Paris

Planning your trip to Paris? You’ll need to think about costs, getting around, and where to stay. On average, a week’s trip for two could cost around $7,500. The Metro is a key way to travel. Central areas are often preferred for accommodation. For all the in-depth details on how to budget, navigate transport, find the perfect place to stay, and much more, keep reading this comprehensive guide to Paris. Is Paris Expensive for a Trip? (Budgeting Your Parisian Adventure) Budgeting for Paris can seem challenging, but with the right insights, you can plan a trip that fits your wallet. Here’s a breakdown of common cost queries and tips on how to manage expenses: By planning carefully and keeping these details in mind, you can enjoy the enchantment of Paris without overspending. What I Wish I Knew Before Going to Paris (Essential Tips & Etiquette) Entering a new culture comes with a set of dos and don’ts. Here’s the lowdown on practical tips and etiquette that every US traveler should know before setting foot in Paris: These insider tips help ensure your journey is smooth, respectful, and culturally enriching. Is There Anything Fun to Do in Paris? (Exploring the City of Lights) Attraction Description Highlights Eiffel Tower Soaring iron icon, built in the 1880s, offers panoramic city views. Best early morning to beat crowds, direct elevator to top costs 35 EUR. Louvre Museum World’s largest museum, 73,000 sq m, 403 rooms, 33,000 artworks showcased. Home to Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo; Paris Museum Pass covers entry. Notre-Dame Cathedral Gothic masterpiece, recently reopened after 2019 fire restoration. Features spared 16 statues, picnic views from Seine riverbank. Versailles Palace Former royal residence, 10 million visitors/year, includes Trianon estate. Best on weekdays, guided tours 55 EUR, skip-the-line recommended. Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Artistic district, basilica with city views, one functioning windmill. Evening stairs for sunset, buskers, food tours available. Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe Grand boulevard leading to triumphal arch, sweeping city views. Usually no line at Arc de Triomphe, part of orientation walk. Sainte-Chapelle 12th-century chapel with glorious stained glass, book tickets to skip lines. Wait over 1 hour without advance booking. Orsay Museum Nineteenth-century art, Europe’s greatest Impressionist collection. 3 million visitors/year, skip-the-line tickets available. Père Lachaise Cemetery 44 hectares, 70,000 burial plots, 3 million annual visitors, celebrity graves. Guided tours 20 EUR, lasts 3 hours, closes at 5:30 PM. Latin Quarter Oldest district, Roman and Medieval vestiges, home to Sorbonne (founded 1253). Explore Arènes de Lutèce, Church of Saint Séverin, vibrant nightlife. Accommodation Options Paris offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays. Below is a table of top hotels, based on Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, and Tripadvisor: Hotel Name Amenities Neighborhood Price Range Additional Notes Le Bristol Restaurants, bars, pool, spa, fitness center 8th Luxury Five-star, exceptional service, perfect for special occasions. Saint James Paris Restaurant, bar, pool, fitness center, spa 16th Luxury Luxurious with spa, ideal for relaxation. Le Grand Mazarin Restaurant, bar, pool, spa 4th Boutique Chic, in Marais, great for cultural immersion. Maison Proust Restaurants, bars, pool, spa 3rd Boutique Literary-themed, stylish, central location. The Peninsula Paris Restaurants, bars, pool, spa, rooftop terrace 16th Luxury Grand hotel, panoramic views, high-tech amenities. Cheval Blanc Paris Restaurants, bars, pool, spa, fitness center 1st Luxury Historic charm, in Samaritaine, buzzy atmosphere. Bulgari Paris Restaurant, bar, pool, fitness center, spa, salon 8th Luxury Stunning views, luxury experience. Le Meurice Full-service spa, restaurants, health club 1st Luxury Historic, event spaces, ideal for business travelers. Shangri-La Paris Restaurants, bars, café, fitness center, pool, spa 16th Luxury Panoramic Eiffel Tower views, car service available. Hotel de Londres Eiffel Basic amenities, budget-friendly 7th Budget Near Eiffel Tower, affordable for travelers (Tripadvisor). Popular neighborhoods include the 8th arrondissement for landmarks and the 6th for a local experience. For budget options, consider Hotel Augustin – Astotel, starting at $86 (Tripadvisor). Transportation and Getting Around Paris has an efficient public transportation system, ideal for navigating the city: Hold onto metro tickets until exiting, as fines apply for not having proof of purchase (U.S. News Travel). Shopping and Local Markets Paris is a shopper’s paradise, with options for all budgets: Nightlife and Entertainment Paris’s nightlife is vibrant, offering a range of experiences: Hidden Gems For off-the-beaten-path experiences, consider: Local Cuisine and Dining Paris is a gastronomic capital, offering a range of dining experiences from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual bistros. Below are the top dining spots, based on Time Out Paris and Eater guides: Restaurant Cuisine/Type Neighborhood Price Range Must-Try Dish Additional Notes Le Clarence Haute cuisine Champs-Élysées $$$$ Seasonal menu (tempura shrimp, baby eels, grilled red mullet) Crystal chandeliers, natural wine pairings, lunch menus more affordable. Septime Modern French Roquette $$$ Scallops with bone marrow, grilled sweetbread with harissa Michelin-starred, wine pairings, bucket-list experience. Le Servan France-Asia fusion Roquette $$$ Grilled sweetbreads with Thai sauce Cozy, unpretentious, Burgundy wines, welcoming atmosphere. Juveniles Bistro 1st $$ – Best for rubbing elbows with locals, lively atmosphere. Bistrot des Tournelles Bistro 4th $$$ – Book second service to avoid rush, excellent wine list. Quinsou Gallic feast 6th $$$ – Memorable meal, not insanely expensive, book in advance. Joséphine Chez Dumonet Classic French 6th $$$ Grand Marnier soufflé for dessert Timeless spot, book in advance for classic experience. Arnaud Nicolas French 7th $$$ Best pate en croute in Paris Known for exquisite pate, perfect for foodies. Clamato Casual 11th $$ – No reservations, go at 7 PM or after 10 PM to beat lines. Must-try dishes include croissants, macarons, escargot, and coq au vin, available at local markets like Marché d’Aligre and bistros. For unique experiences, consider dinner cruises on the Seine, like Don Juan II with a 5-course menu (Lonely Planet). Changes for Visitors in 2025: You can find information about what might be different for visitors in 2025 at resources like https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/visiting-paris-whats-different-202512 and https://theearfultower.com/2025/01/12/ten-fun-things-to-do-in-paris-in-2025/12 . Paris is also becoming a ’15-minute city’ Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Paris The Paris area was first inhabited by the Parisii