WHAT TO EXPECT IN PARIS
Language: While some people may speak English or other European languages, French is by far the most spoken language in the city.
Currency: The Euro is the currency throughout France and in many other European countries.
Credit Cards and Banks: All tourist areas will have ATMs with most hotels and restaurants accepting credit cards, although it is wise to carry some cash as small retailers may not take cards.
You’ll find that cafes and shops are more expensive the closer they are to the main attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triumph. Walk a few blocks from the main areas to find more authentic and less expensive establishments!
Climate: The weather in Paris is generally quite mild for most of the year, with a reasonable amount of rain throughout the year.
Cold season: Daytime temperatures between November and February rarely get above ten degrees Celsius, but seeing Paris in the snow can add a whole new dimension to this lovely city.
Hot season: July and August are usually the hottest months in Paris.
GETTING AROUND IN PARIS
Paris is separated into twenty arrondissements; each offering a unique flavor of the city! The most popular communities worth visiting are:
Le Marais: Located in the third and fourth arrondissement, this area of Paris has long been where aristocrats have lived. It now has a vibrant Jewish community along with some of the city’s best hotels and art galleries.
1st Arrondissement: Home to many of the city’s main sights including the Royal Palace and the Louvre, this is usually the starting point for those visiting Paris for the first time.
8th Arrondissement: A popular area of the city that is home to several impressive palaces, along with the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees.
11th Arrondissement: This area is a popular part of the city for those looking to enjoy the nightlife. There’s a good range of restaurants to enjoy, plus it’s home to the Edith Piaf Museum.
La Defense: On the edge of the city, this part of Paris has some wonderful modern art displayed and architecture. This is also one of the city’s main business areas.
WHERE TO STAY
WHERE TO EAT
WHAT TO DO
AIRBNB
Variety of Apartments, Good Prices, Several Locations. This is a good option for those looking to get an authentic taste of Paris life. Just be sure to read reviews and do your research as not all the available accommodations are top notch.
Location: City of Paris
Accommodation: Budget-Luxury
Price: $-$$
Accommodation: Budget-Luxury
Price: $-$$
FOUR SEASONS HÔTEL GEORGE V
Operated by the Four Seasons chain of luxury hotels, the Hotel George V has a great location near the Champs-Elysees, and is sumptuously decorated with historic art and excellent furnishings.
Be sure to stop by one of the 3 Michelin starred eateries in the hotel!
Location: 8th Arrondissement
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$
LA RÉSERVE
Travel back to the 19th-century at this hotel with its lush decor and style. If you’re looking for a world class upgrade, consider booking the Grand Palais Suite. This room comes with Eiffel Tower views from a private balcony, two private bars, a wine cellar and non-stop personalized service.
Location: 8th Arrondissement
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$
MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS
There are so many hotels to choose from in the city which can be extremely overwhelming. I had the chance to stay at Mandarin Oriental Paris and with its luxurious rooms, amenities, and unforgettable food, it was the experience of a lifetime.
Location: Rue Saint-Honoré
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$
HOTEL LE BRISTOL
If you’ve ever wanted that iconic photo of a big balcony window open to views of the Eiffel Tower, this is the place to capture it. Modern amenities such as a fitness center, spa, steam room and indoor pool mix with elegant 18th-century decor giving you the perfect Parisian stay.
Location: 6th Arrondissement
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$
THE RITZ PARIS
The Ritz Paris comes with top notch service and upscale 18th-century design. This is known as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world and has housed some of the most famous designers, celebrities, and royals.
Location: 1st Arrondissement
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$
MAMA SHELTER
Located in the Bagnolet district this edgy and hip hotel is off the beaten path and budget friendly. the rooms are modest with quirky decor. The focus of the hotel is its ground-floor restaurant and lounge. Mama Shelter also has a terrific breakfast buffet!
