Paris travel guide

A Complete Guide to the French Capital that Shaped Cuisine, Art and Fashion

The French capital attracts visitors to its legendary landmarks and streets brimming with history. It’s a city you can stroll through hundreds of times and keep coming across something new. Just look up and you’ll see tucked-away terraces, street art, mosaics, and Gothic-style pointed arches and stain-glass windows. Architecture is one of the many draws to the French capital, and each neighborhood offers something different to discover. Cultural institutions and the city’s history as a hub for everything from fashion to art help Paris preserve its past while still modernizing and moving toward the future. Undergoing a green renaissance, the city is transforming more areas into pedestrian- and bike-friendly zones, giving travelers even more reason to indulge in the city’s charm like a true flâneur. Paris has plenty of different sides to see depending on where you stay and what your interests are. Read on to learn how Paris developed into the iconic destination that it is today.

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Table of contents

Must-see in Paris

Things you can’t miss while visiting Paris

Seasonal events in Paris

From summer soirée to winter wonderland, Paris is a city to be savored all seasons

Once you're in Paris

Getting around Paris

The capital city is practically designed for public transit - and it’s easy to get almost anywhere in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re going to the airport or the surrounding suburbs, Paris’ efficient transportation network - which includes métros, buses, trains, trams, and ride and bike share options - will quickly whisk you to your next destination.

The Best of the Country’s Cuisine Comes Together in the Culinary Capital.

The definition of a moveable feast, Paris is a place where all five senses come together and are constantly satisfied. Dine on French fare that’s been around for centuries or sample more modernized takes on dishes that have made the food here something everyone tries to replicate. The French strive to perfect techniques and flavors that have become the backbone of one of the most cherished styles of cuisine on the globe.

Renting a car and driving in Paris

Whether you’re planning to cruise around the capital’s landmarks, a day-trip to a nearby wine region like Champagne or the Loire Valley or set off on a road trip across the country to the South of France, there are plenty of options for car rentals in Paris. You can even pick up a car in Paris and drop it off at your destination, so no need to backtrack. And if you’re planning an extensive trip throughout France, you may even snag better deals on longer-term rentals.

Things to do

Paris: A Family-Friendly City with Something for All Ages

The capital’s rich culture of art, music, cuisine and fashion is one that everyone in the family can enjoy since there are plenty of attractions designed just for kids or teens.

Where to Drink and Dance Like a Local in Paris

Shopping in Paris: From Haute Couture to Charming Markets, Paris Has Something for Everyone

There’s a reason Paris has earned - and kept - its reign as a global fashion capital. Home to decades-old designer brands like Dior and Chanel, as well as hot new up-and-comers shaking up the city’s fashion scene, Paris is one of the most exciting cities in the world for style and shopping.

Want to Explore More? There’s Plenty to See in a Short Drive or Train Ride from Paris.

Lavish palaces, maze-like gardens, endless hills of vines—there’s a lot to explore around Paris, and the best part is that you don’t even need a car for a day trip from the city. With an efficient network of trains, buses, and dedicated shuttles, you can jet over to wine country, Normandy, or one of the most famous theme parks in the world, Disneyland. All of these trips are easy to do in a day, but if you get swept away by the scenery and want the experience to last longer, you can turn it into an overnight excursion at one of the many hotels, guest houses, and charming countryside inns in each area.

What to pack for Paris

With its cobblestone streets and unpredictable weather, packing for Paris is more than just throwing on a beret and striped ensemble à la Emily in Paris. To help steer you in the right direction, we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks on what to pack - and some things that are better to leave at home.