Planning a trip to the city of love? In this guide we separate all the information you need to know before going to Paris. Learn everything and plan a full trip!
Paris, also known as the “City Light”, houses countless attractions, from historical monuments, architectural, museums, star restaurants, most famous designer shops, and more. And these are just some of the reasons the French capital is of the 10 most visited destinations in Europe. The Eiffel Tower, a postcard known worldwide, is just a small piece of everything the city has to offer.
Those who travel there can not stop dining in the beautiful bistros, taste the crème brulée and the super characteristic macarons of the French pâtisseries and stroll through some of the most famous sights in Paris. Thus, thinking of the doubts that may arise when planning a trip, we prepare this complete guide on the largest city of France in order to make your trip special!
Here you will find a complete list of the best attractions to ride your itinerary, know the best hotels from where to stay in Paris to have an amazing stay, see tips from where to eat in Paris and more. We also explain the best time to go and we offer unmissable discount coupons to ensure a safe trip Paris and a mobile chip to Paris in the precinho!
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In this post you will read:
- Activities to enjoy in Paris
- Where to stay in ParisHotels in ParisBed & Breakfast in ParisAirbnb in ParisHostels in ParisApart-hotels in Paris
- Paris hotels
- Bed & Breakfast in Paris
- Airbnb in Paris
- Hostels in Paris
- Apartments in Paris
- Where to eat in Paris
- When to go to Paris
- How many days to stay in Paris
- Ways to travel to Paris include by plane, train, or car. Routes from various cities such as London, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, and Amsterdam to Paris are available.
- By plane
- By train
- By car
- By bus
- From London to Paris
- From Barcelona to Paris
- From Madrid to Paris
- From Lisbon to Paris
- From Amsterdam to Paris
- How to get around in ParisMetrobusTremUber
- Metro
- Buses
- Train
- Uber
- How to go from Paris to Versailles
- Essential information
- Safe trip to Paris
- Mobile Chip Paris
- Cheap flights to Paris
- Car rental in Paris
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Paris hotels
- Bed & Breakfast in Paris
- Airbnb in Paris
- Hostels in Paris
- Parisian apartments
- By plane
- By train
- By car
- By bus
- From London to Paris
- From Barcelona to Paris
- From Madrid to Paris
- From Lisbon to Paris
- From Amsterdam to Paris
- Subway
- Buses
- Train
- Uber
Things to do in Paris
The capital of France is known worldwide for its unique architecture and impressive buildings such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral. However, Paris has several other sights worth knowing. The museums in Paris, for example, house works by some of the most renowned artists. There are also temporary exhibitions in various places for the public to know everything a little during the tour.
If you’re a fan of Picasso’s art, you’ll be captivated by the museum dedicated to him. For those interested in fashion, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent showcases a collection that delves into the life and designs of the legendary designer. The Louvre Museum, the world’s largest and most famous, is a must-visit destination during your trip, housing iconic works such as Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Monalisa,” the Ancient Greek “Venus of Milo,” and Jacques Louis David’s “The Coronation of Napoleon.”
The city still has beautiful cathedrals, lush gardens, opera houses and, of course, the famous Disneyland Paris. A visit to the park will make the ride even more special and memorable! Now, a visit to the cemeteries of Paris or the catacombs may seem eccentric, but if you want to know the place where personalities such as Edith Piaf, Molière, Chopin, Oscar Wilde and even Allan Kardec have been buried, the places are great tips of tours in Paris.
Check out a list of the sights mentioned above and more choices of what to do in Paris:
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Arc de Triomphe
- Champs-Élysées
- River Seine
- Disneyland Paris – Tour to the Park
- Basilica of Sacre Coeur
- Opera Garnier
- Orsay Museum
- Luxembourg Garden
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Pantheon
- Place of the Bastille
- Republic Square
- Moulin Rouge
- Père-Lachaise Cemetery
- Stade de France
- Conciergerie
- Picasso Museum
- Square of Concordia
- Musée Yves Saint Laurent
Read all our tips:
- Attractions in Paris
- Museums in Paris
- Things to do in Paris
- Disneyland Paris – Tour to the Park
- Where to watch the sunset in Paris
- Exploring Paris with guided tours
Places to stay in Paris
The City Luz is divided into 18 arrondissements (or neighborhoods), but the most recommended to choose a accommodation are numbered from 1 to 8. The 1st arrondissement is located around the Louvre and, because it is a more tourist area, it is a very busy place. The five-star, super luxurious hotels are concentrated there.
