Ultimate Paris Travel Guide: Tips, Attractions & Hidden Gems
Introduction
Paris—a city of romance, history, and incredible food! If you're planning a trip, you’ll want to make the most of your time, and that’s exactly what this guide is here for. We just got back from an unforgettable trip to the City of Light, and we’re sharing everything we learned—where to stay, how to navigate the metro, the best spots to eat (and what to avoid), and must-see attractions. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, these tips will help you experience Paris like a pro.
From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, we’ll cover the ins and outs of exploring Paris efficiently, saving money on attractions, and even surviving those infamous wasp-covered pastries. Plus, we’ll share personal experiences—like why the Seine River is the best place to relax and which restaurant left us deeply disappointed. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore Paris!
Key Takeaways
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its own charm and history, arranged in a spiral from the city center.
Airport navigation can be tricky—pay attention to unusual signage, and be prepared for different payment methods in public transit.
The Paris Metro does not support tap-to-pay with credit or debit cards. You’ll need to buy paper tickets or use the Île-de-France Mobilités app.
Airbnbs can be a great alternative to Parisian hotels, which are often small and pricey. Look for unique stays in vibrant neighborhoods.
The Arc de Triomphe offers stunning views, but be ready for a lot of steps if you want to reach the top.
Authentic Parisian bakeries attract wasps—a strange but true sign of freshness!
Dining in Paris can be hit or miss—some restaurants, like La Marine, are great, while others, like Chez Joséphine Dumonet, may not live up to the hype.
Relaxing by the Seine is one of the best Parisian experiences—grab some wine, cheese, and a baguette and soak in the atmosphere.
Seine River cruises offer a unique perspective of the city, with options for daytime or evening tours.
Booking attractions directly saves money—avoid third-party booking sites that charge extra fees.
The Louvre is best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds, and alternative entrances can save time.
The Catacombs are a must-see but require prep—wear comfy shoes and bring a jacket as it's cold underground.
Luxembourg Gardens are a free, peaceful escape from the busy city streets.
Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre offer breathtaking views but involve a steep climb—take the funicular if needed.
Understanding Paris: The Arrondissements
Paris is divided into 20 districts, known as arrondissements, each with its own unique personality, history, and charm. They are arranged in a spiral formation, starting from the 1st arrondissement at the city center and winding outward like a snail shell. This setup makes it easy to navigate once you get the hang of it!
Each arrondissement offers something different. The 1st arrondissement is home to the Louvre Museum, while the 7th boasts the Eiffel Tower. If you're looking for a hip, artsy vibe, check out the 11th or 18th arrondissement (Montmartre), famous for its bohemian history. The Marais (4th arrondissement) is perfect for trendy cafes, shopping, and historic landmarks like Notre-Dame.
When choosing a place to stay or exploring the city, keep the arrondissements in mind—they help you understand where you are and what’s nearby. Paris may be big, but once you grasp the arrondissement system, navigating becomes a breeze!
Arriving in Paris: Airport Navigation Tips
Landing in Paris is exciting, but navigating the airport can be a bit confusing—especially if it's your first time. Most travelers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY). While both are well-connected to the city, signage at CDG can be a bit misleading.
One quirky thing we noticed? The directional arrows on signs don’t always point the way you’d expect. Instead of an upward arrow for "go forward," they use a downward arrow, which feels more like "turn back." It can throw you off, so just follow the flow of people and double-check the signs.
Getting into Paris from the Airport
From CDG: Take the RER B train (45 min, ~€11) or an airport shuttle.
From ORY: Use the Orlyval light rail to connect to the RER B or take a direct OrlyBus.
Taxis & Rideshares: Taxis have flat rates—€55 to the Right Bank, €62 to the Left Bank. Uber is available but sometimes pricier than taxis.
Paris can feel overwhelming at first, but once you make it past the airport, you’re ready to start exploring!
Paris Metro Guide: What You Need to Know
The Paris Metro is one of the easiest and fastest ways to get around the city, but there are a few things you should know before hopping on. Unlike many major cities, Paris does not have a tap-to-pay system for debit or credit cards. That means you can’t just use your phone or card at the turnstile like in London or New York.
How to Buy Metro Tickets
You have two main options:
Buy paper tickets at a kiosk or ticket machine. A single ride costs €2.10, but you can get a carnet (bundle) of 10 tickets for a discount.
Use the Île-de-France Mobilités app, where you can purchase and store digital tickets on your phone. However, we found the app frustrating and complicated—so be prepared for a learning curve.
