolution, Paris became a hub for manufacturing POP. 

With every such story, each place feels a little closer, so be sure to collect such gems on your travel to Paris. Moreover, the attractions in the city aren’t just monumental but historically significant as well. Unwind more about them here:

1. Eiffel Tower

Many would say the Eiffel Tower is cliché and perhaps “overrated,” to put it in terms of today’s generation, but its beauty is spoken of so much because it is marvelous. The soothing limelight that bejewels the tower and tells Paris it is night is bewitching. 

Even more breathtaking is the view of the city from the tower top, along with a fine-dining experience. When you finally get there, it will automatically make sense why people use the word ‘magical’ to describe Paris!

2. The Louvre Museum

The Louvre is such a fascinating museum that I have witnessed people who have never liked a history class inquire about the backstories of paintings and articles. It is, after all, home to arguably the most famous painting in the world – The Mona Lisa! 

Its exhibitions are captivating due to the presentation skills and storytelling that go behind them, which really tells us how valuable the aesthetics are in the larger scheme of things. This was a key takeaway from the entire Paris trip, to be honest! 

Note❗

Entry to the Louvre is free from 6 pm on the first Fridays of the month from September to June. 

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

Notre-Dame is a religiously significant Catholic church, and the details are countless. It is a standing example of Gothic French architecture, with stained glass and countless artistic details. 

Moreover, not only is Notre Dame religiously important, but it is also a historically significant part of Paris, being the venue for numerous royal weddings, funerals, and coronation ceremonies!

4. Palace of Versailles

Being the seat of power, the Versailles Palace & Gardens are beautiful. Anybody who managed to hear even one sentence from history class about the French Revolution would know how significant the palace was and remains to be. 

Even back in the day, a large sum of money was pumped into maintaining the aesthetic value of the palace and the gardens, which is why the enigma must be set aside by visiting it at least once!

5. Arc de Triomphe

The significance of the arch is in its name itself, as it signifies the triumph of those who fought and martyred themselves for France. During the testing time of the Napoleonic Wars and the French Revolution for the people of France, the brave fought to bring home peace. 

This is why the sentimental value of the monument is high. Take the scenic sunset cruise to the Arc de Triomphe and soak in the serenity of Paris!

6. Seine River Cruise

Among Paris’ most wonderful spots is the River Seine, and evening cruises on the river that include dinner are quite popular among couples. Picnicking on the banks of the Seine is also amusing, especially after the river was cleaned for the Olympics.

Do not miss the Paris Plages, which is an event started by the mayor’s office.  During summer, the riverside is transformed into temporary beach-like pools for the relief of citizens.  

7. The Catacombs

One of the most fascinating places in Paris is the Catacombs. It is a geologically crucial site that remains as proof of the 13th-century epidemic outbreak, which led to the cemeteries being shifted underground. 

To this day, it carries the remains of over 6 million Parisians, keeping an important account of limestone, which dates back to the period called “Lutetian,” giving Paris its old name, ‘Lutetia’. 

With the basics of what to see in Paris figured out, let’s move forward towards the forerunners of the Parisian culinary experience.

What to Eat in Paris?

Some of Paris’ must-try foods are the crêpes, croissants, the Pain Au Chocolat, steaks, Parisian cheeses, macarons, Pot Au Feu, Soufflé, and much more. The culinary experience in Paris is subtle and rich, with many dishes that just melt in your mouth right away. 

Everybody knows about the hot-chocolit and “Kwa-sso” (croissant) combination, but Paris has some of the best breakfast menus and even fancier meals. Here are the dishes or things to eat in Paris that you must taste at least once whenever in Paris:

1. Croissants & Pain au Chocolat: Pain au Chocolat mainly has a chocolate filling, whereas croissants have varied fillings, and both of these French pastries are laminated inside a crisped and buttered dough. 

   

2. Escargots: A rich French delicacy made up of earth snails and cooked in butter and garlic is often served as an appetizer that one cannot miss! 