The 2nd arrondissement is a business district, as it is around the French stock exchange. Opera Garnier is also located in this district.
The 3rd and 4th arrondissements are some of the most recommended there because they are quite busy and are close to various attractions.
The 5th arrondissement, also known as the Latin Quarter, is home to notable sites like the Sorbonne and the Pantheon. It is a popular choice for young travelers seeking affordable accommodations and budget-friendly dining options. The area is quieter on Rue des Ecoles and livelier on Rue Mouffetard.
The 6th arrondissement is a more artistic area and has great options for eating, staying, buying and walking, as well as being known as the thinkers, artists and bohemians.
The 7th arrondissement is where the Eiffel Tower is located and has a more residential and sophisticated climate, less on Rue du Bac, which concentrates good restaurants and trade.
Finally, the 8th arrondissement is around the Champs-Elysée and the Arc de Triomphe, being a noble place with classic luxury hotels very chosen by famous people who go to the city.
Hotels in Paris
Hotels in Paris range from the most luxurious to cost-effective daily options, so you can definitely find an ideal accommodation for what you’re looking for in the city. There are choices with a direct view to the main sights of the destination (such as the hotels overlooking the Eiffel Tower), luxurious places with spa and all sorts of convenience, and also cheap hotels farther away, yet charming. Check out a selection of the best hotels in Paris:
- Hôtel des Arts Montmartre – Daily from € 190 – Note 9.6
- Cheval Blanc Paris & Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris – Daily from € 1,900 – Note 9.5
- Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris – Daily from € 1.400 – Note 9.4
- Hôtel Le Presbytère – Daily from € 232 – Note 9.2
- La Demeure Montaigne – Daily from € 414 – Note 9.1
- Hôtel Jardin de Cluny – Daily from € 247 – Note 9.1
See all hotel options in Paris.
Bed & Breakfast in Paris
Are you considering staying in a cozy place in the city where you can feel at home? Bed and breakfasts in Paris, typically run by families, offer an extra level of comfort that is often missing in chain hotels. These accommodations are similar to inns found in Brazil and come highly recommended for a delightful and enjoyable stay.
- Relais12bis Bed & Breakfast By Eiffel Tower – Daily from € 241 – Note 9.8
- Le clos de l’olivier – Daily from € 207 – Note 9,3
- My Home For You Luxury B&B – Daily from € 259 – Note 9.2
- La Maison Gobert Paris Hotel Particulier – Daily from € 187 – Note 9.2
View all the available bed and breakfast choices in Paris.
Airbnb in Paris
How about ensuring an airbnb in Paris and enjoying your stay more independently in a place with everything a house needs to have? The recommended places below feature kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom, and make you feel like a true Parisian during the time you spend in the City of Light. Check out a list with some of the best rated there:
- Beauquartier Paris – Montorgueil – Daily from € 127 – Note 9.4
- Apartments Du Louvre St Honoré – Daily from € 268 – Note 9.0
- Edgar Suites Expo Paris Porte de Versailles – Daily from € 130 – Note 9.0
- Résidence Louvre – Bellan – Daily from € 173 – Note 8.4
- Citadines Bastille Marais Paris – Daily from € 141 – Note 7.9
See all airbnb options in Paris.
Accommodations in Paris for budget travelers
The budget-friendly hostels in Paris offer affordable lodging options for those looking to save money on accommodation. They provide bunk beds in shared dormitories (mixed or female) as well as private rooms at a higher cost, catering to various preferences.
- The People – Paris Bercy – Daily from € 70 – Note 8.8
- The People – Paris Nation offers daily rates starting at €69, with a rating of 8.4.
