Paris Ultimate Travel Guide

Paris is a city of delight and contrast. Known as the City of Light, it's no surprise that Paris glows with exquisite beauty and offers a unique experience to all its visitors. I have been to Paris twice now and every time I depart, the city leaves me in wonder and wanting more. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family holiday, the City of Lights is sure to charm you with its undeniable allure. From historic monuments like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, to iconic landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, Paris has something for everyone. Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Seine, soaking up some of Paris’s most iconic views. Visit world renowned museums such as The Louvre or Musée d'Orsay and be inspired by their incredible art collections. For those who love shopping, wander through the many boutiques and vintage stores scattered throughout the city or take a trip to one of Europe's largest flea markets at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen.  From its luxury boutiques, cafe culture, and beautiful parks - including the gardens at Versailles - you won't know where to start! It's easy to understand why so many who visit return with lifelong memories and anecdotes of experiences only found in truly magical places like Paris.

Anthony Bourdain, World Travel: An Irreverent Guide

“Most of us are lucky to see Paris once in a lifetime. Make the most of it by doing as little as possible. Walk a little, get lost a bit, eat, catch a breakfast buzz, have a nap, try and have sex if you can, just not with a mime. Eat again. Lounge around drinking coffee. Maybe read a book. Drink some wine, walk around a bit more, eat, repeat. See? It’s easy.”

Best Time to Visit

Paris is a city that can be explored all times of the year. Even in its winter months, Paris has a relatively neutral temperature and will not be as busy or as expensive as it will be in the summer. You will for sure experience the crowds from May to September, but encounter the most people in July (followed closely by June and August). I recommend visiting between October and April if your main objective is to avoid crowds. For the warmest temperatures, October and April are the best times to visit Paris without all the herds of tourists

What to Expect

Language: The official language in France is French
Currency: France uses the Euro.
Food: You can expect to have amazing food anywhere you go in Paris French cuisine is unique and they take great pride in the quality of fresh ingredients. From cozy bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, Paris has something for everyone.
Credit Cards and ATMs:You can use credit or debit cards almost anywhere in Paris, and if not you will surely find an ATM within minutes. Keep around 100 Euro cash on you for smaller purchases. Be mindful of foreign transaction fees if your card has any. American Express is not widely accepted but can be used at chains like H&M, Starbucks, etc.
Plugs: The plugs in Paris are Type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Forget your curling iron and Dyson, these do not work in Europe and will damage your tools. Stick to blow outs using the hotel hair dryer.
Safety: I felt completely safe in Paris during our travels, but there are political struggles of the country that you should educate yourself on before traveling to the country. Petty theft such as pickpocketing is something to be mindful of in Paris surrounding the Eiffel Tower and main tourist destinations.

TRAVEL GUIDES

  • 5 Days in Paris | Ultimate Itinerary for First-Timers

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  • 5 Days in Iceland | Itinerary for Adventure & Fun

    In this guide, you will read about how to spend five epic days in the land of fire and ice. This post will share tips and tricks for navigating the southern part of Iceland’s Ring Road as well as some secret spots along the way!

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  • 3 Days in Vik, Iceland | Perfect Itinerary in Iceland’s Southern Coast

    Vík í Mýrdal is a remote seafront village in south Iceland. Read how to spend three magical days on Iceland’s less visited but most beautiful southern coast.

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BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

  • The phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis is only visible in complete darkness in the northernmost parts of the world. If you are visiting in the lucky months that the sunsets, you may just be so fortunate to see the lights.

    Climb to the top of Sacre Couer in Montmatre

    Nothing will take your breath away quite like a trip up the stairs to the top of Sacre Couer…no literally, you will be out of breath. There are 300 steps to get to the top. The view is magnificent and you can get a lovely bird’s eye view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe in the distance.

  • See the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night

    Nothing will change your perspective on the world faster than seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night for the first time. It is truly spectacular in person and it will be one of the main reasons you fall in love with Paris.

  • Do nothing at all...

    Anthony Bourdain put it best and this quote really spoke to me when I read his book, “Most of us are lucky to see Paris once in a lifetime. Make the most of it by doing as little as possible. Walk a little, get lost a bit, eat, catch a breakfast buzz, have a nap, try and have sex if you can, just not with a mime. Eat again. Lounge around drinking coffee. Maybe read a book. Drink some wine, walk around a bit more, eat, repeat. See? It’s easy.”

    ― Anthony Bourdain, World Travel: An Irreverent Guide

  • Spend an entire day at the Louvre

    Home to some of the world's most famous works of art, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Louvre is an absolute must-visit for any art aficionado. However, if large crowds aren't really your thing, plan your visit for early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid long lines. If you'd like a guided tour of the museum, there are also plenty of tours available that offer insight into its extensive collection.

  • Visit Notre Dame

    Set to reopen in 2024, five years after the devastating fire that occurred in Notre Dame. The Notre Dame Cathedral with its sculptures and stained glass windows show the heavy influence of naturalism, unlike that of earlier Romanesque architecture. It was one of the very first Gothic cathedrals, and its construction took place throughout the Gothic period.

  • Take a day trip to the palace of Versailles

    Feel like a princess in Paris and visit Versailles. For those who want to get a glimpse into French royalty, Versailles is an absolute must-see destination when visiting France. It was once home to King Louis XIV and his courtiers, but today it has been turned into an impressive palace complex open for tours and sightseeing activities. Let them eat cake!!!

  • Visit Shakespeare & Company

    As a book nerd, this was one of my favorite places in Paris. The bookstore itself is completely adorable and once you step inside it is like being teleported to another universe. The nooks and crannies of the store are endless and it is a great place to get a souvenir.

  • Go SHOPPING!!!

    God, I want this Dior Saddle bag so much! Shopping in Paris is EPIC. Make sure you take advantage of the tax exemptions for tourists when trying to purchase any luxury goods abroad. You can surprisingly get a much better deal than in the States.