   

3. Wheel of Cheese: We’ve all witnessed those clips of the pasta being smothered in a wheel of cheese; with the cheese in Paris, it tastes heavenly!

   

4. Pâté & Terrine: Pâté is a smooth, thick mixture of meat that is served cold by spreading it on bread. Whereas terrine is also a French forcemeat, typically cooked in an earthenware for the enhanced flavors, and both of them make for excellent charcuterie items!

   

5. Croque Monsieur & Croque Madame: Croque Monsieur is a humble ham and cheese sandwich with a French twist, while Croque Madame is the fancier version of the humble ham and cheese. 

   

I do not eat steak, but I’ve heard a lot about the steak frites, so go ahead and give it a try if it sounds appealing. Now that the food is covered, let’s touch upon the places to stay in Paris in the next section. 

Where to Stay in Paris?

Places to stay in Paris are abundant. For low-budget stays, you can choose from the hostel dorms, and for a family-friendly stay, go for the boutique hotels. Stays in Paris anyway lean more towards the high-end, so luxury stays aren’t hard to find. 

Here’s a suggestion in each price range for an idea about the expense of the stay: 

1. Low Budget Stay in Paris: The People Hostel 

For a cozy and pocket-friendly stay in Paris, The People Hostel is one of the best options. This is the ideal stay for solo travelers on the go for just €19 per night.  

2. Mid-range Boutique Hotel–Hotel Les Deux Girafes

Hotel Les Deux Girafes ensures a comfortable stay for a family, with a wide range of continental food for breakfast and other attractive amenities. Staying here will feel like a good value for money, starting at €179 per night. 

3. Studio Apartment–Airbnb Paris

Airbnb is always a comfort when it comes to finding a place to stay in any country. You can find a unique place according to your preference and price range in Paris. Just be sure to check the ratings and reviews, and you will find the feet to fill your glass shoe! 

You can save some amount by choosing the accommodation carefully; a few other ways to make your pockets hurt less are discussed in the next section. Be sure to follow through!

Save the Euros with These Budgeting Tips 

When it comes to money, Paris is notoriously expensive, and the euro being a stronger currency than most just adds to it. Paris is known as the fashion capital of the world, holds center stage for haute couture, promises a fine culinary experience, and has some of the most luxurious and extravagant hotels. 

This is why, if you don’t watch your step, you might max out the credit card faster than a bullet train. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while trying to save money in Paris: 

1. Pick the Right Time to Visit: While deciding your dates to visit Paris, check the shoulder season and the time when most festivals coincide. The festivals ensure a memorable time as well as hefty discounts on tickets to attractions and museums. 

   1.1. Fete De La Musique: Annual music celebration in mid-June.  

   1.2. Bastille Day: It is an annual celebration of French culture on the 14th of July. 

2. Save Money on Lodging: The cheapest option for solo travelers is to stay in a hostel dorm. For families, a mid-range hotel would be the fairest option. 

3. Master the Art of Being a Flâneur: A flâneur is a saunterer, and the best way to explore the streets of Paris is to be one! Walk a lot and observe twice as much, and you’ll unlock the vision for the rawest version of Paris. 

4. Paris Hop On Hop Off Tours: If you’re in the city for a short period, the best way to see and visit all the attractions is on the back of this open-roof bus! It will show you around quicker and cheaper than any other mode of transport. 

5. Paris Pass: Go City’s Paris Pass is a smart purchase to make at the beginning of your trip, as it enables entry into all of Paris’ museums and various attractions at 50% off. This makes exploration cheaper and hassle-free. 

6. Advance Bookings: If you do not aim to visit too many sights, do not invest in the Paris Pass; rather, book each sight/museum’s tickets online at discounted rates. 

7. Free Museums on First Sundays of the Month: The Paris government allows free entry to the museums on first Sundays of the month to encourage people to learn about French culture. However, do check the list of museums that offer this scheme, and do keep in mind that it gets crowded on such days. 