- The People Paris Belleville – Daily from € 65 – Note 8.2
- JO&JOE Paris – Nation – Daily from € 29 – Note 8.2
- St Christopher’s Inn Paris – Gare du Nord – Daily from € 20 – Note 7.2
See all hostel options in Paris.
Apartments in Paris
The aparthotels in Paris are great alternatives for those who want to guarantee fully furnished and equipped accommodation with everything necessary for stay, including kitchen and living room. They differ from season rental options at the disposal of a staff and reception, plus other services that can be included in the price, such as daily cleaning and breakfast. Check out some of the most well-located choices in the destination:
- Black Door – Daily from € 735 – Note 9.3
- Mode Paris Aparthotel – Daily from € 255 – Note 9.2
- My Maison In Paris Invalides – Daily from € 341 – Note 9.1
- My Maison In Paris – Louvre – Daily from € 359 – Note 9.1
- Rayz Eiffel – Daily from € 257 – Note 8.8
See all options for aparthotels in Paris.
Where to eat in Paris
chsyys/StockVault
Parisian restaurants are known worldwide, either by sophisticated sweets or by the tasty meals of the most varied types. Before booking a table in the city, however, it is necessary to understand the difference between bistro, restaurant, coffee, brasserie, boulangerie and pâtisserie.
A bistro has a cozy atmosphere, but has no luxury of larger and sophisticated restaurants, where there is more formality in attendance. The cafes are scattered throughout the city and are a good option for fast snacks during the day, as they serve lunches in account, cups of coffee and even wine glasses.
Now, the terms that most cause doubt are brasserie, boulangerie and pâtisserie. A brasserie is nothing more than a French bar, where the environment is more informal and uncommon, perfect for enjoying great drinks and portions.
Boulangeries are like bakeries, but most of them only work on the counter and do not offer table for meal. They are the ideal places to find great croissants, baguetes and pains au chocolat. Finally, those who dream of experiencing delicacies like macarons and eclairs will delight in the pâtisseries, places specialized in French pastries.
In addition to the pastries and breads, practically obligatory on your list of what to taste in Paris, duck meat is also very famous among the French and will certainly be part of your routine there. It is also worth placing on the list the famous crepes, the crème brulée, the croque monsieur to try. Finally, if it is your taste, be sure to taste the escargot.
Want to know some recommendations from where to eat in Paris to enjoy tasty dishes and decorated sweets? Check out the following restaurants that are worth knowing:
- Le Comptoir du Relais
- Ladurée
- Du Pain et des Idées
- Les Ombres
- Le Relais de L’Entrecôte
- The Tower of Silver
- L’Ambroisie
- Café de Flore
- Le Chateaubriand
- Au Pied de Cochon
When to go to Paris
The best tips when going to Paris are during intermediate seasons, mainly the month of May to enjoy the spring. At that time the temperatures are mild, the parks are flowered and there are smaller queues in the attractions and restaurants. If you want to enjoy a fresh climate and orange hues in the trees, the months of September and October are ideal for enjoying the Parisian autumn.
Now, if you intend to travel in the months of vacation, the European summer (months from June to August) is more recommended than winter, since outdoor activities can be carried out more tranquilly and temperatures do not reach peaks like in Brazil. However, get ready for the large amount of tourists going to the French capital at that time, crowding the sights.
Winter in Paris is rigorous, although the possibility of snow is rare (in addition to being little quantity, and lasts little time). The coldest season is not so recommended, but if you want to pay cheaply at hotels in Paris, it is a great time to find cheaper prices.
How many days to stay in Paris
Our recommendation is to stay, on average, five days in Paris to enjoy all that the City of Light has to offer with ease. On a trip with this time available you will be able to discover the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe and even more attractions!
A three-day roadmap cannot include all the sights of Paris that deserve the visit, being too short to enjoy the destination with quality.
Already a one-week planning allows tours both within the city and in locations around, as the Palace of Versailles, for example. Who knows also can’t spend a day at Disneyland Paris, too, if you have seven days to enjoy the capital of France?
