Best Paris Travel Guide for 2025: By a Local

Welcome to the ultimate Paris travel guide, crafted for a few important reasons. First, to provide a one-stop reference for everyone who asks me what to do when they visit Paris. Second, because I couldn’t find anything online that truly captures the essence of the city today. Many Paris travel guides are outdated or written by people who’ve only visited once or twice. In contrast, I’ve called Paris home for over a year now and, before moving here, spent more than a cumulative year exploring the city through over 20 visits.

Paris isn’t just where I live—it’s the first place I’ve truly put down roots in my adult life. My deep love for the city fuels this guide, and my goal is to help you fall in love with Paris, too. Not the cookie-cutter, tourist-heavy version you see on postcards, but the real, vibrant, local Paris that has enchanted visitors for centuries.

So, what makes this travel guide for Paris different? It’s packed with practical, insider information you won’t find anywhere else. From navigating the city’s layout to planning your trip like a local, this guide includes the obvious but also dives deep into the authentic Parisian experience.

Ready to uncover the true magic of Paris? Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Paris Travel Guide: Basic Information

How to Get to Paris

Most people arrive in Paris by air. Three airports serve Paris:

• Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
• Orly (ORY)
• Paris Beauvais

Most flights arrive at the first two airports. If you land at CDG, take the RER B train into central Paris. You can catch local metro lines from the RER B stops at Gare du Nord, Chatlet, or Saint Michel Notre Dame.

If you arrive at Orly, take metro line 14 into central Paris. Line 14 stops at popular hubs like Gare de Lyon, Chatlet, Pyramides, Madeline, and Saint Lazare, making it easy to reach your accommodation from Orly via public transit. If you have the choice between airports, I personally always have a better experience with Orly.

You can also take taxis into the city for a flat rate. From CDG, taxis cost 56€ to the right bank (north of the Seine) and 65€ to the left bank (South of the Seine).

From Orly, taxis are 44€ to the right bank and 36€ to the left.

Only take official taxis from the airport taxi stand because there are plenty of scammers who offer rides and then charge an insane amount when you reach your destination.

You can also reach the city by train from other European or French cities and by road. Though parking is expensive which is a consideration if you’re driving to Paris.

Visa Requirements

Americans get 90 days of visa exemption for Paris. However, starting in mid-2025, an electronic travel authority called ETIAS will be required. It’s a simple online application with a 7€ fee that’s normally processed within a few minutes. But it can take a bit longer in some cases, so it’s best to apply early to save a headache later.

Fun Fact: The U.S. requires something similar for Europeans to enter the country called an ESTA.

You’ll also need 6 months of validity for your passport. Don’t forget to check your expiration date!

Paris City Layout

Understanding the layout of Paris will help you orient yourself when visiting the city. It’s easy to get the hang of it, especially if you can picture the map in your head (scroll to the next section for a map of Pairs).

Imagine Paris like a circle. The outer edge of the circle is called the Périphérique, or the Périph for short. It’s the outer ring road that grants access to Paris from the suburbs.

Inside the circle, you have the true city of Paris. The Seine River runs through the city, bisecting it into almost two equal parts. The northern part is known as the Right Bank, while the southern bit is the Left Bank.

In the center of the river, there are two islands. The larger one is Île de la Cité, home to Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle, and the smaller one is the île Saint-Louis (where you can find my favorite oyster bar, Poget & De Witte). The islands are connected to the rest of the city, with several bridges leading to the heart of the city.

The city of Paris has tons of districts, but it’s most commonly referred to by Arrondissements. 20 Arrondissements make up Paris, the 1st (or 1em in French) beginning at the Louve and making a snail shape around the city, finally ending with the 20th in the east, bordering the suburb of Montreuil.

Here’s a Paris arrondissement map:

Paris has many central hubs, but north of île de la Cité is pretty much as city center as it gets. It’s the location of bustling Chatlet and Les Halles, a massive transit point, shopping mall, and tourist destination.

To the east of Chatlet, there’s Bastille, which acts as a gateway to the canal. The Canal Saint Martin connects to the Seine just south of Place de la Bastille and travels north, curving through the 10th and 11th arrondissements and into the east of the city.

