Let’s talk about Paris. And no, I’m not just talking about the Eiffel Tower, croissants, and taking pictures in front of pretty buildings.

Paris is one of those cities that manages to be so many things at once. It’s romantic, fashionable, historic, sometimes a little intimidating, especially if you do not speak French, and always full of life. You can spend your morning exploring a world-famous museum, your afternoon shopping designer labels, and your evening sitting down to an incredible meal that turns into a three-hour affair. And that’s before the nightlife even begins.

It’s also a city that attracts people who appreciate the finer things in life. Americans with money, fashion insiders, celebrities, art lovers, and travelers who want more than the usual vacation all find their way here. There’s a reason Paris remains one of the world’s great luxury destinations — and it goes well beyond the shopping.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another round, I want to help you experience Paris in a way that feels right for you. Let’s get into it.

Here’s our travel guide to Paris to make the most of your trip.

• Country: France
• Telephone Code: +33
• Language: French (official), Maghrebi Arabic, German dialects (Alsatian, Lorraine Franconian, etc.), Occitan language (Languedocian, Gascon, Provençal, etc.)
• Currency: Euro
• Average temperature: 15 °C

How To Get Around

How to Get Around Paris

One of the things I love about Paris is that you don’t need a car to experience the city. In fact, you’re often better off without one. Between the Metro, buses, taxis, and your own two feet, getting around is relatively easy once you get your bearings. My advice? Mix it up. Take the Metro when you need to get somewhere quickly, walk when you have time to explore, and treat yourself to a comfortable ride when the occasion calls for it.

Metro & Trains

The Paris Metro is one of the easiest ways to get around, especially when you’re moving between neighborhoods, museums, shopping districts, and major attractions. I’ve used it myself, and once you get familiar with the lines and stations, it becomes a pretty straightforward way to navigate the city. It’s also a great way to avoid getting caught in traffic.

For destinations beyond the central city, the RER regional trains can be useful, too. You can choose from individual tickets or travel passes depending on your itinerary. Since fares and ticket options change, check the official Île-de-France Mobilités website before you travel to find the latest prices and choose the option that makes the most sense for your stay.

Walking: The Best Way to Discover Paris

Seriously, don’t underestimate walking in Paris. Some of the most memorable parts of the city happen between the places you’re actually trying to visit. You might stumble upon a charming café, a tucked-away boutique, a beautiful courtyard, or a street that makes you stop just to take it all in. Paris has a way of rewarding people who slow down and look around.

If the weather cooperates, give yourself time to explore on foot, especially in neighborhoods where shops, restaurants, and landmarks are close together. Wear comfortable shoes, though — looking fabulous is one thing, but nobody wants sore feet halfway through the day. And remember, distances can be deceiving, so check your route before deciding to walk everywhere.

Buses & Taxis

If you’d rather see the city as you travel, hop on a bus. Unlike the Metro, you’ll get an above-ground view of Paris, with its architecture, cafés, and busy streets passing right by your window. It’s a nice option when you’re not in a rush.

For more direct transportation, Uber operates in Paris, and G7 is another established taxi service with its own booking app. Taxis and ride-hailing services can be particularly convenient after dinner, a night out, or a long day of shopping when you simply don’t feel like navigating public transportation. Fares vary depending on the service, route, and time, so check the estimated cost before booking when possible.

Private Car Services

Sometimes, comfort and convenience are worth the extra expense. If you’re arriving at the airport with luggage, traveling with a group, or heading to an important event, booking a private car in advance can make the experience much smoother. Companies such as Blacklane offer prearranged rides and airport transfers.

This can be especially appealing if you’re staying at a luxury hotel, attending Paris Fashion Week, or planning a packed itinerary with several stops. That said, you don’t need a private driver to enjoy Paris. The Metro and walking will serve you well for much of your trip, and you can always upgrade your ride when it makes sense. Just allow extra time for traffic, particularly when heading to the airport.

My Favorite Neighborhoods in Paris

One of my favorite things about Paris is that every neighborhood has its own personality. Some are all about fashion and shopping, others are perfect for food and culture, and then there are the places you discover when you’re ready to go out and enjoy the city after dark. If you’re visiting Paris, don’t spend your entire trip bouncing between the Eiffel Tower and the usual tourist attractions. Get out and explore a little. That’s where you start to experience the city beyond the postcards.

Le Marais: Where I Called Home

Le Marais is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris, and I didn’t just pass through as a tourist. I stayed here for close to three months, finding a really nice Airbnb in the 3rd arrondissement. Having that much time in the neighborhood gave me the chance to experience Paris at a different pace.

Le Marais has that effortlessly cool Parisian energy — stylish boutiques, independent shops, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants tucked along charming streets. It’s the kind of place where you can head out without much of a plan and still end up having a great afternoon. Whether you’re shopping, grabbing a coffee, or just wandering around, there’s always something to discover. If you want to experience a more lived-in, fashionable side of Paris, this is a great place to start.

Montparnasse: Come for the Food, Stay for the Atmosphere

If you want to explore another side of Paris, put Montparnasse on your list. The neighborhood is known for its cafés, restaurants, and historic connection to Paris’s artistic community. It feels a little different from the postcard version of the city, with plenty of places to sit down, enjoy a proper meal, and watch the day unfold.