How to get to Paris
The most common way to get to Paris is by plane, landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY). There are direct flights from several cities in Brazil.
For those who are already in Europe, there are daily flights departing from the main capitals to Paris, including with option of low cost flights. Other options are also high-speed trains (TGV) and international buses.
By plane
It is possible to arrive by plane in Paris from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza by Latam and Air France, landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport, and from Campinas by Azul, landing at Orly Airport without any connection.
The other Brazilian capitals make flights with scales in cities of Brazil or abroad, such as Lisbon or Madrid, for example. Direct trips take about 11:30, while those that perform connection range from 15h to 20h of flight.
If you are already in Europe, a good idea is to opt for low cost companies such as Vueling, Ryanair and Easyjet, which offer flights for €50 or less. These trips end at Beauvais Tillé Airport (BVA), a place used by these European travel companies.
By train
To get to Paris by train from European cities it is necessary to buy the ticket in advance, since prices rise with the proximity of the trip.
Cities like Barcelona, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt and Geneva offer the well-known Eurostar, which can be a good alternative to the plane, but ends up costing practically the same price. As there is no train station in Paris, the trains arrive and leave six gares: Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Gare de l’Este, Gare Montparnasse, Gare St.-Lazare and Gare d’Austerlitz.
By car
If you are already driving around Europe by car and arriving to Paris with the vehicle, a good tip is to hand you over to the rental company and stroll around in other ways. This is because the traffic inside the City of Light is chaotic and full of jams, especially in rush hours. The parking lots there are also very expensive, costing approximately € 25 per day.
To get to Paris from other cities, the best choice is to calculate the route on Google Maps and see the best roads and access routes.
By bus
Choosing to go by bus to Paris makes the trip cheaper, but much longer. Paris Gallieni is the destination station that receives national buses and also from Luxembourg and Belgium, for example, so you can enjoy the service in various parts of Europe.
From London to Paris
The easiest ways to get to Paris from English lands are by plane or train. It is possible to find cheaper flights by low cost companies, so prices vary between € 35 and € 300. Flights depart from Heathrow Airport in London and land at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. The route takes about 1h30 for direct flights, but in case of trips with scale in Amsterdam, Malta or Milan, the trip can last more than 10h.
So the most recommended way to get to the City of Light is by the Eurostar train that leaves the St. Pancras International station in London, and goes to Gare du Norde in Paris. Costing € 250, the trip lasts approximately 2h20.
From Barcelona to Paris
There are four ways to go from Barcelona to Paris: by car, by plane, by bus and by train. The most suitable is to take a plane or a train, since it is over 1,000 km to be traveled. An 11-hour drive would be quite tiring, and the bus rides take more than 12 hours, as well as several stops.
Anyone who chooses to go from TGV (high-speed train) can choose between three times and enjoy the six hours of travel in spacious and comfortable cabins. The trip costs about € 80, but a good tip is to ensure the passage in advance to find smaller prices. The train leaves Sants station in Barcelona, towards the Gare de Lyon station in Paris.
Flight routes take only two hours, so if the speed is priority on the trip that is sure is the best option. The plane leaves El Prat Airport in Barcelona, and goes to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, and costs about €80, or even less if you buy a ticket from the low cost companies.
From Madrid to Paris
The trip from Madrid to Paris follows the same scheme as those from Barcelona. That is, the plane and the train are the best friends of the travellers madrileños. Departing from Barajas Airport in Madrid, with direction to the CDG, the plane trip can cost from €50 to € 230, depending on the airline, and it takes about two hours. The train has a more time-consuming journey of approximately 13h20, because it connects at Sants Station in Barcelona. The price varies between € 180 and € 275.
From Lisbon to Paris
You can also go from Lisbon to Paris in four ways: by plane, by train, by car and by bus. However, as the city gets further away, it is recommended to take a plane. The flight leaves Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, and makes a journey from approximately 2h30 to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. You can find good prices on low cost companies!
