Intro
Top Attractions in Paris
You can’t spend time in Paris without having your picture against the backdrop of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Opened in 1889 it is without a doubt the one landmark that defines Paris to the world. It is one of the most Instagrammed landmarks in the world and offers tours throughout the day to the top. If you’re feeling flush then why not book in for dinner at one of the two restaurants situated at the top?
Paris is home to 130 museums and one of the most famous and popular is The Louvre. Over 10 million visitors graced the Louvre last year, its most popular exhibition is the Mona Lisa by the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci. It is advised that you book ahead, click here to find out how.
You will find stunning architecture in abundance in Paris and so a visit to Notre-Dame is a must. The Lady of Paris is a medieval Catholic cathedral and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France. Those of you who are fit enough should climb the 422 steps of the towers and take in the stunning backdrop of Paris from above.
For a complete list of things to do in Paris and how to book tickets and tours, check out our TotalGuide to Things to do in Paris guide
Places to Stay in Paris
There are more than 2,000 hotels in Paris so finding somewhere to rest your weary legs after a day exploring the city of love won’t be hard.
Whether you want a cheap room in a hostel or a suite overlooking the Eiffel Tower, then we have you covered.
We’ve already compiled a list of trustworthy and reputable hotel rooms to suit every budget, so you can rest assured that not only are you getting value for money, but you’ll be in a clean, centrally located hotel with amenities to suit your budget.
It is also worth considering staying in rented apartments, they are incredibly popular in Paris and are sometimes much cheaper than hotels.
For a list of our handpicked hotels in Paris to suit every budget then head over to A TotalGuide to Hotels in Paris
Getting Around Paris
With over 300 stations covering 214 kilometres (133 miles) underground the Paris Metro system is the fastest and easiest way of getting around the city. Just look out for the letter M, or the words Métro or Métropolitain.
The RER trains interlink well with the metro but they have fewer stops and are a lot faster than the Paris Metro. So if you want to go longer in distance then you can cut this right down by using the RER train rather than the Metro.
Being underground on a train means that you miss out on all the beauty Paris has to offer above ground. This makes the Paris city busses an attractive way of getting around, as does walking or hiring a bike.
There are over 20,000 cabs on the streets of Paris operating 24/7 as well as Uber, however, this is the most expensive means of travel.
For more information about all the ways to get around Paris then head over to our Getting Around Paris section.
Best Time to Visit Paris
The best time to visit Paris is in May through to July or September when most of the tourist crowds have dissipated and room rates are lower. Summer days in Paris will see temperatures reach 75°F (24°C) with January being the coldest month with temperatures as low as 44°F (6°C)
Popular dates in the Parisian calendar include Paris Fashion Week in February & March.
If your trip revolves around mouth-watering French food then the Fête de la Gastronomie is a three-day festival celebrated in March.
One of the world’s four grand slam tennis tournaments, the Roland Garros takes place in or around May/June with tickets going on sale in March, will you bag a seat on the Philippe Chatrier court?
Paris Pride is also a hugely popular event that takes place in June. The Marche des Fiertés is one of the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ events with a carnival procession and concert as well as a march in defence of equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
If you are planning a trip to Paris around a yearly event, it is recommended that you book a hotel at least 6 months in advance
For more information on yearly weather charts and daily weather updates in Paris, click here.
Food in Paris
The culinary delights of Paris need no introduction.
Boasting 119 Michelin star restaurants in 2020, Paris is second only to Tokyo on the list of cities with the most starred establishments.
But you don’t have to eat in Michelin-starred restaurants to indulge in flavorsome food in Paris. Our guide below ensures visitors even on a budget can taste their way through Paris very easily.
Some of the most popular dishes you must try on your trip to Paris are croissants, macarons, a Jambon-Beurre, and of course Escargots.
Quick food, good food, or food with a view? Find inspiration and check out Paris’ best eateries in our Paris Restaurant Guide 2021 or find restaurants in our food section.
What’s on in Paris
There are many cool yearly events in Paris that attract visitors from all over the world.
One of the most popular is Paris Fashion Week, Paris Pride, Bastille Day and Rock en Seine which is a five stage rock music festival set in the beautiful grounds of the Parc de Saint-Cloud.
Christmas markets are also a huge hit to tourists and locals alike. The markets are dotted across the city in suburbs such as Les Halles, Notre-Dame and Les Tuileries. There is also a Christmas Village at La Défense.
Planning a trip to Paris is exciting and so when you do, you may want to find out what is happening in Paris during your break or even plan your trip around a key event.
From concerts and gigs to exhibitions and football matches, our What’s On Paris section is updated daily to keep you in the loop
Nightlife in Paris