Location: 20th Arrondissement
Accommodation: Budget
Price: $
Accommodation: Budget
Price: $
MOB HOTEL
Located in a quieter part of Paris, this simple and modern budget hotel will make your stay in the city pleasant and comfortable. Walk to the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen (Europe’s biggest flea market) or stay at the hotel and enjoy rooftop terraces, a farm-to-table restaurant and tons of after-dark events!
Location: Saint-Ouen
Accommodation: Budget
Price: $
Accommodation: Budget
Price: $
GUY SAVOY
Having achieved three Michelin stars Guy Savoy
certainly has a reputation to uphold,
and with excellent innovative
food in a small welcoming dining room,
it is definitely a special culinary experience.
certainly has a reputation to uphold,
and with excellent innovative
food in a small welcoming dining room,
it is definitely a special culinary experience.
LE BOUILLON CHARTIER
Having served food from its Montmartre
location for over a century, Bouillon Chartier
is a great place for those looking for
a well priced taste of French cuisine.
They have fast service and all of the
most famous French dishes on the menu.
location for over a century, Bouillon Chartier
is a great place for those looking for
a well priced taste of French cuisine.
They have fast service and all of the
most famous French dishes on the menu.
CAFE DE FLORE IN THE 6TH
This icon of Parisian culture has changed
very little since it was first fitted with its beautiful.
Art Deco interior. It has been a favorite haunt of
many celebrities both for its coffee and great food.
A great place to see the wealthy of Paris go by!
very little since it was first fitted with its beautiful.
Art Deco interior. It has been a favorite haunt of
many celebrities both for its coffee and great food.
A great place to see the wealthy of Paris go by!
RENOMA CAFE
This stylish and modern venue has both
a restaurant and bar, with truly wonderful food,
a great cocktail selection and an atmosphere
that stands out with American themed interior.
a restaurant and bar, with truly wonderful food,
a great cocktail selection and an atmosphere
that stands out with American themed interior.
LE CAMION QUI FUME
The best place in the city for those with a yearning for an American style burger. They serve beautifully cooked burgers and great fries!
Be Aware: This is a food truck (Paris’ first)
and its reputation means it can have quite a wait.
LES TABLETTES
In the west of the city, the chef Jean Louis
Nomicos offers great value for high quality food.
They have reasonably priced lunch options
and a great set of menus that
include wine with the price.
Nomicos offers great value for high quality food.
They have reasonably priced lunch options
and a great set of menus that
include wine with the price.
L’ATELIER DE JOEL ROBUCHON
For top quality French cuisine,
this restaurant is hard to beat.
The seasonal dishes make the use.
of top quality produce sourced
from across France and beyond.
this restaurant is hard to beat.
The seasonal dishes make the use.
of top quality produce sourced
from across France and beyond.
LOUVRE
Most famous for being the home of Da Vinci’s
masterpiece the ‘Mona Lisa’, the Louvre is one
of the most impressive museums in Europe.
Check the spectacular collection of art and sculptures.
If you want more insight into the famous artworks,
you can sign up for a guided tour of the museum.
masterpiece the ‘Mona Lisa’, the Louvre is one
of the most impressive museums in Europe.
Check the spectacular collection of art and sculptures.
If you want more insight into the famous artworks,
you can sign up for a guided tour of the museum.
SIGN UP FOR A WALKING TOUR
This is a great way to see the main sights
of the city in a couple of hours.
Book a walking tour with local guides and
get an insight into the city’s history, culture,
and architecture. They work for tips and
offer some great insights into the attractions
of the city.
of the city in a couple of hours.
Book a walking tour with local guides and
get an insight into the city’s history, culture,
and architecture. They work for tips and
offer some great insights into the attractions
of the city.
SEE THE EIFFEL TOWER
Built for the 1889 World Fair, this iron tower stands at
324 meters tall, and while there is a cost for going up to the
viewing platform, the views back over the city from this
324 meters tall, and while there is a cost for going up to the
viewing platform, the views back over the city from this
landmark are truly impressive.