Some tourist districts and neighborhoods include:

• Montmarte (Sacre Coeur) — 18th Arrondissement
• Trocadero (Eiffel Tower) — 16th Arrondissement
• Latin Quarter — 5th Arrondissement
• Chatlet / Les Halles — 1st Arrondissement
• Champs Elysses (Arc de Triomph) — 8 & 9th Arrondissements
• Pigalle — 9th Arrondissement
• Le Marais — 3rd Arondisment

For a true taste of Paris:

• Belleville / Canal Saint Martin area (my favorite nontouristy part of Paris and where I live)
• Oberkampf
• La Butte aux Cailles
• Vaugirard

When to Visit Paris

The best time to visit Paris is in the fall or spring. Autumn in Paris is lovely because the summer tourist crowds have died down, the city is calm, and it is beautiful with changing leaf colors. Visit around September or early October for ideal temperature and conditions — it gets rainer the closer you get to winter.

Spring in Paris is one of my favorite times, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom in early April. It can be a bit rainy, but late March-early May gives you a chance to enjoy Paris before the summer holiday hordes.

If you do want to visit Paris during the summer months, I recommend avoiding August. Most Parisians take off on holiday, and the city is a ghost town, which is nice until you realize tons of restaurants and shops are closed. I’d also avoid Paris around Christmas and during school holidays — it becomes a mad house!

Paris Weather

I must admit that out of everywhere I’ve been in the world, Paris has the worst weather. It rains so much, it’s surprising the city isn’t underwater. A perfectly sunny day can turn into a downpour in an instant. It’ll even rain when you can see blue sky. That said, temperatures are pretty mild during fall and spring. It’s chilly in winter, but don’t expect snow (unless you’re super lucky and get a few rare flurries). Summer can bring scorching days — prepare to sweat. No matter when you’re visiting Paris, I recommend packing an umbrella and hoping for the best.

Language

People in Paris speak French and most people speak some English, although don’t make the mistake of assuming they do. Many times, when tourists try to speak French in Paris, they are responded to in English, especially by waiters at restaurants. Don’t take it personally, they do it to me too.

French people, especially in Paris, are sticklers for courtesy, so greet locals with ‘bonjour’ (hello) or ‘bonsoir’ (in the evenings) before proceeding with your query. This is important when entering a restaurant or a shop, and it’s also polite to say ‘au revoir, merci’ (goodbye, thank you) when leaving.

Currency

Paris uses the euro (1€ = 1.06$ at the time of writing), and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the city. However, some places like cafes and tobacco shops will have a card minimum (€5-15). In this case, you will need to pay with cash. Flea markets and outdoor vegetable markets are also cash only.

ATMs are well-marked and easy to find in Paris, so there’s no need to exchange cash before your trip or at the airport. You’ll almost always get a better rate when you withdraw directly from an ATM anyway.

It’s also worth knowing that tipping isn’t required or expected at any restaurant. But if you had a particularly good experience, you can always leave a couple of coins on the table.

Staying Connected: Local French SIM cards are a headache (trust me, I’ve had several). Make your life easier by opting for an eSIM from Airalo, which allows you to choose your optimal data amounts and top up instantly from your phone. It’s also super affordable, which is why Airalo is always my go-to while traveling. Click here to learn more about eSIMs for Paris.

My Map of Paris

Below is a map of Paris to get a feel for the city. I also create a custom Google Map with all of the locations mentioned in this Paris travel guide.

Click here for the full Paris travel guide map. Remember to save it for your trip!

The Top Paris Attractions

Paris is home to some of the greatest museums, monuments, and cultural sites in the world. Here is a complete list of the top Paris attractions for your itinerary.