The other options are quite time-consuming and, in the case of the train, make more connections. A car trip takes more than 17h, while the bus takes 27h30. Taking a flight is the best choice!
From Amsterdam to Paris
As Amsterdam is not so far from Paris, it is possible to go in various ways to the city. Anyone who rented a car to go to the destination will make a quiet five-hour trip and can enjoy the landscape and meet several cities along the way. The plane is the fastest mode of transport, taking only one hour (in the case of non-stop travel) from the Dutch airport Schiphol to the CDG.
The train journey offers the best cost-benefit as it takes almost the same time of the plane and costs from € 30. He leaves Amsterdam Central Station towards Paris Nord. The bus is the cheapest option and is 7 to 16 hours long, leaving the Sloterdijk Station in Amsterdam, and stopping at the Parisian stations.
How to get around in Paris
Anyone who wants to understand the transports in Paris should look at the differences in the types of trains and buses to avoid perrengues. A good way to walk inside the city is to bet on comfortable shoes and walk a lot. So you take advantage of the attractions and make beautiful records through the streets of the city. However, as the sights of Paris are scattered around the city, it may be necessary to know the public transport and mainly use the metro lines.
Cars are not very recommended because, as said above, the Parisian transit is chaotic and expensive parking lots. You can also take advantage of the bus service, whether day or night, and get to know the city at prices more on account.
Here are more transport tips in Paris:
Metro
You can enjoy over 300 lines from one of the oldest metro in the world without having to walk a lot to find a station. It is 16 metro lines (numbered 1 to 14, 3 bis and 7 bis), each with a corresponding color and running in two directions indicated by its final station.
Anyone who attends the stations will be able to check a metro map on each of them to doubt and get around without problems. Each subway ticket costs €1.80 and serves only one trip (including connections), but you can opt for the “carnet” of 10 tickets that leaves for € 14.40.
Buses
Similar to the subway system, buses also require tickets for travel. However, passengers can pay the exact fare directly to the driver. Night buses operate from 12:30 am to 5:30 am and stop at stations including Châtelet, Montparnasse, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, and Paris Saint-Lazare. It’s important to check the schedules to avoid long waits during peak nighttime hours.
Train
In addition to the metro lines, there are various types of trains available in Paris. The RER functions as a fast train that can travel both underground and above ground. The tramway combines the speed and reliability of the metro with the comfort of a bus journey, as stated by RATP, the company that manages the trains. Lastly, the Transilien is a regional express train that operates above ground, connecting the Paris suburbs with important city stations.
Uber
Calling an Uber to travel distances in Paris is worth more than renting a car for sightseeing in the city, since the difficulty of finding parking spaces and the stress to drive in chaotic traffic can spoil your experience on the trip. 😉
How to go from Paris to Versailles
Are you thinking of visiting the Palace of Versailles? You can hop on a train in Paris and disembark at the Versailles-Chantiers station, enjoying a comfortable one-hour journey.
The passage to the RER C, or Line C of the Regional Express Network, costs about € 7 and to at various stations of Paris. Another possibility is to drive, on a journey of thirty minutes to an hour, in which the most ideal is to calculate the route in a location application.
Key information
- Passport: Necessary for entry to France.
- Visa: Brazilians do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
- Vaccines: No specific requirements.
- Language: French.
- Currency: Euro (€).
- Security: Paris is a safe city, but it is important to take basic precautions.
- Time zone: GMT+1.
- Plugs / Voltage: 220V, plug type E.