Important Tips for Using the Metro
Weekly passes require a photo: If you plan to get a Navigo Weekly Pass (€30), be ready to take or upload a picture of yourself.
Long lines at ticket kiosks: Since many tourists struggle with the app, expect a wait if you need paper tickets.
Hold onto your ticket: You may need it to exit certain stations, and inspectors do random checks—if you don’t have it, you could be fined.
Expect some wear and tear: The Metro is efficient, but older stations can be gritty and crowded, especially during rush hour.
Despite a few quirks, the Metro is still the best way to navigate Paris, saving you time and money compared to taxis or rideshares.
Where to Stay: Our Airbnb Experience
Parisian hotels are notoriously small, with the average room size being just 172 square feet—that’s about the size of a walk-in closet! Wanting more space, we opted for an Airbnb, and it turned out to be a great decision.
Our Stay: A Creative Loft in a Cool Neighborhood
We booked a converted photo studio owned by an artist, and it was a fantastic spot. The downstairs had an open studio vibe, while the upstairs had a cozy bedroom with an extra bed. The space felt unique and full of character, something you probably wouldn’t get in a standard hotel.
Why Choose an Airbnb Over a Hotel?
More space for the same price – Instead of a tiny hotel room, you can get an entire apartment.
Live like a local – Staying in a neighborhood rather than a touristy hotel district gives you a more authentic feel of Paris.
Great locations – Our Airbnb was near a canal, surrounded by lively restaurants and cafes, offering a vibrant atmosphere.
That said, Airbnbs in Paris aren’t always cheap, and some areas can be noisier than others. But if you prefer a bit more room and a local experience, it’s worth considering.
Visiting the Arc de Triomphe: What to Expect
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris' most famous landmarks, standing tall at the center of a chaotic roundabout. While many tourists just take photos from the ground, climbing to the top offers an unforgettable 360-degree view of the city.
How to Get There
You CANNOT cross the busy street to the Arc—there’s an underground pedestrian tunnel that leads you safely to the entrance. Look for it near the Champs-Élysées.
What to Expect When Climbing
Lots of stairs – The only way up is via a spiral staircase with 284 steps. Some people get dizzy or need to take breaks along the way.
Stunning views – From the top, you get an incredible view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and La Défense.
Best time to visit – Go at sunset for the most magical experience!
Even though the climb is tiring, the view is absolutely worth it.
Parisian Pastries: Freshness Comes with Wasps?
French bakeries are legendary, and we couldn’t wait to try fresh croissants and baguettes. But one thing caught us off guard—WASPS.
At the best, most authentic bakeries, we noticed wasps buzzing around the pastries. At first, we thought this was a health hazard, but locals reassured us: wasps are a sign of freshness. Since traditional bakeries use natural ingredients with no preservatives, wasps are naturally drawn to the sweet scent.
What to Know About Parisian Bakeries
The best ones attract wasps – If you see a few buzzing around, take it as a good sign.
Most bakeries sell out fast – Go early in the morning for the freshest pastries.
Must-try pastries – Don’t miss the croissants, pain au chocolat, and baguettes—they taste way better than anything you’ll find outside France.
Wasps aside, the quality and flavor of French pastries are unmatched.
Dining in Paris: Steak & Restaurant Recommendations
Paris is a food lover’s paradise, but we noticed something strange: French steaks tend to be rarer than expected. Even when ordering medium, we often received medium-rare or even rare. If you prefer your steak more cooked, order one level up from your usual preference.
Restaurant Recommendations
🍽 La Marine – A fantastic spot with an amazing burrata salad, crème brûlée, and French toast dessert. Highly recommend!
🍽 Squid Ink Pasta Risotto – Found at a restaurant near the Eiffel Tower (yes, we broke the “don’t eat near tourist spots” rule), but it was one of the best meals we had.
🍔 Best Burger in Paris – If you’re craving a huge, juicy burger, we found an incredible spot where the owners were super friendly and even sang happy birthday to my wife.
Paris has amazing food, but choose wisely—not every famous restaurant lives up to the hype.
Avoid This Restaurant: A Cautionary Tale
The one place we cannot recommend is Chez Joséphine Dumonet. It’s hyped as an authentic French institution, even visited by Anthony Bourdain. But honestly? We didn’t get the hype.
Why We Didn’t Like It
Dusty and outdated interior – It felt like the restaurant hadn’t been cleaned in years.
Overpowering flavors – The beef bourguignon was so heavy on wine that it overpowered the dish.
Soupy sole meunière – Instead of a delicate buttery fish, we got something that resembled soup.