You can also admire this landmark from the nearby
You can also admire this landmark from the nearby
parks which are great places for a picnic!
NOTRE DAME
This iconic cathedral is one of Paris’ most distinctive landmarks,
and while it may not currently have a hunchback,
it is an amazing example of French Gothic
architecture that has been at the heart of religious life
and while it may not currently have a hunchback,
it is an amazing example of French Gothic
architecture that has been at the heart of religious life
in the country ever since it was completed in 1345.
PARIS MUSEUM PASS
While all visitors to Paris can explore the city’s museums
for free on the first Sunday of the month,
this pass provides access to over sixty museums
for two, four or six consecutive days, and is great value.
for free on the first Sunday of the month,
this pass provides access to over sixty museums
for two, four or six consecutive days, and is great value.
FRIDAY NIGHT ROLLER SKATING
Every Friday night, locals meet up for a roller
skating tour through the city called Pari Roller.
skating tour through the city called Pari Roller.
It’s the world’s biggest weekly street skating event.
CHAMPS ELYSEES
This busy street is lined with trees on both sides
and is a spectacular way to approach the Arc de Triomphe.
It’s also a wonderful shopping and dining street
and is home to the climax of the annual
Tour de France cycling race.
It is a true sight to behold.
and is a spectacular way to approach the Arc de Triomphe.
It’s also a wonderful shopping and dining street
and is home to the climax of the annual
Tour de France cycling race.
It is a true sight to behold.
RENT A BIKE WITH THE VÉLIB’ BIKE RENTAL SYSTEM
Paris is surprisingly bicycle friendly
and renting a bike is a wonderful
way to explore the city. While short rides of up
to half an hour are free, even renting
a bike for up to two hours is a great value.
and renting a bike is a wonderful
way to explore the city. While short rides of up
to half an hour are free, even renting
a bike for up to two hours is a great value.
PARIS UNDERGROUND STREET ART TOUR
While the city is most famous for its classical art,
a vibrant street art scene is also present.
This tour provides a great introduction
to the artists that operate around the
city and some of their
most distinctive pieces.
a vibrant street art scene is also present.
This tour provides a great introduction
to the artists that operate around the
city and some of their
most distinctive pieces.
PACK A PICNIC AND SIT BY THE SEINE
The Seine is a romantic river that
winds its way through the city.
Making a picnic and enjoying a nice spring
or summer afternoon by
the Seine is a great way to enjoy the city
and to watch the locals go about their daily lives.
winds its way through the city.
Making a picnic and enjoying a nice spring
or summer afternoon by
the Seine is a great way to enjoy the city
and to watch the locals go about their daily lives.
MEET LOCALS WITH PARIS GREETERS
With no fixed schedules or itineraries, meeting a
Paris Greeter is a great way to take a look
at the city through the eyes of a local.
It is also staffed by volunteers meaning
they are genuinely enthusiastic about showing off the city.
Paris Greeter is a great way to take a look
at the city through the eyes of a local.
It is also staffed by volunteers meaning
they are genuinely enthusiastic about showing off the city.
SEE THE CATACOMBS
Having once served as stone mines for the city,
the tunnels beneath much of the south
of Paris are home to the remains
of over six million people.
The tour takes visitors through
two kilometers of these tunnels.
the tunnels beneath much of the south
of Paris are home to the remains
of over six million people.
The tour takes visitors through
two kilometers of these tunnels.
BOOK A TOUR WITH TAKE WALKS
To make the most out of your time,
I’d highly recommend joining a Take Walks tour!
Find the one that speaks to you!
I’ve been on tours with. Take Walks all around the
world and am always so intrigued by
what they have to offer—plus it’s a great way to see
the city in a whole new light!
I’d highly recommend joining a Take Walks tour!
Find the one that speaks to you!
I’ve been on tours with. Take Walks all around the
world and am always so intrigued by
what they have to offer—plus it’s a great way to see
the city in a whole new light!
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