Give yourself time to explore instead of rushing through. And if you want a different perspective on the city, the Montparnasse Tower offers panoramic views of Paris — including the Eiffel Tower itself.

Montmartre: Slow Mornings, Wine & the Paris I Loved

I spent some time living in Montmartre — maybe a week or two — and it’s one of those places in Paris that really stayed with me. There was something about the neighborhood that made me want to slow down and enjoy where I was, rather than constantly rushing off to see the next attraction.

I remember sitting outside near Sacré-Cœur, the famous white-domed basilica, drinking wine while taking in the atmosphere. You know the area where everyone gathers, sits on the steps, and looks out over the city? There’s something special about being there, watching people come and go, and realizing you’re actually experiencing the Paris you once imagined.

My days were just as enjoyable. I’d walk out in the morning, find a café, grab something to eat, and take my time. I met lots of new friends, crossed paths with people in the neighborhood, and enjoyed those little, unplanned moments that can end up becoming your favorite travel memories.

Montmartre felt peaceful in a way that made everyday life there enjoyable. Of course, the area around Sacré-Cœur attracts plenty of visitors, but step away from the busiest spots and you can find quieter streets and a more relaxed rhythm. For me, it wasn’t just about the views or the architecture. It was about the feeling of being there — having somewhere to go in the morning, people to meet, and no real need to rush.

If you visit Paris, give Montmartre more than a quick stop for photos. Sit outside with a glass of wine, wander the streets, find a café you like, and let the afternoon unfold. Sometimes, the best part of traveling isn’t what you came to see. It’s how a place makes you feel while you’re there.

Where I Ate in Paris

Les Philosophes: My Everyday Spot in Le Marais

Some restaurants are worth visiting once. Others become part of your routine. For me, Les Philosophes was the second kind.

While staying in Le Marais, I ate here for lunch and dinner almost every day for at least two months. Yes, that often! When you find a place you genuinely enjoy, sometimes there’s no reason to keep looking. It became part of my everyday life in Paris, right alongside my morning café walks and afternoons exploring the neighborhood.

What I loved about staying in Le Marais was being able to settle into a routine instead of constantly moving from one tourist attraction to another. I had my neighborhood, my favorite places, and a familiar spot to return to. Les Philosophes became one of those places for me.

If you’re visiting Paris, especially if you’re staying in the 3rd arrondissement or exploring Le Marais, put it on your list. And if you happen to see me recommending a restaurant where I ate twice a day for two months, you can probably trust that it made an impression!

L’As du Fallafel: The Hype Is Real

When I was living in Le Marais, L’As du Fallafel became one of my regular spots. I’d go about once a week, and I never really minded waiting in line because, honestly, the food was worth it. I would step out onto my terrace in the mornings and look down at the street, and there it was — that familiar line of people already waiting to get their hands on a falafel sandwich. It was like that all the time.

The guys working there were really cool, too. After a while, they started getting to know me, which made going back feel less like visiting a tourist hotspot and more like stopping by a neighborhood favorite. And the food? Absolutely delicious. Everything was packed with flavor, and after eating there myself week after week, I can tell you the hype is real.

If you’re exploring Le Marais, put L’As du Fallafel on your list. Yes, there may be a line, but don’t let that discourage you. I lived right around the corner, watched that line form from my terrace, and still kept going back. That should tell you everything you need to know.

Places I Visited In Paris:

The Louvre Museum: A Paris Icon

You can’t really visit Paris without making a stop at the Louvre. Even if museums aren’t your main thing, the architecture alone makes it worth seeing. I remember walking through the courtyard, taking in the historic buildings and the famous glass pyramid, before heading inside to explore.

Of course, there’s the Mona Lisa — one of those artworks you recognize long before you ever see it in person. But another moment that stuck with me was walking up the grand staircase and coming face-to-face with the Winged Victory of Samothrace. With its wings spread wide and its dramatic position overlooking the staircase, the sculpture has a presence that’s hard to ignore. It almost feels as though it’s moving, even though it has stood there for centuries. That was one of those unexpected moments that made the visit memorable.

I didn’t spend hours exploring every gallery, but I’m glad I went. Sometimes, it’s about experiencing a place for yourself, seeing the things you’ve heard about for years, and taking it all in. If it’s your first time in Paris, I’d recommend visiting the Louvre, even if you only have a few hours. Book your ticket in advance and pick a few highlights, because the museum is enormous and trying to see everything in one visit can be overwhelming.

The Eiffel Tower: An Icon for a Reason

There are certain places you grow up seeing in pictures, and the Eiffel Tower is one of them. Seeing it in person is a different experience. It’s such an iconic part of Paris that even if you’ve seen it a thousand times in photographs, there’s something special about finally standing in front of it.

One of my favorite things about Paris is how the Eiffel Tower seems to appear in different parts of the city. You can be walking around, exploring a neighborhood, and suddenly catch another view of it. It’s a reminder of just how beautiful the city can be.