Iconic Landmarks

• Eiffel Tower – Best admired from the Champ de Mars, Trocedero, or small streets in the district.
• Arc de Triomphe – Located at the end of the Champs Elysees. Take the staircase under the road to access the arch and tickets for the top.
• Notre Dame Cathedral (reopening in 2025) – Marvel at the newly restored gothic architecture, but be prepared for reopening crowds.
• Montmartre & Sacré Cœur Basilica – Explore the vibrant artist square, take a free visit of the basilica, and enjoy one of the best panoramic views in Paris from the steps. You can also buy a ticket to visit Sacré Cœur dome for an even better 360 view.
• Palais Garnier Opera House – Walk through the opulent Grand Staircase and explore the theater’s ornately decorated interiors—don’t miss the stunning Chagall ceiling.
• Pantheon – Visit the crypt to see the tombs of French icons like Voltaire and Marie Curie, and ascend to the dome for panoramic views of the Latin Quarter.

Museums and Galleries

Art Museums

• Louvre Museum — Beyond the Mona Lisa, check out the Napoleon III Apartments and the Easter Island heads.
• Musée d’Orsay — Focus on the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist galleries for masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.
• Musée de l’Orangerie — The true draw are the oval rooms showcasing Monet’s Water Lilies for an immersive experience.
• Centre Pompidou (closing for renovations in January 2025) — Check out the modern art exhibits and funky architecture, and enjoy one of the best rooftop views in Paris.
• Foundation Louis Vuitton — There are always interesting exhibitions on here, and the building is a must-see for architecture buffs.
• Musée Yves Saint Laurent — Take in the designer’s iconic collections and tour his creative studio for an intimate glimpse into his process.
• Dior Gallery — Enjoy beautifully curated exhibits of Dior’s timeless designs and haute couture legacy. Great for a break from fine art.
• Palais Tokyo — This is the largest contemporary art center in Europe, and it has a collection that appeals to everyone.

History and Culture Museums

• Army Museum — See Napoleon’s tomb and explore the impressive collections of armor, weapons, and military history.
• Catacombs Museum — Venture underground to experience the eerie tunnels filled with stacked bones and learn about Paris’ darker history.
• Musée Carnavalet — Dedicated to the history of Paris, this is an awesome free museum.
• Maison Victor Hugo — Browse the writer’s manuscripts and personal belongings in his charming former home on Place des Vosges.
• Museum of Natural History — Take the kids (or your inner child) to the impressive Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, featuring lifelike animal displays located in the Jardin des Plantes.

Specialty and National Museums

• Grand Palais — Check the schedule for major art and cultural exhibitions, often accompanied by immersive installations. The building is also gorgeous to visit.
• National Archives — Admire the historical documents on display and take a stroll through the serene garden in Le Marais. I like to sit here with a book when the weather is good.
• Bibliothèque Nationale — Visit the Richelieu site for stunning historic reading rooms and rotating exhibitions.

Gardens and Open Spaces

• Jardin du Luxembourg — Enjoy a coffee by the fountain, watch locals sail toy boats, or simply relax in one of the iconic green chairs under the trees. The garden is filled with seasonal blooms, and there are a few small cafe stands.
• Tuileries Gardens — Stroll along the tree-lined paths, spot the statues and take a break by the pond with a view of the Louvre. In the winter, there’s a Christmas market and fair with a Ferris wheel, rides, and games.
• Champ de Mars — Perfect for Eiffel Tower photo ops and relaxed lounging on the grass, especially at sunset. The grass is currently being restored after the Olympics, but it should be open for summer.
• Parc Monceau — Discover charming bridges, statues, and hidden corners, ideal for a quiet escape away from the center of Paris.

Historic and Religious Sites

• Sainte-Chapelle — Visit on a sunny day to see the vibrant stained glass windows in full glory; it’s a small space, so book tickets in advance and be prepared to stand in line.
• Palace of Versailles — Focus on the Hall of Mirrors and the sprawling gardens—rent a golf cart or bike to cover more ground and arrive early. It’s a full-day activity, and it gets packed no matter the day of the week.

Entertainment and Performing Arts

• Crazy Horse — Experience an evening of sleek, avant-garde cabaret in an intimate and sophisticated setting. Tickets are wildly expensive, but I hear it’s a good time.
• Moulin Rouge — Book tickets in advance to enjoy a high-energy show of dazzling costumes and impressive choreography. Or just swing by the outside to look at the world famous windmill.

