Paris, France: A Dreamy Escape to the City of Light + Highlights Map

Paris, France

Paris is a dream destination for many and for good reason. When we finally visited for the first time, it felt surreal—like stepping into a postcard where every street corner held a piece of history, romance, and effortless charm. From our first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night to leisurely café mornings with fresh croissants, every moment was pure magic.

Planning our trip was exciting but also a bit overwhelming—there’s just so much to see, do, and, of course, eat! Now that we’ve experienced Paris firsthand, I’m sharing everything we learned to help you make the most of your own adventure in the City of Light. Whether you’re visiting for a quick getaway or taking your time to soak it all in, here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Paris.

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Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris is a city for all seasons, but if you want to experience it at its best, aim for spring (April–June) or fall (September–November).

  • Spring: The cherry blossoms in Jardin des Plantes and along the Seine are in full bloom, and the city feels alive with outdoor cafés buzzing again after winter.
  • Fall: Crisp air, golden leaves in the parks, and fewer crowds make this my favorite time to visit.
  • Summer (July–August): It can be crowded and hot, and many Parisians escape the city for holiday. But the long days and open-air events (like Paris Plages, where they turn the Seine into a beach) make up for it.
  • Winter (December–February): Cold, yes, but oh-so-charming with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and fewer tourists. Plus, fewer crowds at top attractions!

How Many Days to Stay in Paris

I’d say at least 4–5 days to soak in the main sights without rushing. If you want to take it slow, enjoy leisurely meals, and explore off-the-beaten-path gems, a full week is ideal.

How to Get to Paris

• By Air: Paris is served by three main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais (BVA). Each one has its pros and cons, depending on where you’re coming from and how you want to get into the city.

  1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – Best for long-haul international flights and major airline hubs
    • Location: 25 km (16 miles) northeast of Paris
    • Transportation to Paris:
      • RER B Train (€11.80, ~35 min) – Direct train to central Paris (Gare du Nord, Châtelet, etc.)
      • RoissyBus (€16.50, ~60 min) – Goes to Opéra
      • Taxis (€55-€62 flat rate) – Fixed price to central Paris
      • Uber/Bolt (€45-€70) – Prices fluctuate based on demand
      • Airport Shuttles – Good for group travelers or those with lots of luggage
    • 💡 Tip: CDG is huge and sometimes chaotic, so allow extra time for check-in and security.
  2. Orly Airport (ORY) – Best for hort-haul European flights and some international routes
    • Location: 13 km (8 miles) south of Paris
    • Transportation to Paris:
      • OrlyVal + RER B Train (€14.10, ~30 min) – Fastest option
      • OrlyBus (€11.20, ~30-40 min) – Direct bus to Denfert-Rochereau in southern Paris
      • Tramway T7 + Metro (€2.15, ~50 min) – Cheapest option but slower
      • Taxis (€35-€42 flat rate) – Fixed price to central Paris
      • Uber/Bolt (€30-€50) – Similar to taxis but price varies
    • 💡 Tip: Orly is smaller and easier to navigate than CDG, making it a less stressful arrival option.
  3. Beauvais Airport (BVA) – Best for Budget Airlines
    • Location: 85 km (53 miles) north of Paris
    • Transportation to Paris:
      • Beauvais Shuttle Bus (€16.90 online, €18 at the airport, ~75 min) – Drops off at Porte Maillot in Paris
      • Taxis (€170+ to central Paris) – Very expensive!
      • Train (Beauvais to Paris Gare du Nord) (€14.50, ~80 min) – Requires a taxi or bus from the airport to Beauvais train station
    • 💡 Tip: Since Beauvais is far from Paris, factor in extra travel time. The shuttle bus is the most reliable option.

• By Train: If you’re coming from London, Brussels, or Amsterdam, the Eurostar and Thalys make it easy. The Gare du Nord station is centrally located.

• By Bus: Budget travelers can check FlixBus or Ouibus for cheap routes across Europe.

Getting Around Paris

  • Metro: The Paris Metro is fast, affordable, and easy to navigate. Get a Navigo Easy pass for multiple rides.
  • Walking: Paris is best explored on foot. You’ll stumble upon charming streets, hidden courtyards, and stunning views just by wandering.
  • Biking: The Vélib’ bike-sharing system is fantastic, especially along the Seine or through the Marais.
  • Buses & Trams: Slower than the Metro, but a great way to see the city as you ride.
  • Taxis & Uber/Bolt: Available but pricier and we didn’t find it very reliable. Drivers kept canceling the rides. Stick to public transport when possible.