8. Explore Free Things to Do in Paris: Stroll through the elaborate and elegant gardens such as the Tuileries, Luxembourg, the Bois de Vincennes, and the Bois de Boulogne.  

9. Do it the French Way: When in Paris, do as the Parisians do. Embrace the Joie de Vivre (the joy of living) and Dolce far Niente (sweet idleness). Enjoy every step of the way, and savor the sweet, idle moments between the fun activities. 

Decode Paris Public Transport

Paris public transport is quite easy to maneuver; however, there are a few things you must keep in mind, like 

1. Advantages of Public Transport: Children under 4 travel free of cost, and kids under 10 get tickets at half the price. 

2. Buy Carnets: The modern-day manifestation of the carnets is the daily/weekly/monthly passes. They allow unlimited access to public transport for a dedicated period. 

3. Passes are Time-Bound: A day pass begins at 12:01 am, a weekly pass begins on Monday, and a monthly pass always begins on the first day of the month. They will last for the dedicated time, regardless of which time of the day/week/month you buy them.  

4. Velib Bike Share: You can use the Navigo transit card to tap and unlock a Velib bike. Those who aren’t comfortable walking short distances can use this mode to get around Paris. 

While traveling to any country, keeping the expenses in mind is necessary, but not at the cost of fun. The next section delves into the tips that will elevate your travel experience manifold. 

Elevate Your Paris Trip with These Tips 

Here’s some elder sister guidance, like dressing well, learning a few words, and leaving tips, that will help you swivel through the streets of Paris. Claim the streets as your own with more such tips: 

1. Social Etiquette: Parisians find it charming when the tourists attempt to speak the language, and truly, just the intention and attempt will do the trick! A little “bonjour,” “au revoir,” and “merci” can take you a long way. 

2. Dress Well: There isn’t a need to change your personality upside down, but dressing well will only turn heads for all good reasons. 

3. Leave Tips: The standard tipping rate in Paris is 5-10% of the total bill if you were impressed by the service. 

4. Try local boulangeries: Skip the expensive restaurants and grab breakfast at local bakeries. They have freshly made items and are just as good all over Paris!

5. Listen to Jazz: The annual celebration of the Paris Jazz Festival, from mid-June to late July, at Parc Floral de Paris, is a must-attend experience. Do not skip exploring such an intrinsic part of Paris on your trip!

6. Pick up the French Cheeses to Take Home: Touch some grass in Paris by strolling through the local markets, and pick up the French cheese from Rue Mouffetard Market. While you’re at it, explore the independent vintage boutiques and Marche Georges Brassens Market for books. 

7. Beware of Pickpockets & Scammers: There are many scammers roaming around the streets of Paris. Be careful and do not accept anything from strangers a lost gold ring, a friendship bracelet, or any other object, which could lead to a scam or theft, leaving a dent in your pleasant time. 

8. Visit the Antique Market: Don’t want to spend all your money on shopping for luxury? No worries! Visit the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen and hunt for a vintage souvenir at reasonable prices! 

9. Visit the Trocadéro: This one’s an insider tip and hence a little concealed, but the best way of witnessing the beauty of the Eiffel Tower is not by standing up close to it. Steal the best moments of the Tower from the Trocadéro, and skip the queue. 

Catch a glimpse of the moments of City of Love at its best in the section that follows. 

Incredible Sights of Paris Assorted 

Here are the moments Paris was caught being her flamboyant, bougie self on camera: 

The City of Love in a Nutshell 

Paris is a city full of wonder and amazement and is an ideal travel destination for various sorts of travelers. Couples old and new come here to rekindle their romance, while solo travelers and lovers of art, literature, and fashion also find a certain solace in the city. 

Therefore, when in Paris, be sure to try all the versatile experiences the city has to offer and fill your camera roll with moments of joy! With that, I wish you clear skies and a stress-free mind on the journey ahead.

Bon voyage!

FAQs

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