Experiences and Attractions

• Browse the Seine Booksellers — Check out the vintage books and postcards for a unique souvenir by the riverbanks. Around since the French Revolution, the Seine booksellers always have something interesting on display.
• Seine River Cruise — Opt for an evening cruise to see Paris landmarks beautifully illuminated. The dinner cruise is decent value — we went for my boyfriend’s dad’s birthday last year.
• Shakespeare & Co. — A hangout for some of literature’s biggest names, Shakespeare has turned into a tourist mecca but is still a pretty decent English language bookstore despite the crowds. If you buy a book, they stamp the inside for a cute souvenir. Everyone also has one of their tote bags. For a pick me up, pop into the cafe next door.
• Galerie Vivienne — This is a cute passage near the Louvre and probably one of the most well-known in Paris. I particularly like the print shop at the end.
• Marché des Enfants Rouge — Oldest covered market in Paris that’s full of food stalls now. I find it overpriced and overrated (although it’s Action Bronson’s fave). If you do go, have the clam vongole at the Italian place or a freshly grilled steak from the butcher stand.
• La Samaritaine — Shop high-end brands at this famous department store, then head to the rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of the Seine.

Things to Do in Paris: What’s Worth It

Now for the good stuff. I recommend picking a few main attractions you want to see and then exploring a handful of more off the beaten path things to do in Paris. I put this list together because I feel like people either love or hate the city, and those who hate Paris have only ever visited the huge tourist attractions.

So here’s what’s worth doing if you want to see a more local, chilled out side of Paris that doesn’t involve endless lines and crazy crowds:

Read More: 44 Best Non Touristy Things to Do in Paris

Historic Landmarks and Cultural Sites

• Arenes Lutece — This Roman amphitheater is one of the best kept secrets in Paris. I love to sit on the benches and imagine the Gladiator Games below. Now it’s mostly just older guys playing Petanque. It’s in the 5th Arrondissement but away from the classic tourist track.
• Tour Saint-Jacques — Climb this gothic tower in the heart of Paris for a quiet escape and incredible views of the surrounding historic district. It’s a way less touristy point of view and only €12 per ticket.
• Montparnasse Tower — Another stunning viewpoint that’s less visited. It’s an amazing place to see a bird’s eye view of Paris, considering it’s the second tallest building in the city center, after the Eiffel Tower. It’s also a great choice because you can see the Eiffel Tower as part of the view.
• Statue of Liberty Paris — Most people don’t know that there’s a Statue of Liberty in Paris. It’s smaller than the one in New York but pretty impressive all the same, especially given its position on a bridge with a huge Eiffel Tower view. It’s a bit out of the way, but if you find yourself in the 16th Arrondissement, definitely stop by to check it out.
• Père Lachaise — Wander the peaceful paths of this world-famous cemetery to visit the tombs of icons like Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf or simply soak in the serene atmosphere. I like to chill out here with a book and a sandwich for a bit of a city break.
• Saint Eustache — Admire the impressive Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass of this under-the-radar church near Les Halles. This is actually my favorite church in Paris and it’s normally empty (and free) to visit.
• Church of Saint Etienne-du-Mont — While most people make a beeline for the Pantheon, the church next door is an equally impressive sight and well worth visiting in the area.