Best Free Things to Do in Paris

  • Wander Montmartre & Visit Sacré-Cœur – The view from the top is breathtaking! Sunset here is amazing, just know it’s going to be crowded.
  • Explore the Latin Quarter – A historic neighborhood filled with charming streets and the iconic Shakespeare & Company bookstore.
  • Walk along the Seine – Cross the famous bridges, browse the booksellers, and soak in the city’s beauty.
  • Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral – Officially reopened to the public on December 8, 2024, after nearly five years of restoration following the devastating fire in 2019. You can now step inside to admire its stunning Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and the beautifully restored interior.
  • Enjoy the Parks – Luxembourg Gardens, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and Palais Royal Garden are my favorites.
  • Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night – It lights up every hour on the hour after sunset. A magical (and free) experience!
  • Visit the Free Museums on the First Sunday of the Month – The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou waive entry fees.
  • Visit Galleries Lafayette and Rooftop – Even if you are not into shopping, Galleries Lafayette is worth a visit and don’t forget going to the free rooftop on the 8th floor for a great view of the city

Best Tours & Activities in Paris

  • Eiffel Tower Summit – Take the lift (or the stairs if you’re feeling adventurous) all the way to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. Book tickets in advance to skip the long lines!
  • Seine River Cruise – A must, especially at sunset. Bateaux Parisiens is a great option. Try to seat on the second floor for beautiful unobstructed views of the city.
  • Food Tour – Learn the secrets behind how real bakers make baguettes, croissants and other pastries. Food tours are one of our favorite ways to explore a city and its culture.
  • Versailles Day Trip – The palace is stunning, and the gardens are worth getting lost in.
  • Louvre Museum Tour – To fully appreciate the masterpieces, a guided tour is worth it. The museum is big enough to probably wander without seeing the same piece of art for an entire week, but you probably don’t have that time, so book a tour if you want to focus on the masterpieces.
  • Montmartre Walking Tour – Discover the hidden gems of Paris’ most artistic district but be prepared for the hills.
  • Disneyland Paris Day Trip 🎢– Just 40 minutes from the city, this is a magical experience for families and Disney fans alike. Don’t miss Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and the thrilling rides at both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.

Food & Drink Guide: What to Eat in Paris

Paris is a food lover’s paradise. Here are my absolute must-tries:

  • Croissants & Pain au Chocolat – Grab one from Du Pain et des Idées or La Maison d’Isabelle.
  • Baguettes – The crispy, golden ones from a local boulangerie are unbeatable.
  • Cheese & Wine – Try a cheese platter at Le Barav or L’Avant Comptoir.
  • French Onion Soup – Best enjoyed in a cozy brasserie like Au Pied de Cochon.
  • Steak Frites – A classic at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte.
  • Macarons – Ladurée and Pierre Hermé are the go-to spots.
  • Crêpes – Street vendors sell them all over, but Breizh Café is next-level.
  • Escargots & Duck Confit – If you’re feeling adventurous, these are must-tries.
  • Coffee & People-Watching – Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain are legendary.

Where to Stay in Paris & Best Neighborhoods

Paris has an endless selection of hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs, but picking the right neighborhood is key.

  • Best for First-Timers: Le Marais (4th Arr.) – Central, historic, and filled with cafés, boutiques, and nightlife.
  • Best for Luxury: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arr.) – Chic and charming with top-tier restaurants and galleries.
  • Best for Budget Travelers: Latin Quarter (5th Arr.) – Affordable hotels, lively streets, and student vibes.
  • Best for Romance: Montmartre (18th Arr.) – Cobblestone streets, stunning views, and a dreamy ambiance.
  • Best for Foodies: Canal Saint-Martin (10th Arr.) – A trendy area with cool bars and hip restaurants.

Hotel Recommendations:

  • Luxury: 
    • Four Seasons Hotel George V – Iconic 5-star hotel with opulent décor and Michelin-starred dining.
    • The Ritz Paris – Pure elegance, historic charm, and home to the famous Hemingway Bar.
    • Hôtel Lutetia – A legendary Left Bank luxury stay with stunning interiors.
  • Mid-Range: 
    • Hôtel Le Relais Montmartre – Cozy and charming boutique hotel in Montmartre.
    • Hotel La Villa d’Estrées – Stylish and intimate in the Latin Quarter.
    • Hotel Du Jeu De Paume – A unique hotel on Île Saint-Louis with a historic touch.
    • Hôtel de Londres Eiffel – A charming boutique hotel with Eiffel Tower views.
  • Budget: 
    • The People Paris Bercy – A stylish hostel with great vibes and modern amenities.
    • Hôtel des Carmes by Malone – Affordable and well-located near the Latin Quarter.

Paris Highlights Map

This map includes all of our favorite locations around Paris

Final Tips for Visiting Paris

  • Learn a Few French Phrases – Even just “Bonjour” and “Merci” go a long way.
  • Book Museum Tickets in Advance – Avoid long lines at the Louvre and Eiffel Tower.
  • Don’t Overplan – Paris is meant to be explored slowly, with time for spontaneous detours.
  • Watch Out for Scams – Ignore petition-signers and overly friendly strangers near tourist spots and be extra vigilant at the metro stations. Pickpocketing is very common.
  • Enjoy the Café Culture – Sit, sip, and watch Parisian life unfold.

Paris isn’t just a city—it’s a feeling. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the tenth, it always leaves you wanting more. From sipping wine by the Seine to getting lost in hidden alleyways, every moment in Paris is a memory waiting to be made. Happy Paris planning & don’t forget to Explore More 🌎

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