Paris, France

The City of Light, Made for Wandering

Paris rewards travelers who slow down and just walk. Turn any corner in the historic center and you’ll find a view worth a photo — a wrought-iron balcony, a bridge over the Seine, a bakery line out the door before 8am. The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower anchor most people’s trip, but the city’s real magic is in the in-between: a bistro terrace at lunch, a bookstall along the river, an evening spent doing nothing more than people-watching over a glass of wine.

Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened to the public in December 2024 after a five-year restoration following the 2019 fire, so its bells are ringing again and its spire is back on the skyline. This guide covers entry requirements, where to stay, and how to structure your days so you can hit the icons without spending your whole trip in ticket lines.

When to Visit

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are Paris at its best — mild weather, blooming parks, and thinner crowds than the peak summer months. These shoulder seasons also bring noticeably better hotel rates.

Summer (July–August) has the longest days and a packed events calendar, but also the biggest crowds and highest prices; note that many smaller restaurants and shops close for part of August as locals head out of the city. Winter (November–March) is cold and often grey, but hotel prices drop, the Christmas markets and holiday lights are worth the trip on their own, and major museums are far less crowded.

Getting There & Entry Requirements

Most international flights land at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), connected to the city by the RER B train, Roissybus, and taxis. Some budget and regional carriers use Orly Airport (ORY), closer to the city center but with fewer direct international routes. Direct flights from the US East Coast run roughly 7–8 hours; from the West Coast, expect a connection.

France is part of the Schengen Area, and US, Canadian, UK, and many other passport holders can currently enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period — no visa or pre-registration required today. That’s changing soon: the EU’s ETIAS travel authorization is scheduled to launch in late 2026, with a transition period before it becomes mandatory around spring 2027. Once required, it’ll be a quick €7 online application valid for multiple entries over three years. Check the official ETIAS website before you book to confirm current requirements.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from the Schengen Area, and keep a printed or digital copy of your travel itinerary — border officers occasionally ask for proof of onward travel or accommodation.

Neighborhoods to Know

• Le Marais — Medieval lanes packed with boutiques, falafel stands, art galleries, and Paris’s best-preserved historic architecture.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés — Left Bank elegance, storied literary cafés, and easy walking distance to the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.
• Montmartre — Hilltop village feel around Sacré-Cœur, with cobblestone streets, artists’ squares, and sweeping city views.
• Latin Quarter — Student energy near the Sorbonne, with bookshops, cheap eats, and the Panthéon.
• Champs-Élysées & Golden Triangle — Grand avenues, flagship shopping, and the Arc de Triomphe.
• Canal Saint-Martin — A laid-back, local-feeling stretch of canal-side cafés and indie shops, a bit off the tourist trail.

Hotel Picks for Every Budget

Base yourself in Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés for walkability to the major sights, or Montmartre for a quieter, village-like stay with easy metro access.

Must-See Attractions

5-Day Paris Itinerary

What to Eat in Paris

Getting Around Paris

Daily Budget Breakdown

Approximate per-person, per-day costs in USD, excluding flights:

What to Pack for Paris