Thing to know before you go...

Public Transportation - Paris has an excellent public transportation system, including the Métro, RER trains, buses, and trams. Consider purchasing a Paris Visite pass or Navigo Découverte for unlimited travel.

Walking - Many of Paris's attractions are within walking distance of each other, making walking an enjoyable way to explore the city.

Learn Basic French Phrases - While many Parisians speak English, knowing a few basic French phrases (hello, thank you, excuse me) will be appreciated.

Beware of Pickpockets - Be vigilant in crowded areas, especially around major tourist attractions and on public transport.

Book in Advance - For popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Versailles, it's highly recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.

Dining Etiquette - Tipping is customary but not mandatory (service charge is usually included). A small additional tip for excellent service is appreciated.

Stay Hydrated - Carry a reusable water bottle; there are many public fountains (fontaines Wallace) throughout the city.

Dress Code - When visiting churches or religious sites, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.

Safety - Paris is generally safe, but be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Emergency Numbers - 112 (European emergency number), 17 (Police), 18 (Firefighters), 15 (Medical Emergency).

Best areas to stay in Paris

The best areas to stay in Paris depend on your interests and travel style, with central arrondissements (districts) offering proximity to major sights and outer areas providing a more local, budget-friendly experience

Family Friendly

Saint-Germain-des-Pres (6th Arrondissement) - This elegant Left Bank area is considered one of the safest and most family-friendly in Paris. It is a quiet, upscale residential district with charming streets, local shops, and the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, which features a playground, pony rides, and a puppet theater.

Eiffel Tower - A quiet, upscale residential area that is very safe and well-patrolled due to the high volume of tourists at the Eiffel Tower. It offers proximity to the Champ de Mars green space and the Rue Cler market street, which are great for families.

15th Arrondissement - Located on the Left Bank, the 15th is a more residential and less touristy area known for its family-oriented atmosphere, parks, and local shops. It is a good choice for those seeking a quieter stay and typically offers better hotel deals.

Couples

3rd Arrondissement - This trendy, historic neighborhood is a top choice for couples due to its charming cobblestone streets, unique boutiques, art galleries, and lively atmosphere. It offers a blend of history and modernity with many romantic bistros and the picturesque Place des Vosges.

Saint-Germain-des-Pres (6th Arrondissement) - Known for its bohemian history, classic Parisian charm, and iconic cafés like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, this area exudes a romantic, sophisticated atmosphere. It's ideal for leisurely strolls and intimate dinners.

Montmarte (18th Arrondissement) - For a "village" feel and panoramic city views from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre is highly romantic. Couples can explore the narrow, winding streets, artists' square, and enjoy a show at the famous Moulin Rouge at the foot of the hill.

Nightlife

Bastille - This area is known for its vibrant and bustling nightlife, with a wide array of bars, pubs, concert halls, and nightclubs. It's popular with a younger crowd and is a great base for those looking to party.

3rd Arrondissement (Le Marais) - has a lively and inclusive nightlife scene, including the city's main LGBTQ+ hub and various trendy bars and jazz clubs.

The Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement) - Thanks to its history as a student district (home to the Sorbonne University), the Latin Quarter offers a lively, budget-friendly atmosphere with many casual restaurants, bars, and historic jazz clubs along Rue des Lombards.

Other Helpful Considerations

For First-Time Visitors - The 1st Arrondissement (Louvre/Tuileries) is the most central and convenient for sightseeing, placing you within walking distance of many major attractions like the Louvre and Tuileries Garden. It is well-connected by multiple metro lines.

For Budget Travelers - Montmartre and the Latin Quarter offer more affordable hotel and hostel options compared to the very central, high-end districts. The 10th and 11th arrondissements are also more budget-friendly and offer a more local experience.

Areas to Use Caution - While Paris is generally safe, areas around major train stations (like Gare du Nord in the 10th) and some parts of Pigalle (near the border of the 9th/18th) can be seedy at night, so exercise increased situational awareness in these specific spots.

Shopping in Paris

a city street with a clock tower in the background

A close up of a street sign near a building

a car parked in front of a tall building

a person walking down a street next to a building

Paris offers diverse shopping experiences for every budget, from luxury avenues to quaint flea markets, as well as several excellent Sunday markets.

High Budget Shopping

Avenue Montaigne - Part of the "Golden Triangle," these streets are the heart of Parisian luxury and haute couture. Here you will find flagship stores for iconic designers such as Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci.

Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré - Known as one of the most stylish streets, it features legendary fashion houses like Hermès, Balenciaga, and Givenchy.

Boulevard Haussmann - Home to the iconic department stores Galeries Lafayette Haussmann and Printemps Haussmann, which house a vast collection of luxury brands under one roof and are famous for their stunning architecture and seasonal displays.

Le Bon Marché - Department store Open 24 Rue de Sèvres. Paris's oldest department store offers a quieter, more curated luxury shopping experience on the Left Bank, known for its high-end fashion and exceptional gourmet food hall, La Grande Épicerie.

Medium Budget Shopping

3rd arrondissement - This trendy neighborhood offers a fantastic blend of independent boutiques, local French designers, and a mix of international and affordable luxury brands like The Kooples, COS, and Merci.

Rue de Rivoli - A bustling street with a wide variety of mid-range and international chain stores, including Zara, H&M, Mango, and department store BHV Marais.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés - Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement): While known for luxury, the area also features mid-range fashion on streets like Rue de Rennes with stores such as Naf Naf and Kookaï.

Westfield Forum des Halles - Shopping mall, 101 Porte Berger. A large, modern underground shopping center with a huge selection of international and French brands catering to a wide range of budgets.

Low Budget Shopping

Flea Markets (Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, Vanves, Montreuil) - Paris is famous for its flea markets, where you can find vintage clothing, antiques, and second-hand items at bargain prices. Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is the largest in the world and a must-visit for vintage treasures.

Rue du Commerce (15th Arrondissement) - A local favorite that is less touristy and offers a variety of affordable fashion and everyday items at reasonable prices from shops like Monoprix and various mid-range boutiques.

Boulevard Saint-Michel (5th Arrondissement) - Located in the student-friendly Latin Quarter, this area has a lively atmosphere with many bookstores, casual clothing stores, and good deals on everyday fashion.

Vintage Shops - Neighborhoods like Le Marais and Canal Saint-Martin are great for finding "friperies" (thrift stores) and kilo shops, such as Kilo Shop, where you can buy unique vintage items priced by weight.

Sunday Markets

Marché Bastille - A large street market held on Sundays (and Thursdays) with a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce to clothing.

Marché Raspail - A popular organic food market on Sundays, offering high-quality fresh produce and a vibrant atmosphere.

Marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves - One of the main flea markets, open every Saturday and Sunday morning, known for its charming, small-scale feel.

Rue Mouffetard Market - This charming, narrow market street in the Latin Quarter is open on Sunday mornings and is a great place for fresh food and a classic Parisian experience.

Night Markets

Paris does not have extensive, regular night markets within the central city, but some food markets extend their hours into the early evening, such as the afternoon sessions at the Rue Mouffetard market. Most dedicated night markets are seasonal craft or gourmet events that take place in the suburbs (the banlieues) surrounding Paris during warmer months.