Safe trip to Paris
Having a safe trip to Paris is a requirement to enter the country, which is part of the Schengen Treaty and requires a medical-hospital coverage of at least € 30 thousand for travellers. In addition to being mandatory, insurance is a great way to ensure a smoother trip. Enjoy also our discount coupon Promo Insurance. – SEE PRICES
Mobile Chip Paris
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Cheap flights to Paris
Do you want to guarantee a ticket to Paris with super attractive prices? We use the Promo Go platform to find the most accountable flights on the market. Check out the day deals and keep an eye out to save on buying your airline tickets. – SEE PRICES
Car rental in Paris
Did you know you can rent a car to Paris online? This way, when you arrive at the destination, you will go directly to the rental company just to remove your vehicle and follow with the trip. Enjoy our RentCars discount coupon and find the most advantageous option for you when using the RentCars hirer. – SEE PRICES
Frequently Asked Questions
If you haven’t found the information you needed, check out the quick questions and answers about our readers’ main questions:
The primary options for activities in Paris include visiting the Eiffel Tower, exploring the Louvre Museum, touring Notre-Dame Cathedral, seeing the Arc de Triomphe, and strolling along the Champs-Élysées. Explore additional attractions in Paris.
Some of the main tours in Paris are: Disneyland Paris; Sacre Coeur Basilica; Opera Garnier; Sainte-Chapelle; Pantheon. Check out more sights of Paris.
Choosing where to stay in Paris depends on which sights you want to stay close and how much you plan to spend with the accommodation. The city is divided into 18 arrondissements, of which the first 8 are the most recommended to choose a accommodation because they are more in the central region.
The Hôtel des Arts Montmartre, the Cheval Blanc Paris & Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris, the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris, the Hôtel Le Presbytère, the La Demeure Montaigne and the Hôtel Jardin de Cluny are some of the best hotels in Paris.
The bed & breakfast in Paris are the famous Brazilian inns and offer cozy stays in the City of Luz, check out some recommendations: Relais12bis Bed & Breakfast By Eiffel Tower, Le clos de l’olivier, My Home For You Luxury B&B and La Maison Gobert Paris Hotel Particulier.
Some of the best airbnb options in Paris are: Beauquartier Paris – Montorgueil, Apartments Du Louvre St Honoré, Edgar Suites Expo Paris Porte de Versailles, Résidence Louvre – Bellan, Citadines Bastille Marais Paris.
The People – Paris Bercy, The People – Paris Nation, The People Paris Belleville, JO&JOE Paris – Nation and St Christopher’s Inn Paris – Gare du Nord are some of the best hostels in Paris.
The recommended duration for a stay in Paris is five days in order to explore the city’s key landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, and Opera Garnier. A three-day trip may feel rushed, while a week-long visit allows for additional attractions to be included in your itinerary.
The easiest way to get to Paris is by plane, landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY), depending on the Brazilian city you leave from. If you are already in Europe, options include high-speed trains (TGV) and international bus.
The best time to go to Paris is during the spring, mainly in the month of May when the trees are flowered and the pleasant temperatures. Autumn is also a good alternative, as it guarantees beautiful landscapes and fresh climate. Both summer and winter are not as recommended if you want to enjoy the attractions with ease.
Paris is the capital of France and is located in the north of the country, in the administrative region of Île-de-France. Also known as the Light City because of its importance in the Enlightenment, the site is cut by the Seine River.
The best tip of how to get around in Paris is to take advantage of public transportation, whether by metro or bus. The metro is one of the oldest in the world and runs throughout the city, and the bus fleet is well structured and has even night timetables. There are also three types of train through the destination! However, if you want to walk a lot, another great tip is to enjoy bikes or even walk between the sights.
It is not necessary to enter Paris, since France is a member of the Schengen Treaty. There is a requirement, however, to present an insurance trip Paris, a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and the ETIAS form. Check out the updated requirements before you travel on the Join Sherpa website.
No specific vaccine is required to enter Paris.
Yes, Paris is a safe city. However, it is always necessary to be mindful of the basic precautions, such as not taking valuable items during city tours, be careful with wallet stops (pickpockets), avoid staying away from the central region and keep copies of important documents.
It is not necessary to know French to go to Paris, but a good tip is to learn simple phrases to make communication easier, since the French like visitors to show respect for their language, so knowing how to speak “I don’t know how to speak French, can you speak English?” is important. Of course the knowledge of English is indispensable, since the French will not know how to communicate in Portuguese with you. 😉
We have to hire a secure Europe trip to Paris, as fate is one of the members of the Schengen Treaty.