Museums and Art

• Rodin Museum — This is one of my favorite museums in Paris. It still gets a decent amount of visitors but nothing like the bigger museums in the city. It’s also smaller, making it easy to fit into a packed itinerary as you only need an hour or two for a full visit. It’s home to the world famous sculpture The Thinker, with intimate galleries and stunning gardens.
• City of Architecture and Heritage Museum — Another one of my favorite museums in Paris that’s often skipped over. You’ll find models and blueprints of Paris buildings, an epic view of the Eiffel Tower, and a life-size replica of a Le Corbusier housing unit. The museum itself is the largest museum of monumental art in the world and is a fun visit if you want to experience more than fine art.
• Petite Palais — My favorite free museum in Paris. The permanent collection is really special, and the temporary exhibitions are always worth purchasing a ticket for (often about the history of Paris).
• Musée Picasso — Explore Picasso’s creative genius in this Marais gem, where you’ll find an impressive collection of his works and personal artifacts. There are always temporary exhibitions, too.
• Musée des Arts Décoratifs — Dive into design and fashion history, with exhibits ranging from haute couture to historic furniture and modern trends. It’s right next to the Louvre, and there are often lines, but nothing compared to the Louvre.
• Atelier des Lumières — Lose yourself in immersive digital art projections. This is a great way to experience art if you don’t love big museums or if you’re visiting Paris with kids.
• Bourse de Commerce — A sleek, contemporary space showcasing bold art exhibitions in a historic circular building. Right now, there’s a super Instagrammable mirrored floor and an exhibit with some big Jeff Koons pieces. But my favorite part is the painted mural that covers the dome. It tells the story of globalization, with different parts lit up throughout the day depending on the position of the sun.
• 59 Rivoli — Discover this vibrant artist collective where each floor bursts with creativity, and you can chat directly with the resident artists. It’s free to enter and brings heaps of tourists, but it’s my favorite place to buy art and unique souvenirs in Paris, and I always believe it’s worth stopping in. Remember to be respectful of the artists and tag them if you take photos and post their work online.

Tip: Many museums in Paris offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month. It’s very competitive to score a spot at the bigger museums like the Louvre or Orsay, but less popular options like the Architecture Museum almost always have space.

Neighborhoods and Streets

• Le Marais — Wander the narrow, cobbled streets of this trendy neighborhood, filled with chic boutiques, cozy cafés, and fascinating history. It’s still pretty central Paris but a cooler, more local neighborhood than the main tourist areas. Although still expect plenty of tourists, especially the fashionable kind.
• Rue Montorgueil — One of Paris’ best food streets, perfect for grabbing a croissant, fresh oysters, or a café crème while people-watching. This is one of my favorite places to have a lazy local lunch.
• Rue de Buci — A lively street in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where you can enjoy outdoor terraces, charming shops, and a quintessential Paris vibe. Sushi from Kaito is good (but super expensive), and my favorite place is Bar du Marché for coffee and people-watching.
• Rue Saint-Denis — This pedestrian street brings both tourists and locals in masses. Expect sex stores, lots of Chinese restaurants, and plenty of thrift shops. It runs north to south and will deliver you straight to Les Halles if you follow it to towards city center.
• Japanese District — It comes as a surprise to most people when they discover Paris is one of the best places in the world to eat Japanese food (apart from Japan, of course). There’s an entire Japanese district just north of the Louvre where you can savor the best ramen, sushi, matcha treats, and Japanese pastries in this tucked-away foodie hotspot. Word to the wise: it gets super packed, especially around lunchtime.

Markets and Shopping

• Flea Markets — Paris weekends are a bargain hunter’s dream. Every Saturday and Sunday, there are pop-up flea markets (called brocantes in French) throughout the city. They change location each week, and you can find up-to-date information on this local French website. If you want to make a day of it, head to Saint Ouen during the weekend to experience the largest antique and second hand market in the world. Yeah, it’s huge. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the hundreds of streets hunting for treasure.
• Custom Notebook at Louise Carmen — Design your perfect travel journal or a one-of-a-kind gift in this chic boutique. This is one of my favorite things I’ve done in Paris, plus it’s a practical daily item that’s worth the investment (especially if you’re a planner).
• Vintage Print Shops — Browse through art prints, antique maps, and vintage advertisements for a memorable and lightweight souvenir. Some of my favorite places (aside from the Seine booksellers) are Athanase Vivienne, Les Images De Marc, and Au Vieux Document Rive Gauche.
• Le Grand Épicerie — A gourmet wonderland where you can stock up on artisanal treats, from French cheeses to luxurious chocolates. This is also where you can buy French butter and have it vacuum sealed to take home with you. Visit the one attached to Bon Marche in the 7th Arrondissement rather than the one in the 16th. It’s cheaper and bigger and has a much better selection.
• The Abbey Bookstore — A cozy English-language bookshop perfect for finding a great read or chatting with the friendly Canadian owner, Bill. I always advise people to skip the Shakespeare crowds and head here instead. There’s even free coffee outside.

