Getting to Paris & Transportation

Airports — Charles de Gaulle (CDG) & Orly (ORY)

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the main international hub, roughly 30 km northeast of the city centre. Typical rail option is the RER B which takes about 40–50 minutes to central Paris. Orly (ORY) lies to the south and is closer — transfers usually involve Orlyval + RER or direct buses taking roughly 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.

Taxi fixed fares are commonly used for airport-to-city trips; fares are fixed per bank of the Seine (right/left bank). Taxis are convenient for groups or heavy luggage, while trains and buses usually cost less.

Public transport in Paris

Paris’s public transport network is dense: Metro (underground), RER (regional trains), buses and trams. Most tourist areas are within a few minutes of a Metro or RER stop.

Ticketing: single rides, day passes and rechargeable cards (city cards or contactless passes) are available — validate or tap in at the start of each trip. Bike share services and electric scooters are widely available for short hops.

Quick tips

• Download a transit app (local network, Citymapper or similar) for real-time updates.
• Buy passes when it makes sense — multi-day or weekly passes reduce per-day travel costs.
• Keep small change for buses and small shops.

Where to Stay

Choose a neighbourhood based on mood and convenience. For first-timers, consider Le Marais, Saint-Germain, the 1st arrondissement (near the Louvre) or areas near Opera / Grands Boulevards for central access.

Price tiers (2025 estimates)

• Budget: Dorms and budget private rooms from roughly €25–60/night.
• Mid-range: Boutique hotels and good private rooms around €130–250/night depending on season and location.
• Luxury: Upscale hotels €300+ per night.

Tip: staying one arrondissement outside the very centre often yields significant savings while keeping you within easy transit range of major sights.

Parking in Paris

Driving in Paris is generally not recommended for tourists. Paid street parking and parking garages are common in central arrondissements and can be expensive. Park & Ride (P+R) options exist on the outskirts with rail connections into the city for lower daily rates.

Remember local low-emission rules — check requirements for urban zones if driving.

Top 5 Breakfast & Coffee Spots (Types to look for)

• All-day brunch cafés with generous portions (great for travelers starting late).
• Minimalist artisan coffee shops where beans and brewing matter.
• Traditional boulangeries for fresh croissants and pain au chocolat.
• Plant-forward or vegan cafés in trendy neighbourhoods.
• Unique themed cafés (Japanese or Nordic inspired) for something different.

Top 5 Evening Spots — Rooftops, Historic Bars & Late Eats

Paris evenings mix skyline terraces, classic music venues and neighbourhood bars. Seek out rooftop bars for skyline views, old jazz clubs in Saint-Germain for atmosphere, and lively bars in the 10th–11th arrondissements for a trendier scene.

For late night meals, local brasseries and some cafés offer extended hours in tourist zones.

Top Must-Visit Attractions

• Eiffel Tower — iconic, plan to book summit or second-floor slots in advance.
• Louvre Museum — allow several hours for highlights (or multiple visits).
• Notre-Dame / Île de la Cité — exterior and surrounding area remain essential, interior access subject to restoration progress in 2025.
• Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur — charming hilltop quarter with sweeping views.
• Musée d’Orsay / Musée Rodin — excellent for impressionist and modern collections.

Other highlights: Luxembourg Gardens, Seine riverbanks, and historic quarter walks. Book high-demand museums and tower visits in advance to avoid long queues.

Budget Guide: Trip Costs

Daily budget estimates (rough guides for 2025):

Money-saving: choose lunch menus, use transit passes, book accommodation early, and mix free sights with one or two paid experiences.

Food Guide — Must-Try Paris Foods

• Croissant / Pain au chocolat — start mornings like a local at a bakery.
• Steak-frites, coq au vin — traditional bistro classics.
• Desserts — macarons, tarts and patisserie highlights.
• Street markets & halls — seasonal produce and regional specialities.

Tipping: service is usually included in restaurant bills, but small rounding or a few euros for great service is common.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (Mar–May): mild weather, blossoming parks, fewer crowds.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): festival season and terrace life — peak crowds and higher prices.
• Fall (Sep–Oct): pleasant weather, great for strolling and fewer tourists than summer.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): lower prices, holiday markets and shorter lines to museums.

Practical Tips

• Basic French greetings are appreciated; English works well in tourist areas.
• Carry some cash for small cafés or market stalls; most places accept cards.
• Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas and on busy Metro lines.
• Sunday schedules: many small shops close; plan ahead for essentials.
• Tap water is safe — ask for “une carafe d’eau” in restaurants for free tap water.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Classic Paris

Morning: Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro → Lunch in the 7th. Afternoon: Musée d’Orsay or Louvre highlights and a stroll through Tuileries. Evening: Saint-Germain dinner and a rooftop drink.

Day 2 — Art, Streets & Markets

Morning: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur. Lunch in Montmartre. Afternoon: Le Marais boutiques and museums. Evening: canals and bars in the 10th/11th.

Day 3 — Palaces & Parks

Option A: Day trip to Palace of Versailles (full morning + afternoon). Option B: City day exploring Luxembourg Gardens, Latin Quarter and Île de la Cité. Evening: Seine sunset cruise or riverside dinner.

Total Minimum Budget Estimate (Sample)

Solo traveller — 3 days (budget): Flights (varies) + Accommodation (~€75) + Food (~€60) + Transport (~€30) + Attractions (~€40) = approximately €305–505.

Couple — 3 days (mid-range): Flights + Accommodation (~€360) + Food (~€180) + Transport (~€60) + Attractions (~€120) = approximately €920–1,320 for two people.

Add a 10% buffer for unexpected expenses and souvenirs.