While some people love this place, we personally wouldn’t recommend it. There are plenty of better restaurants in Paris.
The Best Part of Paris: Relaxing by the Seine
Of all the things we did in Paris, the simplest was also the best—sitting by the Seine River.
Why It’s the Perfect Experience
No crowds – Unlike major attractions, the Seine offers a peaceful escape.
Bring your own picnic – Grab a baguette, cheese, wine, or beer, and just relax.
Stunning views – Some spots even give you a direct view of the Eiffel Tower.
It’s a great way to slow down, soak up the Parisian atmosphere, and enjoy the city like a local.
Seine River Cruises: A Different View of Paris
A Seine River cruise is a must if you want to see Paris from a different perspective.
What to Expect
🚢 Classic Cruises – Companies like Bateaux-Mouches offer 1-hour rides past iconic landmarks.
🌅 Day vs. Night Cruises – Daytime cruises give you clear views, while night cruises let you see the Eiffel Tower sparkle.
🎧 Pre-recorded guides – Most boats have audio commentary, but it can be hard to hear if you’re seated far from the speakers.
For a more intimate experience, consider a smaller boat tour with a live guide (but expect to pay more).
Save Money: Book Attractions Directly
Want to save money on Paris attractions? ALWAYS book directly through the official website.
Why?
Third-party sites (like Viator & GetYourGuide) charge extra fees.
Official sites have better cancellation policies.
Some tours bundle unnecessary extras that increase the price.
Before booking, Google the official website of any attraction—it’ll save you money.
Visiting the Louvre: Tips for Beating the Crowds
The Louvre is huge and can get super crowded, especially around the Mona Lisa.
Tips for a Better Experience
🕘 Go early – Arriving right at 9 AM gives you the best chance to avoid the crowds.
🚪 Use alternative entrances – Most people enter through the Pyramid, but the Porte des Lions or Carrousel du Louvre are less crowded.
🎯 Plan ahead – The Louvre is massive. Decide which sections you want to see before going, or you’ll end up exhausted.
We even ran into Chef Gregory from Top Chef near the Mona Lisa—random but cool!
Exploring the Catacombs: What You Need to Know
The Catacombs of Paris are haunting yet fascinating, with over 6 million human remains buried underground.
Before You Go
Wear comfortable shoes – There are 130 steps down & 83 steps up.
It’s cold – The tunnels stay at 57°F (14°C) year-round—bring a jacket!
Book early – It’s very popular, so reserve your tickets in advance.
A little creepy, but 100% worth it if you love history.
Luxembourg Gardens: A Free Green Escape
One of the best free attractions in Paris! With fountains, statues, and manicured gardens, it’s a perfect place to relax.
🌳 No ticket needed – Just walk in and enjoy.
📍 Located near the Latin Quarter – A great stop if you’re exploring the area.
Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre: Views and Vibes
Sacré-Cœur offers breathtaking views, but it’s a workout to get there—300 steps up!
🏔 Take the funicular if you don’t want to climb.
🎨 Montmartre is an artistic gem – Picasso, Van Gogh, and other legends once lived here.
Go early to avoid crowds and experience its true charm.
Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts
Paris is an incredible city, but knowing what to expect makes your trip even better. Hopefully, these tips help you navigate, eat well, and enjoy every moment.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow travelers!
-
Yes, Paris can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Booking attractions directly, using public transport, and eating at local bakeries instead of touristy restaurants can help keep costs down.
-
The Paris Metro is the most efficient and affordable way to travel. Taxis and Ubers can be expensive, and walking is great for exploring certain neighborhoods.
-
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is busy and expensive, while winter is cold but has a festive charm.
-
A 4–5 day trip is ideal to see major attractions without feeling rushed. If you want a deeper experience, a week allows for a more relaxed pace.
-
Many Parisians speak basic English, especially in tourist areas. However, learning simple French phrases (like “Bonjour” and “Merci”) goes a long way in showing respect.
-
Avoid eating at restaurants near major tourist spots, as they are often overpriced. Also, beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like the Metro and the Eiffel Tower.
-
The view is great, but long lines and high ticket prices make it skippable. Instead, visit the Arc de Triomphe or Montparnasse Tower for equally stunning views with fewer crowds.
-
They are eerie but not terrifying. If you enjoy history or unusual attractions, it's a must-visit.
-
Spend time sitting by the Seine, exploring local markets, and having picnics in parks like Luxembourg Gardens. Also, venture beyond the main tourist areas to discover authentic Parisian neighborhoods.