Parks and Gardens

• Buttes Chaumont — Escape to this hilly park for a dose of nature, complete with a waterfall, a lake, and stunning city views from its cliff-top temple. It’s in east Paris, away from the tourist track, perfect for experiencing a chilled-out day in the city like a local.
• Parc de Belleville — At the top of this hilly park, there’s a rotunda where you can soak in Eiffel Tower views. It’s also a popular hangout spot for young locals in the neighborhood who spend evenings here drinking and listening to music with friends.
• Jardin des Plantes — Perfect for a tranquil walk among exotic plants, and don’t miss the greenhouses and the small but delightful zoo. When the park is in bloom, there’s no better place to enjoy flowers in Paris.
• Coulee Verte — A lush, elevated walkway offering a peaceful stroll above the city’s hustle, lined with greenery and blooming flowers. It’s kind of like Paris’ version of the NYC High Line.
• Palais Royal — Explore its tranquil garden and snap a photo with the iconic black-and-white striped columns. I love to sit in the gardens with a coffee from Cafe Kitsune, which is located within the Palais Royal compound.
• La Villette + Philharmonic — Wander this modern park with futuristic architecture, art installations, and the grand Philharmonie de Paris concert hall. There are often events in and around La Villette. I went to a Jeremy Zucker concert there once, and over this past summer, they made a swimming area and a “Paris Plage” (city beach).
• Canal Saint-Martin — Stroll or bike along this bohemian canal, lined with hip cafés and perfect for a lazy afternoon. On sunny days, everyone flocks to the canal to picnic on the water’s edge or play petanque in the canal park where the water goes underground.
• Place des Vosges — Sit on the grass or under the arcades of Paris’ oldest planned square, surrounded by elegant red-brick mansions. I love to sit here when I want to feel posh. I’ll often have a coffee at Ma Bourgogne. It’s expensive, but a waiter once reminded me that I was paying for the view (true that).

Where to Eat in Paris

Paris is a foodie’s dream. You can find everything in this city, from some of the best French food in the world to tiny authentic Asian restaurants that rival anything I’ve ever eaten.

My Paris restaurant list includes more than 100 addresses, so I’ve included some of my all-time favorite picks here for first-time visitors and people who may be looking for a break from standard French fare:

My Favorite Cafes in Paris

When people ask what I do all day in Paris, I respond, “I sit in cafes, of course!” Cafe culture in Paris is the lifeblood of the city. At any time of the day (or night), you can find Parisians sitting on terraces sipping a coffee and smoking a cigarette.

You can find basic coffee drinks at any bistro or brasserie (espresso, cafe creme, hot chocolate, etc…) — these are the places with big terraces, but you’ll generally have to wait for in between meal services to sit and only have a coffee. Or, visit at breakfast and have a ‘formule’ that includes a hot beverage, fresh orange juice, and a pastry.

There’s also an active barista and roaster community in the city, with little independent cafes everywhere. These are great places to have a warm (or cold) caffeine fix and catch up on your travel journal. Just note that most cafes in Paris don’t allow laptops. When in doubt, ask at the counter. Or, read my guide on the best laptop friendly cafes in Paris to be safe.

For really good coffee and really good vibes, here are my favorite cafes in Paris:

My Favorite Bakeries in Paris

Bakeries, or boulangeries, are the cornerstone of the French lifestyle. Not only are they the destination for fresh bread, but you can find every variety of French pasty, plus tarts, quiches, sandwiches and more.

If you’re visiting Paris on a budget, bakeries are your best friend. Sandwiches are normally between €5-10 and most bakeries offer a lunch ‘formule” that includes a sandwich drink and a sweet treat for a set price.