Whether you decide to go up to the observation levels or simply admire it from the ground, I’d make time for it during your visit. Walk around the surrounding area, take in the views, and see it at different times of day if you can. And if you have the chance to see it sparkle after dark, even better. Some landmarks really do live up to their reputation, and the Eiffel Tower is one of them.

The Seine River: See Paris From a Different Perspective

One of the experiences I really enjoyed in Paris was taking a cruise along the Seine. It’s a different way to experience the city, and honestly, it’s worth doing at least once. Instead of walking through the streets, you’re gliding along the river, passing under historic bridges and seeing some of Paris’s most famous landmarks from the water.

Along the way, you get views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the beautiful architecture lining the riverbanks. Every bridge has its own character, and there’s something special about passing beneath these historic structures while watching the city unfold around you. You might even spot the Pont des Arts, the famous pedestrian bridge long associated with romantic Paris.

Depending on the cruise you choose, there may be music playing, commentary about the landmarks, or even dinner and drinks on board. It adds to the atmosphere, whether you’re enjoying the views, taking photos, or simply sitting back and watching Paris pass by.

I’d definitely recommend adding a Seine cruise to your itinerary, especially if it’s your first visit. It’s relaxing, gives you a different perspective on the city, and lets you take in several major sights without rushing from one attraction to another. If you can, consider an evening cruise when Paris begins to light up and the Eiffel Tower sparkles after dark. It’s a memorable way to experience the city.

A Parisian Shopping Moment

Shopping in Paris: A Stop at Galeries Lafayette

Paris and fashion go hand in hand, so naturally, I had to do a little shopping while I was there. I wasn’t exactly on a luxury shopping spree, though. I was more interested in finding leather jackets, denim, and pieces I could actually wear.

One place worth visiting is Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Even if you’re not planning to spend a fortune, it’s an experience in itself. The department store is known for its incredible architecture, especially the spectacular glass dome inside. You can browse different fashion brands, explore the various floors, and get a feel for Paris’s fashion scene without committing to a designer shopping spree.

My advice? Go with an open mind. You might find something you love, or you might simply enjoy looking around. And if you’re interested in the views, check out the rooftop terrace when it’s accessible. Shopping doesn’t have to mean buying the most expensive thing in the store — sometimes it’s just about finding a few great pieces and enjoying the experience of being in Paris.

Before You Go: What to Know About Paris

Paris is an incredible city, but like any major international destination, it helps to know what’s happening before you arrive. From public demonstrations and transportation disruptions to major events that bring extra crowds into the city, a little preparation can make your trip much easier.

Staying Safe During Your Visit

Demonstrations and public gatherings occasionally take place in Paris, particularly around major squares, government buildings, and central avenues. Many are peaceful, but situations can change, so it’s best to keep your distance from large or tense crowds and avoid areas where police are managing a confrontation.

Before heading out, check local news and public transportation updates, especially if you’re planning to cross the city. If a demonstration is taking place nearby, choose another route rather than trying to walk through it. Keep your phone charged, stay aware of your surroundings, and watch your belongings in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation.

You don’t need to spend your trip worrying about what might happen. Just stay informed, use common sense, and give yourself the flexibility to change plans when necessary.

Check the Calendar Before You Travel

Paris hosts major fashion events, sporting competitions, concerts, and international gatherings throughout the year. These can make the city especially exciting to visit, but they can also mean busier restaurants, higher accommodation prices, and changes to traffic or transportation.

Check the dates of major events before booking your trip, and keep an eye on official announcements as your departure approaches. A little planning can help you enjoy the energy of the city without getting caught off guard by crowds or closures.

What’s Happening in Paris Right Now

The NFL’s first-ever regular season game in France kicked off on schedule on October 25, 2026 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, with the Pittsburgh Steelers facing off against the New Orleans Saints. Despite the league being heavily urged by critics to relocate or postpone the historic game, the NFL chose to push forward after coordinating security operations at the highest levels of the French and U.S. governments. Amid a massive deployment of 70,000 police officers nationwide, the league did take the precaution of shuttering its pop-up shop and “NFL House” fan experiences on Saturday due to accessibility and safety concerns as mass protests marched through the city center. However, the atmosphere inside and around the stadium on Sunday has remained entirely festive, calm, and secure, with thousands of American football fans enjoying the historic matchup under blue skies.

Paris, Until Next Time

Paris is one of those cities that stays with you long after you leave. Having spent months living in different neighborhoods, from Le Marais to Montmartre, I got to experience a side of the city that goes beyond the famous landmarks and postcard views. It was the morning walks to cafés, the restaurants that became part of my routine, the afternoons spent exploring, and the simple pleasure of sitting outside with a glass of wine that made Paris feel like more than just another destination.

My advice? Don’t try to see everything in one trip. Give yourself time to wander, get lost in the side streets, discover your own favorite spots, and experience the city at your own pace. Visit the landmarks, absolutely, but leave room for the unexpected moments, too. Sometimes, those are the memories you take home with you.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Paris always has something new to offer. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from traveling to 21 countries and more than 230 cities, it’s that the best experiences aren’t always the ones you plan. Sometimes, they’re the ones that simply happen along the way.

Until next time, Paris.