Paris, France

Walking and using the metro are the quickest way to get around Paris. Bus and Boat are also useful option. Uber and Taxi are also widely available in main city areas. The most efficient way to get around Paris is by walking and using the Métro. Navigations apps like Google Map provides real time info and routes to destinations with train, metro, tram and bus. Popular walking routes include East-to-west walk from Arc de Triomphe to Notre Dame as well as a walk in the Montmartre area. Avoid a metro ride of fewer than 2 stops since walking will take about the same time and allows a better view! The Métro lines are virtually always located directly underneath major boulevards, so if you get lost, walk along a major boulevard until you find a Métro station.

A popular walking route is a West to East walk from the Arc de Triomphe to Ile de la Cite (Notre Dame). This walk takes about 1-2 hours without any stops. Start at top of the Champs Elysees (at Arc de Triomphe) and walk down towards Place de la Concorde. 1) On the way towards the obelisk on the square, you’ll see the major stores and restaurants of Paris’ most famous avenue. 2) After the main shopping area, you’ll see the Petit Palais and Grand Palais to your right. 3) At Place de la Concorde, you’ll see many of major monuments. In front is the Tuileries, behind you is the Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe, behind you to the right is Tour Eiffel and Musee d’Orsay, and finally, to your left is the Madeleine. 4) Continue straight ahead and enter the Tuileries Gardens passing by fountains, flowers, and lovers in the park. 5) Continue straight ahead, and out of the garden, you’ll see the pyramid entrance to the Louvre in front of you. 6) After leaving the Tuileries directly behind you, turn to your right and walk towards the Seine river. 7) Walk along the Seine (eastwards) until you reach Pont Neuf. Cross Pont Neuf and walk through Latin Quarter, cross the river again to reach Notre Dame cathedral.

Train – Paris and surrounding areas are served by different rail systems: A) Metro – Look for the Métro stations, marked either with a large ‘M’ sign. B) RER – Regional Express network used by suburban commuters and services to airports. You’ll need to validate your ticket when switching from one system to another. Also, keep your ticket/pass with you at all times. Crossing Paris can be much faster by RER than by Métro. There are five commuter train lines: RER A, B, C, D, and E that run at 6-7min intervals and stop at every RER station within Paris. Additionally, many suburban train lines (Transilien) depart from main train stations such as line L from Gare Saint-Lazare to Versailles Rive-Droite and line N from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles-Chantiers (covered by a ticket for Zones 1-4). Line L stops at La Défense offering views of Paris and Eiffel Tower on the left going towards Versailles after Puteaux.

Bus – In some cases, a bus ride is interesting if you want to see more of the city. The Parisian bus system is quite tourist-friendly. It uses the same single-ride Ticket t+ and Navigo fare system as the Métro, and electronic displays inside each bus tell riders its current position and what stops remain, eliminating a lot of confusion.

Boat – There are several excellent boat services that make use of the Seine. Boats provide easy, cheap transport to much of central Paris, with excellent photo opportunities. You can buy 1-3 day ticket and hop on and off the boat as needed. The boats take a circular route from the Eiffel Tower, down past the Louvre, Notre Dame, botanical gardens then back up the other bank past Musee D’orsay. “Batobus” offers a regular shuttle service between the main touristic sights (closed in January); the famous Bateaux Mouches offer sightseeing cruises. By taking one of these popular tours, you can also enjoy a romantic evening dinner on the Seine. It is a unique chance to enjoy the night sightseeing, with the lights of the Eiffel Tower and other monuments of Paris.

If it’s your first time in Paris, our recommendation is that you stay either in the 7th Arrondissement at the feet of the Eiffel Tower, or in Le Marais, the heart of medieval Paris.

If you’re looking for a cool neighborhood with lots of food and drinks, stay in the 2nd Arrondissement.

If you’re on a budget and looking for an affordable area, stay in the 9th Arrondissement, which is central and affordable with great nightlife. 

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, you should absolutely stay in Montmartre (the 18th Arr.), where you’ll find cobblestone streets and a former village on a hill above Paris that has since been swallowed up by the ever-expanding city. It has all the charm of a medieval village straight out of a fairy tale, but the location up on the hill is a little further out than some people might prefer.

NOTE: The 8th Arrondissement (includes Champs-Élysées) and the 1st Arrondissement (includes the Louvre) are great neighborhoods for visit but the accommodations are often pricey and the area often crowded with tourists deep into the night.

Le Marais: A historic district filled with charming streets, you’ll find traditional bistros, Jewish delis, and trendy cafes here. Places around Rue des Rosiers are particularly famous for falafels.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés: An iconic Left Bank neighborhood, it’s home to classic Parisian cafes like “Les Deux Magots” and “Café de Flore”, along with a variety of upscale dining spots.

Latin Quarter: Known for its bohemian vibe, this area offers everything from Greek eateries to traditional French bistros, with many establishments located around Rue Mouffetard.

Montmartre: The artistic heart of Paris boasts lovely cafes and restaurants, many with panoramic views of the city. “Le Consulat” and “La Maison Rose” are among its historic eateries.

Bastille: A lively district, especially around Rue de la Roquette, filled with modern cafes, classic bistros, and vibrant bars.

Champs-Élysées & Avenue Montaigne: While famous for shopping, this area also offers a range of dining options, from luxury restaurants to casual eateries.

Opéra: Around Palais Garnier, there are numerous brasseries and restaurants, perfect for a pre- or post-theater meal.

Canal Saint-Martin: This trendy area is lined with hip cafes, wine bars, and modern eateries, ideal for a laid-back dining experience.

Rue Cler & 7th Arrondissement: This pedestrian-friendly street is dotted with specialty food shops, cafes, and bistros, providing a very Parisian dining experience.

Belleville: A multicultural neighborhood, it offers a mix of cuisines from traditional French to Asian, particularly along Rue de Belleville.

When in Paris, do try the classics like “croissant”, “escargot”, “coq au vin”, “bouillabaisse”, and of course, any dessert that catches your eye in the patisseries. And let’s not forget the wine.

Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel): No trip to Paris is complete without visiting this iconic iron structure. Whether you choose to ascend it or simply admire it from the Champ de Mars park, it’s an unforgettable sight, especially when illuminated at night.

Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre): Home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and The Venus de Milo, this world-renowned museum is a must for art lovers and history enthusiasts. It’s located right in the heart of Paris and is easily accessible.

Notre-Dame Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the cathedral is known for its stunning façade, sculptures, rose windows, and the chance to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.

Montmartre and the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur: This historic and bohemian neighborhood offers narrow streets, art studios, and the stunning white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. From its steps, you get a sweeping view of Paris below.

Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe: One of the most famous avenues in the world, the Champs-Élysées is lined with theaters, cafes, and luxury shops. The Arc de Triomphe stands at its western end and honors those who fought and died for France.

Sainte-Chapelle: A Gothic-style royal chapel, known for its magnificent stained glass windows. It’s a hidden gem located on the Île de la Cité, not far from Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Musée d’Orsay: Housed in a Beaux-Arts railway station, this museum showcases art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s particularly famous for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by artists like Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh.

Panthéon: Located in the Latin Quarter, this neoclassical mausoleum holds the remains of numerous distinguished French citizens. It’s not just a place of rest but also offers a panoramic view of the city from its rooftop.

Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg): A peaceful oasis in the midst of Paris, these gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Admire the French and English gardens, fountains, statues, and the Palais du Luxembourg itself.