I have high standards for my croissants, so my bakery list is short. But if you want incredible baked goods, these are the best boulangeries in Paris, according to my taste buds:

• Aux Péchés Normands
• La Panifacture
• Le Petit Grain (the best cinnamon rolls)
• Aux Merveilleux de Fred

Where to Stay in Paris

When looking for places to stay in Paris, location is the main consideration. If you want to be super central, I recommend looking in the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6th Arrondissements. The 9th, 10th, and 11th Arrondissements have a hip, young feel, while the 7th and 14th have more of a business vibe (aside from the tourists around the Eiffel Tower).

I would avoid staying in the 13th, 15th, and 16th Arrondissements because there isn’t much going on. I also recommend avoiding the neighborhoods La Chapelle and Barbes in the 18th Arrondissement and Stalingrad in the 19th.

When giving this advice to my friends visiting Paris for the first time, I mention looking for places to stay around Place de la Republique. It’s a big metro hub and within walking distance of the best sights in Paris.

How to Get Around Paris

Paris is a very easy city to navigate. Here are how to get around Paris while visiting.

Walking Around Paris

Walking is without a doubt the best way to get around Paris and by far the best way to see the city. It’s a very walkable destination, with tiny streets and passages to explore everywhere — ones you’d miss on the metro, in a taxi, or even by bike.

Paris is also relatively small — you can cross the city on foot in about an hour, so when there’s good weather, it’s really worth it to walk.

Walking along the banks of the Seine is a great way to tour the city. If you follow the river, you’ll make your way past big monuments like the Louvre, Notre Dame, Place de la Concorde, the Tour Eiffel, Musée de Orsay, and more of Paris’ top sites.

You can also descend to the actual banks and walk along the river itself. Year-round, you’ll find houseboats and floating restaurants. In the warmer months, there are a lot of little popup bars and more people than you can imagine enjoying Paris’ sun.

Just remember — wherever you’re walking in Paris — to look both ways for bikes. Even if it’s a one-way street or the light is green for you, it’s essential to look twice for bikes.

Taking the Paris Metro

The Paris metro is easy to navigate. The city is well-connected, with metro maps at every well-marked entrance. The metro map also appears on Google Maps if you look for directions and click the transit icon. Tickets cost €2.15 per ride (though the price is about to rise), and you can purchase them from the machines or service windows at stations.

The Paris metro runs from 5:30 AM until 1 AM during the week and 2 AM on Fridays, Saturdays, and special holidays.

When taking the metro in Paris, there are a couple of things to be aware of:

• Pickpockets: Be aware of pickpockets on the metro, especially on Lines 9, 4, and 2, and around tourist hotspots. Watch your pockets and keep a very close eye on your phone and bag.
• Opening the Door: The doors on older metro cars do not open automatically when the train stops. You have to lift a small lever in the center of the doors to release them.
• Keep Your Ticket: At some stations, you’ll need to reinsert your ticket to exit. There’s also a chance that people who work for the metro will come through the cars asking to see validated tickets so don’t ditch it until you’re above ground.
• Get a Navigo: I wouldn’t necessarily go all out and buy a transit pass with set days or zones, espeically if you plan on walking a lot. Instead, get a rechargeable Navigo card to add metro tickets in bulk instead of going to the machine before each ride. Some ticket machines dispense reusable Navigo cards, and you can also get them from service windows.

Biking in Paris

In recent years, Paris has turned into a biker’s paradise. Thousands of miles of bike lanes have been added to the city, creating a thriving network of car-free portions of the road, bike highways, and an ultra-efficient way to get around Paris.

There are a handful of big bike providers in Paris. Most of the ones you can rent on the street are electric bikes from the companies Lime and Dott. I use Lime Personally (buy a ‘Ride Pass’ to save a ton of money otherwise they’re crazy expensive).

There is also Velib, which is the local bike copmany and the most popular option among Parisians. Velib has a mix of normal and electric bikes, but rather than sitting sporadically along the streets, Velibs have grey docking stations throughout the city, similar to City Bikes in NYC.

