Paris has a way of living up to the hype. Even on a first visit, the city feels familiar – the Eiffel Tower glowing at night, cafés spilling onto the pavement, the Seine sliding past grand stone bridges. But it is also a big, busy capital, and a little planning goes a long way. This Paris travel guide covers the sights you really should not miss, the best neighbourhoods for shopping, and practical tips to help you make the most of your time in the City of Light.
Top things to see in Paris
The Eiffel Tower
The symbol of Paris is worth the queue at least once. Book a timed ticket online to skip the longest lines, and if you can, go up in the late afternoon so you see the city in daylight and again as the lights come on. For the classic photo, cross the river to the Trocadéro gardens.
The Louvre
The world’s most visited museum is home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and thousands of other masterpieces. You cannot see it all in one visit, so pick two or three wings and give yourself at least half a day. Pre-booking a time slot is strongly recommended, especially in summer.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
After years of restoration following the 2019 fire, the great Gothic cathedral on the Île de la Cité has reopened to visitors. Entry is free, but expect a queue at busy times. Stroll along the Seine afterwards to the Latin Quarter and the bookstalls on the riverbank.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
The hilltop village of Montmartre still has the charm that drew Picasso and Renoir: steep cobbled lanes, small squares full of painters and one of the best free views over Paris from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur basilica. Come early in the morning to enjoy it before the crowds arrive.
The Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe
The city’s most famous avenue runs from the Place de la Concorde up to the Arc de Triomphe. It is lined with flagship stores, cinemas and cafés, and the view from the top of the arch down the twelve avenues that radiate from it is spectacular.
Where to shop in Paris
Paris is one of the great shopping cities of the world, and each area has its own character:
- Galeries Lafayette: the most famous department store in the city, with hundreds of luxury and fashion brands under a stunning glass dome. Do not miss the free rooftop terrace.
- Boulevard Haussmann: home to both Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, making it the easiest place to shop a lot in a short time.
- Le Marais: independent boutiques, young local designers, concept stores and a lively café scene. It is also the historic Jewish quarter, with kosher bakeries and restaurants around Rue des Rosiers.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: elegant Left Bank shopping, with fashion houses, bookshops, art galleries and classic cafés.
- Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré: the address for high-end labels and haute couture.
Visitors from outside the EU can usually claim a VAT refund on larger purchases, so ask for a tax-free form at the till and keep your receipts.
Practical tips for your trip to Paris
- Getting around: the Metro is fast, cheap and covers the whole city. Many of the main sights are also within walking distance of each other along the Seine.
- When to go: spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October) offer pleasant weather and slightly smaller crowds than the peak summer months.
- Book ahead: reserve tickets for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and other popular attractions online in advance.
- Stay connected: an eSIM for international travel is usually the cheapest way to have data from the moment you land.
- Insurance: before you fly, read our tips on finding affordable travel insurance.
Getting to Paris
Most international flights land at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), while some airlines use the smaller Paris Orly Airport (ORY), which is closer to the city centre. Our airport guides explain the best ways to get into town from each. If you are flying from Israel, see our tips for booking El Al flights to Paris, and compare prices before you book a room with our hotel price comparison guide.
Travelling with children? A day or two at Disneyland is easy to add to a city break – take a look at our Disneyland Paris hotel guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Paris?
Three to four days is enough to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. With five days or more you can add a day trip to Versailles or Disneyland Paris.
What is the best area to stay in Paris for first-time visitors?
Central arrondissements such as the 1st, 4th (Le Marais), 6th (Saint-Germain) and 7th (near the Eiffel Tower) put you within walking distance of most attractions.
