Paris Guidebook

Quick facts

• Currency: Euro (EUR). Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted.
• Language: French. English is common in tourist areas, and a polite "Bonjour" goes a long way.
• Time zone: Central European Time (CET/CEST).
• Power outlets: Type C/E, 230V. Bring an adapter if your plug is different.
• Tipping: Service is included in restaurant prices. Leaving a few euros for good service is a kindness, not an obligation.

When to go

Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) are the most comfortable, with mild weather and long days.

Summer is warm and busy, and many Parisians leave in August, so some small shops and restaurants close.

Winter is cool and grey but quieter, with Christmas lights and shorter queues.

What to pack

• Comfortable shoes; you will walk a lot, often on cobbles and stairs.
• A light rain jacket or umbrella.
• Layers for changeable weather.
• A cross-body bag with a zip, and a printout or phone copy of your timed tickets.

Getting there & around

• From the airport: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) connects to central Paris by RER B. Orly (ORY) connects by Metro line 14 and tram. Taxis and ride-hailing are also available.
• Metro and RER: The Metro is the fastest way around. Buy tickets at machines or use a contactless option where accepted, and keep your ticket until you exit.
• Buses and trams: Slower, but good for seeing the city and for routes the Metro does not cover.
• On foot: The centre is compact, and the Seine, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre are all within a pleasant walk of each other.

Good to know before you go

• Book timed tickets for the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Catacombs before you arrive.
• Many museums close one day a week: the Louvre on Tuesday, the Musee d'Orsay and Versailles on Monday.
• Pickpockets work crowded Metro lines, queues, and tourist spots, so keep your bag closed and in front of you.
• Restaurants often close between lunch and dinner, so check hours, and book popular places ahead.

Neighborhoods to know

• The Ile de la Cite and Latin Quarter: The medieval heart of Paris, with Notre-Dame, student cafes, and bookshops.
• The Louvre and Tuileries: Palaces, gardens, and the great museums along the right bank of the Seine.
• Montmartre: A hilltop village of steep lanes, artists' squares, and the Sacre-Coeur.
• The Eiffel Tower and 7th arrondissement: Wide avenues, the Champ de Mars, and the Musee d'Orsay nearby.

Don't miss in Paris

• Eiffel Tower: The iron icon of Paris, with views from three levels.
• Louvre Museum and Musee d'Orsay: The Mona Lisa, and a station full of Impressionists.
• Notre-Dame and Sacre-Coeur: Two of the city's great churches, one on the river, one on the hill.
• Palace of Versailles, a Seine river cruise, and a food tour: A day trip, a view from the water, and a taste of the city.