A Word to the Wise: Biking in Paris is not for the faint of heart. It’s not for beginners, and it is not forgiving. If you’re not confident biking in cities with plenty of experience, I highly recommend you do not ride bikes in Paris, especially because e-bikes are fast and dangerous (not to mention without a helmet). It took me several years to become confident biking in Paris, with lots of practice sessions with locals who could show me the ropes.

Biking is the main mode of transportation for a huge portion of Parisians, and if you think they’re unfriendly now, just wait until you meet one in a bike lane. They do not mess around, and when it’s crowded, it can be a hazard to everyone if there’s a tourist in the bike lane.

Taxis & Uber in Paris

If it can be avoided, steer clear of taxis and Ubers in Paris. Car travel is the most impractical way to get around the city — traffic is a complete nightmare, and it’s expensive for short distances.

If you do need to take a car in Paris, I recommend using official Parisian taxis, which can bypass some traffic by using the bus lane. Ubers and normal cars are not allowed in the bus lane, so taxis are preferential.

Most taxis take cards, but always double-check before getting in.

Staying Safe in Paris

In my opinion, Paris is a very safe city, especially compared to the U.S. I feel infinitely safer living here (as a young woman) than I do anywhere in the U.S., especially when thinking about the places I’ve lived, like Boston and New York City.

With that in mind, it’s still a big capital city, and there are a few things and places to avoid.

Paris is home to plenty of tourist scams, from rampant pickpocketing at tourist attractions and on the metro, to people asking for signatures on a fake petition, to pretending to give you a gift only to demand money. Common sense will keep you free from these scams. But when in doubt, keep walking if someone approaches you on the street.

There are a few seedy neighborhoods in Paris, like Barbes, Stalingrad, and La Chapelle. I’d avoid them as a tourist, but if you do find yourself there, keep to yourself, be aware of your surroundings, and you’ll be fine.

Finally, Parisians, and French people in general, love to protest. There are frequent demonstrations throughout the city, often starting at Place de la Republique. The demonstrations are almost always peaceful, and there’s always a large police presence on site for security measures. They’re cool to see from a distance, but I wouldn’t involved as a tourist. I’ve seen teargas deployed on multiple occasions, which isn’t exactly the Paris memory you want to bring home.

Paris Travel Tips

• Book in advance: Attractions, museums, and especially restaurants. Book tickets and make reservations far in advance. Many popular restaurants book out months prior, and last-minute tickets for popular spots like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower are hard to come by. This is amplified if you visit during the summer, school holidays, or around Christmas.
• Get Out of Central Paris: Leaving central Paris is like a breath of fresh air, especially when you realize there’s so much more to the city than the tourist track. Get a glimpse of how the locals do it in neighborhoods like Belleville, Oberkampf, Vaugirard, Butte aux Cailles, and Cadet.
• Explore the Passages of Paris: While walking around the city, keep your eyes open for passages that you can cut through but, more importantly, are filled with gorgeous architecture, shops, and restaurants.
• Invader!: Also keep your eyes open for Space Invader street art. The notorious artist has pixilated creations everywhere in the city, and there’s an app that lets you collect them for points. It’s a fun way to explore Paris and gives a new perspective on the city.
• Hang Out in Parks: Paris has tons of gorgeous parks spread throughout the city. Grab a bunch of goodies from small shops, boulangeries, and the grocery store, and have yourself a picnic. Bring a bottle of wine, and don’t forget a corkscrew! You can also picnic along the Seine or Canal Saint Martin like the locals do.
• Consider Different Points of View: Everyone makes a beeline for the top of the Eiffel Tower, but if you want an even better view of Paris, one that includes the Eiffel Tower in the vista, opt to go on top of the Tour Montparnasse or the Arc de Triomphe instead.
• Avoid Chains: There are tons of chain bakeries and fast food restaurants. If it can be avoided, no matter how tempting the Krispy Kreme may look, go local instead. It’ll always be better, I promise.
• Leave Time to Chill: If there’s one thing Parisians are known for, it’s lounging around no matter the time of the day, especially if the weather is nice. Embrace local culture and leave yourself time to have a relaxed picnic in a park, long coffees on terraces, and leisurely lunches that last until dinner.

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